Tag Archives: Mark Shapiro

Roundup: Kevin Christie, Longshore, Compo Beach …

Posted on October 14, 2025 | 3 comments

“06880”‘s Instagram Live series with 1st selectman candidates continues at noon tomorrow (Wednesday,).

Democratic Kevin Christie will be the guest. Republican-endorsed Don O’Day and Independent David Rosenwaks were previously interviewed.

Kevin Christie

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Also tomorrow: the Parks & Recreation Commission meets (Wednesday, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium) to discuss the Parks Master Plan and Longshore Capital Improvement Plan.

The Parks Master Plan presentation should synthesize some of the findings from the public engagement session 2 weeks ago at the Westport Library.

The Longshore Capital Improvement Plan will include the previously proposed maintenance shed — now a larger maintenance complex being discussed for numerous sites, including within Longshore itself.

It includes space for Longshore maintenance items and tools, plus staff work spaces and vehicle parking.

The current Longshore maintenance shed.

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Yesterday’s “Nor’easter” was nowhere near as bad as predicted.

There was a bit of rain, some stronger-than-usual winds, and — at its peak yesterday morning — only about 40 power outages.

But conditions were great for anyone who loves waves. Plus, photographers who love to shoot them.

Here are a few great images, both from Compo Beach:

Andy Flotto enjoys the waves … (Photo/Nancy Breakstone)

… along with Tristen Rycenga. The 8th graders are best friends, and surf together all along the East Coast. Yesterday they did it at their “home” beach. (Photo/Nancy Breakstone)

(Photo/Mark Mathias)

And one from Burying Hill Beach:

(Photo/Judith Katz)

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There’s a new theater group in town.

Well, not exactly. Call it a “rebrand.”

Bedford Acting Group — the famed Bedford Middle School program — is now called Bedford Theater Community.

The new name that honors the program’s long-standing tradition of inclusivity, collaboration and creativity.  The new logo highlights the importance of collaboration among students, parents, BMS staff, and local community and supporters.

The rebrand coincides with the arrival of Rick Hribko, Bedford’s new theater director and acting teacher. He is building on its strong foundation of creativity, confidence-building, and community connection.

“Bedford Theater Community reflects not just who we are, but what we stand for: a place where every student has a voice, a role, and an opportunity to shine,” Hribko says.

“The BTC acts as a theatrical family who overcomes challenges and celebrates successes together. It’s about belonging, collaboration, and celebrating the power of storytelling together.”

His first production, this December, is “Annie, Jr.” It will be presented by the 6th grade class, with 7th and 8th grade student directors and stage crew mentors.

Show dates are December 4-7. Tickets go on sale November 10th. Click here for the BTC Instagram. Click here for the Facebook page.

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Claire Tiefenthaler works as a registered nurse at a local hospital, on a child and adolescent unit.

Andrew Colabella and friends are hosting a donations drive at 10 a.m. tomorrow (Wednesday) at the I-95 commuter parking lot, on the Sherwood Island Connector.

Among the items needed:

  • Shirts without belts, zippers or strings
  • Pants without zippers or strings
  • Sweatshirts (no hoods)
  • Unopened undergarments
  • Unopened toiletries
  • Halloween costumes
  • Projectors
  • Yoga mats.

Questions? Email acolabellartm4@gmail.com.

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VFW Post 399 has become Westport’s comedy central.

The next night for affordable local laughs is Friday (October 17; doors open at 7 p.m., show at 8).

Chris Monty headlines, with Ellen Karis, Joe Pontillo and Dave Sheehan.

Tickets are $20 online or at the door. The VFW has a full bar, and a light food menu.

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But wait! There’s more!

The VFW is also chili central.

The day after the comedy show, the club hosts its annual Chili Cook-Off fundraiser (Saturday, October 18, 6 to 8 p.m.). American Legion Post 63 is the co-sponsor.

In addition to a wide variety of chili recipes, there’s a 50/50 raffle.

The fee is $25; all funds go to veterans and Westport’s first responders. For more information, email VFW399ct@gmail.com, or call 203-227-6796.

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If you missed last week’s StartUp Westport Innovator of the Year Awards ceremony, you missed inspiring speeches by sports and entertainment rock star Mark Shapiro, and Sweet P Bakery founders Bill and Andrea Pecoriello.

But you’re in luck. The Westport Library’s superb crew captured it all on video. Click here or below to view the entire event.

Up next: StartUp Westport’s first-ever Pitch Competition.

Set for November 20 (6:30 p.m., Westport Library), it’s the final round of a competition that began in May, with 77 applicants.

The 21 companies selected to participate gained valuable support through education, mentorship and coaching. Now just 5 remain:

  • Chroma Shield
  • Mirabelle Medical
  • Neuro Puffs
  • Nexa Tax
  • Wheel Price
  • Honorable Mention: Pro Patient Tech.

They’ll compete, “Shark Tank”-style, for a share of $25,000 in non-dilutive funding. The panel of Westport-based VC judges promises an inspiring, high-energy event.

StartUp Westport events often fill the Library to capacity. Click here to register.

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One of Fairfield County’s favorite musicians — Chris Coogan — returns to Jazz at the Post this Thursday (October 16, VFW Post 399; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 7).

The insanely talented jazz pianist — whose gigs range from accompanist to   Gospel, plus choir director and bandleader — met Jazz at the Post maestro Greg Wall shortly after “the Jazz Rabbi” moved to Westport over 12 years ago. They realized they were cut from the same cloth. They share a deep spiritual attachment to American music, digging deep into its roots and extending outward from there.

The pair will be joined by John Mobilio on bass, and Jim Royle on drums. Click here for reservations.

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On Monday, Phillip James Dodd treated the Y’s Women to a pictorial view of the houses of the popular HBO series, “The Gilded Age”: The Biltmore, The Elms and The Breakers.

The author, educator and architect noted that the tycoons garnered great wealth because they made their money before the introduction of the income tax.

Phillip James Dodd

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We’ve all heard the saying about the fox in the henhouse.

Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo brings that to life. It’s from Carl McNair’s back yard — where he keeps his chickens.

(Photo/Carl McNair)

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And finally … the image above leads naturally to:

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Inspiring Innovators: StartUp Westport Honors Mark Shapiro And Sweet P Founders

Posted on October 9, 2025 | Comments Off on Inspiring Innovators: StartUp Westport Honors Mark Shapiro And Sweet P Founders

Innovation is not easy.

It takes creativity, vision, communication, teamwork, hard work, and much more.

Including humility, and the willingness to try — and fail.

StartUp Westport is our town’s public/private collaboration for innovators in a wide array of areas.

Yesterday, the organization presented 2 awards — Innovator of the Year, and Community Impact Innovator — to 3 Westporters who exemplify StartUp Westport’s mission.

And its energy.

A full house at the Westport Library honored Mark Shapiro, and Bill and Andrea Pecoriello.

The large audience was inspired by the trio.

They learned a lot from them too.

As president and COO of TKO Group Holdings, and president and managing partner of WME Group, Shapiro has helped shape some of the most influential names in sports and entertainment.

After a powerful introduction by Jay Williams — the Westporter, a former Duke and NBA star and now a television analyst — Shapiro sat with CNBC journalist Sara Eisen.

Jay Williams introduces Mark Shapiro. 

He described his arrival in Westport — a community that had everything his family wanted, plus a professional editing facility halfway between New York and ESPN’s Bristol headquarters — before pivoting to lessons on leadership.

Shapiro has played key roles at ESPN, Six Flags, Dick Clark Productions and now WME, where his portfolio ranges from athletes and entertainers to journalists and brands. He works with everyone from Denzel Washington to the Professional Bull Riders League.

His work is all about being “a participant, not a passenger.”

Mark Shapiro and Sara Eisen, onstage at the Westport Library.

Shapiro talked about the human side of building a corporate culture: nurturing the talents of others, supporting them, placing high demands on them, trusting them, and holding them accountable.

“At the end of the day, everything is about relationships,” Shapiro said. “You don’t just go to people only when you need something.”

Shapiro makes decisions based “half on gut, half on data.” He fails “every single day,” he noted. (Including sometimes not checking in with his wife and family at least once daily, the greatest failing of all, he said.)

Shapiro advised: “Learn from your mistakes. Don’t dwell on them. Have faith that your team take care of it.”

The Pecoriellos — founders of Sweet P Bakery — were cited for “their dedication to social good, and sustainable business practices in the local community.” The company trains and provides jobs for adults with disabilities, teaches transferable skills, and builds independence, confidence and a sense of belonging.

Bill and Andrea Pecoriello, before the ceremony. (All photos/Dan Woog)

Andrea Pecoriello described Sweet P’s growth since its founding in 2019. It has trained and employed 19 people; moved from an 800-square foot bakery into a facility 4 times larger, and now ships its (amazingly delicious) cookies nationwide. (They’re at Yankee Stadium too.)

“We make cookies. But we also solve problems many people don’t even know exist,” she said. There are 19,000 adults with disabilities in Fairfield County — 70% of whom cannot find work.

Sweet P Bakery has 2 bottom lines, Pecoriello concluded: “financial and social. Our innovation addresses how business can serve society.”

(For more information on StartUp Westport, click here.)

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Roundup: HarvestFest, Merritt Parkway, StartUp Westport …

Posted on September 14, 2025 | Comments Off on Roundup: HarvestFest, Merritt Parkway, StartUp Westport …

Westport is awash in creative, fun fundraisers, for a wide array of wonderful, important local institutions.

But at the top of any list — for good times and great groups — is Wakeman Town Farm’s HarvestFest.

Last night’s annual shindig featured fantastic (and healthy) food, from local restaurants and caterers (and the farm itself), plus of course drinks. There was a country-style band (and dancing), along with auction items and a paddle raise.

But the coolest part of HarvestFest is that it brings so many different parts of the town together.

Including politicians.

Ywrt they’re not politicking. They serve drinks and bites.

And they do it not as political adversaries, but as neighbors and friends.

WTF?!

Taking time out from serving (standing, from left): Kevin Christie, Jimmy Izzo, David Rosenwaks, Bre Injeski, Don O’Day, Andrea Moore. Front: Sal Liccione. Christie, Rosenwaks and O’Day are running for 1st selctman. 2nd selctwoman Moore is up for re-election. Injeski is a Planning & Zoning Commission candidate. Izzo and Liccione seek another term on the RTM.

Democrat Abby Tolan and Republican Dorie Hordon share a moment. Both are Board of Education incumbents, running again. 

Liz Milwe (3rd from left), and the Wormser family and friends. Liz is a longtime Wakeman Town Farm advocate and volunteer, including service as co-chair. (All photos/Dan Woog)

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Merritt Parkway Exits 41 and 42 are now just memories. (At least, in Westport.)

But they can live on in more than our minds, thanks to Jillian Elder.

She’s designed tees, hoodies, mugs, totes and more — all part of a “Vintage Merritt Parkway Collection — Exits 41& 42.”

The look pays homage to the road’s classic 1930s charm.

She says, “They’re perfect for longtime locals, proud Westporters, and anyone who loves the unique character of Connecticut’s most iconic road. The perfect gift for Westport natives, commuters, and vintage design lovers.

Click here to shop the “Vintage Merritt Parkway” online store.

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Calling all dirty cars!

And clean ones, whose drivers want to support the Staples boys soccer program too.

They’ll be washing cars today (Sunday), from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1720 Post Road East (just before Stop & Shop, on the right). The suggested donation is $20.

Even the Westport Police entrust their cars to the Staples boys soccer team.

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HarvestFest ws not the only big event last night (story above).

Comedian Vic DiBitetto headlined, at the Westport Country Playhouse. There was a meet-and-greet with his many fans afterward.

 

(Photo/Susan Garment)

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Two types of innovators — a UFC and WWE mogul, and a bakery offering opportunities to people with disabilities — will share the stage, at StartUp Westport’s Innovator of the Year Awards.

The October 8 event (6 p.m., Westport Library) honors Mark Shapiro and Sweet P Bakery.

As president and COO of TKO Group Holdngs, and president and managing partner of WME Group, Shapiro has helped shape some of the most infuential names in sports and entertainment.

He’ll talk about bold calls that changed the trajectory of companies, industries — even culture itself — at the StarUp Westport event.

The highlight will be a conversation with CNBC’s Sara Eisen, called “Pivotal Moments: The Risks That Paid Off (and the Ones That Didn’t).”

Sweet P Bakery will share the spotlight, as recipient of StartUp Westport’s Community Impact Innovator Award.

Founders Andrea and Bill Pecoriello will be honored for “their dedication to social good, and sustainable business practices in the local community.” Sweet P’s mission includes job creation, teaching transferable skills, and building independence, confidence and a sense of belonging.

The Innovator of the Year event is free, but reservations are required. Click here for complimentary tickets, and more information.

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Looking ahead to the day before Halloween?

CLASP Homes — the non-profit that provides care, support and services to adults with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities — hosts a “wickedly fun concert” fundraiser on October 30 (6:30 p.m., FTC Stage One, Fairfield).

Band Central — CLASP’s favorite group — plays the best of the ’80s and ’90s. There’s a pre-party too, with light bites.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

Band Central

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The Greens Farms Garden Club recently celebrated their 95th anniversary, at the beautiful Prospect Gardens.

An even bigger bash is promised, in 2030.

A beautiful arrangement, by and for the Greens Farms Garden Club.

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Staples High School’s Class of 1975 is getting ready for their 50th reunion. (Those who can believe they graduated half a century ago, that is.)

They’ll start Thursday, October 9; continue Friday evening at the Black Duck; enjoy a tour of the “new” Staples or a golf outing Saturday morning; celebrate at a dinner/dance that night at the Westport Woman’s Club, and end with brunch at a private home on Sunday, October 12.

They’ll also raise funds for Staples Tuition Grants — a very “classy” move.

Click here for the website, with details, registration and more.

The Staples Class of ’75 reunion committee — lookin’ good!

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Today’s stunning “Westport … Naturally” photo shows a bit of nature we don’t always get to see close-up. It may give you a new perspective on flowers … and bees.

(Photo/Nancy Vener)

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And finally … you may have guessed this was coming:

(Another Sunday, another work day here at “06880” central. We never stop bringing you news, photos and more. If you enjoy this hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thanks!)

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Michael Moore Invades Westport

Posted on December 22, 2015 | 52 comments

Michael Moore is a powerful filmmaker.

How powerful?

After viewing a preview of his latest film — a scathing comparison of America to the rest of the world in areas like education, prisons, the workforce and women’s rights — followed by words from the filmmaker himself, a Westporter working on Wall Street said, “I feel like quitting my job tomorrow, and really doing something with my life.”

He probably won’t carry through with that pledge. But Moore certainly has made his mark.

An invitation-only audience last night at Bowtie Cinemas just over the Norwalk line was told before a screening of “Where To Invade Next“: “You may not agree with everything Michael Moore says. But left, right or center, you should listen to him.”

And listen they did. The film — which opens tomorrow in New York and Los Angeles for a limited, we’re-doing-this-to-qualify-for-the-Oscars run, then will be released nationally in February after the “Star Wars” hype dies down — is bound to stir controversy.

Michael Moore's bus was parked outside Bowtie Cinemas yesterday. The American flag in the background is completely coincidental. (Photo/Susan Iseman)

Michael Moore’s bus was parked outside Bowtie Cinemas yesterday. The American flag in the background is completely coincidental. (Photo/Susan Iseman)

Moore travels around Europe (and Tunisia), interviewing everyone from an Italian couple with insane amounts of government-mandated vacation time and a French chef in charge of serving elegant food to elementary school students, to Norwegian prisoners (who have keys to their private rooms, and access to knives) and Portuguese police officers (who do not arrest anyone for drug possession).

Moore’s point is that many other countries work far better than ours. ( Example: The US and Papua New Guinea are the only 2 in the world without guaranteed maternity leave for new mothers.)

But — and this is a point he made in both the movie, and a Q-and-A with audience members afterward — every idea he presented originated in the US. From the outstanding Finnish education system (built on the American model) and Norway’s penal system (honoring our prohibition against “cruel and unusual punishment”) to Iceland’s pioneering role of women in government and business (jump-started by our 1970s-era women’s lib movement), the rest of the world has followed our lead.

We’ve just lagged behind ourselves.

Michael Moore at Vespa restaurant last night.

Michael Moore at Vespa restaurant last night.

A Westporter asked Moore — who has made hard-hitting documentaries like “Fahrenheit 9/11” (about George W. Bush’s war on terror), “Bowling for Columbine” (gun control) and “Roger and Me” (globalization) –“What drives you?”

“I believe we’re better than what we are now,” he said. “We can do better. I love this country. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. I think we can figure this out.”

“Where To Invade Next” will undoubtedly create controversy — perhaps more than any other Moore film. His comments to last night’s audience may not be heard nationwide, as theatergoers argue over what he’s included — and left out. But the power of film is enormous.

Mark Shapiro — an executive producer of the film, IMG’s chief content officer and a Westporter — arranged for the screening, and a reception with Moore afterward at Vespa restaurant.

On Sunday night, Shapiro was in Las Vegas — specifically, in the control booth as Steve Harvey completely screwed up the Miss Universe pageant.

Moore’s event, he acknowledged, was a lot more meaningful.

Particularly if that Wall Street guy I talked to follows through on his promise.

 

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