Brief showers chased away some of the midday crowd, at yesterday’s 2nd annual Soundview Summer Stroll.
But the folks who were there before noon — and the ones who came (or returned) after the quick rain — had a great time.
The beach exit road was closed to cars. So kids and parents (and people without children) enjoyed a relaxed amble up and down the street.
There were fit 20somethings on Rollerblades, and youngsters on bikes. One woman said, “This is the first time I didn’t worry about him riding in Westport.”
Four bands and one solo artist played for 7 hours. Rock, funk, alt, disco, new wave, pop, classics … Owen Daniel, Deep Valley Road & Friends, Core, Not My Problem and Rock Paper Soul covered it all, perched on a porch.
(Photo/Dan Woog)
Old Mill Grocery by Romanacci served up plenty of pizzas, and hundreds of gelatos.
At the end of Soundview, kids painted rocks, got their faces painted, threw water balloons, mugged in a photo booth — and chalked the street.
The Soundview Summer Stroll is a gift to the town, from “06880” and the Compo Beach Improvement Association.
Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department offered invaluable help. So did music director Dana Gordon, volunteers who helped with children’s activities, and organizers Kristin Mott Purcell and Sunil Hirani.
“You should do this every Sunday!” one woman said.
Well … it’s quite an undertaking. But we’re already looking forward to next year’s Soundview Summer Stroll.
We will try to pick a date with better weather.
People and dogs enjoy the Soundview Summer Stroll …
… and a child …
… and politicians too.
Music from Deep Valley Road & Friends …
… and Owen Daniel.
Yours truly, in the photo booth.
Rock painting …
… and rocks on the seawall. Pick yours up today! (Photo/Jay Petrow)
One more crowd shot.
Chalk it up to a great experience. (All photos/Luca Caniato unless otherwise noted)
Everyone knew that the whimsical image — hard to describe, so click here to see — in our Photo Challenge came from Sherwood Mill Pond, between the 2 sets of tidal gates.
Andrew Colabella, Chris Swan, Seth Schachter, Karen Como, Micheal Simso, Tom Feeley and Dana Kuyper nailed it.
Though none of them offered an explanation of who put those things there.
Today’s Photo Challenge is more straightforward (though also a bit odd).
If you know where in Westport you’d see this, click “Comments” below.
(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!)
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!)
Posted onJuly 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)
Comments Off on Soundview Summer Stroll Is On Today!
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:
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)
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.
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.
Posted onJuly 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!)
Click here to help support “06880” via credit card or PayPal. Any amount is welcome, appreciated — and tax-deductible! Reader contributions keep this blog going. (Alternate methods: Please send a check to “06880”: PO Box 744, Westport, CT 06881. Or use Venmo: @blog06880. Or Zelle: dwoog@optonline.net. Thanks!)
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