Tag Archives: A Better Chance of Westport

Roundup: Staples Logowear Online, A Better Chance Events, Earthplace Egg Hunt …

Posted on March 11, 2026 | 2 comments

Alumni and residents often ask the Staples High School PTA if they sell logowear.

They don’t have a permanent store. However, 3 times a year they run online sales.

One of those times is now.

From today (Wednesday) through March 25, you can order alumni gear. Some youth sizes are available too.

Items include t-shirts, polos, hoodies, sweatshirts, shorts, flannel pants, caps, golf umbrellas, stadium seats and magnets.

Click here to shop. Your purchase will be delivered to your door.

Some of the Staples High School logowear at the online store.

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Speaking of Staples: A Better Chance of Westport — the program that provides educational opportunities to academically gifted and highly motivated young men of color — has 2 important upcoming events.

On March 21 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.), you can “Shop for a Cause” at Fred, the 30 Post Road East women’s clothing store. 10% of all sales that day will benefit ABC.

It’s a great chance to find the perfect outfit for the organization’s “Dream Event” (May 7, 6:30 p.m., House on the Hill, Norwalk). It’s an inspiring evening, saluting the young scholars of A Better Chance, who enrich our community every day.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Speaking of tickets: They’re going fast for Earthplace’s Great Egg Hunt.

One-hour slots are available April 3 and 4 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

In addition to a nature hunt for eggs, youngsters can meet live rabbits and create spring-themed crafts. Click here to register.

Also on the Earthplace calendar: their 5th annual Arbor Day “Toast to the Trees.”

The April 25 event (4 to 6 p.m.) includes craft beer tastings, food trucks, live music, fun activities and more. Click here for more information, and registration.

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“Greens” Farms Church was an appropriate setting Monday, for Club203’s “Luck o’ the Irish” celebration.

A large crowd of adults with disabilities, and their friends, enjoyed green-themed delicious foods from Lyfe Café, desserts by Avery, and tunes from the Especially Everyone band. Attendees also made pots of gold, with MOCA\CT.

Volunteers — including many Rotarians — brought great spirit, laughter and energy to the bash.

A small part of the large green crowd at Monday’s Club203 event.

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Yesterday afternoon, Westport Police searched for a man who left a facility against the wishes of medical control.

He was located on Post Road East, near Myrtle Avenue.

The number of police vehicles and officers made the response look more significant than it otherwise might be, due to its proximity to headquarters and its occurrence during a shift change.

Police vehicles on Post Road East. (Photo/EJ Zebro)

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This year’s Democratic Women of Westport “Souper Luncheon” welcomes the co-chairs of the Connecticut House of Representatives Reproductive Rights Caucus: Jillian Gilchrest and Matt Blumenthal.

The event is March 27 (11:30 a.m.). A $40 donation supports Staples Tuition Grants’ DWW scholarship. RSVP by email: dww06880@gmail.com.

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Red Hot Mamas — the online community for menopause information founded by Westporter Karen Giblin — is looking for baby boomers to be part of a special Oprah Winfrey podcast conversation focused on “generations.”

The taping is tomorrow (March 12, 11 a.m.) in New York City.

Email info@eventstics.com if interested. Include your first and last name, email address and cell phone.

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Westport Country Playhouse artistic director Mark Shanahan visited the Westport Rotary Club yesterday.

He spoke about the Playhouse’s Pulitzer Award play, “Primary Trust. Previews begin April 14.

Shanahan called it “a story of friendships and lifting people up. When I first saw this play, I choked up.”

Mark Shanahan

The main Rotary speaker was Jasmine Prezzie, program director for the Norwalk Mentor Program.

A former mentee herself, she noted the value of adults who share their triumphs and disappointments with children trying figure out their own futures.

There are 413 mentors in the school-based initiative.

Jasmine Prezzie (Photos/Dave Matlow)

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The new header on our “06880” home page features the Ned Dimes Marina at Compo Beach. You can see it below, too.

The image — showing empty slips, just waiting to be filled — is by longtime Westporter JD Dworkow. We highlight his great work often here.

Thanks, JD!

(Photo/JD Dworkow)

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Our favorite nature photographer, Lou Weinberg, writes: “In addition to rooting for the UConn Huskies in the upcoming March Madness, I’m rooting for the comeback of the rusty red and blue: Eastern bluebirds.

“They scored a big win at the Newman Poses Preserve on Monday. Eastern bluebirds seem to be rebounding well. Conservation efforts and bird boxes help. Protecting open space and planting natives are important factors in their recovery as well. Go Bluebirds!”

(Photo/Lou Weinberg)

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And finally … in honor of Lou Weinberg’s bluebird (above):

(Is spring finally here? We have no idea. But we do know this: Any time is a good time to help support “06880.” Please click here, to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)

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Posted in Beach, Environment, Police, Politics, Staples HS, Westport Country Playhouse

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2 Jens Organize Clients — And Organizations

Posted on February 16, 2026 | 7 comments

We last checked in with Jenny Bentley and Jennifer Dewis more than a year ago.

The women share more than first names. They moved to Westport on the same day in 2008. They met while dropping off their 3rd graders at Greens Farms Elementary School. 

Both were good at helping friends’ parents downsize their homes. Inevitably, they joined forces. Their business — 2Jens Organizing — thrives. Empty nesters themselves, they fill a great niche: taking the stress out of moving from a large house to a smaller one.

Now they’ve taken on volunteer work, at Homes with Hope’s food pantry and A Better Chance of Westport’s Glendarcy House.

The Jens lend their expertise by helping organize the food — no easy task, with constant donations and an ever-growing line of residents seeking produce, meats, household products and more.

The 2 Jens (center and right), in the well-organized Homes with Hope food pantry.

The ABC home — where students from underserved communities live, eat and study, while attending Staples — also benefits from the women’s talents. Last summer, they helped make a home away from home for the teenagers.

High schoolers and food-insecure people offer a break from other clients.

Those include older residents. The 2 Jens have developed  an expertise helping seniors downsize.

When they began, the women did not realize there was such a need for that service.

But as they worked with seniors who are downsizing or moving into assisted living, they discovered how daunting and emotionally loaded the task is.

Packing and organizing boxes can be physically — and emotionally — difficult.

Because health issues often trigger a downsize, some clients are physically not up to the task.

Often too family members are not available, because of time or distance constraints.

Well-meaning adult children who are around cannot always help, either. They can even hurt the process. They’re too close to the situation.

But the organizers work closely with family — remotely, if necessary — and are sensitive to the emotional roller coaster of going through the contents of a home with a lifetime of memorabilia.

Jenny Bentley (left) and Jennifer Dewis. 

Their goal is to make what can be a fraught and overwhelming process as smooth as possible.

The 2 Jens help sort through a home’s contents, providing objectives eyes. And years of experience helping folks make plans, then carrying them out. (The plans, not the clients.)

They work together to decide what to keep, sell or donate. They bring small items to Goodwill, and call auction houses.

They organize the movers, including unpacking and setting up the new home — even hanging art on the walls.

“A lot of this is intuitive. We’re very good listeners,” Jenny says. “We consult. We advise. But we’re very respectful of people’s wishes.”

A new room.

The women know it can be hard to part with memorabilia. Gently, they help sort through it. if there are 75 pieces of artwork from elementary school, perhaps 10 are enough to keep?

Much of that memorabilia is all over the place: refrigerators, mantels, basements, attics. The Jens are geniuses at sorting it, putting it in bins, and labeling it.

Moving can be a fraught experience. Clients invite Jenny and Jennifer into their personal space. But they don’t want to feel criticized or judged.

“Whatever works for them is fine,” Jenny says. She leaves out the second part: Even if we don’t like it ourselves.

What they do is largely “problem-solving,” she adds. “We have independent eyes, we come up with a game plan, we communicate it with them, and then we work on the timing of everything.”

Once a client has moved into a new home, the Jens are there. They organize, say, a kitchen. They bring their expertise, but stop often to ask: Does this work for you?

Garage, before and after the 2 Jens went to work. 

They also continue to work with clients needing more typical help. This time of year — when it’s cold outside, and the excitement of the holidays has worn off — is a good time to purge closets or tackle messy rooms, they say.

The women’s expertise comes from their own lives. Both have moved often. They’ve set up their own homes, and helped their 6 children (combined) move into new bedrooms, dorm rooms and apartments.

The women charge by the hour. Clients can stop the clock any time, and not feel locked into a contract.

However, Jenny notes, “jobs tend to get bigger as we go. Once we get started, people realize they need more things done.”

De-cluttering is never easy. There’s a lot of stuff in those closets, basements and attics.

The 2 Jens help make sense — and well-organized, clearly labeled bins — of it.

Just ask Homes with Hope, and A Better Chance of Westport.

(“06880” often highlights small Westport businesses. If you enjoy stories like these, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Local business, Real estate

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Roundup: Jelani Cobb & Trey Ellis, Rupert & Lachlan Murdoch, ABC & Big Y …

Posted on January 18, 2026 | 2 comments

“If you’re a homeowner, the first termite you see is not the first termite that showed up.”

With that analogy, Jelani Cobb wove together 2 strands of his talk — America’s history of slavery and civil rights, and today’s threats to our democracy — yesterday.

The 20th annual Westport Weston Martin Luther King Day celebration at the Westport Library drew a full crowd. Cobb — a noted New Yorker writer, scholar, and dean of the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism — was joined in conversation by novelist, playwright, filmmaker (and Westport resident) Trey Ellis.

Jelani Cobb (left) and Trey Ellis.

Asked by Ellis what King would think of the United States today, Cobb said, “It would be very familiar to him.”

Anti-democratic forces, he added, are “congenital problems that don’t go away by ignoring them.”

“My father had a 3rd grade education. I have a Ph.D.,” Cobb said. He vowed never to forget the democratic rights that enabled his achievement — and to “not tolerate intrusions on them.”

Recalling King’s famous quote — “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice” — Cobb noted the “fine print”: “We have to get out and bend it.”

Senator Richard Blumenthal spoke briefly. Referring to recent events, he said, “the totalitarian tactics used to silence non-violent protests are not America. It’s the America Martin Luther King protested against.”

The conversation was bookended by Varrick Nelson Jr. The young Stratford singer wowed the audience with stirring gospel-inflected renditions of “Bridge Over Troubled Water” and “A Change is Gonna Come.”

The audience included over 40 students from the Walter Luckett Foundation. The Bridgeport non-profit provides educational and recreational opportunities for young people. The Westport Library is a longtime partner.

The annual MLK celebration is a collaboration between the Library, TEAM Westport, Westport Country Playhouse, Westport Museum for History & Culture, and the Westport/Weston Clergy Association.

Varrick Nelson Jr.

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There was one serious automobile accident yesterday, in the snow that lasted much longer — and was a lot more slippery — than predicted.

Westport firefighters extricated the only occupant in a rollover crash at Bayberry Lane and Easton Road.

(Photo courtesy of Westport Fire Department)

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Gabriel Sherman has built a career writing about some of the most powerful people in the world.

His first book, “The Loudest Voice in the Room,” told the story of how Roger Ailes built Fox News.

Sherman wrote the screenplay for “The Apprentice,” the biopic about Donald Trump’s relationship with Roy Cohn.

His latest project:  “Bonfire of the Murdochs: How the Epic Fight to Control the Last Great Media Dynasty Broke a Family — and the World.”

Sherman was educated through grade 10 in Westport schools. He’s written for New York and Vanity Fair, and been a regular contributor to NBC News and MSNBC.

Sherman will be interviewed by Tina Brown at the 92nd Street Y in New York on February 5 (8 p.m.). Click here for tickets. 

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Looking for a way to help both A Better Chance of Westport, and the environment?

And to do so inexpensively, and easily?

This month, Big Y supermarket is donating $1 to ABC — the non-profit that provides educational opportunities to academically gifted and highly motivated young men of color — for every reusable bag purchased for $2.50.

It’s a no-brainer. Buy more than one. You can never have enough bags!

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There’s nothing like learning from pros.

On Wednesday David Guggenheim — screenwriter, producer and showrunner of Netflix’s “Designated Survivor” (and creator and writer of “Safe House,” “The Union” and “The Christmas Chronicles”) — visited Theater Camp 4 Kids Broadway Academy‘s students and interns.

He provided the young actors and writers with a “behind the camera” look at the reality of the film and TV industry, and inspired them to pursue their dreams.

Guggenheim shared insights about the creative process, including how to turn an idea into a script, and the reality of getting it produced. He also described the complex moving parts of a successful film or TV show, from how to make rainy scenes look real, to shooting on back lots and locations, and which actors he would love to work with in the future.

Youngsters came prepared with plenty of questions, which Guggenheim answered with warmth and charm.

Theater Camp 4 Kids is registering now for the winter/spring semester, and June Summer Day Camp. For information, email curleylaura@hotmail.com.

David Guggenheim (rear, center) with Theater Camp 4 Kids students. (Photo/Emily Jennings)

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Westporters using the Delta Sky Lounge at La Guardia Airport can see a bit of home.

Artist Nina Bentley’s work “He Looked Good on Paper” is on display, in Terminal C.

(Hat tip and photo/Kelle Ruden)

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As snow started to fall yesterday at Sherwood Mill Pond, Pam Docters captured this serene “Westport … Naturally” scene:

(Photo/Pam Docters)

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And finally … English author A.A. Milne was born on this date, in 1882. He died in 1956.

(“06880” is your 24/7/365 hyper-local blog. How do we do it? With support from readers like you. To make a tax-deductible contribution, please click here. Thank you!)

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Posted in Arts, Children, History, Library, Local business, Media

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Remembering Steve Daniels

Posted on January 5, 2026 | 14 comments

Steve Daniels — a longtime Westport resident, who with his wife helped found TEAM Westport, and was an active volunteer in many causes — died peacefully at Stamford Hospital. He was 86.

The Philadelphia native earned a soccer scholarship to the University of Pittsburgh, and graduated with a degree in business. He was president of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, and captained the soccer team.

He and his wife, realtor Cheryl Scott-Daniels, dedicated themselves to their family and community.

Steve Daniels

Steve served as a mentor to youth; was board chair of the United Way and president of A Better Chance of Westport, and was an active member of TEAM Westport, the town’s multicultural commission.

A passionate advocate for senior housing, he co-chaired the Baron’s South project, championing dignity and opportunity for older residents  Steve was honored by the Department of Human Services for his long service and commitment to improving communities. 

His professional career began in the shoe business. He designed high-end footwear, which required extensive work in factories throughout Italy.

He later built a successful career at Trans World Airlines, rising to vice president of reservations and tours. One of his proudest achievements at TWA was helping provide resources to the families of hostages following the hijacking of Flight 847 in the summer of 1985.

After leaving TWA, Steve served as general manager at Oxford Health. He opened their 300,000-square foot White Plains office in 1996.

He later worked alongside his wife at Cheryl Scott-Daniels Realty.

His family says, “Steve was an avid reader, a devoted tennis player, an adventurous skier, and a curious traveler who delighted in exploring the world.  Above all, he cherished time spent with friends and family, who knew him for his integrity, warmth, and quiet strength.” 

Steve is survived by his wife, Cheryl Scott-Daniels; stepson Stephen Scott (Dalila Wilson-Scott); grandchildren Kayla, Sean and Cameron; sisters-in-law, brother-in-law, and many nieces and nephews.  

Steve’s family extends thanks to caregivers and friends who supported Steve with compassion and love.  A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Steve’s name to the Lewy Body Dementia Association.

14 Comments

Posted in Obituaries

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Roundup: Log Pile, Politics, Pop-Up Shop …

Posted on December 11, 2025 | 44 comments

A decade and a half after it was first proposed, a 2-story office building will be built at 715 Post Road East.

That means the towering log pile on the 1/3-acre site — across Roseville Road from McDonald’s — will finally be gone. The target date for removal is 3 months. The building is expected to open, for medical and other uses, in a year.

The Planning & Zoning Commission approved the office plan — finally — on Monday. The vote was 6-1, with Michael Calise dissenting.

Click here for more details, from CT Insider.

715 Post Road East (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Westport-based national journalists Alisyn Camerota and Dave Briggs have done some great interviews on their “Sanity” podcast. They’ve asked tough questions of figures like Senator Richard Blumenthal and (former Westporter) James Comey.

Their most recent interview may be their deepest and most insightful yet.

Our Congressman — Jim Himes — is the ranking Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee. He’s one of the few people on Capitol Hill (or anywhere) to have seen the full video of the US military’s twin strikes on suspected Venezuelan drug dealers’ boats.

For half an hour, Himes spoke about the video (“it made me nauseous”), Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, the 53% of Americans who approve of killing suspected drug dealers, along with other subjects like his colleague, Marjorie Taylor Greene.

Click here or below for the full, fascinating interview.

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The Residence at Westport invites Westport residents — and everyone else – to today’s Holiday Pop-Up Shop (Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., 1141 Post Road East).

Local artisans will sell handmade works, including jewelry, pottery and gifts.

The Residence at Westport

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Army and Navy may no longer be at the top of the college football heap.

But there’s still plenty of interest, when the military academies meet.

They kick off for the 126th time this Saturday (3 p.m.). And what better place to watch than VFW Post 399?

There’s a party there (465 Riverside Avenue), beginning at 2 p.m.

Everyone is invited. But if you’re a veteran (or active duty): Wear something that lets everyone know which team is yours.

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Roni Goldberg — the new executive director of A Better Chance of Westport — spoke to the Westport Rotary Club on Tuesday.

Since 2002, the organization has provided outstanding and academically-gifted young men of color a home, and other support services, while they attend Staples High School.

The community has gotten behind the local chapter of the national ABC program — and the dozens of teenage scholars have given back plenty to our town.

Roni Goldberg, ABC executive director, at the Westport Rotary Club. (Hat tip and photo/Dave Matlow)

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Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between December 3 and 9.

A 69-year-old Bridgeport man was charged with criminal mischief and intimidation based on bigotry, after an investigation into vandalism at the former Westport National Bank building. A large symbol, described as a Star of David combined with a swastika, was drawn in blue paint. Identical symbols were painted on other structures in the area. He was unable to post a $75,000 bond.

A 30-year-old Westport woman was charged with risk of injury to a minor, after signs of injury were observed by school staff on a juvenile student. She was released on a $50,000 bond.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Texting while driving: 5 citations
  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 4
  • Failure to renew registration: 3
  • Speeding in a school zone: 2
  • Distracted driving: 2
  • Assault: 1
  • Breach of peace: 1
  • Speeding in a school zone (2nd offense): 1
  • Speeding: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 1
  • Improper turns: 1
  • Failure to obey state traffic control signals: 1
  • Failure to obey state traffic commission regulations: 1
  • Using an unauthorized insurer: 1

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Among the many Westport homes decorated for the holidays: this one on Sylvan Road North:

(Photo/Susan Garment)

There are decorations aplenty indoors, too. This is the scene at the Senior Center:

(Photo/Ed Simek)

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Is it the lighting? Mother Nature’s camouflage?

Either way, this eagle fits in quite well on the Compo Beach Hillspoint Road jetty, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature photo.

(Photo/Matt Murray)

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And finally … on this date in 1913, the Mona Lisa was recovered in Florence, Italy. Leonardo da Vinci’s famed painting had been stolen more than 2 yeares earlier, from the Louvre. 

(“06880” is where Westport meets the world — from Jim Himes to the Mona Lisa. If you enjoy these daily Roundups — or any other feature of our blog — please click here to support our work. Thanks!)

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Posted in Local politics, Media, Police, Politics, Real estate

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Roundup: Rizzuto’s Cops, ABC’s Scholars, Sherwood Island’s Thieves …

Posted on April 27, 2025 | 3 comments

What do Westport police officers do on their time off?

They help the waiters and bussers at Rizzuto’s.

No, they’re not earning extra cash. At least, not for themselves.

For 4 hours Friday night, Westport’s finest welcomed diners, took orders and served meals. The “Tip-A-Cop” event was a fundraiser for Special Olympics Connecticut.

Customers were encouraged to leave extra tips — and boy, did they. The WPD raised a whopping $11,000.

“Rizzuto’s was an amazing host, and their guests were very generous,” says Lieutenant Eric Woods.

A tip of the “06880” hat to all!

Westport Police and Rizzuto’s staff. 

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With passion, insights, humor and love, scholars present and past honored A Better Chance of Westport last night.

The highlight of the annual Dream Event fundraising gala for the program that provides educational and enrichment opportunities to students of color from less advantaged communities was — as always — speeches by soon-to-be graduates, and a returning alum.

Seniors Michael Loya and Brian Lu traced their journeys from freshmen in an entirely new environment (Westport seemed like “a forest”), to their proud achievements in the classroom, and beyond.

They offered profuse thanks to the many volunteer host families, drivers, tutors, executive directors and board members who helped them on their journey.

Brian Lu and Michael Loya.

In the COVID year of 2020, Yoel Hooper-Antunez never gave his senior speech. He made up for it this year, with an inspiring tale of his 4 years at ABC’s Glendarcy House, his career at Grinnell College, and his work now for a gaming company in Las Vegas.

Yoel too acknowledged the cultural change he navigated, coming here. Growing up next to John Wayne Airport in Orange County, California, the first thing he noticed about Westport was the quiet.

It was a joyful, heartfelt night. Westport does much for our ABC scholars.

But they give us much more in return.

Yoel Hooper-Antunez

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Also last night: Club203’s monthly party.

The Westport Weston Family YMCA hosted members of Westport’s social club for adults with disabilities.

They swam, played sports, rocked out to great music, made wind chimes, and enjoyed healthy snacks.

Club 203 thanks Brian Marazzi, the lifeguards, Staples’ Service League of Boys (SLOBs), Calise Deli & Market, and MoCA CT.

Club203 and SLOBs, at the Y. 

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A reader writes, “While I was walking with a friend at Sherwood Island State Park Friday around noon, her credit card, debit card, $50 in cash and a blank check were stolen from her purse. It was camouflaged (she thought), but sitting in the console of her car. She thinks she locked her car, but isn’t positive since no windows were broken.

“A few minutes after we finished our walk, she started getting fraud alerts from her credit card company. The thieves had already been to Staples in Fairfield, trying to charge over $1,000 in merchandise.”

Sherwood Island has always seemed like a safe, secure refuge. Of course, no place always is. Always lock your car, everywhere — and double-check to make sure!

A beautiful spot for a walk. But lock your car doors!

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Sandy Cooper — the always helpful, all-knowing and much loved owner of Cooper’s Auto Parts had major heart surgery a year ago.

It has not slowed him down at all. He opens his door (across from Stop & Shop) at 7 a.m. every day. All day long, he solves problems, soothes customers, and saves them money.

This Tuesday (April 29), Sandy turns 77. John Karrel — one of his many fans and friends — urges every customer to stop by, with a birthday card.

John notes that the best ones will have “the sort of ironic sentiment one finds on the many signs in his shop.”

Sandy Cooper, in his timeless store.

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Mother’s Day is 2 weeks from today! (You knew that, right?)

And Wreathing for Community believes that moms should be celebrated in a big way.

The group collects donations from community members and businesses. then creates beautiful wreaths, centerpieces and other home decor items.

Some are donated to non-profit organizations for their fundraising efforts. Others are given as gifts to grouops, volunteers and community members.

Faith Sargent says: “If you’d like to honor your mom this Mother’s Day, please email WhimsicalRedheadCrafts@gmail.com. Tell us what makes her so special.

“One wonderful mom will be chosen to receive the whimsical butterfly wreath (below).”

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Bill Shakos’ fifth “What Do I Know?” podcast is particularly compelling.

The in-depth interview with State Senator Ceci Maher focuses on mental health.

Powerfully and honestly, she discusses her husband’s struggles with PTSD and alcoholism, in the wake of September 11.

Shakos’ next podcast — featuring Homes with Hope — drops tomorrow.

Click here for links to listen.

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A great annual Staples High School baseball tradition is welcoming Little League players. This year’s Little League Day takes place Friday (May 2, 4:15 p.m.).

Youngsters will be invited onto the field for the lineup, and to run the bases on prior to the first pitch.

They’ll then cheer on the Wreckers against Wilton, and enjoy free pizza from the Colony truck.

Four Little Leaguers at Staples in 2019. Three are now varsity baseball players; the other calls Wrecker games on WWPT-FM. From left: current Staples varsity players Will Allott, Mark Kelly and Connor Brill, and WWPT-FM announcer Charlie Curran.

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Sure, you can honk at traffic.

Or you can fly above it — and do your honking there. Just like in today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo, courtesy of Carol Anne Ances.

(Photo/Carol Anne Ances)

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And finally … on this date in 1791, Samuel F.B. Morse was born.

He was not the only one to invent the primary language of telegraphy. But he’s the one whose name is on it.

(Besides the tip in the item at top, here’s another one: If you click here, your tax-deductible contribution helps support “06880.” We rely on our readers, so thank you!)

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Posted in Police, Restaurants, Sports, Staples HS, YMCA

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Roundup: Fire Pits, Ice Bucket Challenge, Earth Day Clean-up …

Posted on April 24, 2025 | 6 comments

Fire up those fire pits!

With little heat — but plenty of enthusiasm — the Board of Selectwomen voted unanimously yesterday to accept the Parks & Recreation Department’s proposal to add 2 portable fire pits to Compo’s South Beach this summer.

The pits — available for use byWestport residents only, for $150 from 4 to 10 p.m. every day except the fireworks and July 4 — are an added amenity, says Parks & Rec director Erik Barbieri. Several area towns already offer them.

Westport’s Police and Fire Departments fully back the proposal. The fire pits will be monitored by Parks & Rec employees, who will be trained in their use. When the beach closes they’ll be extinguished, and moved to a locked site.

For more details on the Compo fire pits, click here.

A Westport fire pit.

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The Ice Bucket Challenge is back!

First run in 2014 to raise money — over $200 million! — for ALS research, it’s resurfaced in 2025 as a fundraiser for Active Minds, a national youth mental health nonprofit.

Since the first bucket was poured on March 31, it’s collected over $300,000.

It swept through Staples High School. Then I got swept up in it.

Dave Briggs — the TV journalist who contributes great video reels to “06880” — nominated me.

On Tuesday (yeah, I waited a day until it got warm), I took the challenge.

And then I passed on the challenge to 3 other Westporters: 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, 2nd Selectwoman Andrea Moore, and Police Chief Foti Koskinas.

I don’t mess around. Check out the video below (or click here):

 

(So how is it a fundraiser? If you take the challenge, you should also donate to  Active Minds).

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Earth Day was Tuesday.

But you can still celebrate.

Representative Town Meeting (RTM) member Andrew Colabella offers a list of spots around town that could use a bit (or a bit more) of tidying up.

They include:

  • Elaine Road
  • Greens Farms train station embankment
  • Greens Farms corridor
  • Sherwood Island Connector corridor
  • Merritt Parkway exit 42 Park & Ride
  • Longshore parking lot F (coastline)
  • Saugatuck train station parking lot 4
  • Sipperly Hill Road
  • Ford Road
  • Bottom of Clapboard Hill at Greens Farms
  • Riverside Avenue

Andrew adds: “In addition to these places, anywhere else that needs clean-up is great.

“If you see an area that is unsafe and unreachable due to lack of buffer from the road, or on a blind curve, call the Public Works Department: 203-341-1120.”

Cleaning up Elaine Road (near the Saugatuck River boat launch, animal control headquarters and sewage treatment plant), 2024.

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The auction for A Better Chance of Westport’s Dream Event gala (Saturday, April 26, 6:30 p.m.) is live. All funds support the non-profit’s work, offering educational opportunities and more in Westport to teenage boys from underserved communities. Click here.

A few tickets to the event — which includes excellent food and drinks, inspiring speeches from the scholars, and a chance to meet some very cool present and past ABC folks — are still available. Click here to purchase.

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Congratulations, Jamie Mann!

The 2021 Staples High School graduate — and within-a-month University of Michigan alum — made his Broadway debut last night in “Stranger Things: The First Shadow.”

Reviews were mixed, for the “prequel” to the hit Netflix series. Among the critics who raved: Emlyn Travis, of Entertainment Weekly: “Immersive, heartfelt, and exhilarating, ‘First Shadow’ is a must-see spectacle for the Stranger Things obsessive as much as it is for the theater aficionado who wants to see the medium pushed to new heights.”

Jamie Mann with his parents, Jill Johnson Mann and Ben Mann, at Tavern on the Green Tuesday night.

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Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between April 16 and 23.

A 38-year-old Westport man was charged with voyeurism, after a complaint about a hidden camera placed in a shared bathroom of an apartment. He was released after posting a $50,000 bond.

A 35-year-old Stamford man was charged with failure to respond to a payable violation, after a traffic stop.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Driving while texting: 21 citations
  • Distracted driving: 4
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 4
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 4
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 4
  • Failure to renew registration: 4
  • Speeding: 2
  • Improper use of markers: 2
  • Driving while texting (2nd offense): 1
  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 1
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 1
  • Failure to obey traffic control signal: 1
  • Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 1

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Speaking of police: Around 6 p.m. Tuesday, they responded to an electric scooter accident on Cobble Hill Road, off Sylvan Road North.

The teenage scooter operator was taken to Norwalk Hospital, in serious condition.

Scooters are popular, all over Westport. Operators and drivers: Be careful out there!

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Speaking still of the police: A resident called last night to complain of cars racing down Soundview Drive.

That’s a neighborhood problem — along with drivers going the wrong way on the beach exit road.

Within minutes, a patrol car was there. Quickly, the officer nabbed a driver.

The resident asked “06880” to pass along his thanks for the was grateful for the “speedy” response.

Soundview Drive is attractive to nighttime speeders. But you will get nabbed. (Photo/Andrew Colabella)

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Yale University Law School professor Paul Kahn’s recent book, “Democracy in Our America,” focuses on what happens when national politics enters a small Connecticut town.

It’s not about Westport — but it could be.

On Tuesday night, the Democratic Women of Westport hosted Kahn at the Westport Woman’s Club.

A full crowd listened intently to his insights. The event included Jeff Wieser and Velma Heller — present and former RTM moderators — and was led by Board of Finance member Allyson Stollenwerck.

Saving democracy, at the Westport Woman’s Club. (Photo/Andrew Colebella)

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The Westport Rotary Club learned all about the Norwalk Art Space on Tuesday.

Duvian Montoya and AnnaDea Chavez spokek about the non-profit, located in a former West Avenue church, which provides free art education to underserved youth.

It also offers free studio space to adult artists, in exchange for teaching classes to youngsters. Last year, there were over 70 classes.

A gourmet café is run by Bill Taibe, of Whelk, Don Memo and Kawa Ni fame.

For more information, click here.

AnnaDea Chavez and Duvian Montoya, at the Westport Rotary Club.

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Today’s lovely “Westport … Naturally” spring foliage shot comes from Jerry Kuyper, on Rayfield Road:

(Photo/Jerry Kuyper)

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And finally … in honor of both the new Compo Beach fire pits, and the new/old ice bucket challenge (stories above):

(Compo, cops, Broadway — just another day in Westport. But there’s always something different in our “06880” Roundup. If you like this daily dose of town news, please click here to support us. Thanks!)

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Roundup: Hamlet Meeting, E-bike Safety, Free Saplings …

Posted on April 22, 2025 | 9 comments

After the recent Zoom-bombing of the Planning & Zoning Commission meeting — an attack that included pornography, Nazi symbols and the video of a beheading — the next meeting will be in person.

It should draw a large crowd.

The P&Z agenda for next Monday (April 28, 6 p.m., Town Hall auditorium) is about the proposed Hamlet at Saugatuck retail/residential/hotel/marina development.

The public hearing includes input from residents.

A 65-day extension has been granted for this phase of the regulatory process. The final date for a decision is now June 18.

Aerial rendering of the Hamlet at Saugatuck proposal.

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Another meeting discusses another long-debated project: the new Long Lots Elementary School.

The Building Committee meets tonight (6 p.m., Town Hall Room 201/201A) for a project update. There will be time for public comment.

Three views of a possible new Long Lots Elementary School.

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E-bikes are e-verywhere.

To raise awareness about safety, the Westport Police Department is sponsoring a community forum.

The May 13 event (6:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium) will cover rules and regulations (for riders and motorists), street awareness, and tips and resources for all ages. A Q-and-A session will follow.

The evening will feature law enforcement officials and safety director Charles Foster of SCBC Safe Rides.

Class 3 e-bike.

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Speaking of transportation: The Representative Town Meeting (RTM) Transit Committee and Westport Transit District meet jointly tonight (Tuesday, 7 p.m., Westport Library Room 210).

The agenda includes:

A recommendation to the RTM on the 2025-26 budget request for railroad parking, including a discussion of railroad parking permit revenues.

A recommendation to the RTM on the 2025-26 Transit District budget.

A recommendation to the RTM on a supplemental appropriation of $55,000 for transportation services for the elderly, and people with disabilities.

A discussion on expanding Wheels2U service to the Senior Center, Farmers’ Market, and Jesup Green/Westport Library, beginning next month.

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Yesterday’s Roundup gave an incorrect location for the memorial to Max Harper.

It’s at the western end of South Beach, near the trees and benches across from Ned Dimes Marina.

It’s a beautiful spot, for a loving tribute.

The Max Harper memorial stone, on Compo’s South Beach. (Photo/Pam Docters)

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There may be no such thing as a free lunch.

But there are free tree saplings.

the Westport Tree Board will give them away this Friday (April 25, 3 to 5 p.m., Town Hall back parking lot).

The gifts are in honor of Arbor Day. There’s one per family — choose from Virginia pine, river birch, red cedar or lilac.

Tree Board sapling giveaway, in 2022.

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A reminder: One of the most inspiring — and fun — galas of the year is this Saturday.

The A Better Chance of Westport Dream Event raises funds for the non-profit that creates educational opportunities, and changes lives, for exceptional young men from less advantaged communities.

As always, the highlight will be speeches from the graduating seniors, and an ABC alum. This year’s returning grad is Yoel Hooper-Antunez. Click here to read his amazing back story.

The Dream Event also includes excellent food and drinks, a silent auction, and a chance to hang with some of the most accomplished young people in town. Click here for tickets, and more information.

The current A Better Chance of Westport scholars.

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Also at the Library: the return of Andrew Wilk’s Medical Series.

The topic for 2025 is oncology. Longtime local internist Dr. Robert Altbaum moderates each of the 4 sessions, and introduces experts.

Tonight (Tuesday, 7 p.m.), Dr. Richard Frank, chief for clinical and translational cancer research at Nuvance Health, describes recent advances in cancer, including chemotherapy, targeted DNA treatment and immunotherapy, and explores the diagnostic, therapeutic and psychological challenges of treating advanced cancer

Dr. Robert Altbaum

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Dylan Robbin knows hoops.

Last week, the Staples High School freshman was featured on the House of Highlights YouTube channel.

The 90-minute segment included a debate between 10 Gen Z sports podcasters and Jermaine Womack, who runs the popular YouTube channel Chill Town Hoops.

At 14, Dylan was the youngest participant by at least a decade.

A clip of his conversation with Womack about whether Steph Curry is the best point guard of all time went viral on Instagram.

Click below to see the full debate. You can follow Dylan on Instagram and TikTok: @drsportstakes.

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Frank Rosen is probably the 50th reader to send a photo of the bald eagle that perches regally on the communications tower at the Westport police station.

But he’s the first to realize — without me telling him — that the bird is a wooden fake.

(Photo/Dylan Rosen)

“We killed about 30 minutes in the beautiful sunshine, taking in it’s majestic beauty,” Frank says.

“I waited so long for it to fly away — only to realize it’s not real.”

No one else who sent similar images to “06880” over the past month realized — until I told them — that the reason the eagle stood so still for their photo is because it never moves.

Reactions range from laughter to anger. Most common, though, is embarrassment.

To whoever placed America’s national bird atop the tower: well played.

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A new guest has been added to CT Against Gun Violence’s annual spring benefit “Be the Hope” luncheon (May 15, 11:30 a.m., The Inn at Longshore).

The headline speaker is Rob Wilcox, former deputy director of the White House Office of Gun Violence Prevention.

He’ll join Sandy Hook youth activist Matthew Holden, who will discuss his work. Click here for tickets.

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Tulips bloom around the Minute Man, in today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Sunil Hirani)

Up next for our town symbol: The 248th anniversary of the Battle of Compo Hill.

This is not some random monument. Our Minute Man commemorates the Battle of Compo Hill — fought 248 years ago, this week.

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And finally … in honor of the wooden eagle behind the police station, which does not fly anywhere:

(If you click here to support “06880,” your hyper-local blog, our heart will soar like a — dove. Thank you!)

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“06880” Podcast: Eric Freeman

Posted on April 21, 2025 | 2 comments

Eric Freeman is a partner in a real estate investment firm. He and his wife are raising young sons. A former viola player, he sits on the board of the Norwalk Symphony Orchestra.

But his most important role may be as president of the board of A Better Chance of Westport.

That’s the organization that, for over 20 years, has provided educational opportunities — and much more — to young men of color, from communities less advantaged than Westport. It’s one of our town’s crown (and underpublicized) jewels.

A few days before ABC’s big fundraiser, the Dream Event — it’s Saturday, April 26 — Eric and I chatted for the “06880” podcast. Click below to learn more.

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Roundup: Hamlet Update, VersoFest Finale, A Better Chance Honor …

Posted on April 7, 2025 | 17 comments

Representative Town Meeting member Matthew Mandell offers this update on the Hamlet at Saugatuck project:

Tonight (Monday, April 7, 6 p.m., Zoom), the third agenda item will be a discussion of the proposal.

April 28 is the date for public comment only, in person at Town Hall.

The Flood & Erosion Control Board met last week, and continued their Hamlet hearing to May 7. That may disrupt the Conservation Commission schedule, which is currently set for April 23 and 30.

The Architectural Review Board meets on April 10. They have not yet completed their review of the project.

Mandell says: “P&Z will go deep into May at this point” in its Hamlet discussion. “June is looking more and more a reality.”

The RTM member adds: “There are still other pieces – an 8-24 for use of town property will also need to be filed with P&Z, and that could slow up the timeline.

“The Historic District Commission will have to weigh in as well, as every building involved is under their jurisdiction, not just the historic ones on Railroad Place. The Board of Selectwomen acting as the Traffic Authority will also need to render decision on traffic and parking issues.

“A group of citizens, concerned with the impacts of the project, and calling itself the Westport Alliance for Saugatuck has formed and has become active.” Click here for their website.

Click here, then scroll down for all pending applications and recent approvals related to the Hamlet at Saugatuck.

The 21 Charles Street office building would be renovated, in the Hamlet’s plans. This view looks north on Charles Street. Franklin Street would become two-way — but only between Charles Street and Railroad Place (right side of rendering).

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Four great days of the 4th annual VersoFest ended yesterday.

Paul Shaffer — legendary “Saturday Night Live” performer, and musical director for both David Letterman and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame — entertained a capacity Westport Library crowd.

He chatted with fellow “SNL” alum (and iconic Beehive Queen) Christine Ohlman. (He brought jingle bells too, in homage to Darlene Love’s famous
“Baby Please Come Home” Letterman appearances at Christmas.)

Paul Shaffer and Christine Ohlman. (Photo/Ted Horowitz)

VersoFest is a huge undertaking. Congratulations to all who helped bring Patti Smith, the Wallflowers, 5iveFingaz, Bruce Springsteen’s people, and so much more to the “loudest library on earth.”

Speaking of which: The website I Love Libraries just gave it a shoutout.

The story — “The Hippest Damn Library in the Country” includes that exact quote from Talking Heads’ Chris Frantz.

It adds Doors drummer John Densmore’s description: “The coolest damn library, ever.”

Click here for the full story. (Hat tip: Dennis Jackson)

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At the risk of sounding self-promotional — but with the goal of promoting one of my favorite organizations in Westport — I pass along the news that A Better Chance of Westport is honoring me with their first-ever “Community Ally Award.”

It will be presented at the annual Dream Event gala (April 26, 6:30 p.m., Westport Library).

It’s a huge honor, for sure, and one that could be given to countless men and women who have helped the non-profit thrive over more than 2 decades, as it has provided educational and life benefits to dozens of young men of color from less-advantaged communities.

I will be thinking of all of them at the fundraiser. And I’ll be honored to honor the scholars themselves.

The highlight — as always — will be the speeches by the graduating seniors, and a returning alum (this year, Yoel Hooper-Antunez).

Click here for tickets, and more information. I hope to see you there!

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The gateways to Westport just got a nice more welcoming.

This past weekend, 6 Rotary Club signs were updated. They include the new Rotary International logo, and include a 4-sided inspirational message.

It is a wish for peace to prevail in our homes, schools, communities, and on earth.

Westport’s 2 Rotary Clubs worked together on the project, with global peace builders Rick Benson and Dennis Wong.

The signs are at I-95 Exit 17 (on the northbound island); the Sherwood Island Connector across from the transfer station; Post Road East, at the Southport line; Post Road West, in front of Whole Foods; Merritt Parkway Exit 41, across from the former Red Barn restaurant, and on Route 136 near Norwalk.

The sign by Merritt Parkway Exit 42 disappeared a few years ago.

Rotary sign near Merritt Parkway Exit 41.

In addition, a peace pole was installed at Compo Beach. It’s part of the renovation of the playground — a major project of the Westport Rotary Club, in honor of its 100th anniversary.

Compo Beach playground peace pole. (Photo/Matt Murray)

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The new documentary short adaptation of “America’s Lost Band” — the story about The Remains, the legendary-but-never-quite-made-it band with Westporters Barry Tashian and Bill Briggs, who opened for the Beatles on their final US tour — is drawing plenty of attention.

Feature stories in the Boston Globe, Deadline Hollywood and Hartford Courant have praised the film, and shined a new light on the rock group.

Rock at Night called it a “priceless documentary.” It’s produced by longtime Remains fan — and 1971 Staples High School graduate — Fred Cantor.

Interested? Tonight (Monday, 9:30 p.m.) “America’s Lost Band” has its television premiere on CPTV.

Tomorrow (Tuesday), it begins streaming on PBS platforms, and YouTube.

Click here for more details, and streaming links.

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Speaking of music: On Friday, high school jazz ensembles from around Connecticut — and as far away as Montreal — performed in the Essentially Ellington Competition & Festival at Greenwich High School.

Of course, Staples was there.

And of course, conductor Kevin Mazzarella’s musicians sounded superb.

Bands performed from 8 a.m. through 7 p.m. Two hours were set aside for instrumental master classes, and a performance by the faculty ensemble.

Staples Jazz Ensemble, with conductor Kevin Mazzarella (far left). (Hat tip and photo/Michael Mossman)

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Just added to the Levitt Pavilion calendar: The Disco Biscuits’ 30th anniversary tour (June 28, 7 p.m.).

The Philadelphia group pioneered “Trance-Fusion” — bridging the gap between electronic dance music and jam rock.

Members pre-sale tickets are available today (Monday), at 10 a.m. Tickets for the general public begin Friday (April 11, 10 a.m.). Click here to order.

The Disco Biscuts

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Among the upcoming events sponsored by Neighbors & Newcomers of Westport (which, if you think of it, encompasses just about everyone in town):

Spring coffee (April 11, 10 a.m., Mrs. London’s Bakery). Email membership@neighborsandnewcomersofwestport.com for more information.

Book group (April 24): “Olga Dies Dreaming,” by Xochitl Gonzalez). Email pohal@aol.com for details.

Cooking group (April 23): Alice in Wonderland High Tea: Themed dishes like
“Eat Me” cookies, tea sandwiches, scones and imaginative pastries; appropriate dress optional. Email mia.goldman@yahoo.com for details.

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Is there any bird more interesting-looking than a barred owl?

We’ve highlighted a few before in our daily “Westport … Naturally” feature.

But we’re always up for another good shot of this unique species.

Cathy Malkin spotted this guy on Oakview Circle:

(Photo/Cathy Malkin)

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And finally … in honor of the Staples Jazz Ensemble’s appearance at the Essentially Ellington event (story above):

(Welcome to another week — and another week of “06880” Roundups. As always, we’ll bring you tons of information, and news you can use. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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