Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport … (Photo/Wendy Levy)
… and Church of the Assumption … (Photo/Melissa Makris)
… and one view of Green’s Farms Congregational Church … (Photo/Mark Mathias)
… and another … (Photo/Carmine Picarello)
… and Christ & Holy Trinity Episcopal Church … (Photo/John Maloney)
… and Saugatuck Congregational Church (Photo/John Maloney)
An overflow crowd filled Assumption Church yesterday, to say goodbye to Pete Romano. He was a lifelong parishioner of the church around the corner from his Saugatuck roots.
The Staples High School graduate, generous philanthropist, and avid volunteer with organizations ranging from Westport PAL and Al’s Angels to Festival Italiano and Wakeman Town Farm was remembered for his willingness to help everyone, his strong friendships, and his ability to own any room he walked into.
Saugatuck and Westport were common themes at the service. Pete’s LandTech civil engineering firm is located just down the street from Assumption.
He died last week at 70, following a diagnosis of cancer. Click here to read a remembrance of Pete Romano.
Mourners on Riverside Avenue, following the service. (Photo/Melissa Makris)
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Happy Valentine’s Day (to all who celebrate it).
If you don’t — but would like to, in 2027 — check out “Sips & Sparks.”
The speed dating event is set for Thursday (February 19, 7 p.m., The Clubhouse). It includes a casual mixer kickoff, guided conversational ice-breakers, and a “simple matching system.” Mutual matches receive contact information the next day.
It’s advertised for singles in their 30s and 40s. But, organizers say, “if you’re slightly outside this range but feel you’d connect well with this group, you’re welcome to join.”
Click here for more information, and tickets.
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Another social event is geared to the LGBTQ (and allies!)
Westport Pride hosts their second Happy Hour of the year on March 5 (6 p.m., The Boathouse at Saugatuck Rowing Club).
Organizers say, “We believe Pride isn’t just a month — it’s a year-round movement rooted in visibility, connection and care.” Click here for more information.
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Hey, “06880” readers: The Westport Prize for Literature seeks additional readers for this year’s prize.
Volunteers will score submitted manuscripts. The best-reviewed books advance to a panel of judges, who will select the winner.
Click here for more information. (Westport residents only, please!)
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Speaking of the Library: Memoirist/essayist/critic Claire Dederer is the lastest addition to VersoFest.
She takes the Westport Library Saturday stage Saturday, March 28 (1 p.m.), chatting with journalist Hilarie M. Sheets.
Dederer’s most recent book — “Monsters: A Fan’s Dilemma” — examines what happens when good art (writing, painting, film) is made by bad people.
Click here for information on Dederer’s talk. Click here for full details on VersoFest 2026, including appearances by Ani DiFranco, Wyclef Jean, Susanna Hoffs, The Thing and more.
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The Yale Alley Cats are one of the oldest collegiate a cappella groups in the country.
On Sunday, February 22 (5 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport), they’ll show why they’re one of the best.
Soundwaves — a highly touted high school group — opens the show.
Tickets are $25 for adults; students free with ID. Tickets are available here, and at the door.
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Speaking of music: Jazz pianist (and Westport native) Jeff Franzel has toured with legends like Les Brown and The Hues Corporation, and accompanied Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr. and Mel Tormé. He’s a Grammy-nominated star.
Jeff’s new trio has performed at clubs like The Bitter End. On February 28 (2 p.m.), they’ll be live — and free — at the Pequot Library.
Also appearing: Eva Slossberg, the Staples High School senior who has who has just been accepted into the Clive Davis School at NYU Tisch. Click here for more information.
Jeff Franzel
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It’s a longtime Westport question: How dressed up should I get for a fundraiser?
Here’s one you don’t have to worry about.
Rach’s Hope PJ Gala returns for a 7th year on March 28 (7 p.m., Fairfield Theater Company).
As the many attendees at the popular event have learned: It’s all about pajama chic.
Rach’s Hope hich honors Rachel Doran, a Staples High School graduate and rising Cornell University senior who died after developing a rare reaction to common medications. A Staples Players costume designer, she had already founded a pajama company. (That’s the PJ connection!)
The evening includes live music by Michael Cantor of Frog Salon and Fairfield’s favorite band Ellis Island, great appetizers and desserts by AMG Catering, an open bar, and live and silent auction experiences.
Funds raised support families with children facing extended ICU stays.
This pajama-chic evening blends cocktails, music, and meaning to raise critical funds for families with children facing extended ICU stays — a lasting legacy, created lovingly Rachel’s family and friends. Click here for tickets, and more information.
Rachel Doran
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Temperatures are slowly rising.
But the effects of the recent 2-week freeze remain.
This boat — at a private dock on Harbor Road, in Saugatuck Shores — did not make it. All that can be seen now is the flying bridge.
(Photo/Rob Jackson)
The good news: Temperatures will be in the mid-40s today, the high 30s tomorrow. Nighttime lows will be just below freezing.
Break out the sunscreen!
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“06880” gives a V-Day shout-out to the Learning Community Day School.
The pre-school staff began yesterday’s professional development day by creating valentines for folks at Homes with Hope’s Gillespie Center, and the Westport Center for Senior Activities.
Sure looks like they had fun!
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More on today’s main event: Here’s a message from Jolantha, Weston’s favorite pig.
(Photo/Hans Wilhelm)
We couldn’t have said it better ourselves.
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Continuing today’s Valentine’s theme — of course we need to post a “red” image for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.
Photographer Jodie Brooke Aujla says, “I was lucky to catch the beautiful ombré watercolor sunrise. It was quick, but lovely.”
(Photo/Jodie Brooke Aujla)
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And finally … you probably knew this was coming:
(“06880” ♥ our readers. If you ♥ your hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
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Assumption Church (Photo/Susan Garment)
Visitation for Al Fiore —Westport’s former police chief, who died Saturday — will take place this Thursday (December 11, 4 to 7 p.m., Harding Funeral Home).
A funeral Mass will be held Friday (December 12, 11 .m., Assumption Church).
Al Fiore
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Frank Pepe’s pizzas are coming to Westport.
The iconic New Haven restaurant will open its 18th location this summer. The Italian apizza place takes over the spot previously occupied by an Indian eatery, The Naan.
It’s a full circle moment. Before The Naan and Kibberia (Mediterranean), the first tenant in the space was John’s Best Pizza.
The closest Frank Pepe Pizza Napoletana right now is in Fairfield. There are 7 in Connecticut, with others in New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Maryland and Florida.
There will be 90 seats, and takeout too.
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Add one more display to Westport’s Christmas lights.
Assumption Church lit theirs Sunday night — the building, as well as the handsome tree beside it.
(Photo/Mary Sikorski)
Slow down and admire the lights.
Or enjoy while stuck in a long line of traffic…
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Also Sunday: Birchwood Country Club’s annual Gingerbread Brunch.
The family buffet was followed by decorating. Each youngster got their own basic gingerbread house, and decorations.
The crowd of 125 had a great time. These are gingerbread houses that will not be re-gifted.
Or used as doorstops. (Hat tip: Mel Sokotch)
Lookin’ good!
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The Pop Shop holiday market returns Saturday to the Westport Museum for History & Culture (December 13, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
Among the items sold by the 25 vendors: global accessories and gifts, vintage jewelry with a modern twist, antique treasures, women’s clothing, treats for dogs, and tableware.
The Honey Bee Flower Truck will be there too, with wreaths, winter arrangements and holiday botanicals.
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Alert “06880” reader Rick Leonard noticed some changes at Fred’s Car Wash, just over the line in Southport.
A full dumpster and cones in the parking lot; vacuum hoses pulled.
He dug a bit, and learned that Fred’s is becoming Russell Speeder’s. That’s similar to transformation of the one just over the other line, on Westport Ave in Norwalk.
The Speeder’s chain has nearly 100 locations, in Connecticut, New York, New Jersey — and Missouri and Nebraska.
Fred’s Car Wash — soon to be Speeder’s. (Photo/Rick Leonard)
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The deadline for submissions to Mo\CA CT’s high school art show has been extended. The new final date is February 13.
The 11th annual high school exhibition is “The Sound of Us: Youth Culture Now.” It coincides with the Westport Public Art Collections’ exhibition, “Art, Jazz + the Blues.”
The exhibition explores the effects of contemporary music on today’s youth culture. Music is a catalyst for conversation, inspiring political awareness and mobilizing youth-led movements. It influences how young people speak, what they stand for, and how they connect with one another.
Students will be prompted to select a song from 2020 to today, and create a work of art that shows its effects on youth culture through fashion, social interactions, speech, education, political alertness and activism, or life in general.
Click here for the application, and more information.
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Comedy comes to the VFW this Friday (December 12, 8 p.m.).
Joe Pontillo stars in a Christmas show — “or whatever you celebrate.” Click here for tickets, and more information.
Joe Pontillo
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Speaking of the VFW: This week’s Jazz at the Post (December 11) there features guitarist Ed Cherry. He performed with Dizzy Gillespie from 1978 until shortly before Gillespie’s death in 1993, winning a Grammy together for “Live at Royal Festival Hall.
Cherry will be joined by bassist Matt Dwonszyk, saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall, and Jason Tiemann.
Shows are 7:30 and 8:45 p.m. Guest chef Dan Frye serves a buffet with chicken piccata, seared tuna, broccoli, rice and dessert starting at 7. Click here for tickets.
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Longtime local orthodontist Dr. Steven Scher died at his Weston home, with his wife Susan at his side. He was 82. .
The Brooklyn native graduated from Brooklyn College. He served 2 years in the US Army at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, then earned his orthodontic certificate from New York University, graduating at the top of his class.
He opened a practice in Westport where, his family says, “he touched the hearts and teeth of countless members of the community.”
Steven loved tennis, golf, skiing the Rocky Mountains, and vacationing in the sun — all with his family. He was a fixture at the sports events of his children and grandchildren.
Steven is survived by his wife Susan; their children Peter (Lesley) and Alexander (Dylan); his children Jon (Robyn) and Lara (Mike) from his first marriage to Joan; sister, Gloria (Gerald, and grandchildren Scarlett, Brooke, Jordan, Jake and Astrid.
A celebration of Steven’s life will be held at Temple Israel tomorrow (Wednesday, December 10, 11 a.m.). Donations in his name can be made to the American Cancer Society.
Dr. Steven Scher
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Baby, it’s cold outside.
That includes Winslow Park.
But at least in “Westport … Naturally” image, the sun is shining.
(Photo/Duane Cohen)
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And finally … the news about Fred’s Car Wash got us thinking about …
(A reminder this holiday season: “06880” is supported by readers like you! Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution to Westport’s hyper-local blog. Thank you — and happy holidays!)
Comments Off on Roundup: Al Fiore Services, Frank Pepe’s Pizza, Assumption’s Lights …
Posted in Arts, Entertainment, Local business, Obituaries, Restaurants
Tagged Al Fiore, Assumption Church, Birchwood Country Club, Frank Pepe Pizzeria, Fred's Car Wash, Jazz at the Post, MoCA CT, VFW Post 399, Westport Museum for History & Culture
Eloise Ray Park sculpture, and Assumption Church (Photo/Michael Chait)
Comments Off on Pic Of The Day #3155
Posted in Arts, Pic of the Day, religion
Tagged Assumption Church, Eloise Ray Park
Assumption Church (Photo/Susan Garment)
Singing and bantering in English and Spanish (and a little Italian), José Feliciano enterained a full and adoring crowd last night, at the Westport Country Playhouse.
The historic theater was the venue for the legendary, Grammy Lifetime Achievement-winning artist. It was a benefit for the Church of the Assumption, which next year celebrates its 150th anniversary. (That’s almost as old as the 94-year-old Playhouse and 80-year old Feliciano combined.)
The guitarist was accompanied by his sons Mikey (bass) and Jonnie (drums), and a band that — along with Feliciano — played a wide range of songs, in genres including Latin, rock, blues, Motown, Dylan and jazz (plus a smooth Sam Cooke tune).
José Feliciano (right), Hawkins French (left), and 3 other musicians in the 11-member band. (Photo/Dan Woog)
The 2-hour show ended with 2 of Feliciano’s best-sellers: “Light My Fire” and (of course) “Feliz Navidad.”
He’s sung that tune at Assumption’s Christmas Mass for over 3 decades. He and his wife Susan — who took a deserved bow — have been longtime parishioners and supporters of the Riverside Avenue church.
José Feliciano and his wife Susan. (Photo copyright DinkinESH Fotografix)
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If you think more people in Westport are working from home after COVID: You’re right.
According to data released by the CT Data Collaborative and AdvanceCT, and reported by CT Mirror, 36% of residents here work from home. That’s up from 15% in 2019.
Weston saw a similar increase: 39%, also up from 15%.
Meanwhile, 59 businesses opened iin Westport between 2021 and 2024. The number fwas just 30, between 2016-19.
Click here for many more statistics, available by town. (Hat tip: Peter Gold)
GG & Joe opened during the pandemic. They’ve been crushing it ever since.
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Jimmy Fallon knows tomatoes.
But Sal Gilbertie knows a lot more about them.
I’m not sure of the back story behind all this. Here though is a Gilbertie’s video starring a “celebrity tomato”:
It was followed by a Facebook video, from patriarch Sal Gilbertie (click here to see).
Both are delicious to see. (Hat tip: Mary McGee)
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The Board of Education begins meeting again on Thursday (August 21, 7 p.m., Staples High School cafeteria), following its summer break.
The first order of business will be the introduction of its new junior student representative on the BOE: Anwara Olasewere.
Click here for the full agenda.
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Looking for a great activity for your son or daughter?
Look no further than Scouting.
Westport Troops 39 (boys) and 139 (girls) welcome new potential members and their families in grades 5-12 for homemade pizza making and a bonfire (September 11, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Compo Beach).
Current members and adult leaders will answer questions, and share their excitement about plans for 2025-26 They include:
Questions? Email Troop39Westport@gmail.com.
Troops 39 and 139.
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George C. White — the driving force behind the famed Eugene O’Neill Theater Center in Waterford, who died August 6 at 89 — was not a Westporter.
But he nurtured and influenced many residents.
Werner Liepolt was playwright-in-residence at the O’Neill theater — twice.
Liepolt says that Westporter Arthur Kopit was also a resident playwright. Max Wilk was a dramaturg there for several summer sessions.
And Michael Douglas — who lived with his mother on Whitney Street, in a house that Kopit later rented — was a frequent actor on the Eugene O’Neill Theater stage.
Eugene O’Neill Theater Center
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This crepe myrtle catches Topsy Siderowf’s eye, very time she passes it on Compo Road South.
She sends it along as today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature photo, adding, “They are more often seen in the south. But this specimen is thriving in Zone 7.”
(Photo/Topsy Siderowf)
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And finally … Bobby Whitlock — a keyboardist and singer-songwriter who helped found Derek and the Dominos, and played with stars like Eric Clapton and George Harrison — died Sunday in Texas. He was 77, and had been diagnosed with cancer.
Click here for a full obituary.
(As we gear up for the start of school, add this to your checklist: Please click here to support “06880.” We’ll keep providing all the news you need — with your help. Thank you all!)
Assumption Church (Photo/Nancy Axthelm)
For years, a Westport Christmas Eve highlight has been José Feliciano singing at the Assumption Church service.
The Weston resident, Grammy-winning, multi-platinum international recording star — whose “Feliz Navidad” battles Bing Crosby’s “White Christmas” for most beloved holiday tune — is a longtime Assumption parishioner.
Now — on the “eve” of the church’s 150th anniversary next year — he’s helping raise $1.3 million, to preserve and enhance the historic building.
A good chunk of those funds could be raised August 15. That evening, he hosts “Feliciano & Friends,” at the Westport Country Playhouse.
Besides an incomparable concert, the event includes an auction, with an autographed guitar crafted by Cuban luthier Miguel Compañy. It’s been part of Feliciano’s collection since 1969. Bidding starts at $5,000. Click here to participate.
There is also a raffle for an Aruba getaway, and golf at Aspetuck Valley and Silvermine. Click here to purchase raffle tickets.
General admission tickets includes concert seating and access to the raffle, auction and merchandise in the lobby..
VIP admission includes premium concert seating, and a post-show event with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres from Gabriele’s Italian Steakhouse, plus a meet-and-greet with Feliciano and his Friends.
Click here for tickets to “Feliciano & Friends,” and more information.
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Speaking of entertainment: Sway Wild was last ight’s featured artist, at the Levitt Pavilion.
Susan Garment captured the evening — and the entire summer concert series — perfectly:
(Photo/Susan Garment)
Upcoming shows include Hopalong Andrew (Children’s Series; tomorrow, Tuesday, 7 p.m., free); I’m with Her, with Ken Pomeroy (Wednesday, July 16, 7 p.m.; ticketed); Nellie McKay Trio (Thursday, July 17, 7:30 p.m.; free), and Pete Muller & the Kindred Souls (Friday, July 18, 7:30 p.m.; free).
Click here for tickets — including the free shows — and more information.
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Speaking of photography: The Westport Farmers’ Market Young Shoots photo contest is cooking along.
Photgraphers ages 5-18 can take shots every Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Imperial Avenuue parking lot. The deadline is August 8.
Local artists will judge the entries, by age group. There’s a show on August 20 at Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center. Winners receive cash prizes.
Here’s one of the entries. It’s from Parker Toohey, in the 15-18-year-old division.
Parker sets a high standard. Fruits, vegetables, faces, action — let’s see what you’ve got!
Click here for details. The contest is a partnership between the Westport Farmers’ Market, the Artists Collective of Westport, and the Drew Friedman Community Arts Center.
(Photo/Parker Toohey)
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Yesterday’s Roundup included a photo of a mailbox resting on a slab, atop a table, on Gorham Avenue. Click here, then scroll down to see.
We called it “a new of ensuring your mailbox does not get over.”
Wrong.
Mailbox owner Ed Perrault reports it had already been knocked down — by a tree branch.
Here’s the culprit:
(Photo/Ed Perrault)
Ed works quickly. Yesterday, a new mailbox was already in place.
(Photo/John McCarthy)
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Sometimes we take nature for granted.
Nikki Gorman doesn’t.
The popular pediatrician spotted this scene near Longshore. It’s perfect for our “Westport … Naturally” feature.
And a great reminder of the importance of celebrating scenes like this, wherever we find them.
(Photo/Nikki Gorman)
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And finally … in honor of Westport mailboxes, and all they endure (story above):
(Want to support “06880”? We have a post office box. We also accept PayPal. And Venmo. And Zelle. It’s easy … just click here, then follow the prompts. The sooner the better 🙂 Thank you!).
Posted in Entertainment, Environment, religion
Tagged Assumption Church, Jose Feliciano, Levitt Pavilion, mailbox, Westport Farmer's Market
The Westport Center for Senior Activities offers a number of wellness programs.
Three are dedicated specifically to support people living with Parkinson’s. They include:
To learn more, call assistant director Holly Betts (203-341-5096) or program specialist Joe Anastasi (203-341-1066).
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Free entertainment is on tap this weekend, at the Levitt Pavilion.
Early Clover — the former Coasters’ lead singer and Apollo favorite pays tribute to Marvin Gaye, Sam Cooke, Nat King Cole, Otis Redding and more tonight (Saturday, 7:30 p.m.).
Tomorrow it’s Jake Swamp & the Pine, with Kali Stoddard-Imari (Sunday, 6:30 p.m.). Songs range from acoustic anthems to hoedowns to waltzes, drawing on influences from folk, bluegrass and pop.
Free ticket information, details, and upcoming show information is available here.
The holiday weekend kicked off last night with Desert Highway, an Eagles tribute band.
Desert Highway with Freda Welsh and Carleigh Welsh (center) on the Levitt Pavilion stage. (Photo/Sean Bemand)
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Speaking of shows: The Old School Revue All-Stars have a great reputation. So does the Weston History & Culture Center’s “Music at the Barn” outdoor summer concert series.
So the band’s appearance on Sunday, July 13 (5:30 p.m.) should be an extra-special evening. They’ll play classic R&B, rock, soul, jazz and swing tunes.
Current and former members have toured and/or recorded with Steely Dan, the Average White Band, Joe Cocker, Bob Dylan, Jose Feliciano, Tower of Power, Hall & Oates, the Blues Brothers, Rolling Stones and Aretha Franklin.
Bring a lawn chair, and a picnic (no food truck). Tickets are $15 for members, $20 for non-members; purchase here or at the show.
Old School Revue All-Stars
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Marina Drasnin — the photographer and artist who left Los Angeles for Westport after the wildfires, and was featured recently in “06880” — is this month’s guest exhibitor at the Westport Book Shop.
She’ll show her very personal and evocative collection, “ad-DRESSING-life,” featuring her hand-beaded and story-imbued miniature dresses. Each one represents a meditation on love, loss and memory, created during her husband’s 5-year battle with illness.
Marina studied at the Sorbonne. Her work has been exhibited in galleries in Boston, Los Angeles and Paris.
A reception is set for July 16 (6 to 7:30 p.m.).
Meanwhile, the Book Shop’s Short Story Book Club meets July 24 (6 p.m.) to discuss “A Cup fo Cold Water” by Edith Wharton (1895) and “Paul’s Case” by Willa Cather (1905).
Registration is required. Call 203-349-5141, or email RSVP@westportbooksaleventures.org.
Marina Drasnin, at the Westport Book Shop.
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Red, white and blue is everywhere.
Including — on the steeple, and a flag — Assumption Church.
Work has been going on there for a while. But this weekend, it really catches your eye.
(Photo/Janine Scotti)
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Thursday’s wind storm was brief, but powerful.
Especially at Robin Frank’s house. Two umbrellas on metal poles nearly crashed through the kitchen window while she was making dinner.
This one — reaching the second floor — was especially scary:
(Photo/Robin Frank)
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Leslie Byelas — a noted lawyer, and former assistant US Attorney in Connecticut — died Wednesday in hospice care, at his Fairfield home. He was 88.
The Bridgeport native received an undergraduate degree in 1958 and a law degree in 1961, both from Boston University. He served in Connecticut’s Office of the Judge Advocate, and the US Army Reserve.
Les had a longtime legal practice in Westport. He retired in 2020, after 59 years in the profession.
In addition to his wife Ellen Lubell, Les is survived by his sons Michael and Jonathan, stepdaughter Karina Lubell, sister Ruth Byelas, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Amy Bloom and Bill Mainor, grandchildren Tristan Mareuil and Axel Mareuil, and several nieces and nephews.
Memorial contributions may be made to Planned Parenthood of Southern New England, the Connecticut Food Bank, and Connecticut Humane Society.
Les Byelas
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We get lots of sunset photos at “06880.”
But Cabry Lueker’s image of Burying Hill Beach is particularly compelling, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.
(Photo/Cabry Lueker)
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And finally … although he’s performed it before, I don’t know if Early Clover will include this song tonight at the Levitt Pavilion (story above).
Still, as long as I’ve got a chance to post a video of this beautiful classic, I’ll take it.
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