Roundup: “Hands Off” Politics, Shonda Rhimes’ Library …

Posted on March 30, 2025 | 20 comments

Dozens of “Hands Off! Mass Mobilization” marches are planned for this Saturday (April 5).

One is planned for Westport. The event, on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge downtown, starts at 11 a.m.

Organizers say: “Donald Trump and Elon Musk think this country belongs to them. Westport is fighting back!

“They’re taking everything they can get their hands on—our health care, our data, our jobs, our services—and daring the world to stop them. This is a crisis, and the time to act is now.

“On Saturday, April 5th, we’re taking to the streets to fight back with a clear message: Hands off!”

They add: “A core principle behind all Hands Off! events is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values.”

For more information, click here.

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The walkthrough of the potential site for a combined Police/Fire/EMS public safety complex on the Sherwood Island Connector — scheduled for this Thursday, April 3 — has been canceled.

A new date will be announced soon.

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The thermometer hit 77 degrees yesterday, around 3 p.m. Compo Beach was — naturally — packed.

Barely 2 hours later, it plummeted to 49.

The exiting traffic on Hillspoint Road reminded Andrew Colabella of July.

“You’d think the fireworks just ended, and everyone was heading home,” he says.

Today’s forecast: Cloudy, with a high of 48.

Yeah, we live in New England.

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The Economist’s “Plot Twist” is a weekly newsletter about culture.

Normally, their story about Shonda Rhimes — “The Small Screen’s Biggest Hitmaker” — would not be “06880”-worthy.

Our talented, famous neighbor gets plenty of press. Probably daily.

But this paragraph, by deputy culture editor Rachel Lloyd, caught our eye:

Arranging an interview with a Hollywood bigwig … can be tricky. Usually there is an endless back-and-forth with wary publicists who want to vet all your questions. To my surprise, finding a time to meet Ms Rhimes was easy; no one tried to dictate what I could and could not ask. Ms Rhimes and I met a few weeks ago in a library near her home in Connecticut.

We all know “Ms. Rhimes” has been a huge supporter of the Westport Library.

It’s nice to know that — just like the rest of us who are not world famous, and/or will never be interviewed by The Economist — she too “takes a meeting” at the Library. (Hat tip: Stacie Curran)

In January, Shonda Rhimes hosted a Martin Luther King Day conversation with Trey Ellis at the Westport Library. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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“Theatre People” — the last show of the Westport Country Playhouse 2024-25 season — opened officially last night.

The audience responded appreciately to the fast-paced comedy. Directed by WCP artistic director Mark Shanahan, it runs through April 12. Click here for tickets, and more details.

“Theatre People” cast take their bows. (Photo/Dave Matlow)

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Tomorrow is International Transgender Day of Visibility.

Yesterday, the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport hosted an event, with speakers, a panel and a potluck dinner.

The keynote was delivered by Rev. Aaron Miller, of the Metropolitan Community Church in Hartford.

It was a homecoming of sorts, he told the audience. He grew up in Weston, and was part of Staples High School’s last graduating class (1970) to include students from that town.

He transitioned 17 years ago. He said that ever since, his life has been authentic, and filled with joy.

Rev. Aaron Miller

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There are few birds more handsome than an egret.

The other day, one enjoyed a Westport amenity: the Longshore golf course. Johanna Keyser Rossi captured the scene, for “Westport … Naturally.”

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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And finally … in honor of yesterday’s brief flirtation with summertime:

(You can’t always count on the weather. But you can always rely on “06880.” We’re here for you 24/7/365. We’re your hot spot for cool stories. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Beach, Library, Police, Politics, religion, Westport Country Playhouse

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Teens Want To Work. Teen’s “Help Wanted” Website Helps.

Posted on March 30, 2025 | Comments Off on Teens Want To Work. Teen’s “Help Wanted” Website Helps.

Back in the day, local businesses needing young workers had 2 options.

They could post “Help Wanted” signs. Or use word of mouth.

We’ve advanced quite a ways from those days. Now, stores and restaurants can … um ….

Well, at least a law firm or marketing company that needs, say, help with data input can ask an employee to put out a plea on Facebook.

Of couse, the last time a teenager was on Facebook was 2018.

Kevin Cano is not looking for a job. But the Staples High School junior is making it easy for those who are.

And for employers, looking for them.

Kevin recently launched Campus Flyer. The free website — a modern-day “Help Wanted” flyer — connects students with local jobs, and other opportunities.

The idea came after he did have difficulty finidng a summer job or internship. He realized that LinkedIn and Indeed are geared primarily toward professionals.

Kevin Cano

With his computer science and coding knowledge, he decided to build a soution for his demographic.

Available to students and employers throughout Fairfield County, Campus Flyer has already attrcted a number of teenagers.

Now it needs jobs they can fill.

 

Each user has an individual account.

Students sign up, create a profile, then have access to an Opportunity Lookup page.

It includes a search box with filters, map, and list of opportunities. Clicking on that list brings up descriptions of the job (or internship, research project,  etc.), pay (if any), and contact information.

Employers can sign up as businesses or individuals (for babysitting, etc.). They can also offer volunteer opportunities. Information includes a job description, pay, location, age requirements, etc.

The website’s design is clean and user-friendly. There are no confusing bells and whistles. It does exactly what it promises.

An easy-to-navigate Campus Flyer page.

Kevin hopes any local business, non-profit or individual, with any kind of staffing need, will sign up and post details about job, internship and volunteer opportunities.

“There are lots of talented, motivated, tech-savvy students, ready to contribute,” Kevin notes.

If they’re anything like the site’s creator, Campus Flyer is the place to find them.

(Employers and students interested in Campus Flyers: Click here, then follow the prompts. Click here for the Instagram. Questions? Email info@campusflyer.com.)

(“06880” is your hyper-local source for news you can use. We’ve been doing it — 24/7/365 — since 2009. We rely on reader support; please click here to help. Thanks!)

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Pic Of The Day #2901

Posted on March 29, 2025 | 3 comments

Saugatuck River, downtown (Photo/Michael Tomashefsky)

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Roundup: Politics, Bagels, Bridges …

Posted on March 29, 2025 | 3 comments

Connecticut Attorney General William Tong addressed the Democratic Women of Westport’s “Souper Luncheon” yesterday.

He began with his own compelling story: after working as a youngster in his immigrant parents’ Chinese restaurant, he graduated from Brown University and the University of Chicago Law School (where he took constitutional law with Professor Barack Obama). He is president-elect of the National Association of Attorneys General.

Noting that the nation is now in a constitutional crisis, Tong described the role of sovereign states in a republic; outlined the challenges ahead, and offered ways for his audience to take action.

He balanced a sober assessment of the current political climate in Washington, with an affirmation of the system of checks and balances.

William Tong, at yesterday’s Democratic Women of Westport luncheon. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Speaking of politics: Former CNN journalists (and Westport residents) Alisyn Camerota and Dave Briggs have impressive Rolodexes — er, contact lists.

The latest “A” list guest on their very insightful, educational and entertaining podcasts: David Axelrod.

Camerota and Briggs chatted with the chief strategist for, and senior advisor to, Barack Obama about the current state of American democracy, national security failures, and whether Democrats are ready to lead. Click here to see, or below.

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PopUp Bagels continues to pop up everywhere.

The Westport-based company — born during COVID as take-out only, which has since won Best Bagels awards in mighty Brooklyn, and opened stores in the Big Apple and elsewhere — has just hit double digits.

The 10th PopUp Bagels is now selling its wares (and schmears) at 57th Street and Lexington Avenue.

Over the next couple of weeks they’ll open 2 more, at 7 Penn Plaza, and Driggs Street in Williamsburg.

At this rate they’ll need an entirely new tagline.

From left: Jenn Geller, who originally drove from New York to Westport to buy PopUp Bagels; original investor Karen Elizaga; founder Adam Goldberg and his wife Jen; original investor Jay Ptashek.

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You probably expect it every time you’re on I-95, but here’s a warning: From Monday (March 31) through April 25, the state Department of Transportation will perform bridge maintenance work, from Greenwich to Exit 50 in New Haven.

There will be lane and shoulder closures northbound and southbound, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tranquil underneath. Traffic jams on top. (Photo/Dana Kuyper)

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“Theatre People” — the current Westport Country Playhouse production — is about (duh) the theater.

Tomorrow (March 30, approximately 5 p.m., following the 3 p.m. matinee), they host a Sunday Symposium on “Theater Adaptations” — plays sourced from previous materials.

Gutets include cast member Erin Noel Grennan and Paul Walsh, Yale University theatre professor and historian. Anne Keefe, former Playhouse co-artistic director and Script in Hand curator, will moderate.

The event is free, and open to the public. For more information on “Theatre People,” click here.

For the show’s trailer, click below:

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TAP Strength kicked off its “life span and health span” series recently, with a talk about “Effortless Wellness.”

TAP founder Dr. EJ Zebro and Jennifer Boyd offered tips and insights. Click here or click on below, to see what you missed.

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Ace “Westport … Naturally” photographer Lou Weinberg says: “Red-breasted mergansers are the punk rockers of the duck world. It is rumored to be the favorite bird of the Sex Pistols’ Johnny Rotten.

“They are among the fastest ducks in the world, able to fly up to 80 miles an hour. They must ‘run on water’ in order to take flight, and have serrated bills to catch and hold onto slippery fish. Because of this saw-like bill, their Latin name is mergus serrator.

“Primarily pescatarian, they are great divers. They can stay underwater for up to a minute.”

And now, without further ado, from Burying Hill Beach:

(Photo/Lou Weinberg)

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And finally … Pearl Bailey was born on this date, in 1918. The Broadway, film and TV star — and Presidential Medal of Freedom honoree — died in 1990.

(Sure, it’s the weekend. But “06880” is here, with another Roundup filled with news and information — just like every day, all year long, since 2009. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Local business, Media, Politics, Transportation, Westport Country Playhouse

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Online Art Gallery #259

Posted on March 29, 2025 | 1 comment

“06880” is “where Westport meets the world.”

And today’s online art gallery resembles (as it often does) a globe.

With artwork inspired by Alaska, Japan, China — and of course Westport — we hope to inspire all of our readers.

Wherever you are.

We hope our gallery inspires your inner artist too. We invite submissions from all “06880” readers. 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.

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

Just email a jpeg to 06880blog@gmail.com. And please include the medium you’re working in — art lovers want to know.

“O-torri Gate in Miyajima, Japan” (Caroline Walshon)

 

“Thank You, Beavers!” — Alaska (Mike Hibbard)

“Ned Dimes Marina” — watercolor (Kathleen Burke)

Photographer Peter Barlow says of this house at Avery Point, Connecticut: “Built starting in 1902, and still there. It was the home of Morton F. Plant, one of the good guys among millionaires, when he wasn’t out in one of his 100-foot schooners.”

“Male Black Winged Red Bishop” — pencil and watercolor (Steve Stein)

“Spring is Here” (June Rose Whittaker)

“Spring-y” — encaustic wax (Dorothy Robertshaw)

“The Rainbow Mountains of Gansu Province, China” — oil on canvas (Mary Madelyn Attanasio)

“Imagining a Place to Love, Far From Here” (Tom Doran)

“Irresistible Grace” (Patricia McMahon)

Unttitled (Duane Cohen)

“Lt. Gen. Thomas H. Miller (USMC) and Senator John Glenn” (Steven Parton)

Untitled (Martin Ripchick)

“The Collector” (Lawrence Weisman)

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

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Vietnam War Veterans Day: A Westporter Remembers

Posted on March 29, 2025 | 38 comments

Carl Addison Swanson reminds us that today is National Vietnam War Veterans Day.

Memorializing the date in 1973 when the last American ground troops left Vietnam, it is a day of recognition, remembrance, healing and education.

Swanson – a longtime Westport resident, Staples High School graduate, and author of books about Vietnam — has a special connection to today.

He served there.

About 2.7 million other Americans did as well. 58,000 died there.

And 300,000 of Swanson’s comrades have died since the end of the war, from exposure to Agent Orange.

Vietnam Memorial wall, in Washington.

Swanson says that according to government statistics, on any given night 40,000 veterans are homeless. Half are from the Vietnam era.

49 Westporters served in Vietnam, Swanson notes. One was a woman, Clistie Spearen, who joined the Navy after graduating from Staples in 1966. She ended up an E-9, after 20 years as a “WAVE.”

Meanwhile, a group of local women, calling themselves “Project Hope,” sent care packages to every Westporter in Vietnam each month, for over 5 years.

“Their chocolate chip cookies were legendary,” Swanson says. “It speaks to the compassion of many who chose not to protest, but to do something directly for the military personnel.”

Five Westporters never came home.

A plaque in Veterans Green, opposite Town Hall, honors their service.

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One of those 5 is Timothy Barmmer. In 2012, “06880” honored him, with this story:

The World War I and II memorials across from Town Hall are impressive.

But nearby lies a smaller, less-noticed plaque. This one salutes 5 Westporters killed in Vietnam. Timothy M. Barmmer (Marine Corps), Michael B. Paquin and Stephen A. Shortall (Army) and Frederick M. Rader III and Francis A. Walsh (Air Force) are cited for their “honorable service in Southeast Asia, in the face of uncommon adversity.”

Westport’s Vietnam Memorial, opposite Town Hall.

In January 1968 — more than a year after arriving in  Vietman — Tim Barmmer wrote to his parents in Westport:

Listen, I’m sorry I’ve waited so long, but I went to Bangkok for 7 days, and when I got back we were pretty busy.

I guess you’ve heard a lot about Khe Sanh on the news & stuff, but DON’T WORRY! I’ll be honest, we’ve been getting hit with rocket & artillery every day, & they’ve surrounded us, but if you’ve seen the support we get, you’d feel as good as I do.

We have built a bunker so good, NOTHING could get through it — believe me.

Lance Corporal Tim Barmmer

We have jets bombing the area every 15 minutes, gunships, & B52 bombers every day. Feel a little better? I have not been SCRATCHED. The American flag flies atop our hole, unscathed!

We call ourselves the “glorious untouchables” and we’ve been put in for two more medals. How about that?

I’m pretty sure they’ll be pulling us out after all this is over, ’cause we’ve lost about 40 in a month — maybe we’ll go to Okinawa or something!

Bangkok was REALLY GREAT! I’m gonna go back there some day — met some really good people there. Thailand people are really friendly & good to Americans. It was terrific R&R!

I have a lot of work to do. Take care of yourself, and remember – I AM FINE — morale is terrific, and the guys are fighting their hearts out. Keep praying as I am, and we’ll keep fighting for you.

I made TV carrying a wounded News Coresspondent down the street — look for me on CBS! How about that?

Don’t worry, please. Give my love to all, and I’ll see you in 4 1/2 months. Love you all,
Tim.

Two days later — on January 30, 1968 — Lance Corporal Timothy M. Barmmer was killed by enemy fire. He was 20 years old.

Tim Barmmer’s company.

A recon corpsman said, “He died in my arms. He died trying to get someone else in the bunker during incoming… Tim was literally throwing people in (the bunker).  Shrapnel got to him.”

Later, Tim’s parents received a letter from a woman named Viola Howes. Her son Roger had often written about Tim — his best friend, and someone who “made this place bearable.”

This time, Roger wrote about his best friend’s death. Viola wanted another mother to read Roger’s words:

Yesterday evening we were sitting in our bunker eating C rations and a rocket came in about 3 feet from it. Huck (Tim’s nickname), Doc, Mac and Zeke were outside heating chow. Huck tried to push them in like the big stupid loveable guy he was and took the blast and was killed instantly. The other 3 are in serious condition and sent back to the States.

My God, what a dear friend we’ve lost, Huck was big and big hearted, he could be gruff yet gentle. We loved him like a brother and he left an impression that could never be forgotten. Everyone in our company could not help but like him. He was first to help a new guy coming in. He was the first one to welcome me here. This place can never be the same without him.

God has some purpose in it I know, but Oh God, we will miss him. Could you do me a very great favor and have a Mass said for Huck. His name is Timothy Barmmer. Thanks Mom, so much.”

Timothy Barmmer’s name is engraved on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, DC. It’s panel 35E, Row 65.

His name lives forever, too, in the much smaller — but no less significant — Vietnam veterans’ plaque opposite Town Hall, right here in Tim Barmmer’s hometown.

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Pic Of The Day #2900

Posted on March 28, 2025 | 1 comment

Saugatuck Rowing Club, back on the water (Photo/Mary Foss-Skiftesvik)

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Scarice Offers Update: Calendar, Smartphones, Security, AI

Posted on March 28, 2025 | 4 comments

Superintendent of Schools Thomas Scarice offers updates on a recommendation to move the last day of school, phone-free school environments, security plans, and a strategic vision for AI.  

Last Student Day
With 1 snow day this winter, and snow season likely behind us, our last student day is scheduled for June 16.

Given that the district schedules 182 student days, while the state mandates only 180, I recommend that the Board of Education reduce the student calendar by 1 day (to 181), and make Monday, June 16 a faculty-only work day, ending the student school year on Friday, June 13.  The Board is asked to take action to approve this recommendation at their April 3 meeting.

Smartphone/Wearable Technology Update
Last June, I recommended restricting access to smartphones and wearable technology during the school day, across all grade levels.

While this approach is solidly in place for grades K-8, we have maintained the current system at Staples High School (allowing limited access during non-instructional periods), as we evaluate our next steps.

This fall, I engaged with all Staples faculty in small group department meetings to gather their input. While some opinions varied, a strong majority supported moving toward greater restrictions on smartphone use, including a full ban during the school day.

Classroom smartphone holder.

In November, Wilton High School implemented a full smartphone ban. At that point, I slowed down our process so that we could observe and learn.  Their experience, and a site visit by our team in February, has provided us with valuable insights to consider before finalizing any changes in our district.

This morning, I provided the Board of Education with a comprehensive update.  In this update I outline a series of feedback mechanisms for the Staples community (i.e., anonymous online survey for Staples parents, students and faculty from April 7-25), and for the entire K-12 school community (i.e.m moderated community conversation on May 6 at 7:30 p.m., location TBD).

These opportunities, along with Staples student feedback sessions facilitated by principal Stafford Thomas, and a comprehensive summary of the research on the impacts of student cell phone use and cell phone restriction policies on student outcomes, will be provided to the Board of Education before any final recommendations are approved.

All Staples parents/guardians are encouraged to participate in the survey between April 7 and 225. All WPS parents are encouraged to attend the Board of Ed community conversation on May 6. It will be moderated by former Westport educator and former RTM moderator Velma Heller.

It is anticipated that the Board of Education will contemplate this recommendation at a meeting in May or June.

Screenagers:  Elementary School Edition
On this note, Westport Together will host a screening of  “Screenagers: Elementary School Age Edition” on April 8 (7 p.m., Long Lots Elementary School). ⁠

The newest release from the popular “Screenagers” documentary film series, it addresses issues that elementary school kids, parents and educators face, i.e., smartwatches in class, disconnecting from and monitoring video gaming, social media pressures, exposure too young, and what research shows is a healthy amount of screen time. The film offers many solutions to these and other challenges. ⁠Register at: bit.ly/screenagerswestport 

Updates to District Security Plans
Following the unspeakable tragedy of Sandy Hook, the district undertook a comprehensive evaluation of security plans for our schools in.

An update was warranted. The evaluation was completed this school year. Recommendations will be presented to the Board of Education later this spring in executive session, which is confidential and not live streamed.

It is critically important that the security plans and discussions remain confidential to avoid compromising the safety of our schools. I share this information so that our school community can be confident that this continues to be a priority of our school district, and is regularly reviewed to ensure the highest levels of safety and security for our students and staff.

A Bold Strategic Vision for AI in the WPS
A couple of months ago I presented a bold recommendation to the Board of Education: to position the Westport Public Schools as a national leader in public education’s artificial intelligence revolution.

Since that time, the Westport Public Schools was selected to be one of only 7 districts in the states to participate in an AI pilot program this year. A number of parents and community members have reached out to my office to offer their expertise and support in advancing this vision, and a team of 30+ WPS educators have offered their time to develop a district-wide plan for AI in our schools.

With the priority of maintaining the humanity in our schools, and augmenting, not replacing, the work of our educators, we continue to move forward with plans that clearly articulate a vision that addresses AI and the student, AI and the teacher, ethical considerations, and an effort to “future-proof” our schools.

I look forward to returning with more information and updates.

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Friday Flashback #443

Posted on March 28, 2025 | 9 comments

Once upon a time, people smoked cigarettes.

Not everyone — but pretty close.

News anchors smoked on TV. Doctors recommended their favorite brands, in ads.

There were “smoking sections” on planes.

And everywhere, there were matches. After all, those cigarettes didn’t light themselves.

You picked them up at restaurants, stores and banks. They were free — and free marketing for businesses.

Some people collected matchbook covers. Most are long gone.

But not Peggy Lehn’s.

She kept them, all these years. They’re from all over the world.

Recently, she shared them with me. The matchbooks from Daytona, San Francisco and Hong Kong were interesting.

The ones from Westport were much more intriguing.

Some advertised memorable restaurants. There’s a hometown bank, a drugstore — and 3 places that are still around.

Do these memories “light up” your day? Click “Comments” below.

(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: Lynsey Addario, LA Dodgers, Levitt Pavilion …

Posted on March 28, 2025 | 2 comments

Yesterday’s Roundup reported that the Planning & Zoning Commission would review The Hamlet at Saugatuck on March 31. That agenda item has been canceled.

It will be discussed again at the P&Z’s April 7 meeting (Zoom and http://www.westportct.gov).

Meanwhile, the Board of Education meets April 3 (7 p.m., Staples cafeteria; livestreamed on www.westportct.gov).

The agenda includes the proposed new master schedule for Staples High School; the 2025-26 and 2026-27 district calendars, and a second reading of board policies regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act.

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Wednesday’s New York Times’ front-page photo of a sick child in Ukraine — and nearly a dozen more, over a 2-page spread — were shot by Lynsey Addario.

The Pulitzer Prize and MacArthur “genius grant” winner — and 1991 Staples graduate — also supplied the text and interviews accompanying each photo.

Addario has traveled to Ukraine many times from her London base. She has reported from hot spots around the world, and written a memoir called “It’s What I Do: A Photographer’s Life of Love and War.” (Hat tip: Stacie Curran)

Lynsey Addario’s photo, on page 1 of Wednesday’s New York Times.

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15 current Representative Town Meeting members, and 1 former moderator, joined in the semi-annual RTM lunch yesterday, at Capuli.

The informal gathering celebrated the Great Westport Soup Contest. Guests chose lentil soup or Chowder (along with a sandwich).

Voting in the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce contest ends Monday (March 31). Click here for details.

Soup’s on for the RTM, at Capuli.

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Ben Casparius picked up yesterday where he left off last fall.

The 2017 Staples High School grad — who became only the second pitcher in baseball history to make his first-ever MLB start in a World Series — pitched 1 inning of relief, int he Los Angeles Dodgers’ 5-4 win over the Detroit Tigers.

Casparius — who was picked 5th in the 2021 draft, out of the University of Connecticut — allowed 1 hit, struck out 1, and walked 1.

It was the season opener, at home, for the reigning champs.

Ben Casparius

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The Levitt Pavilion has just announced 2 new summer shows.

Michael Franti & Sprearhead — with opening act Allen Stone — are set for July 13 (5 p.m.).

Franti — also an activist, hotel owner (Soulshine Bali) and award-winning filmmaker — is renowned for his high-energy live shows, inspiring music, devotion to health and wellness, worldwide philanthropic efforts and the power of optimism. Click here for tickets, and more information.

Dogs in a Pile — the funk/jazz/rock/psychedelic quintet from Asbury Park, New Jersey — perform free on June 20 (7:30 p.m.). Click here to reserve a ticket.

Meanwhile, tickets are on sale for previously announced shows, including Pigeons Playing Ping Pong & the Infamous Stringdusters with Melt (June 1), Umphrey’s McGee (July 11) and I’m With Her, with Ken Pomeroy. Click here for tickets, and more information.

Michael Franti

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Westport firefighters responded yesterday afternoon to a motor vehicle crash on I-95 southbound near Exit 19.

Both a tractor trailer and pick-up truck were located down an embankment. The truck was heavily damaged, and partially underneath the tractor trailer, on its roof.

Firefighters from Westport and Fairfield brought the injured occupant up the embankment, using a basket and rope.

Tractor-trailer, on top of pickup truck.

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The kudos keep coming for the Staples High School boys basketball team.

The FCIAC champions have just won something else:  the Harold Swaffield Award.

It’s voted on by the Fairfield County Board of Approved Baksetball Officials, and is presented to a team that demonstrated a consistent level of good sportsmanship.

In addition, 2 Wreckers — junior Sam Clachko and senior Adam Udell– have been named to the All-State 1st and 2nd teams, respectively.

Congrats to all!

Good sportsmanship is not just for “losers.” The best team in the FCIAC also won a sportsmanship trophy.

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The Whiffenpoofs — “the world’s oldest and best-known collegiate a cappella group” — make the short trip from Yale University on April 12.

Their 5 p.m. concert at Christ & Holy Trinity Church includes a mixture of old tunes, jazz standards, and other hits from across the decades.

Tickets are $65, $55, $45, and $20 for anyone under 18. Click here to purchase. Some tickets may be available at the door.

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Front Row Seating $65 | Preferred Adult $55 and General Admission Adult $45 | General Children (18 and under) $20. Tickets available via our QR code. Tickets may be purchased at the door on the day subject to availability. Doors open at 4.30pm.

The Sorelle Gallery’s next show, featuring landscape paintings by Bri Custer, opens April 5. Light refreshments will be available.

The plein air painter explores perception, memory and color through the New England landscape. Her works will be displayed through April 26.

Bri Custer, with her work.

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In late March, these tree branches on Rayfield Road are bare.

Soon — like so many other “Westport … Naturally” scenes — they will look dramatically different.

Any day now …

(Photo/Jerry Kuyper)

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And, speaking of “any day now” (item above):

(Any day now, you can support “06880.” Why not today?! Just click here, to make your tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)

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