As use of its spin room declined — a nationwide trend — the Westport Weston Family YMCA repurposed that space. Last Friday, it reopened as a multi-purpose golf center. The centerpiece is a versatile simulator.
“We’re always looking for new sports,” says COO Christina Scherwin. “Golf is a way to diversify our offerings. It’s good for all ages” — including members with special needs, the Parkinson’s exercise group, and women who may be reluctant to go out on a course or driving range.
Angelo Lopiano is the Y’s new golf pro. Owner of Studio Golf in Wilton for 25 years, he’s available 25 hours a week — Mondays through Saturdays — for lessons.
The simulator — featuring hundreds of courses worldwide, and dozens of ways to analyze swings and strokes — will be open for rental at all other times. Lessons and rentals are for Y members only.
This Friday us the official inauguration, with a closest-to-the-pin contest and giveaways.
The new offering has already proved popular. Lopiano and Scherwin envision adding more simulators, and perhaps adding golf to the Mahackeno Outdoor Center. (There is mini-golf there already, next to the pool.)
Harrison Browne — a former Staples High School golf star, now on the Lafayette College team — was driving, chipping and putting yesterday.
“It’s a great place to practice and hang out,” he says.
For more information and to book a slot, call 203-226-8981, ext. 147. (Hat tip: Susan Garment)
Harrison Browne, in action. (Photo/Dan Woog)
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This week’s “Jazz at the Post” offers a tribute to Chet Baker and Stan Getz.
Trumpeter Andy Gravish has spent 20 years devouring Baker’s music. Saxophonist (and JazzFC artistic director) Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall has admired Getz’s work for decades.
Gravish and Wall will be joined by pianist Michael Cochrane, bassist Bill Moring and drummer Eric Halvorson.
And finally … in his State of the Union address on this date in 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt United States President described “4 Freedoms” that people “everywhere in the world” ought to enjoy:
A funeral Mass will be held Friday (December 12, 11 .m., Assumption Church).
Al Fiore
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Frank Pepe’s pizzas are coming to Westport.
The iconic New Haven restaurant will open its 18th location this summer. The Italian apizza place takes over the spot previously occupied by an Indian eatery, The Naan.
It’s a full circle moment. Before The Naan and Kibberia (Mediterranean), the first tenant in the space was John’s Best Pizza.
The closest Frank Pepe Pizza Napoletana right now is in Fairfield. There are 7 in Connecticut, with others in New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Maryland and Florida.
The Pop Shop holiday market returns Saturday to the Westport Museum for History & Culture (December 13, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
Among the items sold by the 25 vendors: global accessories and gifts, vintage jewelry with a modern twist, antique treasures, women’s clothing, treats for dogs, and tableware.
The Honey Bee Flower Truck will be there too, with wreaths, winter arrangements and holiday botanicals.
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Alert “06880” reader Rick Leonard noticed some changes at Fred’s Car Wash, just over the line in Southport.
A full dumpster and cones in the parking lot; vacuum hoses pulled.
He dug a bit, and learned that Fred’s is becoming Russell Speeder’s. That’s similar to transformation of the one just over the other line, on Westport Ave in Norwalk.
The deadline for submissions to Mo\CA CT’s high school art show has been extended. The new final date is February 13.
The 11th annual high school exhibition is “The Sound of Us: Youth Culture Now.” It coincides with the Westport Public Art Collections’ exhibition, “Art, Jazz + the Blues.”
The exhibition explores the effects of contemporary music on today’s youth culture. Music is a catalyst for conversation, inspiring political awareness and mobilizing youth-led movements. It influences how young people speak, what they stand for, and how they connect with one another.
Students will be prompted to select a song from 2020 to today, and create a work of art that shows its effects on youth culture through fashion, social interactions, speech, education, political alertness and activism, or life in general.
Speaking of the VFW: This week’s Jazz at the Post (December 11) there features guitarist Ed Cherry. He performed with Dizzy Gillespie from 1978 until shortly before Gillespie’s death in 1993, winning a Grammy together for “Live at Royal Festival Hall.
Cherry will be joined by bassist Matt Dwonszyk, saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall, and Jason Tiemann.
Shows are 7:30 and 8:45 p.m. Guest chef Dan Frye serves a buffet with chicken piccata, seared tuna, broccoli, rice and dessert starting at 7. Click here for tickets.
Longtime local orthodontist Dr. Steven Scher died at his Weston home, with his wife Susan at his side. He was 82. .
The Brooklyn native graduated from Brooklyn College. He served 2 years in the US Army at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, then earned his orthodontic certificate from New York University, graduating at the top of his class.
He opened a practice in Westport where, his family says, “he touched the hearts and teeth of countless members of the community.”
Steven loved tennis, golf, skiing the Rocky Mountains, and vacationing in the sun — all with his family. He was a fixture at the sports events of his children and grandchildren.
Steven is survived by his wife Susan; their children Peter (Lesley) and Alexander (Dylan); his children Jon (Robyn) and Lara (Mike) from his first marriage to Joan; sister, Gloria (Gerald, and grandchildren Scarlett, Brooke, Jordan, Jake and Astrid.
A celebration of Steven’s life will be held at Temple Israel tomorrow (Wednesday, December 10, 11 a.m.). Donations in his name can be made to the American Cancer Society.
Dr. Steven Scher
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Baby, it’s cold outside.
That includes Winslow Park.
But at least in “Westport … Naturally” image, the sun is shining.
1st Selectman Kevin Christie led the ceremony yesterday, accompanied by the Staples Orphenians, town poet laureate Donna Disch, and a small group of children who counted down the numbers.
The tree is in front of Town Hall, on Myrtle Avenue.
1st Selectman Kevin Christie leads the countdown …
… and poses with the Orphenians …
… ta da! (All photos/Dan Woog)
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The 85th annual Candlelight Concert is the Staples Music Department’s gift to the town. This year’s shows are Friday, December 12 (8 p.m.) and Saturday, December 13 (3 and 8 p.m.).
The always-hot tickets went on sale this morning at 9 a.m (www.StaplesMusic.org). They’re free — but donations to the Staples music program are greatly appreciated.
There are other ways to support our young musicians too. The poinsettias that decorate the stage can be ordered here, then picked up at the end of the final show.
Also available, at all performances: “Candlelight Cookies” from Alina’s. They’re just $6 — and each includes a coupon for a free cupcake. Click here to order.
Finally: Staples’ Tri-M Music Honor Society again sponsors “CanDelight” — a canned food donation drive benefiting the Homes for Hope food pantry. Collection bins will be in the lobby before every concert.
Poinsettias set the stage for Candlelight. (Photo/Dan Woog)
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Nearly every seat was filled last night, for the Westport Country Playhouse’s final Script in Hand reading of 2025.
“What The Constitution Means to Me” by Heidi Schreck was one of the most timely in the long-running and popular series.
The star, Nina Hellman, grew up in Westport and was a member of Staples Players. She now lives in Brooklyn with her husband Jeremy Shamos, who was also in the show.
Every audience member received a copy of the US Constitution. (Hat tips: Susan Garment and Dave Matlow)
The “Constitution” crew, Standing (from left) Liz Beatty (stage manager), Jocelyn Shek, Nina Hellman, Mark Shanahan (Playhouse artistic director), Amanda Charlton (director). Seated: Jeremy Shamos. (Photo/Dave Matlow)
New Yacht City’s tribute to music of the 1970s and ’80s — Steely Dan, Christopher Cross, Michael McDonald and more — rocks the VFW this Saturday.
Doors open at 6 p.m. The band comes on at 8. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Click here to purchase.
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The Westport Farmers’ Market winter location — Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center — is warm and cozy.
It’s the perfect place for “Operation Warm Hug.” This Thursday and Saturday (December 4 and 6, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.), they’re collecting new and gently used coats, hats, mittens and gloves, for nOURish clients in Bridgeport.
All donations are “warmly” welcomed.
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Meanwhile, not far from the VFW, Railroad Place was closed temporarily yesterday morning.
A truck on the 1-way section of Franklin Street took down a utility pole, which landed on a car. There were no injuries.
Acoustic band On the Trail brings their bluegrass/contemporary pop/traditional blend of music to Voices Cafe this Saturday (December 6, 8 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport).
Tickets for the “toe-tapping” show are $25. Click here to purchase, and for more information.
A Holiday Pop-Up Shop is set for December 10 (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; The Residence at Westport, 1141 Post Road East).
It features pottery, jewelry and other gifts, all from local artisans.
The Residence at Westport.
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Guitarist Paul Bollenback and pianist Dave Kikoski highlight this week’s Jazz at the Post (Thursday, December 4; 7:30 p.m. and 8:45 p.m.; dinner at 7; VFW Post 399).
They’re joined by bassist Essiet Essiet, drummer Ryan Sands and saxophonisthttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b1DCWLJ4m8U Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall. Click here for tickets, and more information.
Former Staples High School basketball player Geoffrey Lavaty died November 3, at his Wilton home. He was 86.
The Bronx native grew up in Westport, and graduated with the Class of 1957.
After Rollins College he served for 2 years in the Army, then moved to New York. He sold radio time, then partnered with his father. Their firm — Frank and Jeff Lavaty Associates — represented commercial artists and illustrators, many of them from this area.
Jeff and Ebba Von Koch were married in 1968. They lived in New York and Wilton.
Jeff was an oil painter, displaying his work in local galleries and public buildings. He was also a skilled pool player, an avid freshwater fisherman, a fan of the New York Giants, Knicks, Fats Domino, Pavarotti and Cabernet Sauvignon.
He is survived by his wife; sisters Judy Strauss (Jeffrey) and Jane Cooke (Donald), and cousins, nieces and nephews. Services will be private.
Westporters love the (finally) completed Post Road reconstruction project, between the Volvo dealership and Sakura.
And employees of the businesses in that area — on both sides of the street — love the new bus shelters that have just been completed too.
“06880” reader Lawrence Weisman notes, “they are the result of a multi-year effort of a small group of citizens, ably assisted by Public Works Department director Pete Ratkiewitch and his staff, and ultimately by the state Department of Transportation (including former commissioner Emil Frankel).
“Those primarily involved include Ron Corwin, Jenny Johnson and Pippa Bell Ader. They took the initiative after noticing that many of those who commute to Westport to staff the establishments that serve us often had to wait for their buses in bad weather.”
“Thanks to all who helped make life better for the men and women who work here.”
Workers put the finishing touches on the bus shelter at Volvo of Westport. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Next Monday’s Planning & Zoning Commission meeting (November 24, 6 p.m., Zoom) — the first with its newly elected members — features a full agenda.
Items include:
A discussion of a plan to build an office building, with parking, at 715 Post Road East — the vacant lot currently used to store logs, at the corner of Roseville Road.
An application to subdivide 107 Old Road, into 4 single family residential lots, with an open space parcel.
The Y’s Men of Westport and Weston are hosting the 65th straight monthly VFW Red Cross blood drive tomorrow (Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; VFW Post 399).
Donors are encouraged to schedule appointments in advance. Click here; then use sponsor code VFWWESTPORT, or call 800-733-2767.
After 3 outstanding performances at MoCA\CT, judges of the Heida Hermanns International Music Competition made a rare decision Saturday night. They named 2 winners: Ye‑Eun Hyun and Zhu Wang.
Though stylistically distinct, both impressed the jury with technical brilliance and emotional depth. Each was awarded the $20,000 first prize, sponsored by Norman and Suzanne Sorensen. Jiahao Han earned the $10,000 second prize, plus $500 for Best Performance of a Commissioned Piece.
Now in its 54th year, the Heida Hermanns International Music Competition honors the legacy of pianist and philanthropist Heida Hermanns, the longtime Westporter who championed emerging artists on the world stage.
“I think we all had very strong opinions about the order, and the first two were equals in our minds,” said head judge Frederic Chiu, a renowned pianist and former winner of the Heida Competition. First prize has only been shared once before, in 2013.
Staples High School is not the only school with a soccer champion this fall.
The Greens Farms Academy girls varsity capped their undefeated Fairchester Athletic Conference title season by winning the New England Prep School Athletic Conference Class C title this weekend.
The final was a 4-1 victory over Brewster Academy.
Staples High School Class of 2021 graduate Jane Krauss won a Lone Star Emmy last weekend. She was part of the team that produced a segment called “Austin Really Moves.”
Jane graduated from the University of Austin in May. She was a coordinating producer on the KXAN production that won, as a spring intern.
She is now in Madrid, doing social media marketing strategy for a study abroad company and teaching English.
Staples High School graduate Peter Kluchnick has died.
He grew up on Bauer Place Extension, and joined the US Marine Corps in 1966 with several Staples High School Class of 1966 classmates. He served one year in Vietnam.
Family and friends will gather this Friday (November 21, 5 to 7 p.m., Cody-White Funeral Home, Milford).
Candidates — and their relatives — were out early at polling places around Westport. This was the scene at 6:20 a.m. at the Westport Library, where District 9 votes:
Pippa Bell Ader’s pots, to be clear. And her friends’ pots, at the Silvermine School of Art.
Just make a donation to the Green Village Initiative — the Bridgeport-based urban gardening and farming non-profit — at the Thursday market (November 6, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Imperial Avenue parking lot).
The 18th annual AmFab Open Studios — celebrating Bridgeport’s thriving creative community — is a free event (November 8-9, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.), offering visitors the chance to explore studios, learn about artist’s processes, and purchase original works.
Among the artists with ties to Westport are Jay Petrow, Eric Chiang, Holly Hawthorn, Kelly Rossetti, Joe Floto, Janet Slom, Janine Brown, Joanie Landau and Dale Najarian.
Other activities include live music, gourmet cookies, an art museum bus for kids and families, a build-your-own-notebook workshop, raffle, and food and coat drive for the Bridgeport Rescue Mission.
The always-interesting Westport Astronomical Society’s free online lecture series continues November 18 (8 p.m., Zoom and YouTube).
MIT Professor Sara Seager will speak on “From Lab to Cosmos: 3 Frontiers in the Search for Signs of Life Beyond Earth.”
A MacArthur “genius grant” recipient, her ground-breaking research ranges from the foundation of exoplanet atmospheres and innovative theories about life on other worlds, to development of novel space mission concepts. She currently leads the Morning Star Missions to Venus to search for signs of life (or life itself) in the Venus clouds.
Yesterday’s Roundup announced the Staples Service League of Boys’ 3-v-3 basketball fundraiser. Proceeds go to Staples Tuition Grants — a very worthy cause for the teens — in memory of their friend Perrin Delorey.
The November 21 event (6 p.m.) includes pizza. Registration is $25 per participant; Venmo @jhgillman.
But you don’t have to play hoops — or even go — to help. Businesses that donate by November 15 (click here) will be included in the event posters. Their names will also be included in an email to all 275+ SLOBS, and an Instagram post.
Some changes are in store for this week’s Jazz at the Post (Thursday; 7:30 and 8:45 p.m. shows; dinner at 7; VFW Post 399).
Reserved seating returns. So are dinner reservations for ticket holders.
Thursday’s featured artist is drummer Steve Johns. He’s joined by vocalist and vibist Mone Croft, guitarist John Hart, pianist Greg Murphy, bassist Joris Teepe, and saxophonist Greg Wall.
Staples High School Class of 1969 graduate Thomas Krygier died peacefully on October 17, with his daughters by his side. He had battled health conditions for several years. He was 74.
Growing up he played hockey on Bulkley Pond, and lifeguarded at Compo Beach. He captained the football, ice hockey and baseball teams before tearing his ACL as a senior.
Tom was the first member of his family to attend college. He earned a bachelor of science degree from Southern Connecticut State University, and a master’s of art from Fairfield University.
Tom worked at Burndy Corporation in Norwalk, then moved on to multi-national corporations in California and North Carolina. He ran national sales divisions, selling electronic connectors for the aviation and biotech industries as well as the US military.
He moved home to help when his father fell ill, then back again to help his mother after he retired.
Tom worked at Longshore, as a junior golf instructor. He got a hole-in-one at that course too.
He loved working outside, walking at Compo Beach, bird and deer hunting, salt and freshwater fishing, riding bikes, skiing, and riding his motorcycle up the California coast (until he broke his collarbone).
Tom is survived by his daughters Erin and Wendy, and granddaughter Hana. His memorial service will be held Saturday (November 8, 2025, 11 a.m., Shaughnessey Banks Funeral Home, Fairfield).
Friends and family are invited to a 1 p.m. at the Westport VFW.
Tom Krygier
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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” image is as beautiful as it gets.
(Photo/Dayle Brownstein)
Dayle Brownstein snapped it through the large windows at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport.
“Now, this is a spiritual experience,” she writes.
And finally … in honor of the Westport Astronomical Society’s upcoming “Life Beyond Earth” talk:
(Did you vote today? That’s the most important thing. Way down the list — but hopefully you can get to it — is clicking here to support “06880,” your blog that will report tonight’s results. Thank you!)
However, we noted, a manager denied they were closing. “I’d be one of the first to know,” he told us.
Perhaps he knows now. Yesterday, Westport Patch said that the gourmet grocery store would close by February 28. The closure is reportedly due to “real estate considerations.”
Balducci’s — which took over from Hay Day, Westport’s first high-end grocery retailer — has one other Connecticut location, in Riverside. Click here for the full Patch story. (Hat tip: Dave Goldstein)
Just before 9 p.m. on Monday, a stationary license plate reader alerted Westport Police to a stolen motor vehicle in Saugatuck.
An officer located the vehicle, traveling north on Saugatuck Avenue. The officer followed it to the intersection of Riverside Avenue and Post Road West.
A second officer blocked is path, and a felony high risk motor vehicle stop was executed. The 4 occupants were ordered out of the car, and were compliant. A loaded firearm was located on the rear floor.
A “ghost gun,” assembled from assorted parts, it did not have a serial number. ‘
Three male juveniles were charged with larceny of a motor vehicle, and conspiracy to commit larceny of a motor vehicle.
An 18-year-old male from West Haven was charged with those 2 counts, as well as illegal possession of a firearm, and conspiracy to commit that act. He was held on $20,000 bond.
Ghost gun recovered by the Westport Police Department.
After years in New York and Los Angeles — working with Tom Hanks, Jessica Lange, Charlize Theron, Leonardo DiCaprio, Jamie Lee Curtis, Helen Mirren, Al Pacino and Johnny Depp — she’s living, and welcoming clients, here.
Cohl Katz at work …
She’s also offering a special deal for “06880” readers. Mention “06880,” and get a special discount for your haircut and style, makeup application, makeup lesson or mini-glam refresh. (Men, you’re included!)
Cohl makes you feel like a star — for a holiday event, photo shoot, wedding, or just any ol’ day. Call 917-848-9596 for details.
Speaking of theater: “The Importance of Being Earnest” started previews last night at the Westport Country Playhouse. The first play of its 95th season runs through November 15.
Through the first 9 days of early voting, 7.87% of eligible Westport voters have cast ballots.
The breakdown:
Democrats: 892 of 7,948 eligible voters (11.22%)
Republicans: 240 of 3,337 eligible voters (7.19%)
Unaffiliated: 359 of 7,584 eligible voters (4.73%)
Early voting continues this week, also at Town Hall:
Wednesday, October 29 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Thursday, October 30 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday, October 31 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday, November 1 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday, November 2 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sure, you can go trick-or-treating with your kids on Friday.
But for real adult fun, head to Weston’s Lachat Town Farm.
From 7 to 8:30 p.m., there are drinks at the bar, a campfire — and then, in the candlelit barn, noted actor Frank Converse reads Edgar Allan Poe’s terrifying “The Pit and the Pendulum.”
Westporter Dale Najarian is one of over 40 artists who will open their studios November 8 and 9 (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.), as part of the Bridgeport Art Trail.
Three floors at Metro Art (345 Railroad Avenue, Bridgeport) will be free to the public. Mediums include drawing, painting, sculpture, jewelry, printmaking, photography and video. Many artists offer special prices and discounts.
There’s music, drinks and food too. All ages are invited.
Her husband died last week, in his sleep. Once again, she is asking for help, for cremation and expenses going forward. Click here for her Spotfund post.
Westport Writers’ Workshop hosts a conversation with New York Times Magazine staff writer and novelist Taffy Brodesser-Akner. The event is November 13 (7 p.m., Sacred Heart University Theatre, Fairfield).
The evening will explore her diverse career, including her insights into modern relationships, ambition, and identity.
Brian Marsella — described as “a psychedelic Art Tatum” — returns to Jazz at the Post tomorrow (Thursday, VFW Post 399; shows at 7 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 7 p.m.; click here for tickets and more information).
Longtime Westporter Stephen Haffner died Sunday, at Bridgeport Hospital. He was 75.
After graduating from Boston University he joined the family accounting firm. He later took over the business, and ran it for many years before retiring.
Stephen enjoyed playing baseball, traveling the world, immersing himself in the arts and spending time with his family.
He is survived by his children, Caroline Haffner (Ryan Fairhurst) and Casey Haffner (Bronco Pavlin); grandchildren Harper Fairhurst and Ava Pavlin, and sisters Joan Haffner and Barbara Haffner. He was predeceased by his sisters Susan Haffner and Margie O’Hora of Stony Point, New York.
Funeral services will be held today (Wedneday, October 29, 11 a.m., Abraham Green & Son Funeral Home, 88 Beach Rd, Fairfield). Burial will follow at Willowbrook Cemetery in Westport.
Shiva will be observed at the home of Michal Scarfo in Westport following burial until 7:30 p.m., and tomorrow (Thursday 4 to 7 p.m.). For more information and to share a message, click here. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.
Stephen Haffner
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Autumn is a photographer’s dream, Rowene Weems says.
Here’s one reason why. She shot Nash’s Pond — today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature image — from Blind Brook Road.
And finally … this date in 1929 is remembered as “Black Tuesday.” New York Stock Exchange investors traded 16 million shares — an astonishing amount. $14 billion of stock value was lost, wiping out thousands of people. The Dow Jones Average lost 30.57 points — but that was 11.73% of its value. Combined with the previous day’s losses, that meant a drop of 68.90 points– 23.05% in just 2 days.
The Great Depression had begun.
(The Dow Jones now gains — and loses — hundreds of points in a day. So we ask if you can please spare not a dime, but dollars, to help support “06880.” Please click here. Our portfolio thanks you!)
Early voting began yesterday. That’s a recent innovation — in Connecticut, anyway.
But there’s something even newer, in this election.
For the first time, local candidates have access to a “Voter CheckList” website. In past elections, it’s been limited to state parties.
The website allows party officials and candidates to see — in real time — the names of everyone who has already voted, either early or by returning an absentee ballot.
Just as crucially, they can see who has not yet voted.
Here are yesterday’s statistics, as of 6 p.m.
Total votes so far: 237. That includes 175 in-person voters on Day 1, and 62 absentee ballots. That’s 1.25% of all eligible voters.
Voters so far include 145 Democrats, 32 Republicans and 59 unaffiliated. That total is 1 short of the 237 total — presumably because 1 voter is a member of another party.
Those who voted yesterday represent 1.82% of the 7,955 eligible Democratic voters, 0.96% of the 3,341 eligible Republican voters, and 0.78% of the 7,583 eligible unaffiliated voters.
Turnout is crucial. In past local elections, Westport’s turnout has been less than 50%.
If you don’t vote, you should not be allowed to complain.
If campaigns use the Voter CheckList tool, they can target their supporters from now through Election Day.
Which means that Westport’s yard waste site needs extended Saturday hours.
They begin this week (October 25), from 7 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Regular hours return December 1.
Westport residents with valid proof of residency may dump up to six 30-gallon bags, or similar-sized containers full of leaves, without a fee at the facility (180 Bayberry Lane). Plastic bags are not allowed.
Any van, pickup, or tag-along trailer exceeding the 6-bag limit will be charged $40 per load. Any vehicle or trailer larger than a conventional pickup with a 4-foot-by-8-foot bed will be charged $90 per ton. Any vehicles with a 9-foot body or vehicles modified to significantly enlarge their factory design size will be charged $90 per ton.
Dump tickets may be purchased at Town Hall weekdays, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Yard waste at 180 Bayberry Lane.
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The Staples High School girls basketball program has a long and storied history.
Now you can read about some of the stars.
In preparation for a banner to be hung this winter, honoring all 1,000 point Wrecker scorers — boys and girls — Ben Talbott did a deep dive into the girls’ history. (The boys was much more accessible.)
Now it’s online. Click here to read about notable alumni, including Arianna Greig, Lisa Brummel, Carolyn Center, Stefanie Goettsche, Karen DeFelice, Jessica Gelman, Karem Esteva, Beth Uydess, Courtney Sutherland, Ann Claire Roesch and Jackie O’Connell.
Lisa Brummel was the first girls basketball 1,000-point scorer in Staples history. A 4-sport athlete at Yale from 1977-81, and 3rd team All-American, she is a co-owner of the WNBA Seattle Storm.
The next Veterans Benefits Luncheon is this Thursday (October 23, 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!
Speaking of the VFW: Drummer Tim Horner highlights this week’s Jazz at the Post (Thursday, VFW Post 399; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner at 7).
Known for his work with both small ensembles and large jazz orchestras on several continents, Horner has appeared at the VFW with Ted Rosenthal, David Hazeltine, Joe Magnarelli, Kenny Wessel, and others.
This week he’s joined by guitarist Allan Bezama, pianist Jim Ridl, bassist Noriko Ueda and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall. Click here for tickets, and more information.
Longtime Westport resident Aldean Alice Duffy died Saturday peacefully at home Saturday, surrounded by family, after a long struggle with illness. She was 87.
“Deanie” graduated from Fairfield’s Roger Ludlowe High School in 1956. She married Thomas Duffy in 1958. They lived their 67 years of married life in Greens Farms.
She worked for the Southern Connecticut Telephone Company and in retail before pursuing a career with the Save The Children Foundation, where she spent decades assisting during catastrophes, and managing sponsorships and donations for children around the world.
Deanie enjoyed bowling, reading, playing cards, yard work, gardening, the beach, and time with her family at their cabin in Pea Brook, New York.
Deanie is survived by her husband; children Thomas (Tammy) of Hamilton, Colorado, Kimberly Atterbury of Marysville, Washington, Patrick (Kathrine) of Westport, and Kevin of Colorado Springs; grandchildren Melissa Soucy, Chad Duffy, Brittney Atterbury, Lindsey Atterbury, Austin Duffy, Hunter Duffy, Sadie Duffy and William Duffy-Young, and great-grandchildren Autumn and Mason Soucy.
Aldean was preceded in death by her brothers Vincent and Raymond Maliszewski, and son-in-law, Bruce Atterbury.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held this Friday (October 24, 11 a.m., St. Luke Church). Interment will occur at a later date. In lieu of flowers, family suggests donations to the American Cancer Society or Save the Children.
Aldean “Deanie” Duffy
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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo is another John Maloney beauty.
This one was taken at Terra Nova Circle, near the Norwalk line.
And finally … the item above about tonight’s Westport Astronomical Society lecture — including Carl Sagan’s “we are made of star stuff” quote — made us think of:
(We are stardust. We are golden. And we are a hyper-local blog, dependent on readers for support. So we are asking you to click here to contribute. We are of course grateful for your help.)
Over 1,000 Westporters will flock to Greens Farms Elementary School this Sunday.
Westport Moms’ 5th annual Family Fun Fall Festival (October 5, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.) is one of the highlights of the year for kids (and parents).
Activities include a ninja wall, pottery making, pumpkin decorating, face painting, a bounce house, games, basketball clinics, chess matches, hair tinsel, and more.
Oh, yeah: a DJ, Mad Science show, character photo ops, and pizza and tacos food trucks too.
In 2020, the Westport resident wrote a buzzy article for The Atlantic about the extreme measures taken by parents in their quest to mold their children into recruitable niche-sport athletes.
The lengthy piece appeared to be well-researched. A New York Times columnist called it “excellent,” and insightful in its depiction of high-end athletic recruiting as an accelerant of inequality in college admissions.
But 2 weeks later The Atlantic retracted the article. A scathing Editor’s Note accused Barrett of serious journalistic crimes, adding it could not “attest to the veracity” of her portrayal.
The Atlantic revoked Barrett’s rights to her own work, dissolved her contract, and blocked a Hollywood agency from acquiring the right to produce a spinoff TV series based on her article (entitled “The Mad, Mad World of Niche Sports Among Ivy League-Obsessed Parents).”
Barrett responded by filing a lawsuit. She claimed her article was accurate, and that Atlantic editors had breached her contract and slandered her with provably false accusations.
In September of 2024, federal judge Loren Alikhan appeared to side with Barrett. In a 38-page ruling, she rejected The Atlantic’s motion to dismiss Barrett’s case, and ruled that the majority of her defamation claims would stand.”
The judge also ruled that Barrett was a private figure — meaning she would not have to prove at trial that The Atlantic harbored “actual malice” against her, but merely that it published defamatory falsehoods that torched her reputation.
Earlier this month, The New York Times reported that The Atlantic had “quietly settled” with Barrett. The paper said that the magazine agreed to pay her over $1 million — and issued a series of corrections and “clarifications” to its online Editor’s Note.
Staples High School senior Oliver Vynerib — who recently received a Westport Green Building Award for exemplifying sustainable practices by supporting deconstruction on Westport properties at 5 Sycamore Drive and 159 Easton Road — will give a presentation about “deconstruction” to builders and residents looking to learn more.
Oliver founded HomeCycle CT in 2023. Its mission is to connect residents and builders with nonprofits to deconstruct homes — that is, dismantle buildings otherwise scheduled for demolition, then donating the building components to reduce landfill waste.
HomeCycle is a bridge between builders, donors and nonprofits, and provides guidance on donations and the tax deduction process. Salvageable items from home remodels are also eligible for donation. To learn more, email olivervynerib@gmail.com or call 203-919-0202.
Oliver Vynerib receives his Green Building Award from 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker. Town officials look on.
Melissa Newman — a longtime Westporter, and favorite of Jazz at the Post as long as it’s been around — returns tomorrow (Thursday, October 2), to the weekly VFW show.
The vocalist is joined by Tony Lombardozzi (guitar), Phil Bowler (bass) and Bobby Leonard (drums).
Now she is backing the school’s housing vision. She pledged $15 million to name one of the new undergraduate residence halls.
The 5-story Shonda Rhimes Hall is both the first Dartmouth building named for a woman, and the first named for a Black alum. It opens in 2028. (Hat tip: Andrea Cross)
Shonda Rhimes, and her new dorm. (Rendering by Elkus Manfredi Architects; photo courtesy of Shondaland)
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This Saturday’s Staples-Fairfield Warde boys soccer game will be a great one.
And not just because the Wreckers and Mustangs are 2 of the top teams in the FCIAC.
After superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice and the Board of Education refused to renew the contracts of Staples head coach Russell Oost-Lievense and staff member Chris O’Dell, they were quickly hired as Warde assistants. They’ve been embraced by the players, athletic department and administrators.
O’Dell and Oost-Lievense are very happy in Fairfield. But they still love the Westport program, where both were high school captains (in 1994 and 2007, respectively).
So they’ve made Saturday’s 1 p.m. match at Warde’s Tetreau Field into not an us-against-them affair, but a we’re-all-in-this-together one. It’s called the “Gold Game.”
Led by the Warde parents, working with Staples parents, players on both teams have purchased game day socks, to raise funds to fight pediatric cancer through LivFree.
Players on the 2 squads are also soliciting donations of prizes. They’ll be used for a “Goals for Gold” penalty kick event for youth players, before and after the game.
There’s much more on Saturday, including giveaways — plus, of course, a great game.
Oh, yeah: Why is the theme “gold”? Supporters of both teams are encouraged to wear that color — not Staples blue, or Mustang red.
We — and they — are all in this together.
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You never know what you’ll find on “06880.”
Or what you’ll see when “06880” wanders around town.
The other day, I was downtown with Thomas Samaranayake (@thomas_sam123) — “06880”‘s fantastic social media guru — plus Frank Rosen and Mark Sogofsky, longtime News 12 producers who have started their own video company.
They offered to create an Instagram “donate to ‘06880’ video for (and with) me. (Many desktop, laptop and mobile users know this blog relies on reader support; most who follow us on social media — @06880danwoog — don’t.)
The Wall Street Journal has just introduced one of the most colorful to its readers.
The home, on Beachside Common above Burying Hill Beach, belongs to biotech entrepreneur/investor/scientist Alan Walton and his wife Elenor.
They bought the 1970s contemporary in 2000 for $6.3 million. It was expanded and “reimagined” in the 1990s — for $13 million.
The exterior …
With its floating staircase, periscope skylights, rainbow glazing purple carpet — and a 150-foot multicolored tile pathway that “meanders” through the house — it’s not for everyone. (Several online commenters made that quite clear.)
Alan died in 2015. Elenor died this past February. The couple was a much-admired part of their tight-knit neighborhood.
In her will, Elenor told her children to sell the property.
“06880” has reported on Saturday’s very successful LobsterFest. The Westport Rotary Club raised about $400,000 for a variety of non-profits, in Fairfield County and abroad.
Here’s another part of the story that’s worth telling.
CORR — Collective Oyster Recycling & Restoration, a non-profit that organizes a statewide sustainable shell recovery and recycling network, reclaiming shells from restaurants, seafood businesses and events, diverting them from landfills to use in shellfish restoration projects — was at Compo Beach, working hard.
They gathered used oyster shells from the Copps Island raw bar crew, and from festival goers at the waste disposal area.
CORR collected 175 pounds of shells — 7 buckets worth. They will be dumped back into the Sound to create new oyster reefs (baby oyster larvae attach to the old shells). (Hat tip: Hunter Peterson)
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Golfers are familiar with birdies and eagles at Longshore.
They may be surprised to find a coyote there too.
A pair of hawk-eyed “06880” readers sent photos from the course. Fore!
Enjoying a sand trap … (Photo/Robert Crowley)
… and at the 4th hole … (Photo/Tim Steele)
… and heading toward the next one. (Photo/Colin Livingston)
Faherty celebrates its first year at 26 Main Street with a “Day of Gratitude + Good Vibes.”
They’ll showcase their new fall; give away free totes — and donate 10% to Sweet P Bakery, the company owned by Westporters Bill and Andrea Pecoriello that trains and employs people with disabilities.
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Jazz at the Post’s “September Piano Madness” ends this Thursday (September 25; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner at 7).
Azerbaijan pianist Amina Figarova returns to VFW Post 399. Last year’s performance of “Suite for Africa” during her CD release tour, with her sextet and the Matsiko World Orphan Choir, was stellar.
She’ll be joined by flutist Bart Platteau, trumpeter Josh Bruneau, bassist Mark Lewandowski, drummer Ryan Sands and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall. Click here for tickets, and more information.
Longtime Westport resident Elaine Levy died peacefully on Sunday. She was 86, and had battled cancer.
The University of Pittsburgh graduate had a lifelong love of learning.
She met her future husband, Roy Levy, on Nantucket. They moved to Westport in the early 1960s, and raised a family here.
Elaine also built a career in Westport’s retail world, working in fashion and furniture.
She was known for her love of tennis, vibrant social life, and and joy in entertaining and dining out.
Elaine was predeceased by her husband, and by her sister Nina Fingerhood. She is survived by her daughter, Annie (Sam Vail), son Joshua, and grandchildren Roy and Graceanne Vail.
A private celebration of her life will be held September 26. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, designated for small cell lung cancer research.
Sonny Curtis — a singer-songwriter who performed with Buddy Holly (and was his pallbearer), opened for Elvis Presley and wrote hits like “I Fought the Law” (plus the theme song for “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” which he also sang) — died Friday in Nashville. He was 88.
And finally … in honor of Ryan Inzero, the amazing “sign spinner” in the “06880” donation story above:
(Our “06880” fingers are tired, from all this Roundup typing. But we do it for you! If you enjoy, learn from or just kinda like our hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thanks!)
Comments Off on Roundup: Shonda Rhimes, Soccer Coaches, Sign Spinner …
And residents continue to rashly leave their keys in unlocked cars.
Three vehicles were reported stolen between September 9 and yesterday. That makes 51 incidents since January 1.
Thefts occur in parking lots, and private driveways.
Westport Police say: “Under no circumstances should a vehicle ever be left unattended and running, unlocked with the keys inside it, or with valuables left in plain view.
“Unfortunately, nearly all stolen vehicle and vehicle burglary reports involve an unsecured car with keys immediately accessible.”
This is not the first time “06880” has conveyed this message from the WPD. It’s probably not even the 50th time.
We hope it’s the last. But we won’t hold our breath.
There will be many opportunities this fall to hear — and question — candidates for 1st selectperson.
Some will be general sessions. Others — like the one sponsored by Sustainable Westport and Earthplace — have a narrower focus.
The October 6 event (6:30 p.m., Christ & Holy Trinity Church) centers on the environment. All 3 candidates — Don O’Day, Kevin Christie and David Rosenwaks — will participate.
Topics include clean energy initiatives; waste reduction strategies; climate resiliency planning, and Westport’s long-term sustainability goals.
Following the moderated discussion, attendees can continue the conversation informally at Emmy Squared. Click here to submit questions.
StoryFest — The Westport Library’s annual literary festival — kicks off its 8th year by celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
It includes a book launch for “We Survived the Night,”a memoir by noted filmmaker Julian Brave NoiseCat.
He will be joined by Ramin Ganeshram, executive director of the Westport Museum for History & Culture, for a keynote conversation on October 13 (7 p.m.).
The event comes the day before the book’s official release.
Tickets are $30, and include a copy of the memoir. (The price is the same for 1 or 2 seats, and 1 book). A signing follows the talk.
StoryFest — the largest literary festival in Connecticut — draws scores of authors and hundreds of readers, writers and fans each year. With an interdisciplinary career that defies creative boundaries, NoiseCat’s work aligns with the mission: a celebration of storytelling in all forms, across all types of media.
NoiseCat’s journalism has appeared in The New York Times, Washington Post and The New Yorker. In 2021 he was named to Time Magazine’s “100 Next List of Emerging Leaders.”
His film “Sugarcane” was nominated for an Academy Award. It follows an investigation into abuse and missing children at the Indian residential school NoiseCat’s family was sent to in British Columbia.
StoryFest runs from October 13 to 20. It opens with NoiseCat’s book launch, and ends with a 10th anniversary celebration of Shonda Rhimes’memoirYear of Yes.
The Board of Finance holds a special Zoom meeting today at 4:30 p.m., with one item on the agenda: the Hook’d on the Sound concession lease, at Compo Beach.
The public notice says the BOF anticipates discussing this in executive session.
This year, Hook’d rebranded itself as Bluestone.
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Speaking of the shoreline: Work has begun to renovate the tidal gates and pedestrian bridges at Sherwood Mill Pond, leading to Compo Cove.
Equipment is in place at the Compo Beach Soundview parking lot, in the Old Mill lot, and at the garages on the Mill Pond.
The job is expected to be completed next May.
Compared to the Post Road East project, that’s warp speed.
Equipment at the Old Mill garages. (Photo/Tammy Murray)
Jazz at the Post’s September “Piano Madness” continues on Thursday (September 18), with David Hazeltine.
Called “the most recorded contemporary jazz pianist of our time,” he has 35 CDs as a leader, and hundreds more as a sideman.
He’s joined by trombonist Steve Davis, bassist Boots Maleson, drummer Jason Tiemann and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall.
Tickets are $20 for the early show ($15 for veterans and students); $10 for the late show. A buffet dinner, including vegetarian options, is $25. Click here for tickets.
And finally … in honor of the Board of Finance’s upcoming discussion of the Hook’d contract:
(Another day, another Roundup packed with news you can use. It’s one of the many “06880” features we provide, several times a day. If you like even part of what we do, please support our work. Thanks!)
Click here to help support “06880” via credit card or PayPal. Any amount is welcome, appreciated — and tax-deductible! Reader contributions keep this blog going. (Alternate methods: Please send a check to “06880”: PO Box 744, Westport, CT 06881. Or use Venmo: @blog06880. Or Zelle: dwoog@optonline.net. Thanks!)
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