Roundup: Fairfield 8-30g, Susan Fund, Love Boat …

Posted on June 23, 2025 | 22 comments

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.

Click here for the full story, from CT Insider.

Proposed 478-unit 8-30g housing, at 441 Post Road in Fairfield.

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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)

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With all that’s going on in the world, this was a welcome sight off Compo Beach yesterday:

(Photo/Jim Hood)

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Also at the beach yesterday:

(Photo/Richard Fogel)

And not only is the car very cool. But that’s one of the most unique license plates we’ve ever seen too.

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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.

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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.

Click here for tickets, and more information. Questions? Call 203-984-7562.

Suzanne Sheridan

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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.

It’s available now at this link. There’s free shipping across the (red, white and blue) US.

Totes and mugs say “Westport, Connecticut.”

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Most Old Mill Beach scenes show sand and water.

Yesterday morning, colorful flowers and grasses were front and center.

Today, it’s our “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Nikki Gorman)

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And finally … in a salute to that very intriguing sailboat spotted yesterday on the Sound (story above):

(It’s going to be a hot one today. But the coolest thing you can do is support “06880,” with a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here. Thank you!)

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Staples Student Explores Democracy And Fascism — 86 Years Ago

Posted on June 23, 2025 | 12 comments

Graduations are always a time to look forward. And back.

As the Staples High School Class of 2025 took its place in history, Josh Berkowsky looked way back.

For the past few months he’s researched and documented the lives of people buried in Saugatuck Church’s Evergreen Cemetery, for the church’s Cemetery Commission.

He has pored over census data, directory notices, draft cards, and much more.

Staples’ 1939 yearbook.

Including Staples’ 1939 yearbook.

There, in the “literary” section — wedged between a class history, and the ambitions of those students — was a piece of writing by senior Seymour Breslow.

Titled “Democracy Faces the Future,” it poignantly and skillfully expressed the great anxiety that permeated the world in that dark hour.

Austria and Czechoslovakia had already been annexed by Germany. Soon, the invasion of Poland would plunge the world into its deadliest conflict ever. 

Seymour was born in 1921 in New York City to Jacob and Ethel Breslow, Jewish immigrants from Poland. Sometime before 1935, he and his family moved to Westport.

In the 1940 census, his father was listed as general manager of a candy store. The Breslows rented a house on 178 Riverside Avenue, right next to Staples.

The 1939 Staples yearbook noted Seymour’s many activities.

Seymour — the oldest of 3 children — acted in the Senior Play of 1939, George M. Cohan’s “Seven Keys to Baldpate.” His ambition was to become a doctor.

Seymour Breslow (back row, 2nd from left), and fellow seniors in the Staples class play.

Josh hopes that Seymour’s words “may ring out among his neighbors and countrymen yet again, so we may find they apply to today’s world as much in 2025 as they did in 1939.” Seymour wrote:

The audience has arisen and the graduates begin the last step in high school life.

After 12 years of concentrated study, we, the graduates of 1939, are leaving to make a place for ourselves in the world.

Some of us will continue work in colleges and professional schools, and some of us will seek positions at once, but regardless of what we do, we will all be faced with the problems of today.

Today, more than in other days, we are disturbed by the problems of government upheaval in various parts of the world. On one side we see wars of aggression, invasion of innocent countries, and the consequent activities which make one wonder if the world is entitled to be called civilized; on the other side dictatorship is spreading, casting its evil eye on the small countries unable to defend themselves.

We in America are not in immediate danger of invasion by aggressors or of having our government overthrown by communists or fascists, but we are constantly being propagandized with the materials released by these groups.

In 1939, the “new” Staples High School was just 3 years old. It was built next to the original 1884 building, on Riverside Avenue. Today, it’s Saugatuck Elementary School.

When we consider that, for over 150 years, we have lived happily under the democratic form of government, it is indeed difficult to acknowledge the value of any other form of government for us in this country.

Under no other form of government can the people and the press state their views and opinions without fear of death or oppression. We have only to take into account the sufferings of people in other countries before we can appreciate the blessings of democracy which we enjoy.

In Germany, for example, we find oppressed people filling the concentration camps, suffering unspeakable miseries of horrible torture and inhuman treatment. In the United States people fill the lecture halls and amusement places.

With utter disregard for the fundamental liberties and rights of human beings, Fascism has brought into use methods which were condemned in the Middle Ages as barbarous.

We in the United States are fortunate in that we have both the Atlantic and the Pacific as natural boundaries. These mighty barriers are not yet easily penetrable by modern airplanes and bombing expeditions.

In 1936 — when Seymour Breslow was a sophomore — President Roosevelt made a re-election campaign stop at the Westport YMCA (now Anthropologie). Five years later, he was a wartime president.

We are also fortunate in the fact we are almost self-sufficient. We are not dependent upon other countries for food and the other great essentials. We have only to look at England, which is separated from the continent of Europe by but a few miles, and France, which is located in the midst of her enemies, before we can realize just how lucky we are.

Bombs cannot be flown across our great barriers to hail death and destruction on our civilians and property. The principal danger of an attack on us can come, as many men have said, from within. The United States has less to fear from guns and bombs than from the subversive efforts of enemies within the country.

Other nations spend millions of dollars for propaganda alone. We are bombarded daily by propaganda from foreign governments trying to spread their doctrines.

We Americans detest communism, fascism and Nazism. If there are any good points in their doctrines let them become developed in their own countries instead of being forced on us. If the principles are good and sound, we will eventually adopt them.

But the evidence thus far available points with very little likelihood in that direction.

In bringing these words to a close, I would like to say in the years we have spent at Staples, we have seen fine examples of democracy at work, in our classes, in our class meetings, our clubs and activities. Our teachers have cooperated with us in a manner befitting grown men and women of a free country.

It is my fervent hope that the democratic spirit which has been instilled in all of us will remain in later life.

Seymour attended Cambridge Harvard University. He apparently finished his degree before being called up for war service on June 30, 1942, at Fort Jay, Governor’s Island, New York, as a private. He rose to the rank of captain.

Seymour Breslow’s draft card.

He survived the war, though information on his service is unavailable.

By 1960 he had married, settled in Stamford, and had a dental practice in New Canaan.

Seymour Breslow died on April 26, 1987, age of 65. He is buried in Norwalk’s Beth Israel cemetery.

Josh says: “Seymour’s words were not only prescient for his own time, but for ours as well, 84 years hence.

“We continue to be bombarded daily by propaganda from foreign governments trying to excuse their heinous actions, innocent nations being invaded by aggressors, methods once thought medieval have returned to the world stage.

“Will we find that democratic spirit which has been instilled in us remains, later in life? I hope so, neighbors. I hope so.”

(“06880” is where Westport meets the world — now, and always. If you appreciate stories like these, please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution supporting our work. Thank you!)

Seymour Braslow’s story, in the 1939 Stapleite yearbook.

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Posted in History, Politics, Staples HS

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Pics Of The Day #2986

Posted on June 22, 2025 | Comments Off on Pics Of The Day #2986

Sherwood Mill Pond, from the Preserve … (Photo/Michael Tomashefsky)

… and Owenoke, from Compo (Photo/Louise Pepin)

 

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Westport Shows Its Pride

Posted on June 22, 2025 | 3 comments

With speeches, music and many rainbows, Westport celebreated Pride today.

The 5th annual event — sponsored by Westport Pride — drew a couple of hundred members of the LGBTQ+ community, and allies, to Jesup Green.

Several speakers — including state and local legislators, human rights advocates, and Miss Connecticut USA Shavana Clarke, the first openly lesbian state titleholder — noted how far the LGBTQ community has come in terms of acceptance and legal righs, and yet also how endangered some of those gains are.

Shavana Clarke talks about her religious upbringing as a Jamaican female, and the community she’s found now as a queer woman.

But despite the political climate, and the heat and humidity, the mood was upbeat.

Pride is a day of celebration. After proclamations from State Senator Ceci Maher and 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, the entertainment began.

Happy Pride!

From left: 2nd Selectwoman Andrea Moore, Westport Pride co-president Brian McGunigle and his kids, and 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker.

From left: Kevin Christie (Board of Education), Amy Wistreich (Planning & Zoning Commission), State Representative Jonathan Steinberg, State Senator Ceci Maher, Westport Pride co-presidents Brian McGunigle and Kayla Iannetta, State Representative Dominique Johnson, Connecticut Against Gun Violence chair Melissa Kane, StartUp Westport co-founder Peter Propp.

Temple Israel cantor Julia Cadrain, and assistant cantor Becky Mann.

Sending an important message.

Shawnta Smith-Cruz (center) hands out free LGBTQ-themed novels. Tyler Pascarella enjoys his.

At Christ & Holy Trinity Episcopal Church’s booth (from left): Gregory Hauck, Fabian Burgas, Rev. John Betit.

Womanning the Temple Israel booth.

Representative Town Meeting member Sal Liccione, and Village Pediatrics’ Dr. Nikki Gorman.

Candles, aromas — and rainbows.

Rainbow-themed merch from Two-Oh-Three.

Showing her pride.

This week at Jesup Green: Westport Pride. Next week: the Sunrise Rotary Club’s Duck Race.

Harris Falk and friend. (All photos/Dan Woog)

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Posted in religion, Westport life

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Photo Challenge #547

Posted on June 22, 2025 | 15 comments

There are many places to access the shoreline — besides beaches — in Westport.

Last week’s Photo Challenge showed one of several “Shoreline Public Access” signs around town. (Click here to see.)

Where was it? The giveaway seemed to be some rose bushes behind it.

Robert Mitchell, Andrew Colabella, Brandon Malin, Mary Stewart and Dan Ashley all knew the sign can be seen at the Riverwalk, near the Levitt Pavilion.

It’s a beautiful walk, along the Saugatuck River and Deadman Brook.

Of course, as Dan Ashley noted, the “no dogs” sign is often ignored.

Like shoreline access, there are flowers all over Westport. If you know where you’d see the ones below, in this week’s Photo Challenge, click “Comments.”

(Photo/Dan Woog)

(Every Sunday, “06880” hosts this Photo Challenge. We challenge you too to support your hyper-local blog. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)

 

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Roundup: Astronomical Society’s 50th, Sunrise Rotary’s Ducks …

Posted on June 22, 2025 | 2 comments

The Westport Astronomical Society celebrated its 50th anniversary yesterday.

That’s an impressive run. Not quite as old as the universe — but that’s still impressive.

And they do cover a lot of territory.

The soirée included demonstrations, tours, games, a silent auction, raffles (of meteorites!), and astral photos for sale — along with the dedication of 2 new telescope domes.

The WAS is located at 182 Bayberry Lane. Click here for more information. 

WAS member Matt Deierlein pops his head out of the observatory.

Michael Southam scans the skies. (Hat tip and photos/Frank Rosen)

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Back on earth: Do you have your ducks in a row?

Westport Sunrise Rotary sure does.

They’re getting ready for next Saturday’s Great Duck Race, on Jesup Green.

The “Fun Faire” — with family-friendly games and activities — runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It’s free — but raffle tickets are still available for the duck race itself (1 p.m.). First prize is $5,000; there are 9 others too.

Click here for all the ducky details.

Seen on Jesup Green. (Photo/DinkinESH Fotografix)

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“Private Property.” “No Trespassing.” “Rocky Hummock Island Private.”

It’s pretty clear — in English and Spanish — to stay off the land abutting Sherwood Mill Pond.

After all: “Authorized Personnel Only. Trespassers will be Prosecuted.”

Except there’s that fourth sign: “Fishermen Welcome.”

So keep out — unless you’ve got a fishing pole. Then come on in!

(Photo/Dan Woog)

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Yesterday’s Roundup noted that Westport and Weston are #1 and 2, respectively, in percentage of state residents who own electric vehicles.

Teslas are most popular, but there are many other manufacturers and brands.

A Cadillac Eldorado is not one of them — certainly not one from 1963.

But that didn’t stop this car — seen at Compo Beach yesterday — from dreaming:

(Photo/DinkinESH Fotografix)

Meanwhile, not far away, this one did not pretend to be anything other than a muscle car:

 

(Photo/Richard Fogel)

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At the ungodly hour of 4 a.m. today, 15 youth and 4 adult leaders from Saugatuck Congregational Church left for their annual youth group mission trip.

This year they head to Fort Worth, Texas to help address food insecurity in the area.

Youth mission trips are open to all youth, from those entering high school in the fall to those who just graduated. Older participants can serve as counselors-in-training, while adults can be chaperones. Saugatuck Church membership is not required.

4 a.m. sendoff!

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Ospreys make their nests all over Westport. Some opt for natural surroundings (Sherwood Mill Pond, Burying Hill Beach, Longshore). Others go for a more commercial vibe, like the Fresh Market/Terrain parking lot.

This pair may have just moved — like so many new Westporters — from New York. Perhaps they want a convenient commute to the Big Apple.

Yesterday, Tom Jendrock noticed a nest in the overhead steel structure at the Westport train station. It’s perfect for our “Westport … Naturally” daily feature.

The parent was feeding chicks, and was not bothered at akk when a train passed underneath. That’s a real city bird!

(Photo/Tom Jendrock)

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And finally … in honor of the 1960s car spotted at Compo Beach (story above):

(From Compo Beach to the skies above — and universe beyond — “06880” is here for you. If you enjoy our hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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“Don’t Kill Old Mill”

Posted on June 22, 2025 | 61 comments

Summer is here.

For 105 years, that’s the busiest time for the Old Mill market.

The small spot at the foot of Compo Hill has been called many things throughout that century-plus. These days, it’s Old Mill Grocery & Deli by Romanacci.

Since taking over operation a year and a half ago, the operator has won the hearts of the beach community, and many other residents around town.

Not 2 neighbors, though.

They object to outdoor tables, a gelato cart, and a wine and beer license.

They’ve filed 3 lawsuits against OMG. If successful, they would overturn decision made by the Planning & Zoning Commission, deny the sale of beer and wine, and strip away the outdoor tables that have been there for generations.

Now Old Mill Deli’s owner — the Soundview Empowerment Alliance — is fighting back.

With signage inside and out, stickers on coffee cups and pizza boxes, and a social media campaign — all with a QR code, linking to a digital petition — they hope to show that they are responsible neighbors, purveyors of popular foods and drinks, and a place that honors and respects Old Mill’s special beach vibe.

Ian Warburg and Jim Hood of the Soundview Empowerment Alliance, outside Old Mill Grocery & Deli.

Headlined “Westport Chose, We Won’t Close!” — and calling it “a battle for the soul of the community” — a large poster describes how, 3 years ago, 600 residents donated generously, to save the building from possible demolition.

Now, however, “a small and well-funded group of opponents wants to erase that victory.”

Fighting the lawsuits, SEA says, is “bleeding our non-profit dry.” They say thee are “protecting our values: inclusion, historic preservation, and economic opportunity for all.”

The “costly and time-consuming litigation” also inhibits SEA from investing in the expansion of providing job training for people with disabilities.

SEA says that the lawsuits threaten both pillars of their mission.

Old Mill Grocery & Deli staff.

There are 4 calls to action: signing and sharing the petition, donating to cover legal costs, and contacting Representative Town Meeting (RTM) members.

Meanwhile, the weather is — finally — hot. Customers will clamor for food (including gelato) and drinks. They’ll sit outside, enjoying the scene.

Just as they have since long before SEA, Romanacci, and any of their neighbors came to town.

Sign on Hillspoint Road. (Photo/Richard Fogel)

 

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Posted in Beach, Local business, Local politics

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Pic Of The Day #2985

Posted on June 21, 2025 | 1 comment

Ready for the day (Photo/Anne Bernier)

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Police Arrest Intruder Inside Riverside Avenue Home

Posted on June 21, 2025 | 3 comments

At 2:40 this morning, an out-of-town homeowner called Westport Police to report an unknown man in his Riverside Avenue home.

Through his Blink security system, the owner observed and provided updates to officers, who surrounded the area.

The intruder unintentionally made himself visible on the third-floor balcony, then quickly retreated into the house.

Westport officers, with the assistance of Connecticut State Police and Norwalk K-9 dogs, entered the house. The suspect was found hiding in a closet, and taken into custody.

The 52-year-old man had jewelry in his possession, which was identified as stolen property from the residence.

He was charged with burglary and larceny, and is being held on a $100,000 bond.

Westport Police remind residents to lock their homes and vehicles, stay vigilant, and report any suspicious activity to the them.

 

 

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Roundup: Power Outage, Young Shoots, Hot Weather …

Posted on June 21, 2025 | 4 comments

Yesterday’s power outage at Post Road East and Myrtle Avenue seemed to come out of the blue.

But there was a good reason for it. A retired former Connecticut Light & Power director explains: “A little wind — actually just over 40 mph — but the real culprit is the very tall trees growing above the 3-phase primary.

“The company has been trimming its circuits on 4-year cycles for many decades, and patrolling all backbone primary circuits each of the 3 interim years between major cycle trims, looking for signs of trouble in any of the trees growing above the circuits.

“But in most parts of the country the utility trims all branches that are above these circuits, so there is nothing but blue sky above when standing beneath the circuits and looking up.

“Unfortunately, Westport historically denied trimming to that extent. So when a strong wind takes an overhanging tree limb, or sometimes an entire tree is uprooted, you get a major outage as occurred there Friday — keeping 597 customers out of power for hours.

“This brings back memories of major storm-related outages in town: Isaias (early August, 2020 when 97% of customers lost power, some for nearly 2 weeks!), Super Storm Sandy (October 2012), Snowtober Storm (Halloween 2011), Storm Irene (August 2011), March nor’easter (March 2010), Winter Double Nor’easter (mid-January 2006), “Perfect Storm” (late fall 1991),  Hurricane Bob (August 1991), Hurricane Gloria (October 1985) … all had strong winds and with its tree cover, Westport was usually one of the worst towns in the state as measured by percentage of customers out of power at the peak of the storm.”

Eversource crews working on the outage (with tree cover above). (Photo/Mark Mathias)

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Speaking of the environment: We’re #1!

At least. Westport and Weston are in terms of electric vehicle ownership.

CT Mirror reports today that while just 2.7% of all vehicles in the state are electric, the figures are 10.4% and 10.1% respectively, for our 2 towns.

Click here to read the full story, including a town-by-town comparison.

The most popular manufacturer, by a wide margin.

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The Westport Farmers’ Market celebrates creativity.

Every Thursday, the Imperial Avenue parking lot teems with vendors offering fresh ways to prepare fresh food (and not just produce — there’s meat, baked goods and more). Musicians perform. It’s fun, funky and alive.

There’s a lot to do, and see. It’s a photographer’s paradise too.

Which is why, for nearly a decade, the WFM has run Young Shoots: a digital photography competition for students ages 5-18.

Local artists will judge the entries, by age group. There’s a show on August 20 at Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center. Winners will be announced (and receive cash prizes).

New this year: Every week, a new photo will be featured on “06880” (and displayed at the Imperial Avenue market).

Take it from Miggs Burroughs, noted local artist and Young Shoots co-chair: “Not only does this contest give young talent an opportunity to shine like ripe tomatoes, but it nourishes the community with a feast of photographic goodness!”

Click here for details. The deadline is August 8. The contest is a partnership between the Westport Farmers’ Market, the Artists Collective of Westport, and the Drew Friedman Community Arts Center.

Quinn Fitts’ winning entry, last year.

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With the heat index expected to soar between 100 and 105 degrees tommorrow through Tuesday, Westport has opened several cooling centers.

They include:

  • Westport Library (Sunday, 1-5 p.m.; weekdays 9 a.m.-9 p.m.)
  • Westport Weston Family YMCA (Sunday, 7 a.m. -6 p.m.; weekdays 5:30 a.m.-9 p.m.)
  • Senior Center (weekdays, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.)
  • MoCA CT (weekdays, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.)

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There were honors galore, at the Westport Weston Family YMCA’s 101st annual meeting this week. They include:

  • Lee J. Edelstein Volunteer of the Year: Kristin McKinney
  • Allen Raymond Legacy & Impact Award: Rosemary Halstead
  • Edward T. Bedford Outstanding Youth Award, Dani Schwartz, Grant Slippen

Star Employee Recognition Awards:

  • Paul I. Becker Employee of the Year: Patrick Freeman
  • Above & Beyond: Victoria Walters
  • Commitment to Mission: Brian Ference
  • Relationship Champion: Alison Ligi
  • Rookie of the Year: Miles Grinnell

The event concluded with US Paralympic athlete Matthew Torres’ surprise appearance to present competitive swimming director Ellen Johnston with the Order of Ikkos. The prestigious honor is awarded by Olympic and Paralympic medalists to the coach or mentor who most influenced their success.

Ellen Johnston receives her Order of Ikkos from Matthew Torres. (Photo/Emily MacDaniel)

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Congratulations to Michael Ances!

The Staples High School graduate — and longtime Monroe Public Schools music teacher — is the district’s Teacher of the Year.

Ances — now serving as Masuk High band director — has taught in nearly every school in Monroe.

He goot his start as a 5th grade trumpet player, under the tutelage of Nick Mariconda at Saugatuck Elementary School.

Ances — who also serves as musical director and pit band conductor of the annual high school musical, and the district’s performing arts coordinator — has never forgotten his Westport roots.

In a long story in the Monroe Sun, Ances recalls playing at Radio City Music Hall with the Staples band.

And when Mariconda — who went on to lead the SHS band — retired, Ances and fellow trumpeters Andrew Wilmott and Jon Owens celebrated him with “Bugler’s Holiday, at the annual Westport Pops Concert.

Click here for the full Sun article.

Michael Ances, in the Masuk High School auditorium. (Photo courtesy of Monroe Sun)

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A great crowd celebrated the first full night of summer — and the hottest so far — at the Levitt Pavilion last night.

Dogs in a Pile got the humans dancing on the grass.

 

(Photos/Susan Garment)

There are 2 more free shows this weekend: Theo Kanel with Katie Lynn Sharbough tonight, and Frank Mastrone & Friends tomorrow.

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Westport has been mentioned in many novels, from “On the Beach” to James Comey’s thrillers.

The newest reference is “I See You’ve Called in Dead,” by John Kenney.

One character tells another that there is a hierarchy of humanity: “#1 Lesbians; #2 Gay Men.”

Then he says: “Imagine a world without us. Clothing, interior design, hair, makeup, choreography, art, theatre, food, topiary. Basically, you’d be left with the gray, ugly world of Eastern Europe during the Cold War or, worse, the soul-searching blandness of, say, greater Westport, Connecticut.”

Despite — or perhaps because of — lines like that, it’s got a 4.6 rating on Amazon. (Hat tip: Amy Schneider)

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Barn swallows fly quickly, in and out of the parking garage at the Riverside Avenue medical office complex. Every year, they nest above the lights.

Johanna Keyser Rossi caught one of the birds, in a rare still moment, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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And finally … Lou Christie died Wednesday, at his Pittsburgh home. The falsetto singer was 82.

Best known for his #1 song “Lightnin’ Strikes,” he had several other hits. His follow-up to “Lightin'” — “Rhapsody in the Rain” — was banned by many stations, due to its explicit lyrics about “making love in a storm.” (“And in this car, our love went much too far …”) You get the idea.

(It’s a hot weekend in Westport. But whatever the weather, “06880” is here — 24/7/365. If you appreciate our hyper-local coverage of our town, please click here to support our work. Thanks!

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Posted in Arts, Children, Entertainment, Environment, Staples HS, Teenagers, Weather, YMCA

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