A nasty weather forecast has forced the cancellation of tomorrow’s Memorial Day parade.
Thousands of Westport civic volunteers, musicians, young athletes, politicians — and veterans — can now sleep in.
But not too long. An indoor ceremony has been set for 10 a.m., at Town Hall.
Patriotic music will play. An honor guard will present a wreath. Brief speeches will commemorate servicemembers who gave their lives for our country.
And grand marshal Herb Podel — a 101-year-old longtime Westporter and World War II veteran who served with the Seabees in the Pacific Theater, as an aviation and electronics specialist — will be saluted.
It’s not a parade. But it’s well worth going to.
There’s plenty of time — after honoring our fallen heroes — for (soggy) cookouts and parties.
We’ll miss this solemn Veterans Green scene. But a similar event will take place across Myrtle Avenue, in Town Hall. (Photo/Harris Falk)
With the devices banned throughout the school day since November, teachers and students agree there’s been more teenage social interaction in classes, halls, the auditorium — and the main courtyard.
For years an underutilized space, it now hums with hacky sack (and other) activity.
Players are having a blast. They’re also #5 in the country (unofficially, but still…).
NBC Connecticut took notice. Click here or below for their report. Interviewees include Staples athletic director VJ Sarullo, baseball coach Jack McFarland and baseball player Mark Kelly.
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A reminder: The 53rd annual Fine Arts Festival continues today.
From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., on Main and Elm Streets, over 160 artists from around the country, will show (and sell) their works, in a dizzying array of styles and mediums.
There’s music, food, kids’ activities and more.
There was a good crowd yesterday, despite the weather. Let’s keep the excitement and fun going today!
Art of a different type: painting a new BMW, on Elm Street. (Photo/Jonathan Alloy)
PS: Every year, the Westport Downtown Association — sponsors of the Fine Arts Festival — treats their artists to a great dinner, at Christ & Holy Trinity Church’s Branson Hall.
They hand out awards, too. This year, judges Louise Crowley and Lonnie Quinn selected mixed media artist Matt Gabel of West Milford, New Jersey as “best in show.”
You can find him today at booth #14: on Main Street, in front of Savvy + Grace and Nômade.
Artwork by Matt Gabel.
Other winners, and their booth numbers:
Mixed media: Tanya Kirouac, #80; Chris Curchin, #83
More than 3 dozen local authors for all ages — toddlers to adults — will meet readers and sign books next Saturday (May 30, 11 a.m. at 2 p.m., Jesup Green).
The 2nd annual “Stories in Bloom” is sponsored by the Westport Book Shop on Jesup Green, directly across from the event.
Genres include fiction, children’s, self-help, poetry, mystery, spirituality, neurodiversity, health, environment and more.
Authors will chat with readers about their creative journeys. Families can enjoy bubbles, face painting, temporary tattoos, a maypole, cornhole, and snacks.
The field day is fun — and benefits 2 great causes. Funds will be raised for the Live Life to the Max mentorship program (named in honor of Max Harper, Staples ’25, for boys with ADHD), and Filling in the Blanks (a Norwalk non-profit that provides hungry children with weekend meals).
Student organizer Sienna Schwartz says the half-day event will take place on May 29. Activities include a magician, petting zoo, kickball, hacky sack, basketball, water balloon games, chalk drawing and more.
Besides fundraising (with each grade competing to raise the most), Wrecker Fest will foster community, promote wellness, and offer a fun chance to build relationships with peers and staff.
The summer camp program helps students in grades 3-12 develop their voices, build confidence and connect with others through music, in a warm, supportive atmosphere.
Experienced and new students are all welcome.
The camp is run by Danielle Merlis — a Staples graduate, performer, film composer and founder of The Cello Camp — and Robert Kwan, an organist, pianist,choir director, piano instructor, and former Staples accompanist.
Lead teacher Sara Hoefer is the choir director at Roger Ludlowe Middle School. She has directed a cappella ensembles at Fairfield Ludlowe and Fairfield Warde High Schools for nearly 20 years.
Guest master class instructors this summer will include former Staples choral director Luke Rosenberg, Will Mandelbaum, and Gedalia Penner-Robinson.
The camp runs August 17-22, at Southport’s Trinity Episcopal Church. It ends with a final performance for friends and family. For more information and to register, click here.
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Studio Café has a new name.
The hidden gem in Sconset Square is now Tailored Home Café. The change reflects exactly where the breakfast-lunch-and-coffee place is: inside Tailored Home, the handsome furniture and interior design shop.
Everything else is the same — including the great menu with Spanish-Mediterranean dishes, fresh baked goods, espresso drinks, juices, teas, mocktails and more.
(Hat tip and photo/Sal Liccione)
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We’ve mentioned it before, but it bears repeating: Bookmark (and check often) Westport’s “Community Events” calendar.
The page — part of the town website — lists an enormous passel of activities. Music, drama, arts, history, duck races … it’s all there, with clickable links for more information for each.
And that doesn’t include the Westport Library, though there’s a helpful link to their calendar, with their own dizzying array of events.
There is at least one interesting thing happening here every day in the foreseeable future.
For some reason, the least popular day is Tuesday. Hey … maybe someone will offer a lecture, workshop, play or concert explaining why.
Former 1st Selectman Jim Marpe used to say, “If you can’t find something to do in Westport, you’re not trying hard enough.”
After a whirlwind couple of weeks, Nikki Glekas was ready.
Town officials approved the new Compo Beach and Longshore concessionaire in mid-May.
But by yesterday, the owner of Westport-based NG Entertainment already had a name (The Sandbar — a play on both the beach, and the roving golf cart that will sell drinks at the Longshore golf course).
She had a logo (gentle waves). She had food, staff, cash registers and freezers. She’d cleaned the Compo space left vacant a few months ago, when previous concessionaire Hook’d got the hook.
She’d installed new lights, and given the interior a fresh, nautical/ Mediterranean look. The staff had Sandbar logowear.
Nikki Glekas, in front of a new design at The Sandbar.
Nikki was ready for beach customers, on the holiday weekend that ushers in summer.
The weather, though, was not ready.
A steady rain and cold temperatures kept everyone away.
Nikki was undaunted. She will be there, as soon as the sun breaks through.
Nikki Glekas has already installed new lights. (Photo courtesy of Instagram)
It will be a breakthrough for beachgoers, too.
Yesterday, Nikki showed The Sandbar to “06880.”
She described the full, fresh menu: sandwiches, quesadillas, single and double smashburgers, crab burgers, chicken tenders, wraps, lobster rolls, pitas, gyros, salads and tacos.
Plus all the usual sides (and some Greek ones), baskets, fresh grab-and-go selections, soft-serve ice cream, and a full line of Coke products. There are gluten-free options too. (Click here for the full menu.)
Customers can order ahead online, via QR code. (Or click here.)
Nikki will introduce catering, with small and large trays and platters. She expects big business for the fireworks.
Old door, new sign … and a fresh vibe. (Photo/Matt Murray)
A side wall will be filled soon with Westport-themed merchandise.
This is not Nikki’s first rodeo. She scaled up quickly thanks in part to her decade of experience running food services at Chelsea Piers. Chefs will come from those locations.
Applications for other positions have poured in. Many came from Staples students. Nikki is impressed by the “professionalism” of their emails.
Staples sophomore Nicholas Glekas (left) and junior Alex Kovics are ready for customers.
Two experienced bartenders will work at Longshore. (The pavilion there opens next week. The roving golf cart is set for a June 10 delivery.)
“Our goal is to be here a long time,” Nikki says.
Pointing to Compo — wet, cold, but filled with possibilities just a few days away — she adds, “This is supposed to be where everyone comes. We want it to be where everyone hangs out, and has fun.”
Whenever customers come, Nikki — and The Sandbar — will be ready.
(The Instagram is @TheSandbar068880. It already has over 400 followers. She hopes users will offer feedback there. Hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., 7 days a week. During peak times, The Sandbar will open earlier and close later.)
(“06880” covers the waterfront — in every way possible. If you enjoy our reporting on all things Compo, Longshore, Burying Hill and Old Mill-related, please click here to support us. Thank you!)
A video recording of Wednesday’s Board of Education meeting, concerning an upcoming review of special education, is now available online. Click here to see.
Wakeman Town Farm celebrated Drinking With Chickens Day Thursday night, with — appropriately — a chance for guests to meet, greet, and cuddle with some of them.
Food and drinks were served. Fortunately, chicken was not on the menu.
WTF staff and volunteers were in a great mood. The night before, the Board of Finance approved $200,000 to help replace a dilapidated barn. Wakeman Town Farm raised an additional $400,000 for the effort.
Wakeman Town Farm educator Chryse Terrill (holding a chicken, and wearing a chicken dress) and WTF supporter Alison Milwe Grace, at Thursday’s “Drinking With Chickens” event.
On Thursday night, the lights went out at New York’s Ed Sullivan Theater. The final taping of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” was bathed in history — including an appearance by Paul McCartney, 62 years after the Beatles first appeared on the same stage.
Westport Country Playhouse artistic director Mark Shanahan once appeared there too.
Some years ago, he auditioned for, and was chosen to do, comedy sketches on “Late Night with David Letterman.” Here’s one:
Today, Mark says, “I remember standing on the stage thinking: This is where The Beatles played!”
Sadly, Colbert did not mention Shanahan’s connection to the iconic stage.
On June 12 (Senior Center, 6 p.m.), Westport hosts a stop on their Special Fathers Network US tour.
Hosted by the Westport Commission on People with Disabilities, the free event allows fathers, mothers, caregivers and neighbors to come together, share experiences, and learn about local and national resources. Attendees will also receive a complimentary book.
“Out of Exile: The Photography of Fred Stein” — an award-winning documentary tracing the life and work of Fred Stein, including how his images survived as the Nazi threat forced him into exile — is set for the Westport Library on June 10 (6:30 p.m.).
The film also tells the story of Stein’s son Peter, who brought his father’s work back from obscurity after his death.
Following the screening, director Peter Stein will participate in a talkback.
Westonite Chris Fuller’s “Cheese Fries & Chili Dips” — a moving and hilarious 2-person cabaret-style show — comes to the Westport Woman’s Club on June 12 (5:30 p.m. reception, 6:30 show; talkback immediately after, with mental health experts).
The production follows Chris as he chases his lifelong dream of playing on the PGA Tour while navigating the challenges of bipolar disorder, and the nonstop commentary inside his own head.
The “thread” that textiles weave through America comes alive at the Weston History & Cultural Center on June 6 (2 p.m.).
Margaret Liljedahl presents over 300 years of weaving arts, including its pivotal role in American homes, and significance in our early economy. Click here for tickets, and more information.
History also comes alive there on Sundays, from now through August. From 1 to 4 p.m., visitors can enjoy hands-on activities, immersive exhibits, guided tours and outdoor sculpture walks. Click here for details.
Margaret Liljedahl weaves at the Weston History & Culture Center.
In today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature, Jonathan Alloy offers “the 4 types of classical column capitals, from ancient Greece to Westport: Ionic, Doric, Corinthian and House Finch.”
And arrival (soon) of summer. And whatever else you’re celebrating.
This week — just in time for Westport’s Fine Arts Festival — we celebrate another pack of Westport artists. And whether you’re a regular wanderer through our online gallery, or a first-time visitor: Welcome!
No matter your age; the style or subject you choose — and whether you’re a first-timer or old-timer — we want 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.
“Westport’s Sweet Melted Memories” (Duane Cohen — Available for purchase; click here)
“Memorial Day: A Family Tribute” — oil on linen (Mary Madelyn Attanasio)
“The American Rose” — oil on aluminum impasto style (Dorothy Robertshaw — Available for purchase; click here)
“An Artist’s Mind Moves Faster Than the Clock” (Eric Bosch)
“Flotsam and Jetsam From Waimanalo Beach, Hawaii” (Jerry Kuyper)
“Musical Collage” (June Rose Whittaker — Available for purchase; click here)
Untitled — digital photography, in camera multiple exposure (Melissa Goldsmith)
“Beauty Can Be Found Everywhere” (Tom Doran — Available for purchase; click here)
Untitled — gouache on paper bag handles (Toby Michaels)
Untitled — pencil on paper (Alec Feldman, age 12)
“Sweet Treats” (Evelyn Rose, age 7, One River Art student)
Photographer Mike Hibbard says, “This spiritual leader of a Maasai tribe in Tanzania is worried. He left Africa as a young man to study in Europe. He earned several degrees and speaks several languages. He’s back, and knows that the youth in his tribe must get an education. But will they lose the traditions of their culture?”
“Bend in the River” — crayon, watercolor and pencil (Steve Stein)
“Tourist” (Lawrence Weisman)
(Entrance is free to our online art gallery –as it has been for 6 years. But please consider an anniversary donation! Just click here — and thank you!)
“06880” culture correspondent Robin Moyer Chung writes:
Hot on the heels of Fashionably Westport and, you know, the Met Gala, Westporters are thinking about an important part of our culture: clothes.
Whether you love clothes or not, you buy them. You look at them. Hopefully, you wear them.
You also spend up for them. Given the current economic kerfuffles, the cost of clothes is skyrocketing. Meanwhile, the quality is nosediving.
Women want unique, well-made clothes for a price that won’t trigger heart palpitations. They’re searching for vintage* and pre-loved items that’ll kick up their wardrobe, with the bonus of better quality clothing at a better price.
This has given rise to a nascent cottage fashion industry in Westport, catering to an expanding crop of shoppers searching for outfits that are interesting and affordable.
I call them “style salons.”
Outfits at a Westport style salon …
A style salon host susses out and snaps up designer label vintage and “pre-loved” clothing and accessories from thrift stores, individuals and consignment venues. From Zara to Chanel, each item is chosen for its style, reasonable price point and quality.
They set up racks in their homes — literally — to display their curated collection, hosting shopping parties to sell to friends and acquaintances.
Hosts also organize trunk-shows of their edits at private homes, and offer style-by-appointments.
They throw sip & shops, private parties, and all-out bashes for Instagram followers. Many create inclusive experiences by partnering with local businesses — jewelry, skincare, even mah jong.
… and accessories.
Of the 5 style salon hosts I interviewed for “06880” — all women — only one has a website. None of them advertise. To learn about their sales and availability, you have to follow them on Instagram or get on their guest list.
Call it what you will –passion for the craft, hazard of the job –but my “research” resulted in several purchases: an Aquarius bomber jacket, L’Agence jeans, and Pucci scarf.
I spent $280. But in clothes-lover math, I saved enough money for a few more rounds of style salon shopping.
Here’s what you need to know about each salon: what they’re selling, what they’re doing, and how to get on their lists.
Justine Alexandra Studio
Who: Justine Trudeau What: Consignment and sourced** pieces Described as: Ready to wear contemporary My take: Colorful and well-tailored pieces screaming for a garden party, gala luncheon or date night. Labels like: Maje, Sandro, La Ligne Really rough price range: $50-250 Fabulous item: Max Mara cashmere reversible cream coat with matching belt One more thing: If you love something but it doesn’t fit, Trudeau will source your size. To get on the guest list: DM @justine_alexandra_studio
Justine Trudeau
Vintage By Virginie Who: Virginie Bleyaert What: Consignment and sourced pieces Described as: Western Ralph Lauren meets chic girl, with a focus on natural fibers. My take: Thoughtful pieces from designers and stalwart labels for an après skeet shoot luncheon at Bedford Post Tavern. Labels like: London Fog, Ellen Tracy, Oscar de la Renta Really rough price range: $20-$400 One more thing: Well, two. She’s going to source in Europe this summer, so get on her list for the windfall. All items are steamed or sprayed organically for cleanliness. To get on the guest list: DM @VintageByVirginie
Virginie Bleyaert
The Shop Merchant Who: Gabby Ben-Eli What:Sourced pieces Described as: Vintage and pre-loved clothes, jewelry, and accessories curated for a fun shopping experience. My take: Boho and retro-leaning looks in a party-waiting-to-happen atmosphere. Labels like: vintage Tibi and Milly, Rabanne, Alexander McQueen Really rough price range: $50-1,500 Fabulous item: Alix of Bohemia off-white plaid wrap coat (“I’d keep it for myself but it’s too big.”) One more thing: Stocked with designers less commonly worn in Westport, it attracts those who shop more for looks than labels. To get on the guest list: Email gabby@TheShopMerchant.com or DM @TheShopMerchantWestport.com
Gabby Ben-Eli
The Exchange Project Who: Carly Ridloff What: Consignment only Described as: Elevated basics My take: Designer denim and aspirational clothing/accessories for upscale outings and cocktail parties. Labels like: L’Agence, Ulla Johnson, Jonathan Simkhai Really rough price range: $25 to $2,500+ One more thing: Piece are divided into Sell/Swap/Donate: Consignment is added to their website. Swap are saved for swap events – you can buy a ticket and pick out an indicated number of pieces (number of items depends on inventory). Donate are sent to the women at Malta House each week, sometimes holding TEP “shopping events” in the evening. To learn more and shop her website: TheExchangeProject.com
Carly Ridloff (Photo/Emily Rakear)
MCM Designs Who: Maggie Hawks What: Overstock from Fairfield County boutiques and consignment Labels like: Essential Antwerp, Farm Rio, Nili Lotan Described as: “Current” clothes, offering a full wardrobe and large inventory of shoes, accessories, and apparel. My take: Walking into a friend’s apartment whose rooms are full of new clothes from my favorite area boutiques, with a handful of consignment in the back bedroom. Really rough price range: $40-800 Fabulous items: At least once a year, a woman in Stamford consigns “at least $100,000” of clothes with tags still on from Cinq à Sept, Frame, Sea, Theory and more. One more thing: Maggie offers the same services (private shopping, parties, events, etc.) as others, but is more private. To get on the guest list: Text Maggie at 646-732-0011
Maggie Hawks
* Vintage refers to items 20+ years old
**Sourced refers to clothing the owner finds through thrift stores and consignment.
(From fashion and fun to politics, history, kids and more — if it’s happening in Westport, “06880” will tell you about it. If you enjoy our coverage, please click here to support this blog. Thank you!)
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