A number of Westport residents were surprised yesterday to receive this email, from “Westport Parks & Recreation Department”:
“Hi! You used our online services to purchase a parking emblem. The registration is only in Lisa’s name, and she is not a senior, the fee for this purchase is $60 plus CT sales tax. You may contact us at 203-341-5152 to provide us with your credit card information for the difference or you are more than welcome to stop into the office. We are here Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. -4:30 p.m. Look forward to hearing from you!”
There was one little issue: Recipients did not purchase a parking emblem “in Lisa’s name.”
A call to the number brought up a recording, saying it was sent in error, and to disregard the message.
As for Lisa: Well, most people lie about their age to seem younger.
Westport 10 — our town’s social and networking group of Black men, which has grown to far more than 10 members — celebrated their annual Jamaican BBQ on Sunday, with wives and children.
Westport 10 men …
Howard and Olga Roberts hosted the event. The menu included the national dish — ackee and saltfish, along with oxtails, curry goat, rice and peas, cabbage and more.
The annual “Stand Up for Homes with Hope” comedy show (get it?) has snagged a great headliner.
Tom Papa — star of 6 specials, including a recent Netflix show, and with more than 20 years’ experience as an actor, host and author, in film, TV, radio, podcasts and the live stage — comes to Fairfield University’s Quick Center on October 17.
The fundraiser helps the Westport non-profit continue its 40-year mission of addressing homelessness and food insecurity.
That’s not the only difficult spot in town. (Surprise!)
Sandy Rothenberg sends this photo of Compo Road South, heading north to Post Road East:
(Photo/Sandy Rothenberg)
With only 3 cars able to make the left turn onto the Post Road — but many others backed up waiting to go straight or turn right — drivers sometimes have to wait several cycles just to get into that left lane.
Others — like the one above — often take matters into their own hands.
And the cluster*** that is cars exiting or entering Compo Acres Shopping Center, by the narrow passage by [solidcore]* is a whole other sorry story.
*Don’t get me started on their absurd punctuation.
The Caribbean Jazz Connection headlines this week’s Jazz at the Post (Thursday, VFW Post 399; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 7; $20 music cover, $15 veterans and students).
Drummer Jim Royle crosses jazz and Caribbean Latin styles. His band features steel pan player Bryan Garbe. A former student of Royle’s, he grew up in Fairfield.
Other members include bassist John Mobilio, pianist Dave childs, and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall. Click here for tickets, and more information.
Jim Royle
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Congratulations to Westport Softball’s CT Wreckers 10U team. They won the Southwest CT Fastpast League Silver Division championship in Southbury, finishing their league season undefeated.
Front row (from left): Megan Acampora, Zoey Klauser, Lila Salotollo, Natalia Hernandez, Addie Lewis, Lane Haberstroh, Juliette Rocco, Blythe Yanover, Amara Stocker, Bella Sable. Coaches (rear): Jeff Yanover, Ried Salotollo, Jason Sable. Not pictured: Ava Konig.
And finally … following up on the erroneous Parks & Rec message yesterday:
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Brief showers chased away some of the midday crowd, at yesterday’s 2nd annual Soundview Summer Stroll.
But the folks who were there before noon — and the ones who came (or returned) after the quick rain — had a great time.
The beach exit road was closed to cars. So kids and parents (and people without children) enjoyed a relaxed amble up and down the street.
There were fit 20somethings on Rollerblades, and youngsters on bikes. One woman said, “This is the first time I didn’t worry about him riding in Westport.”
Four bands and one solo artist played for 7 hours. Rock, funk, alt, disco, new wave, pop, classics … Owen Daniel, Deep Valley Road & Friends, Core, Not My Problem and Rock Paper Soul covered it all, perched on a porch.
(Photo/Dan Woog)
Old Mill Grocery by Romanacci served up plenty of pizzas, and hundreds of gelatos.
At the end of Soundview, kids painted rocks, got their faces painted, threw water balloons, mugged in a photo booth — and chalked the street.
The Soundview Summer Stroll is a gift to the town, from “06880” and the Compo Beach Improvement Association.
Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department offered invaluable help. So did music director Dana Gordon, volunteers who helped with children’s activities, and organizers Kristin Mott Purcell and Sunil Hirani.
“You should do this every Sunday!” one woman said.
Well … it’s quite an undertaking. But we’re already looking forward to next year’s Soundview Summer Stroll.
We will try to pick a date with better weather.
People and dogs enjoy the Soundview Summer Stroll …
… and a child …
… and politicians too.
Music from Deep Valley Road & Friends …
… and Owen Daniel.
Yours truly, in the photo booth.
Rock painting …
… and rocks on the seawall. Pick yours up today! (Photo/Jay Petrow)
One more crowd shot.
Chalk it up to a great experience. (All photos/Luca Caniato unless otherwise noted)
If you’re a native Westporter, you probably know Rick Giunta.
If you’re a newcomer, you may not recognize the name.
But anyone who has ever enjoyed Compo Beach or Longshore — or any other town recreational facility — has done so thanks, in large part and over many years, to Giunta.
Rick Giunta
The Westport Parks & Recreation deputy director retires next week, after 18 years with the department.
Parks & Rec — and the entire town — will miss his broad knowledge, great expertise, and strong love for his work and his community.
Giunta is that once common, now all too rare breed: a local boy who stayed true to his roots.
A Staples High School graduate (and, like so many of his era, a former Arrow restaurant employee), he worked as a compensation analyst for Champion International, and a manager/director at Pitney Bowes, before joining Parks & Rec as a customer service manager in 2007.
He’d already served his home town, as a special police officer in the Marine Division starting in 1982. He continued through 2015.
Giunta was a volunteer football coach for Westport PAL. He stayed long after his twin sons left the program, spending more than 20 years as a treasurer and trustee.
Rick Giunta and his sons: then, and more recently.
He was also a longtime volunteer with Festival Italiano.
After director Jen Fava resigned last year, Giunta was “the glue of the department,” says operations manager Carmen Roda.
“He’s been our face to the public. He oversees customer service — like beach emblem sales, and boat and kayak renewals and storage — and the budget too.”
Giunta is “a good mentor and colleague,” Roda says. “I’ll miss our morning talks, when we get ready for the day. He fosters leadership and engagement. He’s made a mark on the people who worked for and with him, and on the entire town.
“Retirement is great for him. But Westport is losing a very important resource.
Rick Giunta (right) and Carmen Roda, at last year’s Soundview Summer Stroll. (Photo/Dan Woog)
“Rick loves giving back, and helping the community,” Roda continues. “He’s ‘Mr. Westport.’ He knows the history of places and people. He’s seen the past and the present, and knows all the trends.”
Giunta “doesn’t like the spotlight,” Roda notes. “He’s the type of guy who always puts the town and its people in front of his own needs.”
Erik Barbieri took over as Parks & Rec director just 5 months ago. But he was impressed with Giunta as early as the interview process.
“The first time I met him I saw his professionalism, and his desire to help smooth the transition. I’ve really valued his experience, with budgets and operations.
“I hate to see him leave. But I’m super excited to see him enjoy retirement.”
Giunta — who owns the house he grew up in, off South Compo Road — looks forward to spending time on his boat, with his wife Karen, his sons and grandchildren.
Rick and Karen Giunta.
His legacy will live on. Giunta’s son Michael transitioned from a summer Parks & Rec job to his full-time role, as waterfront senior foreman. (His brother Christopher is a physical therapist in Trumbull.)
Even though he’s retiring, Westport native Rick Giunta is not going anywhere.
“He told me he’s only a phone call — and less than a mile — away,” Barbieri says.
“I really appreciate that.”
Westport appreciates Rick Giunta. Well-deserved congratulations on retirement — and as this week’s Unsung Hero.
(“06880” is proud to honor Unsung Heroes — and tell many other tales of town too. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog.)
One of Westport’s favorite restaurants will soon become a different favorite spot.
On August 16, Don Memo will serve its last meal. In early September, it reopens as Massi Co.
Named after owner Massimo Tullio, and backed by the Don Memo oand Whelk team, the new restaurant in the iconic stone building (Westport’s original Town Hall) will feature a “deeply personal Italian-American” concept
It will include Neapolitan brick oven pizzas, house-made pastas and craft cocktails. Chef Zach Hinman is in charge of the kitchen. (Hat tip: Dave Briggs)
Massimo Tullio (Photo courtesy of The Connecticut Edit)
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For as long as the Merritt Parkway has existed — nearly 90 years — Westport has had 2 exits: 41 and 42.
Soon, they’ll be gone.
In their place will be Exits 20 and 21.
The new numbers conform to federal standards, which mandate that exits show the approximate mileage from a starting point. With the Merritt, that’s the New York border.
New signs will be installed on the parkway beginning July 28. There will also be signs noting the “old exit” numbers. They’ll be in place for at least 2 years.
Other state highways have already been renumbered. The “Connecticut Turnpike” (I-95) will follow, either next year or in 2027.
So say goodbye to the Exit 42 cluster****. Soon, it will be the mess at Exit 21.
And Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department wants to make sure no one misses out on any action. For example:
Beach volleyball:Middle and high schoolers, all levels. Led by Brendan Giolitto, Staples High School coach.
Youth tennis (including peewees): All levels; fundamentals, technique and match play.
Swim lessons: Beginners and advanced; Stroke development, water safety and confidence.
Football skills and drills: Non-contact; focusing on speed, agility and position-specific drills. Led by LST Pro staff.
Baseball: Hitting, fielding, base running and teamwork; led by LST, in partnership with Westport Little League.
Tot N’ Play Camp: A week of sports, crafts, beach time and class camp, for pre-schoolers. Flexible scheduling, with a focus on friendship, teamwork and adventure.
Skyhaws Volleyball: Fundamentals like passing, setting, hitting and serving, in a fun, beginner-friendly environment.
Next Generation Skateboarding: From beginners to advanced: skate and shred safely and confidently.
The Grit Ninja: Obstacle courses challenge youngsters physically and mentally; build strength, agility and grit in an exciting, supportive setting.
Squirt & Parent ‘n’ Me programs: Introduce little ones to soccer, t-ball, lacrosse, track and field and more, with a helping hand. Build confidence and coordination in a playful, comforting environment.
Outdoor Fitness with Andrew Berman: An invigorating bodyweight workout class at Compo Beach. Focus on strength, balance and mobility, in a beautiful setting.
Jay Schadler is a noted journalist, photographer and artist.
For more than 3 decades he traveled the world as a correspondent and anchor for ABC News, “20/20,” “Nightline,” “Good Morning America,” National Geographic TV and others. His work has been featured too on Bravo and Discovery.
His new gig: podcaster, with Verso Studios at the Westport Library. Through intimate interviews, he tells stories of Westporters’ life transitions.
Many names are familiar. The 5 episodes in Season 1 include living a life with no memory, with Doug and Patti Brill; the grief of loss and the gift of love with Jenny and Anthony Capalbo; a new heart and a new life with Gerardo Lambert; turning tragedy into legacy with Jim Kudzo, and exploring talent and opportunity with Andrew Wilk.
In Westport, Paul Newman’s home overlooked the Aspetuck River. His New York apartment has a view of Central Park’s Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir. (Photo/Evan Joseph Studios, courtesy of the Wall Street Journal)
Hitch & the Giddyup are heading to Weston. Yee haw!
The country/bluegrass/soulful American band plays at “Music at the Barn” — the Weston History & Culture Center’s outdoor summer series — on July 27 (5:30 p.m.).
Tickets are $15 for members, $20 for non-members; children under 12; click here or purchase there. Bring a lawn chair, food and drinks (no food truck!).
Francesca “Franny” Cenatiempo died at home, surrounded by her family. She was 33, and hahd battled cancer.
Francesca was born on July 4th, 1992 to Carmine and Sandra. At age 7 she was enrolled in Saint Catherine Academy; then as an adult, at Saint Catherine Center for Special Needs.
She loved school and her program, and was celebrated, cared for and loved by the staff. She was surrounded by friends who reciprocated her unique love. At Saint Catherine Francesca met her longtime caregiver, Sonia Vielot, who became an integral part of her family.
Her obituary says, “Francesca had a gift for deeply touching the lives of everyone she met. She greeted people with open arms, accompanied by the biggest hug and an unforgettable smile. Her laughter echoed everywhere she went, as she saw the beauty and joy in every person and part of this world. She was a pasta lover, a Disney fanatic, and had an eye for all the cute boys. She enjoyed music, dancing, and splashing around at the beach.”
Francesca is survived by her loving parents, Carmine and Sandra Calise Cenatiempo; siblings CJ and Charlotte Cenatiempo; grandparents Michael Calise, Sally Palmer and Barbara Mehle; aunts and uncles Filippo and Pina Cenatiempo, Leonardo Cenatiempo, Alfredo and Rosa Cenatiempo, Stefano Cenatiempo, Giulio and Gabby Cenatiempo, Catherine and Don Lawson, Maria and Jon O’Herron, Bettina and Michael Colleen, and Frank and Robin Calise, and many cousins.
A celebration of her life is set for tomorrow (July 12, 11 a.m., St. Francis of Assisi, Weston). Donations may be made in her name to Saint Catherine Center for Special Needs. Condolences for the family may be left online.
Francesca Cenatiempo
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Frances Mande — a Westporter for nearly 70 years — died Wednesday. She was 103.
Born in Russia in 1922, she came to Brooklyn with her family when she was 7. She and her husband Irving met when she was 17, and married when she was 19.
Fran and Irv moved to Westport in 1956. They raised 3 children in the house where she lived until passing. The couple traveled the world together, until Irv’s death in 2006.
Fran loved attending shows at the Westport Country Playhouse, and taking her children and grandchildren to Compo Beach and Mario’s restaurant. She was a regular at the Senior Center, Westport Library and Levitt Pavilion.
She also enjoyed the Westport Road Runners program. Her photo was in the Westport News after finishing a 10-mile race, in her 70s.
After “06880” wished her a happy birthday last month, she was lifted up by emails from readers.
A funeral is set for Sunday (July 13, 10 a.m., Temple Israel of Westport). Shiva will be held at her home. Contributions in her memory may be made to the Westport Library or Westport Senior Center.
Like any good mother, this one fed her little one:
Johanna Keyser Rossi — who took today’s spectacular “Westport … Naturally” image near Fresh Market — reports, “She fed him for a long time. So I assume there is only one baby osprey.”
And finally … in honor of the new Merritt Parkway numbering system: This is the closest I could get.
(Whether you live in the 06880, 25 miles away, or 2,500, if you’re reading this, you’re part of our great online community. Thank you — and thanks too for clicking here, to support our work!)
We’ve said it before, but it bears repeating: Westport’s fireworks are the best party of the year.
But — like any party — it doesn’t happen without tons of work.
Planning takes months. The day of the event is long, hard and very stressful.
And even when the party is over, the clean-up work continues.
Our annual celebration seems to run like clockwork. This year’s was especially flawless. (A record may have been set: only 2 lost children.)
So how did it happen?
A lot of groups worked a lot of hours. With a lot of collaboration.
Thanks go to:
Parks & Recreation Department. They’re the front lines — and the back room (and everything and everywhere in between). The fireworks are an all-hands-on-deck event, and everyone from director Erik Barbieri (overseeing his first one), deputies Rick Giunta and Carm Roda (definitely not their first rodeos), down to the lifeguards and newest summer employees, pitched in.
From parking assistance and emptying trash all day long, to reuniting those 2 lost kids with their parents, Parks & Rec did it all. Special thanks to the clean-up crews, who went to work the moment the first revelers left after the last firework, leaving behind mammoth piles of chairs, tables, towels, flip-flops, food and other garbage.
By dawn the next morning, it was all gone. A kerfuffle ensued on Westport Front Porch, when a Westporter wondered why the clean-up had been so efficient that when she went back the next day to retrieve her stuff, it was gone. I’m paraphrasing here, but you get the idea. No good dead — or pristine beach — goes unpunished.
An early trash pick-up, long before the big crowds arrive. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Police Department. This was Dave Farrell’s first fireworks as chief, and his men and women nailed it. They too were everwhere — in cars, on bicycles, on foot and on the water — with constant smiles, and an eagerness to help. They were assisted by officers from other towns. And, it seems safe to say, they returned the favor on other days, for those colleagues’ pyrotechnics.
Fire Department. You never know what might happen, at an event that draws 10,000 people. But the presence of so many firefighters — with all their equipment — was reassuring to all. They were not called on for anything major, so they had plenty of time to offer little kids up-close look at their gleaming trucks, and toots on the (very) loud sirens.
Emergency Medical Services.Our paid and volunteer staffs were all over the place too. They are sometimes overlooked — particularly on a day that was as incident-free as possible — but we would be nowhere without them (and their ambulances, parked strategically and ready for everything).
First responders, smiling but ready if needed. (Photo/Laurie Sorensen)
Westport PAL. They’re the beneficiaries of the parking permits. The money they raise helps fund sports and scholarship programs that impact thousands of youngsters. But PAL volunteers work hard, before and during the fireworks, to earn their donations. Congratulations to PAL president Corporal Craig Bergamo, and his crew, for their part in the party.
Melissa and Doug Bernstein.They’ve sold their toy company. But as devoted Westporters, they continue to pay for the show — out of their own, personal pockets. If there’s a better way to show your love for this town, I’d like to hear it.
Thanks to all I’ve mentioned (and I sure hope I haven’t missed anyone).
The 2025 fireworks are now now just a memory. But we would not have that memory — or the smiles on our faces — without you.
Doug and Melissa Bernstein. (Photo/Dan Woog)
(“06880” is proud to honor Unsung Heroes — and tell many other tales of town too. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog.)
Family members and friends gathered yesterday at his Greens Farms home, to celebrate the longtime resident and civic volunteer.
Rotarians, pickleball players, town officials and others offered best wishes, traded stories, and said “thank you” to one of Westport’s most admired citizens.
Johanna Keyser Rossi “spotted” at least 10 nymphs the other day, walking along the railing on top of the Riverwalk bridge.
(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)
Soon, she says, they will be everywhere.
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This week — just in time for the holiday’s heavy pedestrian and bike traffic — the new solar-powered crossing signals went live, on Compo Road South near Longshore and Compo Parkway.
Let’s hope it helps people crossing the street. And helps drivers slow down!
Speaking of the fireworks: We can’t say it often, or strongly, enough — but our Parks & Recreation Department staff rocks.
After working tirelessly to make our celebration a success — from parking, to picking up garbage throughout the long day — members of the maintenance crew did not take a break.
The moment the last flare faded, and folks began leaving Compo, the guest services and maintenance crews swung into action.
By 5 a.m., the beach was pristine. You’d never that 10,000 people had picnicked, partied, drank and danced just 7 hours earlier.
It’s an astonishing, herculean job — and they do it every year.
Thanks to all who helped, to their supervisors, and to Parks & Rec director Erik Barbieri.
Now it’s up to the rest of us to keep Compo looking good, and trash-free.
Just after dawn, the day after the fireworks. Photo/Andrew Colabella
The Democratic Town Committee meets July 15 (7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium) to officially nominate their candidates for town boards and commissons, in November’s election.
The session is open to the public. However, only DTC members can vote.
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Sure, it’s in Norwalk.
But Westporters have been getting flyers announcing the opening of the new Wegmans.
The 92,000-square foot store opens July 23 at 675 Connecticut Avenue, near Richards Avenue.
Shoppers who know the grocery-and-more chain from outlets in 8 Northeastern states rave about it.
Westporters will surely check it out. Will they shop there regularly?
And if the do, will Wegmans eat Stew Leonard’s — our own, smaller local icon — lunch?
Yesterday evening’s brief — but strong — winds downed at least one tree, and with it utility wires.
It was, appropriately, on Timber Lane.
(Photo/Celia Campbell-Mohn)
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Interested in collecting art — but clueless about where to start? Experienced, but eager to know more?
MoCA CT is presenting a series of panel discussions on the topic. They’re designed for a broad audience, from complete newcomers to seasoned collectors.
The next session — “Building and Managing Your Collection” — is July 10 (5:30 p.m.). Click here to register.
There will be no referendum on Long Lots Elementary School.
Toni Simonetti had 14 days to collect 2,015 signatures — 10% of all eligible voters in the most recent election. She hoped to slash the proposed $103,190,124 expenditure for a new school to $90 million.
Yesterday was the petition deadline. Only 71 signatures were turned in. The drive was 1,944 signatures short.
Planning will proceed for a new Long Lots, without a referendum.
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Good news!
The most recent bacteria tests for Compo and Burying Hill came back negative yesterday. The beaches have reopened.
Whew!
Everyone back in the water! (Photo/Rowene Weems)
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Tickets are selling well for Wednesday’s fireworks show at Compo Beach — aka Westport’s Best Party of the Year. Only a small number remain.
A few residents have asked about this year’s price increase, the first in several years.
Westport PAL — the longtime co-sponsor, and beneficiary of the fundraiser — explains that costs have risen dramatically for everything: the barge, insurance, and the fireworks themselves.
Melissa and Doug Bernstein generously underwrite part of the costs, as they’ve done for years. Without their help, PAL would net only about $2,000.
Proceeds helps fund PAL programs that serve programs that serve thousands of youngsters each year, plus the Longshore skating rink and college scholarships. Click here to learn more about PAL.
Tickets (cash or check) are available at the Parks & Recreation Commission office at Longshore (near the golf course first tee) during office hours, and any time at the Westport police station on Jesup Road.
Westport’s greatest party returns July 2. (Photo/Elissa Moses)
Our second “06880” Instagram Live yesterday was certainly lively.
Dave Briggs and Dan Woog explored the “Don’t Kill the Old Mill” campaign, in support of Old Mill Grocery & Deli.
And we did it from the communal table, inside the very popular Hillspoint Road spot.
We were joined by several OMG notables, including owner Graziano Ricco of Romanacci’s; Jim Hood and Ian Warburg of the non-profit Soundview Empowerment Alliance, owner of the 106-year-old building, Matthew Mandell of the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce, and Chris Tait, an Old Mill neighbor and staunch supporter.
They explained what OMG means to the neighborhood. We took questions from viewers too.
The Levitt Pavilion offers 2 free shows, and 1 other, this weekend.
The Tom Petty Project kicks things off tonight (Friday, 7:30 p.m.). All free tickets have been claimed, but returned tickets will be redistributed at the box office before the show.
A few tickets are still available, at various prices, for tomorrow’s Disco Biscuits cconcert (Saturday, 7:30 p.m.).
Artemis takes the stage Sunday (7 p.m.), for a free show.
Edwin A. Audley — a former Westport Police captain, and founder of the Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service — died last month in Winter Haven, Florida. He was 87.
The Westport native graduated from Staples High School in 1955. He served in the Army from 1955 to 1958, then joined the Army Reserves as a senior aircraft mechanic until 1962.
Ed joined the Westport Police Department in 1961. He was promoted to sergeant, lieutenant, inspector, then captain in 1990. He retired in 1993.
Ed founded the WVEMS in 1979. He became an Emergency Medical Technician instructor in 1987.
In Florida, Ed was president of the Winter Haven Rose Society.
He is survived by his wife Elizabeth; brother Harry Audley (Pat), daughters Kimberly, Susan Palmer (Mark) and Victoria; 4 grandchildren, 5 great- grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on July 12 (Assumption Church, 10 a.m.).
Click here to leave online condolences. Donations can be made to the Edwin Audley Scholarship Fund, c/o Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Services, 50 Jesup Rd. Westport, CT 06880.
Ed Audley
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Former Westporter Priscilla Boyle died last Friday, surrounded by her family. She was 96.
She graduated from Lesley College, then taught kindergarten in Watertown, Massachusetts for 9 years before marrying Charles Boyle in 1958. They moved to Westport in 1963, and raised 3 children here.
Priscilla was involved with tennis, the Weston Field Club and bridge.
She was an active member of Assumption Church for over 6 decades. She shared her faith through Eucharistic Ministry, prayer groups, book clubs and as a catechism teacher, with a special dedication to preparing children for their First Communion.
Later, Priscilla became a welcoming presence at the Westport YMCA as a receptionist.
Priscilla was predeceased by her husband and her siblings Mary Alice Connolly, James W. Scanlan, Anne T. “Nancy” Batal and Francis V. Scanlan. al.
She is survived by her children Charles “Chip,” Susan Improta (Paul), and Elizabeth Boyle; grandsons Kenneth and Philip Improta, sister-in-law Alice Scanlan, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
A celebration of Priscilla’s life will be held at Assumption Church on July 15 (11 a.m.). In lieu of flowers, donations in Priscilla’s memory may be made to Smile Train.
Priscilla Boyle
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June is ending the way it began: with plenty of colors.
Today’s “Westport … Naturally” yellow-and-green scene is from Whitney Street.
And finally … Mick Ralphs — the Mott the Hoople and Bad Company guitarist/ songwriter — died. He was 81, and had bedridden after suffering a stroke in 2016. Click here for a full obituary.
(You’re in good company if you support “06880” with a tax-deductible contribute. Please click here. And thank you!)
For nearly 50 years, Bloodroot has served delicious vegan food — spiced with healthy amounts of feminist ideology, and a side helping of social justice-type books — in a funky, you’ve-got-to-know-it-to-get-there spot on Bridgeport’s Black Rock Harbor.
Co-founder and longtime Westporter Selma Miriam died in February, 2 weeks short of 90.
But Bloodroot lives on. It’s gotten plenty of national attention. (Just the other day, it was mentioned on Brian Lehrer’s WNYC show as a restaurant well worth taking a detour to.)
On the other end of the political spectrum: This bus — part of the “Take Back Connecticut” tour — drew plenty of attention, as it drove through Westport yesterday.
Here’s one view, in front of Splash car wash. Images include the flag raising at Iwo Jima, Martin Luther King, Donald Trump after the assassination attempt, and — oddly — John F. Kennedy, just before he was killed in Dallas.
“The Edge of Water” by Olufunke Grace Bankole, “O Sinners” by Nicole Cuffy and “Rabbit Moon” by Jennifer Haigh are finalists for the 2025 Westport Prize for Literature.
It is awarded annually, to honor an original work of literary fiction that is both relevant and timeless.
This year’s winner will be honored at The Westport Library on November 6. The conversation with the winning author will be moderated by The Yale Review editor Meghan O’Rourke.
This is the third year for the $10,000 prize. The first grant went novelist Zadie Smith for “The Fraud.” The 2024 recipient was Alejandro Puyana, for his debut novel, “Freedom is a Feast.”
Submissions for the 2025 prize were read and vetted by nearly 50 volunteer readers. The best-reviewed manuscripts advance to the jury, which will select the winner.
(“06880” is your hyper-local source for news, information, features, and lots more. We rely on support from readers like you. Please click here to help. Thank you!)
Tucked near the basketball courts at Compo Beach sits a park that for years has served as a haven for Westport’s skaters.
But today, cracks are showing — literally and figuratively.
Wooden ramps are rotting. Nails come loose. And while the energy of the local skate community remains strong, the park itself struggles to keep up.
Skate park ramp …
Seamus Brannigan, a Staples High School junior, has enjoyed skating for years. Yet he recognizes the park’s issues.
“It’s gotten to a point where it is barely skateable,” he says. “The wooden ramps are falling apart, and the whole park needs to be replaced.”
For Brannigan and many others, skating is more than a sport. He also feels part of a strong group.
That sense of camaraderie might now be in danger.
“I love skating because it’s a place and a community where I can meet people with interests like mine. It’s a place where all people are welcome,” Brannigan says.
His solution: “a full concrete park like the one in Norwalk. It would last for decades.”
… and a wider view. (Photos/Katherine Phelps)
The idea of rebuilding the Compo skate park is not new. There’s already some funding in the Parks & Recreation Department budget for repairs. It’s about $10,000 annually, which does not stretch far.
Jesse Bauks, an English teacher at Staples and longtime advisor to the school’s Skate Club, has seen the park’s decline first hand. He too believes it’s time for a change.
“The skate park is falling apart — rotten wood, loose screws and nails — really just due to age and exposure to the elements,” Bauks says.
“There is a group of pickleball folks looking to expand their space, and the current location of the skate park makes for a good place for that to happen. So the future of this space as a skate park seems to be up in the air.”
Last year, Parks & Rec removed and rebuilt one of the large ramps with help from parks supervisor Mike West, thanks in part to $1,200 from student-led fundraisers.
However, Bauks says a more significant investment is necessary.
“To really rebuild the park — like they did in Norwalk — could cost anywhere from $250,000 to $1 million, depending on whether it’s done in wood or poured concrete,” he explains.
The Compo Beach skate park, in 2021.
Parks & Rec director Erik Barbieri, who started in March, is aware of the skate park’s condition. He is open to conversations about its future.
While still settling into his role, Barbieri has already earned a reputation for listening, and understanding the importance of youth spaces.
While nothing definitive is yet planned, skaters are taking initiative by organizing, raising awareness, and pushing for change.
“A concrete park could serve Westport’s youth for decades,” Brannigan says.
“This is more than just a park — it’s our community.”
(“06880” covers issues of concern to Westporters of all ages. If you appreciate stories like this, please click here to support our work. Our skaters and our staffers thank you!)
Two of Westport’s most popular spots — downtown and Compo Beach — were where the action was yesterday.
Between the 52nd annual Fine Arts Festival and the 2nd-ever Kickoff to Summer, there was something for everyone. First, the Fest:
Watercolors, oil paintings, woodworking, sculptures, photos — all those mediums and more are on display this weekend, on Main and Elm Streets, and nearby Church Lane.
In its half century, the Westport Downtown Association event has become one of the top shows in the nation. This year, it drew 165 artists. Over 40 are first-timers here. Seven are from Westport.
Popular local photographer John Videler is a first-time Fine Arts Festival exhibitor. He’s selling scenes of Westport, and much more.
The Fine Arts Festival includes family activities like face painting, crafts, games, and dancing and photo ops.
Crafts for kids.
It’s a real festival, with wine and beer for adults, food vendors, and music. The show continues today (Sunday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) More information is available here.
The School of Rock rocks.
Here come (2 of) the judges: Miggs Burroughs and Sandy Pelletier.
Staples High School students show their work.
Dylan Curran and Captain Jillian Cabana keep everyone safe.
Westport photographer Nancy Breakstone, at her traditional spot near Anthropologie.
Music on the Main and Elm Streets corner. (All photos/Dan Woog)
The first arrivals: The view from Brooks Corner. (Photo/Andrew Colabella)
Best in Show award winner: Kathryn Maher. She’s in Booth 18. (Photo/Brian Spurr)
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At the same time, dozens of families flocked to Compo Beach. “06880” intern Katherine Phelps reports:
Westport officially opened its brand-new, fully inclusive Compo Beach playground this week, in a very appropriate way: with children’s laughter.
The new play space’s inauguration was part of a day-long celebration sponsored by the Parks & Recreation Department, complete with bouncy houses, food trucks and games.
The new playground replaces the popular structure first built in 1989, then refurbished in 2006.
It has been reimagined with inclusivity, safety and community spirit in mind. It features modern equipment designed for children of all abilities, including sensory elements, accessible play zones, and “mommy-and-me” swings that promote connection and bonding.
2nd Selectwoman Andrea Moore noted the intergenerational nature of the project as “a coordination of a lot of different groups.
“It wasn’t just the town. It was such a great community project. I worked on this 18 years ago, the last time it was rebuilt. Now it’s incredible to see a new generation of young Westporters volunteering.”
From classic swings and towering play structures to a pretend ice cream truck that kids could not get enough of, the new Compo playground is designed for everyone.
Courtney Kornblum, at the opening with her young daughter, was excited about the new playground.
“It’s pretty remarkable,” Kornblum said. “There’s a lot more for younger ages now. The mommy-and-me swings and the drums — it really brings people together. You look around, and everyone’s smiling.”
Beyond the equipment itself, the event was a celebration of the teamwork that went into the renovation. Volunteers of all ages participated in the build. Former 1st Selectman Jim Marpe, who was involved in the previous playground updates, was also part of this renovation.
“This playground has a lot of history for me,” he said. “I helped out when it was first built, and again in 2006. Last year, the Westport Rotary Club decided to make a major donation to the reconstruction. It was the perfect fit.”
Marpe noted that when he took his grandchildren to the previous structure, he felt as though something was just slightly off.
“I can’t wait to bring them now,” Marpe said. “There is just so much to do, and something for everyone. We wanted it to be as accessible as possible for every child to enjoy.”
Kids began enjoying it the moment the celebration ended.
And they will keep doing so until the next rebuild, a couple of decades from now.
After the playground celebration, kids headed over to the Kickoff to Summer, near the basketball courts.
Lifeguards (from left) Olivia Kuliga, Molly Whittle and Ella Harrington keep a close (and smiling) watch.
(All photos/Katherine Phelps)
Volunteers and kids say “cheese!” (Photo/David Klee)
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