Congolese drums had never been heard in the Westport Library before yesterday — or perhaps in any other library, anywhere.
But there they were at 10 a.m., kicking off a jam-packed VersoFest Saturday with a dance and drum workshop.
Cumbe Dance, at the Westport Library. (Photo copyright DinkinESH Fotografix)
Also yesterday: actress Gina Gershon discussed her new memoir, “AlphaPussy: How I Survived the Valley and Learned to Love My Boobs,” with journalist/rock memoirist (and Westport resident) Alisyn Camerota.
Gina Gerson, with Alisyn Camerota. (Photo/Susan Garment)
Last night ended with musician/writer/playwright/poet/visual artist/alt-rock legend David J (Bauhaus, Love and Rockets).
He read from his new poetry book “Rhapsody, Threnody & Prayer,” was interviewed by author Douglas Rushkoff, and finished with a set of acoustic songs.
David J (Photo copyright DinkinESH Fotografix)
The 5th annual music, media and more event concludes today (Sunday), with a panel on AI and the music industry (10:30 a.m.), a conversation with Capitol Theater owner and festival producer Dean Budnick (12 p.m.), a Suno workshop (12 p.m.), and a screening of “Grateful Dead: Dead Ahead” (2 p.m.).
Speaking of the Library: It’s a storied Westport institution.
So is Staples Players.
On Monday, April 6 (6:30 p.m.) they’ll collaborate for the first time ever, on a staged (and free!) reading.
David Roth’s Theatre 3 Advanced class presents “Almost, Maine.” The whimsical, funny and poignant show takes place as northern lights hover about a remote town. Residents fall in and out of love, in unexpected and hilarious ways.
And — because neither Players nor the Library ever does things halfway — playwright John Cariani will come to the reading, and lead a talkback afterward.
As promised, the new apartments being built at 85 Post Road West — between Kings Highway Elementary School and Riverside Avenue — include “affordable housing” based on state guidelines.
Applications are being accepted for the 22 1- and 2-bedroom units. The maximum rental prices are $2,100 and $2,511 respectively.
Applicants will be contacted first come, first served, and given the opportunity to submit supporting documentation and go through the verification process.
Click here for the submission form. Questions? Call 475-999-2445.
Early stages of construction last year, on Post Road West.
Speaking of new construction: As Coastal Luxury Homes prepares to convert 455 Post Road East — the former Connecticut Humane Society — to 25 apartments and 5 townhouses, they’re paying homage to the former tenants.
Today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured photo comes from Michael Szeto.
After installing a birdfeeder this past week, his first visitor was a Cooper’s hawk. It frequently visits back yards, to prey on small birds drawn to feeders.
(Photo/Michael Szeto)
=================================================
And finally … on this date in 1871, Royal Albert Hall was opened by Queen Victoria.
Which brings to mind 2 songs by British bands, each of which mentions one of them.
(A day in our life includes a reminder that “06880” relies on the generosity of our readers. If you appreciate these daily Roundups — or anything else — please click here to support our work. Thanks!)
The Board of Finance voted unanimously yesterday to recommend a $275,000 payment to Hook’d.
That would enable the Compo Beach and Longshore concessionaire to leave their 10-year contract early — possibly this summer.
Details have not been finalized between Parks & Recreation director Erik Barbieri and the company. Westport’s Representative Town Meeting (RTM) must give its approval too to the agreement.
“06880” will keep you posted.
The door may close soon on Hook’d’s time in Westport. (Photo copyright DinkinESH Fotografix)
Speaking of food: When Harvest Wine Bar closed in August, the Railroad Place place promised it would reopen, with new partners joining the ownership. The menu would be Mediterranean-based, including seafood.
The new restaurant will be called Blu Olive. A Facebook post promises “beautifully plated dishes of fresh ingredients, meticulously curated wines, and sparkling ambience.”
NOTE: Blu Olive is no relation to Blu Parrot, the similarly oddly spelled, short-lived (2012-13) restaurant/bar/music venue that occupied what was once the longer-lived Arrow and Jasmine restaurants — and is now Riko’s Pizza — around the corner on Charles Street.
Coming soon: Blu Olive. The shutters may need to be replaced.
Speaking of Saugatuck: The annual Cribari Bridge lighting ceremony takes place tomorrow (Sunday, 6:30 p.m.).
But before the official flip of the switch, strands had to be replaced — and bulbs tested.
It took just 4 hours yesterday. Huge thanks to AJ Penna & Son Construction, Westport PAL and president Craig Bergamo, and the lights’ sponsors. (Hat tip: Andrew Colabella)
Volunteers, after testing the Cribari Bridge lights. From left: David Floyd, Robert Caporale, Kevin Ancker, Craig Bergamo, Andrew Colabella, Andrea Moore.
But being inducted into the Toy Industry Hall of Fame is a great honor. Congratulations to 2 new members: Melissa and Doug Bernstein.
The brains behind Melissa & Doug — the legendary business, founded in Westport — join honorees like Walt Disney, Sesame Street’s Joan Ganz Cooney, and leaders of companies like Mattel, Toys “R” Us, Milton Bradley and Hasbro.
Greg Ahearn, president and CEO of The Toy Association, says, “Melissa and Doug built a legacy of timeless, beautifully crafted wooden toys that have sparked imagination and discovery for decades.”
They’ll be honored February 13. The Toy Industry Hall of Fame is part of the Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, New York.
Mar Jennings — the lifestyle guru/realtor/figure skating champion — posted this teaser on Instagram:
“The Minuteman statue isn’t just iconic — it’s part of our hometown heartbeat. A symbol of courage, readiness, and civic pride, he’s stood watch over Westport for generations. And now, I’m bringing him back into focus… because something extraordinary is about to happen.
“In the coming days, I’ll be sharing an announcement that’s close to my heart—one that uplifts our community, honors our legacy, and inspires the next generation to rise with purpose.
“For now, let the Minuteman stand tall in our minds. Good news is coming. And it’s coming home to Westport.”
That’s certainly intriguing.
But what’s even more compelling is the video that accompanied the announcement. Thanks to AI, it shows our Minute Man in a way we’ve never seen before. Click here. to watch.
Cat Malkin writes: “I know people are suffering with food insecurities. But their pets struggle too, because pets are important family members.
“When food runs out families may have to make heartbreaking choices, like surrendering their pets, who have been their comfort and emotional lifeline.
“Many pet parents will literally go hungry to keep their pets fed. Pet food is often the last thing families ask for, because they feel ashamed or guilty. A small donation of pet food can prevent a family from being torn apart.
“Homes with Hope is collecting canned dog and cat food, as well as dry food in bags weighing 25 pounds or less (larger bags are difficult for families to manage). Drop-offs can be made Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.”
Yogi Bear says “thank you!” (Photo/Cat Malkin)
=================================================
Speaking of Homes with Hope: Salon Dada celebrated its 5th anniversary by raising funds for Westport’s non-profit, dedicated to eliminating homelessness and food insecurity in Fairfield County.
For Salon Dada, this was not a one-shot deal. They offer free hair styles, color and treatments to any Homes with Hope clients.
“Amazing and generous people!” praises HwH CEO Helen McAlinden.
Salon Dada owners Benjamin Lagasse and Steven Gemignani, with Homes with Hope CEO and president Helen McAlinden.
=================================================
Westport’s first — and only — Board of Selectwomen held their final meeting of their 4-year terms Wednesday.
Second selectwoman snapped this selfie:
From left: Andrea Moore, Jen Tooker, Candice Savin — Westport’s 2nd, 1st and 3rd selectwomen, respectively.
Thank you all for your service!
The new Select Board — 1st selectman Kevin Christie, 2nd selectwoman Amy Wistreich and 3rd selectman Don O’Day — will be sworn in Monday (November 17, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall).
All other elected officials — including boards, commissions and the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) — will take the oath of office too.
The public is invited.
================================================
For over 50 years, Positive Directions has offered professional therapy and substance abuse prevention services to everyone who needs it. They accept all insurances, and never turn away a client for inability to pay.
Every day, the staff helps people facing adversity. Their new interim executive director knows something about that.
Jessica Branson grew up in Westport, and graduated from Staples High School in 1996. Her father John is an Episcopal priest. Her mother Judyth is a therapist. She learned early the importance of listening, nurturing and empowering others.
After a year in a wheelchair, and much longer in physical therapy and rehab, she has regained her mobility and independence. Now she has even deeper empathy for people battling mental and physical health challenges.
The Weston History & Culture Center’s Coley House is decked out for Christmas.
Christmas during World War II, that is.
Tours of the historic home — decorated as it would have been in the 1940s, when the last 3 generations of the Coley family lived there — offer an intriguing look back.
After holiday treats made from wartime ration recipes in the visitors’ center, guests follow a tour guide — dressed in period costume — to the Coley House.
They’ll view authentic decorations; listen to original radio broadcasts with Bing Crosby and Judy Garland, and learn how World War II impacted holiday celebrations here.
And finally … in honor of Melissa and Doug Bernstein’s induction into the Toy Industry Hall of Fame (story above):
(From the Minute Man monument in motion to the Toy Industry Hall of Fame, “06880” is where Westport meets the world. We rely on reader support to do it. Please click here to help. Thank you!)
Two Staples High School teams are headed to the state finals.
The boys soccer team was dominating, but scoreless, until 3 second-half goals — the first 2 just 41 seconds apart — lifted the #4-seeded Wreckers to a 3-0 win over #9 Hall-West Hartford, at Newtown High.
Noah Rossoni, Brendan Allen and Adrian Rodriguez tallied for the Wreckers, with assists from Gabe Duque and Josh Whitaker.
That sets up an intriguing championship rematch with Greenwich. The Cardinals — ranked 2nd in the state “LL” (extra large schools) division — handed Staples one of their only 2 defeats in their 21-2-0 season so far, coming from behind to win 4-3. The Westporters got revenge in the FCIAC final, by a 3-2 count.
Staples goes for its 13th state title, but first since 2009, this weekend at Hartford’s Trinity Health Stadium. The day and time will be announced today.
The Staples High School boys soccer team. (Photo/John Walker)
The field hockey team, meanwhile, shoots for its 3rd consecutive class “L” (large schools) state championship — and it will be their 3rd straight title match against Darien.
The top-seeded Wreckers edged #4 Fairfield Ludlowe in a shootout yesterday, at Brien McMahon High.
The teams were deadlocked 1-1 after 2 overtimes. Each side made 1 of their first 5 shootout attempts. Leah Larit got the game-winner for Staples, in sudden death.
The Wreckers and Blue Wave face off Saturday, at Wethersfield High School. Game time will be announced today.
While the Westport Fire Department’s annual Share the Warmth Coat Drive continues through November 30, they just learned that Bridgeport Rescue Mission is in urgent need of food for their Thanksgiving Food Drive.
Our firefighters have stepped up once again. And they’re asking our community to join them in helping fulfill their mission.
Non-perishable food items can be dropped at fire headquarters (515 Post Road East) and Town Hall through November 19. Monetary donations can be made to the Westport Firefighters Charitable Foundation. 100% of all those funds will be used to purchase turkeys.
In addition, firefighters are looking for new coats for the A Better Chance of Westport house: 3 men’s medium, 3 men’s large. For more information, call 203-451-2695.
One of the best shopping events of the year — for yourself or others — returns next month.
The Westport Library Big Fall Book Sale takes place December 5-8.
There are thousands of “gently used” books in over 50 categories, plus vintage children’s and antiquarian titles, audiobooks, CDs, vinyl, DVDs, ephemera and framed artworks. Admission is free (except for those purchasing an early access ticket, for 8:45 a.m. to noon, December 5).
A link to our Featured Specials list is available on the Book Sale’s website, at www.westportbooksaleventures.org/our-events. This list will be updated periodically during the weeks leading up to the sale.
The “06880”/Westport Downtown Association Holiday Stroll is still 3 1/2 weeks away.
But 2 dozen merchants and vendors have already signed up for giveaways, promotions and more.
The 5th annual event (December 6, 4 to 7 p.m., Main Street and beyond) features all kinds of family fun, from Orphenians caroling to Santa Claus, face painting and much more.
Nômade returns with their much-loved s’mores. Savvy + Grace will again be North Pole center, for kids’ letters to Santa (all get answered!).
Toy Post offers small gifts for children. Adults will enjoy holiday cheer at Clarendon Fine Art and Lux Bond & Green; 20% off at Kerri Rosenthal; $50 off $150 or ore at Southern Tide, and $25 off per dress at Bella Bridesmaids.
There are many more promotions to come. Businesses interested in participating in the Holiday Stroll can email Huong Belpedio: operations@westportdowntownassociation.com.
The Staples Orphenians: always a Holiday Stroll hit.
Speaking of the holidays: Ashley Skatoff was a Westport Farmers’ Market board member. But she wanted to do even more, to help farmers and vendors.
An idea that simmered for a long time has finally launched. Modern Farm Kitchen delivers weekly from the WFM, direct to homes.
The menu includes dairy and cheese, basics, meats, seafood, veggies and fruits, breads, baked goods and more.
A soft launch this summer went well. Now, Skatoff has created a holiday list. Categories range from pantry, healing and prevention, home spa and pets to cozy luxury, “H-artists” and gift bundles. She can guide customers to liquor, too.
She calls them “truly luxurious goods — grown, crafted, created and hyper-local to Westport. I feel like we can live as if were are in Italy, with amazing products right here in our very special town.” She takes the “hunting and gathering” out of it, offering items directly to residents.
She does not add a fee on top of the farmers, vendors and artists. “These are all super small businesses trying so hard to get their products to us,” Skatoff says. MFK charges only $35 for finding, shopping across vendors, organizing into 1 order, and delivering to the door.
Skatoff stresses, “This is not an online store. To order, you have to pick up the phone and talk to me.” She will make sure customers get what they want, and “create a connection for them to follow up if they want to.”
The tag line is: “Give LOVE. Not stuff.” She says here gifts are “perfect for teachers, neighbors, friends, gift exchanges, relatives. They are also beautiful to send and give a little Westport to faraway friends.
There are 100 billion trillion stars in the observable universe.
But only a limited number of Westport Astronomical Society 2026 calendars. They feature spectacular images (including a few of those stars from WAS photographers), along with daily astronomical data.
Project Sunshine delivers “the healing power of play” to children with medical needs.
While volunteers must be 18 to visit children in hospitals, high school clubs contribute through fundraising and packing “activity kits,” designed by child life specialists for children with medical challenges.
The first high school club started at Staples. There are now 24 Project Sunshine clubs, in 8 states. They’ve packed hundreds of activity kits, raised funds for resources, and helped spread awareness about the organization.
High school students nationwide are encouraged to start their own Project Sunshine clubs. If you know someone interested in launching a Project Sunshine club, click here.
And finally … in honor of the Westport Astronomical Society’s 2026 calendar (story above):
(“06880” is where Westport meets the world … and the universe. If you feel connected to others through our hyper-local app, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Andrew Colabella reports: “Over the last 2 years, a group of volunteers from the Representative Town Meeting planted 500 tulips. Most were at the Minute Man monument.
“In late spring, a landscaper mistook the stems there for weeds. Parks & Recreation Department parks superintendent Michael West was upset, and wanted to make up for it.”
Colabella requested 500 tulip bulbs as replacements. West, and Parks & Rec’s Jamie Boone and Rick Giunta, surprised him with 1,500.
The other day,Colabella and several fellow RTM members planted the bulbs at the Minute Man, and other spots in town like the Compo Beach entrance and Compo cemetery.
In addition, each RTM member who planted tulips took bulbs to plant in a public spot of their choice — without telling the others where it is.
We won’t see the results of their work until spring. But it will be fun to discover, and beautiful to see.
Planting tulips at the Minute Man monument. Front row (from left): Nancy Kail, Kristin Mott Purcell. Rear: Melissa Levy, Andrew Colabella, Don O’Day.
Planting bulbs at Compo Beach. RTM members Claudia Shaum and Julie Whamond flank Parks & Recreation Commission chair David Floyd.
Looking for non-shopping activities over Thanksgiving? Got relatives from out of town, who want to do something Westport-special?
Earthplace is your place.
Their Story and Animal program, Birds of Prey feeding, “Saturdays at Earthplace” and Winged Wonders program are all intriguing. And Earthplace trails and 62-acre sanctuary are open to the public, from dawn to dusk.
The Story and Animal program (Monday through Saturday, 10:30 a.m.; age 5 and under) includes an animal-themed story, and an “encounter” with an Animal Hall resident.
Birds of Prey Feeding (daily, 11 a.m.; all ages), includes information about birds’ eating habits and behaviors.
Saturdays at Earthplace (November 30, noon; all ages; parent or caregiver must be present) is a nature-based arts and crafts activity.
Winged Wonders (December 1, 1 p.m.) is a bird-on-glove demonstration, to learn about raptors. This Sunday features Earthplace’s barred owl, Moody.
Also, starting Sunday, Earthplace participates in Westport Moms’ first-ever Elf Scavenger Hunt The “Earthplace Elf” will hide somewhere indoors, for one week. Spot it between December 1 and 8, and win a prize.
For more information on Earthplace and its programs, click here.
An Earthplace Winged Wonders demonstration.
=================================================
The Long Lots School Building Committee meets tonight (Tuesday, November 26, 6 p.m., Town Hall, Room 201/201A).
The agenda includes a project update; work session to review progress on schematic plans, and public comment.
Long Lots School Building Committee, in a meeting last year.
As part of the Cross Highway Traffic Improvement project between North Avenue and Bayberry Lane, the Cross Highway bridge over Deadman Brook is proposed to be replaced with a new bridge.
The existing bridge is in bad shape, and cannot be modified to include the new sidewalk proposed for the corridor.
Construction is proposed for 2025. The goal is to replace the bridge during the summer, when school is not in session.
The town has submitted applications to the Flood & Erosion Control Board, Conservation Commission and Planning & Zoning Commission for an 8-24.
Meetings of those groups are December 4, 11 and 16, respectively. Meeting materials are or will be available on the town’s website for each board.
Questions? Contact town engineer Keith Wilberg: kwilberg@westportct.gov; 203-341-1128.
Cross Highway bridge over Deadman Brook.
================================================
Achtung!
Staples High School German students did more than just showcase their skills and knowledge at the recent University of Connecticut German Quiz Bowl, competing against other high school German programs.
They finished Nummer Eins — Number One!
In addition to the competition, students participated in workshops. They also learned about job prospects with over 150 German companies operating in Connecticut. (Since 2019, Germany has been Connecticut’s number one business partner.)
Staples German students, at the University of Connecticut.
Speaking of school: Last week, Greens Farms Academy broke ground for it new Athletics and Wellness Center.
The 30,000-square foot facility — set to open in the spring of 2026 — will
include 2 full-size basketball courts, 2 wrestling rooms, 2 squash courts with viewing galleries, a fitness center and training room.
It follows the expansion of Lower School facilities, including a new dining and student commons and a renovated assembly room, which opened last year.
The projects are funded through GFA’s Centennial Campaign, which will officially launch next fall 2025 as the school nears its 100th anniversary.
A model of Greens Farms Academy’s Athletics & Wellness Center.
Jazz at the Post celebrates Thanksgiving a day early.
This year’s weekly musical treat is tomorrow (Wednesday, November 27; VFW Post 399), instead of the traditional Thursday.
Bassist Fima Ephrom headlines. He’s joined by his First Light Band: guitarists Idan Morim and Tim Jago, keyboardist William Evans, drummer Ben Silashi and saxophonist Greg Wall.
Dinner service begins at 7 p.m. Shows are 7:30 and 8:45 p.m. Tickets are $20; $15 for veterans and students. Click here to purchase.
And finally … Tina Turner was born on this date, in 1939. After a dynamic musical career, first with her husband Ike and then as a solo artist, she died last year, at 83.
(It’s hard to keep up with everything in town. But “06880” tries. If you like what we do, please support us with a contribution. Click here — and thank you!)
Comments Off on Roundup: Tree Lighting, Tulips, Earthplace Thanksgiving …
Click here to help support “06880” via credit card or PayPal. Any amount is welcome, appreciated — and tax-deductible! Reader contributions keep this blog going. (Alternate methods: Please send a check to “06880”: PO Box 744, Westport, CT 06881. Or use Venmo: @blog06880. Or Zelle: dwoog@optonline.net. Thanks!)
GET THE “06880” APP
The “06880” app (search for it on the Apple or Android store) is the easiest way to get “06880.” Choose notifications: whenever a new post is published, or once or twice a day. Click here for details.
