A star-studded bunch of Westporters and friends turned out for Saturday’s family-and-friends preview at Massi Co.
The Neapolitan-style pizzeria and Southern Italian restaurant officially opens tonight. It replaces Don Memo, in Westport’s original Town Hall, across the Post Road from Patagonia.
The newly refreshed space features Naples wood-fired pies, fresh pastas, craft cocktails, and a curated all-Italian wine list.
Guests included actors Marika Domińczyk and Scott Foley, private equity manager Marc Lasry, sports journalist (and Staples High School graduate) Andrew Marchand, ESPN chair Jimmy Pitaro, and New York Road Runners CEO Rob Simmelkjaer.
Owners of the new, highly anticipated restaurant are Massimo Tullio; Mark Shapiro; president and COO TKO Group Holdings, parent company of UFC and WWE; Charlie Collier, president of Roku Media; hospitality entrepreneur Ron Tarsy, and Newmark executive Matt Leon.
The fresh new interior at Massi Co. (Photo/Jenae Weinbrenner)
Also opening tonight: Dandelion. The Mediterranean restaurant in the new Delamar Westport hotel hosted its own high-energy party Saturday night.
Staples High School sophomore Chloe Mitchell, and home-schooled 5th grader Hunter Carleton, are more than just interns at local educational toy company Domino & Juliette. The firm focuses on screen- and sensory-friendly learning tools for young children.
They’re helping the brand — and youngsters in need.
For every order D&J receives, they’ll donate a 24-pack of Crayola crayons to schools in need.
They just conducted their fourth crayon drop: 2,700 packs of crayons, to 7 Bridgeport schools.
Later this month, they’ll deliver their 4,000th pack.
Secret feelings, thoughts and dreams are the centerpiece of the Artists Collective of Westport’s pop-up show September 17, 19, 20 and 21 (noon to 4 p.m., Westport Country Playhouse barn). There is an artists’ talk at 4 p.m. on September 21.
A special wine and hors d’oeuvres reception on September 18 (6 to 8 p.m.) offers a chance to meet the 8 artists in the show: Hernan Garcia, Mary Harold, Holly Hawthorne, Gail Ingis-Cluas, Elisa Keogh, Jean Krasno, Lucy Krupenye, Nancy Lindauer, Jay Petrow, Barbara Ringer and Karen Schlansky.
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Sunday’s running of the myTeam Triumph Triathlon continued a 20+ year tradition, uniting 7 myTeam Triumph’s “captains” (athletes with disabilities) and over “angels” (volunteer helpers).
Despite rain, athletes of all kinds showed up with heart and determination. Triathletes from across the region swam 1/2 mile, biked 5 miles, and ran the 2 1/2-mile super sprint course (½ mile swim, 5-mile bike, 2.5-mile run) as individuals or on relay teams.
Westporters making the highlights reel included captains Jacquie Marumoto (completing her first myTeam Triumph event) and Rohan Stokvis (finishing his first-ever triathlon).
In the overall competition, Westporter Sophie Chevrier placed 2nd among female finishers.
Volunteers made the day possible: individuals, and groups from the National Charity League, Staples Service League of Boys, and Staples High School girls swim and dive team, and boys track and field squad.
myTeam Triumph is part of a nationwide nonprofit, led locally by Westporter Todd Ehrlich. They welcomes donations and volunteers, and encourage individuals with all types of disabilities to participate. Their next event is a 5-Mile race in Darien on September 21.
Hard to believe, but Club203 is about to begin its 4th season!
Westport’s social organization for adults with disabilities welcomes old friends and newcomers at a “Barnyard Bash” (September 16, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Lachat Town Farm, Weston).
Guests are encourage to wear flannel shirts and cowboy hats. Entertainment includes line dancing, games, treats, and (as always) art by MoCA CT.
Also yesterday: Walt Mattison of the Fairfield Museum reminded the Y’s Women about the beginnings of Fairfield and Westport.
Just 19 years after the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock, Fairfield was formed.
Westport was not incorporated until 1835, breaking away from Norwalk, Weston and Fairfield. Greens Farms — part of Fairfield — joined Westport in 1845.
Internationally acclaimed pianist/composer/author Jeb Patton headlines this Thursday’s “Jazz at the Post” (September 11, VFW Post 399; 7:30 and 8:45 p.m. shows; buffet dinner at 7 p.m.).
He’ll be joined by trumpeter/flugelhorn player Michael Mossman, bassist Matt Dwonszyk, drummer David Alvarez, and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall.
Tickets are $20 for the early show ($15 for veterans and students); $10 for the late show. A buffet dinner, including vegetarian options, is $25. Click here for tickets.
Ifeseyi Gayle spotted this handsome bird enjoying itself in Deadman Brook, near the Westport Library. He (or she) was happy to pose for our “Westport … Naturally” feature.
And finally … Tom Shipley, half of the Brewer & Shipley duo whose song about weed became a generational anthem in the 1970s, died recently in Missouri. He was 84.
Click below for 2 great songs. One is their best known. The other is less noted, but brilliant and beautiful.
(From the Playhouse to the VFW — and from young kids to Lawrence Welk — “06880”‘ is your 24/7/365 source of information, news, and random stuff. Please click here to support us. Thanks!)
Growing up in Westport, Ashley Freeman realized early that she had many opportunities.
From the Learning Community through Coleytown Elementary and Middle Schools, and on to Staples High’s Class of 2002, she took advantage of many of them.
Courses like Dr. Gerry Kuroghlian’s “Shakespeare”; field hockey and softball teams; a community that honored education, and offered a wide variety of activities — she was grateful for them all.
At Franklin & Marshall College, Ashley took pre-med courses. She wanted to be a veterinarian.
But after college, traveling to Australia, she reflected on what made her feel fulfilled.
It was helping young people, through the science of learning.
Ashley Freeman
Freeman returned to the US, and earned a master’s in elementary education at Fairfield University. She did her student teaching at Bridgeport’s Six to Six Magnet School, and was a 1st grade assistant teacher at Greens Farms Academy.
In the summer, she taught in GFA’s Horizons program.
She found excellent mentors at those schools. She sought advice from former Staples teachers too, like Kuroghlian and Jen Giudice.
Those experiences — including seeing the gaps in resources between the Westport private school, and the magnet school in Bridgeport — solidified Freeman’s belief in the importance of opportunity for all.
“I always thought all 6th graders could read,” she says. “But they can’t.”
She got a 6th-year degree from Southern Connecticut State University in remedial reading. She did not want to teach the subject — but she wanted to learn more, to make an impact on students in all areas.
Then Horizons asked her to oversee Greens Farms Academy’s middle school instruction.
Horizons is a multi-year program that each summer provides academic and social-emotional support to students attending underserved Bridgeport schools. Its research-based programming inspires joy for learning, prepares students for high school, and provides strong bridges to post-secondary success.
Then Horizons’ companion program, at Sacred Heart University, offered Freeman a role as full-time academic director. She would help expand educational opportunities for students from pre-K kthrough high school.
But she would have to leave the classroom.
“I know in my soul that Horizons was the place for me,” Freeman says.
She found her “true home” there.
Horizons students love to read.
Horizons SHU includes 322 students, in 23 Bridgeport K-8 schools. There are 4 full-time staff members, 1 part-time, and nearly 90 summer staffers.
“These kids get what all children deserve: enriching experiences, so they can continue to learn, and love learning,” Freeman says.
It works spectacularly well. The retention rate is 97%.
The 6-week summer program is augmented throughout the year with after-school activities. They include a chess tournament, STEM clubs, fencing, art classes, tutoring, mentorships and community events.
Many summer staff members are former Horizons students.
A recent back-to-school breakfast featured a book truck, with multi-lingual volumes.
The application process is rigorous. Parents must make a 12-year commitment to Horizons.
They take their role seriously. When asked about a policy for smartphones, parents recommended a device-free program — including headphones.
The 8th through 12 graders on the advisory council agreed.
Horizons has had “a profound effect” on Freeman. She appreciates her opportunity — one that many educators do not have — of watching youngsters grow and develop over a number of years.
Horizons’ Sacred Heart University summer program group photo.
“A teacher plants seeds, provides water, then at the end of the year they send their students to the next grade, with hopes they’ll succeed,” she says.
“I see children all the way through. I get to watch them bloom.”
One child from Six to Six Magnet School wanted to become a teacher. He’s now pursuing his master’s in education at Sacred Heart – tuition-free. “Horizons helped me find my calling,” he says.
Repeating again her mantra — “talent is equally distributed; opportunities are not” — Freeman proudly adds, “Horizons removes those barriers.”
Of course, providing educational and recreational opportunities are expensive. Horizons will raise $1.8 million this year, from donors, grants, and a benefit fundraiser and golf outing.
The only expense for students is $30 enrollment. Even that fee is waived, when necessary.
Horizons’ recreational activities are important too.
Frreman credits much of her joy in her current role to her experiences growing up in Westport.
“It’s a community that embraces the arts and athletics. It supports its youth. Now I’m proud to be able to do this for more children, outside of Westport.
“Education is about more than reading, writing and math. It’s finding out what you love, how to take care of yourself, and how to explore it all.”
Posted onSeptember 8, 2025|Comments Off on “06880” Podcast: Brian Lewis
Brian Lewis is the highly respected chef and owner of 2 legendary Westport restaurants: The Cottage and OKO.
He’s also a James Beard Award finalist, and a key figure in the Fairfield County culinary scene.
But he’s also a dad — and much more. The other day, Brian made the short trip to the Westport Library, to chat about his work, his life (and his sons). Click here or below, to enjoy our wide-ranging conversation.
Eight months after his contract was not renewed, former Staples High School boys soccer freshman coach Chris O’Dell will finally receive a hearing.
The Board of Education meets this Friday (9 a.m., Town Hall auditorium), to consider his appeal.
In addition to serving nearly 20 years as a freshman and assistant coach, O’Dell is a former Staples captain. He played on the state champion 1993 squad.
O’Dell says, “I am asking and expecting that Board members Lee Goldstein and Dorrie Horden recuse themselves from my hearing. They each have a relationship with the family behind the allegations. It obviously renders them incapable of making an impartial decision in my case.
“I am also asking that Kevin Christie not recuse himself from my hearing. I have only met him once, for 2 minutes at a social function. There is absolutely no reason for Mr. Christie to recuse himself from my hearing.”
O’Dell says, “I look forward to this opportunity to clear my name.” In addition to coaching, he owns The O’Dell Group, a design-build collaborative specializing in residential construction.
Chris O’Dell
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The Westport Library’s Verso University — a series of high-level classes, workshops and lectures — opens soon, for the fall “semester.”
A special symposium — “AI and Us” — explores the implications of artificial intelligence across legal, civic, creative, business, healthcare and technological spheres. Multiple perspectives range from policymakers and technologists to journalists and academics. It’s set for Saturday, October 11 (12 noon to 5:30 p.m.). Click here for details, and to register.
Other courses include:
“Astrology for the Advanced Beginner” (3 weekly sessions starting Thursday, September 11, 2 to 3 pm).
“Ask a Pediatric Specialist” (3 monthly sessions starting Tuesday, September 16, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.).
“Grace Farms Art and Architecture Tour” (September 17, 12:45 to 2 p.m.).
“Kickoff to Fall: Happy Hour Cooking Class” (September 19, 4 to 5:30 p.m.).
“Visual Storytelling: Develop Your Photographic Vision” (3 weekly sessions starting Thursday, October 9, 6 to 7:30 p.m.).
“Endless Summer/Forever Friends/Long Live the Arts” — an evening of art, music, food and beverages, and intriguing conversation, all benefiting MoCA CT — is set for Saturday, September 20.
Board members celebrated Tony McDowell’s retirement as Earthplace executive director this past weekend, at Compo Beach.
The popular administrator stepped down recently, after 12 years at the helm of the environmental and sustainability non-profit.
Earthplace board chair Mo Tooker (far right) reads a proclamation for the town of Westport. Tony McDowell is 2nd from right. (Hat tip and photo/Matthew Mandell)
Speaking of shoreline celebrations: The Compo Beach Improvement Association held their annual block party yesterday evening.
The weather cleared, and dozens of families celebrated the end of summer (and a bit of quiet to their neighborhood). Old Mill Grocery & Deli — an around-the-corner favorite — catered.
Adults chatted. Kids played. Dogs roamed.
And this scene caught “06880” photographer Laurie Sorensen’s eye:
Heavy equipment is in place at the Compo Beach Soundview parking lot. That’s a staging area for renovation of the tidal gates and pedestrian paths at Sherwood Mill Pond, near Compo Cove.
But before the machines could get going last week, there was one special task: moving the sun.
Always-observant Johanna Keyser Rossi offers today’s “Westport … Naturally” image, from the Westport Library Riverwalk. She writes:
“This is a first for me: seeing a turtle come out of the water at very low tide, looking in the mud for food. He was eating either a marine worm or a small fish.”
And finally … speaking of turtles, Mark Volman — co-founder of the pop group with that name — died Friday in Nashville. He was 78, and had been diagnosed with Lewy body dementia in 2000. Click here for a full obituary.
From “Mamma Mia!” to “The Music Man,” “West Side Story” to “The Wiz” — and, coming this fall, “Les Miserables” — sold-out audiences are awed by Staples Players’ twice-yearly productions.
The singing, dancing and acting — along with sets, lighting, sound, costumes and so much more — are Broadway-worthy.
That’s not just “06880” boosterism. Folks who see their shows — like Marvin Hamlisch’s widow, who was wowed by Players’ version of “A Chorus Line” — sing the high school troupe’s praises. (That’s how they got invited to perform at a birthday celebration for her late husband in New York, alongside Bernadette Peters, Joel Grey and Donna McKechnie.)
But those sets don’t build themselves. Costumes are not magically sewn.
Audiences enjoyed all of “Elf”: sets, costumes, staging and more.
It takes a ton of work.
A ton of money, too.
And — like a curtain on opening night — those costs keep rising.
They’ve risen particularly fast since COVID — up to 50% in some cases.
Five years of increased prices of lumber, building supplies, paint, lighting and sound equipment, costume materials and more have put a serious dent in Players’ bank account.
The imposition of tariffs means further price increases loom.
And here’s something most audiences don’t know: Players’ productions are primarily funded by … Players.
The Board of Education budget provides stipends for only 60% of the directors and others who work on shows.
The remaining costs are paid for by ticket sales, and money raised by students and parents through concession sales, program ads, sponsorships and the like.
The town does not contribute to sets, paint, lights, sounds, costumes or anything else. Players pay for all of those, out of pocket.
All lighting expenses — like those for “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee” (above — come from the Players’ budget.
But there’s a second act to this story.
The troupe also pays for auditorium upkeep.
And the Staples auditorium has not been renovated in over 30 years.
That was not even a major overhaul. It touched only the seating and aesthetics of the hallowed space — not the lights, rigging or stage.
Players is grateful that the Board of Education recently approved funds to update the auditorium.
But those renovations won’t happen for a couple of years.
In the meantime, Players has footed the bill for bandaids — updated lighting, expensive sound equipment, rigging, etc. — to help the hall look and sound as good as it can.
Staples Players, at a recent work day.
Which brings us to act 3.
To raise money to keep producing the shows Westport audiences expect (and love), Players has organized a Dance-a-Thon.
On September 26, every student actor and tech crew member — a couple of hundred of them — will dance for 4 hours straight.
Mamma mia!
Each teenager will solicit funds from relatives, friends and neighbors. Be on the lookout!
And know — when you see Staples Players’ spectacular production of “Les Mis” in November — that they couldn’t have done it without you.
(Players also offers new levels of sponsorship, and invites new and returning businesses and individuals to advertise in their “Les Mis” playbill. For details, email playersads@gmail.com.)
Staples Players’ officers will join many other cast and tech crew members in the September 26 Dance-a-Thon. From left: Henry Baker, Fin Madaloni, Sara Stanley, Cat Betit, Griffin Delmhorst, Gabi Schmelkin-Wilson. (All photos/Kerry Long)
ENCORE!Still looking for a reason to donate to the Dance-a-Thon? Here is a quote from Staples Players president Cat Betit:
Staples players has become a second home to me. Ever since I joined freshman year, the environment was welcoming. It became a place where I can feel comfortable and excited to do the thing I love, theatre. The Dance-a-Thon will be a fun night where all students in Players can let go of the stress of school and life, and enjoy an incredible night of dancing with their friends and fellow Players. I’m excited to share that joy with the community, and watch the connections in our big family grow even more.
Co-vice president of acting Sara Stanley says:
Players has been such a welcoming and loving community ever since I joined as a freshman. Players has given me so much: a place to express my passion, and a beautiful array of friends. I would love to help ensure that players will continue for many more generations to come, so that so many other kids will experience the same magic that Players has given me.
Co-vice president of acting Griffin Delmhorst adds:
Players has been important to me since my freshman year, because it has provided me the ability to be my authentic self. It feels like everyone is so self-conscious in the halls and everyone is constantly trying to impress each other, but as soon as I walk down the theater hallway at the end of the day, I’m met with smiles, the feeling of safety to be myself, and always a warm welcome. The Dance-a-thon allows all of Players to be their authentic selves for one night after rehearsal, without having to think about all of the stresses of applying to college, or schoolwork, or even rehearsal itself! Players is an environment that I’ve grown to be extremely grateful for over the past 4 years. I am even more grateful being confident that future Players will have the same feelings of safety and comfort in the theater hallway that I do.
Stage manager Fin Madaloni says:
Players is such a wonderful learning environment for myself and so many other students at Staples. It’s not just creating shows to entertain the community, but it’s creating a new generation of leaders in and outside of theatre. Dance-a-Thon is a way for us to open back up to the community and let them get involved to help us continue to do what we do, as well as to grow. We’re all so excited to bring back this event and to be able to continue to share our work with the community!
Co-vice president of acting Gabi Schmelkin-Wilson notes:
Players has been a huge part of my high school experience. It’s not just about theater, but about being part of a community where I’ve grown as a leader, collaborator and friend. The support and creativity in Players have shaped who I am. The Dance-a-Thon is our chance to give back to the program that gives us so much. It’s a fun and meaningful way to bring everyone together, celebrate our community, and make sure future Players have the same opportunities we’ve had.
Vice president of tech Henry Baker says:
Since joining 3 years ago as a freshman, Staples Players has been an integral part of my high school experience. The support and creativity of this community have shaped me into the collaborator, leader and overall person that I am today. The Dance-A-Thon is an opportunity for actors and technicians alike to release any stress they may be experiencing, while also fundraising and having a great time. But most importantly, it is our chance to give back to the organization that has given so much to us. I’m so grateful for the opportunities I’ve received — just like the Players who came before me— and I’m determined to help future Players experience that same magic.
Last week’s Photo Challenge — a whimsical clock, resembling a coffee cup — hit the spot with several readers. (Click here to see.)
It can be found at Coffee An’, the long-lived, much-loved breakfast-and-more spot on Main Street, heading out of town.
Coffee An’ has been there for decades. It’s seen the gas pumps in the parking lot go, along with Ace Hardware next door, and a passel of restaurants across the street. (Hudson Malone seems to have staying power.)
Coffee An’ is such a part of Westport, in fact, that one reader — Todd Suchotliff — answered the Photo Challenge while actually sitting inside.
Others who knew exactly where the coffee cup clock (and great coffee) can be found were Lynn Untermeyer Miller, Jonathan McClure, Ali Godfrey Woods, Seth Schachter and Andrew Colabella.
We move outside for this week’s Photo Challenge. If you know where in Westport you’d see this, click “Comments” below.
(Photo/Joanna Keyser Rossi)
(Every Sunday, “06880” hosts this Photo Challenge. We challenge you too to support your hyper-local blog. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)
Today’s CT United motorcycle ride — paying tribute to victims and first responders of 9/11, in the largest motorcycle ride in the state — has been canceled. The forecast is for rain this morning. There is no rain date.
The start of the CT United ride, at Sherwood Island State Park. (Photo/Penny Pearlman)
And both hosted large, high-energy private parties last night.
In just 3 weeks, Don Memo has been transformed into Massi Co.
Owner Massimo Tullio has fulfilled his dream, of designing an Italian restaurant that honors his love of food from Naples. He and the team behind Don Memo (and the Whelk) and Don Memo have created a unique (and killer) menu, in a town with many other Italian options.
The space — in what was Westport’s original Town Hall, with a long bar, and broad patio fronting Post Road East — is both bright and fresh. Click here for the Massi Co website.
Massi Co’s pizzas (being served on the right) are Neopolitan specialties. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Meanwhile, at the other end of town, 300 guests enjoyed a special party at Dandelion, the restaurant inside the new Delamar hotel.
Realtor Judy Michaelis organized the benefit, for Westport’s Volunteer Emergency Medical Service.
The Mediterranean menu and large bar will be open for dinner only, for the first weeks. Reservations are required. Click here for the Dandelion website.
The Brussels-based chain offers “a warm, communal dining experience with fresh, organic ingredients and delicious, artisanal baked goods.”
This is the third Fairfield County location. The others are in New Canaan and Greenwich.
Coming soon to the Fresh Market plaza. (Hat tip and photo/Molly Alger)
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A new school year brings a new slate of programs at Wakeman Town Farm.
And they’re not just for kids.
Offerings include farm and culinary experiences for youngsters; parent and child farm classes; cooking classes for toddlers, teens and adults, plus animal care, sustainability, crafts and more for older students.
Speaking of the environment: Aspetuck Land Trust and Norwalk Land Trust have merged.
The resutl: NLT’s 33-property, 110-acre portfolio has been added to ALT’s 2,200 acres, across 8 town.
Aspetuck Land Trust will add a new staff member to manage Norwalk’s preserves, and the Farm Creek Education Program for 4th graders.
Founded in 1966, ALT has over 1,700 members and is one of the state’s leading land trusts. The merger aligns with ALT’s Green Corridor 2030 Initiative, to connect and protect landscapes across Fairfield County.
The 2008 Staples High School graduate (also known as Constance Walsh) wrote and produced “Lodestone.” The play opened last weekend, as part of the Circle Theater Festival off Broadway.
The love story explores loss, dreams, and the innovation of language, uwninding the desire of 2 unsuspecting lovers caught in a living zoetrope. The experimental play stages its tale inside a set that moves and dances, evoking and mirroring the character’s experiences and possible trajectories.
The show runs on 4 Sundays: today (September 7), the 14th and 21st, and October 19. To learn more, click here.
And finally … in honor of the new Le Pain Quotidien restaurant, how about a song by Bread?
(Speaking of bread … “06880” relies on contributions from readers like you. Please click here to support our work. We can’t make it without you. Thank you, thank you, thank you!)
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