For the 5th year in a row, retired United Airlines flight attendant Paul Veneto is pushing an airline service cart several hundred miles on foot.
His journey honors the “first first responders” — flight attendants and crew members — on the 4 planes hijacked on September 11, 2001.
He began at the Boston Public Garden 9/11 Memorial on August 15. He’ll end at Ground Zero, for the 25th anniversary commemoration there.
Paul — with his “Paulie’s Push” — plans to be in Westport on Friday (September 4), on the Post Road. He’ll stop at Westport Fire Department headquarters, for a brief ceremony.
Paul Veneto (right), his cart and a supporter, along the route.
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Speaking of 9/11: Hundreds of motorcyclists took part in yesterday’s CT United motorcycle ride.
The event — paying tribute to the victims and first responders of 9/11 — is the largest fundraiser for both fire and law enforcement in the state. It began at Sherwood Island State Park, then roared its way on I-95 to Exit 17, up Riverside Avenue and Wilton Road to Wilton, then on through 7 towns before ending in Bridgeport.
A bomb threat briefly interrupted preparations at Sherwood Island. Plenty of safety officials, from a variety of agencies, were already on hand, and determined there was no danger.
This was the view from Westport Emergency Medical Services ambulance 603 — named “Joy” — before the ride began.
(Photo/Jonathan Alloy)
The riders included Westporters Rhona Lieberson, and granddaughter Carly Curran ride.
Family members and residents of 136 Riverside Avenue cheered them on. They got a big wave too from Westport Corporal Craig Bergamo, who helped out with the event.
Carly Curran and Rhona Lieberson. (Photo/Stacie Curran)
Motorcycle riders (left): From the I-95 Hales Road overpass (Photo/Loretta Hallock)
Speaking still of 9/11: For more than a decade, Westport has had a special relationship with Catch A Lift Fund. The national non-profit provides gym memberships and home gym equipment to help wounded post-9/11 service members heal physically and mentally, through physical fitness.
Westporters have donated funds, welcomed veterans, and joined in workouts at venues like the police station, VFW, beach and Birchwood Country Club. The vets give plenty back in return — as inspiration, and serving as “angels” for children, teens and adults with disabilities through myTeamTriumph.
The 25th anniversary of 9/11 — and 250th birthday of the United States — is a great time for Westporters to continue supporting Catch a Lift.
On September 9 (6:30 p.m., Inn at Longshore), a special fundraiser will benefit the noon-profit.
Three will be 3 weeks in length; the others will be shorter runs. They are:
“Ken Ludwig’s Pride and Prejudice Part 2: Napoleon at Pemberley” (world premiere; October 20-November 7)
“A Sherlock Carol” (written and directed by Shanahan, returning for a 4th season: December 12-20)
“Murder For Two” (musical comedy mystery; March 4-7)
“The Pancake Club” (world premiere; a Script in Hand selection, now staged by popular demand; April 20-May 8)
“The Goldsmith” (another Script in Hand selection; May 19-22)
“The Legend of Georgia McBride” (July 13-31).
For more information on the 2026-27 season, click here.
PS: Subscribers save up to 20% off single ticket prices, get priority seating, and enjoy other perks. Click here for details.
Another option: Flex Passes. They can be purchased now, and redeemed closer to performance time for the best available seats. The $50 per Flex Pass price can save up to $30 a ticket,
Historic seats, on sale tomorrow. (Photo/Robert Benson)
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The weather was wonderful yesterday, for the final Sunday Compo Beach service of the summer.
The Untied Methodist Church of Westport & Weston hosted. Bridgeport’s Pivot Ministries sang stirringly — as they always do.
(Photo/Karen Como)
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Also yesterday: Despite cloudy skies, Westport’s “other” beach — Burying Hill — was packed.
It’s a lot smaller than Compo, or even Old Mill.
Lifeguards are already off duty for the season.
But the quickly eroding spot just east of crowded Sherwood Island State Park attracts a loyal following.
And no other Westport beach has such a great view from a nearby hill.
And … yesterday’s New York Times included an insightful piece by Roger Rosenblatt on the wonders of growing old. Among them:
The wonder of still learning how to do new things. The wonder of writing this sentence. The alchemy of language. The scope and sweep of the imagination. The wonder of the mysteries of the weather. Of wind. Of sound. Of prayer, of faith. Of art. Of gifted people. Emily Dickinson, Fred Astaire, Ella Fitzgerald, Vermeer, Bach, Monk. These things have always brought me joy. Now I have the time to question how they do that. That I have no answers only makes these joys more wondrous.
Rosenblatt concludes with a memory from 1946:
At the age of 6, I was on vacation with my parents in Westport, Conn. The day of our arrival, I went off for a walk by myself. I was always doing that, to my parents’ dismay. And I came upon a large beautiful house with a sun room with glass walls so that I could see a Steinway concert grand in the middle of the floor.
The door was open. I went in and started playing, eventually looking up to see a princess-like woman standing beside the piano and smiling. We chatted. She took me back to the rented house. My mother was appalled, and she apologized for my bold behavior. No need, said the woman. It was a pleasure to see how innocent and unafraid I was. “Yes,” said my mother. “That’s how he is. He thinks the world is a room with a piano in it waiting to be played.”
In fact, it is.
The piece is titled “The World Is a Room With a Piano Waiting to Be Played.”
Where was that piano? We’ll leave that as one of life’s wonders. (Hat tip: Tommy Greenwald)
Illustration for Roger Rosenblatt’s essay. (Ruo-Jia Liang, for the New York Times)
Meanwhile, while you were enjoying the Sunday morning service — or relaxing with coffee and the Times — a group of Westport friends were swimming from Cockenoe to Compo.
Hey, why not?!
Every Sunday for many summers, the group — including several Staples High School Class of 2003 graduates — has swum in Long Island Sound.
Traditionally, on the last August Sunday, they end with a swim from the beach to the island (or, like yesterday, the reverse).
The sun was out. The water was calm and warm.
And when the swimmers arrived on the Compo shore, a mile from where they began, family and friends were there to greet them.
From right to left: Cory Straus, Evan Rutchik, Andrew Zimmerman, Alex Klein (Staples ‘03), Jordan Lert (Staples ‘03), Zach Bilchik, Josh Shapiro (‘03), David Schneidman, Adam Gilbert.
The first car wash of the Staples sports season is this coming Sunday.
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on September 6, at 1720 Post Road East (just before Stop & Shop, heading toward Southport), the boys soccer team will be cleaning and scrubbing.
Funds go to the program. With athletes from all 3 teams — varsity, JV and freshmen — and parents participating, your vehicle will get plenty of attention.
The suggested donation is $20. Of course, you can give more! And to donate to the program without getting your car washed, click here.
Last fall, the Westport Police trusted this car to the Staples soccer team.
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We get lots of deer photos, for our daily “Westport … Naturally” feature.
But this may be the first showing 2 bucks, with their handsome racks.
They’re used to fight rival males, attract mates, and mark territory during the breeding season.
Effective today (Thursday), there are no lifeguards on duty at Burying Hill Beach. The beach remains open, with swimming at your own risk. Beach emblems are required at Burying Hill through Labor Day (September 7).
Compo Beach lifeguards continue their regular schedule through September 7. Beach Emblems are required at Compo through September 30.
Burying Hill Beach (Photo/Drew Coyne)
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For over 25 years, “Holiday Time, Main Street, Westport CT” — a festive Main Street. by internationally known folk artist Kathy Jakobsen — has been a favorite of Westporters. Many business names are clear (though most are long gone).
Now Westport River Gallery is offering a few signed and numbered unframed 23×17 serigraphs. The prints were originally $450. These are just $25.
Jakobsen’s works are part of the permanent collections of the American Folk Art Museum in New York and the Smithsonian in Washington. She is a former Weston resident.
Email westportrivergallery@gmail.com, or call 203-226-6934.
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Longtime Levitt Pavilion favorite Frank Mastrone returns to the Levitt Pavilion stage this Saturday (7:30 p.m.).
The Broadway artist’s repertoire — show tunes and American Songbook classics, with a few pop and classical selections thrown in — appeals to a broad crowd.
The Levitt says he’ll be joined by “friends.” We’re not sure who they all are, but we do know 2: Dodie Pettit and Rex Fowler.
Earthplace welcomes fall with 2 of its favorite events.
The Fall Festival (October 3) and Woodside Bash (October 17) are great ways for friends and newcomers to gather and celebrate nature, while supporting environmental education, conservation, wildlife care and scientific research.
The Fall Festival includes the reopening of Earthplace’s renovated Birds of Prey Exhibit, with new and expanded habitats for raptors, and a more engaging and accessible experience for visitors. .
Earthplace serves thousands of children, families, students and visitors each year through its nature center, animal ambassadors, nature-based preschool, Harbor Watch water quality program, summer camps, community programs, and 62-acre wildlife sanctuary.
They serve on its board, volunteer at and donate to the Bridgeport non-profit, which impacts countless women’s lives — and those of their families — through education and support services.
So it’s no surprise that MLC’s annual benefit (September 27, 5 p.m., Shorehaven Country Club) has a strong Westport flavor.
The event honors Allison and Tony Allott. Former Westporters and Staples parents, they introduced their Green’s Farms Church congregation to the non-profit. Congregants (including the Allotts) volunteer with MLC on Service Sunday.
Allison has been an ESL and citizenship tutor since 2014. She is also a board and event committee member.
The Mercy Learning Center board chair is Tammy Barry. The event committee includes local residents Gina Beranek, Sara Connolly and Theanne Feldman.
Rach’s Hope — the non-profit honoring the memory of 2015 Staples High School graduate Rachel Doran, which provides nutritious food, lodging, transportation and encouragement to family members when a child is in intensive care — is as active as Rachel herself was.
On Sunday, October 4 (3 p.m., Compo Beach), everyone is invited to join the 5th annual “Walk the Extra Mile … For Rach’s Hope” event.
It’s a fun, community-wide beach walk, with live music, a gourmet pizza truck, wine and beer, dessert and special Rach’s Hope swag.
The contributions, struggles and sacrifices made by Native Americans during the Revolutionary War are often overlooked.
On October 4 (2 to 4 p.m.), Pocomoke Indian Nation member Drew Shuptar-Rayvis brings his outdoor demonstration station — including artifacts, reproduction pieces and traditional clothing — to the Weston History & Culture Center. He’ll answer questions too, about Native American life.
The free event is is part of the History Center’s “America 250: The Revolutionary Spirit Lecture Series.” For more information, click here.
Meanwhile the Weston History & Culture Center will be open for exhibits, guided tours, children’s activities and more on 3 Sundays this fall: September 27, October 4 and October 25 (1 to 4 p.m.).
Attractions include the interactive “Weston at Work,” the 1940s-era Coley House, and stories from the American Revolution. Click here for details.
Westport Police made 3 custodial arrests between August 12 and 18.
A 49-year-old Stamford man was charged with breach of peace, following an investigation into a July incident in which a cyclist became irate about an automobile driver’s driving. The cyclist yelled, used profanity, made obscene gestures and spat on the vehicle. Video did not support his claim that he had been unsafely passed. He was released on a $1,000 bond.
A 31-year-old Oxford, Ohio man was charged with stalking and violation of a restraining order. He allegedly traveled from Seattle to Connecticut after learning from social media that the business he was arrested at was affiliated with a relative of the victim. He was held on a $250,000 bond.
A 45-year-old Holyoke, Massachusetts man was charged with failue to appear, stemming from a previous arrest for felony charges. He was held on a $10,000 bond.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 3 citations
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 3
Improper use of markers: 3
Traveling unreasonably fast: 2
Failure to register a commercial motor vehicle: 2
Violation of town ordinance (dogs): 2
Failure to obey stop sign: 2
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 2
Speeding: 1
Illegal operation by a motor carrier: 1
Failure to obey state traffic commission regulations: 1
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With exactly 14 weeks left before Thanksgiving, John Karrel’s Muddy Brook photo is perfectly appropriate for today’s “Westport … Naturally” image:
(Photo/John Karrel)
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And finally … in honor of Mercy Learning Center’s upcoming benefit (story above):
(If you learn about upcoming events on “06880” — or anything else — we hope you’ll click here to support our work. We rely on support from readers like you. Thanks for showing us a little love!)
In January, 1st Selectman Kevin Christie removed Randy Herbertson from his position as chair.
Christie told “06880”: “I have not yet named a new chair for DPIC. Regarding the website, we’re aware of the issue and are looking into it.”
DPIC had spent a long time working on parking plans, including lot renovations, changes to time limits, an app to track open spots, and the possibilities of meters and a deck. Member Matthew Mandell says, “A lot of work has been done. A lot of work is still on the table. We’d like to be able to move forward.”
Part of the DPIC Master Plan, when it was live on the town website.
He won’t be in concert. But it will be a very entertaining evening nonetheless.
The internationally acclaimed Italian pop artist will be at the Westport Library’s Trefz Forum (Thursday, July 9, 4 p.m.). He and Connoisseur Medi radio host Jon Kamal will talk about music, the creative process, and the story behind his Falling in Love Tour.
It’s a different stage for the son of tenor Andrea Bocelli. Matteo made his live debut at 18, in Rome’s Colosseum, and has performed all over the world since.
Tomorrow, he receives the inaugural Rock the Walls Award. The non-profit brings musicians and artists together to support survivors and end the silence around domestic abuse.
At mid-afternoon yesterday, Bob Weingarten sent this update on Saturday’s powerful storm, which left hundreds of residents without power:
“Our electric came on this morning, along with others on Hillandale Road and Morningside Drive South.
“I’m not sure of Hillandale and Center Street. The intersection is blocked off because of tree parts with wires (hopefully not electric) — embedded within the logs and branches.”
At 7 a.m. today, Eversource reported only 570 outages in the entire state of Connecticut. Power has been restored to all Westport and Weston customers.
Wakeman Town Farm’s biggest event of the summer — their annual Family Fun Day — takes place Saturday, July 18 (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.).
The day includes hands-on activities (crafts, story time, hair tinsel, garden planting, bubble show, and more) entertainment, farm fun, and food.
The day is dedicated to longtime WTF supporter Pete Romano. His generosity and enthusiasm were legendary — as was his smile while serving ice cream. In his memory, sponsors Al’s Angels, LandTech, Gault and Saugatuck Sweets will provide free ice cream for all.
Curious about polo? And/or about the Fairfield County Hunt Club?
You’re invited to a day-long exhibition on Saturday, July 26 (gates open at 11 a.m.).
In addition to matches, there are vendors, food and drinks. Tickets are $15, at the gate. VIP tickets are available by Venmo: @fchcpolo.
Questions? Email HuntClubPolo@gmail.com.
Polo comes to Westport.
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Local author Lori Miller Kase (“The Accident”) leads a 2-part fiction writing workshop for teens (July 20 and 22, 4 to 5:30 p.m., Westport Library).
The free sessions help both experienced and aspiring writers generate ideas for new work, and offer inspiration to those with short stories or novels in progress.
Faded is the Crimson — a Grateful Dead tribute band — takes the stage next, in the Weston History & Cultural Center’s “Music at the Barn” summer concert series.
The show — reprising the Dead’s 1981 live acoustic double album “Reckoning” — is July 26 (5:30 p.m.). Guests are invited to bring a lawn chair, picnic, and bottle of wine,
Tickets ($15 members, $20 non-members; children 12 and under free) are available at the door or online.
The “Career Coach” will be in the Westport Library parking lot on Thursday, July 16 for a session on “Intro to AI: Job Seeker Strategies.”
It returns August 20, with Tips for Resume and Cover Letter.
There are 2 sessions ( 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.) each day; both are 2 hours long. Registrants can choose one.
The service is available to people who are exploring career opportunities, actively looking for a job, or seeking additional part-time employment. Click here to reserve a spot.
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Westport resident Isabel Moskowitz — a founder and past president of TCS — died Monday. She was 74.
A pioneer in the financial services industry, Isabel built a distinguished career at a time when few women held leadership roles in the field. She led her own brokerage firm, advocated fiercely for her clients, and helped open doors for women who followed.
In addition to her other roles at TCS, she served for decades on the board of directors, chaired many committees, and supported the synagogue in ways both visible and quiet. She also held leadership roles with Federation, ORT and other Jewish organizations, working to strengthen Jewish life locally and beyond.
Her obituary says, “She was happiest when bringing people together, especially around the holiday table, where she welcomed family and friends with extraordinary food, warmth and care. She gave generously of herself through her love, advice, support, guidance, thoughtfulness and steady presence. She had a sharp wit, a beautiful spirit, and a strength and resolve that made her a true force — in her family, her work, and her community.”
Isabel is survived by her husband Steve; her daughter and son-in-law, Alyssa and Josh Gold; her brother Michael Price; her stepchildren Alan (Michelle) Moskowitz and Dana Moskowitz, and her granddaughters Abigail Gold, and Naomi, Zoe, and Dafne Moskowitz.
Funeral services will be held tomorrow (Thursday, July 9, 11 a.m., TCS).
Donations in Isabel’s memory may be made to TCS or the Whittingham Cancer Center at Norwalk Hospital.
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Sherwood Island State Park punches way above its weight, in our daily “Westport … Naturally” series.
Today we feature a sharp-looking black swallowtail butterfly, courtesy of Clarence Hayes:
And finally … in honor of our “Westport … Naturally” image above:
(“06880” is where Westport meets the world — and where you get the full version of this beautiful song. What a blog! If you enjoy our 24/7/365 service, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Speaking of seasonal activities: These days, many Westporters are busy with spring cleaning.
Nine Rotary Club members took time out of their own yards, gardens and garages yesterday to spiff up the Sherwood Island Connector commuter parking lot, and nearby areas.
Led by Peter Helt and Rick Benson, they collected 25 bulging bags of trash.
“This is our town. Please keep it clean!” says Benson.
Ani DiFranco drew a large crowd last night, to the Westport Library.
The musician, folk-rock legend and cultural icon kicked off 4 days of VersoFest ’26 in a conversation with Westport TV journalist Lindsay Czarniak about her new book, “The Spirit of Ani: Reflections on Spirituality, Feminism, Music, and Freedom.”
Tonight’s headliner is another musical legend: Wyclef Jean. Very few tickets remain for his 8 p.m. performance (click here to purchase).
Downtown traffic may be a little tougher than usual tomorrow.
Two events — the weekly 11 a.m., Ruth Steinkraus Bridge anti-Trump protest, and a “No Kings” 12 noon rally on Jesup Green — could cause delays, along with possible road closures.
Traffic moves slowly when downtown is crowded. (Photo/Jim Honeycutt)
MoCA\CT invites all area teenagers to an open “Mic at the Museum Night” (April 30, 6 to 8 p.m.).
Organized by MoCA’s Teen Council, it’s free — and for teens only. Participants can perform in any medium they choose: music (solo or group), comedy, storytelling, rap, dance or whatever. Click here to sign up.
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Speaking of entertainment: Morningside — a local indie-rock band made up of local dads, who just released their debut album of original music — headlines Stage One at FTC next Friday (April 3).
The band — including Westporters Nick Huber, Sean Spillman and Bobby Schlesinger; Westonite Matt Stine, and Ian Walters of Fairfield — opened for John Oates last summer at the Levitt Pavilion. More recently, they played at Mohegan Sun’s Wolf Den Theater.
MyTeamTriumph — the great organization that pairs volunteer “angels” with “captain” athletes with disabilities, so that both can compete in running and bike races, and triathlons — hosts a pre-season warm-up short, friendly run and picnic on April 12 (11:30 a.m., Compo Beach).
They invite anyone interested — captain or angel — to check them out.
Upcoming events include the Women’s League of Westport Minute Man Race 5K and 10K (April 26), Boys & Girls Club of Stamford Corporate 5K (May 14), and Bloomin’ Metric Bike Ride (May 17).
A good-sized group of Representative Town Meeting (RTM) members enjoyed their semi-annual lunch this week, at The Clubhouse.
They time this one for the yearly Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce food contest. (This year’s — for the best sandwiches in town — runs through Tuesday, March 31.)
The other lunch takes place during Restaurant Week.
RTM members (plus former moderator Velma Heller, 2nd from right), at The Clubhouse. Owners Tim and Emily Zobl are in back.
Last year, the Gillespie Center and Hoskins Place — Westport’s men’s and women’s shelters — reopened, after extensive renovations.
This year, they’ve added something else new: an American flag. Peter Jennings installed it Wednesday.
The flag now flies proudly outside Homes with Hope’s Jesup Road building — which also houses a food pantry, and meeting space — in the heart of downtown.
(Photo/Helen McAlinden)
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This winter has been tough on local roads.
The Public Works Department is patching potholes as best they can. The entrance road at Burying Hill Beach has a particularly deep one.
Earlier this week the Y’s Women learned about “the power of the Red Cross,” from 2 women who know it well.
Susan Shansky retired from a career in budget management and communications at MIT. She is now a “blood donor ambassador,” having donated 10 gallons (in small increments) to the Red Cross.
Natalie Sustache is an American Red Cross senior recruiter.
The pair described how they bring talented people, to deliver hope and relief every day.
Susan Shansky and Natalie Sustache. (Photo/Vera DeStefano)
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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo is one more in our continuing insistence that yes, spring really is just around the corner.
Though tomorrow’s high will only be around 39, temperatures could reach the 70s on Tuesday and Wednesday. Fingers crossed …
And finally … Chip Taylor, who wrote songs as diverse as the Troggs’ “Wild Thing” and Merrilee Rush’s “Angel of the Morning,” died Monday in New York. He was 86.
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