In “06880” terms, if you know Longshore, you know there’s a statue of a dog near the pool.
If you don’t go to our town-owned country club — or at least don’t go near the water — you’d never know the subject of last week’s Photo Challenge.
Seth Schachter, Andrew Colabella, Brian Taylor and Jonathan McClure all know, and knew. Click here to see what they see.
Today’s challenge is appropriate for the season. If you know where in Westport you’d see this, click “Comments” below.
(Photo/Ed Simek)
(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 large Longshore lap pool was supposed to open around Memorial Day. An issue with the filter delayed that date.
The goal was to have it fixed by Monday, June 24, when pool hours expanded and lessons began.
Bingo! It’s back in action — and getting plenty of use, by grateful swimmers. (hat tip: Brandon Malin)
Longshore pool. (File photo/Pamela Einarsen)
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Leslye Headland is headed to Broadway.
The 1999 Staples High School graduate — who has earned kudos as a playwright, screenwriter and director, with hits like the play and film “Bachelorette,” the movie “Sleeping With Other People” the Netflix comedy “Russian Doll” and the Disney+ series “The Acolyte” — has written “Cult of Love.”
It begins previews November 20, and opens at the Helen Hayes Theater on December 12.
Her Broadway debut is her final work in a series called “Seven Deadly Plays.” Inspired by the 7 deadly sins, this one is about pride. It was first staged in Los Angeles in 2018.
“Cult of Love” focuses on 4 adult children of one family and their partners, coming home for a contentious holiday gathering. (Hat tip: Tommy Greenwald)
Leslye Headland
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Just hours after her birth 9 weeks prematurely in June of 2022, Shea Greenfield’s heart stopped beating.
Doctors saved her life. But she was diagnosed with Long QT Syndrome. Her heart’s electrical system takes longer than usual to recharge between beats. She is at risk of fainting, seizures, cardiac arrest and sudden death.
There is no cure for the condition. And Shea’s condition is one of the most severe her doctors have ever seen.
Shea’s parents, Mark and Kira, had moved to Westport a year earlier. In addition to educating themselves about LQTS, they began raising funds for the Mayo Clinic, where Dr. Michael Ackerman’s team does cutting-edge research.
Last year, the Greenfields organized a fundraiser. Despite a last-minute venue change from outdoors, due to Canadian wildfires — “Shake it for Shea” raised $290,000 for Dr. Ackerman’s lab.
That was just the start. This year’s event — held earlier this month at the FTC Warehouse — was eye-popping. It brought in over $440,000.
“The community came out in such a special way again,” the Greenfields say.
“We had over 500 people. It was magical!”
Plans are already underway for next year. Can you say “half a million”?
Shaking it up, at the “Shake it for Shea” fundraiser. (Photo/Fred Marcus Photography)
Westport poet laureate Jessica McEntee is going national.
Her second poetry chapbook, “Frida Kahlo Wakes Up to Find Diego Rivera in the Mood and Other Poems,” will ship in mid-October.
A blurb says: “This book brims with restless women: Frida Kahlo, Penelope, a lover, mother, daughter, neighbor, insomniac, consumer, adulteress — and each voice ‘magics the glass into mirror.’
“Studded with details that feel intimate yet alien, taking us places that range from a polar bear enclosure to ‘A Deathbed Confession,’ these are poems of uncanny sensuousness.”
Pianist David Morgan is a local treasure — and a national one.
He has performed and recorded with Wynton Marsalis and Wes Anderson. He’s written music for CBS Sports, Discovery, A&E, MTV, and TV shows. He also produces recordings for artists in his own studio.
Morgan is well known here as a member of the Fairfield County-based jazz group Portal.
He joins bassist Jason Clotter, Tyger MacNeal and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” for tomorrow’s Jazz at the Post (Thursday, June 27, shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner service at 7; VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399; $20 music cover, $15 veterans and students).
The series’ season finale includes a presentation of the Micky Golomb Memorial Scholarship to Jack Wood.
Reservations are strongly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.
For decades, The Arrow was Westport’s go-to Italian restaurant.
Then — in shorter order — it became an Asian fusion eatery (Jasmine), a bar with music (Blu Parrot), and a food shop (Mystic Market).
Soon, it heads back to its roots.
Riko’s is the new tenant, on Charles Street near Saugatuck Avenue.
Featuring thin crust pies, including hot oil (think Colony Grille) and more, they’ve got 10 locations already, in Connecticut, Long Island, Massachusetts and Florida.
Area residents who know their Fairfield, Norwalk, Darien and Stamford restaurants rave about it.
Riko’s will be opening soon in Burlington, Vermont; Carolina Beach, North Carolina; and South Beach, Miami.
But the one in Saugatuck excites “06880” the most.
Charlie Tirreno writes: “It’s nice to remember Nancy Coley on Memorial Day.
“She was in the Women’s Auxiliary of the VFW, and very involved creating the VFW float for many years.
“She used to hang a gigantic American flag over her lawn, and invite all the neighborhood for a cookout.
“People may also want to say their goodbyes to the Coley-Crossman house on Imperial Avenue, as it has a demolition notice on it.
“Her house is by the start of the parade route, at Saugatuck Elementary School. It’s 125 Riverside Avenue.”
The Coley-Crossman House at 125 Riverside Avenue, with a demolition notice. (Photo/Charlie Tirreno)
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While many Westporters enjoyed Compo Beach yesterday, Drew Angus headed west.
The singer/songwriter (and 2007 Staples High School graduate) opened for Mumford & Sons at the Greenwich Town Party.
The event was funded by Ray Dalio — who, as the founder of Bridgewater Associates, spent plenty of time in Westport — and other Greenwich residents.
But you didn’t have to brave I-95 yesterday to see Drew. He’s one of the featured musicians at Westport’s first-ever Soundview Summer Stroll.
Mark your calendars! It’s Sunday, July 28 (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.).
Soundview Drive — the beach exit road — will be closed to traffic. Besides music, there will be a photo booth, kids’ activities, food, and a great community vibe.
The Soundview Summer Stroll is co-sponsored by “06880” and the Compo Beach Improvement Association.
The Westport Weston Family YMCA program is a true community. Members exercise together, form strong bonds, support each other — and support worthwhile causes too.
Yesterday morning, Sgt. Eduardo Hernandez — with 19 years of active duty in the US Army — addressed Patty Kondub’s class.
He thanked the AquaFitters, and VFW Post 399 Auxiliary — for their support.
Sgt. Eduardo Hernandez, on the pool deck with AquaFit instructors Patty Kondub and Joan Evon, and their Sunday class.
The Y has a collection box for energy bars, Gatorade, electrolytes blocks, beef jerky and water through June. It will be send to US Army Reserve Unit 411 Civil Affairs Battalion for their training at Fort Dix. Sgt. Hernandez commands the unit.
Donations can also be dropped off at, or sent to, VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399, 465 Riverside Avenue through June.
During yesterday’s class, Ariel Levy (right, with her mother Doree) held up Patty Kondub’s signs, encouraging the AquaFitters.
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Uh oh.
The large Longshore pool was supposed to open yesterday. However, there is an issue with the filter that could require major repairs.
The goal is to have it fixed by June 24, when pool hours expand and lessons begin.
The other 2 small pools, for little kids, are open. (Hat tip: Michael Catarevas)
Michael Catarevas — shown here in 2021 — reports that the Longshore pool is closed. (Photo/Patrick Haggerty)
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If you missed the first showing of Homes with Hope’s 40th anniversary documentary: Don’t miss the next one.
It’s Sunday, June 9 (2 to 3:30 p.m., Christ & Holy Trinity Church’s Branson Hall).
The free event showcases the non-profit’s 4 decades of housing the homeless, feeding the hungry, and offering hope to neighbors whose lives are not as fortunate as others’.
Former Westporter Livio Sanchez’s documentary film uses interviews and archival material (including long-ago video), to trace Homes with Hope’s history, from a controversial concept (with plenty of NIMBY and it’s-not-our-problem opposition), through its move from a drafty firehouse to an old maintenance shed on Jesup Road (now the Gillespie Center), and its current array of multi-pronged programs.
Jim Gillespie’s family will be honored at the showing. He played a major role in the founding and development of the Interfaith Housing Association, the original iteration of Homes with Hope.
The Gillespie Center was named in his honor Dr. Gillespie, a clinical psychologist, was killed when struck by a car in France in 1988.
The Gillespie Center. Dr. Gillespie’s family will be on hand June 9, for the showing of a documentary on Homes with Hope’s first 40 years.
Molly Alger does not want to be the skunk at today’s (Memorial Day) party.
But she — and many other Westporters — have noticed that the wood pile at the corner of Post Road East and Roseville Road continues to grow larger.
And more unsteady.
The once-neat piles are looking less orderly.
It’s tough enough navigating that stretch of Route 1, with all the construction. Now drivers have to creep past with one eye on the right side, hoping the logs won’t suddenly crash onto the road.
Every Artists Collective of Westport’s pop-up show is different. But the receptions are always the same: energetic, educational and fun.
The next one is June 11 (6 to 8 p.m., Westport Country Playhouse barn).
In addition to a wide array of great art, there’s food and entertainment (Chris Coogan on piano).
The exhibit then runs from June 12 to 15 (1 to 5 p.m). It ends with an artists’ talk June 15 (4 p.m.).
Featured artists include Robin Babbin, Lynn Carlson, Cris Dam. Laure Dunne, Carla Goldbert, Kathryn Gray, Jen Greely, Paul Larson, Nancy Moore, Tina Puckett, Ellen Schiffman and Tammy Winser.
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Speaking of art: Westport Collective member Janine White has a solo show now through July 11, at Silvermine Galleries in New Canaan. A reception is set for June 8 (5:30 p.m)..
Her work “harnesses home economics through kitchen chemistry and crafting, to critique ideas of domesticity.” Brown cooks all-natural bioplastics from ingredients found in a pantry, making material out of it, then crochets the pieces together.
Click here to learn more, and see examples of her work.
And finally … Richard Sherman died yesterday in Beverly Hills. He was 95.
You may not recognize the Oscar and Grammy Award winner.
But you sure know the songs he wrote. Click here for a full obituary.
(You know what would be supercalifragilisticexpialidocious? If you’d click here to support “06880.” Mary Poppins, and your hyper-local blog, thank you.)
The past few days have brought numerous reports of a bear wandering in northern Westport. It is behaving normally — and non-aggressively.
The Westport Police Department says:
“Black bears are becoming increasingly common in Connecticut. To safely co-exist, residents are reminded to take precautions to prevent negative encounters.
“Bears have an incredible sense of smell. To prevent luring them towards your property, secure your garbage in sturdy covered containers in a garage or outbuilding. Residents who compost should do so responsibly. Do not throw meat scraps or greasy, oily, or sweet materials in your compost pile. These will attract bears and other animals.
“Clean barbecues and grills after each use, refrain from leaving pet food outdoors, and remove bird feeders from your property for the summer. Keep your eye on pets and small children playing outside.
“While it can be frightening to see a bear on or around your property, it is important to know that they are very timid animals. They try to avoid human contact.
“If sighted, use caution, and do not approach the bear. The mere presence of a bear does not necessitate its removal. If left alone and given an avenue for escape, the bear will usually wander back into more secluded areas. Sightings can be reported to Westport Animal Control at 203-341-5076, or reported to the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (click here).”
After a year’s hiatus, beach sticker sales to non-residents is back.
Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department began sales yesterday. The cost is $775 (plus tax). Click here, then follow the “Membership” links.
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Back too are Staples Players. Their laugh-out-loud funny, wide-ranging, clever and very welcome spring production — “Words Words Words … and Music” drew raves when the high school troupe returned to stage last month.
Now it’s available — this weekend only — as a video stream. Starting at noon on Saturday (June 5) through midnight Monday (June 7), you can watch the show as many times as you like. It’s a great offer for out-of-towners, and anyone who missed the show (or wants to see it again). Click here for tickets.
Sophie Rossman, Benny Zack and Samanath Webster in “Words Words Words.” They are monkey, writing “Hamlet.” Or trying to … (Photo/Kerry Long)
The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce announces the return of 2 favorite events. Both were knocked out last year by COVID.
Slice of Saugatuck returns Saturday, September 11. It’s an afternoon of food, entertainment, food, games, food, fun and food. It takes place in the pizza-shaped “slice” of Saugatuck that is home to so many restaurants, and is so easily walkable.
The Dog Festival returns Sunday, October 10. Winslow Park — always a haven for canines and their masters — really goes to the dogs. It’s filled with vendors, K-9 demonstrations, obstacle courses, contests and much more.
And back too is the Longshore pool. Michael Catarevas reports: “After rainouts Saturday and Sunday, and no one showing up on Memorial Day, I was delighted to be first in the water this season — especially after it was closed all last year. I had three pools to myself Tuesday afternoon, though I only used the big one. The water was very cold, but great!”
Michael Catarevas: first in the Longshore pool. (Photo/Patrick Haggerty)
Yet another post-pandemic sign: Starting Monday (June 7), the Board of Education will return to in-person meetings. Everyone must wear a mask, and maintain 3 feet of social distancing. Meetings will still be livestreamed on the town website and Cablevision Channel 78.
Speaking of baseball: 50 years to the day after Staples High School beat Norwalk 4-2 in a state tournament game, Class of ’71 teammates Nils Nilsen and Steve McCoy returned to the Wrecker diamond.
They were in the stands to watch the ’21 team open its own state tournament. Unfortunately Staples fell, 9-4 to New Canaan.
Half a century ago, Nilsen halted a Bear rally with 1-hit relief pitching. McCoy had 2 hits, including a game-winning double.
Nilsen went on to pitch at Harvard University. McCoy became a soccer captain, and the 3rd-leading career goal scorer at Duke.
Nils Nilsen and Steve McCoy, at the Staples baseball field. (Photo/Fred Cantor)
MoCA Westport’s “Yappy Hour” — yes, for dogs — has been postponed. It was set for tomorrow (June 3); the new date is Thursday, June 10.
The event includes custom drinks (for owners), and a chance for pets to meet others, sit for a free portrait, and romp outdoors. It’s free — but all dogs must be leashed. (MoCA encourages donations of unopened food or treats to support local rescue organizations. For more information, click here.
A crew of volunteers — including Danielle Dobin, Michael Cammeyer, Emma Rojas, Sarah Manning, Luc Lafonta and Shawn Kapitan turned out yesterday to change the lights on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen bridge.
Danielle Dobin and Michael Cammeyer, on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge.
They now shine in the colors of the rainbow, to celebrate Pride Month. Enjoy them throughout June!
One of the 3 American oystercatcher chicks at Compo Beach has died, Carolyn Doan reports.
She adds: “My son James is a huge fan of the piping plovers, so we visit the area regularly. The Audubon Society has talked with the town because of drones being flown overhead. Oystercatchers attack them frantically to distract them from the nest, thinking they are predators.”
So, Westporters: Give all these birds space. They were there long before us!
Before we close the book on the 2021 Memorial Day parade, here’s one final shot. It’s a unique drone perspective from Joel Triesman, as marchers turn onto the Post Road and cross the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge:
The Town of Westport website’s Longshore pool page says: “We anticipate opening on Memorial Day weekend, however we are awaiting on information from the State of Connecticut for updated COVID-19 guidance.”
Meanwhile, the 3 pools are filled, and the pumps are pumping.
Also meanwhile: The Westport Weston Family Y ends its pool reservation system — in place since last summer — as of Tuesday (June 1). For nearly a year, swimmers have had to reserve times, 3 days ahead of time. (Hat tip: Michael Catarevas)
Dog-walkers at Winslow Park have been intrigued by several large trucks parked in the nearby Westport Country Playhouse parking lot.
Yesterday, Wendy Crowther saw a man moving an enormous fan. She chatted him up, and learned it will be part of a movie shoot.
Netflix is filming “The Noel Diary” around Fairfield County. Based on the novel of the same name, and starring Justin Hartley, Bonnie Bedelia and Treat Williams, it’s a Christmas flick. The fan is to help with the “snow.”
No word yet on when the Westport scenes will be shot.
One of the trucks in the Westport Country Playhouse parking lot. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Barbara De Rome Gross posted on a Weston social media page that while kayaking at Compo, she found a bench honoring the Geismar family. David and Mirjam were longtime, beloved Weston EMTs — and Holocaust survivors.
Barbara told Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department of her find. They’ll retrieve it, restore it, and reposition it at its rightful place near the Ned Dimes Marina.
How it ended up where it did is “a mystery,” Barbara writes. But thanks to her eagle eye, the Geismars will once again have their place of honor by the water. (Hat tip: Laurie Crouse)
Catherine Cook purchased the house at 13 Morningside Drive North in 2020. Her sister Julie French lives in Wimberley, Texas. Her hobby is family and home historical records.
When Catherine moved to Westport, Julie contacted the Westport Historical Society for information. She learned about their plaque program, and realized it would be a great housewarming gift.
It took a while, but Julie has finally presented her gift: a plaque citing “The Eliason House,” built in 1917.
In 1916 Clara Eliason purchased the property from Edward Birge. She built her house the next year. After Clara died in 1951, the property was transferred to family members, who lived there until 1997. (Hat tip: Bob Weingarten)
Catherine Cook (left) with the plaque purchased by her sister, Julie French.
The Staples High School boys lacrosse team made history yesterday.
The Wreckers scored early and often, held Wilton scoreless for the entire first half, and cruised to a 16-2 victory in the FCIAC semifinal, held at Staples.
The blue-and-whites — seeded 2nd in the league vie for the program’s first league title ever tomorrow (Friday, May 28, 5 p.m., New Canaan High School’s Dunning Field). They face top-ranked Darien. The Blue Wave won their regular season encounter 10-7, earlier this spring.
A reader recently wondered what happened to the wonderful crew at Compo Barbers.
Felice, Chau, Tony and Tina have moved just a few doors east — right across the driveway next to CVS — to Westport Hair & Co. They’ve even kept the old Compo Barber Shop phone number (203-227-9779).
And speaking of Felice: another great stylist, Felicia Catale, is back in business at Salon Nash, at Nash’s Corner on Post Road West.
Whichever side of the river you choose, your hair will thank you.
Just in time for Pride Month, Jillian Elder — of Finding Westport, Finding Fairfield County and Finding Connecticut fame — has rolled out LGBTQ-themed merchandise. They’re available through June 30 only.
Jillian is donating 10% of all sales to Westport Pride, the group that is organizing local celebrations throughout June.
Click here for rainbow-style water bottles, coffee mugs, hoodies and t-shirts. Then show them off with pride!
Canal Beach may be one of Westport’s lesser-known spots. Still, it’s hard to imagine no one noticing someone cutting a metal pole holding a clamming sign.
It’s harder still to figure out why someone would do it.
And finally … today in 1933, the Walt Disney Company released the cartoon Three Little Pigs. It included a soon-to-be-hit song: “Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?”
Several “06880” readers have asked: Will the Longshore pool open this summer?
Parks & Recreation director Jen Fava says: “We anticipate opening. We are awaiting further guidance from the state. We are currently working on procedures based on requirements.”
Westporters eagerly anticipate seeing this again. (Photo/Pamela Einarsen)
It’s spring, which means you’ve been thinking about raising chickens.
Or maybe you already have a flock, but want to learn more about organic nutrition or chicken swings.
Cluck — I mean, click — on a link next Monday (April 12, 7 p.m.).
Bruce Benedict (Benedict’s Home and Garden) and Mackenzie Chauncey (Kent Nutrition Group) will tell you (virtually) everything you want to know about starting and raising your own backyard flock.
Bruce will walk you through the best coops, breeds and feeders to keep your birds happy and healthy. Mackenzie will guide you through feeding, from baby chicks to laying hens, and all their nutritional needs along the way. You’ll also see how see how WTF is raising their own chicks.
Click here to register. NOTE: Like raising chickens, this is a family affair — suitable for all ages.
In June, 19 Staples High School students will graduate with High Honors. That’s the top 4% of the graduating class.
Principal Stafford Thomas says, “the most astonishing aspect of this accomplishment is that these students were involved in a number of extracurricular activities and various aspects of school life, which took a great deal of time, focus and concentration outside of the classroom as well. We were lucky to have had them for 4 years. We will no doubt be hearing about their next great achievements in the years to come.”
High Honors students are listed below, under the photos.
From left: Assistant principal Patrick Micinilio, Gary Lu, Principal Stafford Thomas, Carolyn Everett, Emma Dantas, Claire Redmer, Claire Lee, Sophia Lauterbach, Hanna Even, Simon Rubin
From left to right: Samantha Webster, Nasir Wynruit, Andrea Bautista, Henry Portman, Charlotte Zhang, Rishabh Mandayam, Teagan Smith, Alexander Toglia, Elana Atlas, Konur Nordberg.
MoCA Westport’s opening reception for its new “Smash” exhibit was — come on, this is too easy — a smash.
Contemporary artist Marilyn Minter’s videos are exhibited together for the first time in a public institution.
The show includes her custom-designed AMC Pacer, featuring an interior, surround viewing of her work “Green Pink Caviar” — shown for the first time ever.
You’ve waited a long time for that haircut or coloring.
Unfortunately, you’ll have to wait a bit longer.
The opening of those nearly essential (to many) businesses was set for this Wednesday (May 20).
Today Governor Ned Lamont announced t– with Governor Gina Raimondo of Rhode Island — that those businesses will be pushed back to “early June.”
Lamont noted that after extensive discussions with owners and employees of these businesses, more time is needed.
“We’ve been hearing a lot of feedback from many owners and employees, and at this time I think the best approach is that we hit pause on the reopening of hair salons and barbershops, take a step back, and allow some more time as preparations continue to be made,” the governor said.
In other reopening news, Westport plans to open the Longshore and Staples High School tennis courts on May 27.
Play will be limited to singles, and allowed on courts 1, 3, 5, 7 and 9 at Longshore, and 2, 4 and 6 at Staples.
Longshore tennis courts (Photo/Cliona Becker)
Additional restrictions will be in place, and posted here. The Longshore courts will require advanced reservations, with payment by credit card only; no walk-ups permitted.
Work is now being done on the Town Farm and Doubleday courts. When that’s completed, those courts will be open with similar restrictions.
Meanwhile, the Longshore pool opening is delayed until further notice. So is staffing of lifeguards at Compo and Burying Hill beaches, as the town awaits further guidance from the state.
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Today Governor Ned Lamont announced t– with Governor Gina Raimondo of Rhode Island — that those businesses will be pushed back to “early June.”
