The word is out: The VFW is Westport’s new hot place for entertainment.
From tribute bands to comedy, the club on at the Riverside/Saugatuck avenue fork — with a killer view of the Saugatuck River — is a great spot to chill with friends, have a drink and some bar food, and do it all without breaking the bank.
This Saturday (June 27; 6:30 p.m. doors, 7:30 p.m.) you can do it with a Rock & Roll Hall of Famer.
Mark Naftalin — the Paul Butterfield Blues Band’s keyboardist, and a longtime Westport resident — plays piano.
And he’s bringing along some A-list friends.
Connecticut Blue Hall of Famer Paul Gabriel (guitar and vocals), Connecticut Blues Challenge winner Mark Zaretsky (harmonica and vocals), bassist Paul Opalach, drummer Nick Longo and special guest Washboard Slim (washboard and vocals) will rock the house.
It’s just $20 — cash at the door.
The VFW asks for a 1-drink minimum — “even if it’s only a soda.”
A small price to pay, to hear some legit Hall of Fame sounds.
A yacht anchored near the Compo Beach shore — just a few yards beyond the buoy — has gotten Westporters wondering: Who owns it? And: Why is it there?
(Photo/Amy Schneider)
This is hardly the first yacht to attract attention.
In the 1960s — when he was wooing Westporter Mia Farrow — Frank Sinatra moored offshore.
Eric Clapton was rumored to have dropped anchor there twice, in 2009 and 2010.
In 2021, Rosehearty — Rupert Murdoch’s former 185-foot vessel, which he sold to a Westporter — drew admiring glances (and a few lucky visitors from the mainland).
We’re not sure who owns this yacht. But we hope they enjoy their visit.
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Speaking of yachts: How about this beauty?
Jamie Walsh spotted it yesterday, leaving Ned Dimes Marina.
Speaking of animals: Longtime “06880” reader Anne Guglielmoni recently published a children’s picture book. The Curious Life of Vader: How it Began features a true story.
And it happened at the Fairfield Center train station.
That’s where, a while ago, Anne stumbled across a tiny, helpless black kitten. She rescued him, brought him home, and namied him Vader.
She wrote and illustrated his journey as a simple story for her 2 young nieces. Seeing the excitement on their faces every single time they turned the pages and saw the cat sparked her to share the message of compassion, kindness and courage with other children.
Karl Mergenthaler sends along today’s “Westport … Naturally” images — and the back story:
“My wife and I have been startled a few times this summer by an unexpected guest: a bobcat.
“It looks like a 20-pound tabby cat skulking across our backyard. Our neighbor Liz figured out what it’s doing: Her shed has become the nursery room for 3 kittens.
Female bobcat …
“Although I’ve spent most of my life in and around Westport, I’ve never personally seen a bobcat. Deer (of course), foxes, coyotes, hawks … but this is my first bobcat sighting.
“Apparently, the local bobcat population has exploded. There are now an estimated 4,000 to 5,000 bobcats in Connecticut.
“Are they dangerous? It doesn’t seem so.
“My cursory Internet research suggests that bobcats rarely attack people. I’m pretty sure I’d rather not find out what it would do if it felt threatened, though.
“Bobcats don’t celebrate Father’s Day, apparently. Bobcat fathers do not stay with their babies. Bobcat mothers are single parents and raise their kittens entirely on their own. Male bobcats are solitary animals, and hit the road immediately after mating.”
… and kittens, hanging around the shed. (Photos/Liz Archibald)
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And finally … oops! We missed our Father’s Day song yesterday.
Here it is, a day late:
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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!)
They’ve partnered with Westport PAL, sponsors of the July 2 event. The Swag Lab is donating wristbands. Parents can write emergency contact information on them, then fasten them around their children’s wrists.
They’ll be available free at the Westport Police station and Parks & Recreation Department office, where fireworks tickets can be purchased beginning June 1 and June 3, respectively. You can contact email stacey@theswaglab.com for them too.
Levkoff will eave some at the lifeguard station too, the afternoon and evening of the big event.
Meanwhile, watch “06880” for more fireworks news!
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Today is World Hunger Day.
It’s a global event. But it hits home, right here in Westport.
Every single week. Homes with Hope’s Gillespie Center food pantry serves over 300 households facing food insecurity.
That’s not an abstraction. Those are neighbors in need.
But the work can’t happen without help.
Many Westporters donate food, and help stock shelves. But on World Hunger Day you can help right now, right here.
Homes with Hope’s Amazon Wishlist allows you to browse what’s needed most. Just click here, and pick your items. Your donation ships right to the Gillespie Center.
Homes with Hope, Westport Rotary Club and Westport Police members unpack food, at the Gillespie Center. You can send supplies directly there, through Homes with Hope’s Amazons Wishlist.
The 2026-27 Westport Country Playhouse season features 6 shows — and 2 are world premieres.
Artistic director Mark Shanahan introduced the plays yesterday, before an enthusiastic Sheffer Barn crown.
Speaking passionately about the importance of live theater, as the historic Playhouse enters its 96th year, he praised the variety of the upcoming offerings. In a “dour world,” he said, all 6 productions will be “filled with possibilities, and lift people up.”
Three will be 3 weeks in length; the others will be shorter runs. They are:
“Ken Ludwig’s Pride and Prejudice Part 2: Napoleon at Pemberley” (world premiere; October 20-November 7)
“A Sherlock Carol” (written and directed by Shanahan, returning for a 4th season: December 12-20)
“Murder For Two” (musical comedy mystery; March 4-7)
“The Pancake Club” (world premiere; a Script in Hand selection, now staged by popular demand; April 20-May 8)
“The Goldsmith” (another Script in Hand selection; May 19-22)
Mark Shanahan introduces the 2026-27 season. (Photo/Dave Matlow)
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“Unvaccinated Under God” is the title of a compelling book just published by Dr. Kira Ganga Kieffer.
It’s also the focus of a special Westport Library discussion on June 4 (7 p.m.).
The event — part of the “Saugatuck Scribes” series spotlighting Westport authors — features aconversation with primary care physician Dr. Caroline Andrew.
Both graduated from Staples High School and Brown University.
Vaccine hesitancy in America is not new. In her book, Kieffer ties debates over vaccine safety and mandatory vaccinations with “existential concerns about justice and morality.” She says that vaccine hesitancy here is a religious expression — not the product of scientific misinformation.
Kieffer is a scholar of American religions, history, culture and politics. She is a visiting assistant professor of religious studies at Fairfield University, after teaching at Boston University, the University of Vermont and Wesleyan University. The Brown University graduate now lives in Westport with her husband and daughter.
Sure, the Levitt Pavilion (Tedeschi Trucks, Cyndi Lauper) and Westport Library (Wyclef Jean, The Wallflowers)) rock the music world.
And the Westport Country Playhouse regularly showcases stars like Audra McDonald and Judy Collins.
But don’t overlook the VFW. Post 399 — on the river, at the Riverside/Saugatuck Avenue split — hosts some legendary names too. (Most recently: Corky Laing, former Mountain drummer.)
On June 27 (6:30 p.m. doors, 7:30 music), it’s Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Mark Naftalin.
The Paul Butterfield Band keyboardist — and longtime Westport resident — joins Connecticut Blues Hall of Famer Paul Gabriel, Connecticut Blues Challenge winner Mark Zaretsky, and bassist Paul Opalach, drummer Nick Longo and singer Washboard Slim, in a must-see show.
Tickets are $20 (cash only), at the door.
Mark Naftalin (Photo copyright DinkinESH Fotografix)
Westport Police made 1 custodial arrest between May 13 and 26.
A 19-year-old Trumbull man was charged with reckless driving, engaging police in pursuit, interfering with an officer, improper passing, failure to drive right and failure to display plates, following a May 19 incident. The motorcyclist cut in front of an officer on Post Road East, past a vehicle in a no-passing area, then cut between traffic when signaled to stop. The officer provided a description; a Westport detective observed the biker at Sasco Beach in Fairfield. He attempted to flee, but dropped the motorcycle in the sand. He was released on a $6,000 bond.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Failure to obey state traffic commission regulations: 16 citations
Traveling unreasonably fast: 13
Failure to obey stop sign: 9
Failure to renew registration: 7
Texting while driving: 6
Distracted driving: 2
School zone violation: 3
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 2
Failure to insure motor vehicle: 2
School zone violation, 2nd offense: 2
Improper passing: 2
Failure to drive in the proper lane: 2
Improper turn: 2
Improper use of markers: 2
Speeding: 1
Following too closely: 1
Failure to grant right of way: 1
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 1
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
Failure to carry registration: 1
It’s not a good idea to cut in front of a police officer.
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Every dog has its days.
And these (at least 6) had theirs — a “Westport … Naturally” day — recently, in Greens Farms.
And finally … happy 82nd birthday to Gladys Knight, and 81st to John Fogerty!
(Another day, another Roundup, another chance to learn all about Westport — what to do, how to help. If you appreciate our 24/7/365 work, please click here to support this hyper-local blog. Thank you!)
The Board of Selectmen invites all residents to join them for an informal community conversation this afternoon (Wednesday, 3 p.m., Town Hall Room 201/201A).
It’s the first in an ongoing series. The goal is to provide “an open, welcoming space for residents to stop by, ask questions, share thoughts, and raise topics of interest related to town government.”
Speaking of local businesses, Chris Grimm writes: “You would think, given that their clients are largely sick and old, Walgreens would clear their parking lot of snow.”
The Artists Collective of Westport’s 12×12 Holiday Exhibit opened last night, at the Westport Country Playhouse barn.
Interestingly, all works are 12×12. And all are for sale, just in time for the holidays.
The show runs through Sunday (December 21, noon to 4 p.m.).
Admiring some of the dozens of 12×12 pieces.
The pianist at last night’s Artists Collective opening was not some random guy. It was Mark Naftalin: founding member of the Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, and Westport resident. (Photos/Susan Garment)
Like many trail and ultra runners, Jes Parker loves and appreciates the outdoors.
Yet, she knows, runners often engage in behaviors that are not exactly environmentally sound.
Long distance runners, for example, experiment often with gear. Before finding what’s comfortable or works well, they’ve missed return dates, snagged the fabric or others made items non-returnable.
But wait! Don’t throw them out!
Jes — a Westport resident — is building a business that keeps trail running goods, and other running synthetics, out of landfills.
At the same time, it makes the sport more accessible.
Take2Trail — Parker’s brainstorm (and a great, clever name) — buys those items. She then resells them, at a deep discount.
Parker knows that buying and selling on internet peer-to-peer sites can be unfulfilling. Items are strategically photographed to hide warts; they’re not always delivered; meet-up exchanges fall through.
People hyper-focused on their fitness, family — and full-time jobs — don’t have the time or patience to jump through hoops to keep things out of landfills (or even take them to Goodwill).
Take2Trail a great idea. Fleet Foot owner Dave Wright has helped too, donating some return inventory and other sunk cost items.
The 2022 Staples High School graduate, and current senior soccer player at Johns Hopkins University, has been named to the College Sports Communicators Academic All-America team.
Coleman — a neuroscience major with a 3.95 GPA — is also an All-Centennial Conference 2nd team pick.
He was named to the Allstate NACDA Good Works team for fall sports, for his efforts as president and fundraising chair of Baltimore Scores in STEM. The mentorship program supports local youth pursuing STEM education.
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Staples High School Class of 1963 graduate Sam Pair has published “Le Yankee Noir: The Power of Acceptance.”
The write-up on Amazon says: “In the global aviation industry, where building cross-cultural relationships is essential, cultural gaps and accepting others unlike ourselves remain issues.
“A veteran aerospace engineer with vast experience with inter-cultural bridge building, Samuel E. Pair has created a book that illuminates the value of acceptance and its influence on creating the climate for building trusting cross-cultural relationships.
“The culmination of a frustrating career journey — still healing after multiple rejections to his quest to enter a prominent management development program, an African American aerospace engineer is surprisingly summoned to the south of France in 1994 by French aircraft industry leaders.
“Tasked with managing the oversight of the recovery of a floundering new jet propulsion program for intensely anticipated jet liners, his reflection on the experiences of interacting with French and other nationalities on-site, explores the power of mutual acceptance and its influence on inspiring, motivating and propelling him through a myriad of formidable issues and a life threating condition.
“While ruminating about the significant events and consequential happenings during this twelve-year period, he is drawn to the factors that promoted his transformation, the ability to build relational bridges over cultural divides and contributed to his success. He shares them in this book.”
And finally … in honor (sort of) of Jes Parker’s excellent idea for reusing running gear:
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Hard to believe, but voting for town officials begins tomorrow (Monday, October 20).
All early voting takes place in the Town Hall auditorium. Regular polling places are open on Election Day only.
Here’s the schedule:
DATE VOTING HOURS
Monday, October 20 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, October 21 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday, October 22 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday, October 23 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday, October 24 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 25 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 26 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday, October 27 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, October 28 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday, October 29 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday, October 30 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Friday, October 31 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 1 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, November 2 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
SAME DAY REGISTRATION: If you are new to Westport, or have not registered before.
To register, you must show identification that includes your name and Westport address (for example, a driver’s license, current utility bill, check or Social Security card).
You can register online at voterregistration.ct.gov, at the DMV, at the Registrars Office (Town Hall Room 107) or, mail your registration card by October 17.
If you miss this registration deadline, Westport offers registration every day at Town Hall in the auditorium during the early voting period (above). Registrants will be able to cast their ballot at that time.
Registration also available on Election Day (November 4) at the Town Hall auditorium from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voters can register and vote during that time. Be prepared to show proof of identity and residency.
The Public Works Department recently installed a radiation detection system at the transfer station. This is in response to the town being repeatedly fined at the waste-to-energy plant in Bridgeport for “hot” loads of municipal solid waste.
A load is “hot” when it contains medical waste with high radiation levels. When this type of waste is mixed in with regular MSW, the plant charges us for finding, isolating and handling the radioactive material. Each incident can cost the towm (taxpayers) over $2,000.
In response, town officials have implemented a new process:
RESIDENTS
If a resident’s vehicle triggers the radiation detection system, an alarm will sound. The vehicle that sets off the system will be asked to leave the transfer station with their waste.
The resident has these options:
Isolate the medical waste and dispose of it at a medical waste facility licensed to take such material, or seek assistance from the health care provider that prescribed the medication. This is the preferred method, especially if the resident expects to be generating more of this type of waste.
After 14 days, the waste can be returned to the transfer station to be re-tested by the system. If the radiation level has decreased to a level not detectable by the system, the driver may dispose of the waste at the transfer station. If the radiation level has not decreased enough, the driver will again be required to leave until it meets acceptable levels.
HAULERS (RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL)
If a hauler’s vehicle triggers the radiation detection system, an alarm will sound. The vehicle that sets off the system will be instructed not to dump at the transfer station. The station operator will try to identify the general location of the radioactive waste within the closed vehicle, utilizing a handheld detector. The driver will be asked to leave the transfer station and will not be allowed to dump.
The driver has these options:
Isolate the medical waste at the hauler’s facility, and dispose of it at a medical waste facility licensed to take such material. It is strongly suggested that the hauler try to identify which customer is generating the waste so that they too can be notified they need to stop doing this, and dispose of the medical waste appropriately.
See second option above, under “Residents.”
Questions? Call Joe Izzo, solid waste superintendent: 203-341-5085.
New rules at the transfer station.
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There’s always something going on at the Westport Library.
Yesterday was a workshop- and panel-filled StoryFest day.
Among them: “Coming of Age: Writing Youth, Identity, and the Search for Belonging.”
Participants (see photo below) included Charlie Jane Anders, Derrick Barnes, Lorien Lawrence, Hailey Piper, Dan Poblocki and Charmaie Gordon.
Around the corner, Westport resident and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Mark Naftalin checked out the new exhibit:
(Photos/DinkinESH Fotografix)
“Art of the Album: Modern Blues” showcases a selection of LPs featuring his performances on keyboard, including with the Paul Butterfield Blues Band. From Mother Earth’s “Living With the Animals” to Brewer & Shipley’s “Tarkio,” the albums capture a time when vinyl was both a canvas and a keepsake.
I wasn’t going to post any more photos of yesterday’s “No Kings” rally.
But this one has it all: protesters on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge.
A passing car.
And a Westport Police officer, who was one of several doing a great job keeping rally-goers safe, and traffic moving.
(Photo/Loretta Hallock)
And this one, also from the bridge. It’s artistic — not political:
(Photo/Rowene Weems)
Meanwhile, Pam Docters and Toni Mickiewicz were not at Staples during the famous Vietnam protests of the late 1960s. They’re in the SHS Class of 1978.
But yesterday — at the No Kings rally — they looked back on the most historic Westport protest of that era. Click here or below to view their very intriguing Instagram video:
But we can still point out that Representative Town Meeting hopeful Harris Falk may have the best campaign slogan of anyone running for any office in Westport this year.
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The New York Giants and Gatorade have selected the Staples football team’s first-year coach as High School Coach of the Week.
The Wreckers are now 4-0, after pummeling Darien on the road last Saturday, 31-6. It was Staples’ first victory over the Blue Wave in 13 years.
The honor comes with a $2,000 check from the Giants Foundation and Gatorade for the football program. Jacowleff will also receive a certificate signed by Giants head coach Brian Daboll, and be honored at a dinner following the season, and a 2026 pre-season game.
Staples football head coach Matty Jacowleff.
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The art featured this fall in the Westport Library aligns with StoryFest — the multimedia homage to storytelling.
The exhibits — on display now through December 16, include:
The exhibit features renowned photographers Philippe Halsman, Alfred Eisenstaedt, Eliot Porter and Lucia Nebel White, and Westport photographers Larry Silver, David Kalman, Spencer Platt, Lynsey Addario and more.
Larry Morse’s “Black Men Reading” (opening reception October 29 at 6 p.m.; conversation between Morse and Westport artist Miggs Burroughs at 7).
The idea for this series began in 2020, inspired by daily subway commutes where Morse observed fellow passengers, including the occasional sight of Black men with books in hand. Those moments transcended timely happenings, and spoke to deep-rooted aspects of identity, dignity, and representation.
“Art of the Album: Modern Blues” showcases a selection of LPs featuring Westport resident and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Mark Naftalin’s performances on keyboard, including with the Paul Butterfield Blues Band. From Mother Earth’s “Living With the Animals” to Brewer & Shipley’s “Tarkio,” these albums capture the cultural time when vinyl packaging were both a canvas and a keepsake.
Staples High School Class of 1973 graduate Bob Gill died peacefully in February in Honolulu. He was 69.
An Eagle Scout, Bob earned a gymnastics scholarship — and a bachelor arts in education — at Arizona State University.
Bob in the Los Angeles and Honolulu public schools. The North Shore, with its culture and surfing challenge, became his home.
He was also an actor, model and house painter.
Bob is survived by his siblings Jeffrey, Steven (Sally) and Kirsten Bartie (Steve). He was predeceased by his parents Robert and Olivia, and brother Gary.
A memorial will be held this Sunday (October 12, 11:45 a.m., Willowbrook Cemetery).
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Connecticut Humane Society.
Longtime Westporter Jo Ann Arciola died peacefully at her home on Wednesday, surrounded by her family, after a brief illness. She was 78.
The Boston native found her professional home at Resnick Advisories, where she spent more than 20 years. She was noted for her dedication, integrity and kindness.
Jo Ann was an avid reader, traveler and cook. Her family says, “her kitchen was a place of warmth, laughter, and love.”
Jo Ann is survived by her husband of 58 years, Sam Arciola, Jr.; son Sam Arciola III (Kelly); grandsons Sam Arciola IV and Dominic Arciola; brothers-in-law Carmen Arciola of Florida and Jay Westerhold of Virginia; many nieces and nephews, and her dog Romeo. She was predeceased by her brother Edward Austin, sister Eleanor Westerhold, and Joseph Arciola.
A memorial service is set for Thursday (October 16, 11 a.m., Assumption Cemetery, 73 Greens Farms Road).
And finally … in honor of Mark Naftalin, and the album cover exhibit at the Westport Library (story above):
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Hard to believe, but voting for town officials begins in just 11 days.
Here’s the early voting schedule, at the Town Hall auditorium:
DATE VOTING HOURS
Monday, October 20 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, October 21 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday, October 22 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday, October 23 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday, October 24 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 25 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 26 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday, October 27 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, October 28 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday, October 29 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday, October 30 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Friday, October 31 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 1 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, November 2 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
SAME DAY REGISTRATION: If you are new to Westport, or have not registered before.
To register, you must show identification that includes your name and Westport address (for example, a driver’s license, current utility bill, check or Social Security card).
You can register online at voterregistration.ct.gov, at the DMV, at the Registrars Office (Town Hall Room 107) or, mail your registration card by October 17.
If you miss this registration deadline, Westport offers registration every day at Town Hall in the auditorium during the early voting period (above). Registrants will be able to cast their ballot at that time.
Registration also available on Election Day (November 4) at the Town Hall auditorium from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voters can register and vote during that time. Be prepared to show proof of identity and residency.
“OK To Delay” — the group urging parents to protect middle schoolers from smartphones and social media — kicks off fall with a coffee-and-conversation event tomorrow (October 10, 10 a.m., Make Modern, 180 Post Road East). Lyfe Café will provide the light bites.
Speaking of Saugatuck: Most places, you’d pay big buck$ to hear a Rock & Roll Hall of Famer play.
In Westport, it’s just $15.
And you’ll be sitting about 5 feet away.
Mark Naftalin — a keyboardist with the original Paul Butterfield Blues Band — brings his magic to the VFW on November 1 (6:30 doors, 7:30 music).
He’ll be joined by Connecticut Blues Hall of Fame member Paul Gabriel, Connecticut Blues Challenge winner Mark Zaretsky, plus Nick Longo and Paul Opalach.
Pay in cash at the door. It doesn’t get more down home than that.
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Intensity has opened new platform tennis (paddle) courts.
They’ll celebrate with a free opening night party on October 17. There’s a 6 p.m. round robin (sign up here to play), then an exhibition match with local pros at 7:30.
The event includes food, drinks, a raffle and photos.
Intensity is just over the Norwalk line, at 490 Westport Avenue. Questions? Call 203-853-7727.
“Live from Lincoln Center” executive producer — and longtime Westport resident — Andrew Wilk addressed a large Senior Center crowd on Tuesday.
He detailed the creation of his award-winning PBS special “Simple Gifts.” The program was organized by the Y’s Men of Westport & Weston, whose officer John Brandt led the conversation.
Westport resident Louis D’Onofrio has just published “The Ultimate Short Story Collection.”
Some were inspired by Westport, and New England. They offer “reflections on current world events, and the comforting chaos of home…. (They) celebrate the power of perspective, the magic in the mundane, and the connections that quietly bind us all.” Click here to order, and for more information.
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The weather has finally turned autumnal.
But earlier this week — and for much of the fall — it’s felt positively summerish.
Nico Eisenberger was at Burying Hill Beach on Tuesday. He reports: “There was a good showing from the High Tide Club today.
“The only requirement to join is that you show up to swim at high tide, sometimes. No initiation. No fee. Everyone is free to do as they please. We’re open to new members!”
PS: The forecast today is sunny, with a high of 60.
Burying Hill High Tide Club. (Photo/Nico Eisenberger)
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Speaking of the beach (and summer): The Parks & Recreation Department has announced a winner for its mural painting contest.
Luke Bernier’s work was selected. He is a junior at Staples High.
It will be painted on the side of the Hook’d/Bluestone concession building, facing west.
Right now, it’s a big, empty space. Here’s what it will look like next year:
Very cool, Luke. Congratulatons!
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The Suzuki School is more than just violins.
Their next concert (October 24, 7 p.m.) features jazz pianist/cellist Julian Shively and vocalist Emma McDonald. The evening blends jazz, R&B and neo-soul. click here for tickets, and more information.
Julian Shively and Emma McDonald.
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Westport Police made 3 custodial arrests between October 1 and 7.
A 19-year-old Stamford woman was charged with larceny of a motor vehicle, conspiracy to commit larceny of a motor vehicle, operating a motor vehicle without a license and failure to drive in the proper lane, following a crash on Beachside Avenue. The vehicle had been stolen from the Greens Farms railroad station, with the key fob left inside. A juvenile was also charged with larceny and conspiracy to commit larceny, and released in the custody of a parent.
A 22-year-old Waterbury man was charged with identity theft and conspiracy to commit larceny, following a complaint that 2 checks had been intercepted from the mail, and altered. He was held on a $25,000 bond.
A 45-year-old Westport man was charged with disorderly conduct, following a complaint of a verbal argument that escalated into physical contact.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Speeding in a school zone: 2 citations
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 2
Passing a standing school bus: 1
Distracted driving: 1
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
Unsafe backing: 1
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 1
Improper use of markers: 1
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Lee Wrubel died at his Westport home on Tuesday, surrounded by his wife and children. He was 61.
The Staten Island native earned a BA from Lafayette College, an MD/MPH from Tufts University, an MBA from Columbia University, and a Certificate in Leadership Coaching from Georgetown University.
His professional life was dedicated to transforming healthcare, most notably with Foundation Medical Partners, a venture firm he co-founded with the Cleveland Clinic, and most recently as global co-leader of Egon Zehnder’s Global Healthcare Research and Development practice.
His family says, “Lee valued intellectual curiosity, creating and collecting photography, and a good espresso. His happiest times were spent with his family, whether walking to Compo Beach, traveling the globe, or engaging in conversation over a great meal, by the fireplace, or on the back patio. He was their rock and will continue to be their north star.”
Dr. Wrubel is survived by his wife of 33 years Michele; children Alec (Molly Kandarian) of Los Angeles and Brooke of New York, mother Evelyn, and his brothers Eric and Austin. He was predeceased by his father George.
Funeral services will be held at The Community Synagogue in Westport tomorrow (Friday, October 10, 2 p.m. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center or The Community Synagogue.
Lee Wrubel
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Another day, another “Westport … Naturally” spider photo.
Fernando Silva writes: “There are 3 orb-weavers below our climbing hydrangea with huge, incredible webs. This cross orb-weaver posed so nicely at the corner of its web, camouflaged in a brittle bloom, I had to send it in.
“Spiders won’t win traditional beauty contests anytime soon. But considering Halloween is around the corner, it felt appropriate.”
And finally … Chris Dreja died recently in London. He was 78.
A rhythm and bass guitarist, and founding member of the Yardbirds, he was not as well known as other members of the group, like Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page.
But he was here in Westport in October of 1966, when the Yardbirds gave a memorable concert at Staples High School. Here’s a story about that show. Click below for some of the songs he played on.
(Early voting begins soon — as “06880” notes above. We’ll continue to cover all the Westport races closely. That’s the way we roll. But we can’t do it without you. Please click here to support us. Thanks!)
Westporter Julie Mombello and her longtime friend Patty Lewis — former colleagues at Greens Farms Academy — have done spent a decade creating, building and growing Adam J. Lewis Academy.
The Bridgeport pre-K through 6th grade school honors Patty’s husband, who was killed on 9/11. He grew up poor in the Bronx, and never forgot the educational opportunities he was given at Dalton School and Hamilton College.
Adam J. Lewis Academy serves as a similar beacon of hope for 250 youngsters, who thrive in its child-centered, small-class, joyful and discovery-based environment. It is a shining example of the power of education to change lives, one youngster at a time.
Many Westporters support the school. A number of them were at Bridgeport’s Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater Friday night, for a fundraiser celebrating AJLA’s 10th anniversary.
Funds raised will help add one more grade each year, so students can continue to explore, learn and grow under the guidance of a superb staff.
To learn more about Adam J. Lewis Academy — including how to help — click here. For a 2021 “06880” story on Julie, Patty and their work, click here.
There’s always something going on at Wakeman Town Farm.
Westport’s sustainability center offers educational workshops for all ages, internships, after-school environmental clubs, children’s summer camp programs, a farm stand and much more.
Evenings are packed with programs too. Many take place in Tim’s Kitchen, the homey, versatile space created in memory of Liz Milwe and Peter Wormser’s son.
One of the lesser-known, but not-to-be-missed, events there are “chef farm dinners.”
Noted local chefs cook fantastic meals, often using produce and herbs straight from WTF. Guests enjoy them at communal tables. In good weather, they stroll around the farm.
She should know. The founder of AMG Catering is one of the most popular of all Town Farm chefs.
She was at it again last week, offering a 4-course meal highlighted by bucatini with asparagus, pea shoot Meyer lemon pesto and local buratta, or lamb chops with fennel slaw and spiced yogurt. (No, the lamb did not previously live at the farm.)
Several students of one of Alison’s cooking classes came together. Two people who are in the same (non-Farm) woodworking class were surprised to see each other. Conversation was lively at the long tables, with folks who had just met.
“Food brings people together,” Alison notes. “For 3 hours, in beautiful surroundings, you can just enjoy yourself.
And, of course, the food is terrific.
There will be more chef farm dinners soon. Allison is already planning for her next ones — including October.
“There’s so much available then, right at the farm,” she says. “Kale, squashes, tomatoes, fresh herbs …”
Yum!
Alison Milwe Grace, with za’atar roasted carrots, served over whipped feta with mint-date “jus.”
Over 40 parents have reacted to recent incidents of antisemitism and racism in Westport schools by looking at codes of conducts and restorative justice practices in other districts.
They’ve launched a website — Kind WPS — as the Board of Education examines revisions to its own policies, suggesting stronger measures than already planned. Click here for details.
There’s plenty of great art on the walls of the Westport Woman Club’s annual art show.
At Friday night’s opening reception, and yesterday, there was also a Rock & Roll Hall of Famer providing piano music.
Mark Naftalin — inducted as the Paul Butterfield Blues Band’s keyboardist in 2015 — made the show even more special.
He won’t be there this afternoon. But you can still see this excellent show today (Sunday), from 2 to 5 p.m., at the WWC’s Bedford Hall (44 Imperial Avenue).
Mark Naftalin, at the Westport Woman’s Club piano. (Photo/Rowene Weems Photography)
A proposal to develop 125 Riverside Avenue — the site of the historic Crossman-Coley house at the foot of Burr Road — will be explained this week.
Tomorrow (Monday, May 6, 7 p.m., Zoom), the Planning & Zoning Commission meeting begins with a pre-application by Vita Design for their plans. There will be no public comment, or vote.
The next night (Tuesday, May 7, 7 p.m., Zoom), a joint meeting of the Historic District Commission and Architectural Review Board will review and discuss the plans, including the notice of intent to demolish the house.
125 Riverside Avenue.
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The beaches are open for residents with stickers. Memorial Day, Camp Compo, REC-ing crew and the fireworks are around the corner.
Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department welcomes summer with a special Compo Beach family event on Saturday, May 25 (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.).
Activities include touch-a-truck, bouncy house, obstacle courses, food vendors and more. Everyone there gets a free raffle ticket too!
MoCA Westport is gambling that Westporters will love its new fundraiser.
“Gallery of Games Night – Deal Yourself In to Support the Arts” (May 17, 7 to 11 p.m) includes gaming tables, live music by the very talented Staples High School graduate Michelle Pauker, silent auction prizes. and drinks from Sono 1420. Click here for tickets, and more information.
Club 203 — Westport’s social group for adults with disabilities — continues its fun schedule a with a night at Nutmeg Bowling in Fairfield (May 14, 6:30 to 8 p.m.).
Shoes and pizza are provided. As always, MoCA Westport will supply an art table.
Parents and guardians are welcome to stay at Nutmeg. A cash bar is available.
For more information, click here. Club 203 is on Instagram: @club203_ct.
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Sure, it’s early May. But that means the Sunrise Rotary Club’s Great Duck Race is less than 2 months away.
This year’s event is June 29. As always, it’s family friendly, fun and free. Of course, you can’t win the $5,000 first prize (or any other) if you don’t have “race” tickets.
Proceeds help fund a variety of important projects, here and abroad.
They’re available from any Sunrise Rotarian, and online here.
So how do you know who’s a Rotarian? They’ll be wearing special shirts, all around town. Check out the models below:
Looking ducky (from left): Mark Mathias, Pete Wolgast, Katie Augustyn, Ron Holtz, Bruce Paul.
Missed Startup Westport’s Innovator of the Year award last week?
Interesting in finding out what ESPN CEO Jimmy Pitaro and ESPN host Mike Greenberg had to say about their network, the future of sports and the media, innovation, and Westport (the town they live in and love)?
Congratulations to Westport’s newest Eagle Scouts!
Jackson Cregan and Dylan Kurpiel of Troop 36 were honored yesterday, with a Court of Honor at Saugatuck Congregational Church.
Guest speaker Michele Sorensen, president of Friends of Sherwood Island, spoke about the importance of volunteerism and protecting the environment — both of which the new Eagle Scouts embody every day.
Eagle Scouts Dylan Kurpiel and Jackson Cregan. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Congratulations too to Frank Murgalo. The Marine Corps veteran (aka Santa Claus for the “06880”/Westport Downtown Association Holiday Stroll) organized and hosted a very successful fundraiser Friday night, at Joseph J. Clinton VFW Post 399.
The dinner and comedy show, featuring Rodney Norman, Howie Mason and Andrew Alfredo, was completely sold out.
Frank continues to work tirelessly for veterans. That’s no laughing matter!
“This male house finch has Darwin written all over it. Look at that beak!”
(Photo/Lou Weinberg)
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And finally … happy May 5th!
(Every day is a holiday at “06880” — or at least, a chance to celebrate our hyper-local blog. We rely on reader support, so please click here to donate. Thank you!)
Tonight is the night for a forum on “Addressing Incidents of Antisemitism and Bias in our Schools” (Wednesday, March 13, 7:30 p.m., Temple Israel).
The event — including educators, clergy and community leaders — will provide an opportunity to share best practices for preventing and responding to identity-based bullying in public schools. A Q-and-A session will follow.
Originally scheduled for February, the forum was postponed by snow.
Click here to attend in person (pre-registration is required). Click here to watch via livestream. Click here to watch via livestream.
Several big capital spending projects loom in Westport.
What are the rationales, goals and processes?
Town Hall and Westport Public Schools leaders share insights on March 26 (7 p.m., Westport Library) in a community conversation.
1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Superintendent of Schools Thomas Scarice will present their capital spending strategies and rationales. A panel of experts will discuss possible funding strategies, capital planning best practices, and the approval process for achieving capital spending goals. An audience Q-and-A session will follow.
The event is sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Westport, and the Westport Library’s Common Ground initiative.
Longshore is one of several large capital projects planned for the future.
Congratulations to the Staples High School Model UN Club.
Inklings reports that 16 delegates attended the recent National High School Model UN Conference in New York.
Staples delegates represented South Africa in 8 committees, debating topics like healthcare and renewable energy.
Club president Tucker Peters and vice president Jameson Russell were given the Commission on Science and Technology for Development’s Awards of Distinction, the highest possible award.
Alessandra Spadea, Jori Altman, Mia Bomback and Graysen Peters earned Awards of Merit for their contributions in the UN Human Rights Council and International Organization for Migration, respectively.
Jacob Calandro and Julien McMahon received Awards of Excellence for the Commission on Crime Prevention and Justice.
Staples’ Model UN Club, at the real UN. (Photo/Mia Bomback)
From a quick glance at this photo, it looks like just some guy playing piano at last night’s Artists Collective of Westport pop-up gallery opening party.
(Photo/Dan Woog)
But look closely. “That guy” is Mark Naftalin. A spectacularly talented keyboardist, he played with the Paul Butterfield Blues Band — and was inducted with them into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2015.
It did not take long for the large crowd to realize they were in the presence of greatness — musically, as well as artistically.
Attendees of all ages gathered around the piano, as the famed Westport resident played blues, boogie-woogie, and lots more — just like he was back on stage at Monterey.
Mark Naftalin: a master at work. (Photo/Tomoko Meth)
But plenty of Westporters are members of the 75-year-old organization.
And sure, they’ll all be there this St. Patrick’s weekend to celebrate.
You’re invited too!
From Friday to Sunday (March 15-17; $10 non-members), Irish and non-Irish alike* will enjoy live music from a pipe band, with step dancers; corned beef sandwiches and more.
As our national mental health crisis escalates, TAP Strength — the individualized coaching center in downtown Westport — is offering an intriguing discussion.
“Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy” features a discussion with Jennifer Boyd, a physician assistant, ecopsychologist and Reiki master. TAP founder Dr. EJ Zebro will moderate.
The event is March 26 (6-7 p.m., 180 Post Road East). Proceeds from the suggested $25 donation will go to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Westporter Atara Nova’s unique “Cosmic Misfit” concert and one-woman show of all original music heads to Newtown’s Sticks & Stones Farms this Saturday (March 16, 7 p.m.).
Organizers say: “As the music from pulsating beats to haunting melodies unfold, you’ll embark on a journey woven with intricately layered harmonies and rhythms, each reflecting a chapter of Atara’s profound inner quest.
“The music tells a story of Wetiko, a deadly virus of the mind, and one celestial being’s quest to heal herself and her community.”
Tickets are $22 (sliding scale available). Click here to buy, and for information.
PS: If you haven’t heard of Atara Nova, you may know her as Atara Horrigan.
And finally … in honor of Mark Naftalin, last night’s featured musician at the Artists’ Collective of Westport gallery opening (story above):
(Today — as every day — “06880” is “Where Westport meets the world.” But we couldn’t do it without our readers’ support. Please click here to contribute. Thank you very much!)
Their 22 Main Street gallery opened in February. Last night, a large crowd welcomed them, at their official launch party.
CEO Helen Swaby loved Westport, from the moment she saw it. She calls our town ‘a flourishing cultural and creative center (which), like Clarendon, has a strong commitment to preserving community, traditions, and quality of life.”
The world’s largest gallery group wants to make art “accessible to all.” They showcase an eclectic portfolio of artists, across a broad range of genres.
The new 2-story building features an international portfolio of originals, collector’s editions, and sculpture from famous names, alongside emerging talents.
Works from artists like Picasso, Miro, Warhol and Hockney; cutting edge pop, street, and contemporary art; more traditional work including landscape, wildlife, still life, figurative and abstract art, is all on view — and sale — at Clarendon.
Clarendon’s 2nd floor. (Photo/Dan Woog)
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Speaking of art: There are plenty of great works at this weekend’s Westport Woman’s Club 8th annual show.
Yesterday, there was also A-list entertainment.
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame keyboardist Mark Naftalin (Paul Butterfield Blues Band) and Crispin Cioe — who has played sax with James Brown, the Rolling Stones, Solomon Burke, Darlene Love, Tom Waits, Ray Charles, Robert Palmer, Bronski Beat, the Ohio Players, Usher and others — offered music to admire art by. Both are Westporters.
The show ends today: 2 to 5 p.m., 44 Imperial Avenue.
Mark Naftalin and Crispin Cioe, at the Westport Woman’s Club. (Photo/Miggs Burroughs)
In an age when every youngster seems to be on a device — and/or traveling up and down the East Coast playing youth sports — it’s nice to see that these kids had good old-fashioned fun yesterday, decorating a driveway on Gorham Avenue.
Elle and Axel Enslin, their mom Kara, and Charlotte Peters, hard at work.
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Lovely lilacs are today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured flower. Thank you, Dana Kuyper!
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