Roundup: Senator Blumenthal, Safe Boating, Sycamore Trees …

Posted on July 27, 2025 | 8 comments

Every Saturday morning at 11, a group gathers on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge, to protest President Trump’s actions and policies.

Sometimes the crowd is large. Other times, there are just a few.

Yesterday, they were joined by Richard Blumenthal. Connecticut’s senior senator did not make a formal address. But he spoke individually with all the attendees.

Senator Richard Blumenthal, on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge.

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The intersection “improvement” at Post Road East and Bulkley Avenue seems anything but.

A nearby resident — who has waited often at that traffic light, at Bulkely North — says the green cycle is way too short.

Only 3 cars can get through at a time. The result: Many frustrated drivers run the red, resulting in more danger than previously.

Part of the frequent backup, on Bulkley Avenue North.

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Safe boating is for everyone.

And a certificate is needed to operate a motorboat or personal watercraft on Connecticut waters.

A state Safe Boating Certificate course is set for August 18 and 20 (4:30 to 8:30 p.m.), at VFW Post 399.

Instructor Barry Natale — a retired US Coast Guard chief boatswain mate — has plenty of search and rescue experience on Long Island Sound, and beyond.

The cost is $25. Email barry@soundnavigation.com, or call 203-219-3688, to register.

Peaceful — but you need a certificate. (Photo/copyright DinkinESH Fotografix)

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Speaking of the water: Results are in from last Sunday’s 46th annual Point to Point swim.

The mile-long open water Compo Beach race supports the Westport Weston Family YMCA’s aquatics program.

Maegan Grisanti (age 16) earned first place in the Female Division, with an impressive time of 18:01. She was followed by Katharine Radvile (42, 22:57) and Diane Benke (52, 23:09).

In the Male Division, Gregory Pinchbeck (16) took first place in 18:23, ahead of by Joseph Benz (35, 18:58) and Luke McGuinn (14, 19:08). Click here for full results.

MyTeam Triumph — the non-profit that helps people with special needs compete in events like this — supported 5 swimmers.

MyTeam Triumph volunteers, with Point to Point swimmers.

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Earthplace welcomes August with a full calendar nature walks, animal encounters, canoeing, crafting and more. Among the highlights:

Butterfly Walk (August 2, 10:30 a.m.): Education, with experts.

Winged Wonders: Meet Duchess (August 3, 1 p.m.): A bird-in-glove demonstration to learn about raptors.

Nature Theater: Vernal Pool Party (August 3, 1 p.m.): A 30-minute play for kids, followed by a stroll through the sanctuary.

Pick Your Own Bouquet (August 7, 3 p.m.; August 24, 11 a.m.): Cut your own flowers from the Earthplace garden.

Canoe Paddles (August 9 and 24, 1 3 p.m.). Led by the Connecticut Foraging Club.

Adventure Club (August 11-16; Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, overnight): Teenage camp, featuring backpacking, orienteering and wilderness skills.

Craft & Sip (August 7, 6 p.m.): Craft a mosaic using cement and glass beads; BYOB.

Click here for more information, and registration.

Earthplace raptor.

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Speaking of the environment, Marisa Zer writes: “Spotted lanternfly babies are everywhere. But we have a weapon to fight them!

“A rechargeable handheld vacuum is less than $25 on Amazon. You just suck them up, dump them all in a bag and step it.

“It’s fun to see how many you can catch. Addictive even. Imagine if we all had this weapon, what kind of dent we could put in the population.

“At least until they are too big to suck up.”

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Speaking still of the environment, Scott Smith writes:

It’s shedding season for our local sycamore trees, Platanus occidentalis — the largest native hardwood in the Eastern US.

I have 2 big ones in my Westport yard, and the bark is raining down upon the ground in large sheaves. Must be the heat.

Sycamore shedding. (Photo/Scott Smith)

This habit of shedding bark like skin after a bad sunburn makes the trees especially well suited to urban life, explains Jonathan Drori, author of “Around the World in 80 Trees.”

“Its bark is brittle and, because it cannot adapt to the growth of the trunk and branches underneath, it drops it off in flakes. The bark is dotted with tiny pores, a millimeter or two across, called lenticels, which allow the exchange of gases.”

The tree’s ability to slough off a layer of soot and grime that it has removed from the atmosphere helps it thrive in polluted air — and keeps us living in its shade that much healthier. Trees are gloriously messy things!

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W. Reuter — a self-taught marquetry artist specializing in original all-natural, often multi-media wood veneer picture displays — will be at the Westport River Gallery August 3 (1 p.m.).

The public is invited to meet him, and learn about his art. Each work takes several months to create.

One of Reuter’s works.

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Fan favorites the Flying Fingers Jug Band returns week for a third appearance, at First Folk Sunday.

The quintet is set for the Saugatuck Rowing Club on August 3 (12:30 p.m.). Click here for tickets and more information, or call 203-984-7562.

Flying Fingers Jug Band

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Like kids at many camps, youngsters at Birchwood Country Club’s summer session play golf an tennis, and swim.

But they also learn to bake cookies from scratch, with chef Luke DiPippo.

And then — let’s hope — they eat them too.

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Everyone — and everything — is welcome at the Levitt Pavilion.

Including this guy. He enjoyed a recent free concert, from his perch near the stage.

And posed for today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo.

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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And finally … speaking about the VFW’s safe boating course (item above):

(Another day, another Roundup filled with news you can use, and random stuff you’d never have thought of. If you enjoy this daily “06880” feature, please click here to support our work. Thanks!)

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Soundview Summer Stroll Is On Today!

Posted on July 27, 2025 | Comments Off on Soundview Summer Stroll Is On Today!

Sure, there’s a chance of showers midday, and possible rain late in the afternoon.

But that shouldn’t keep anyone away from today’s Soundview Summer Stroll.

The Compo Beach exit road will be closed to trafffic, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Bands will play rock, pop and funk music. A face painter (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.), photo booth (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.), and plenty of special kids’ activities will add to the fun.

Romanacci’s will sell food, and gelato.

And — with Soundview Drive closed to cars — it’s a perfect opportunity to stroll (with or without a stroller), Rollerblade, meet old friends and make new ones.

The 2nd annual Soundview Summer Stroll is a gift to Westport from “06880” and the Compo Beach Improvement Association, with plenty of help from our Parks & Recreation Department.

It won’t be too hot. Bring an umbrella (just in case…).

We look forward to seeing you at the Stroll!

Scenes from last year’s Summer Stroll. (Photos/Benji Porosoff)

 

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Youth Sports And College Recruiting: A Father’s Insights

Posted on July 27, 2025 | 6 comments

It’s late July. If you’re a youth sports parent, this may be one of those rare times: a weekend without your kid’s “elite” team playing a couple of games, or traveling to a “showcase” tournament.

Maybe your child’s batting, shooting or goalkeeping coach is on his own vacation.

But the clock is ticking. The fall season — for youth and high school sports — starts in a few minutes. The 11 1/2-month cycle begins again.

Much of it is driven by one goal: to catch the eye of college coaches.

Dave Smith has an important perspective on it all.

He and his wife Jeanne have lived in Westport for over 15 years. Their 4 children played multiple sports, including football, basketball, lacrosse, baseball and volleyball.

Caleb (Staples High School Class of ’24) is playing lacrosse at Boston University. Nathan, a Staples senior, will play football at Trinity College. Chloe is a Staples sophomore, while Noah looks forward to being a freshman there next fall.

From left: Nathan, Caleb, Dave, Noah, Chloe and Jeanne Smith. Caleb and Nathan starred on Staples’ 2024 state champion football team.

Dave played basketball and ran track at Trinity. He runs a leadership coaching practice. Today — with years of youth sports experience behind him — he offers these insights into college recruiting:

According to a recent New York Times article, the youth travel sports industry is now a $40 billion business.

Lots of parents shell out lots of money, while trekking all over the country to help their kids succeed in sports.

“Two in 10 youth sports parents,” the article says, “think their child has the ability to play Division I college sports.”

Playing college sports is a terrific dream, one our family has pursued for all our kids. And we contributed mightily to the youth travel industry along the way.

Recently, my oldest Caleb and I were on an “06880” panel discussing the challenges of navigating youth sports. The notoriously opaque process of college recruiting can be even more bewildering. Having stumbled through recruiting with 3 of ours, my perspectives may be helpful for parents mapping out your child’s journey.

Staples High School sports signing day ceremony, 2024. College sports is a goal for many young athletes (and their parents). But the road is far from smooth. (Photo/Lynda Kommel-Browne)

√ With the NCAA athlete settlement in June, universities opting in (to avoid future litigation) will have roster limits (no more walk-ons), and pay athletes a portion of the school’s revenues. NCAA football and basketball will become the equivalent of baseball’s minor leagues. To play at these Power Conference schools, D1 recruits typically attend specialized private/prep schools, and oftentimes “re-class” (repeat a grade) to have a chance.

√ For smaller D1 schools who don’t opt in (like the Ivy and Patriot Leagues), competition for recruitment is fierce. Even at this level, if you don’t fit the D1 football or basketball measurables for size and speed, you’re unlikely to be considered, regardless of your high school career success or performance at showcases and camps.

√ Some college sports – such as swimming, rowing (erg stats) and track – recruit solely on times.

√ Lacrosse (boys and girls) remains the most viable college recruitment path for Fairfield County public school athletes. The Fairfield County Interscholastic Athletic Conference (FCIAC) is one of the top high school lax leagues in the country. Size does not matter as much as speed and athleticism, making lacrosse viable for many more athletes. As a result of Title IX, the path is easier for girls (125 D1 lax programs) than boys (73 D1 lax programs).

√ Rugby is an up-and-coming sport, with a blossoming youth league and a nationally ranked program at Staples. Size is less of a factor in rugby recruiting than in football.

√ College coaches still value multi-sport high school athletes. They demonstrate a variety of skills, and can adapt to play multiple positions — providing teams with the flexibility needed in today’s college game.

Playing more than one sport is appealing to college coaches. Athletes learn how to deal with a variety of pressure situations, and learn from various coaching styles — while avoiding burnout and overuse injuries. (Photo/Mark Conrad for Ruden Report)

√ D1 recruiting for most sports is heaviest after one’s junior season. Communication with college coaches is conducted through the high school coach. D1 lacrosse recruiting (boys and girls) is heaviest after their sophomore season, and is conducted through their summer club team coach.

√ College coaches prefer not to communicate through parents. In fact, pushy parents are seen as a negative, and can hinder prospects. In my view, college recruiting firms are not worth the money.

√ Lastly, D3 sports are grossly underrated. The quality of competition is tremendous, much better than when I played. Most D3 schools participate in both conference tournaments and national D3 championships. D3 may be an ideal target for public school athletes, especially those who are undersized by D1 standards.

Playing a sport in college is a fantastic experience, and an awesome goal for any athlete. But I try to remember what Tony Boselli, a National Footbal League Hall of Fame lineman and All-American at the University of Southern California told an audience of all-staters: His fondest memories across his entire football career were those high school Friday nights, running onto the field representing his classmates and his town.

Yes, work for the future. But be sure to enjoy the present!

 

Some Staples High School lacrosse players will continue in college. All will always remember their state championship. (Photo/JC Martin)

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Pic Of The Day #3020

Posted on July 26, 2025 | Comments Off on Pic Of The Day #3020

Compo Beach in fog (Photo/Nancy Breakstone)

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Roundup: Summer Stroll On Soundview, Keys In Bentley, Paddlers On Sound …

Posted on July 26, 2025 | 3 comments

Our 2nd annual Soundview Summer Stroll is on tomorrow.

A few showers should not dampen the fun. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Soundview Drive — the beach exit road — will be closed to traffic.

The street will be filled with live music, kids’ activities (face painting, chalking, etc.), a photo booth, food and more. We welcome everyone to walk, stroll, Rollerblade, and enjoy Westport at its best.

The Soundview Summer Stroll is offered free of charge, by “06880” and the Compo Beach Improvement Association. See you there!

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Westport Police can’t say it enough: Don’t leave your keys in your car.

Especially if it’s a Bentley.

One was taken Thursday, from the Westport Country Playhouse parking lot. between 6:30 and 9:30 p.m.

Police are reviewing surveillance tape.

Not necessarily the stolen vehicle.

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Want clean water, and a thriving Long Island Sound? And a chance at prizes worth over $1,000?

All you need is a kayak, paddleboard or canoe — and a place to launch from.

Between August 1 and 10, paddlers of all experience levels can join the 10th annual “Paddle for the Sound.”

Paddle at your own pace, from any location. Track your miles, and submit your progress.

All proceeds from registration fees (and any other team or friends fundraising) will support Save the Sound’s work to protect the Sound and its rivers, restore vital habitats, fight climate change, and preserve the lands that sustain the region’s wildlife and communities.

Long Island Sound is home to over 100 plant species, 1,200 invertebrates, and 170 fish species. Birds and wildlife make their homes along its shores and islands. It’s important to the regional economy, and a great resource for swimming, fishing, paddling and connecting with nature.

It faces serious threats from pollution, habitat loss and warming waters, which Save the Sound works to solve.

Paddlers will compete for prize packages worth more than $1,000, based on total distance paddled.

Register any time through August 10 at www.savethesound.org/paddle. For a map of over 100 launch sites, click here.

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Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 399 hosts its 61st straight monthly blood drive on Wednesday (July 30, 11 a.m. to 4 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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Richard Epstein spotted this odd juxtaposition at the Assumption and Christ & Holy Trinity Cemetery on Kings Highway North:

(Photo/Richard Epstein)

“I am not sure anyone took advantage,” he says.

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Michael Szeto sends today’s beautiful “Westport … Naturally” photo: a gorgeous American goldfinch.

He (the bird) enjoyed himself on Thursday, playing in a Stony Point puddle.

(Photo/Michael Szeto)

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And finally … today is a musical birthday bonanza. Darlene Love turns 84. Mick Jagger is 82. Bobby Hebb, Dobie Gray and Brenton Wood were all born on July 26 too.

Rather than single any one entertainer out, I’ll honor another anniversary. On this date in 1775, the office that later became the US Post Office was established by the Second Continental Congress. Benjamin Franklin was named our first Postmaster General.

PS: Alex Chilton was just 16 years old when he sang lead on this #1 hit. He and the rest of the Box Tops did not even pretend they were faking it on this show.

(Mick was right: We can’t get no satisfaction, if readers don’t support their hyper-local blog. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. We love you!)

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Online Art Gallery #276

Posted on July 26, 2025 | Comments Off on Online Art Gallery #276

We welcome 4 new artists — including 2 teenagers — to this week’s online art gallery.

Their submissions underscore what this weekly feature is all about .

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.

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

Untitled — colored pencil (John Jannotta — 18 years old)

“Self-portrait” — pencil on paper (William Fellah)

“the Blind Date” — digital illustration and composition (Ken Runkel — Available for sale; click here)

“Pink Patio Flower Pot” — watercolor (Eric Bosch)

Untitled — watercolor (Jo Ann Davidson)

“Still Life of a Lemon” (Jenny Sherinsky Stein)

“The Curl” (Tom Doran — Available for purchase; click here)

“Light Dance” — photograph (Jerry Kuyper)

Untitled — photograph (Cohl Katz)

“Footsteps on the Beach” — oil on canvas (Lindsay Kulla)

Untitled — photograph (Beth Cody)

“Ceremony of Friendship and Hope” (Mike Hibbard)

“Ready to Wade, Bathe or Gossip” (Steve Stein)

“Handful” (Lawrence Weisman)

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

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Welcome, Neighbor! Where Are You From?

Posted on July 26, 2025 | 23 comments

A reader writes: “Since returning to Westport 5 years ago, I have heard people say ‘New Yorkers ruined this town.’

“Having lived in several other places, I know for sure that this is not a ‘ruined’ town! But I wonder: Is there any data on the makeup of Westport? How many people have lived here 20+ years? Where are new residents coming from? Is Westport really ‘overrun’ with New Yorkers?”

Good questions, all. For answers, I turned to our friends at KMS Team at Compass.

Their data for the last 5 years shows that a clear majority — 58% — come from … Connecticut.

And some — perhaps even many — of those moves involve residents already living in Westport. For reasons ranging from a need for more space (or less) to a desire to experience a different part of town, they sell and buy properties only a couple of miles away.

It’s true that New York is the most popular outside feeder state for Westport. But KMS agents say that many of those buyers are returning home. They grew up in Fairfield County — some even in Westport — and then moved to New York as they began careers and families.

Longevity is also challenging to measure. But using the SmartMLS Tax System, KMS says: “Because we know people continually move within the town, it is safe to say that 20% of Westporters have lived here over 25 years, and 50% have been here at least 10 years.

“Although nearly a quarter of our housing stock changed hands in the last 5 years, a mere 6.4% of the buyers (646) were from New York.”

The chart above also provides interesting school district data. While KMS notes that many clients have an affinity for one elementary school, the staying power within each district is essentially the same.

Median sales prices within the districts, however, have changed dramatically:


Home selling prices are influenced by the quality and availability of homes for sale. This data is obtained from the SmartMLS. KMS says that private sales are not reflected in these numbers. Off-market transactions have become increasingly popular since the onset of COVID, and persist as clients value their right to privacy and discretion.

New home construction and custom builds (which are also often off-market transactions) are also a factor.

As the market remains tight, buyers are pleased to close sales.

Wherever they come from.

(“06880” reports regularly on real estate news and trends. If you enjoy our coverage — or any other features of your hyper-local blog — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

 

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Pics Of The Day #3019

Posted on July 25, 2025 | 4 comments

This afternoon’s brief — but fierce — Compo Beach storm left this aftermath … (Photo/Liz Bloch Lindecke)

… while this was the scene not far away, at Sherwood Island State Park. Photographer Chris Swan explains: “The large cumulonimbus cloud passed over Sherwood Island and Burying Hill at 3:45 p.m. The interesting weather was caused by heat, humidity and a front approaching from the Hudson Valley.” … (Photo/Chris Swan)

… and the view from Burying Hill Beach (Photo/Wendy Levy)

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Friday Flashback #460

Posted on July 25, 2025 | 3 comments

Most Friday Flashbacks look back in time.

Today’s also look forward.

The other day — July 4, in fact — Mark Mathias spotted this plaque, hidden away on the broad front lawn of the Saugatuck Congregational Church:

The message is straightforward: 49 years ago — to commemorate America’s bicentennial — a time capsule was buried.

It was to be opened 50 years later, on our semiquincentennial (250th birthday).

Presumably, it’s buried underneath the plaque.

The church has a year to figure out how to dig it up, and what kind of ceremony to hold. Mark has already notified the church moderator and council.

(NOTE: The plaque refers to the Saugatuck Church as the site of the founding of Westport, in 1835. That’s true. But at the time, the church building was located diagonally across the street, where the gas station and bank are now.)

(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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Roundup: AWARE, Moonrise Cartel, Combat Love …

Posted on July 25, 2025 | 3 comments

Are you aware of AWARE?

It’s one of my favorite local non-profits — though I’m not technically allowed as a member. The acronym stands for Assisting Women Through Action, Resources and Education.

Each year the group selects a women’s cause, then partners with a charity to benefit it. Through a fundraiser, hands-on activity and educational event, AWARE shines a light on a different meaningful women’s issue.

One year for example, AWARE partnered with Female Soldiers: Forgotten Heroes, a Bridgeport transitional home, to support female veterans.

Each month, AWARE volunteers served dinner to homeless female vets there. They assembled diaper bags filled with newborn supplies, for pregnant veterans in need. And they organized a panel discussion in Westport, with female veterans from 4 military branches.

Another year, the partner was Her Time. They help women impacted by incarceration and domestic violence.

AWARE provided monthly dinners in Bridgeport. Members gave presentations on finance, parenting health, low-cost nutrition, special education, writing, mindfulness, family meals and meditation — among many other collaborations.

On Wednesday, members got together at Compo Beach. They’re making plans for the 2025-26 partnership.

And they’re getting ready for a new member coffee. It’s next Thursday (July 31, 11 a.m., location TBD). To learn more about AWARE — including the location of the coffee — email info@awarect.org.

AWARE at Compo Beach.

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Speaking of Compo Beach: Our 2nd annual Soundview Summer Stroll is on this Sunday — rain or shine.

A few showers should not dampen the fun. From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Soundview Drive — the beach exit road — will be closed to traffic.

The street will be filled with live music, kids’ activities (face painting, chalking, etc.), a photo booth, food and more. We welcome everyone to walk, stroll, Rollerblade, and enjoy Westport at its best.

The Soundview Summer Stroll is offered free of charge, by “06880” and the Compo Beach Improvement Association. See you there!

 

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The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce held its annual summer get-together last night, at the Levitt Pavilion.

Members enjoyed conversation and networking; food from A&S, Basso, Calise’s, Rizzuto’s, Spotted Horse, Viva Zapata and Zucca Gastrobar — and a special preview mini-concert by The Moonrise Cartel.

The folk/indie rock/Americana/touch of gospel band played to a full lawn later in the evening.

The Moonrise Cartel, on the Levitt Pavilion terrace. (Photo/Dan Woog)

Packed lawn at the Levitt. (Photo/Andrew Colabella)

Chamber gatherings always draw a diverse crowd. Last night’s included a number of local politicians. In the early days of the election season, conversations were low-key, genial — and across the aisle.

Kevin Christie (left) and Don O’Day — both running for 1st selectman — with Abby Tolan, Board of Education member seeking another term. (Photo/Dan Woog)

The upcoming 3 shows are all free.

Tonight (Friday, 7:30 p.m.), it’s Danny Lipsitz & the Brass Tacks: swing, jazz, rock, klezmer, jump blues, and traditional pop.

Tomorrow (Saturday, 7:30 p.m.) features singer/songwriter/guitarist Tom Hamilton.

Sunday’s headliner (7 p.m.) is Leonardo Suarez-Pas Piazolla 100 Tango — with a free tango lesson at 6:15.

Click here for free tickets, and more information.

The Moonrise Cartel. (Photo/Sean Bernand)

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Also last night: The well-received opening of “From Broadway to Hollywood,” at the Westport Country Playhouse.

“Broadway” comes to the Westport Country Playhouse. (Photo/Susan Garment)

The concert — celebrating classic stage and screen scores — continues tonight (Friday, 8 p.m.) and tomorrow (Saturday, 3 and 8 p.m.). For tickets and more information, click here or call 203-227-4177.

“Broadway” curtain call. (Photo/Dave Matlow)

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“Combat Love” — noted TV journalist Alisyn Camerota’s memoir that is an always frank, often surprising and deeply personal story of her turbulent teenage years, and how they colored the rest of her family life and career path — comes out in paperback on Tuesday.

Since leaving CNN a few months ago, the Westport resident has branched out into Substack writing and podcasting.

But “Combat Love” remains very close to her heart. Click here for more information, and to order.

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Shorefest — Friends of Sherwood Island State Park’s annual fundraiser — is set for Setpember 5 (6 p.m.), at the Pavilion.

Proceeds from the dinner and silent auction help protect the coastal sanctuary, expand wildlife habitat, restore trees, and fund educational outreach. Click here for tickets, and more information.

Shewood Island: Connecticut’s first state park, right here in Westport.

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We’ve featured lots of wildlife (deer, bees, birds, etc.) — and plenty of flowers and foliage in recent “Westport … Naturally” photos.

Today we turn to water. This was the serence scene the other day at Deadman Brook, near the pedestrian bridge between the Levitt Pavilion and Imperial Avenue parking lot:

(Photo/Copyright DinkinESH Fotografix)

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And finally … Chuck Mangione — described by the New York Times as the musician “whose limpid fluegelhorn ruled the upper reaches of Billboard’s adult contemporary charts in the 1970s and ’80s with a culture-permeating lilt that helped create the genre known as ‘smooth jazz,’ died on Tuesday at his home in Rochester, New York. He was 84.

Click here for the full obituary.

(Every day, “06880”‘s Roundup delivers news about people, groups, events, random stuff, and all that jazz. If you enjoy this — or any other feature — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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