Roundup: Parkinson’s Programs, Levitt Pavilion, Old School Revue …

Posted on July 5, 2025 | 3 comments

The Westport Center for Senior Activities offers a number of wellness programs.

Three are dedicated specifically to support people living with Parkinson’s. They include:

  • Boxing: A high-energy class to improve balance and coordination, taught by fitness instructor and boxer Dan Lewis. Thursdays, 2-3 p.m.; July 10-September 25. $60.
  • Fitness: A movement-based fitness program to enhance strength, flexibility and mobility, taught by fitness instructor Beth Dalen. First 3 Wednesdays of each month, 10:15-11 a.m.; July 9-September 24.
  • Support Group: Guided discussions offering emotional support, shared experiences and practical strategies for living with Parkinson’s. Guest speakers address specific topics. The group is facilitated by nurse Diane Bosch. 10:15-11 a.m.; July 23, August 27, September 24.

To learn more, call assistant director Holly Betts (203-341-5096) or program specialist Joe Anastasi (203-341-1066).

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Free entertainment is on tap this weekend, at the Levitt Pavilion.

Early Clover — the former Coasters’ lead singer and Apollo favorite pays tribute to Marvin Gaye, Sam Cooke, Nat King Cole, Otis Redding and more tonight (Saturday, 7:30 p.m.).

Tomorrow it’s Jake Swamp & the Pine, with Kali Stoddard-Imari (Sunday, 6:30 p.m.). Songs range from acoustic anthems to hoedowns to waltzes, drawing on influences from folk, bluegrass and pop.

Free ticket information, details, and upcoming show information is available here.

The holiday weekend kicked off last night with Desert Highway, an Eagles tribute band.

Desert Highway with Freda Welsh and Carleigh Welsh (center) on the Levitt Pavilion stage. (Photo/Sean Bemand)

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Speaking of shows: The Old School Revue All-Stars have a great reputation. So does the Weston History & Culture Center’s “Music at the Barn” outdoor summer concert series.

So the band’s appearance on Sunday, July 13 (5:30 p.m.) should be an extra-special evening. They’ll play classic R&B, rock, soul, jazz and swing tunes.

Current and former members have toured and/or recorded with Steely Dan, the Average White Band, Joe Cocker, Bob Dylan, Jose Feliciano, Tower of Power, Hall & Oates, the Blues Brothers, Rolling Stones and Aretha Franklin.

Bring a lawn chair, and a picnic (no food truck). Tickets are $15 for members, $20 for non-members; purchase here or at the show.

Old School Revue All-Stars

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Marina Drasnin — the photographer and artist who left Los Angeles for Westport after the wildfires, and was featured recently in “06880” — is this month’s guest exhibitor at the Westport Book Shop.

She’ll show her very personal and evocative collection, “ad-DRESSING-life,” featuring her hand-beaded and story-imbued miniature dresses. Each one represents a meditation on love, loss and memory, created during her husband’s 5-year battle with illness.

Marina studied at the Sorbonne. Her work has been exhibited in galleries in Boston, Los Angeles and Paris.

A reception is set for July 16 (6 to 7:30 p.m.).

Meanwhile, the Book Shop’s Short Story Book Club meets July 24 (6 p.m.) to discuss “A Cup fo Cold Water” by Edith Wharton (1895) and “Paul’s Case” by Willa Cather (1905).

Registration is required. Call 203-349-5141, or email RSVP@westportbooksaleventures.org.

Marina Drasnin, at the Westport Book Shop.

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Red, white and blue is everywhere.

Including — on the steeple, and a flag — Assumption Church.

Work has been going on there for a while. But this weekend, it really catches your eye.

(Photo/Janine Scotti)

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Thursday’s wind storm was brief, but powerful.

Especially at Robin Frank’s house. Two umbrellas on metal poles nearly crashed through the kitchen window while she was making dinner.

This one — reaching the second floor — was especially scary:

(Photo/Robin Frank)

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Leslie Byelas — a noted lawyer, and former assistant US Attorney in Connecticut — died Wednesday in hospice care, at his Fairfield home. He was 88.

The Bridgeport native received an undergraduate degree in 1958 and a law degree in 1961, both from Boston University. He served in Connecticut’s Office of the Judge Advocate, and the US Army Reserve.

Les had a longtime legal practice in Westport.  He retired in 2020, after 59 years in the profession.

In addition to his wife Ellen Lubell, Les is survived by his sons Michael and Jonathan, stepdaughter Karina Lubell, sister Ruth Byelas, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Amy Bloom and Bill Mainor, grandchildren Tristan Mareuil and Axel Mareuil,  and several nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions may be made to Planned Parenthood of Southern New England, the Connecticut Food Bank, and Connecticut Humane Society.

Les Byelas

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We get lots of sunset photos at “06880.”

But Cabry Lueker’s image of Burying Hill Beach is particularly compelling, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Cabry Lueker)

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And finally … although he’s performed it before, I don’t know if Early Clover will include this song tonight at the Levitt Pavilion (story above).

Still, as long as I’ve got a chance to post a video of this beautiful classic, I’ll take it.

(“06880” always stands by you. And we hope you’ll stand by your hyper-local blog. Just click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Arts, Entertainment, Local business, Obituaries, religion, Weather

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Online Art Gallery #273

Posted on July 5, 2025 | Comments Off on Online Art Gallery #273

Sure, it’s a holiday weekend.

But our online art gallery is open. In fact, we never close!

Another fact: This feature is open to all. Age, level of experience, subject matter — there are no restrictions. Everyone can contribute.

And as always, no matter 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.

John Fernie drew these New Yorkers arriving at Compo Beach for a vacation in the late 1950s, for what his son Bruce — who sent it to us — calls “a long-forgotten magazine.” The original hangs in Bruce’s home, reminding him of “those great childhood beach days on the Sound.”

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

“Wonderful Jazz at the Levitt” (Judith Katz)

Untitled (Roseann Spengler)

“Blooming Flowers”– impasto gold leaf on wood (Dorothy Robertshaw; Available for purchase — click here)

“Dragon Flies” — 28 x 22, acrylic foil on canvas (Brian Whelan — Available for purchase; click here)

“Flowerful Thoughts” (Tom Doran — Available for purchase; click here)

“Beware: Rorschach Ratpor Spotted Above Compo Beach” (Steve Stein)

“Upward Roots” (Jamie Walsh)

“Hat’s On to this Beautiful Peruvian Woman” (Mike Hibbard)

“Summer Time” (Cohl Katz)

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

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Old Homes Are New Again

Posted on July 5, 2025 | 11 comments

The median sale price of a Westport home is climbing toward $2 million.

The cost of new builds is even higher.

Which is why the appeal of older homes — those with “good bones” and timeless charm — has never been higher.

Our friends at KMS Team at Compass say that a growing number of buyers are bypassing new construction, in favor of the town’s historic and vintage homes.

There are several reasons.

One is affordability and value. Buyers get more space, character and land for their investment, compared to new builds.

This Clapboard Hill Road property includes the original home, and an expansion. Perimeter trees ensure privacy, on the corner of Greens Farms Road.

With a recent increase in housing inventory, and homes staying on the market for an average of 45 days, buyers have more choices and negotiating power than in recent years.

Purchasing an older home can mean a lower property tax basis too — especially if the assessed value is less than a comparable new build.

This translates into significant savings over time, making historic properties even more attractive to price-conscious buyers.

Architectural character and historic charm are considerations as well. Homes in historic districts like Kings Highway North and Old Hill — where they date back to the 19th, even 18th, centuries — feature original woodwork, wide-plank floors and hand-crafted mantels — that are difficult (and costly) to replicate today.

Iconic properties like the Allen and John Osborn Houses showcase enduring craftsmanship and unique design that help define Westport’s architectural heritage.

The John Osborn House – the oldest home in Westport, located on Long Lots Road — took years to restore. It is believed to have been built between 1683 and 1687.  (Photo by Larry Untermeyer)

Many of Westport’s older homes are situated on larger lots, with mature trees and landscaping.

They’re often in walkable, established neighborhoods close to the Saugatuck River, downtown and beaches. They offer a sense of community and history that new subdivisions often lack.

Of course, some historic homes need “rehabilitation.” Owners may qualify for Conncticut’s Historic Homes Rehabilitation Tax Credit, which covers up to 30% of qualified expenses (to $30,000).

The home must be a primary residence with a historic designation, and the project must meet certain criteria.

Restoring a historic Westport home — from updating kitchens and bathrooms to restorin original features — means blending modern comfort with classic style.

The rewards are personal. But they also contribute to the town’s legacy.

Today that appeals to homebuyers in Westport of all ages, and from here and far.

(You can see some of those historic, restored properties on our 3rd annual “Historic Homes Tour,” sponsored by “06880” and KMS Team at Compass. The date is November 2. Details will be announced soon.)

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Posted in Local business, Real estate

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Pic Of The Day #2998

Posted on July 4, 2025 | Comments Off on Pic Of The Day #2998

Downtown colors (Photo/Connor Kilbourn)

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Friday Flashback #457

Posted on July 4, 2025 | 4 comments

Westport loves Independence Day.

Our fireworks are the biggest, best and most fun party of the year. Nearly the entire town turns out.

We think we’re pretty cool.

But our forefathers (and foremothers) knew how to celebrate too.

Tom Lowrie was not around in 1876 (though, born on July 3, 1928, he missed it by only 52 years).

Yet he found this very intriguing news story from The Westporter. Published 4 days after the big centennial anniversary, it gives a vivid description of a very memorable day.

Why a 38-gun salute, and 38 young ladies dressed in white?

That was the number of states in the Union, 149 years ago today.

(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: Tom Lowrie, Spotted Lanternflies, Wegmans …

Posted on July 4, 2025 | 9 comments

Happy 97th birthday, Tom Lowrie!

Family members and friends gathered yesterday at his Greens Farms home, to celebrate the longtime resident and civic volunteer.

Rotarians, pickleball players, town officials and others offered best wishes, traded stories, and said “thank you” to one of Westport’s most admired citizens.

Tom Lowrie (Photo/Andrew Colabella)

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Spotted lanternflies are back.

Johanna Keyser Rossi “spotted” at least 10 nymphs the other day, walking along the railing on top of the Riverwalk bridge.

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

Soon, she says, they will be everywhere.

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This week — just in time for the holiday’s heavy pedestrian and bike traffic — the new solar-powered crossing signals went live, on Compo Road South near Longshore and Compo Parkway.

Let’s hope it helps people crossing the street. And helps drivers slow down!

(Photo/Tracy Porosoff)

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Speaking of the fireworks: We can’t say it often, or strongly, enough — but our Parks & Recreation Department staff rocks.

After working tirelessly to make our celebration a success — from parking, to picking up garbage throughout the long day — members of the maintenance crew did not take a break.

The moment the last flare faded, and folks began leaving Compo, the guest services and maintenance crews swung into action.

By 5 a.m., the beach was pristine. You’d never that 10,000 people had picnicked, partied, drank and danced just 7 hours earlier.

It’s an astonishing, herculean job — and they do it every year.

Thanks to all who helped, to their supervisors, and to Parks & Rec director Erik Barbieri.

Now it’s up to the rest of us to keep Compo looking good, and trash-free.

Just after dawn, the day after the fireworks. Photo/Andrew Colabella

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The Point to Point Swim — one of Westport’s oldest, most popular and important maritime events — returns to Compo Beach on July 20.

The 46th annual 1-mile open water  charity race draws swimmers from the tri-state area, and throughout New England.

All proceeds go to the Westport Weston Family YMCA’s aquatics safety program, including swim lessons.

Top finishers earn prizes. The fee ($60 now, $75 day of the race) includes a swim cap, t-shirt and timing chip. Click here for more details, and registration.

The Point-to-Point course.

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The Democratic Town Committee meets July 15 (7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium) to officially nominate their candidates for town boards and commissons, in November’s election.

The session is open to the public. However, only DTC members can vote.

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Sure, it’s in Norwalk.

But Westporters have been getting flyers announcing the opening of the new Wegmans.

The 92,000-square foot store opens July 23 at 675 Connecticut Avenue, near Richards Avenue.

Shoppers who know the grocery-and-more chain from outlets in 8 Northeastern states rave about it.

Westporters will surely check it out. Will they shop there regularly?

And if the do, will Wegmans eat Stew Leonard’s — our own, smaller local icon — lunch?

Stay tuned! (Hat tip: Jonathan Alloy)

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Yesterday evening’s brief — but strong — winds downed at least one tree, and with it utility wires.

It was, appropriately, on Timber Lane.

(Photo/Celia Campbell-Mohn)

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Interested in collecting art — but clueless about where to start? Experienced, but eager to know more?

MoCA CT is presenting a series of panel discussions on the topic. They’re designed for a broad audience, from complete newcomers to seasoned collectors.

The next session — “Building and Managing Your Collection” — is July 10 (5:30 p.m.). Click here to register.

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What do you get when a night heron meets a heron sculpture?

You get today’s intriguing “Westport … Naturally” feature, direct from Burritts Landing:

(Photo/Ellen Bowen)

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And finally … Happy Birthday, America!

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Posted in Beach, Environment, Local business, Local politics, YMCA

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Happy 249th Birthday, America!

Posted on July 4, 2025 | 32 comments

And here’s to the next 249!

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Posted in Politics

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Pics Of The Day #2997

Posted on July 3, 2025 | Comments Off on Pics Of The Day #2997

Westport’s 10u all star team earned a 5-4 walkoff win againt Trumbull in the Little League district tournament last night. Then they celebrated together at the Compo Beach fireworks. (Photo/Rick Lane)

One other cool look at the colorful show … (Photo/Joanne Precouri)

… plus the view from Old Mill. (Photo/Sue Pfister)

 

What a night!

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Remembering Bruce Beinfield

Posted on July 3, 2025 | 6 comments
Bruce Beinfield — a 1970 Staples High School graduate and noted architect, who designed many iconic local homes and buildings — died last Friday. He was 73, and had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

The son of Marjorie and Dr. Malcolm Beinfield, a renowned surgeon, he was raised in Westport, then headed west. Bruce graduated from the University of Colorado – Boulder, then earned a master’s of architecture with honors from the University of Colorado – Denver.

It was there that he discovered how architecture could channel and create emotional energy; where he obtained a Colorado ID that he carried in his wallet until his last day, and where he became a lifetime Colorado Buffs fan.

In 1983 Bruce and his wife Kathleen moved to Rowayton. That same year, he founded Beinfield Architecture.

Bruce Beinfield

His obituary says, “He devoted his life to harnessing architecture to make a positive impact on his community. He did not design merely for convenience or efficiency, but for people and context, using architecture to honor the traditions, rituals and mythology of a place.”

Norwalk, particularly Rowayton and South Norwalk, was the greatest beneficiary of his vision. Most recently, he dedicated his efforts to redesigning Darien’s Corbin District.

Bruce designed hundreds of homes, offices, apartment buildings and museums. Beinfield Architecture has received more than 100 design awards, including 44 AIA awards. He drew and designed nearly to the end of his life, includng the conversion of The Mill, on Richmondville Avenue, into condominiums.

His family says, “He was funny, creative, expansive and he always thought for himself. He was often a man of few words, but when he spoke, people listened. He loved Pink Floyd, clams and rare cheeseburgers. He loved his family, gardening, nature, his home, his rituals and the life he built for himself. His work will forever be his greatest passion, and the world is more beautiful because of it.”

Bruce is survived by his wife Carol; children Alex, Carolyn and Suzanne, and their spouses; 7 grandchildren; sisters Harriet and Liz; his first wife, Kathleen; and a beloved community of extended family and friends. He was predeceased by his sister Lynn.

A memorial service will be held at The Platform SoNo on July 20th (4 p.m.)

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Roundup: Farmers’ Market, Staples Soccer, Garden Club …

Posted on July 3, 2025 | 3 comments

The Westport Farmers’ Market Young Shoots photo contest has begun.

Photgraphers ages 5-18 can take shots every Thursday (like today!), from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Imperial Avenuue parking lot. The deadline is August 8.

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

Here’s one of the first entries. It’s from Fielden Brelsford, in the 5-9-year-old category.

Fielden sets a high standard. Let’s see what you’ve got!

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Staples High School athletic director VJ Sarullo has named Liam Witham as the 5th permanent head coach in Staples boys soccer 67-year history.

He succeeds Russell Oost-Lievense, whose contract was not renewed by superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice.

The London native played competitively for 15 years before transitioning to coaching, while pursuing his degree in sports fitness and coaching. He holds multiple respected soccer coaching certifications.

Following his playing career, he coached at the premier club FC Westchester and the University of Mount Saint Vincent. He also founded a private training organization.

Sarullo says, “Staples High School is proud to welcome Coach Witham to the Wrecker family. Throughout the interview process, Coach Witham distinguished himself with his genuine passion for working with student-athletes, his commitment to their growth both on and off the field and his clear vision for the future of our program. His leadership will build both immediate progress and sustained success.  I look forward to working with Coach Witham in the years ahead.”

Liam Witham

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There was a lot going on at Compo Beach yesterday.

Visitors might be forgiven if they didn’t notice how nice the entrance looked.

But it didn’t just happen. Westport Garden Club volunteers were hard at work, making sure that fireworks-goers — and everyone who follows this holiday weekend — is greeted grandly.

(Photo courtesy of Kelle Ruden)

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While Westporters were flocking to the Compo fireworks yesterday, Weston’s Jolantha stayed home.

For one thing, she didn’t have a ticket.

For another, she’s a cement pig — not very mobile.

For a third, she was getting decked out in her 4th of July finery.

Now she can celebrate in style.

(Photo/Hans Wilhelm)

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A reminder: Our 11th annual “06880” blog party is 2 weeks away.

The date is Thursday, July 17. We’ll gather at 6 p.m. at Compo Beach — specifically, alcohol-is-okay South Beach, by the trees (by the kayak launch).

Bring your own food, beverages (no glass bottles!), beach chairs and blankets.

It’s a true community gathering – a chance to meet and mingle with the diverse “06880” community (both online and real). It’s fun, un-fancy, and free!

We extend a special welcome to all new “06880” readers. And those who have never come to our bash. See you there!

See you at the blog party! (Photo/JC Martin)

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A few yards from where we gather for our blog party, Ned Dimes Marina is at full capacity.

But — as today’s “Westport … Naturally” image shows — there is plenty of room if you’re not a boat.

(Photo/Nikki Gorman)

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And finally … FUN FACT: We are now closer to the year 2050 than to 2000.

Which brings to mind:

(In the year 2525, “06880” may or may not be around. But to make sure we’re here in 2026, please click here. Thanks for your contribution!)

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Posted in Beach, Children, Environment, Sports, Staples HS, Weston

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