Roundup: Saugatuck Slice, Mill Pond Project, Fall Fun …

Posted on August 27, 2025 | 3 comments

The Slice is nice.

And it’s back for a 13th year.

The Slice of Saugatuck — an afternoon of food, music, bouncy houses, sidewalk strolling and more — is set for Saturday, September 6 (2 to 5 p.m.).

Over 40 businesses — and 2,000 attendees — participate in the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce event

New this year: tables for non-profits. They’ll hand out tasty samples too.

Among the bands at 7 locations are the very popular Otis and the Hurricanes, and Silver Steel.

Beer gardens (with wine too) will be located on Bridge Square and Railroad Place.

The price is $15 for adults, $5 for children under 13; age 5 and under are free. Tickets are on sale at the Slice, beginning at 1:50 p.m.

Since the Slice began, the Chamber has donated $54,000 to the Gillespie Center food pantry. This year’s goal: $60,000.

For more information (including a map), click here.

Tutti’s is one of many popular Slice restaurants. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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The Sherwood Mill Cove tide gate project — including repair of 2 gates and a spillway, plus reconstruction of a wooden pier and the seawall — begins shortly after Labor Day.

It will continue through Memorial Day.

Ten spaces in the Old Mill parking lot, and 20 spots in the Compo Beach Soundview lot, will be used for staging.

The work is conducted in coordination with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.

Repairs begin soon, at Sherwood Mill Pond. (Photo/Judith Katz)

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Speaking of the water: As the weather starts to cool, we won’t have to worry about beach closures due to contaminated water.

But next year, we won’t have to worry about extended closings, either.

Parks & Recreation Department director Erik Barbieri looked at the state testing schedule — which sometimes meant the town had to wait 5 days for a result — and knew there had to be a better way.

He found one. Starting with the most recent closure, and moving forward, re-testing will be done on a much more timely basis, with labs that are closer.

Details will follow next spring. In the meantime: Thank you, Erik!

This sign may be seen less often next year. (Photo/Seth Schachter)

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Want to see all the classes, meetings and special events offered next month at Wakeman Town Farm?

Here they are:

For information about any of them (or all!), click here, then scroll down.

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Speaking of fall activities: Westport PAL football is offering a new flag football program, for high school boys and girls.

It’s part of the NFL Flag program, so every participant receives an NFL flag jersey and flag set.

Teams are coached by the players. Games are Saturday afternoons and evenings; practice days will be determined. The sites are Staples High, and PJ Romano Field.

The cost is $275, and includes professional referees. Registration closes September 15. Games begin the week of September 20. Click here to signup. Questions? Email westportpalfootball@gmail.com.

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The next Westport Country Playhouse Script in Hand playreading is a darkly funny, deeply moving new play: “The One Good Thing or ‘Are Ya Patrick Swayze?'”

It’s September 8 (7 p.m.).

Script in Hand curator and Playhouse artistic director Mark Shanahan calls it “a beautifully crafted, intimate, 2-character play full of Irish wit, emotional depth, and the kind of quiet revelations that stay with you long after the curtain falls.”

Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Carlos Capellán writes: “We moved to town a few years ago, and did not know about Richard Scarry’s connection to Westport. (Click here for that back story.)

“I have a very old copy of ‘What Do People Do All Day’ from my childhood. The title page shows the sign for the Remarkable Book Shop.” (The author of the 1968 classic, and many other beloved books, lived here for a while. He was friendly with Esther Kramer, owner of the beloved Main Street book store — now Eleish van Breems — and her husband Sidney, who was the author’s representative.)

Check out the lower right.

Carlos adds: “My children love our beat-up old copy held together with tape, and while reading it to them one night I made one more small Westport discovery. In one story, Betsy Bear mails a birthday letter to her grandma. The bottom right of the page shows the letter being postmarked. Right above it is a letter addressed ‘To Humphfrey Girls, Westport.’

“So, one more Westport easter egg in Scarry’s books. But also a small mystery: The spelling of ‘Humphfrey’ is unusual. Maybe some old-timers remember this family, and maybe even their connection to Richard Scarry?”

“06880” readers often come through. If you’ve got an answer, click “Comments” below.

Check out the letter above the one to “Granda Bear,” also lower right.

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Drivers cutting between North Avenue and Roseville Road know there are always interesting signs on Pumpkin Hill Road.

They’re “Signs of Happiness” — that’s what the sign nearby says.

The current array honors the first day of school. All 8 in Westport — plus Stepping Stones Preschool — are included.

(Photo/Ed Simek)

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Speaking of the beginning of school: Since its here, you’ll be seeing lots of cars decorated like this around town:

(Photo/Mary Sikorski)

It’s a decades-long tradition … but only for senior girls.

We’re not sure how or when it started.

But if you see a senior driving this car, honk!

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Speaking of cars: The Board of Assessment Appeals meets September 17 (6 to 7 p.m., Town Hall Room 201), to hear appeals of motor vehicle assessments for the 2024 grand list.

Residents should drive there in the vehicle they are appealing.

You wanna assess me how much for this?!

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Back to the first day of school … Westport Police offer these safety tips, for parents to share with their children:

  • Get to the bus stop at least 5 minutes before the bus is scheduled to arrive. (Parents, this one’s on you!)
  • When the bus is coming, stand at least 3 giant steps away from the curb.
  • Wait until the bus stops, the door opens, and the driver says it is okay before getting the bus.
  • If you must cross the street in front of the bus, be sure the driver can see you, and you can see the driver.
  • When getting off, be careful that clothing with drawstrings and book bags with straps are not caught in the handrails or doors.
  • Never walk behind the bus.
  • Walk at least 3 giant steps away from the side of the bus.
  • If you drop something near the bus, tell the driver. Don’t try to pick it up, because the driver may not be able to see you.

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Kevin Burke — called “one of the greatest living Celtic fiddlers” by the New York Times —  headlines First Folk Sunday on September 7 (12:30 p.m., Saugatuck Rowing Club).

When Staples High School graduate Wendy Newton owned Irish music-focused Green Linnet Records, she released several of his records.

Suzanne Sheridan — the founder of First Folk Sundays — and her wife Rozanne Gates heard one of Kevin’s CDs, while visiting Wendy in Northampton. Wendy helped arrange his appearance here.

“In the realm of Irish fiddle musicians, that’s like saying Yo-Yo Ma will be playing in Westport,” Rozanne says.

He’ll be joined by John Brennan. The rock guitarist has played with Graham Nash, Chris Hillman and Poco.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

Kevin Burke (left) and John Brennan.

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We run plenty of interesting photos in our “Westport … Naturally” daily feature.

This may be one of the most intriguing — and coolest — ever.

Johanna Keyser Rossi explains: “For the past few  summers a big  spider shows  up in the same  area  on our front porch. Scary looking, but fascinating.”

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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And finally … if you know “Where Have All the Flowers Gone,” you understand how brilliantly Pete Seeger’s lyrics come full circle.

Turns out, he didn’t actually write all of them.

Joe Hickerson — a singer, songwriter, and the lead archivist for folk music at the Library of Congress for more than 25 years — actually gave Seeger the last 2 (very important) verses.

Hickerson died earlier this month in Oregon, at 89. According to his New York Times obituary:, he is responsible for:

Where have all the soldiers gone?
Long time passing.
Where have all the soldiers gone?
Long time ago.
Where have all the soldiers gone?
Gone to graveyards, every one.
When will they ever learn? When will they ever learn?

and

Where have all the graveyards gone?
Long time passing.
Where have all the graveyards gone?
Long time ago.
Where have all the graveyards gone?
Gone to flowers, every one.
When will they ever learn? When will they ever learn?

Who knew?! (Hat tip: Michael Taylor)

(You can come full circle too: from reading and enjoying “06880,” to helping others do the same. Just click here, to make a tax-deductible contribution. Peace!)

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Anwara Olasewere Adds Student Voice To Board Of Ed

Posted on August 27, 2025 | 1 comment

There will be new faces on the Board of Education, after November’s election.

At last week’s first meeting of the 2025-26 school year, there already was one.

Anwara Olasewere joined the BOE as one of 2 Staples High School student representatives. The junior joins Souleye Kebe, a senior beginning his second year.

Though the 2 students cannot vote, they participate in discussions. Last year, Board members found their insights particularly important in areas like the proposed cellphone ban, and a new master schedule.

Anwara moved to Westport at 4 from St. Louis, for her mother’s job with MasterCard. She attended Long Lots Elementary and Bedford Middle School, before Staples.

A member of the Westport Youth Commission, Staples Student Council, Teen Awareness Group and several honor societies, she is perhaps best known as a swimmer. A sprinter (50 and 100 free) for Chelsea Piers in Stamford, she spends 15 hours a week in the pool — plus more time in the weight room. (One of her 2 sisters, Annam, who graduated in June from Staples, now swims at Stanford University.)

Anwara Olasewere

Anwara sees the Board of Ed as a natural extension of her work with Staples’ Student Council.

In her application video and subsequent interview with current members, she stressed her desire to connect the high school with the board, and to help current students.

“I’ve never been on a board before,” she notes. “I want to learn more about leadership.”

Her friends are excited to actually know a member of the Board of Education. She hopes to educate them — and many other Staples students — about it.

“They know there is a Board of Ed,” she says. “But they don’t know a lot about it.”

Board chair Lee Goldstein looks forward to working with Anwara.

“We’re in our third year of student representatives participation on our goard, and each of them has exceeded all our expectations,” she says.

“Anwara impressed us with her thoughtfulness and ability to see issues from multiple perspectives. We are excited to welcome her.”

Souleye Kebe, Westport’s other Board of Education student representative.

(“06880” regularly covers education in Westport — and the students in our schools. If you appreciate these stories, or anything else on this hyper-local blog, please click here to support us. Thank you!)

 

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Posted in Education, Staples HS, Teenagers

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Pic Of The Day #3051

Posted on August 26, 2025 | 2 comments

Railroad Place (Photo/Duane Cohen)

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Shackelford, Harris Officially Launch BOE Campaign

Posted on August 26, 2025 | 7 comments

The signatures have been gathered and verified. Today, Stephen Shackelford and Jodi Harris launched their campaign for the Board of Education.

Though running as Democrats, the pair were not endorsed by the Democratic Town Committee. Those nods went to incumbent Abby Tolan and Lauren Karpf, deputy moderator of the Representative Town Meeting. Earlier this month, Karpf left the race, to seek re-election to the RTM. The DTC has decided not to replace her on the ticket.

The Republicans have nominated 4 candidates: incumbent Dorie Hordon, plus Michelle Hopson, Andy Frankel and Kaitlin Zucaro. 

Board of Ed members serve staggered terms, so not every seat will be contested in November. There are currently 4 Democrats, 2 Republicans and 1 unaffiliated member on the board. Because by law one party can have only a bare majority — 4 seats — on the 7-member BOE, only 2 of the 3 Democrats could be elected. All 4 Republicans, however, could get the voters’ nod. 

Shackelford is an attorney, and former RTM member. Harris recently completed a term as Staples High School PTA co-president. They say:

Today, on the first day of school, we’re excited to officially launch our campaign. Like so many families, including our own, we’re feeling that familiar mix of promise and excitement as our kids head off to another year in Westport’s public schools. It’s a powerful reminder of how fortunate we are to live in a community with exceptionally dedicated teachers, staff, coaches and administrators.

Stephen Shackelford and Jodi Harris.

Over the coming months we look forward to meeting many more of you, hearing your perspectives, and sharing our ideas. To our students, parents, teachers, staff, coaches and administrators: We wish you a wonderful, rewarding school year.

And to our neighbors: We look forward to earning your trust and your vote this November.

Shackelford and Harris’s Instagram — with information on their principles and plans — is @HarrisShackelfordBOE. Their email is harris.shackelford@gmail.com. 

The website for the Democratic Town Committee can be found here. The website for the Republican Town Committee can be found here.

 

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Posted in Education, Local politics

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Roundup: Parks & Rec Programs, 1st Day Of School, Westport Community Theatre …

Posted on August 26, 2025 | Comments Off on Roundup: Parks & Rec Programs, 1st Day Of School, Westport Community Theatre …

A technical glitch prevented yesterday’s Instagram Live conversation with Independent Party 1st selectman candidate David Rosenwaks. “06880” apologizes to those who tuned in.

A new date will be announced soon.

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It’s the first day of school. Which means: Parks & Recreation Department fall (and winter!) program signups are around the corner.

They begin at 9 a.m. next Wednesday, September 3. Don’t snooze — some go fast.

Programs include fall tennis, youth soccer, baseball clinics, multi-sport clinics, youth basketball, ice skating and swimming.

Click here to see the full program lineup.

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For a couple of decades now on the first day of school, Pamela Long has taken a photo of elementary school children waiting at the Juniper Road/Caccamo Lane bus stop.

The faces may change, but the anticipation is always the same. Here is this year’s shot:

(Photo/Pamela Long)

Have a great year, kids.

And parents: Savor the moment. In a week or two, you’ll be dropping them off at college.

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For 68 years, the Westport Community Theatre — a black box-style space in the lower level of Town Hall — has entertained local audiences.

Whether you’re a longtime audience member, or have never heard of it — read on for details for the 2025-26 season. It includes comedy and drama, and new plays and modern classics.

“Dooley at the Bar” (September 12-28): At the height of the Gilded Age, America’s favorite news analyst was Mr. Dooley — a fictitious bartender created by humorist Finley Peter Dunne. At his hole-in-the-wall tavern Mr. Dooley takes on robber barons, newspapers, political corruption, and a new century, in a hilarious one-man show.

“Conscience” (November 14-30): Connecticut premiere. In the 1950s, as Senator Joseph McCarthy rose to power through fear and intimidation, one Republican senator – Margaret Chase Smith of Maine – stood against him. This is the story of a remarkable woman who refused to back down.

“Happy Days,” by Samuel Beckett (January 30-February 15): Winnie is a middle-aged married woman determined to make the best of an absurd situation, by finding joy in little things, and hoping to catch the attention of her oblivious husband.

“The Savannah Sipping Society” (April 10-26): Four Southern women – an unemployed workaholic, a lonely widow, a boisterous good ol’ gal, and a life coach – are drawn together by fate (and an impromptu happy hour).

“The Matchmaker,” by Thornton Wilder (June 12-28). In 19th-century New York, wealthy widower and merchant Horace Vandergelder hopes to marry the milliner Irene Molloy. He turns to Dolly Levi for help, but she wants Horace for herself.

A 5-play subscription is $130 – that’s 5 plays for the price of 4 if purchased individually. Subscriptions include priority seating, and 2 bonus tickets to introduce friends to the theatre. Click here for details, or call 203-226-1983.

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La Plage — the Longshore restaurant — will close after Labor Day for the season.

They’ll reopen in early summer next year. The adjacent Inn at Longshore begins its remodeling project November 1.

The Inn and La Plage are part of the Delamar hospitality group. Dandelion — the new Westport hotel’s restaurant — holds a job fair today (Tuesday, noon to 4 p.m.0 for many positions.

A pre-opening cocktail party is set there for September 6. Organized by realtor Judy Michaelis, it’s a fundraiser for Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service. Click here for tickets.

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The Planning & Zoning Commission meets tomorrow (Wednesday, 7 a.m. — yes, that time is correct — in Town Hall Room 201).

They are expected to immediately vote to go into an executive session to discuss pending litigation: ROAN Development Ventures vs. the P&Z, regarding the Hamlet at Saugatuck project.

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Tom Kretsch is one of Westport’s most talented, and favorite, photographers.

His exhibit “A Symphony of Color” is on display in the Westport Library’s South Gallery now through October 5.

Tomorrow (Wednesday) is the opening reception. The 6 p.m. event will be followed by a 7 p.m. conversation between him and Artists Collective of Westport co-founder Miggs Burroughs.

The Library says, “Kretsch’s background as an educator and lifelong traveler informs his ability to see beauty in the simple and the small. Whether he’s photographing New England, further afield or right here in Westport, his work speaks to his genre of peaceful places.” Click here for more details.

(Photos/Tom Kretsch)

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Congratulations to Team Schur — champions of this year’s resurrected Monday night men’s basketball league at Compo Beach.

A crowd of 50 people — including Staples head coach Dave Goldshore and associate head coach Chris Pickens — watched the title game. The scoe was 66-43.

The champions’ roster includes Jordan Schur, Travis Test, Noah Hammond, Zach But, Don Snyder, Connor Whelan, Kevin Cline, Brandon Barton and Michael Smith.

The champs: Team Schur.

Action from the finals. (Photo/Eric Bosch)

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The fall Jazz at the Post season begins Thursday (September 4, VFW Post 399) — a few days before fall, but who’s counting?

It’s “Piano Madness,” with Janice Friedman, Mike Campenni, Dave Kingsnorth and Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall.

Shows are 7:30 and 8:45 p.m. Dinner service begins at 7. Click here for tickets, and more information.

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One Bad Oyster brings ska, surf and happiness to the Weston History & Culture Center’s outdoor summer concert series “Music at the Barn” on Sunday, September 7 (5:30 to 7 p.m.).

Guests should bring a lawn chair, and their own beverages. Tony Pizza Napolitano will be selling thin crust pizzas. Members of the Weston History & Culture Center receive a complimentary glass of beer or wine.

Tickets are available at the door or in advance online.

Music at the Barn: Weston History & Culture Center.

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo is truly “red, white and blue”:

(Photo/Bob Mitchell)

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And finally … in honor of 2 of the plays in the upcoming Westport Community Theatre seeason (story above):

(Happy days are here again … when you click here to support “06880.” Oy!)

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School Starts: Scarice Salutes Staff, Addresses AI

Posted on August 26, 2025 | 3 comments

Today is the first day of school. Student energy will be high.

Yesterday marked the opening convocation for the 965 educators and support staff in the Westport Public Schools. Their energy — at a welcoming breakfast at Staples High, and the only all-staff meeting of the year — was off the charts.

There were several standing ovations, including for teachers marking milestone anniversaries in the district, and the 11 Teacher of the Year nominees. The winner, Dr. Dan Cortwright, earned special applause.

Another standing ovation: Staples Orphenians, under the direction of Lauren Pine (right), for their rendition of the national anthem.

But the biggest ovation may have been for a group that never gets one: bus drivers.

Near the beginning of his remarks, superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice singled out the work of the 60 First Student employees. He cited several incidents of “above and beyond” service — “small actions that have large impact” — and then invited the drivers to the front.

As they marched proudly down the aisles, hundreds of teachers and administrators rose to their feet, and cheered lustily.

First Student bus drivers enjoy a standing ovation.

There were cheers too for the Teacher of the Year nominees: Emily Boyle, Kim Chu, Erik Dey, Jeff Doornweerd, Jenna Giordano, Erin Hines, Eric Lawrence, Maggie Robinson, Jeremy Royster, Julie Sanzo and Katie Sullivan.

The selection of Dr. Dan Cortwright — an 8th grade science teacher at Bedford Middle School — was an affirmation of what Scarice called all the honorees: “the best of our profession.”

BMS principal Dr. Adam Rosen hailed the University of Michigan biochemistry Ph.D. as “a compassionate innovator and tireless advocate. He regularly includes the mot vulnerable students.”

Rosen said that Cortwright cultivates “creativity, belonging and engagement. He makes science come alive. His classroom is a place of challenge and joy. He inspires everyone. He teaches a master class in our district’s values.”

As head coach of the state champion and national contender Science Olympiad team, Cortwright reached out to a student in the intensive resource program. State judges said it was the first time a special needs youngster participated in the Olympiad.

After an emotional video in which that student spoke lovingly of Cortwright, he took the stage. The Teacher of the Year saluted the BMS students who made the young girl feel part of the team, then described the joy he gets from helping children “see the magic that happens when they figure things out.”

Westport Teacher of the year Dr. Dan Cortwright (right), with (from left) superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice, and assistant superintendent John Bayers.

Scarice, meanwhile, is trying to figure out artificial intelligence. So is everyone else in education.

His keynote address used the collapse of monasteries as a metaphor for colleges today.

Once central to all of European civilization, monasteries fell under the spread of a new technology: the printing press.

An array of forces — economic, demographic, political and technological — now buffet universities, Scarice said.

Combined with AI, the future is very uncertain.

Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice. (All photos/Dan Woog)

“What does this mean for educators?” Scarice asked rhetorically.

His answer: It is an opportunity to “re-humanize” education.

For example, artificial intelligence can “lift the burdens on teachers, so they can spend more time with students. It can help us point our ethical compass to the true north. It can help us stay human-centered, and transparent.

AI is here to stay, he emphasized. The job of educators, Scarice said, is to “be architects, leading the pathway forward.”

He urged the Westport Schools “not to wait for change to happen, but to shape the way forward for students.

“If it can’t happen here in Westport,” he concluded, “it will never happen.”

AFTER THE BELL: Teacher of the Year Dr. Cortright is entering his 15th year as a WEstport teacher. Previously, he spent nearly 15 years in science research, contributing to advancements that help patients manage conditions like multiple myeloma …

The Westport Public Schools welcome 27 new teachers this year. There are also nearly 30 newly hired non-certified staff members, and 10 interns and student teachers. Combined with coaches, other extracurricular and stipend positions, and substitutes, there are nearly 1,200 WPS employees …

Scarice began the convocation with a moment of silence for Kristen Ryan Beirne. The popular and talented Bedford Middle School physical education teacher — a former star athlete at Staples — died earlier this month, after a long illness.

(“06880” reports regularly on education in Westport. If you appreciate stories like this, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Pics Of The Day #3050

Posted on August 25, 2025 | 1 comment

One classic Compo Beach jetty scene … (Photo/Robin Frank)

… and another (Photo/Judith Katz)

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“06880” Podcast: Rick Benson

Posted on August 25, 2025 | 2 comments

Rick Benson wears many hats. He is “Mr. Rotary” in Westport, overseeing everything from LobstersFest to projects around the world.

He has also served on many town boards, the United Way, YMCA, Boy Scouts, and not one but two Congregational churches.

I could have listed many more accomplishments when I introduced him at our recent “06880” podcast, but I preferred to spend the time chatting.

Click here or below, to hear the many things we talked about.

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Roundup: 8-30g, Instagram Live, Pickleball …

Posted on August 25, 2025 | 6 comments

The latest 8-30g battle is being waged in Bethel.

According to the New York Post, Manhattan developer Vessel Technologies is warning officials that they face “expensive legislation” if they reject a proposal for a 4- or 5-story, 75-unit, steel and glass apartment complex.

Among the concerns: “worsening traffic, parking shortages, safety issues, loss of privacy and environmental impacts from stormwater to wildlife.”

The Post calls Vessel “perhaps Connecticut’s most controversial develop, specializing in steel-and-glass buildings and targeting wealthy suburbs with projects that trigger the 8-30g statute.”

8-30g is a Connecticut housing regulation that overrides much local zoning and other control, if 30% of the proposed units will be rented at “affordable” rates, according to a state formula.

Click here for the full New York Post story.

The original proposal for an 8-30g housing complex in Bethel.

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“06880” continues our Instagram Live conversations with the first selectman candidates today (Monday, 4 p.m.). Dave Briggs and I will chat with independent David Rosenwaks.

You can find us on Instagram @06880danwoog. We welcome your questions!

The series began with Republican candidate Don O’Day. Still to come: Democrat Kevin Christie.

David Rosenwaks

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Just about every town organization was represented on Saturday at Compo Beach.

The pickleball courts were named for Tom Lowrie. The 97-year-old — “Mr. Pickleball,” to many — has done more than any to drive growth of the game here.

Among those honoring him were members of the Representative Town Meeting, Recreation Commission, Y’s Men and Sunrise Rotary Club.

A demonstration by professional players followed the ceremony.

Tom Lowrie (center), with Andrew Colabella (RTM member who helped name the courts) and Tom’s daughter Anne.

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Back at the beach yesterday: A group of friends — all Westport residents, 3 of them Staples High graduates — spent every Sunday morning since June training for a swim from Compo out to Cockenoe Island.

Yesterday morning, they did the real thing.

The water was choppy and the swim was long. But, Alex Klein says, “the experience made us all feel a tiny bit younger.”

From left: Alex Klein, Evan Rutchik, Justin Zale, Zach Bilchik, Jordan Lert, Andrew Zimmerman, Ari Pollack, Josh Shapiro, Adam Gilbert, Gary Straus. Missing: Matthew Linsky (boat support). Klein, Lert and Shapiro are Staples High School Class of 2003 graduates.

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Speaking of sports: Yesterday’s Staples High School boys basketball Slam Jam was a day of action, fun — and competiton. Nearly 200 boys participated, at Bedford Middle School.

Winners of the 3-v-3 tournament were:

  • Grades 3-4: Kyle McInerney, Angel Azana, Bradley Dymond
  • Grades 5-6: Luca Talley, Delano Melvin, Nolan Greenstein
  • Grades 7-8: Tyler Burtzlaff, Andrew Freeman, Colby Whiting (photo below)

The winners of the 3 3-point contests were Bradley Dymond, Griffin Post and Jack Jaramillo.

Congratulations to all!

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Speaking of basketball: As is often the case, competition was friendly but fierce last night, at a Compo Beach pick-up game.

Ben Meyer caught some of the action.

(Photo/Ben Meyer)

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Also last night: Eight to the Bar brought their roots music to the Levitt Pavilion.

Eight to the Bar (Photo copyright DinkinESH Fotografix)

Meanwhile, as summer fades, the riverside amphitheater continues to offer entertainment, both free and ticketed.

Tonight (Monday, August 25, 7 p.m.), is the rescheduled Josh Ritter with Bhi Bhiman show. Tickets are still available, online and at the box office. Ritter — a prolific singer-songwriter, musician and best-selling author, is known for his narrative lyrics and Americana blend of rock, country and folk.

Tomorrow (Tuesday, August 26, 7 p.m.) is a free show: the Fairfield counts, with vocalists Janet Richards and Levitt favorite Frank Mastrone.

Also ahead:

September 6 (5 p.m.): Mihali, with Soule Monde and Mr. Mota. The Twiddle co-founder returns to the Levitt for his 10th show, with his full band and special guests, plus reggae-infused Mr. Mota (with Westport roots). Click here for tickets.

September 7 (7 p.m.): Amy Irving and the Goolis Orchestra (free). She’ll offer songs by longtime friend and “Honcysuckle Rose” co-star Willie Nelson.

September 11 (7:30 p.m.): The Levitt’s annual tribute to first responders, starring DNR and in support of Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service. The show is free, but donations to WVEMS are encouraged.

September 12 (8 p.m.): Strawberry Fields Beatles tribute. Click here for tickets.

September 14 (7 p.m.): Tedeschi Trucks Band: Levitt Pavilion fundraising gala. Click here for tickets. 

September 20 (7 p.m; free): Argonaut & Wasp, with Wild & Co.: Neo-disco and folk rock.

A few more shows are in the pipeline, through October.

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VFW Post 399 hosts an array of activities: veterans’ events, blood drives, Thursday night jazz.

So why not comedy too?

4 comedians — Steve Marshall, Brad Bruckner, Cara Amore and Joe Pontillo — headline Comedy Night at the VFW on September 5 (doors open at 7 p.m., show at 8). Click here for tickets, and more information.

Also ahead: Rock star/soul singer/multi-intstrumentalist Eliot Lewis — a longtime member of the Average White Band (1989-2002) and Hall & Oates’ band (2003-23) brings his many talents to the VFW on September 27 (8 p.m.). Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door; click here to purchase, and for more information.

Plus: Every Tuesday is “Burger & Brew Night” at the VFW (5-8 p.m.).

Comedy and music, coming to the VFW.

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After setting 2 previous novels in Westport, 1979 Staples High School graduate Jim Noble is moving further afield.

His most recent — and 5th — book, “IOU,” is set in 1970s Norwalk.

Amazon describes it: “A struggling seaside town along the Long Island Sound is trying to rescue itself from the grips of economic depression and a malevolent force unlike anything ever seen. Caught in the carnage are seven people whose lives, loves, and hopes are altered forever.”

Click here to order, and for more information.

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Hana Jones sends along this photo …

(Photo/Tilly Jones, age 12)

… and the comment: “It’s been a fun summer at Longshore Pool — wrist bands to prove it!”

IYKYK.

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Among the wildlife found in the Saugatuck River, behind the Levitt Pavilion: this handsome cormorant.

While drying off after a swim, he posed for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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And finally … Happy Brake Safety Week!

(Another week, another Roundup filled with news, events, photos, and random songs. If you appreciate this daily feature, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

 

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Posted in Local politics, Longshore, Real estate, Sports, Staples HS

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Westport’s Geese: Meet The Goosinator. No Sh–!

Posted on August 25, 2025 | 7 comments

One Canada goose eats up to 4 pounds of grass a day.

And dumps 3 pounds of fecal matter, also daily.

Multiply that by our very large and active population of geese. That’s a lot of grass chewed up on Compo Beach, the Longshore golf course, and athletic fields.

A lot of geese poop too.

(Photo copyright/DinkinESH Fotografix)

But we don’t have to take all that lying down.

Enter … The Goosinator!

A low-tech, low-cost solution to an insistent, if not high-priority, problem, our 2 machines are already in use — with dramatic effect.

A Goosinator is a remote-controlled device that mimics a bird’s predators. Seeing it gooses geese to fly away.

Geese don’t like the Goosinator’s shape, look or color.

And — because geese are not as dumb as they look — the Goosinator imprints itself on their goose brains. Soon, just seeing the device’s vehicle sends them skedaddling.

The Goosinator came to town through Erik Barbieri. Westport’s new Parks & Recreation Department had used the tool effectively in New Britain, his previous post.

Westport was using actual, live dogs to scare the geese. The owners were “great,” Barbieri says. But the Goosinator is more effective.

And cheaper.

Seeing the Goosinator (far right), and preparing to flee.

(Connecticut allows the “termination” — aka “killing” — of a certain number of geese. But, Barbieri notes, “the optics are not good.”)

Westport’s head Goosinator is Rick Giunta. Recently retired after a long career with Parks & Rec, the Westport native now spends several early mornings a week goosinating. (That’s a goose’s favorite time to eat and poop.)

Hopefully, he’ll put himself out of a regular job. According to the Goosinator website, geese eventually get the message. Regular goosinations turn into less frequent forays.

Rick Giunta at Compo Beach, with his remote-controlled Goosinator.

An added benefit: Geese who go elsewhere lay their eggs elsewhere too.

Westport’s 2 Goosinators are used now at Compo Beach, and on athletic fields (another favorite goose territory). One may be deployed on the Longshore golf course, after the season.

Barbiieri may purchase a third Goosinator, too.

See ya! (Compo Beach photos/Carmen Roda)

“No one can argue that geese droppings aren’t an issue,” Giunta says

“But the Goosinator doesn’t harm them. It just relocates them.”

Unfortuately, Barbieri notes, Canada geese no longer fly south for the winter. They stay here — eating grass, then fouling our land.

Of course, those goosinated geese have to go somewhere. That may be another town, or private property. They prefer being near water, so they can escape predators.

“My job is to protect our parks, our facilities and their users,” Barbieri explains. “We’re trying to provide a service, in the right, humane way.”

Now, if we can only find a Deerinator …

(If a story like this doesn’t cause you to support “06880” — your hyper-local blog — nothing will. To make a tax-deductible contribution, please click here. Thank you!)

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Posted in Beach, Environment

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