Tag Archives: Easter Egg Hunt

Roundup: Coming Soon: VersoFest, “Newsies,” Easter Egg Hunt, Spring …

Posted on March 23, 2026 | 1 comment

If you’ve seen the Westport Library looking extra-cool these recent nights, there’s a reason.

(Graphic by John Nunziato)

The blue lights are reminders that VersoFest ’26 — the 5th annual music/media/ and much more festival — arrives soon.

There are 4 full days of concerts, panels, art shows and the like. Highlights include a concert by Wyclef Jean, and a talk with Ani DiFranco. Click here for full details.

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Speaking of VersoFest: Yesterday, “06880” explored the back story of the Library’s promotional AI jingles.

A deeper dig into how AI is shaping the music industry is on tap this coming Sunday (March 29, 10:30 a.m., Library).

Executives from Suno, LANDR, Incantio and Chord Music Partners will discuss how AI is shaping the music the industry. A special “Coffee with the C-Suite: Creators, Technologists, and Music’s AI Frontier” panel features leaders from across music tech, rights investment, AI creation tools, and licensing platforms, discussing seismic shifts redefining the industry.

Among the speakers: Westporter Sam Hendel, managing partner at Chord Music Partners and Dundee Partners. Music industry veteran Dick Wingate — another local resident — will moderate the session. Click here for more details.

To try it yourself, Suno hosts a hands-on workshop afterward (noon to 4 p.m.). Attendees can experiment with the same tools used to create the AI jingles. Click here to reserve a 30-minute spot.

Sam Hendel

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One of Westport’s biggest and best Easter Egg Hunts is set for this Saturday (March 28, Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center).

The event — sponsored colorfully, as always, by WestportMoms — is actually 2 hunts. Ages 2 to 5 start at 10:30 a.m. Ages 6 and up follow at 11:15.

Along with the egg hunts and pictures with the Easter Bunny, youngsters will enjoy fairy hair, glitter tattoos, face painting, cookie decorating, STEM and sports games, music and more (including 20 “golden eggs” with prizes).

There will also be a food truck, plus donuts from Retreat Sweets.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

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The Mamas and the Papas, Byrds, Doors, Crosby Stills & Nash, Neil Young, James Taylor, Carole King, Joni Mitchell and the Eagles were all at the Westport Country Playhouse last night.

Not in person, unfortunately. But their familiar music got fresh interpretations, in an intriguing and very well-received show.

“Live from Laurel Canyon – Songs and Stories of American Folk Rock” was an evening of live music and narrated stories of some of the most influential songwriters who lived in Laurel Canyon in the 1960s and ’70s

Great music from half a century ago has endured well.

Including — perhaps especially — Buffalo Springfield’s “For What It’s Worth.”

Laurel Canyon musicians, at the Playhouse. (Photo/Lauri Weiser)

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Extra! Extra!

The curtain rises Friday on “Newsies.” Coleytown Company’s fun-for-all ages musical — inspired by the true story of the 1899 newsboys’ strike in New York City — has been in high gear ever since Westport native Adam Kaplan (a member of the Broadway cast) taught a master class to the young CMS actors.

Show times are 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday (March 27 and 28), 1 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday (March 28 and 29).

Click here for tickets, and more information. The Company’s Instagram is @coleytown_company.

“Newsies” has a great cast — and set. (Photo/Meg Stewart)

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Spring is creeping ever so slowly into Westport.

Clarence Hayes writes: “It’s been a ritual for me to listen for spring peepers for 40 years — ever since I took my 7-year-old kids to hear them at Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, coming up from the city.

“At a swamp there at dusk, it is literally deafening. I take my grandkids there now.

“But we have them in Westport too, in little bits of spring excess water scattered around town.

“This video is from a vernal pond behind my condo next to I-95. You can clearly hear them over the highway noise.”

PS: This week looks to be partly cloudy, partly sunny. The temperature will be in the 40s and 50s — except Thursday, when it could reach the low 60s.

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo proves that everyone — everyone! — is sitting around, waiting for spring.

Library Riverewalk. (Photo/John Maloney)

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And finally … on this date in 1857,  Elisha Otis’ first elevator was installed, at 488 Broadway in New York.

(“06880” is to local news what Aerosmith is to “elevator music.” If you enjoy our hyper-local blog — and the 4 to 6 stories we post a day — please click here to support our work. Thank you!

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Posted in Children, Entertainment, Environment, Library, Westport Country Playhouse

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Roundup: School Redistricting, Capital Spending, Riverside Avenue …

Posted on March 23, 2024 | 8 comments

In 2018, the Board of Education broached the subject of redistricting.

It went nowhere.

Another attempt — the first in over a quarter century — has begun. It involves only the 5 elementary schools.

A demographer consultant presented the first scenarios Thursday night, at the BOE meeting.

The first phase, in the 2025-26 school year, would balance enrollment between Long Lots, Greens Farms and Saugatuck Elementary Schools.

Phase II (2026-27) would balance enrollment between Kings Highway and Coleytown Els.

Click here for the full report.

Students at Kings Highway and Saugatuck Elementary Schools celebrated Earth Day together last year.

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Several big capital spending projects loom in Westport.

What are the rationales, goals and processes?

Town Hall and Westport Public Schools leaders share insights this Tuesday (March 26. 7 p.m., Westport Library), in a community conversation.

1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Superintendent of Schools Thomas Scarice will present their capital spending strategies and rationales. A panel of experts will discuss possible funding strategies, capital planning best practices, and the approval process for achieving capital spending goals. An audience Q-and-A session follows.

The event is sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Westport, and the Westport Library’s Common Ground initiative.

Longshore is one of several large capital projects planned for the future.

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Two virtual meetings next week have implications for Riverside Avenue.

Oak trees on 2 properties host bald eagles that perch in the trees while fishing. The trees may be removed if development plans go through.

On Monday (March 25, 7 p.m.), the Planning & Zoning Commission continues with Text Amendment #841. That involves a 1756 house, at 125 Riverside. Click here for more information; click here for the Zoom link.

The next night (March 26, 7:30 p.m.), the RTM Environment Committee discusses development on the Saugatuck River at 79 and 125 Riverside Avenue, and its impact on wildlife. Click here for the Zoom link.

Part of the property near 79 Riverside Avenue.

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In the 6 years since the Parkland High School shooting, Fred Guttenberg has become one of America’s most prominent anti-gun violence advocates.

On May 21 (noon), he’s the guest speaker at CT Against Gun Violence’s spring benefit luncheon. He’ll discuss his — and his fellow activists’ — efforts to turn pain into purpose, as well his book “Find the Helpers: What 9/11 and Parkland Taught Me about Recovery, Purpose and Hope.”

Since its founding in 1993, CAGV has lobbied effectively for some of the strongest gun laws in the country. ​

They were behind Connecticut’s 1993 assault weapons ban, the 3rd in the nation. Since Sandy Hook, they’ve  worked closely with the state legislature to enact universal background checks, an expanded assault weapons ban, and limits on large capacity magazines.​

Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Joaquin Phoenix and Emma Stone are stars of a new film, “Eddington.”

They’ll be joined by a rising young star: Cameron Mann.

The Staples High School senior  played the surprise killer in “Mare of Easttown.” He has been seen on “For Life,” Law & Order,” “New Amsterdam” and “Daredevil” — and had significant roles with Staples Players.

The film began production this month.

Cameron Mann (Photo/Michael Kushner)

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Today’s predicted rain has postponed WestportMoms’ Easter Egg hunt to this coming Friday (March 29, 11:45 a.m. for 2-5-year-olds, 12:30 p.m. for 6+ — schools are closed, for Good Friday).

Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Tomorrow’s (Sunday, 10:30 a.m.) trash clean-up is along Greens Farms Road, and the Sherwood Island Connector.

Volunteers are welcome. Park at the transfer station on the Connector, or the office building at 55-57 Greens Farms Road.

This is the perfect time — before the leaves return — to clean up this heavily trashed area.

Dress warmly, wear boots, and bring garbage bags.

Questions? Email acolabella@westportct.gov.

These folks picked up trash last month. Now it’s your turn!

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Just a week remains in the Westport Transit District’s annual poetry contest.

This year’s theme is “acrostics.” That’s where the first letter of each line spells something special — in this case, “Wheels2U.” For example:

Why are you still driving?
How about trying the bus?
Easy,
Efficicent,
Lively conversation with fellow commuters.
Simple to use
2 get to the train.
U should give it a try.

Gift certificates to Westport restaurants of their choice — ranging from $100 to $25 — will be given to the top 7 poems.

The contest is open to all residents of Westport. Enter as often as you like.

Entries should be sent to pgold@westportct.gov no later than March 30. Put “Acrostic Contest” in the subject line; include your name, address and email. For more details, click here and scroll down.

Wheels2U.

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“Bonfire from the Holy Spirit” –the first single from 1971 Staples High School graduate Brian Keane’s soundtrack from the new PBS “Dante” series — has been released.

Click here to listen, and download. Click here for more on Keane, and the show.

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From time to time, “06880” posts “entitled parking” photos.

This one — from the heart of Main Street — is equal parts entitled and thoughtless.

(Photo/Evan Chevrier)

What’s even more remarkable, says photographer Evan Chevrier, is that at the time he took the image, there were no other cars in front of or behind them.

At least that made driving away easy.

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“Rumors” — Neil Simon’s fast-paced farce — is on stage tonight (Saturday, March 23, 7 p.m.) and tomorrow (Sunday, March 24, 2 p.m.) at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport.

There’s a suggested donation of $25, for the UU Players’ performance.

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature combines something created by nature, and another by man.

(Photo/Richard Fogel)

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And finally … on this day in 1775, patriot Patrick Henry delivered his most famous line — “Give me liberty, or give me death!” – at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Richmond.

(Today — and every day — “06880” fills you in on what happened, is happening, and will happen in Westport. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Education, Entertainment, Environment

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Roundup: Easter Egg Hunt & Tree, Beach Dunes & Dogs, Tyler Hicks …

Posted on April 3, 2022 | 3 comments

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The Great Lawn at Saugatuck Church hosts lots of events. Social justice rallies, blessings of animals, plant sales — you name it, it’s there at one of Westport’s most visible and handsome sites.

Yesterday, it was an Easter egg hunt. Hundreds of youngsters raced around, finding thousands of eggs.

The afternoon was organized by WestportMoms — the multi-platform social media group, not a generic bunch of mothers —  with volunteer support by Boy Scout Troop 36.

Great hunt, on the great lawn. (Photo/Craig Patton)

Want Mark Mathias’ video version? Click below:

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Speaking of Easter:

For 15 years, 1971 Staples High School graduate Jalna Jaeger has decorated a tree on her property (3 East Avenue in Norwalk, not far from Stew Leonard’s).

It’s an homage to Ostereierbaum — the German tradition of filling trees and bushes with Easter eggs. It’s always colorful and fun.

This year, it sends a message.

Most of Jalna’s eggs are blue and yellow: the colors of Ukraine.

Many Americans are doing what they can to show support for that embattled nation. But Jalna’s Ostereierbaum tree may be the only one like it anywhere.

Jalna Jaeger’s Easter egg tree. (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)

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As Russian troops retreat in parts of Ukraine, the horrors of their occupation are only now beginning to be known.

One of the world’s first looks at what the invaders did — and left behind — comes today in the New York Times. A story headlined “‘This is True Barbarity’: Life and Death Under Russian Occupation” describes the past month in Trostyanets, a strategically located town that soldiers finally fled a few days ago.

“A monthlong Russian occupation reduced much of the town to rubble, a decimated landscape of mangled tank hulks, snapped trees and rattled but resilient survivors,” the Times says.

The piece is accompanied by more than a dozen photos from Tyler Hicks. The Pulitzer Prize winner graduated from Staples High School in 1988. Click here for the full story and photos.

Svitlana Grebinyk’s home was left in disarray after being inhabited by Russian soldiers during the occupation of Trostyanets. (Photo/Tyler Hicks for the New York Times)

Entire blocks of homes were destroyed in Trostyanets, after Russian occupation. (Photo/Tyler Hicks for the New York Times)

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There was plenty of action yesterday at Sherwood Island State Park.

Michele Sorensen — Friends of Sherwood Island’s next president — organized volunteers to plant beach grass. It helps revitalize the dunes, and prevents erosion.

They’ll return over the next few weeks. But they need others. Click here to help, via Signup Genius.

Restoring dunes at Sherwood Island. (Photo/Ilene Mirkine)

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How’s this for a warm-and-fuzzy, pooch-friendly photo?

(Photo/Roseann Spengler)

Unfortunately it was taken at Compo yesterday — the day after dogs were prohibited from all town beaches.

Hopefully the woman was unaware of the rule, not flouting it.

She and her buddy can return October 1.

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” image features a strong, handsome eagle. They’re hard to photograph well. But Steve Halstead nailed it.

(Photo/Steve Halstead)

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And finally … on this date in 1865, Union forces captured Richmond, Virginia, the capital of the Confederate States of America.

Just over 100 years later the Band included that pivotal moment, in Virgil Caine’s lament — though he puts the date as “May the 10th”:

 

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Posted in Beach, Children, Environment, Media, Politics, religion

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Roundup: Easter Egg Hunt, Jersey Mike’s Subs, Roseville Full Stop …

Posted on March 28, 2022 | 7 comments

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For years, people have asked WestportMoms to sponsor an Easter Egg Hunt.

Get those baskets ready!

The social media wizards have hopped to it (ho ho). The event is set for this Saturday (April 2, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.), on the big lawn in front of Saugatuck Congregational Church.

It includes make-your-own bags for egg collecting, courtesy of One River Art School; music by DJ Marcello; sports and games with Sara Holland; face painting; food trucks, pictures with the Easter Bunny — and of course, a hunt for 3,000 eggs.

The cost is $20 per family. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Save the Children Ukraine.

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Jersey Mike’s’ Westport location may — or may not — be closed.

But the Norwalk store joins more than 2,000 others on Wednesday (March 30), in donating 100% of its sales to Special Olympics.

You read that right: Not 100% of profits. 100% of sales.

Making the offer even tastier, Westporters Rick Levin, Bob Levy and Sunny Sherman are buying a few hundred sandwiches. They’ll be donated to STAR of Norwalk, and Bridgeport’s Alpha Community Center and Cardinal Shehan Center.

The Jersey Mike’s at 360 Connecticut Avenue in Norwalk has been excited to work with Rick, Bob and Sunny on their idea. They’re ready to make those sandwiches — and all others that area residents order, on that special day.

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Many Westporters have expressed concern about the massive logs stored on the Post Road property near Roseville Road.

That’s not the only potential danger. Drivers heading south on Roseville have a tough enough time seeing westbound traffic, thanks to the blind curve.

Often now though, a logging truck parked on the lot makes it even harder.

There’s no “No Right Turn on Red” sign at that traffic light, for Roseville traffic. There should be.

Savvy motorists — at least, those turning right — cut through the McDonald’s parking lot.

Everyone else should just wait for the green.

(Photo/Joseph Signorile)

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It’s the time of year for swans and their eggs. The annual ritual is today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature. This photo is from Riverside Avenue, near the boardwalk by the medical offices.

(Photo/Gabriela Bockhaus)

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And finally … Taylor Hawkins, the ever-smiling, fierce drummer and occasional vocalist for Foo Fighters for more than 2 decades, died Friday in Colombia, at 50. Several drugs were reportedly found in his system. Click here for a full obituary.

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Posted in Children, Local business, Transportation

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