Last week’s Photo Challenge was not very challenging.
A full 2 dozen readers quickly — and correctly — identified the blue object in Bruce McFadden’s image as one of the unique dome lights at the Levitt Pavilion. (Click here to see.)
Nice to know that Elaine Marino, Joyce Barnhart, Jan Carpenter, Brian Taylor, Seth Schachter, Lynn Untermeyer Miller, Susanne Atkins, Jonathan McClure, Katie Carmody, Diane Silfen, Pete Powell, Richard Hyman, Arthur Hayes, Sal Liccione, Susan Iseman, Lisa Hayes, Amy Schneider, Paul Cahill, Seth Braunstein, Darcy Sledge, Beth Berkowitz, Rachel Sara Halperin, Matt McGrath and Cat Malkin are not just fans of the outdoor theater.
They’re also very observant.
Is today’s Photo Challenge any tougher?
We’ll see.
If you know where in Westport you’d find this, click “Comments” below.
(Photo/Ken Bernhard)
(Every Sunday, “06880” hosts this Photo Challenge. We challenge you too to support your hyper-local blog. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)
The superintendent of schools has long been the town of Westport’s highest paid employee.
Next year, Thomas Scarice will make 3% more.
Last night, the Board of Education voted unanimously to raise his base salary to $344,563. His rolling 3-year contract has been extended every year since he took the Westport Public Schools’ top job in 2020.
The action came after the Board offered similar 3% raises to 4 top district officials.
Chief financial officer Elio Longo will make $281,949. The 3 assistant superintendents are: pupil services Mike Rizzo ($260,205), human resources John Bayers ($251,070), and teaching and planning Anna Mahon ($247,200).
Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Speaking of schools: The Coleytown Company curtain is closing on the directing career of Ben Frimmer.
After more than 30 years of leading the middle school drama troupe, the program’s founder is stepping off stage.
Frimmer says, “This program has been one of the greatest joys of my life. It has been an honor to work with so many talented students and supportive families over the years, and I am incredibly proud of the community we have built together.”
His work as a Broadway and West End producer has grown significantly, he says. With “The Hunger Games: On Stage,” “John Proctor is the Villain” and “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” — plus other projects in development — he must “devote more time to this exciting chapter of my career.”
Katie Bloom will take over as Coleytown Company director.
“Katie brings tremendous experience, having spent more than 20 years as a Westport educator while also running her own successful theatre company in Newtown,” Frimmer says.
“She is an outstanding teacher, director and leader, and I know the program will flourish under her guidance. She will also be supported by our experienced Coleytown Company staff, who know the program and its traditions well.”
Frimmer will continue to teach at CMS. And, he says, he will watch “with great excitement as Katie leads the next chapter of this remarkable program.”
As the thermometer soars past 90, severe thunderstorms threaten and air quality deteriorates, Westport preparing for the next 3 days.
These cooling centers will be open:
Senior Center: Friday only, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Westport Library: Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday 1 to 5 p.m.
Westport Weston Family YMCA (14 Allen Raymond Lane): Friday, 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Westport Museum for History & Culture: Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For help or transportation, call 211 or click here.
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The moment Patty Haberstroh was diagnosed with ALS, her family leaped to help her. And to raise funds for every other person battling the disease, and their families.
Her son Steve is gearing up for his 3rd 100 Holes to Defeat ALS golf event.
In just 4 years, it’s grown from 2 golfers to 32. This year alone, they’ve raised $650,000 — and, Steve says, “we haven’t even teed it up yet.”
The corporate sponsor outing at The Country Club of New Canaan this Monday is already sold out.
The next day (Tuesday, June 16) Steve plays the “100 holes” at Keney Park in Windsor. (Hey, someone’s gotta do it!)
That evening Steve’s brother Chuck and ESPN’s (and Westport’s) Dan Orlovsky emcee a gala, with a live auction. They hope to raise $100,000.
There are Westport connections to the events, besides the Haberstrohs and Orlovsky.
Experience Camps –headquartered here — is one of 3 fundraising recipients. “100 Holes” co-founder Cory Sullivan attended a camp — for children who have lost parents — years ago, after his father died from ALS. It was so impactful, he later spent years as a counselor.
Several Westport families are now battling ALS. “We won’t stop fighting until there are cures,” Haberstroh says.
For more info on the events, and to contribute, click here.
For the 47th year, the Point to Point Swim takes place this summer. Save the date: Saturday, July 25.
And — as it has for nearly 5 decades — the Compo Beach event brings together swimmers of all levels. First-time open water participants join seasoned competitors, for a fun and meaningful morning.
Funds raised help children and families access camp, swim lessons, water safety, and youth development programs.
A good crowd turned out yesterday for the Westport Farmers’ Market.
Held every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through November, at the Imperial Avenue parking lot, it’s a true community event.
Live music and lunchtime food stalls complement more than 2 dozen vendors. Fresh produce, breads, herbs, flowers, juices, honey, coffee … it’s all there, and more.
He’s graduating from Weston High School. And the singer/songwriter just released his second single, “Hundreds of Miles.”
The track captures the emotional experience of entering a new chapter of life. It’s available on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify and Apple Music.
Produced in collaboration with Factory Underground Studio in Norwalk, the song reflects on distance, growth and connection, at a time of life transitions.
While strongly resonating with the Class of 2026 — and called “the graduation song of the year” — “Hundreds of Miles” is relatable to anyone navigating change or separation. The song balances nostalgia with optimism, offering reassurance that meaningful relationships can endure even as people move in different directions.
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On Tuesday — after, no doubt, thinking about it for a while — someone decided it was “time” to take this piece from home to the transfer station.
(Photo/John McKinney)
No word on whether it was recycled, or someone (wisely) decided to reuse it.
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Jillian Elder’s Westport-themed designs are always popular.
Her new collection includes 6 designs that she’s been thinking about for years, and finally brought to life. Inspiration came from Robert Indiana’s “LOVE” statue, and the classic I ❤️ New York logo.
The pieces blend bold, nostalgic pop art with a modern, wearable twist.
Congratulations to Westport’s 4 newest Eagle Scouts.
Evie Bory, Lucas Gomez, Harrison Sydor and Charles Beckwith — members of Troops 39 and 139 — were recognized at a Court of Honor recently, at Green’s Farms Church.
From left: Evie Bory, Lucas Gomez, Harrison Sydor, Charles Beckwith.
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Lior Raz — co-creator and star of Netflix’s hit series “Fauda,” is coming to Westport.
Hosted by Chabad of Westport, the July 21 event is a chance to hear from one of Israel’s most recognized actors and storytellers. He will discuss his service in an elite IDF unit, the creation and global success of “Fauda,” and his perspective on current events in the Middle East.
A VIP reception begins at 6:30 p.m., followed by the main program at 7:30 p.m. The location will be provided upon registration. Proceeds from the event support Magen David Adom, Israel’s national emergency medical service.
The singer/songwriter/ guitarist, with a unique style blending blues, R&B, rock and pop, headlines the Levitt Pavilion’s annual benefit show August 9 (7 p.m.).
The 13-time Grammy winner, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, and Rolling Stone selection as one of both the 100 greatest singers and guitarists of all time joins a Who’s Who list of previous gala stars, including Cyndi Lauper, Peter Frampton, Frankie Valli, Smokey Robinson, Willie Nelson, Pat Benatar, Cheryl Crow, Nile Rodgers, Jose Feliciano Michael Bolton, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, and many more.
Most recently, Raitt was recognized for her 55-plus-year career as a Kennedy Center Honoree. In 2021 she received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (2021).
Bonnie Raitt
Proceeds from the gala support over 50 nights of free concerts, from now through October. This summer’s lineup includes Son Little, Luke Tyler Shelton, Seth Sikes, Chris Pierce, Chaparelle, Joy Clark, King Stingray, Surfing for Daisy, Amelia Day, Jessie Altman, Residual Groove, The String Queens and others.
Tonight (Tuesday, 7 p.m.; free), the West Point Band offers an evening of patriotic music — including marches, Broadway classics, bluegrass and more.
Tickets for Bonnie Raitt go one sale to the public Friday, June 19 (10 a.m.; click here).
Forty seniors were honored yesterday, at Staples High School’s 25th annual Scholar-Athlete dinner.
The coach of each varsity sport nominates one person, who also excels in the classroom. In a unique format at the ceremony, each answers one question about his or academic, athletic or extracurricular life. Individually, each is special. Taken together, they paint a robust picture of several dozen remarkable teenagers.
The scholar-athletes for the fall season are: Sofia Gomez (cheer), Harrison Sydor (boys cross country), Sarah Bogdan (girls cross country), Catherine Cirasuolo (field hockey), Justin Halky (football), Gus Palmer (boys golf), Gabe Hellmann (boy soccer), Isabelle Wasserman (girls soccer), Isabella Wasserman (girls swim & dive), Naalie Sipsma (girls volleyball), Brady Nahmias (boys water polo).
The winter scholar-athletes are: Oliver Vynerib (boys basketball), Emma Asiel (girls basketball), Katelynn Mitchell (cheer), Nathaniel Armstrong (fencing), Mia Cochran (gymnastics), Uzi Greenman (boys ice hockey), Jade Reejhsinghani (girls ice hockey), Rahan Sekhar (boys indoor track & field), Taylor Black (girls indoor track & Field), Chase Cammeyer (boys skiing), Alexis Robinson (girls skiing), Aiden Hill (boys squash), Olivia Cohn (girls squash), Nolan Franics (boys swim & dive). Kai Schwartz (wrestling).
Spring scholar-athletes are: Connor Brill (baseball), Riley Sklar (girls golf), Aidan Lapatine (boys lacrosse), Sadie Lowe (girls lacrosse), Gray McGuinness (boys outdoor track & field), Lila Boroujerdi (girls outdoor track & field), Michael Wang (boys rugby), Mia Chatterjee (girls rugby), Zach Gillman (sailing), Olivia Schwartz (softball), Robert Jacob (boys tennis), Devyn Peffer (girls tennis), Gabriel Schorer (boys volleyball), Olivia Kuliga (girls water polo).
Also honored were Oliver Samuel (Thomas DeHuff Award), Taylor Block (Jinny Parker Award) and Dylan Lehrer (Junior Leadership Award).
Taylor Block also earned the $10,000 Laddie Lawrence Scholarship, while Gabe Duque received the $10,000 Coleman Brothers and $2,000 Loeffler Scholarships.
Athletic director VJ Sarullo cited Bill Mitchell, the longtime Westporter and co-owner of Mitchells Stores, for his role in inaugurating the Scholar-Athlete dinner 25 years ago.
Bill Mitchell (left), who helped create Staples’ Scholar-Athlete dinner 25 years ago, is honored by athletic director VJ Sarullo. (Photo/Dan Woog)
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The Staples baseball team are winners — in many ways.
On Saturday they thrashed Norwalk 13-2, in the state tournament quarterfinal. They’ll face Fairfield Ludlowe tomorrow (Tuesday, 3:30 p.m., Municipal Field, Waterbury) in the “LL” (extra large schools) semifinal.
Yesterday — less than 24 hours after their big win, and just a few hours after the senior prom — the entire Wrecker squad headed to Meyer Field.
They buddied up with the Westport Winners — the Little League program for youngsters with disabilities. They enjoyed baseball, a barbecue — and a chance to hang out with some of their youngest, and most rabid, fans.
Play ball! Staples Wreckers, and Staples Winners. (Photo/Beth Cody)
With primary elections near, and the general election just a few months away, the Westport League of Women Voters offers a program on our town’s electoral process.
On June 10 (2:30 to 3:30 p.m., Senior Center), registrars of voters Deborah Greenberg and Marie Signore provide the inside story on how they prepare for and run the process; results of the last election, including an election audit and recount results; how early voting is working, and the August primaries and fall elections.
Attendees can also learn what’s required to set up the polls, the training needed — and how to volunteer.
(Photo/Mark Mathias)
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Over 250 customers in the Juniper Road area lost power last night around 9:30 p.m., due to downed tree limbs.
Power was restored in the early morning hours. (Hat tip: Mark Mathias)
Westport Pride invites the Westport community — LGBTQ, allies and friends — to its annual Pride celebration this Sunday (June 14, 12 noon, Jesup Green).
The family-friendly event includes live music, food trucks, local artisan vendors and information booths. Let your colors shine!
Rainbow colors are encouraged, but not required. (Photo/Dan Woog)
The Museum of Contemporary Art\Connecticut closed out its “Art, Jazz + The Blues” exhibit Saturday night, in appropriate fashion.
A packed house enjoyed a jubilant performance by Grammy Award-winning bassist and bandleader Endea Owens + The Cookout.
Owens — famous for his “Late Show with Stephen Colbert” work — brought warmth and artistry to the stage, alongside with special guest powerhouse Brianna Thomas, and a jazzy backing band, The Cookout.
Endea Owens and The Cookout, at MoCA\CT. (Photo/Roger Young)
The Parks & Recreation Department’s “Kickoff to Summer” — postponed from last month by rain — is back on the calendar.
The event is this Saturday (June 13, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.). The family fun day includes food trucks, touch-a-truck, bounce houses, climbing walls, face painting, raffle prizes and more.
Parks & Rec officials will be on hand, with information about many programs and services.
In addition, the new mural — hung recently on the side wall of The Sandbar concession stand — will be unveiled (10 a.m.). Staples student Luke Bernier is the artist; the Westport Arts Advisory Committee and Artists Collective of Westport helped make it happen.
Attendees must have a beach sticker to park. Walk-ins are welcome! And of course: no dogs.
Fun at last year’s Kickoff to Summer. (Photo/Katherine Phelps)
Yesterday was quite successful, for 2 Staples High School sports teams.
Bruce Schlegelmilch’s grand slam keyed a 13-2 victory over Norwalk, in the baseball state tournament quarterfinal.
Coach Jack McFarland’s Wreckers, now 17-7, move on to the state semifinals. They’ll face Fairfield Ludlowe on Tuesday, at a site and time to be determined.
The boys lacrosse team downed Wilton 10-6, in their state tourney quarterfinal.
That vaults coach Will Koshansky’s squad into their 4th state semifinal in 5 years. Seeded 5th, they meet #1 seed New Canaan on Tuesday, at a site and time to be announced.
Both teams are 17-4. Although the Rams are ranked first, Staples has defeated them 3 times this year. The most recent win came in a nail-biting FCIAC final.
Lachat Farm’s first Farmers Market is Friday, June 26 (4 to 8 p.m.).
The Weston spot offers a wide array of local vendors — and live music, with the Snake Skin Boots Band.
Many guests buy dinner from the tents and food trucks, plus beverages from the Barn Bar.
New vendors this year include Agape Premium (olive oils), Anchored Homestead (small batch seasonings) and Celtic Cottage (organic breads, scones and treats).
Redding Knives returns too — for sharpening during shopping.
Here is the full list of vendors:
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Craig Ferguson is nearly at the end of his Tartan Trek.
The Scotsman is walking over 3,200 miles across the US. He started in Los Angeles.
Over 100 days later, he’ll finish in Boston — just in time for Scotland’s opening World Cup match. (Next Saturday, June 13, vs. Haiti. It’s actually in Foxboro, 29 miles away. That’s okay — there are buses and trains.)
Fellow Scot David Lyons — now a Westport resident — has been following online. But he did not know that Ferguson’s route would take him through Westport.
Or that they’d meet.
But Lyons was drinking beer with a friend at Little Barn around 5 p.m. Friday, when the intrepid walker walked past.
Lyons rushed out. They chatted. And he made a donation. (The trek is a fundraiser (and awareness-raiser) for Scottish Action for Mental Health.
“Tartan Trekker” Craig Ferguson (right, obviously) and David Lyons.
Ferguson had walked 25 miles that day, with another 9 to go. The day before, he’d met the “real” Craig Ferguson (former “Late Late Show” host) in Central Park.
Another international-comes-to-Westport story: New York Times Pulitzer Prize-winning photographer (and 1988 Staples High School graduate) Tyler Hicks took a break from documenting the Ukraine war Thursday night.
He was at the Westport Library, for the opening reception of the Artists Collective of Westport’s summer exhibits, “American Journeys” and “Piece by Pieces.” His sister Darcy Hicks is a Collective member.
He posed (below) with artist Mark Yurkiw. The Westporter has been very active in Ukraine relief efforts.
Photo Mark Yurkiw and Tyler Hicks, NYT photogarapher, taking a break from documenting the Ukraine war To attend a Art fundraiser at Westport Library last night.
PS- There is a musical fundraiser for Ridgefield Responds & UAI this Sunday in Easton
Tyler Hicks (left) and Mark Yurkiw.
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Just in time for the 90-degree weekend, the crane involved in the Ned Dimes renovation project is gone. Much of the work has been completed.
Several readers asked “06880” what happened to the osprey nest, which the raptors built at the top of the crane.
We’re not sure. So we asked ChatGPT. It replied that ospreys are protected under the Migratory Bird Species Act.
“An active osprey nest (with eggs or chicks, or sometimes a nesting pair actively using it) is generally protected under federal law. Construction companies often must coordinate with wildlife agencies before moving a crane, removing a nest, or continuing activities that could cause nest failure.
“However, cranes create a common and well-recognized conflict with osprey nesting. In many cases, project owners work with agencies such as the US” Fish and Wildlife Service or state wildlife authorities to:
Delay certain activities until nesting is complete.
Obtain permits where available.
Install alternative nesting platforms nearby.
Remove nests before the breeding season begins, when allowed.
“For Connecticut specifically, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection may also be involved because state protections can apply in addition to federal law.
“The key facts would be:
Was the nest occupied by osprey at the time?
Were there eggs or chicks?
Was the nest removed, or was construction simply taking place nearby?
Did the construction company have approval or guidance from wildlife authorities?”
Retaining wall work, on Compo Beach Road. (Photo/Totney Benson)
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The temperature was near 90 yesterday.
But it’s still early June. The water has not yet warmed up.
So while there was a good crowd at Sherwood Island State Park yesterday, only a few brave souls went into the water.
And those who did, did not venture far.
Here’s the view from Burying Hill Beach:
(Photo/Ed Simek)
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Exactly 100 years ago yesterday, Agatha Christie published what the British Crime Writers’ Association called the greatest crime novel ever written: “The Murder of Roger Ackroyd.”
To celebrate — and promote their upcoming production of the show by the same name — the Westport Country Playhouse has a special anniversary offer.
From now through Friday (June 12), anyone making a $100 donation to the Playhouse will get a free ticket to the play. (Limit 10 tickets per household.)
Westport’s 2 candidates running for statewide office — John Bolton (attorney general) and Jen Tooker (comptroller) joined fellow Republican Ryan Fazio (governor) in Stratford today.
The campaign season has begun. Bolton and Tooker are stumping — sometimes separately, sometimes together — around the state. (Hat tip: Sal Liccione)
From left in Stratford: John Bolton, Ryan Fazio, Troy Gargiulo (state representative candidate), Jen Tooker.
VersoFest turns the Library into a rockin’, rollin’ concert hall. Across the parking lot the Levitt Pavilion offers dozens of concerts, of all kinds, from spring to fall.
For a decade or so, the Levitt was the site of an annual Labor Day Blues, Views & BBQ Festival.
Before that though, Westport hosted another Blues Festival.
It ran for only 2 years: 1993 and ’94. But it some great local talent.
The Slo Leak band, for example, starred Charlie Karp (the guitar phenom who left Staples High School at 16 to play with Buddy Miles and a couple of years later, Jimi Hendrix); Harvey Brooks (the Westport bassist who played on Bob Dylan’s “Highway 61 Revisited” and the Doors’ “Touch Me,” and with Miles Davis and many others), and Danny Kortchmar (another Westport resident and session musician with Don Henley, Linda Ronstadt, James Taylor, David Crosby, Carole King, David Cassidy, Graham Nash, Neil Young, Steve Perry, Carly Simon and more).
The event was produced by Mark Naftalin, the Westporter inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for his keyboard work with the Paul Butterfield Blues Band.
Eric von Schmidt — a musician muse for Bob Dylan, and a noted artist too — created the t-shirts and poster.
Naftalin’s wife Ellen helped him. She remembers the logo included Westport’s iconic Minute Man — but “with a guitar instead of a gun in his arms.”
She adds, “When Eric first drew it he had a tightly rolled joint in the Minute Man’s mouth. But I was worried that the powers that be in Westport would object, so I asked him to make it look more like a cigarette.
“Eric snipped off the rolled end. Now it looks more like a joint than it did in the first place.”
(Friday Flashback is one of “06880”‘s many regular features. If you enjoy this — or anything else on our website — please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here. Thank you!)
Lisa Wexler has been endorsed unanimously by the Democratic Party to serve as the probate judge for Westport and Weston for another 4-year term. She was elected previously as both a Democrat and Republican.
After being chosen in a special 2013 election, Wexler has been re-elected 3 times since. A graduate of Johns Hopkins University and the New York University School of Law, she has lived in Westport with her husband Bill and family since 1989.
The final day of the 53rd annual Fine Arts Festival began wet yesterday.
Fortunately, the rain eased around noon, before starting again. It was not a total washout for the 160 artists, from around the country.
Before the crowds arrived, photographer Tom Kretsch — one of 6 Westporters in the show — helped make the area presentable.
The things artists do, that most of us never see …
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The weather was blustery yesterday.
But after church, longtime Westporters Janine and Pietro Scotti (former owner of Da Pietro’s) and their daughter Lucia headed to Compo Beach. She reports:
“The poor lifeguards were in the pavilion, and hanging out.
“I thought I’d eat lunch from the new Sandbar concession stand there, but would up on one of the side counters.
“We had the chicken souvlaki, and a side of fries. Really good tzatziki, and the fries were delicious. Great quality.
“I felt for them, because they really hustled to get open for this weekend. I’m glad Nikki Glekas has other businesses. I’ve heard a lot of good things about her. A friend from Stamford said her restaurant is phenomenal.
“We’re really lucky they’ve come in.”
From left: Lucia, Janine and Pietro Scotti, and The Sandbar staff.
Looking ahead: The West Point Concert Band takes the stage June 9. They’ll honor America’s 250th anniversary with everything from Broadway classics and bluegrass to marches. Clck here for free tickets, or go to the box office.
Club203 gets into the World Cup spirit, at their final gathering of the year (June 9, 6:30 p.m., Ned Dimes Marina).
Westport’s social organization for adults with disabilities promises soccer-inspired art led by MoCA\CT, along with food from the Super Duper Weenie Truck, and more. Wear a team jersey, and enjoy the fun. For more information, click here.
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It’s been a gray holiday weekend in Westport.
But today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo, from Terra Nova Circle near the Norwalk line, offers a burst of much-needed color.
(Photo/John Maloney)
The rest of the week will be partly cloudy. Temperatures will be in the 70s — and, on Wednesday, the 80s.
And finally … on this date in 1961, President Kennedy told a joint session of Congress that the US “should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the Moon and returning him safely to the Earth.”
We’re a week away from the 53rd annual Fine Arts Festival.
Across North America, over 150 artists are preparing to come to Westport, and show their work.
Selected from over 320 applications, and representing 12 categories, they come from 23 states and Canada. 27 are from Connecticut — 6 from right here in 06880.
All 2025 award winners return. Click here for a full list. Meanwhile, a record 52 artists make their Fine Arts Festival debut.
New this year: a very cool art activation. Staples High School art students will paint a BMW in the family area (Sigrid Schultz parking lot).
Two new judges join the panel: art enthusiasts Lonnie Quinn (CBS weatherman) and Louise Crowley.
Longshore Capital Improvement Plan update – Maintenance facility building update.
One possibility for the enclosed dog run at Winslow Park.
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The Levitt Pavilion announced a torrent of new shows this week — both free and ticketed.
The Revivalists rock on August 11. One of the most uplifting live acts in music today, their current tour includes the Grand Ole Opry, part of the FIFA World Cup, Red Rocks Amphitheatre — and a return to the banks of the Saugatuck. Click here for tickets, and more information.
Also booked:
May 29: An album release concert by Amani Burnham (first free show of the ’26 season). The 20-year-old Ethiopian-born, Connecticut-based artist has amassed more than 240,000 followers and nearly 30 million views on social media. Amani and his band will make their Levitt Pavilion debut while celebrating their debut album and set sail as the first free show of the 2026 season! Pretty auspicious!
June 7: Jumaane Smith Jazz Quartet. Lauded by Michael Bublé (with whom he tours). Wynton Marsalis (coming to the Levitt on June 28) was his trumpet teacher at Juilliard.
Hard to believe: This is the 25th anniversary of “Shrek.”
Not hard to believe: The Westport Library is celebrating the milestone.
On Tuesday (May 19, 7 p.m.; $10), co-writer Roger S.H. Schulman takes the audience behind the scenes. He’ll discuss his journey from journalism to Hollywood and the classroom. Click here to register, and for more information.
To learn more about the mechanics of screenwriting, Schulman offers a Verso University workshop on “Writing Compelling Characters.” Click here for details.
The bakery — founded by Westporters Bill and Andrea Pecoriello, which trains and employs people with disabilities (who make great stuff) — is raising money for the Hype 4 Life Foundation, an autism awareness non-profit.
They’ll send 2 winners (and plus-ones) to the Brian Burns Celebrity Softball Game May 30 in Pomona, New York. The football star and current Giants play Brandon Jacobs and Super Bowl XLII and XLVI champions, and other legends. Over 100 current and former NFL players will be on the field, competing in softball, a home run derby and (why not?) dodgeball.
Just in time for Memorial Day: the construction trailer — part of the Soundview parking lot staging area, for the Compo Cove tidal gate renovation project — has been hauled away.
Those parking spaces will be needed soon.
Maybe very soon. Sunday’s high temperature is forecast to be 86.
And finally … Soul singer/guitaristClarence Carter died Wednesday in Atlanta. He was 90, and had been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
The New York Times said, “Blind from youth and distinguished by his deep, declamatory baritone and lecherous, full-throated laugh, Mr. Carter combined the sermonic fervor of a backwoods preacher and the bawdy humor of a juke joint.” Click here for a full obituary.
(Sure, it’s the weekend. But “06880” keeps pumping out these Roundups like there’s no tomorrow. If you enjoy our 24/7/365 work, please show your support by clicking here. Thank you!)
Once again, the Memorial Day parade is honored to honor a World War II veteran.
Herb Podel is this year’s grand marshal, for the May 25 event.
The 101-year-old longtime Westporter served in the Pacific Theater. He was attached to a Seabee unit as an aviation and electronics specialist. Their primary focus was preparation for the planned invasion of Japan.
A resident here since 1965, Herb spent decades contributing to the community through volunteerism, leadership and civic engagement. The father of 2 daughters, Alison Bricken and Jacqueline Podel, he owned a company that manufactured recreation equipment for many years.
Herb has received 2 awards from the town of Westport recognizing his volunteer efforts. He served for many years as president of the Saugatuck Senior Cooperative board. He founded and facilitated the longtime Cultural Salon discussion group in Westport, and held numerous roles at Temple Israel.
Herb now lives at The Residence at Westport. He continues to be an active member of the Westport Center for Senior Activities, where he regularly participates in classes, discussion groups, special events and community lunches.
In February of 2025, Herb Podel celebrated his 100th birthday at the Senior Center with director Wendy Petty (right) and then-2nd Selectwoman Andrea Moore.
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Speaking of the Memorial Day parade: Westport groups, civic organizations and businesses interested in participating in the community event should register here. The deadline is May 17.
(Photo/Kelly Freitag)
All ages, and all kind of groups, “march” in the Memorial Day parade.
Hard to believe, but the Westport Pops Concert is now 10 years old.
From its first performance in 2016, the Staples High School-meets-Levitt Pavilion event became a beloved (and quickly sold-out) tradition.
This year’s show is Friday, June 5. Featured musicians include the nationally recognized Staples Symphonic Orchestra and Band, Jazz Ensemble One, Choralaires, Sonora, Orphenians, Stradivarius Chamber Orchestra, and small group ensembles.
James Naughton returns as emcee.
The Levitt lawn opens at 6 p.m. (BYO chair); the concert begins at 7. Tickets are free, but a donation of $15 per ticket is suggested to help offset production costs.
Tickets are available at wpsarts.org/staplesmusic on Friday, May 22 at 9 a.m.; first-come, first-served.
Westport Pops poster graphic inspired by senior Connor Yuan.
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Another great Westport tradition is also near. And it too celebrates a milestone.
The 20th annual Taste of Westport returns Wednesday, June 3 (6 p.m., Fairfield County Hunt Club). As they’ve done for 20 years, the area’s top restaurants and mixologists will host an evening of great food, drinks and community — all for a wonderful cause.
The fundraiser benefits CLASP Homes. All proceeds help provide group homes and 24/7/365 services for adults with autism and developmental disabilities.
Restaurants serving up their favorite dishes include Gabriele’s, The Bridge, Nômade, Massi Co, The Whelk, Artisan and Dandelion — and many others.
Guests will also enjoy signature cocktails, a Champagne and caviar bar, and a bourbon tasting experience. A silent auction adds to the fun.
One more event of note: A few foursomes remain for the Westport Weston Family YMCA’s 10th annual Golf for Good tournament (May 18, Aspetuck Valley Country Club).
he Westport Weston Family YMCA is proud to announce its 10th Annual Golf for Good Charity Golf Tournament, taking place on Monday, May 18, 2026 at Aspetuck Valley Country Club.
Proceeds support the Y’s Financial Assistance Program, enabling individuals and families to participate in programs regardless of financial circumstances. Funds also support youth sports and camp, Parkinson’s wellness and independence programs, cancer survivorship support, and access for veterans.
We’re not sure how many Westporters follow the Library of Congress on Twitter (aka “X”).
But it’s a good thing for “06880” that Josh Berkowsky does.
A recent tweet celebrating National Cartoonist Day (May 5 — we all missed it) gave several examples of cartoons drawn on letters by soldiers in World War II.
Two very colorful ones were sent from a Sgt. Duquette in San Francisco, to Mrs. Gerald Duquette, on Sturges Highway here.
They are not the work of Sgt. Duquette. Josh says that the Library of Congress website credits the art to his friend, Technical Sgt. Samuel Lionel Boylston of South Carolina.
The recipient is Duquette’s wife, “Mrs. Gerald Duquette.”
One more local connection: Tom Duquette is a frequent “06880” commenter. He always adds “SHS ’75” (Staples Class of 1975).
Tom: If you’re reading this, please click “Comments” to let us know the connection!
And finally … in honor of 2 World War II stories today (Herb Podel and Sgt. Duquette, above):
(We don’t want to toot our horn, but since our first “06880” in 2009, we’ve posted over 20,000 stories — and haven’t missed a day. If you enjoy our 24/7/365 work, please click here to support us. Thanks!)
Charlie Hall says, “We’re all drummers. It’s a way we organize time and sound, to signify an event or convey an emotion.”
That may be true.
But very few of us can drum as well as Hall.
The 1992 Greens Farms Academy graduate and Wilton native has spent his professional life as a drummer. (Plus, he’s a songwriter, producer and multi-instrument performer.)
Hall is a longtime percussionist with the Grammy Award-winning band The War on Drugs. He releases his own music too.
He’s produced 3 Christmas LPs with Patti LaBelle, Stevie Nicks (and the Philadelphia Eagles).
Charlie Hall
Hall is also a founder of Get Up With It. Since the late 1990s, the project has explored and performed the groundbreaking 1969-1975 era of Miles Davis’ electric music.
On May 24 (7 p.m.), Hall and Get Up With It kick off the Levitt Pavilion’s 53rd season — and celebrate the centennial of Davis’ birth — with a special concert.
The ensemble will focus on 3 of the trumpeter’s most influential albums: 1969’s visionary and transcendental “In a Silent Way” the 1970 magnum opus “Bitches Brew,” and 1971’s “Jack Johnson.”
Hall began drumming at age 3, when his grandmother bought him a tin Muppets set.
By 6, he had a set of Ludwigs.
His brother — older by 9 years — introduced Hall to ’70s rock legends like the Rolling Stones, the Who and Led Zeppelin. In high school he listened to WLIR, and was introduced to the Pretenders, Talking Heads and U2.
“Drums were the way I met people and built relationships,” Hall recalls.
A special relationship was with Jean Rabin, owner of Record & Tape of Westport. He was there at least weekly. She encouraged his love of music. His room was plastered with posters she saved for him. “I wish I could thank her for all she did,” he says.
(Courtesy of Christopher Maroc)
GFA dean of students/registrar/math teacher Ed Denes was another important influence.
“He was larger than life — literally and figuratively,” Hall says.
Denes organized school talent shows. Hall always had a band. “It was a way I could bring people together,” he notes. “I still do that today.”
After the College of William & Mary — where he majored in music and psychology (and met his wife) — he moved to San Francisco, then Philadelphia.
He’s been there ever since. He joined The War on Drugs — a Philly-based rock band — in 2014.
Hall’s upcoming Levitt gig has roots in his 1990s California days. Playing “straight-ahead jazz,” he and fellow musicians put together Get Up With It, a 10-piece group to explore the “Afro-futuristic space rock” canon of Davis’ music.
When Hall and some of the others moved to Philadelphia and New York, they formed an East Coast version.
“Miles painted with a palette of rhythms,” Hall explains. “It’s a gift for me to play this music, with these people.”
Get Up With It includes guitars, woodwinds, keyboards, brass — and a trio of percussionists.
Get Up With It, in action.
What will it be like for Hall to pay tribute to Miles Davis, just a couple of miles from where he himself grew up?
“It will be pretty emotional,” the drummer admits.
“I think so fondly on my first 18 years of life around there … all the bands I’ve seen, and the experiences I’ve had. To bring my gang here will be fun.”
Doors open at 6 p.m., for the Levitt Pavilion’s May 24 kickoff concert, Charlie Hall’s Get Up With It: A Miles Davis Centennial Celebration. Click here for tickets, and more information.
(“06880” reports regularly on Westport’s entertainment scene — including local and national artists. If you enjoy our coverage, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
The Levitt Pavilion kicks off its 53rd season on May 24. (Photo/Susan Garment)
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