And few Westporters know kids and sports better than Jon Deren and Michael Maurillo.
Deren and his wife Sara are raising 3 children here. He’s coached PAL football, Little League baseball and youth basketball. As owner of Camp Manitou, the developer of other camps and programs (including for underserved youths), he’s impacted tens of thousands of children and families. He and Sara also co-founded Experience Camps, a national non-profit that provides programs to boys and girls who have lost a parent or caregiver.
Maurillo and his wife Jen raised 2 boys here. He’s coached youth lacrosse, basketball and flag football, and served on the PAL Lacrosse board. As co-owner and director of Academy Camps, he offers quality instruction and leadership skills to hundreds of young athletes — many of them from Westport — each year.
Both men know how much our town provides its youngsters.
And how much it lacks.
Jon Deren (left) and Michael Maurillo
With space tight, parents haul their kids to Fairfield, Norwalk, Stamford — and beyond — for chances to train, or just play sports indoors with friends.
For several years, Deren and Maurillo have tried to create an indoor facility — a “modern Boys & Girls Club” that is a third space, beyond home and school, where kids can be active and have fun.
Finally, they’ve found their spot.
1431 Post Road East is a non-conforming 1.74-acre parcel, with a restaurant (Bar Lupa), greenhouses and consignment shop. Cars back right onto the road; there are ,multiple entrances and exits.
1431 Post Road East today …
Deren and Maurillo hope to convert the lot into a 2-story space with an all-purpose court for basketball, volleyball and pickleball; a turf field for soccer, lacrosse and football (big enough for training, but not full games), and a fitness area with strength and conditioning coaches.
The facility would not be for high-level athletes only, the planners note. Any boy or girl who wants to play, train and improve would be welcome.
The aim is for “camp-like activities,” camp owners Deren and Maurillo say. It is not a place for tournaments with teams, and there are no outdoor activities.
There would be locker rooms, and a lounge where youngsters could socialize, do homework and meet with tutors.
… and aerial views showing the present site (left), and planned facility (right, with building and drop-off outlined in beige).
Though the primary users would be ages 10 to 18, Deren and Maurillo would welcome adults when school is is session. There could be toddler programs too.
Tonight (Monday, July 27, 6 p.m.; Zoom), the Planning & Zoning Commission hears a pre-application for the facility. They’ll provide feedback to the applicants on the plan, including parking, a dedicated lane for drop-off and pickup, and landscaping to buffer residential neighbors. (Click here, then scroll down to 1431 Post Road East, for materials provided with the pre-application.)
That’s not the only pre-application the P&Z will hear tonight.
There’s also a preliminary plan for redevelopment of 34 Imperial Avenue, into 2 residential buildings with 9 units. It’s just north of the Westport Woman’s Club, on the west side of the street.
It was constructed around 1890, as a private home. Since 1970, it’s been an office building, with 6 units. The conversion came when town officials created a transition zone, between downtown retail and residences, with offices for doctors, lawyers and small businesses.
34 Imperial Avenue today …
Its location — close to the Library, Levitt Pavilion and downtown — would appeal to empty nesters looking to downsize, and others seeking in-town housing. (Click here, then scroll down to 34 Imperial Avenue, for materials provided with the pr-application.)
… and an artist’s rendering of the 9-unit proposal.
The first agenda item is a potential text change in Saugatuck, related to the proposed development by Spinnaker on Riverside Avenue. Click here for all related materials.
The other items involve Dark Sky compliance, modifying mobile park regulations, and discussing accessory buildings.
The Zoning Regulation Revision Subcommittee discusses Saugatuck today.
There is one agenda item on tomorrow’s Board of Education agenda (Thursday, June 23, 9:30 a.m., Staples High School cafeteria): discussion, and possible action, on “Special Education Program Review: Review RFQ Responses and RFP.”
The meeting will be livestreamed on www.westportct.gov, and Optimum Channel 78.
================================================
It’s a great National Hockey League tradition: Each player on the Stanley Cup-winning team gets to keep it for a day.
Which is how the famed trophy came to Westport yesterday.
Jeff Looby sent this photo, from social media:
A bit of context: Twitter user Phil Pritchard is the guy who shepherds the Stanley Cup from player to player, and town to town. (Much safer than FedEx.)
Shayne Gostisbehere is … well, you can read about him above. His only connections to Connecticut seem to be that he played prep school hockey at South Kent, and the Carolina Hurricanes started out as the Hartford Whalers, before fleeing to Raleigh in 1997.
Jeff thought Shayne might have a summer place in Westport. That can’t be confirmed. But it led to another social media post by Pritchard:
What is Eric Robinson’s connection with Westport?
AI says he is a “native” of our town. But he was raised in Bellmawr, New Jersey, and played at Gloucester Catholic High there. There are no other references to Westport anywhere for him.
So here are our questions:
Does Shayne Gostisbehere actually live here in the summer?
Is Eric Robinson actually a Westport native? And if so …
… why didn’t that get any publicity during the Hurricanes’ Stanley Cup run?
If none of that is true, how did the Stanley Cup wind up here yesterday?
And finally: Which is cooler: Having the Stanley Cup here in 2026, or the World Cup in Weston in 1991?
A memorial service celebrating the life of Scott Bryce — the beloved actor, Staples High School graduate and Weston resident who died July 12 — is set for this Saturday (July 25, 10 a.m., Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport.).
The other day, Sandy Rothenberg emailed “06880.” She said: “The intersection of Bayberry Lane Extension & Easton Road (Route 136) is a major accident waiting to happen.
“At the stop sign on Bayberry Extension, the sight line is very poor. Cars fly around the corner on Easton Road, or turn in 2 other directions at the same time. School buses use this intersection too.
“I have contacted Westport Police and Public Works. They said that since Easton Road is a state road and the bushes are not on public property, they can’t do anything about it.” They suggested writing a letter to the property owner at 300 Bayberry Lane Extension.
Town operations manager Tom Kiely told Sandy that the house was recently sold. New owners will move in next month. Kiely contacted them, and said they were receptive to meeting with town officials.
Rothenberg adds, “The state Department of Transportation needs to attend to the curve on Easton Road!”
Dangerous sightline: Easton Road (right) at Bayberry Lane Extension. Bayberry Lane is at far right. (Photo/Sandy Rothenberg)
Only a few days — and 2 Westport Farmers’ Markets — remain in the Young Shoots photo contest.
For a decade, photographers ages 5 to 18 have captured the energy and beauty of the Thursday market — and shared great images of food, farmers and shopper.
The contest — with prizes in 3 age groups, and an exhibit and reception for all the young entrants — is sponsored by The Artists Collective of Westport and the Drew Friedman Community Arts Center.
Speaking of the outdoors: Flick the leopard gecko, Pearl the chinchilla and Chatty the bald eagle are 3 of the more than 50 animals that call Earthplace home.
Unable to survive in the wild due to permanent injuries, they now serve as ambassadors, connecting the community with nature.
But Earthplace can’t do it alone. Facing rising food, veterinary and enrichment costs, they need to raise $25,000 this month to ensure the animals receive the resources they need!
A generous matching challenge will double every gift, through July 31. Click here to donate.
Westport is filled with experienced professionals — and many other young men and women, just beginning their careers.
A networking mixer, bringing them all together, is set for next Tuesday (July 28, 7 to 8:15 p.m., Compo Beach brick pavilion).
The free event — organized by Westport Professionals Network co-founders Lisa Cukier and Katie Gervasio — is open to post-high school, and current and graduated college students. Plus, of course, anyone interested in offering advice and mentorship.
Roz Chast and Lisa Donnelly had a packed Westport Library crowd laughing loudly Monday night.
That’s appropriate. They spoke following a screening of “Women Laughing,” Donnelly’s documentary about a diverse and remarkable group of New Yorker female cartoonists. Chast and Donnelly are 2 of its most noted members.
From left: Roz Chast and Lisa Donnelly, with former New Yorker editor Anne Hall Elser. (Photo/Susan Garment)
=================================================
Lauri Weiser sent this “Westport … Naturally” photo yesterday, with a note: “On icky days like this, these beautiful flowers remind me why I love my garden.”
And finally … in honor of the Stanley Cup coming to Westport (story above):
(You may never drive a Zamboni. But you can always contribute to “06880.” Just click here to help. It’s even better than winning the Stanley Cup! Thank you all …)
Once again, the Planning & Zoning Commission discussed lights for 2 athletic fields last night.
Once again, they sought more information before voting.
Neighbors near Wakeman Field reiterated concerns about noise, light “spillage” from the poles and landscaping.
A proposal by the Parks & Recreation Department for lights at another site — PJ Romano Field behind Saugatuck Elementary School, which has had temporary lights for several years — has drawn far fewer comments.
Parks & Rec officials, led by director Erik Barbieri and superintendent Carm Roda, were asked for further review of the design from Musco Lighting; more details on landscaping, sound mitigation, and oversight by their department of both field usage and noise.
The P&Z will continue its discussion on August 17.
Lights are proposed for the turf field (center left, next to softball diamond) at Wakeman. (Drone photo/David Pogue)
================================================
This year’s “06880” blog party is just 2 days away.
The date is Thursday, July 23 (6 p.m). The site is Compo Beach — the alcohol-is-okay South Beach, by the trees (the opposite end from the cannons).
Bring your own food, beverages (no glass bottles!), beach chairs and blankets.
Our blog party is a true community gathering – a chance to meet and mingle with the diverse “06880” community (both online and real). It’s fun, un-fancy, and free!
We extend a special welcome to all our new “06880” readers. And those who have never come to our bash. See you Thursday!
A small part of the large crowd. (Photo/Dennis Jackson)
The Westport Country Playhouse production of “The Murder of Roger Ackroyd” is based on one of Agatha Christie’s most famous mysteries.
So it’s no surprise that the Playhouse has placed copies of it in various “Little Free Libraries” in Westport and surrounding towns.
If you know a free library, look for the book. Then peek inside. You may find a voucher for 2 complimentary tickets to the stage adaptation of the classic whodunit.
“Architectural Elegy: A Mourning Ritual for Lost Spaces” is set for Thursday (July 23, 6 p.m.).
The immersive performance art piece — part of Ellen Harvey’s exhibition “The Disappointed Tourist,” in MoCA’s current exhibition exploring lost places — explores the question: “If you could visit one place that no longer exists, where would you go?”
The “meditative gathering” invites participants to remember the places that shaped them through drawing, writing, conversation, and a simple collective ritual.
Led by artist Dannielle Tegeder, guests will create “temporary memorials that acknowledge both personal memory and shared history.” Some attendees may share their story; others may participate quietly. The evening is designed for everyone to reflect and connect.
All materials are provided. Participants are invited to wear black or mourning attire (not required).
Speaking (as we were earlier) of the Playhouse: “Cheese Fries & Chili Dips” — the autobiographical play written and performed by former professional golfer and Weston resident Chris Fuller — returns to the Lucille Lortel White Barn theater there August 7-8.
Now a 2-person production directed by Mark Graham, it follows one man’s pursuit of a PGA Tour career, while navigating bipolar disorder. Fuller is joined by Broadway actor Beau Allen, portraying the golfer’s “inner voice.”
“Cheese Fries & Chili Dips” explores mental illness, resilience, family, and unexpected paths that lead to hope and healing.
A wine and cheese reception precedes the shows, at 6 p.m. A talkback after the August 7 performance features Dr. Tobias Wasser, chair of psychiatry and beheavioral health for Hartford HealthCare’s Fairfield Region. Click here for tickets, and more information.
===============================================
Svetlana and the Delancey Five — the New York -based jazz and swing band led by vocalist and bandleader Svetlana Shmulyian, who sold out shows at the Blue Note and Joe’s Pub –headline this Thursday’s “Jazz at the Post” (July 23, 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 6:45; VFW Post 399).
Melissa Osborne offers today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured photo of 4 monarch larvae (caterpillars) eating a milkweed leaf.
(Photo/Melissa Osborne)
“You can see the silhouette of the 4th in the lower left – it’s on the underside of the leaf,” she writes. “They are probably 3 days old.”
Melissa adds: “This isn’t completely ‘natural,’ because I’m raising them in captivity. Last year I noticed that the few tiny larvae I found on my plants never made it to the pupa (chrysalis) or adult stages; they were likely eaten by other bugs in the first days of life. I brought these indoors to hopefully give them a better start.”
Discussion of lights on Wakeman and PJ Romano Fields continues at Monday’s Planning & Zoning Commission meeting (July 20, 6 p.m., Zoom).
The clock re-set after Parks & Recreation Department director Erik Barbieri resubmitted the application, after questions and comments during previous P&Z meetings.
The registrars of voters begin memory card and tabulator testing on Tuesday (July 21, 9:30 a.m., Town Hall Room 212D).
The public is welcome to observe, through the testing is complete.
Meanwhile, there’s an “enrollment session” on Friday, July 24 (5 to 7 p.m., Town Hall, Room 107) to register voters before the August 11 primary elections.
Voters can also enroll any time at the registrar of voters’ office any time during normal business hours.
A tabulator (foreground) at the Westport Library polling place. (Photo/Dan Woog)
=================================================
Singer-songwriter MT Jones brings his soulful vibe to the Levitt Pavilion this Sunday (7 p.m.; free).
Before his appearance, he chatted with Weston Today’s Jaclyn Jeffrey. They spoke about his hit album “Joy,” his journey from young musician to session player, then on to a solo career writing original songs, his creative process, and the legendary robust Liverpool music scene.
The curtain rose last night on legendary detective Hercule Poirot, as he investigates “Agatha Christie’s The Murder of Roger Ackroyd.” The show runs through August 1, at Westport Country Playhouse.
A free Symposium is set for this Sunday (July 19), following the 3 p.m. performance.
“Christie at 100…Still Going Strong” will discuss why her mysteries continue to sell 4 million copies a year. Guest speakers include author and co-founder of the Connecticut Chapter of Sisters in Crime Elise Hart Kipness, and mystery writer and CrimeConn festival founder Chris Knopf.
Kelle Ruden — leader of The Usual Suspects, a long-running mystery book discussion group at rhe Westport Library — will moderate.
Anthony Cochrane as Hercule Poirot in “Agatha Christie’s The Murder of Roger Ackroyd.” (Photo/Mark Smith)
Speaking of theater: There are 2 Westport connections to “Rosie,” the “riveting” new musical with a one-night-only presentation at Greenwich House Theater (August 4, 7 p.m.).
The music and lyrics for the show — about the girl in the bandana behind the iconic World War II poster, as she reconciles her feminism with the diverse and complex world — were written by 2013 Staples High School graduate Jake Landau.
Fellow Staples alum Lauren Weinberger is the developmental producer.
The third time was not the charm for lights on 2 athletic fields.
The Planning & Zoning Commission once again delayed a decision on the Parks & Recreation Commission request, for the Wakeman B and PJ Romano Fields.
At last night’s Zoom meeting, Parks & Rec director Erik Barbieri and recreation superintendent Carmen Roda presented charts and graphs showing field usage, the number of participants in current programs (including those turned away because of lack of space), the impact of 50-, 60- and 70-foot poles, and the deterioration of grass fields due to overuse (without the availability of lit, synthetic turf surfaces).
They cited the support of several hundred youth sports families, and groups like the Westport Soccer Association and Westport PAL.
Rendering of 4 70-foot light poles at Wakeman B Field.
However, the majority of speakers — nearly all of them neighbors — objected to the plan. Many cited a lacrosse tournament last weekend, sponsored by a private organization, that brought noise, traffic, even outdoor barbecues to the Wakeman fields.
Other objections included the height of the poles, the effect on the environment, the length of time lights would stay on, field usage by adults and outside (non-school and town) groups, and how well Parks & Rec would manage oversight of the lights.
Attorney Joel Green, representing the ad hoc “Lights Need Limits” group, questioned whether the lights plan met the P&Z’s own requirements.
But one neighbor — John Sabino, who said he is the second-closest neighbor to Wakeman — spoke in favor of lights. The sound of children playing, even air horns, was preferable to “the deafening silence” of youngsters using cellphones and computer screens, he said.
Rendering of 70-foot light poles at PJ Romano Field.
Though 2 fields are in the Parks & Rec proposal — and the P&Z agenda included both Wakeman and PJ Romano Field, behind Saugatuck Elementary School — nearly all of the discussion centered around the Bedford Middle School property.
The P&Z voted unanimously to continue the hearing to July 20.
A lot of famous people have been honored at the Westport Library’s “Booked for the Evening” event. The list includes Billie Jean King, Martin Scorsese, Patti Smith, Itzhak Perlman, and many others.
This year’s recipient has special “Fame.”
Emmy Award-winning director, choreographer, producer, actress, educator and United States Cultural Ambassador of Dance Debbie Allen will be celebrated October 28.
She is perhaps best known as perhaps best known as dance instructor Lydia Grant in the 1982 series “Fame.” She was also the show’s principal choreographer. (Fun fact: Staples High School graduate Cynthia Gibb starred on that TV show too.)
“Debbie Allen hasn’t just excelled across disciplines — she has used every one of them in service of something larger,” says library director Bill Harmer. “She has consistently asked what art can do for a community and for a culture. We couldn’t be more delighted to honor her and welcome her to the vibrant arts community of Westport.”
“Booked for the Evening” annually honors someone whose work reflects the mission and vision of the Library: to nurture a love of learning, and enhance our understanding of the world.
Allen has earned 3 Emmys, a Golden Globe, 5 NAACP Image Awards, a Drama Desk honor, the first-ever Astaire Award for Best Dancer, 4 honorary doctorates, and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
She has choreographed the Academy Awards 10 times, directed and produced episodes of “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Scandal” and “A Different World,” and was the creative force behind Steven Spielberg’s “Amistad.”
Appointed by President George W. Bush as a Cultural Ambassador of Dance, Allen spent more than 15 years as an artist-in-residence at the Kennedy Center.
In one of their quickest meetings ever, the Planning & Zoning Commission postponed last night’s discussion of athletic field lights on the Wakeman and PF Romano Fields until next Monday (June 29).
“06880” reporter Dylan Robbin says that the continuance for both an 8-24 and special permit/site plan came at the request of Parks & Recreation director Erik Barbieri.
He indicated his department was “95% there,” but sought the delay to present something completely ready for a “major decision” by the P&Z.
The 2 projects call for permanent LED lighting, to support both school and community activities.
Monday’s delay also carries procedural implications for the lighting proposals. P&Z members noted that the Municipal Improvement applications must be acted on and issued to the first selectman by June 30. If further continuance is needed by the P&Z, the current Parks & Rec applications must be withdrawn and resubmitted.
Barbieri will submit a finalized presentation to the Planning & Zoning office before next week’s meeting. He says, “the only timeline I have is the proper vetting of the topic, and for the decision makers to have all the information they need. If that requires a bit more time, then so be it.”
PJ Romano Field has temporary lights. A plan for permanent lighting there, and at Wakeman Field, was postponed to next week.
For over 40 years, the Susan Fund has quietly — but generously, and effectively — helped young cancer patients go to college.
Named for Susan Lloyd — a Staples High School graduate who died of bone cancer shortly before attending Colgate University — the organization held its 44th reception on Sunday.
Eighteen college scholarships were awarded to Fairfield County residents who have been diagnosed with cancer.
Westport recipients included former Staples Players Charlie Watson, who attends Montclair University, and Henry Baker, a rising freshman at Pace University.
Since its inception, the Susan Fund has given more than $2.2 million to over 300 people. This year’s ceremony marked a record amount.
To learn more about the Susan Fund — including how to apply for a scholarship, and donate — click here.
Students are using it — sometimes far more than teachers realize. But teachers are using it too.
What’s the future for education? How will youngsters cope — and learn?
Casey Cuny — California’s 2024 Teacher of the Year — explored the topic last night, in a fascinating Westport Library presentation. It was co-sponsored by the Westport Public Schools.
Casey Cuny, at the Westport Library. (Photo/Susan Garment)
=================================================
On Sunday morning, Saugatuck Congregational Church sent 10 young people and 5 adults to learn about — and experience — poverty and advocacy in Washington. This includes five adults and 10 youth.
They’re working with local organizations, visiting the offices of Connecticut elected officials, and also sightseeing.
Speaking of teenagers: Circle of Friends has just launched a new program for Fairfield County high school students. Successful participants earn 3 college credits.
The Solomon Leadership Program offers leadership training, community engagement, and mentorship. Students gain experience in decision-making, values-driven leadership and public speaking. To learn more, click here.
Applications are open for high school juniors and seniors. Click here, email westport@solomonprogram.org, or call 203-293-8837. The Instagram is @circlefriendsct.
================================================
Congratulations to the Intensity Racquet Club 14U tennis boys!
On Sunday they won the USTA state championship, in West Hartford.
Four of the champs — Dylan Griffiths, Julian Kerschner and KJ Yu — are from Westport. Caleb Stapleton lives in Fairfield.
It was a long day: 12 hours (including a 30-minute rain delay). Each boy played 8 matches: 4 singles and 4 doubles.
From left: KJ Yu, Dylan Griffiths, Julian Kerschner, Caleb Stapleton.
Jazz drummer Adam Nussbaum grew up in Norwalk. He won a Grammy with Michael Brecker, and has played with artists like Gil Evans and Stan Getz.
Fans who “knew him when,” and those who had no idea of his local roots, can all enjoy Nussbaum this Thursday, at Jazz at the Post (June 25, shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner at 7; VFW Post 399).
He’s joined by fellow Norwalk native Rob Aries (piano), plus Dave Santoro (bass), and James “Doc” Halliday and Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall (saxophones). Click here for tickets.
As the proposal to create a fenced area in Winslow Park for off-leash dogs moves forward, some residents say proponents are barking up the wrong tree.
This month, Representative Town Meeting member Andrew Colabella filed a request with the Planning & Zoning Department for a text amendment change to the Dedicated Open Space and Recreation District Zone.
It would “provide a safe, controlled area for off-leash recreation, while preserving the park’s overall open space character and public accessibility.” The area would “enhance (Winslow Park) through responsible management, improved safety, and additional recreational opportunities for residents.”
Proposed location of the Winslow Park “Dogport.”
Mark Mathias — who lives near Winslow Park, and uses it frequently with his dog — tells “06880” that the proposed “Dogport” has elicited plenty of discussion at the 29-acre town-owned property.
He said a recent Zoom call with the Parks & Recreation Commission did not result in a recommendation. The conversation ended, Mathias says, with commissioner recommending that alternate locations — other than the proposed site along Compo Road North — be explored.
Proponents were urged to put a flyer at Winslow Park, with a link to their survey. A few days later, the flyer — with a QR code — was placed at the water fountain, and other spots (photo below). Click here for a link to that survey.
However, Mathias says, some Winslow Park regulars felt the survey did not address “fundamental issues,” or “adequately reflect the views of people who use Winslow Park.”
(“06880” never dogs it. We work 24/7/365, to bring you news, features, photos and more, about every area of local life. We rely on reader support. Please click here to support our work. Thanks!)
A state Superior Court judge has upheld the Westport Planning & Commission’s denial of a proposal to move into the former Bank of America building next to Starbucks, on Post Road East.
The P&Z decision was based on insufficient parking — 24 spaces, instead of the required 32.4 — and traffic concerns, including cars backed up on the Post Road for the coffee chain’s drive-thru. The school — proposed over a year ago — would have served 124 children, infants through kindergarteners.
Director of Human Resources Candice Holley has resigned, for personal and family reasons.
She said, “I truly appreciated the opportunity to work with town leadership in both administrations, town employees, and the broader Westport community. Westport will always remain close to my heart.”
1st Selectman Kevin Christie said, “We wish her well in her future endeavors.”
Candice Holley
===============================================
When Dave Goldshore stepped down as Staples High School boys basketball coach this spring, his replacement was not far away.
Yesterday, athletic director VJ Sarullo announced that Joe Black will lead the Wreckers next winter.
He began his high school coaching career at Fairfield Warde High School, then joined the Wreckers in 2023. He also works with the Westport PAL program.
At Staples, Black — the varsity defensive strategist — played a key role in helping earn back-to-back FCIAC championships.
He graduated in 2016 with a marketing and management degree from Fairfield University. Black is now is a senior coordinator at Neptune Retailer Solutions. He lives in Fairfield with his wife Marissa (also a Westport PAL basketball coach).
Sarullo says, “While his basketball knowledge, preparation and strategic approach were evident throughout the interview process, what impressed the hiring committee most was his unwavering commitment to serving as a positive role model for student-athletes. Coach Black’s vision for the program is one that represents Staples High School with pride, integrity, and excellence both on and off the court.”
Joe Black
============================================
Every graduation is special.
For 2 Westport twins, last Friday’s Greens Farms Academy commencement was extra special.
Danya and Evie Herman were valedictorian and salutatorian of the Class of 2026.
In her address to 97 classmates, Danya reflected on the experiences, friendships and growth that shaped them all. Evie welcomed guests, on behalf of the graduates.
The ceremony featured remarks from actor/director/producer Jensen Ackles (“Supernatural,” “Days of Our Lives”). He spoke about perseverance, pursuing passions, building a life of purpose, embracing challenges, and recognizing that success often comes from resilience and determination.
Speaking of changes: Here’s a visual representation of Westport today:
(Photo/Leigh Gage)
One house (foreground) was torn down yesterday, on Manitou Road.
Behind it, on a neighboring lot, a new home rises.
=================================================
Two more tournaments — mahjong and canasta — have been added to the Westport Country Playhouse’s 3rd annual golf tournament. The event is June 15, at Birchwood Country Club.
The golf event (7:30 a.m.) includes 9 or 18 holes; light breakfast, buffet lunch, cocktails, on-course drinks and afternoon reception; cart rental; access to the locker room and facilities, driving range, and practice putting green, and contests to win Playhouse season tickets and pro shop credits.
The mahjong and canasta tourneys (9:30 a.m.( includes a light breakfast, buffet lunch, cocktails and afternoon reception, plus the chance to win Playhouse season tickets and other prizes. Guests can create their own foursome, or come as a pair or solo and be matched with others.
The tastiest fundraiser of the year — CLASP’s “Taste of Westport” — fed and slaked the thirst of several hundred guests last night.
The 20th annual event — benefiting the non-profit that houses and supports individuals with autism and developmental disabilities — had a new venue (the Fairfield County Hunt Club, while the Inn at Longshore is under renovation).
There were a few new restaurants and vendors, and many familiar ones. Thanks to all who donated food and drinks, along with staff, for a very good cause: Anan, Artisan, Barcelona, The Blondinit, Black Bear Wine & Spirits, Bridgewater Chocolates, Blue + Berries, The Bridge at Saugatuck, Boathouse, Eder Bros., Dandelion, Chopin Vodka, Gloria Ferrer, Magic Pie Co., Korbel, Gruel Britannia, Gabriele’s, Grumpy Dumpling Co., Massi Co, Moet & Crandon Champagne, Nômade, Oggi Gelato, Nordic Fish, Rive Bistro, Tarantino, Rizzuto’s Romanacci Pizza Bar, The Whelk, Woodford Reserve and Yuzu.
The Bridge at Saugatuck — one of 30 tasting stations. (Photo/Dan Woog)
=================================================
Four great volunteers and organizations were honored with Westport Community Service Awards on Tuesday:
Jocelyn Baraniaran, Westport Book Sales Ventures presisdent
Dave Matlow, Westport documentary photographer
Westport Police Athletic League
Staples Tuition Grants.
The Rotarians also presented Public Protection Awards to members of the Westport Police and Fire Departments. Deputy fire marshal Dan Mascolo and firefighter Pete Nichio earned a Public Safety Award, for their work building and maintaining the Fire Department’s Peer Support Team.
Rotarians and honorees (from left): Rick Benson, Jim Marpe, Ruairi Powers, Jocelyn Barandiarian, Peter Helt, Leslie Roberts, Bob Wickey, Dave Matlow, Kevin Christie, Craig Mergamo, Maggie Hudson Blau, Pat Carey. (Photo/Rady Johnson)
Westport Rotary Club president Peter Helt and Deputy Police Chief David Wolf, and officers honored with Public Protection Award certificates. (Photo/Dave Matlow)
From right: Rotary president Peter Helt, Fire Chief Nicholas Marsan, Dan Mascolo and Pete Nichio with their awards. (Photo courtesy of Westport Fire Department)
Now that can do it in a good way. The Northeast Occultation Network — a student astronomy research program — is accepting applications for its next research cohort, at the Westport Observatory.
Curious students, from beginners to advanced, will join NEON’s research team to contribute real data to NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
The program, guided by University of New Haven astrophysicist Dr. Kevin Green, covers everything from basic telescope operation to capturing high-precision data from asteroid occultations. Sessions are held from 8 to 10 p.m. For more information and to apply, click here.
Westport Police made 5 custodial arrests between May 27 and June 2.
Three Bridgeport women, ages 21, 25 and 26, were charged with larceny and conspiracy to commit larceny, following an investigation into alleged shoplifting at the Gap. An eyewitness told an officer they had just observed 3 women run out of Lululemon, carrying multiple items, and described the vehicle they entered. It was observed soon after on the Sherwood Island connector, and stopped. Lululemon clothing with a value of $2,838 was in the vehicle. All 3 posted bonds of $3,000, $7,500 and $7,500.
A 43-year-old Westport man was charged with reckless driving, driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs and failure to drive in the proper lane, following a single vehicle accident at the Hillandale Road/Wakeman Road intersection. The driver struck a mailbox and fire hydrant, before hitting a tree that snapped and damaged a fence. He was released on a $500 bond.
A 38-year-old Bronx man was charged with 2 counts of failure to appear, and violation of probation, after being held at Rikers Island. He ws unable to post a a $159,500 bond.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Traveling unreasonably fast: 18 citations
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 10
Failure to obey stop sign: 6
Distracted driving: 5
Failure to renew registration: 3
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 3
Texting while driving: 2
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
School zone violation, 2nd offense: 1
Speeding: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
Driving with a foreign license more than 60 days: 1
Failure to carry registration/insurance card: 1
Leaving a motor vehicle without setting brake: 1
Driving wrong way on a 1-way street: 1
Failure to drive right: 1
Illegal operation of a motor vehicle on rapid transit road: 1
Defective windshield wiper: 1
Violation of tinted glass requirements: 1
Failure to set a car brake can lead to a citation.
=================================================
Before the full moon becomes too un-full, we’ve got this great “Westport … Naturally” image, from Schlaet’s Point:
The Planning & Zoning Commission held its first hearing yesterday on the new Spinnaker project. “06880” reporter John Palmer writes:
The Planning & Zoning Commission and members of the public got their first look last night at the latest development proposal for Saugatuck since the Hamlet was rendered dead.
Representatives for Norwalk-based Spinnaker presented a pre-application –a first look at the developer’s plans, and a chance for any last-minute concerns to be discussed before a formal application is submitted.
The Architectural Review Board discusses the pre-application at their meeting tonight (Tuesday, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall Room 201; click here for materials).
“We know this property has a long and at times, frustrating history for the neighborhood,” said Matthew Edvardsen, principal at Spinnaker, who added he lives in town with his wife.
“We want this to be a project the neighborhood enjoys and is genuinely happy to be a part of.”
One view of the proposed Spinnaker development. Riverside Avenue is on the left, Charles Street on the right.
Spinnaker, which has developed properties in Norwalk, New Canaan, Darien, Fairfield and New Haven, bought 606 Riverside Avenue for $12.795 million, and 96 Franklin Street for $3.25 million. The rectangle parcel is anchored by Minute Man Cleaners.
“This is not the Hamlet,” said Adam Blank, an attorney with Wofsey, Rosen, Kweskin & Kuriansky, acting as land use counsel for Spinnaker. “We can assure you the project will comply with all town engineering standards.”
He added that the developers have already met with the Fire department, businesses and other town officials, as well as the state Department of Transportation. Spinnaker has also created a project website.
Unlike Hamlet, which involved a complicated mix of several properties, Spinnaker’s proposal calls for 175 mixed units within 1 block of property. Eighteen — or about 10 percent — would be considered affordable, less than the 20% that town regulations require for similar developments.
Seelan Pather, managing principal for Beinfield Architecture, which will handle design for the proposed development, said the intent is to create a “New England Village” that provides a walkable environment.
A view looking at Railroad Place (left) and Riverside Avenue.
Rather than providing a development with many amenities, he said the idea is to create a “symbiotic relationship” with downtown Westport, which he said would be the draw for people to visit.
“We are familiar with Westport, and we are trying to achieve some of that wonderful Westport energy that exists,” he said. “We will pay attention to detail. Needless to say we’ve done this before, and we know how to get it right.”
The parcel to be developed would be bordered by Charles and Franklin Streets, Riverside Avenue and Railroad Place.
Designers plan to preserve the historical feel of Saugatuck by retaining buildings such as the post office to provide a hint of nostalgia.
Along Charles Street and Riverside Avenue, street level buildings would be limited to 4 stories to avoid an urban “canyon effect,” and would feature townhouse-like apartments with stoops, as well as street-level retail and entertainment space.
A 5-foot setback from 13-foot sidewalks would help shield sightlines of a larger, 6-story structure that would house 2 levels of above-grade parking, and 4 levels of apartments that would surround a common plaza area for residents.
“You’d have to be on I-95 to see most of what’s going on there,” Pather said of the higher building.
A key feature of the new development, which differs from Hamlet, is 283 parking spaces. Most are on 2 levels that would be located at grade or on the second level, with entrances that would be hidden within the façade of the street level façade.
By comparison, Hamlet proposed 2 underground parking garages that would feature “stackers” employed to accommodate more vehicles. It would have also eliminated most on-street parking.
Spinnaker’s street-level parking plan.
Spinnaker’s version will provide 49 off-street parking spaces plus 10 on-street spaces on Charles Street, in addition to the 283 contained garage spaces.
According to Marissa Tarrallo, a traffic expert with AKRF, studies were done at 11 intersections in the area from March through May, collecting 3 days of turning movement counts as well as 9-day traffic recorder counts.
The project as currently planned would generate 57 more weekday morning trips, 88 more in the afternoon, and 129 more on Saturdays.
She said that Spinnaker’s development will generate about 80% fewer vehicle trips than the Hamlet would have generated, and almost no traffic delays more than 10 seconds at all intersections with Saugatuck Avenue.
Planning commissioners largely viewed the proposal positively, but several expressed concerns that the developers provide only 10 percent of affordable housing, when town regulations require 20 percent.
“It would be very difficult to approve something that is substantially lower than what we require of other developers in town,” said Bre Injeski, adding that a text amendment would likely need to be approved to allow a change in regulations.
“That would be a sticking point for me. I like that you have sufficient parking and the traffic numbers are not going to make traffic significantly worse.”
The current site of the Spinnaker property. Riverside Avenue is at the bottom of the photo; Charles Street is on the right.
“This is a massive development in an area that is already congested,” noted Michael Calise. “We just don’t have the infrastructure.”
Chairman Paul Lebowitz said that he’d like to see more setbacks integrated into the streetscape, to allow for opportunities to enjoy the environment.
“When I go to Saugatuck it’s for the experience of the places there, like eating ice cream and sitting on a nice evening,” he said. “I’d like to see more of that integrated into the sidewalks.
“It’s night and day from what we were presented with previously. I will be drawn to the negative space that will make Charles Street look like something it hasn’t looked like in many years.”
(Since our founding in 2009, “06880” has covered Saugatuck from every angle: real estate, business, transportation, history and more. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
We’ve already seen the first couple of artists’ drawings of Spinnaker’s plan for the Minute Man Cleaners’ parcel in Saugatuck.
The Norwalk-based developer hopes to build 157 market rate units of rental apartments on the 1.5-acre parcel at the corner of Riverside Avenue and Charles Street. Another 18 would be deed-restricted as affordable. There would be 283 underground parking spaces.
The view from the corner of Railroad Place (left) and Riverside Avenue.
The view down Riverside Avenue; train station is far left. Charles Street is on the right.
Now they’ve released architectural plans.
Level 2 (ground level)
Level 3
Level 5 (level 4 was not posted)
Level 6
Parking garage – level 1A
Parking garage – level 1
The Planning & Zoning Commission will hear a pre-application of the proposal on Monday (June 1, 6 p.m.; Zoom).
The Architectural Review Board discusses the pre-app the next night (Tuesday, June 2, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall Room 201).
Meanwhile, Westporters are getting their first look at the new Long Lots Elementary School.
The initial renderings have been released. Below is a computer-generated aerial view.
The new school (right) is north of the current school, which will be replaced by a parking lot (center). An athletic field (left) replaces the former Community Gardens.
The renderings also show the front entrance (below), as viewed from the parent drop-off lane …
,,, and the “Main Street” corridor. This view is from the Stepping Stones/after hours/weekend entrance, heading to the gymnasium …
… as well as the cafeteria.
They are drafts only. Architects are still working on those, and other renderings. More may be available next week.
The projected opening of the new school has been pushed back to January 2028 — after winter break. The previous plan was the beginning of the 2027-28 school year.
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.
What is Eric Robinson’s connection with Westport?
