Yesterday’s closure of Compo and Burying Hill Beaches — to swimmers, not everyone else — took Westporters by surprise.
It was the hottest day of the year. But there was no rain — the usual reason for Parks & Recreation Department action.
The culprit was impossible to see: bacteria.
Burying Hill Beach, yesterday. (Photo/Seth Schachter)
And the verdict came as a result of something else few bathers ever notice: weekly testing.
Every Monday, the Aspetuck Health District takes samples from Compo and Burying Hill. (But not Old Mill. It’s adjacent to Sherwood Island; as a state park, they do their own sampling.)
A courier drives the samples from Fairfield to the Connecticut Department of Public Health, in Hartford.
It takes a day to analyze them. The results are available late afternoon on Tuesday.
If a sample shows enterococci levels of 104 per 100 milliliters, Aspetuck Health District notifies Parks & Rec.
Enterococci (not actual size). Blame these guys for beach closures.
Affected beaches are then closed to swimming, until they’re re-tested. The courier for the samples is only available Mondays and Wednesdays. So if the second test of the week comes back positive on Thursday, the closure remains in effect until the next test result — late the following Tuesday.
There are many reasons for the presence of harmful bacteria, including rain, marine life or sewage.
The reason does not matter, though. Too much enterococci means “no swimming.”
Westport closes its beaches for another reason, without testing. Any time there is 1.5 inches of rain or more, the potential exists for sewage backup or runoff. Beaches are closed, as a precaution, for 24 hours.
Though swimming may be prohibited, staff remains at beaches, says Parks & Rec director Erik Barbieri. There are plenty of other activities — especially at Compo.
So how often does a high bacteria count lead to closures?
Aspetuck Health District director of health Luci Bango — who provided all this information — confesses, “I don’t know. One summer can be perfect, phenomenal. Another year, not.
“I don’t control the climate.”
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This was not taken with a filter. Blue is the color of the LED lights on photographer Jamie Walsh’s boat. He uses it for night fishing because it minimizes the loss of night vision, attracts fewer bugs on muggy nights, and creates a visible outline of the vessel while anchored or drifting.
Chloe Davis and Lee Scharfstein nominate a local restaurant as this week’s Unsung Heroes. Her friend Amy Mandelbaum writes:
In a time of civil unrest and rising antisemitism, The Blondinit stands out as more than just the only Israeli restaurant in the Fairfield area. It is a bold and proud celebration of identity and inclusion.
Rather than adopting the safer, more generalized label of “Mediterranean,” The Blondinit fully embraces its roots. From the Star of David displayed in the window to a menu featuring both modern and traditional takes on Israeli cuisine, every detail reflects authenticity.
Every Friday night, owners Inda and Sol host a public Shabbat candle lighting, creating a space of warmth, community and continuity.
Getting together at The Blondinit.
Their commitment to community goes far beyond cuisine or religious identity. The Blondinit regularly gives back in meaningful ways.
They have provided dinner to the Staples Players during rehearsals for “The Diary of Anne Frank,” delivered meals to volunteers working on the recent Compo Beach renovation, and participated in the Taste of Westport event, with proceeds benefiting CLASP Homes and its mission to support individuals with autism and developmental disabilities.
Most recently, they held a fundraiser where a portion of all food and drink sales from an entire day was donated to The Lawfare Project/End Jew Hatred.
Blondinit brunch.
The list of their contributions continues to grow. The message is clear: The Blondinit is more than a restaurant. It is a community cornerstone rooted in generosity, authenticity, and connection.
For all of these reasons and more, The Blondinit truly deserves the distinction of being named an “06880” Unsung Hero.
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Posted onJune 25, 2025|Comments Off on Roundup: Instagram Live At OMG, Free Ice Cream At Retreat Sweets …
Our first “06880” Instagram Live — a discussion hosted by Dave Briggs and Dan Woog, with a Hamlet developer — drew plenty of interactive questions from viewers. We posted the link later, and thousands clicked on.
Now Dave and Dan are teaming up for a second Instagram Live. We’ll be at Old Mill Grocery & Deli tomorrow (Thursday), talking with representatives from the owner (Soundview Empowerment Alliance) and operator (Romanacci).
Our Instagram Live begins at 3 p.m. Our Instagram is 0688danwoog. See you there!
Before the school year fades too far in the rearview mirror, here’s a great story from Saugatuck Elementary.
Students on Bus 2 wanted to show their appreciation for their driver. So they set up a lemonade stand, and raised money for a gift.
They presented it — and told a few heartfelt stories.
Ken starts and ends very day with a smile, they said. He sings “Happy Birthday” to riders. And he knows every youngster by name.
This was Ken’s first year as a First Student bus driver in Westport. We hope he’s here for many, many more!
Ken, with Saugatuck Elementary School students.
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It was not only hot yesterday — it was symmetrically steaming.
Here are 2 views of the heat, 1 minute — and 1 degree — apart.
(Courtesy of Jonathan Alloy)
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Tomorrow marks the opening of MoCA CT’s 2 photography exhibitions.
Tod Papageorge’s “At the Beach” will run alongside “In the Pool,” composed of work by Papageorge’s his graduate students, from June 26 to October 12.
Papageorge is a Connecticut-based artist and teacher. His contributions to American street photography in the 1960s helped shape the genre. His work is held in more than 30 public collections, including the New York and San Francisco Museums of Modern Art.
“At the Beach,” making its East Coast debut, features large black-and-white photoss that Papageorge took on Los Angeles beaches in the 1970s and ’80s.
An opening reception is set for tomorrow (Thursday), from 6-8 p.m.
Retreat Sweets — the Japanese mochi donuts, Korean corn dogs, Asian street food and tea drink spot next to Layla’s Falafel on Post Road East — celebrates its first anniversary on Sunday (June 29, 1-4 p.m.).
They’ll host Korean games like ddakji (folding and flipping paper tiles), and American ones like cornhole. There are plenty of prizes. Plus: free ice cream for everyone!
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The name says it all.
“Stand Up & Learn” — a program that teaches youngsters ages 8 through 16 how to write (and perform) comedic stories and bits — comes to the Westport Country Playhouse next month.
The program runs July 15 to 18 (3:30 to 5:30 p.m.), finishing with a performance the last day. It emphasizes creative writing, communication, critical thinking, and team- and confidence-building.
“Stand Up & Learn” is created and directed by Kevin Flynn. A former pro soccer player, he transitioned into standup comedy, acting, writing, producing and podcasting.
Henry Dodge’s 71.3% faceoff win percentage was the best in the nation for a college lacrosse player this year — by a wide margin.
Yet the 2022 Staples High School graduate (and All-American, Connecticut Player of the Year, and state champion), will not be back for his senior year at the University of Vermont.
He’s transferring to the University of Maryland, a longtime national powerhouse.
He brings America East Specialist of the Year, and All-Conference, honors to College Park.
As a Catamount this past year, Dodge averaged just under 12.5 faceoff wins per game. His 8.5 ground balls per game was 4th -best in NCAA Division I. (Hat tip: Jonathan Hart)
Henry Dodge
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Though this week’s weather has been too hot for many Westporters to do much of anything, it inspired former town poet laureate Diane Lowman to create this haiku:
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Bianca Bazante, owner and creative Director of The Artist Loft, celebrates 4 years at her 23 Post Road West location by offering deals for clients – new and old – all summer.
From now through July, she offers Brazilian Blowdry for $199, and Trissola keratin treatment that lasts up to 6 months for $340. Click here for details.
Bianca Bizante
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It’s milkweed season.
The plant — a favorite of monarch butterflies — is flowering at Winslow Park. Charmian Valante took today’s colorful “Westport … Naturally” photo in a meadow there.
And finally … this is National Camping Week. Enjoy!
(“06880” is your hyper-local blog — and, with podcasts and Instagram Live, a multi-platform service, for all things Westport. If you enjoy our work, please click here to support us. Thank you!)
Comments Off on Roundup: Instagram Live At OMG, Free Ice Cream At Retreat Sweets …
Many 12-year-olds dream of scoring goals or hitting home runs. But Dylan Rosen is on a different track.
“I’m not a stick-and-ball kid,” the Coleytown Middle School rising 8th grader says. “I’m more of a helmet-and-fireproof-jacket kinda kid.”
His family had no racing experience. So Dylan and his father Frank turned to neighbor Jim Torok. The dirt track driver in turn steered them toward karting.
Dylan Rosen with Hugh Gorman, at Calf Pasture Beach.
A used kart from engine builder Forrest Edelman soon arrived.
Then came 22 races. He lost them all.
But Dylan did not give up.
A chance meeting with 2009 Staples High School graduate Parker Kligerman (and former NKA racer) at Daytona was pivotal.
The professional NASCAR driver gave Dylan encouragement and advice, especially on his struggles making qualifying weight.
Dylan Rosen with Parker Kligerman.
Early this past season, Dylan’s kart stalled. Standing nearby was Hugh Gorman, a former Sports Car Club of America crew chief.
He offered help, and a mentorship began.
Gorman walked the track with Dylan, taught him race lines, and helped him rebuild the kart.
Dylan was also preparing for his bar mitzvah and doing a volunteer project. He and his mom Barrie connected with Fairfield County-based Piston Foundation, which provides mentors and scholarships for young people interested in pursuing a career in the collector car industry.
Dylan became a youth ambassador, raising over $5,000 for the scholarship fund. He proudly carries the Piston Foundation name on his kart, jacket and helmet.
Mayo Smith — a Westport resident, Piston Foundation board member, and former Rolex 24 driver and podium finisher — oversaw the effort. He mentored Dylan, and set up a trackside booth.
Dylan Rosen and Mayo Smith.
With guidance from Smith and Gorman, Dylan climbed from the back of the pack to third.
“There’s nothing wrong with a respectable third place,” Smith notes.
Dylan will enter the fall season more determined than ever.
Right now, he’s racing toward another goal. Dylan’s bar mitzvah will be celebrated soon at the Spanish synagogue in Prague, following a family tour of Poland.
(Westport is filled with interesting young people — and “06880” is honored to tell their stories. If you enjoy reading them — or any other feature — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Citing the need for “buy-in” from local communities — and acknowledging fierce opposition from suburban communities and Republican legislators — Governor Lamont vetoed HB 5002 yesterday.
The omnibus housing legislation — passed nearly 3 weeks ago — would have dramatically changed the ability of local governments to impose zoning restrictions.
Non-partisan groups like the Connecticut Conference of Municipalities and Connecticut Council of Small Towns, along with bipartisan leaders from towns including Westport, urged the governor to veto the bill.
Lamont previously supported the bill. He called his veto “reluctant.”
Last September, Governor Lamont spoke at the opening of 122 Wilton Road, where Homes with Hope sponsors 19 units of affordable housing. (Photo/Dan Woog)
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The Soundview Summer Stroll returns soon, for a second great year!
Mark your calendar: Sunday, July 27.
From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the event — presented by “06880” and the Compo Beach Improvement Association — will once again close Soundview Drive to vehicles.
The beach exit road will be transformed into a pedestrian-only party.
Like last year’s initial Stroll, the road will be filled with music (4 bands), kids’ activities (games, face painting, photo booth and more), food, and a fun community vibe.
More details will be announced soon. See you at the Stroll!
Last year’s Soundview Stroll. (Photos/Benji Porosoff)
The popular Westport Downtown Association event takes place this Friday through Sunday (June 27-29), on Main Street, Elm Street, Church Lane, Post Road East and Sconset Square. Other retailers beyond downtown will also provide discounts.
It’s 3 days of open-air shopping, community fun (and plenty of bargains).
PS: The weather this weekend will not be as hot as today!
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And another long and important Westport tradition continues this Saturday (June 28).
The 60th annual jUNe Day celebration brings 30 guests from the United Nations to town.
The day-long event — coordinated by the United Nations Association of Southwestern Connecticut and town officials — begins with opening ceremonies (10:30 a.m., Jesup Green).
It includes a special message from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, and brief remarks, by UN Under Secretary-General Christian Saunders.
Then, UN families will head off to swim at Compo Beach, play tennis and golf at Longshore, visit Earthplace, tour Wakeman Town Farm, and walk and shop downtown. Many may stay for the Sunrise Rotary Club Duck Race and family fair, also at Jesup Green.
jUNe Day was established in 1965 by Ruth Steinkraus Cohen, founder of the UN Association of Southwestern Connecticut. The Post Road bridge was named in her honor — and on Saturday, the flags of many of the UN’s 193 member nations will fly on the span.
A few volunteers are still needed. Email Andreasusa@yahoo.com, or call 203-526-3275. For more information on the jUNe Day, call 203-454-7685.
Every jUNe Day, the flags of member nations fly on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge. (Photo/Jeff Simon)
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It was the hottest ticket in town — literally.
The Westport Country Playhouse air conditioning faltered. But Justin Paul — the Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Award-winning songwriter (“Dear Evan Hansen,” “La La Land,” “The Greatest Showman”) and Staples Class of 2003 graduate — and his writing partner Benj Pasek delivered a rousing benefit show.
They — and their Broadway musical guests and backup musicians — were drenched in sweat from the opening bars of the first song, “Waving Through a Window.” (The fundraiser was called “Waving Through Westport.”)
Their “fans” in the audience fanned themselves with programs.
But Pasek & Paul showed why they are not only great songwriters — but great showmen as well.
The duo gave plenty of props to Paul’s home town. It was the latest magical night, in the Playhouse’s proud 95-year history.
Front, from left: Justin Paul, Benj Pasek and Alex Newell, at the Westport Country Playhouse. Paul and Pasek took off their jackets soon after the show began. (Photo/Susan Garment)
Youth Commission members solicit businesses downtown.
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A celebration of the life of Carol Randel — the longtime Westport, noted professor and beloved civic volunteer, who died last month — is set for this Sunday (June 29, 4 p.m.). The public is invited.
The setting is appropriate: the Saugatuck Rowing Club. That’s where Carol discovered herself as an athlete, found joy on the water and camaraderie with teammates. She won plenty of medals there too.
One other tribute to a beloved Westporter: A flower garden in memory of Cathy Talmadge — a founder and longtime friend of Wakeman Town Farm — will be dedicated across the street from there on Saturday (June 28, 1:30 p.m.).
The longtime Representative Town Meeting member, civic volunteer and environmental advocate died in January 2023.
First selectwoman Jen Tooker and Westport poet laureate Donna Disch will speak. Friends are invited to share memories. RSVP: nancyp311@gmail.com
Cathy Talmadge, at Wakeman Town Farm.
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Due to the extreme heat advisory, tonight’s Levitt Pavilion concert — Suzanne Sheridan & Friends — has been postponed. The new date is August 12.
Suzanne Sheridan
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Adam Nussbaum — the jazz drummer who grew up in Norwalk, won a Grammy, and has played with artists like Gil Evans and Stan Getz — headlines this Thursday’s Jazz at the Post (June 26, VFW Post 399; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner at 7; music cover $20, $15 for veterans and students).
He’ll be joined by bassist Jay Anderson, pianist Rob Aries and saxophonist Greg (“The Jazz Rabbi”) Wall. Click here for tickets.
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Former Westporter Patricia Anne (White) Dunn died June 20, in North Carolina. She was 82.
She attended Westport schools, then earned a BA in English and world religions from the University of Miami. She was a former board chair of the North Carolina Chapter of the Lupus Foundation of Ameirca, and served on the board of directors of the Charlotte Alumnae Association of Kappa Kappa Gamma.
She is survived by her love and caregiver Sean Lowther; son Christopher Lee (LaDonna) of Mobile, Alabama; brother F. Terrence White (Dena) of Pembroke Pines, Florida; sister Meeche White of Leavenworth, Washington; 2 grandchildren, and members of the Lowther family.
Donations may be made in her memory to the Lupus Foundation of America or Kappa Kappa Gamma Education Foundation, 6640 Riverside Drive, Suite 200, Dublin, OH 43017.
Patty Anne Dunn
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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature is our first two-fer.
We’ve gotten some good egret submissions lately.
Here’s a solo bird, at Deadman Brook …
(Photo/Janine Scotti)
… and a flock, from Judy Point near Saugatuck Shores:
And finally … happy 80th birthday to Colin Blunstone. He was the lead singer/ guitarist/songwriter for The Zombies. They’re in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, but remain one of the most underrated of all British Invasion groups.
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It’s the brainchild of Michael Hermus. The MIT-trained, 2-time software company founder and former chief technology officer of the US Department of Homeland Security knows his way around systems.
But when a family member struggled with mental health challenges, the family spent years navigating the mental healthcare landscape. They were drowning in a world of disconnected providers, endless forms and communication breakdowns.
“Therapists, psychiatrists, school staff and pediatricians all try to help. But they’re not talking to each other enough,” Hermus says. “And families are often left out of the conversation entirely.”
So he built a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform that allows outpatient mental health providers to communicate about their patients. The result is a more collaborative and streamlined approach.
Halespring just launched a consumer platform. It provides patients and caregivers with powerful tools to connect with providers, manage care, and advocate for loved ones.
The mother of a son who receives complex autism support says Halespring offers “visibility into his OT, ABA, psychiatry, talk therapy, school interventions, and pediatrician visits. It saves us time, so my husband and I can focus on his progress.”
Hermus joined StartUp Westport in 2023. He met vice president Peter Propp. He invested in Halespring, and now works on marketing and strategy as an advisory board member.
“Passionate founders are so important for successful startups,” says Propp. “Passionate founders like Mike who can code an entire platform and improve it when needed are quite rare.”
The platform includes secure messaging, a document hub for sharing forms and assessments, and a clear overview of care teams. Westporter Dr. Frank S. K. Appah Jr., Halespring’s lead clinical advisor, calls it “the missing connective tissue.”
The platform is available at Halespring.com, with both free and premium options.
As Westport debates the future of Saugatuck — including either the Hamlet residential/retail/event space/marina complex, or a 500-plus 8-30g housing complex, with 30% affordable units — Fairfield has just okayed a 478-unit development.
The Planning & Zoning Commission vote was 5-2. Commissioners said that under the state’s 8-30 affordable housing regulation, they had little choice to say yes. The development would replace the Circle Hotel on the Post Road, near Black Rock.
For 44 years, the Susan Fund has helped Fairfield County students who have been diagnosed with cancer go to college.
The low-key — but highly impactful — non-profit honors Susan Lloyd. The popular, multi-talented Staples High School graduate succumbed to bone cancer while at Colgate University, over 4 decades ago.
At its annual reception yesterday, the Susan Fund awarded 19 college scholarships to Fairfield County residents who have been diagnosed with cancer.
Among the recipients was Westporter Charlie Watson, a rising sophomore at Montclair University.
He was joined by the keynote speaker: 7-time Susan Fund recipient Ryan Caulfield. The Staples High School Class of 2017 graduate drove 7 hours — where he is finishing a doctorate in nurse anesthesiology at the University of Pittsburgh — for the event. (Click here for last year’s “06880” story on Ryan’s triumph over cancer.)
Ryan Caulfield
In high school, nursing — let alone anesthesiology — was not on Ryan’s radar.
He spent his 17th birthday in the operating room at Yale New Haven. A tumor completely occluded his left lung.
Several more procedures monitored the tumor. Then, in May of his junior year, his chest was cracked open. A 10-hour surgery successfully removed the tumor, and reconstructed his airway.
After a prolonged recovery, he found the Susan Fund while searching for scholarships. He said, “I realized they cared about my story and academic aspirations. Each year I looked forward to our meeting to share what was new in my life, and my plans after graduation.
“Listening to the stories of the speakers, and honoring and remembering Susan, constantly reinforce my resolve to become the best provider I can be. I never knew Susan, but her compassion and bravery is exemplified by this foundation and the opportunities that have been provided to each recipient to pursue their dreams.”
During its 44 years, the Susan Fund has awarded more than $2 million in scholarships to over 900 individuals. This year’s total was a record amount.
To learn more about the Susan Fund — including how to apply for a scholarship, and donate — click here.
Susan Fund 2025 awardees.
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Every year, the Levitt Pavilion introduces new acts.
But they never forget old favorites.
One of the most popular shows every year is Frank Mastrone & Friends. The singer/actor (“Cats,” “Phantom of the Opera,” “Les Miserables” and more) always delivers a Broadway-quality show.
A large crowd braved last night’s heat to enjoy this year’s edition. Bravo!
The Levitt crowd, for Frank Mastrone. (Photo/Carleigh Welsh)
Summer just started. But the Westport Country Playhouse’s interns are already hard at work.
The quartet gain real-world experience in marketing, developing, production and education. They work closely with senior staff, and join in seminars with guest artists and industry leaders.
If you see them at a show: Say hi, and welcome!
From left: Amy Shapiro, Alli Buchanan, Ena Nomoto, Kelsey McFarland.
First Folk Sunday — the popular Sunday afternoon series — begins its third season at the Saugatuck Rowing Club on July 6, with a popular draw: a tribute to Linda Ronstadt.
For decades, Suzanne Sheridan and her sister Christine Erskine have been singing the star’s songs for themselves. Now they’ll entertain an appreciative audience with them.
First Folk Sunday producer Rozanne Gates says, “You will hear 2 voices who come as close to Linda as you will get.”
They’ll be accompanied by First Folk Sunday favorites Bob Cooper (keyboards) and Tim DeHuff (guitar).
Saugatuck Rowing Club offers a First Folk Sunday brunch menu and cocktails at each of the season’s 6 shows. Doors open at noon, for the 12:30 start.
Everything But Water has moved into the old Birddogs space, at “Elm & Main” (formerly Brooks Corner).
The Orlando-based women’s retailer specializes in designer swimwear, vacation essentials and accessories.
They operate 34 stores. Westport is their third in Connecticut. The other locations are Farmington and Greenwich.
(Photo/Sal Liccione)
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Jillian Elder — one of our Westport-merch stars — is back.
She says, “Celebrate summer in style with our newest release: ‘Red, White & Westport.’ From cozy hoodies to everyday tees, tanks, mugs and more, this patriotic collection is perfect for showing off your hometown pride.
And finally … in a salute to that very intriguing sailboat spotted yesterday on the Sound (story above):
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