Roundup: College Admissions, Corky Laing, Fashionably Westport …

Posted on March 8, 2026 | 2 comments

The Staples High School Counseling Department works hard to encourage students and families to look beyond rankings and “prestige” when considering college, focusing instead on fit, engagement and long-term outcomes.

Last week, a large Westport Library audience heard a nationally recognized education expert emphasize those same ideas.

Jeff Selingo — the author of “Dream School: Finding the Fit That’s Right For You” — made several key points.

He noted that although the average acceptance rate across US colleges hovers around 65%, competition feels more intense than ever. Among the reasons: Students are more willing to travel longer distances to attend “name brand” colleges; it has become much easier to apply to a larger number of schools, and families increasingly see admission to a highly selective college as an “insurance policy” for the future.

Families often approach the admissions process as something that can be carefully optimized, with the right strategy. Selingo said that this often smacks into the reality of holistic admissions, where there is limited transparency about exactly what colleges look for. At the most selective schools, even highly accomplished students compete with thousands of similarly strong applicants from across the country.

Selingo emphasized that long-term outcomes depend less on where a student goes, and more on what they do once they arrive. He encouraged families to look for colleges that provide strong first-year support, opportunities for mentorship with faculty, access to experiential learning such as internships, co-ops or undergraduate research, and strong return on investment.

He also encouraged students to build balanced college lists — and think carefully about why they want to attend college in the first place. When visiting campuses, he suggested taking time to observe the culture, visit academic departments, and look beyond surface impressions to see how students actually engage with the community.

Before the presentation, Selingo met with Staples counselors for a professional development conversation about current trends in higher education and the admissions landscape.

Jeff Selingo (2nd from right), with Staples High counselors.

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Meanwhile, was not another manic Monday at the Westport Library.

Instead, it was a fulfilling Friday.

Bangles co-founder Susanna Hoffs — who also had a thriving career as a solo performer, and published a novel (“This Bird Has Flown”) — had a spirited and insightful conversation with former CNN journalist (and rock memoirist) Alisyn Camerota. and performed.

Hoffs said she’s still “living inside a dream” of music. She’s stretching that obsession into fiction and new songs rather than arena tours. She added that growing up as the daughter of a psychoanalyst and an artist made it natural to talk through the emotional toll of sudden fame.

Among the audience members: former Talking Heads musicians.

It was an early part of VersoFest. The Library’s annual music/media and more celebration kicks into full gear March 26 (click here for details). (Hat tips: Susan Garment, Allan Siegert)

Susanna Hoffs (left) and Alisyn Camerota. (Photo/Susan Garment)

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Speaking of music: Corky Laing is no stranger to Westport.

The legendary drummer for Mountain has played here before. He was a frequent guest of music executive Terry Coen and his wife Gail, at their Soundview Drive home.

Can’t quite place Mountain? They’re the “Mississippi Queen” band.

And Laing provided the iconic cowbell intro.

He returns April 11 (7 p.m., VFW Post 399), this time as a special guest with Ten$Grand Band.

Tickets are just $20. The show will sell out soon. Click here to purchase.

Corky Laing

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“Fashionably Westport” is one of the hottest tickets on the local events calendar.

The Westport Downtown Association-sponsored evening is a benefit for Homes with Hope. It features an actual runway, with models everyone can relate to — because they’re friends and neighbors. (Spoiler alert: One of them will be yours truly.)

The evening includes a great silent auction. The WDA is finalizing the items now. If you’re a business looking to contribute to a great cause — or an individual with a second home to offer, a connection to Broadway or sports or other entertainment, or have something unique to donate — click here.

This year’s show is April 25 (7 p.m. Westport Library). Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Has the snow finally ended?

There was plenty of rain this past week. Not wonderful … but a welcome break from the long winter.

John Maloney snapped this wet shot, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” series.

(Photo/John Maloney)

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And finally … In honor of Corky Laing and Mountain (story above):

(From here to Mississippi — and everywhere else — “06880” is where Westport meets the world. If you enjoy this hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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UnPlastic Westport: Focus On … Your Kitchen

Posted on March 8, 2026 | 9 comments

Earlier this year, “06880” introduced Sustainable Westport’s newest project: “UnPlastic Westport.”

The initiative aims to reduce single-use plastics, and expand water-filling stations around town. The goal is to “turn shared intention into measurable, community-wide change.”

Once a month, we’ll help them highlight an area of daily life where single-use plastic is most common, along with practical ideas to use. This month, we focus on a space filled with plastic: the kitchen.

Walk into almost any Westport kitchen, and you’ll find plastic.

It’s what you flip pancakes with, wrap leftovers with — it’s even in your morning coffee.

Because plastic is so quiet and convenient, we’ve let it become part of the family.

But this guest has overstayed its welcome. It is leaching into our lives.

Glass products, and a reusable produce bag.

The kitchen is uniquely powerful because of frequent daily use. A small change can have a big impact. A single swap — repeated hundreds of times a year — can significantly reduce waste and exposure.

Focus on High-Impact Swaps

Rather than attempting a fully plastic-free lifestyle, focus on a few changes that deliver outsized benefits:

Stop Heating Food in Plastic: Microwaving or reheating food in plastic containers can release microscopic particles and chemicals  into food. Switching to glass or ceramic containers is one of the simplest and most impactful upgrades.

Wrap and Store Food Differently: Plastic wrap and disposable baggies are among the most frequently discarded kitchen items. Beeswax wraps, reusable silicone bags and glass storage containers provide durable alternatives that last for years.

Which wrapping and storage products will you choose?

Upgrade Everyday Cooking Tools: Plastic utensils and cutting boards gradually wear down through heat, friction and cleaning. Wooden, bamboo or stainless steel tools reduce microplastic shedding into the food you consume, while often lasting longer.

Rethink the Morning Brew: Many single-use pods and tea bags are actually lined with plastic mesh that steeps in your cup, while creating additional plastic waste. Switch to a reusable pod, a glass French press, or a stainless pour-over, to ensure your morning ritual is just beans, leaves, and water.

Want some microplastics with that coffee?

Reduce Plastic Before It Enters the Home: Choosing loose produce, bulk items, or products packaged in glass reduces plastic exposure upstream, often without increasing cost.

Progress Over Perfection

One of the biggest misconceptions about sustainability is that it requires dramatic lifestyle change. In reality, incremental adjustments — one swap at a time — create lasting habits and community-wide impact.

By starting in the kitchen, households can lower waste, reduce plastic exposure, and help protect coastal environments. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s awareness, experimentation, and steady progress toward healthier homes.

For more guidance on how to UnPlastic your kitchen, check out Sustainable Westport’s guide.

Are you ready to kick plastic out of your kitchen? Join your neighbors, and take the UnPlastic Pledge. Start with one swap, share your progress, and help us build a healthier, plastic-free Westport.

(“06880” keeps an eye on Westport’s environment — and every other part of town. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

Entertain without plastic.

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Pic Of The Day #3244

Posted on March 7, 2026 | 3 comments

Owenoke Park home, from Longshore (Photo/John Maloney)

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Roundup: Daylight Saving Time Tonight! Also: History Day, Jeff White, Max Orland …

Posted on March 7, 2026 | 3 comments

Tonight, we take a big step on our long slog toward spring.

Daylight Savings Time returns! Remember to turn your clocks ahead 1 hour.

The bad news is: We lose an hour of sleep.

The good news: It won’t be dark at 6 p.m. anymore.

At least, not for another 8 months.

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The judges have ruled, on the Connecticut History Day regional contest.

We’re not sure if these results are historic. But Westport students did very, very well.

Students are encouraged to explore any aspect of history, from local to international. They can work individually or in groups, on topics of their choice. This year’s theme was “Revolution, Reaction, Reform in History.”

They present projects in one of 5 categories: exhibits, documentaries, websites, papers or performances.

Winners (below) advance to the state competition in May. First and second place finishers there move on to represent Connecticut at the national contest in Maryland.

Staples High School winners include:

1st Place

Noah Bruno (“NASA: How a Space Agency Drove Civil Rights Reforms” — individual documentary)

2nd Place

Alexandra Ben (“Marian Anderson: A Voice That Challenged a Nation” — paper)

Ruby Boroujerdi, Carol Berger, Madeleine Stiber (“Technicolor in ‘The Wizard of Oz’: Revolutionizing the Standards of Cinema” — group exhibit)

Luca Ghedini, Pranav Tamilselvan (“Igniting History: How Gunpowder Triggered a Global Transformation — group documentary)

Cameryn Brink (“We Are Columbine: How Normalized Deviance in Gun Violence has Undermined Effective Gun Reform in School Shootings” — individual website)

3rd Place

Charlotte Hoke, Cali Kingsley (“Progression Toward Gender Equality: Violence Against Women’s Act” — group exhibit)

Serena Goldfarb (“Equality Over Injustice: How Title IX Shaped Female Athletics” — individual documentary)

Honorable Mention

Madelynn Flom, Lilly Ford, Brooklynn Crawford (“The Degree that Sparked Revolution an the Woman Behind It: Elizabeth Blackwell” — group exhibit)

Alexandra Gottlieb (“Southbury vs. Fascism: When a Small Town Took a Stand” — individual documentary)

Graham Lewis, Akshay Rao, Ryan Asiel (“Revolution on the Fairway” — group documentary)

Middle school winners include:

1st Place

Mia Amin, Coleytown (“A Revolution in Medicine: How the Spanish Flu Led to Reform in American Public Health” — paper)

Henry Bach (“The Race to Discover DNA an the Dark Side of Winning” — individual exhibit)

Emily Bernier, Emmeline Cutler, Coleytown (“Lewis Hine and Adding Awareness to Child Labor” — group documentary)

Brandon Sheefel, Olivia Duran, Coleytown (“1810 May Revolution, Voice of the Cabildo” — group performance)

2nd Place

Matilda Jones, Nora Lipschutz, Coleytown (“The Legacy of Lewis Hine” — group exhibit)

Madyan Hemdan, Bedford (“The Radium Girls: Shining a Light on Injustice” — individual documentary

Leanne Wong, Bedford (“The Needle That Saved Millions: The Eradication of Smallpox” — individual website)

Brooklynn Flom, Johanna Lawton, Bedford (“Angel of the Battlefield” — group website)

3rd Place

Sofia Farquhar, Bedford (“The Radium Girls” — individual exhibit)

Honorable Mention

James Ben, Bedford (“Truman vs. McArthur: The Firing That Changed History” — individual exhibit)

Gemma Porrino, Charlotte Carr, Bedford (“A Day to Remember: The Attacks on 9/11” — group exhibit)

Dexter Abrams, Rhys Livingston, Coleytown (“The Reform on Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy” — group documentary)

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Every Thursday, the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston host an interesting speaker.

Thursday’s was particularly insightful. Jeff White — a longtime Westporter, former CFO of Major League Baseball, executive vice president of the New York Mets and CFO of CBS News — offered a frank assessment of MLB”s future.

His topics ranged from gambling risks and a looming labor war, to international expansion.

White called legalized sports betting “an accident waiting to happen,” despite the advertising revenue flowing in. He noted that the people most affected by a work stoppage would be the the 500 to 1,000 game day workers, and 400 to 600 full-time staffers at each club.

And he spoke about his vision to bring the professional leagues of Japan, Taiwan and South Korea into an expanded MLB postseason (a true “World Series”).

Jeff White, at the Y’s Men meeting.

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Staples High School 2006 graduate Max Orland has a speech and language disability.

That has not stopped him from achieving many of his dreams.

His career includes positions with the New York Mets, US Open (center court, for Federer and Serena Williams), Philadelphia Phillies, Boston Red Sox, Northeastern University, and Winged Foot and Tiburon golf clubs, plus retail experience (with many awards) at Legends @ Yankee Stadium, J. Crew, Under Armour, Vineyard Vines and Nike.

Most recently, the University of Delaware sport management graduate has been involved with the Miami Heat, and Special Olympics Florida

He writes: “No one can truly embody how I feel living with my personal challenges in speech and language, but moments like this remind me why it’s so important to keep getting involved, whether through work or in the community.

“Being featured on Heat TV wasn’t just about me. It was about the voice I share and what I represent as part of the Miami HEAT organization, and as an advocate for others. I will keep putting myself out there to speak on the importance of inclusive education and inclusion in the workplace, and to be a face for those who may need one when opportunities arise.

“My first year with the Heat has been about more than just a job. It’s about impact and the drive to help make the world a better place. I never take these opportunities for granted, and will continue striving to create meaningful change.”

Click here or below for a video, including words from Max.

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After more than 25, Jane Ross,  founder and executive director of Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities — retired yesterday.

Since launching the non-profit — which serves many Westport families — in 2000, Ross has helped transform the landscape for families raising children with learning and attention challenges.

At a time when parents often felt isolated and unsure where to turn, she helped provide information, guidance, and a community of supportive families.

Click here for more information on Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities.

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We mentioned the advent of spring in the first item (Daylight Saving Time).

Here’s another sign: today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature photo.

(Photo/Liza Emilio)

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And finally … one more reminder to turn those clocks ahead tonight!

(Speaking of which: This is as good a “time” as any to show your support for “06880.” Please click here — and thank you!)

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Online Art Gallery #308

Posted on March 7, 2026 | 2 comments

As usual, our online art gallery features a wide mix of mediums, styles and themes.

And as always, we invite you to be part of next week’s exhibition. No matter your age; the 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, mixed media, digital, lithographs, collages, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage, needlepoint — we want whatever you’ve got.

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

“Hattie” — pencil on paper (Bill Fellah)

“Frozen River” (Rowene Weems — Available for purchase. click here)

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

“Forgotten” (Nancy Breakstone — Available for purchase; click here)

“Globalization” (Mark Yurkiw — Available for purchase — click here)

“Bren Playing, Sunshine of Your Love” — watercolor (Eric Bosch)

“Don’t Complain and Don’t Explain” — photo with computer enhancements (Evan Stein)

“Ponytail” (Cohl Katz — Available for purchase; click here)

“Arctic Breath” — acrylic resin on canvas (Patricia McMahon — Available for purchase; click here)

Untitled (June Rose Whittaker — Available for purchase; click here)

Untitled (John Maloney)

“Still Life Blueberries” (Miranda Cameron — Grade 8, One River Art student)

Untitled (Tom Doran — Available for purchase; click here)

“Flipping Out About the Snake in His Clothes!” (Mike Hibbard)

“Dream the Impossible Dream” — pencil and crayon (Steve Stein)

Untitled (Martin Ripchick — Available for purchase; click here)

“At Ease” (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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“Dual Representation” In Real Estate: What’s The Deal?

Posted on March 7, 2026 | 9 comments

We sometimes hear real estate agents brag about “getting both sides of the deal” — meaning they represent both the buyer and seller in one transaction.

It sounds like they score twice the commission, for just a little extra work.

That may not show  the full picture. “06880” asked our friends at KMS Team at Compass about “dual representation.”

They said: “The listing agent has a considerably heftier lift — more time, more responsibility, more liability, and more room for misunderstanding.

“Representing both sides responsibly takes deep expertise, patience, and an unwavering commitment to ethics. Yet some sellers even manage to negotiate a lower overall commission rate, should the buyer come direct.

“Buyers may come directly to a listing — unrepresented — not out of manipulation, but because they feel empowered. They may have done a few online searches, think they can navigate the process themselves, and sometimes even expect a discount because ‘there’s no buyer’s agent involved.’

“Maybe they believe the process is simpler with fewer people involved.

This new construction on Dogwood Lane includes 6 bedrooms and 8 bathrooms. The 9,100-square foot home is listed for $10.65 million.

“From the listing agent’s perspective, these direct buyers usually come with a set of challenges. They may be less informed about market conditions, unfamiliar with the intricacies of the buying process, and suspicious that the listing agent is prioritizing the seller’s interests — which, of course, they are required to do (see our blog on agency relationships). This dynamic can create confusion and tension.

“When there’s no buyer’s agent in the mix, all the responsibilities of guiding, educating, and facilitating the buyer’s side don’t go away — they simply shift to the listing agent. Managing the timeline, addressing questions, coordinating with their attorney, lender, appraiser, inspectors, decorators, architects and even liaising with a condo board to complete detailed due diligence are all tasks that fall to the listing agent.

“In a properly balanced transaction, both the buyer and the seller have professional advocates. The buyer’s agent explains market context, strategizes around offers, financing, inspections and contingencies, helps manage overall expectations and makes sure crucial details aren’t missed. Meanwhile, the listing agent focuses on marketing and presenting the property, negotiating in their client’s best interest, and keeping the transaction on track.

“Both roles are separate, but equally crucial. Each agent helps streamline communication, protect their client’s interests, and reduce risk. Great deals happen when both sides are represented by skilled professionals who know their roles, respect the process, and work collaboratively toward a smooth closing.

“Because real estate transactions aren’t just about houses — they’re about people, emotions, and major life decisions.”

(“06880” reports regularly on the Westport real estate scene — and everything else in town. If you enjoy coverage like this, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Local business, Real estate

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Pic Of The Day #3243

Posted on March 6, 2026 | 1 comment

Deadman Brook, behind the police station (Photo/Amy Schneider)

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Remembering Janet Filling

Posted on March 6, 2026 | 3 comments

Janet Francis Filling — a longtime director of the American Red Cross Westport chapter, who went on to hold important positions at the state and national levels — died peacefully at her home on February 12. She was 91.

A New York native who cherished her Flag Day birthday, Janet graduated from Trinity College in Washington, DC.

She began her advertising career during Madison Avenue’s heyday. She married Jim Filling in 1963, and had a son, Greg. The family moved to Westport, which became Janet’s home for nearly 40 years.

Janet Filling

She built a wide circle of friends and professional relationships, through her work in education, publishing and advertising at organizations throughout Fairfield County, and her membership in the Weston Field Club.

Janet found her true calling when she joined the Westport-Weston Chapter of the American Red Cross, eventually serving as its executive director. She combined a deep commitment to community service with a great ability to bring people together through warmth, loyalty and positive energy.

She was a tireless advocate for the Westport-Weston community and took great pride in supporting its residents and institutions.

Janet was a devoted caregiver to Jim during his struggle with Parkinson’s disease, before his death in 1996.

She continued her Red Cross leadership for another decade, becoming involved at the state and national levels and participating in service trips to China and Honduras.

After retiring Janet returned to Manhattan for 7 years, embracing the city’s many offerings and remaining a constant, loving presence in her grandchildren’s early lives.

Janet moved back to Westport in 2013, and into memory care 10 years later. She remained deeply connected to and engaged, attending social, cultural and family events. She made frequent visits to friends in New York, Cape Cod and Italy, and continued to enjoy travel with her family throughout Europe, Central America and the Caribbean.

Despite the challenges of dementia in her final years, Janet maintained a spirit of gratitude and joy.

She is survived by her son Greg (Kristin), grandchildren Jessie and Ryan, sister Charlotte Lent, and niece Diane Lent-Tucker. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her sisters Barbara and Muriel Francis.

A memorial service will be held later in the spring. Click here to be notified of details.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the American Red Cross.

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Friday Flashback #493

Posted on March 6, 2026 | 19 comments

Balducci’s is leaving. Sprouts is arriving. Big Y is nearly 1 1/2 years old. Stop & Shop has been here a long time.

Before all those supermarkets and grocery stores — plus Trader Joe’s, Fresh Market and Wholes Foods, of course — Westporters’ shopping choices were different.

A&P, First National, Gristede’s — those were the go-to spots.

They were downtown, or close to it. The Westport Food Center was smack in the middle, on Main Street.

In 1948, Westport artist Stevan Dohanos painted this scene there.

Do you recognize anyone? Do you have any memories of the Westport Food Center — or any other long-gone grocery store?

If you were born long after: What seems different — and the same — about today’s shopping experience?

Click “Comments” below. (Hat tip: Anthony Dohanos)

(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: School Calendar, Ceci Maher, AI App Widget …

Posted on March 6, 2026 | 3 comments

A few tweaks are coming to the school calendar.

But there will be no changes to April vacation.

Unless — uh oh — there are any more cancellations between now and then.

Last night, the Board of Education approved superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice’s recommendations to adjust dates, based on recent weather-related closures.

The school year will now end on Thursday, June 18. 

Friday, March 20 will now be a regular school day. It had been scheduled for professional development.

The student calendar will be reduced from 182 to 180 days.

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Westport’s delegation in Hartford will look very different next year.

State Representative Jonathan Steinberg announced in January that he would not seek re-election this fall.

Yesterday, State Senator Ceci Maher said the same.

As first reported by “Good Morning Wilton,” the 26th District legislator — who represents Westport, Weston and 6 other towns — said her decision “reflects both personal priorities and a broader belief that public leadership should make space for the next generation.”

She said, “As a boomer, it’s time to get out of the way,” she said.

“I love the job, so it’s hard not to run again, not to legislate again, not to be out in the wider community again. But I really believe if we run just because we can, it keeps the stopper in the system. My belief is the next generation needs to be in it and needs to be learning how to do this.”

Maher is 72 years old. She has 2 grandchildren, with a third on the way. She looks forward to gardening, mentoring and more.

This is her 2nd term. She succeeded Will Haskell, a 2-term senator from Westport.

Click here for the full story. (Hat tip: Sal Liccione)

State Senator Ceci Maher

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Great news for “06880” app users: Our AI widget is now available on that platform too.

The widget — developed by Westport-based ThoughtPartnr, and rolled out on our desktop, laptop and mobile sites last month, and located on the upper right of any page — allows users to ask questions about all 17 years of “06880” content, AI-style.

It takes some getting used to. Typing in a name (as in a Google search) is less effective than a question (“Why was the Hamlet plan rejected?”).

The widget is learning too. It gets better, as more readers engage with it.

On the “06880” app (available for iPhones and Androids), the widget button is the furthest left button (AI “stars” icon) at the bottom:

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Alisyn Camerota — the former CNN anchor and Westport resident — is used to interviewing prominent political figures.

Joe Walsh — the Tea Party co-founder who is now an ardent anti-Trumper, and a Democrat — is one of those figures.

But when the pair got together — remotely — for Camerota’s Substack podcast, the topic was “grief.”

The journalist and politician spoke candidly and movingly about Camerota’s 19-month journey, after the death of her husband Tim Lewis to pancreatic cancer.

Walsh has a lot to say about the state of our nation, and Camerota has drawn him — and many others — out about it.

This is a very different interview. Click here for the link.

Screenshot: Joe Walsh and Alisyn Camerota.

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Staples student-athletes get plenty of recognition.

But Staples teacher-athletes are no slouches, either.

Congratulations to Dr. Wole Ogunkoya. The social studies instructor (and girls track and field assistant coach) is a national champion!

He earned a gold medal in the  men’s 45-49-year-old long jump at USATF Masters Indoor Track & Field Championships last month in Albuquerque.

Dr. Ogunkoya is truly a “master” athlete — and teacher.

Dr. Wole Ogunkoya

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Speaking of track and field: The Joggers Club is warming up for spring.

Their Kid’s Run Club — for kindergarten through 8th grade — meets every Sunday from April 5 through June 7, from 4 to 5:15 p.m. at the Staples track.

Eight coaches lead youngsters — of all abilities — in meets, games and relays. (There’s also an ice cream truck). The price is $199 until March 15; then $250. There is a maximum of 100 participants.

The Joggers Club’s run club of adults meets every Saturday at 8 a.m., at Compo Beach.

There are short runs, long runs, and everything in between. The post-run fun is catered by Village Bagels, with coffee from McDonalds. The cost is $50 — and new members get a free Lululemon shirt (value $58).

Click here for details and registration.

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Speaking of running: For the second year, Westport’s Positive Directions has been selected as a charity partner for the New York Marathon.

Runners who are not drawn from the bib lottery can apply to run for Positive Directions (and pledge to raise a minimum of $3,500).

Last year, 3 PD runners raised over $19,000.

100% of funds support Positive Directions’ mission to support individuals and families in need, and to de-stigmatize and foster mental well being through individual and group therapy, community prevention, and recovery assistance

Click here to learn how to support Team Positive Directions.

New York Road Runners CEO (and Westport resident) Rob Simmelkjaer (3rd from left) with Gianna Alfi, Brian McGarvey and Cam Gaylord. They ran the NY Marathon last year, for Positive Directions.

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Brian McGarvey and former Staples High School track star Cam Gaylord — both Westport residents — and Gianna Affi

Speaking still of sports: Oscar Edelman — the Westport native and Greens Farms Academy graduate — has had an excellent season for the Wesleyan University basketball team.

The sophomore — a 6-8 starting center — helped lead the Cardinals to a #1 New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) ranking. They open NCAA Division III tournament play tonight (Friday, 6:15) at home vs. Lehman.

Oscar Edelman (Photo/Steve McLaughlin)

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State comptroller Sean Scanlon gave an informative presentation yesterday, to business owners and others interested in Connecticut finances.

The event, at the Westport Library, was part of the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce “Your State – Your Business speaker series.

Scanlon discussed his role as the state’s primary financial watchdog, the rainy day fund, state pension obligations, and financial issues that impact business owners and residents (rising utilities costs, healthcare, taxes and more).

The comptroller noted his experience as CEO of Tweed New Haven, and as a legislator, in the context of transportation and commuting.

The “Your State – Your Business” series continues March 19th (Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas, 11 a.m.) and April 2 (Attorney General William Tong).  Click here for more information. 

State comptroller Sean Scanlon, and Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce director Matthew Mandell.

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The Blondinit wishes “Chag Sameach” to its customers — and offers a special Passover menu.

Dishes range from matzo ball soup and salatim to Mediterranean chicken, brisket and pistachio-crusted black sea bass. Options include à la carte trays, or packages for 4–6 or 8–12 guests.

Orders must be placed by March 27. Kosher for Passover wines are available for pickup or delivery. A limited kosher menu is available to dine in, April 1-8.

To order: Click here, call 203-557-3277, or email catering@theblondinit.com.

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The newest addition to the Levitt Pavilion’s 2026 lineup is Andy Frasco & the UN and Kitchen Dwellers.

They bring “a wildly eclectic approach (to) navigating funk, jazz, surf rock, blues, swing, gospel, reggae, exotica, and more with horn-blasted positivity and soulful power.”

The opening act is Magoo.

The show is August 23. Tickets go on sale today (Friday), at 10 a.m. Click here to purchase, and for more information.. $1 from every ticket sold will be donated to the artists’ partner charity, Backline Care (offering mental health and wellness resources for music industry professionals and their families).

Levitt Pavilion (Photo/Alex O’Brien)

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Reeds along the Longshore exit road offer a hint of spring, in today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature photo:

(Photo/John Maloney)

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And finally … in honor of Dr. Wole Ogunkoya’s gold medal (story above):

(You don’t have to run — or even walk — anywhere to support “06880.” Just click here. We will very quickly thank you!)

 

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