Tag Archives: Homes With Hope

Roundup: TEDx, Fashion, Little League …

Posted on April 27, 2026 | 1 comment

TEDx is coming to town!

The project — created in the spirit of TED Talks, bringing passionate speakers with compelling stories and thought-provoking ideas to local communities — debuts at the Westport Library on Sunday, September 13 (4 to 6 p.m.).

A planning group headed by Sholeh Janati is identifying 8 presenters, to speak for 10 minutes each. Potential topics include the human mind, body, soul and health, creativity, communication, the environment, dreams, music and art, money, housing, sobriety, competition, technology and artificial intelligence.

Speaker applications are welcome, through May 5. Click here to submit.

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The fun feelings still linger from Saturday’s Fashionably Westport show.

The 6th annual Westport Downtown Association event — a benefit for Homes with Hope — packed the Westport Library.

But whether you were there or not, there’s still time to bid on dozens of auction items. Categories include art, beauty, entertainment, experiences, fashion, food and wine, health and wellness, jewelry, sports, travel and more.

The online auction ends Thursday (April 30). Click here to view, and bid.

The Homes with Hope team, at Fashionably Westport. From left: Katharine Murray, Thomas Samaranayake, Sarah Carusone, Mary Ann Hendrick, Helen McAlinden (president and CEO), Paris Looney, Katie Weldy, Jocelyn Boursiquot, Carmen Ayala. (Photo/John Videler for Videler Photography)

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Happy 75th anniversary to Westport Little League!

The organization — which has expanded greatly since its beginnings with a few boys baseball teams — now includes a robust softball program.

More than 150 players and their families kicked off the 2026 Westport Little League Softball season Saturday, at Meyer Field.

Two special guests were honored: Jeff White, chair of Westport Baseball & Softball, and Jen Bonitata of ASF Logo Wearhouse.

Together, they threw the first pitch to 8th graders Farrah El-Gamal and Luna Symon.

Joining the event were many sponsors, including Anderson Septic, ASF Sports & Outdoors, Headliners Salon, Keeler Automotive, NAYA, Office Evolution and Sasco Pediatric Dentistry.

Jeff White and Jen Bonitata flank Farrah El-Gamal and Luna Symon. (Photo/Regina Calderone Photography)

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Yesterday’s Minute Man races were competitive. They were fun.

They were also very important for a group of people who don’t always get a chance to compete.

The myTeam Triumph community was there for the 5K, delivering not just a race but a powerful reminder of what inclusion, teamwork and community spirit look like.

MyTeam Triumph pairs individuals with disabilities (“captains”) with able-bodied athletes (“angels”), to participate together in endurance events. It is a way to ensure that everyone has a chance to cross the finish line.

Sixteen captains took part in the Women’s League of Westport event, including first-timers Gene and Jenn.

They were joined by over 70 angels — runners who push, guide and support the Captains. Many also participated for the first time.

Among the new faces were Levi and Ryan, who brought friends and family as part of their bar mitzvah service project.

Staples Service League of Boys (SLOBs) again lent their hands.

Ahead for myTeam Triumph: the Boys & Girls Club of Stamford Corporate 5K, Bloomin’ Metric bike ride (registration TBA), and the Athletic Brewing Company Fairfield 5K.

To learn more or get involved in an upcoming event, click here.

Captains and angels smile, at the start of the Minute Man 5K. (Hat tip and photo/Todd Ehrlich)

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The great Weston photographer Alison Wachstein offers today’s “Westport … Naturally” image — and a haiku to go with it.

Tiny pink petals
Driven by the springtime winds
Cherry trees rejoice

(Photo/Alison Wachstein)

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And finally … Wayne Moss, a guitarist and producer who played on well-known recordings by Roy Orbison, Tammy Wynette and others, died last week in Madison, Tennessee. He was 88, and suffered from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, was confirmed in a statement from his family.

The New York Times says, “He was one of the three guitarists who played the indelible staccato riff that ignites (Roy) Orbison’s ‘Oh, Pretty Woman’ …. He also improvised the filigreed guitar phrasing on Bob Dylan’s ‘I Want You’ (and played on Tammy Wynette’s crossover smash ‘Stand By Your Man.'” Click here for a full obituary.

(Three very different songs — all connected. Just like “06880” — we deliver great variety every day, all part of our shared community. If you like our this local blog, please click here to support us. Thanks!)

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Posted in Library, Sports

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VERY Fashionably Westporters Walk The Runway

Posted on April 26, 2026 | 2 comments

What can’t the Westport Library do?

What doesn’t the Westport Downtown Association do for the town?

And what better cause than Homes with Hope?

The Library’s Trefz Forum was transformed into a models’ runway last night.

The WDA’s 6th annual Fashionably Westport show — a benefit for the town’s supportive housing and food pantry programs — drew nearly 100 models.

Dressed fashionably in outfits from nearly 3 dozen local retailers (and with hair styling and makeup donated too), local celebrities, friends and neighbors strutted their stuff.

The women were gorgeous. The men looked as good as we could. The kids stole the show.

TV journalist Dave Briggs and CBS weatherman Lonnie Quinn — both Westporters — served as high-energy MCs.

A silent auction raised even more funds. (Bidding ends April 30; click here for items.)

The food and drinks were wonderful.

And — in keeping with the evening — The Home Cook donated extra food to Homes with Hope’s Gillespie Center, a few yards away from the Library.

Staples High School junior Ryan Allen — “06880”‘s superb photographer — captured all the action. Let the fun begin!

(All photos/Ryan Allen)

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Posted in Library, Local business

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Roundup: PopUp Bagels, Hydration Stations, Fashionably Fun …

Posted on April 13, 2026 | 2 comments

PopUp Bagels — the Westport start-up that popped up during the pandemic, roared into regional and now national prominence, and has clearly outgrown its motto — “Not famous, but known” — is in the headlines again.

Bloomberg reports that Tiger Global has agreed to invest — at a $300 million valuation.

That’s “roughly 5 times what the startup was quoted at as recently as 5 months ago.”

“The buzzy bagel brand races to turn its TikTok-fueled hype into a national presence,” Bloomberg adds.

It describes the brand as developing “a cult-like following around its smaller, fluffier bagels, sold in limited flavors with a minimum order of 3.”

PopUp Bagels plans to open up to 300 locations across the US in the next 4 years.

The 30th store opens Friday in Chicago. Number 31 follows the next week, in Dallas.

Click here for the full Bloomberg story.

PopUp Bagels founder Adam Goldberg, with his Brooklyn Bagelfest award.

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Sustainable Westport’s UnPlastic Westport initiative is bearing fruit.

Donations have already funded 2 public water bottle filling stations: one at the Compo Beach basketball courts, the other at Winslow Park. Both will keep tens of thousands of plastic water bottles out of landfill.

Rendering of the water bottle filling station at Winslow Park …

Five more “priority locations” have been identified:

  • Burying Hill Beach
  • Old Mill Beach
  • Grace Salmon Park
  • PJ Romano Field
  • Town Farm Little League fields.

Three “wish list locations” — requiring more logistical planning — are the Wakeman Fields, Longshore and downtown.

The cost and installation of each station ranges from $5,000 for an in-wall unit, to $15,000 for a standalone, ADA-compliant one.

Sustainable Westport seeks individual donors, and corporate sponsors. Click here to contribute, and for more information.

… and the Compo Beach basketball courts.

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“Love + War” — the remarkable documentary about the professional and personal lives of Pulitzer Prize and MacArthur fellowship winner (and 1991 Staples High School graduate Lynsey Addario — has been nominated for 4 Emmy Awards.

The nominations include the biggest category — Best Documentary — along with others for Outstanding Editing, Outstanding Sound, and Outstanding Promotional Announcement.

Addario congrats her team — including National Geographic — and adds, “It took me years to feel comfortable letting a film crew into my life. Even then, it never felt entirely natural as someone who’s usually behind the camera, not in front of it. So thank you to our cameramen.”

She cites their “gorgeous (and subtle!) cinematic eye (and) powerful footage from Ukraine, often shot while under fire.

“It’s been amazing to share this film with so many different people across the world. I hope ‘Love + War’ continues to stand as a testament to a profession that became my calling, while also being clear-eyed about the complexities and sacrifices that come with it.”

Winners will be announced at Lincoln Center on May 28. “Love + War” can be streamed on Hulu and Disney+.

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As models get fitted, styled, and practice their runway strut, a few tickets still remain for “Fashionably Westport.”

The Westport Downtown Association-sponsored evening (April 25, 7 p.m., Westport Library) is a benefit for Homes with Hope. It features an actual runway, with friends-and-neighbors models from all over town, wearing outfits from over 20 local stores.

(Spoiler alert: One of those models is yours truly. Please don’t laugh — but please come to the show!)

The evening includes plenty of food, and a great silent auction. Click here for tickets, and more information.

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A full crowd packed the VFW last night, for a very special show.

Corky Laing — the former drummer for Mountain (of “Mississippi Queen” fame) — sat in with Gary Shure’s 10$Grand Band.

From the first chords, the place rocked. Do you know what I mean?

From left: Joe Whelan, Ray Schmidt, Corky Laing, Gary Shure, Ronnie Roberts, Michael Bertholf.

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More ospreys — and not the well-known Fresh Market ones.

This pair nests at the north end of Sherwood Mill Pond.

Are they surveying the scene? Planning dinner? Thinking about starting a family?

Whatever the answer: They look very intent doing it.

(Photo/John Kantor)

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Besides the ospreys, there was another sign of the season yesterday — a (finally) warm and sunny spring Sunday.

Boats and other craft headed to Cockenoe Island, off Compo, by the — well, boatload.

(Photo/Carrie Kuhn)

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Westport native and Korean War veteran Donald Switter died on Wednesday. He was 92.

He was studying architecture at the University of Connecticut to study architecture, but while drawing up plans realized his true love was outdoors.

Don pivoted, and started a landscape company. For years, he was one of the town’s top landscapers.

Many residents knew him as the man riding in a Jaguar convertible, with his English setter Mike by his side.

Don is survived by his sister, Phillis Fox of Unicoi, Tennessee; brother James of Winchendon, Massachusetts, and many nieces and nephews.

Don Switter

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It’s been a while since we’ve had deer in our “Westport … Naturally” daily feature.

These 2 look like they need a good meal.

(Photo/Richard Fogel)

Lucky (for them): Growing season is upon us.

Unlucky (for us): They’ll soon be chomping on our plants.

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And finally … on this date in 1742, George Frideric Handel’s oratorio “Messiah”  had its world premiere in Dublin.

If you’re free for the next 2 1/2 hours — enjoy!

(Hallelujah! “06880” is your 24/7/365, hyper-local go-to blog — “Where Westport meets the world.” We rely on reader support. Please click here to donate. And thank you!)

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Posted in Beach, Entertainment, Environment, Media, Politics

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Roundup: Lamont & Chamber, Osprey & Hawk, Laura & Jenna …

Posted on March 30, 2026 | 4 comments

The 4th in the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce’s “Your State, Your Business” series will feature the biggest name of all.

Governor Ned Lamont speaks at the Westport Library on April 13 (11 a.m.).

The series began earlier this month, with Comptroller Sean Scanlon and Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas. It continues this Thursday (April 2, 11 a.m.), with Attorney General William Tong.

Governor Lamont’s session will focus on Connecticut’s fiscal stability and economic outlook, highlighting efforts to maintain affordability through initiatives like tax rebates and energy cost relief. Following his talk, Governor Lamont will join in a conversation with Chamber executive director Matthew Mandell, followed by an audience Q&A.

The event is free, but pre-registration is required here.

Governor Ned Lamont

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Last week’s osprey sighting may have been a false alarm.

Carolyn Doan — who has tracked the raptors’ Westport sojourns for years — writes: “The photo that was sent to you could have been a hawk. As far as I know, the osprey haven’t returned yet.

“I hope I’m wrong. It’s possible I keep missing them, but I have engaged the help and eyes of some friends as well. Nobody has seen them yet.

“I talked with the manager at Fresh Market. They are on the lookout also

“The nest itself hasn’t changed. No new sticks or dangling sticks moved. No visible spiffing up has occurred.

“If they haven’t returned, then they are about a week late. Other nests in town have late arrivals also.

I’ll let you know if anything changes or I hear differently.”

Osprey or hawk? Last week, at Fresh Market. (Photo/Dana Kuyper)

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This past weekend, the Westport Library turned into a concert venue.

Next month (Saturday, April 25, 7 p.m.), it becomes a fashion runway.

In just 6 years, the Westport Downtown Association’s Fashionably Westport show has become one of the hottest spring tickets.

For good reason. In addition to the latest styles from over 20 local fashion and accessories retailers and salons — all modeled by local residents — plus a silent auction, food, music, and high-energy MC Dave Briggs, it’s a fundraiser for a wonderful organization: Homes with Hope. They run the town’s men’s and women’s shelter and food pantry (among many other good works).

Click here for tickets, and more information. 

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Laura Blair has participated in 21 STAR Walk & Roll events. During that time, she has raised over $100,000 for the non-profit that serves individuals of all ages with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

This year will be special for Laura. For over 30 years she took care of Jenna Herbst, a fellow Westporter and STAR client.

Jenna died earlier this month. Laura is dedicating this year’s Walk & Stroll to her, and other friends Laura has met at STAR who, like Jenna, rely on the organization for help.

Money raised funds birth-to-8 early intervention therapies, customized job training, placement for transitioning high school students and adults, and scholarships for self-enrichment programs for over 600 people in Fairfield County.

Many people know Laura, through her work with Jenna and as a Staples High School superfan. Click here to help Laura reach her $20,000 goal.

Laura Blair and Jenna Herbst. 

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Westporter Sam Hendel — a music industry leader at Chord Music rights platform, and Dundee Partners (a private equity and venture capital firm, focusing on music, media, and technology) — helped draw a large crowd yesterday morning, to “Coffee with the C-Suite: Creators, Technologists, and Music’s AI Frontier.”

The event — the first on the final day of the Westport Library’s VersoFest — examined how artificial intelligence is reshaping how music is created, distributed, licensed and monetized.

Music industry veteran Dick Wingate — another Westporter — moderated the fascinating, forward-looking discussion.

Sam Hendel (far right), on the AI-and-music panel. Other participants (from left): Daniel Rowland, Danny Newcomb, Paul Sinclair. (Photo/DinkinESH Fotografix)

The 4-day event closed with an interview with Peter Shapiro — who has owned the Capitol Theatre and Brooklyn Bowl, and produced numerous music festivals — followed by a screening of the Grateful Dead movie “Dead Ahead,” filmed in 1980 at Radio City Music Hall.

The Dead live! (Photo/Matthew Mandell)

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Congratulations to Caleb Smith!

The 2024 Staples graduate — who quarterbacked the Wreckers to the state championship and was named Connecticut Football Player of the Year; earned All-America honors in lacrosse; captained the basketball team and was honored as a statewide Scholar-Athlete — was inducted into the Fairfield County Gridiron Hall of Fame last week.

He was the youngest honoree, among this year’s 13 players and coaches.

In his career, culminating in the state crown (and #1 ranking in Connecticut), Caleb passed for 5,138 yards and 49 touchdowns. He rushed for 2,307 yards and 43 TDs, and holds 7 school passing records.

After playing quarterback at the University of Connecticut his freshman year, Caleb transferred to Boston University this year. He is playing lacrosse, and studying finance.

Caleb Smith, with his family and state championship plaque.

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Who doesn’t like chocolate? And who doesn’t like wine?

Those indulgences are doubly enjoyable together. Which is exactly why Chocolatieree and The Grapevine are collaborating on a “Pairing Table.” It’s where handcrafted ganache bonbons meet thoughtfully curated wines.

There are 2 dates: April 21 and 23 (at Chocalatieree; $115). Three rounds “contrast Old and New World styles,”; each pairing includes a wine category matched with a chocolate, unlocking a flavor that “might bloom, soften, brighten, or surprise you entirely.”

It’s “part tasting, part discovery, part lively conversation, and completely” delicious. Participants leave with a box, to “savor and reminisce later.” Click here to register, and for more information.

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Sure, you can always find great artwork at Westport River Gallery.

But now you can also see a pair of the replica ruby slippers — created to exact detail of those worn by Judy Garland as Dorothy, in the 1939 “Wizard of Oz” film — at the Riverside Avenue space.

Connecticut-based artist Kyle LaRue constructed each slipper using a vintage size 5 shoe (the actress’ size) from the 1930s. Each features sequins, bugle beads and rhinestone.

The slippers at the gallery are the most authentic pair available. More durable, wearable versions in any size can be made on commission.

Artist Kyle LaRue (left) with Westport River Gallery owner Ken Warren, and Dorothy’s slippers. (Photo/Koleen Kaffan)

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Just in time for hydrangea season, the Greens Farms Garden Club is sponsoring an expert speaker.

Horticulturist/photographer/New York Botanical Garden instructor Lorraine Ballato — author of “Success With Hydrangeas,” and a blogger with a site dedicated to the plant — will speak on April 7 (11 a.m., Southport Congregational Church). RSVP: cafedame@aol.com.

Who doesn’t love hydrangeas?

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Lucas Flesch is a junior at Staples — and a talented and passionate artist.

He was was accepted into Pratt Institute’s prestigious Summer Pre-College Intensive program.

His family does not qualify for the school’s financial aid. They’ve set up a GoFundMe page to help.

It says: “The pre-program would be an incredible next step for Lucas. It would allow him to experience a structured, college-level environment and be surrounded by other students who are just as passionate about art. This experience could be transformative, helping him build confidence and skills for his future. Any support, in any amount, truly helps, and we really appreciate it.”

Click here for Lucas’ GoFundMe page. And click here to see some of his work.

“Dead/Lucid Self Portrait” — graphite on paper, 2024. Lucas writes: “In this piece, I was thinking about religion. And how we justify with religion and overcome our greatest fear. The unknown. In old literature (Romeo and Juliet, and Catullus 5) the writers play this metaphor of this very short life we live and how we should spend it with loving. Everyone does things in preface to death, either it being memorable for things done in your life or loved by others. This self- portrait talks about how death is a part of everyone living or not. Death might be the one thing that controls your life.”

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We get a lot of sunset photos, here at “06880” headquarters.

We can’t run 95% of them.

But this one — over Sherwood Mill Pond — caught our eye, for its color and composition. So it made the cut, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured image.

(Photo/Matt Murray)

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And finally … in honor of Dorothy’s slippers, now being paid homage to at Westport River Gallery (story above):

(You don’t need a brain, a heart or courage to support “06880.” All you have to do is click here, to make a tax-deductible contribution. We’ll be over the rainbow with joy. Thank you!)

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Roundup: Dogs, Chickens, Penguins …

Posted on March 25, 2026 | 5 comments

It’s no joke: April 1 is the date dogs are banned from Compo Beach.

Tomorrow — when the thermometer hits 65 — looks like the best day before next Wednesday for Fido’s final romp.

Until October 1.

Hey — that’s only 189 days away!

Enjoy it while you can! (Photo/Nancy Lally)

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What’s going down at the farm?

It’s better to ask: What isn’t?!

Wakeman Town Farm welcomes spring, with a host of activities for all ages. They include:

  • Maple Syrup Boil (this Saturday, March 28, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; free)
  • Farm classes, for all age students
  • Inclusive neurodiverse farmers’ program
  • Kids’ cooking classes (special session for homeschooling)
  • Summer camp
  • Adult workshops: tulips, cooking, chicken-keeping, flowers, needlework.

Click here for details, and registration.

Learn all about backyard chicken-keeping, at Wakeman Town Farm.

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Speaking of spring: As Westporters venture outside for spring cleaning, they’re finding plenty to do.

Including tidying up this stretch of Old Hill Road.

(Photo/Susan Garment)

Looks like quite a winter, in that part of town.

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Here’s some stop-the-presses info: Inklings News — Staples High School’s newspaper — has won a Gold Crown Award. That’s the highest given by the Columbia Scholastic Press Association.

The honor was for hybrid (print and web) news coverage.

This is the third time Inklings News has received this distinction, and the first in consecutive years.

Inklings News is also the only high school organization in New England to receive this recognition for both print and web coverage this year.

The award honors the work of last year’s (2024–’25) Inklings News web and paper staffs, including:

  • Editors-in-chief: Nina Bowens, Lily Hultgren
  • Creative cirectors: Alex Gaines, Olivia Signorile
  • Paper managing editors: Katherine Phelps, Mia Bomback, Angelina Matra
  • Associate paper managing editors: Cici Petrosinelli, Lily Rimm, Anna Kercher, Demi Sasson
  • Web managing editors: Rachel Olefson, Samantha Sandrew
  • Social Media Managers: Audrey Curtis, Poppy Harrington

Congratulations to all — including Inklings News advisors Joseph DelGobbo and Mary Elizabeth Fulco.

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Over 30 years ago, a concerned group of parents with learning disadvantaged children created a group called Our Vision. Their goal was to provide a rich, meaningful life for them, in a society that offered few programs to help.

Today, Our Vision members participate in summer, fall and winter Special Olympics games. Weekly training in track and field, swimming, bowling and bocce has resulted in many medals.

There are outings to community theater, pizza parties and dinner shows. Every Saturday, members take a bus to the Westport Weston Family YMCA, for sports and gym activities, swim training, social games, and arts and crafts projects.

Our Vision also participates in the Special Olympics fundraiser. This year’s event is April 11 (11 a.m., Jennings Beach, Fairfield). Anyone can participate (or, more warmly, cheer).

Donations can be made online here, or by check to “SOCT/Penguin Plunge,” 4 Cross Highway, Westport, CT 06880. Write “Our Vision/Peter Bradeen” on the memo line.

Peter Bradeen (right) and Penguin Plunge friends.

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The next Veterans Benefits Luncheon is tomorrow (Thursday, March 26, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.), VFW Post 399).

It’s open to all veterans as part of an ongoing effort to check in on all veterans’ welfare, and connect them with the benefits and support they earned.

Representatives will answer questions, and provide information on services and assistance available to veterans.

RSVPs are encouraged (but not required). Email vfw399ct@gmail.com, and include the number of attendees, or call (203) 227-6796.

PS: If you’re not a veteran, but know one: Please pass the word!

VFW benefits luncheon.

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On Saturday, the Staples Service League of Boys (SLOBs) will help stock Homes with Hope’s Gillespie Center food pantry.

They’ll be at Big Y from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Most needed items include pasta and pasta sauce, peanut butter, jelly, mac ‘n’ cheese, canned foods (tuna, chicken, salmon), and laundry detergent.

Can’t make it Saturday? Click here for the Amazon wish list. Goods are shipped directly to Homes with Hope.

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The Planning & Zoning Department warns that there are fake “invoices” coming from a false P&Z address.

They say: “Scammers are impersonating town officials regarding zoning and public hearing fees.

“The Town of Westport will never request payments via calls, texts, emails or apps (Venmo/Zelle/CashApp). Do not share personal info or send payment.

“Verify with P&Z (203-341-1030); report scams to the Westport Police non- emergency line (203-341-6000).”

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Frank Murgalo — who wrote the great memoir “My Mid-Life Crisis at 82” — should pack ’em in at his next author talk.

The venue is tailor-made: the Senior Center.

It’s April 7 (2:45 p.m.). Reservations are required: 203-341-5099.

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Cat Malkin thought the message at this gas station was rich.

“Seems more like the Taking Pump,” she says.

(Photo/Cat Malkin)

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You may not be ready for the Penguin Plunge (story above).

But these guys — neither humans nor penguins — took to the water this week, for an early spring swim.

Along the way, they ended up as our “Westport … Naturally” featured photo.

(Photo/Lauri Weiser)

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And finally … 2 musical giants share a birthday.

Aretha Franklin was born on this date in 1942. She died in 2018.

Elton John was born in 1947. He’s still going strong.

(Speaking of spring cleaning: As you’re plowing through your to-do list, please don’t forget to click here, to help support “06880.” Our hyper-local blog depends on our readers. Thank you!)

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Roundup: Jim Himes, Urinetown, Hazardous Waste …

Posted on March 13, 2026 | 4 comments

Jim Himes is a longtime friend of Homes with Hope.

On Wednesday, Westport’s non-profit that works to end homelessness and food insecurity in Fairfield County welcomed the congressman to the Gillespie Center.

Homes with Hope staff, board members, community partners and local leaders thanked Himes for his continued advocacy in Washington, on behalf of our most vulnerable neighbors.

Himes met with HwH board chair Becky Martin, emeritus chair John Walsh, and board member Amanda Castellano, along with selectpersons Kevin Christie and Amy Wistreich.

During the visit, a veteran now residing at the Gillespie Center thanked Himes for helping him obtain medical benefits. Another resident said that the congressman had helped her too.

Congressman Jim Himes (2nd from right), with 1st Selectman Kevin Christie (far left) and Homes with Hope staff members and friends.

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“Urinetown” opened last night, to a raucous reception.

Staples Players’ spring production of the Tony Award-winning satiric musical is a worthy successor to the fall’s “Les Misérables” (with a few winks and nods to that popular show).

The cast has a great time conveying the dystopian-with-a-song message. Young kids enjoy the potty humor; older ones, and adults, understand the deeper theme.

The show runs this weekend only: tonight (Friday, 7:30 p.m.); tomorrow (Saturday, 2 and 7:30 p.m.) and Sunday (2 p.m.). Click here for tickets, and more information.

Grayson Jandora (center) as Officer Lockstock, with the ensemble of “Urinetown.”

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Westport’s next Hazardous Waste Day is Saturday, April 11 (9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Greens Farms railroad station).

The free program enables residents of Westport, Norwalk, New Canaan, Darien, Stamford and Greenwich to safely dispose of household hazardous wastes.

Residents of those towns may bring these types of hazardous waste: gasoline, kerosene, spray paint, paint strippers, paint thinners, solvents, paints, stains, turpentine, varnishes, wood preservatives, degreasers, fertilizers, fungicides, herbicides, insecticides, pesticides, bleach, charcoal lighter, cleaning chemicals, drain cleaners, mercury thermometers, moth balls, pet flea shampoos, photo chemicals, rug shampoos, spot removers, art supplies and paints.

  • Make sure items are clearly labeled.
  • Never mix chemicals!
  • Keep products in their original labeled containers.
  • Place leaky containers in clear plastic bags.
  • Tighten lids of all containers, and pack items in sturdy cardboard boxes lined with paper.
  • Put boxes in the trunk or in back of the vehicle, away from passengers.
  • Leave pets and children home when bringing hazardous materials for collection.

Westport residents may recycle antifreeze, motor oil, batteries of any type, light bulbs and electronics at the transfer station on the Sherwood Island Connector, weekdays from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; Saturdays from 7 a.m. to noon.

The following items are NOT acceptable: ammunition, flares, commercial hazardous waste.

Questions? Call Westport’s Public Works Department: 203-341-1793.

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Last week, Sustainable Westport offered some tips on how to “UnPlastic” your kitchen.

Today they follow up with a how-to video.

Program manager Gretchen Hoffman shows how small changes can make a big difference.

She leads a tour of her own kitchen, describing reusable product bags, a variety of storage containers, cutting boards and stainless steel cooking utensils.

Click here to view on Instagram, or below for the YouTube version.

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Westport is not Vermont.

But we can try.

A “maple syrup boil and demonstration” (March 28, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wakeman Town Farm) offers a chance to talk to WTF farmers about tapping and producing maple syrup, and to check out the Farm’s homestead-sized evaporator.

It’s also a great time to ask the farmers any general gardening questions.

The event is free, but registration is required. Click here to reserve a spot.

Maple syrup tapping, at Wakeman Town Farm.

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Speaking still of the environment:  The 2023 film “Common Ground” unveiled a dark web of money, power and politics behind our food system. But it also profiled farmers who use alternative “regenerative” models of agriculture that could balance the climate, save our health, and stabilize America’s economy.

Connecticut farmers feature prominently in the documentary.

The Westport Farmers’ Market is sponsoring a free showing this Sunday (March 15, 4:30 p.m., The Warehouse @ Fairfield Theatre Company). Click here to reserve a spot.

 

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The Longshore golf course reservation system will transition from Chelsea to a new tee time reservation platform — ForeUp — ext week.

To ensure a smooth changeover, all handpass holders must log into their Chelsea account and confirm that their contact information is current before the system transfer.

To update your information, click here.

The new reservation system requires each handpass holder to have a unique email address associated with their account. If multiple accounts share the same email address, or if account information is not updated prior to the transfer, delays or issues booking tee times at the start of the season may result.

Fore! (Photo/Susan Garment)

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Will this be Westport’s biggest tag sale ever?

On May 2, the Nolan Team at Compass is sponsoring a town-wide tag sale. Residents can participate by hosting a sale at their own home.

It’s a great way to get plenty of publicity. The Nolan Team handles all promotion (including a sign for your lawn or driveway). Your address will be included on a map, and all publicity.

Shoppers can plan their own route, and visit multiple sales all day.

To participate, and for more information, click here.

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The Westport Library is a town gem. The only 5-star library in the state offers an astonishing array of events, programs, services — even a state-of-the-art recording studio.

But it doesn’t just happen. A board of trustees provides guidance and oversight.

As upcoming vacancies loom, they’re looking for qualified, eager candidates.

Responsibilities include governance and fiduciary duties, strategic oversight, collaboration with leadership, financial stewardship and support, and more.

Candidates must be Westport residents. Fundraising experience and strong community connections are key. Skills in strategic planning, finance, law, nonprofit operations or areas supporting innovation and digital strategy are valued but not required.

Trustee appointments are for 4 years, this year beginning July 1. Interested candidates should email a resume and letter of interest to  spresutto@westportlibrary.org by March 20.

Trustees needed!

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Congratulations to Amelia Guimond!

Last weekend, she became the first Staples female wrestler ever to place in the state open tournament.

Amelia placed 6th, at 138 pounds. Great work, Amelia.

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Despite the dismal end to the week, the earlier part gave us hope that spring is lurking nearby — somewhere.

Amy Schneider spotted these snowdrops along the Library Riverwalk.

(Photo/Amy Schneider)

May there be many more to follow.

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And finally … Today is the second straight month with a Friday the 13th.

That’s pretty rare. In fact, it can only happen in a non-leap year, when the first one is February. Enjoy!

(Despite the unlucky day, we are lucky to have you as an “06880” reader. And it will truly be our lucky day if you click here, to support our work. Thank you!)

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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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Unsung Hero #421

Posted on February 11, 2026 | 13 comments

Homes with Hope president and CEO Helen McAlinden, and board chair Becky Martin, nominate this week’s Unsung Hero. They write:

This honor perfectly reflects Katharine Murray’s extraordinary contributions to Homes with Hope, and the broader Westport community.

Katharine recently earned a well-deserved promotion to chief of staff. This newly updated title and role formally recognizes the leadership, strategic insight and operational excellence she has long brought to our organization.

Katharine Murray (center), with Homes with Hope president and CEO Helen McAlinden (left), and vice president and chief operating officer Paris Looney. (Photo/Dave Matlow)

As chief of staff Katharine plays a pivotal role in  overseeing key departments, including Development, Marketing, Grant Writing, Community Relations, and the Food Pantry.

She works in close partnership with the leadership team, as well as the entire staff she collaborates with daily. She builds trust, fosters collaboration, and supports teams across the organization.

Katharine joined Homes with Hope as a marketing and development professional in 2022, but her role quickly evolved as her willingness to step in wherever needed became impossible to overlook. Over the years she quietly and effectively took on responsibilities spanning Marketing, Development, Grants, Operations, Events, Agency Data Management, and Pantry Program Oversight.

Her promotion to chief of staff is a formal acknowledgment of the role she has long fulfilled with grace, intelligence, and tireless dedication.

With Katharine’s steadfast partnership and leadership, Homes with Hope has grown into an agency that serves more than 3,000 individuals annually.

Katharine’s impact is evident across every corner of the organization. She assumed full coordination of recent renovations to the Gillespie Center and Susie’s House. She helped source furniture and décor to ensure residents would experience not just shelter, but a beautiful, welcoming and dignified place to call home. Her thoughtful, creative and cost-effective design choices are apparent when entering either facility.

Katharine Murray (far left), with volunteers and Westport Police officers at the Homes with Hope food pantry, following a donation drive.

Her leadership is especially visible at the Gillespie Center Pantry. Last year the pantry recorded 9,150 visits, served 1,199 registered households, and supported more than 3,000 individuals.

Despite increased demand, the environment feels less like a pantry and more like a thoughtfully curated community market providing choice, quality, and dignity.”

Katharine leads by example. She drives the van, picks up food, carries supplies, stocks shelves, checks inventory, places orders, and steps in wherever help is needed. Bilingual. she regularly supports Spanish-speaking pantry participants.

Behind the scenes, she quietly delivers groceries to elderly or ill neighbors.

Katharine has significantly elevated Homes with Hope’s fundraising and community presence, helping lead events like Gather Round the Table and Stand Up Comedy Night.

Katharine Murray, at a Rotary Club/Police Department food drive.

Katharine is a familiar presence at food drives led by Sunrise Rotary, Westport Rotary Club, the Westport Police Department, and countless community organizations, faith groups and schools. Her warmth, approachability, and genuine care for others embody the spirit of Homes with Hope.

Katharine arrives early and stays late. She is present, accessible, and deeply committed to both the mission and the people who carry it forward.

We wish Katharine continued success as she partners with Helen, Paris, Jacque, Katie and the entire Homes with Hope team to move the agency forward—stronger, more resilient, and more impactful than ever.

(“06880” is proud to honor Unsung Heroes — and tell many other tales of town too. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog.)

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Roundup: Affordable Housing, Lynsey Addario, Social Justice Sing-along …

Posted on February 10, 2026 | 1 comment

HB 8002 is law. What does it mean for affordable housing in Westport?

Homes with Hope’s Affordable Housing Advisory Council took a deep dive into that topic yesterday, at Christ & Holy Trinity Church’s Branson Hall.

The legislation — signed last year by Governor Lamont — expands fair rent commissions, eliminates most off-street parking requirements for developments of less than 12 units, and requires towns to create housing growth plans,

State Senator Ceci Maher and Representatives Dominique Johnson and Jonathan Steinberg provided insights into policy and practical implications for municipalities and housing advocates alike.

Other participants included 1st Selectman Kevin Christie, Planning & Zoning Commissioner Craig Schiavone, Planning & Zoning director Michelle Perillie, Human Services director Elaine Daignault, and Board of Education members Lee Goldstein and Abby Tolan.

Also in attendance: Amanda Sayegh of the Westport Housing Authority, Ralph Yearwood and Kate Weber from the Affordable Housing Committee, and Homes with Hope’s emeritus board chair John Walsh and board chair Becky Martin.

The Advisory Council plans a follow-up session to support Westport, as it approaches deadlines, and works to expand affordable housing.

Listening and learning, at yesterday’s Homes with Hope affordable housing event.

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New York Times readers are familiar with Lynsey Addario’s photos of wars, famines and other humanitarian crises in troubled places like the Middle East and Africa.

The 1991 Staples high School graduate has earned a Pulitzer Prize and MacArthur Fellowship for her work.

She turns her camera less frequently on the US.

But when she does, the results are equally compelling.

Addario’s latest photos accompany Nicholas Kristof’s long story on how 3 states that traditionally lag in education ratings — Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi — have found success in elementary schools, raising reading scores and reversing chronic absenteeism. (It’s a multi-pronged approach, emphasizing human support and minimizing technology.)

Click here for the story, and Addario’s photos of American students, working hard to succeed. (Hat tip: Jonathan Berg)

Learning to read. (Photo/Lynsey Addario for the New York Times)

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Speaking of elementary schools (but closer to home): The Long Lots Building Committee meets tonight (Tuesday, February 10, 6 p.m., Town Hall room 201).

The agenda includes a project update, public comment, and a work session to review interior finishes and details.

Tonight’s discussion focuses on what’s inside the new school.

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The Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport has long been at the forefront of social justice issues.

This Saturday (February 14, 4 p.m.), they invited “all who need and want to be together to share songs of spirit and freedom during this trying time in our nation’s history” to a sing-along.

The “guides” are singer/songwriter Bethany Yarrow (daughter of Peter Yarrow, Peter, Paul & Mary), and musicians Francine Wheeler and Gordon Titcomb.

UU Westport says: “Many members have been inspired by the resistance singing coming out of Minneapolis. We open our sanctuary to offer the same opportunity to share our collective strength and commitment together.

“Many people are searching for ways to channel their feelings, and build connections and hope through music and song. This community gathering shares the collective message of sadness and vulnerability, and, importantly, of solidarity, strength, courage, resistance, and purpose.”

All ages and faith traditions are welcome. No music experience is necessary. For more information, click here.

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Everyone needs a blowout. (Well, my hair would not qualify. But you get the idea.)

Here’s a blowout bonanza: now through February 28, Bianca Bazante — The Artist Loft’s owner and creative director Bianca Bazante offers $100 off her signature Brazilian Blowouts.

Bianca — whose mother operated a salon in Westport — learned her trade in New York. In 2020, after giving birth to twin boys Jagger and Bryceson, she moved back and opened The Artist Loft.

Bianca is also the author of “The Curly Hair Crew,” which teaches children to embrace curls with no boundaries.

For more information, and to book appointments, click here. For her Instagram page, click here.

Bianca Bazante

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Pianist David Morgan headlines Thursday’s Jazz at the Post (February 12, VFW; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner at 7).

An area resident, he has performed and recorded with Wynton Marsalis and Wes Anderson, and written music for CBS Sports, Discovery, A&E, MTV,  and TV shows.

He’ll be joined by Yuriy Galkin, Eric Halvorson, Andy Gravish and Greg “the Jazz Rabbi” Wall. Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Readers have sent in plenty of photos of frozen beaches, for our “Westport … Naturally” feature.

Here’s one from often-overlooked Canal Beach. Sprite Island is in the distance.

(Photo/Lynn Flint)

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And finally … in honor of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport’s upcoming sing-along, may we suggest:

(Every day since 2009, “06880” has offered all the news that Westport needs. Well, a lot of it anyway. If you appreciate this hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thanks!)

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Westport By Drone: Alex O’Brien’s Young Business

Posted on February 9, 2026 | 8 comments

Every day, I get at least a dozen photos.

Beach sunsets. Dogs. Entitled parkers — they keep coming.

Many are good. Some are similar. All are appreciated.

I’m a sucker for drone shots. They offer a perspective on Westport we seldom see. They enable us to look at our town in fresh, unique ways.

The other day, I got this one. It shows a frozen Saugatuck River, near the Levitt Pavilion:

It came from Alex O’Brien. He said he loves taking aerial photos around town, and recently started his own company: Westportdronephotography.com.

I didn’t recognize the name. I asked for more images, and offered to chat by Zoom.

That’s when I learned that Alex is 13 years old — and not even a full-time Westporter.

Alex O’Brien, with his drone.

His parents moved here from New York during COVID. He went to Saugatuck Elementary School. They moved back, but return to their Westport home on weekends.

Alex is an 8th grader at St. Ignatius Loyola School. In addition to drone photography, he loves engineering and using his 3D printer. He’s part of the National Children’s Chorus. They’ll perform this spring at Carnegie Hall.

Last year, they toured Australia. Alex sang at the Sydney Opera House. He told me that off-handedly, as if every middle schooler does that at some point.

Alex began drone photography after getting a DJI Mini 4 Pro for his birthday. He realized people might want to buy his shots, so he got a domain and set up his business.

Alex O’Brien flies his drone over the Saugatuck River.

It’s Westport-only right now. Manhattan has restrictive bans on recreational uses.

So Alex has gone to town, in our town.

He loves shooting Compo Beach, the river, and many other interesting places.

Compo Beach

Drone photography has helped Alex learn about Westport. It’s also helped him see the beauty all around.

Sunsets and beach scenes “could be like vacation spots,” he says. “But they’re here.”

Summertime ritual: a Levitt Pavilion concert.

Marketing is mostly word of mouth, through family and friends. Requests come in on his website.

On it, he says: “My passion lies in capturing breathtaking aerial images of the local landscape. I take pride in being a 13-year-old Westport local, bringing a fresh perspective to the art of drone photography. My goal is to share the beauty of our area through the unique and beautiful photos captured by drone, both with locals and those further afield.”

Downtown Westport.

But — just as Alex buried the Sydney Opera House story — there’s one other aspect of his business to report.

He’s donating 10% of all profits to Homes with Hope‘s food pantry.

Alex — who has celiac disease — cannot eat gluten.

In 5th grade, during a Saugatuck Elementary walkathon, he learned about the HwH pantry. Every month since, he and his mother bring a gluten-free donation.

They also gave a gluten-free Thanksgiving dinner to a local family.

The great note he received — and the smiles he sees at the food pantry — help him realize the importance of giving back.

Cribari Bridge.

Alex looks forward to hearing from “06880” readers about new places to photograph.

It would be great too to get a few jobs, to keep his drone busy.

And the Homes with Hope pantry well stocked.

Ned Dimes Marina

Looking toward Old Mill Beach.

Saugatuck River (Saugatuck Elementary School at lower right)

Frozen river (All drone photos/Alex O’Brien)

(Every day, “06880” offers fresh perspectives on Westport. If you enjoy learning about our town — from new and ever-changing angles — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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