Dozens of “Hands Off! Mass Mobilization” marches are planned for this Saturday (April 5).
One is planned for Westport. The event, on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge downtown, starts at 11 a.m.
Organizers say: “Donald Trump and Elon Musk think this country belongs to them. Westport is fighting back!
“They’re taking everything they can get their hands on—our health care, our data, our jobs, our services—and daring the world to stop them. This is a crisis, and the time to act is now.
“On Saturday, April 5th, we’re taking to the streets to fight back with a clear message: Hands off!”
They add: “A core principle behind all Hands Off! events is a commitment to nonviolent action. We expect all participants to seek to de-escalate any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values.”
The walkthrough of the potential site for a combined Police/Fire/EMS public safety complex on the Sherwood Island Connector — scheduled for this Thursday, April 3 — has been canceled.
A new date will be announced soon.
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The thermometer hit 77 degrees yesterday, around 3 p.m. Compo Beach was — naturally — packed.
Barely 2 hours later, it plummeted to 49.
The exiting traffic on Hillspoint Road reminded Andrew Colabella of July.
“You’d think the fireworks just ended, and everyone was heading home,” he says.
The Economist’s “Plot Twist” is a weekly newsletter about culture.
Normally, their story about Shonda Rhimes — “The Small Screen’s Biggest Hitmaker” — would not be “06880”-worthy.
Our talented, famous neighbor gets plenty of press. Probably daily.
But this paragraph, by deputy culture editor Rachel Lloyd, caught our eye:
Arranging an interview with a Hollywood bigwig … can be tricky. Usually there is an endless back-and-forth with wary publicists who want to vet all your questions. To my surprise, finding a time to meet Ms Rhimes was easy; no one tried to dictate what I could and could not ask. Ms Rhimes and I met a few weeks ago in a library near her home in Connecticut.
We all know “Ms. Rhimes” has been a huge supporter of the Westport Library.
It’s nice to know that — just like the rest of us who are not world famous, and/or will never be interviewed by The Economist — she too “takes a meeting” at the Library. (Hat tip: Stacie Curran)
In January, Shonda Rhimes hosted a Martin Luther King Day conversation with Trey Ellis at the Westport Library. (Photo/Dan Woog)
“Theatre People” — the last show of the Westport Country Playhouse 2024-25 season — opened officially last night.
The audience responded appreciately to the fast-paced comedy. Directed by WCP artistic director Mark Shanahan, it runs through April 12. Click here for tickets, and more details.
“Theatre People” cast take their bows. (Photo/Dave Matlow)
Tomorrow is International Transgender Day of Visibility.
Yesterday, the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport hosted an event, with speakers, a panel and a potluck dinner.
The keynote was delivered by Rev. Aaron Miller, of the Metropolitan Community Church in Hartford.
It was a homecoming of sorts, he told the audience. He grew up in Weston, and was part of Staples High School’s last graduating class (1970) to include students from that town.
He transitioned 17 years ago. He said that ever since, his life has been authentic, and filled with joy.
Rev. Aaron Miller
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There are few birds more handsome than an egret.
The other day, one enjoyed a Westport amenity: the Longshore golf course. Johanna Keyser Rossi captured the scene, for “Westport … Naturally.”
And finally … in honor of yesterday’s brief flirtation with summertime:
(You can’t always count on the weather. But you can always rely on “06880.” We’re here for you 24/7/365. We’re your hot spot for cool stories. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
The Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge was the site of recent rallies against the Trump administration.
Three years ago, it was where crowds gathered after Roe v. Wade was overturned. Two years earlier, there were Black Lives Matter protests there.
Wars — Iraq, Afghanistan, Vietnam — have been the target of Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge gatherings too.
In fact, just about any controversial national event ends up being argued about on the Post Road span. (With plenty of approving honks, and disapproving middle finger salutes, from passing drivers.)
But the bridge did not always look as broad — or provide as much amble room to stand — as it does today.
Here’s a view of the previous wooden bridge, in an early 1900s postcard from Jack Whittle’s collectin. Relics from an old toll collection system can be seen at the bottom (east bank of the Saugatuck River).
An even earlier view was recently posted to social media.
It too shows National Hall — the town’s first meeting place (and site of its newspaper, Horace Staples’ bank, and the very first location for his Staples High School) — along with a streetcar.
Plus a few men. They may be fishing, walking or chatting.
But they probably were not protesting.
(Friday Flashback is one of “06880”‘s many regular features. If you enjoy this — or anything else on our website — please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here. Thank you!)
It’s a bit early, but save the date — for the event, and for ticket sales. They always sell out.
It’s “Taste of Westport, ” CLASP Homes’ annual (and very tasty) fundraiser.
This year’s event is June 5 (6 p.m., The Inn at Longshore). As always, there will be a spectacular array of food and drinks. This year’s theme is “A Night at Studio 54.”
100% of the proceeds fund CLASP’s mission: to care, support and inspire people with autism and developmental disabilities.
The Saugatuck Rowing Club’s junior women’s team is heading to the Henley.
This summer’s Royal Regattas is one of the most prestigious in the world. “We promise to make Westport proud,” says rower Charlotte Seymout.
Click below (or here) to see their video, meet the athletes, and help with fundraising.
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A rally is planned for April 5 (11 a.m.), on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Brdige.
The theme is “Hands Off.” According to one of the organizers, Bean Corcoran, that refers to many things: “Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, our bodies, etc.”
A sign from the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge rally earlier this month.
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Easter comes a day early, to the Weston History & Culture Center.
On April 12 (2 p.m.), they host a concert-reading of the play “An Easter on Mulberry Street.”
The bittersweet comedy is about an Italian-American family preparing for the holiday on the home front during World War II. The reading is followed by a talkback with the writer/director and cast.
Advance tickets are $15 for members, $20 for non-members. The price at the door is $25. Click here to reserve, and for more information.
Linda Hall — a 1987 Staples High School graduate, and associate professor of English at Skidmore College — has written a fascinating article in New York magazine, on Cynthia Ozick. The writer turns 97 next month.
Fred Cantor — who sent along the piece — says, “The starting point is the publication of a 700+-page collection of Ozick’s stories and essays. But the piece is so much more. It covers a lot of ground with respect to her life and work, including Hall’s own interactions with the legendary writer over the years.
The piece includes another Staples connection. Noted writer Cathleen Schine — a 1971 grad — calls Ozick’s “Puttermesser Papers” perhaps “the best book about (New York City) since Robert Caro’s ‘The Power Broker.’”
Today’s International Women’s Day “Unite and Resist” rally drew over 200 people to the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge.
Organizers said, “we’re taking to the streets to fight back against the fascist takeover. Join us to defend our rights, our bodies, and our future. No permission needed — just show up, bring signs and friends!”
Plenty of women — and men — did. They filled both sides of the span.
Passing motorists honked in support. Some held their own signs.
A “Unite and Resist” rally is set for 11 a.m., at the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge downtown.
Organizers say, “we’re taking to the streets to fight back against the fascist takeover. Join us to defend our rights, our bodies, and our future. No permission needed—just show up, bring signs and friends!” Click here for more information.
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If you’re not aware of AWARE: You should be.
The organization — Assisting Women through Action, Resources and Education — spends an entire year helping one female-focused non-profit, both collaboratively and financially.
Next Thursday (March 6), Studio 45 on Main Street sponsors a special event, with shopping (6 to 8 p.m.) and an integrative yoga and restore session with Menna Olvera (6:30 to 7:30 p.m.). A portion of the proceeds goes directly to AWARE.
To RSVP and for more information, email hello@mennaolvera.com.
Speaking of “aware”: Westport Animal Control hosts an Animal Awareness Night next Wednesday (March 5, Westport police station upstairs classroom, 7 p.m.).
Topics include wildlife (with officer Peter Reid), pet adoption (with Westport Animal Shelter Advocates’ Julie Loparo), and dog licensing guidelines. The event is free.
Westport Animal Control officer Peter Reid is a featured speaker at Wednesday’s Animal Awareness Night.
On the crowded calendar of springtime fundraisers, one event has always stood out: Taste of Westport.
At the benefit for CLASP, a lineup of great restaurants presents special selections and drinks. There’s music and a silent auction too. 100% of proceeds go directly to the non-profit, which for over 40 years has provided homes and support for adults with autism and intellectual disabilities.
This year’s event is June 5 (6 p.m., The Inn at Longshore). The theme is “A Night at Studio 54.” Tickets go on sale April 14, at tasteofwestport.com.
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“Kids’ Night on Broadway” — a program to spark a love of theater in the next generation — turns into “Kids’ Night at the Playhouse” this Tuesday.
Children and teenagers 18 and under receive free admission to the hit comedy “Native Gardens,” when accompanied by a full-paying adult.
The show — about a dispute over a suburban property line that spirals into a war over taste, class, personal identity (and gardening) has earned great reviews.
To redeem the “Kids’ Night” offer, call the Playhouse box office: 203-227-4177.
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Speaking of kids: Boys and girls in grades K-7 are invited to an instructional clinic, hosted by the Staples baseball program. It’s this Tuesday (March 4, 6 to 8 p.m., Staples fieldhouse).
Little Leaguers can dust off their gloves and brush up on their hitting, fielding and base running skills before the first pitch this spring.
High school coaches and players will run drills and games. Youngsters will be separated by skill and grade level. Players should bring a bat, glove and water bottle.
The $40 fee ($50 after March 1) includes a slice of pizza. To register, Venmo @StaplesBBDiamondClub by March 1. Questions? Email baseball@staplesdiamondclub.com.
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Speaking still of kids: VFW Post 399 Auxiliary is spreading the word about 2 national art contests for elementary through high school students. There are cash awards, and scholarshps of up to $2,500.
Two- and 3-dimensional art is accepted. Entries will be judged on originality, presentation, and patriotic themes.
Submission deadline is March 31. For complete rules, email Patty Kondub: nortonpk@aol.com
On Wednesday, dozens of Westport boys’ Instagram feeds were flooded with graphically and violent video reels. They included street fights, school shootings, murder, and gory accidents.
They were sent even to users who had enabled “sensitive content” controls.
Though parent company Meta said it fixed the “error,” the reels appeared to be targeted at teenagers and young men.
The mother of a Staples student said that many local parents were not aware of the incident. She added, “the videos were so violent, many of the boys were discussing them. Some kids were really traumatized.”
She hopes that parents who learn of the video can talk with their children about it.
The Mahogany Brass Quintet comes to town Monday (March 3).
After spending the day with Staples students in an immersive chamber music workshop, they’ll give a free concert at 7:30 p.m., in the Bedford Middle School auditorium).
It’s a homecoming for Sam Atlas. The 2018 Staples graduate is in her final year at the Manhattan School of Music’s Orchestra Performance Program.
She has already made a name in the professional world, as a frequent substitute with the New York Philharmonic.
After its founding at the University of Massachusetts, MBQ has grown into an accomplished performing group, dedicated to artistry and music education.
The concert — with selections ranging from Mozart and Bach to Hoagy Carmichael and Leonard Bernstein — is free.
Mahogany Brass Quintet
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Someone had a guilty conscience.
For a long time.
The Merritt Country Store on Main Street recently received this letter, with a Santa Barbara, California postmark:
Enclosed was a $20 bill.
At a quarter each, that’s 80 candy bars. Today, that Jackson would buy about 10.
The letter is now on the front counter, under glass.
It’s an object of interest.
Or a great deterrent. (Hat tip: Carl Addison Swanson)
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Birddogs — the mens’ shorts/pants/polo shirts shop that opened in the spring of 2023 in Brooks Corner — has closed.
This was their 3rd brick-and-mortar store. According to their website, only 1 remains, in Paramus, New Jersey.
(Photo/Stacey Henske)
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Westport Police made no custodial arrests between February 19 and 26. They issued these citations:
Failure to renew registration: 12 citations
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 7
Speeding: 5
Traveling unreasonably fast: 5
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 4
Failure to drive in the proper lane: 2
Disorderly conduct: 1
Following too closely: 1
Failure to grant right of way: 1
Failure to obey stop sign: 1
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
Improper use of markers: 1.
Lots of drivers have not registered or renewed their vehicles.
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No buds yet.
But soon!
You can almost smell the first whiffs of spring, in today’s “Westport … Naturally” image of the Saugatuck River, from Grace Salmon Park.
It’s time for another installment of our “06880” Question Box.
This is the feature in which I try to answer readers’ questions.
I don’t have all the answers. But our readers — in their collective wisdom — might.
Please chime in with any additional information. Click “Comments” below.
This edition is short on quantity. But the quality of the questions is high.
As always: If you have a question for our box, email 06880blog@gmail.com.
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The large cylindrical hill not far from the small Winslow Park parking area on Compo Road North has always intrigued me.
It seems too perfectly symmetrical to be natural. And it looks so much different than the surrounding area. There are no other mounds like it anywhere. Is it man-made? If so, why? (Anonymous)
That’s a fantastic question. And — despite living a few yards away from Winslow Park, and walking there often (without a dog) — it’s one I’ve never even thought of.
Now that you mention it: You’re right. That hill (a longtime favorite spot for teenagers to drink, get high and hook up) definitely looks out of place.
Winslow Park mound/hill. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Could it have been built by indigenous people, long before Europeans arrived?
Perhaps it was constructed when the Winslow family owned a mansion — one of the most luxurious homes in town — at the corner of North Compo and the Post Road (State Street)?
Or maybe it was part of the Westport Sanitarium, which took over the estate?
I have no idea. But I’ll never again walk past without wondering what it is, and why it’s there.
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Why do they take the flags down after Labor Day? It’s kind of sad without them flapping in the breeze. (Deborah Baker)
“They” — aka town workers — remove the flags because of possible inclement weather. (Not just snow — possible hurricanes or nor’easters.)
It might also be a cost-saving measure, to extend the lives of the flags. They do look great. But there sure are a lot of them.
Here’s something to look forward to, though: October 24.
It’s UN Day. And, for one of 2 days each year (the other is jUNe Day), flags of dozens of nations will fly proudly on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge.
Long may they wave. Or at least, every spring and summer. (Photo/Lauri Weiser)
What can a neighborhood or residents on a common street do about a neighbor that neglects the upkeep of their home and property?
The neighbor’s house needs to be painted. Their back yard (which can be seen from the street) is completely overgrown. Their side yard is a dump heap, and their bushes grow out into the road. It has a negative impact on all our properties.
Can the town enforce homeowner upkeep? How do we get this fixed? (KR)
The town of Westport has a Blight Prevention Board. It’s made up of private citizens and a Building Department official. They listen to residents’ concerns, and take their work very seriously. Click here to read an in-depth story on them, from the “06880” archives.
Sometimes, there is an underlying issue with a house in that condition. The Department of Human Services may be able to assist residents in need.
These dilapidated buildings on Post Road West have since been demolished.
Jennifer Wolff writes: “Once again, hostage poster thieves have taken to the Ruth Steinklaus Cohen Bridge and ripped down posters.
“And once again, the Westport chapter of RunForTheirLives printed new ones and replaced all that was stolen.
“We have an amazing community of caring people who take it upon themselves to keep reminding Westport and beyond that these innocent folks need to come home. The RunForTheirLifers who replaced the posters include Maya Rotem, Relly Coleman, Hagar Moshe, Ana White, Lynn Rabinovici Park, Julie Podziba and Nitsan Greif.
“We are tired of this cat-and-mouse game. Whatever anyone’s opinion about the conflict in the Middle East, we all can agree that the innocent hostages — many of whom on the morning of October 7 were either dancing, making breakfast for their kids, or still asleep — need to come home. Especially now that we have seen the conditions they are living and dying in.”
Hostage posters on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge.
The Downtown Plan Implementation Committee invites all stakeholders to a public charette next Wednesday October 23 (6 p.m., Westport Library).
Attendees can learn about current plans for Jesup Green, the Imperial Avenue parking lot, and a possible parking deck, with time for questions and feedback.
The Los Angeles Dodgers’ Ben Casparius secured last night’s 8-0 win over the New York Mets, in game 3 of the National League Championship Series.
It’s getting routine for the 2017 Staples High School graduate — called up to the majors only in August — to come on and succeed, in relief.
But there was another local twist to yesterday’s contest.
Mets’ public address announcer Marysol Castro has lived in Westport for 19 years. The first Latina to hold the job in Major League Baseball, she had the honor of announcing her fellow resident’s name to the CitiField crowd.
And her words were heard, presumably, by millions of Americans watching too. (Hat tip: Isa Didio)
If you weren’t watching the Mets and Dodgers last night, maybe you were at Compo Beach for the comet show.
Franco Fellah was.
He captured this great image of Comet C-2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-Atlas.
Check out the bright dust tail on one side, and opposite the rare, faint anti-tail, pointing at the sun.
(Photo/Franco Fellah)
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Survivor Rowing Network connects breast cancer survivors to bond and support each other through their love of rowing.
The Saugatuck Survive-Oars are proud members of the Network. Yesterday, they were part of the story on the Kelly Clarkson Show. Click below for the fascinating segment. (Hat tip: Dave Briggs)
Among the 100-plus Republican officials appearing with Vice President Kamala Harris yesterday, at a Pennsylvania rally: Westport’s former Congressman, Chris Shays.
Shays won a special election to replace Stewart McKinney, after the Republican’s death in 1987. He was elected to a full term in 1988, then re-elected 9 times.
Shays lost to Jim Himes in 2008. He was the most senior member of the House of Representatives to be defeated that year.
Other Republicans who joined Shays and Harris in Bucks County were former Representatives Adam Kinzinger of Illinois and Mickey Edwards of Oklahoma, and former Governor Christine Todd Whitman of New Jersey.
Former Congressman Chris Shays
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Remember the Maxytaxy?
The Westport Transit District is looking for color photos of the 1970s-era Mercedes bus that traveled throughout town, picking up and depositing riders. (Its cousin, the Minnybus, did the same, but on fixed routes.)
If anyone has a piece of an old Maxytaxy — hey, it doesn’t hurt to ask! — that would be even better.
Email pgoldrtm3@gmail.com with photos or actual bus parts.
In lieu of photos of a Maxytaxy, here’s one of a Minnybus. The transfer point was Jesup Green.
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Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between October 9 and 16.
A 34-year-old Stamford man was charged with interfering with an officer and breach of peace, following an investigation into a September domestic violence altercation in the Saugatuck railroad station parking lot.
A 36-year-old Bridgeport woman was arrested for larceny, and conspiracy to commit larceny, after an investigation into a September theft of $850 worth of merchandise from Stop & Shop.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Traveling unreasonably fast: 7 citations
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
Distracted driving: 2
Failure to drive in the proper lane: 2
Failure to grant right of way: 2
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 2
Failure to comply with state traffic control regulations: 2
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 2
Failure to renew registration: 2
Traveling unreasonably fast in a school zone: 1
Failure to yield to a pedestrian: 1
Following too closely: 1
Failure to obey stop sign: 1
Improper turn: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
Failure to reinstate license: 1
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Too many Westporters — and folks everywhere else — have been affected by ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease).
ALS United Connecticut is sponsoring a walk this Saturday (October 19) at Sherwood Island State Park. Registration begins at 10 a.m.; the walk starts at 11.
The walk draws people together to honor all those affected by ALS, and remember those who have died. Click here for details, and registration.
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Noted artist Ruth Kalla Ungerer died Tuesday in her home on Bayberry Lane, surrounded by her family. She was 76.
The Pittsburgh native earned a bachelor of fine arts magna cum laude in sculpture from Drew University.
After years of artistic practice and raising 2 children, Ruth began a new career as director of the 1990 census operations for municipalities in New Jersey. She then spent more than 10 years at the Committee for Economic Development.
She continued her career in development leadership with non-profit organizations, including Literacy Volunteers of America, Montclair State University, the New School University and the Population Council. Her expertise was in strategic planning, corporate and foundation grantsmanship, and major individual donor solicitation.
After retiring, Ruth resumed her artistic career with a focus on printmaking. She worked independently and with fellow artists at the Center for Contemporary Printing in Norwalk and Milestone Graphics in Bridgeport.
Accompanying her husband Richard on business trips to China, Ruth worked with Zhang Dongmin and met Fan Li Jun, one of China’s most renowned artists.
In particular, Ruth pursued her love of the line and a feminist approach to the female form. Her work was shown in galleries and exhibitions across Connecticut and in Brooklyn.
Ruth received numerous awards and honors. She was active in the Artists Collective of Westport and the Center for Contemporary Printmaking, as a board member.
In addition, Ruth and husband became advocates for Montessori education around the world.
Ruth tried through her nonprofit work and arts engagement to underscore the importance of the creative spirit in enhancing the understanding of life’s complexities, as well as its wonders.
She is survived by her husband Richard, children Erika Grossman (Claire Psarouthakis) of Minneapolis, and Heather Grossman, of Urbana, Illinois, and older brother Ronald Kalla. She was predeceased by her younger brother, Alec Kalla.
Her family is grateful for the medical staff at Whittingham Cancer Center at Norwalk Hospital and elsewhere, and the many dedicated caregivers who supported her.
A graveside funeral service will be held tomorrow (Friday, October 18, 10 a.m., Willowbrook Cemetery). Shiva will be observed in her home that day, from noon to 6 p.m. .
(From Citi Field to Kelly Clarkson to comets in the sky, “06880” is where Westport meets the world. We couldn’t do it without you, though. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Every Sunday for months, Westporters have marched downtown to remember the hostages held by Hamas since the deadly October 7 attack on Israel.
Yesterday, more than 100 residents of all ages stood on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge. The memorial marked 300 days since the 250 hostages were taken. About 100 are believed to still be held captive.
The group held signs. They reaffixed posters bearing the Israelis’ names and faces to the bridge.
They were not alone. Passing drivers honked horns, in solidarity.
Posted onAugust 1, 2024|Comments Off on Roundup: Israeli Hostages, Joyce Carol Oates, Mike Greenberg …
Today marks 300 days in captivity for Israeli hostages.
Westporters will join a worldwide run/walk event, calling for the immediate release of the men and women held by Hamas.
It’s set for 6 p.m. tonight (Thursday) on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge. Jews and non-Jews will stand in solidarity, and hold signs — including the official artwork of the international campaign (below).
Organizers say, “this is a family-friendly event. Everyone is invited.”
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StoryFest — Connecticut’s largest literary festival, hosted annually by the Westport Library — has just added a Very Big Name.
Joyce Carol Oates will appear on the Trefz Forum stage September 21. It’s the writer’s first appearance here since she was honored at the 2008 Malloy Lecture in the Arts.
Oates will be joined by award-winning young adult author Ryan La Sala, best-selling writer Sarah Beth Durst, fantasy writer P. Djèlí Clark, National Endowment of the Arts Fellow Peng Shepherd, and novelist Claire Messud.
Oates appears the day after a keynote conversation between author, essayist and editor Roxane Gay, and memoirist and novelist Oliver Radclyffe (September 20). Sunday (September 22) includes a PitchFest workshop with Bloom Writers’ Studio.
In addition to Oates’ and the other panels, Saturday includes 2 live podcast recordings; the awarding of the 2024 Westport Prize for Literature, and a special ceremony for the late Sybil Steinberg, former Publisher’s Weekly editor and beloved Westport icon. This year’s StoryFest is dedicated to Steinberg.
Click here for the full schedule, and more information.
From left: P. Djèli Clark, Joyce Carol Oates, Joe R. Lansdale.
Last weekend, Westport native Chelsea Cutler played at the Levitt.
Tonight (Thursday) at 7:30 p.m., the outdoor amphitheater features another home-grown musician: Drew Angus.
Growing up listening to Tom Petty, the Beatles and Rolling Stones, the 2007 Staples High School graduate merges classic rock influences with modern pop, folk and Americana artists like Ben Rector, The Lone Bellow and John Mayer.
Drew has shared stages with Mumford & Sons, Stevie Nicks, Noah Kahan, Zach Bryan, Pat Benatar, and Andrea Bocelli (on “Live with Kelly & Ryan”). He performed the national anthem at Citi Field and Oracle Park, and appeared on “Saturday Night Live” with Jimmy Fallon and Harry Styles. In 2023, one of his recordings was shared by Elton John to millions of followers.
Back in town last Sunday, Drew drew a large and appreciative crowd at the first-ever Soundview Summer Stroll.
Click here for free tickets, and more information.
Many Westporters love pickleball. On August 5 (6 p.m., Intensity Racquet Club), they can play for a cause.
Th Alzheimer’s Association fundraiser is organized by Westporters Mary Sue Teplitz and Dina Upton. Money raised will go toward the Fairfield County Walk to End Alzheimer’s, set for October 27 at Calf Pasture Beach.
Teplitz’s mother died from Alzheimer’s in 2012. “It seems like almost everyone has been touched by this disease in some way,” Mary Sue says.
Tickets are $100. Click here to purchase, and for more information.
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Mike Greenberg does not shy away from controversy.
The ESPN and ABC sports show host and Westport resident wrote “Got Your Number” — a guaranteed bar-argument-starting book describing which legends owned the jersey numbers 1 to 100.
His new book may start even more debates — because he and co-author Paul Hembekides claim to end them.
“Got Your Answers: The 100 Greatest Sports Arguments — Settled” comes out in September.
In it, Greenberg asks — and answers — questions like: What are the top 10 dynasties in major sports history? The top 10 most coveted sports trophies? The top 7 Game 7 performances? The top 10 Negro Leagues player?
Ranging from professional and college team sports to tennis, boxing and auto racing, Greenberg covers it all.
He’s pretty sure he’s right about all the answers.
Westport Police made 3 custodial arrests between July 24 and 31.
A 58-year-old Westport man was arrested for DUI and violation of traffic control signals, after driving erratically in Fairfield and Westport. He was swerving between lanes, stopping for extended periods at green lights, and failing to stop for red lights.
A 41-year-old Royersford, Pennsylvania woman was arrested for illegal possession of personal ID information, illegal reproduction of a payment card, identity theft, criminal impersonation and forgery. M&T Bank on Post Road West called police after she attempted to withdraw money with fraudulent identification.
A 35-year-old Bridgeport woman was arrested for failure to appear, following a motor vehicle violation stop.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 17 citations
Driving while texting: 7
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 7
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 6
Traveling unreasonably fast: 5
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 5
Failure to obey stop sign: 4
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 4
Improper use of markers: 4
Speeding: 3
Failure to reinstate license: 3
Failure to renew registration: 3
Violation of probation: 1
Distracted driving: 1
Traveling too fast for conditions: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
Operating a motorcycle without insurance: 1
Failure to carry license: 1
Failure to display lights: 1
Failure to obey posted height requirements: 1
One result of failing obey posted height requirements. (Photo/Jennifer Johnson)
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Get ready for the High Holy Days.
The Westport Library and the Jewish Federation of Greater Fairfield County host food writers Naama Shefi and Westport’s own Liz Rueven in conversation about Jewish recipes and culinary heritage September 9, 7 p.m.).
The event highlights Shefi’s cookbook, “The Jewish Holiday Table: A World of Recipes, Traditions & Stories to Celebrate All Year Long.”
Westport resident Tim Lewis died peacefully on Saturday, surrounded by his family, from complications of cancer. He was 58.
Tim loved his Kansas City roots, returning often to watch the Chiefs with high school friends. He had played clarinet in the orchestra, sung in the chorus, been on the swim team, and started on the football team.
At Yale University Tim was a member of the a cappella group the Spizzwinks.
Tim had a deep commitment to community service, established while canvassing for his mother’s election to the Kansas City school board amid a heated battle over desegregation.
After college, living in Washington, Tim volunteered at a homeless shelter.
After graduating from Kellogg School of Management, Tim had a long, successful career in private equity and business consulting. He served as a principal at the The Keystone Group, followed by CRG Partners and Atlantic Street Capital, before joining Southfield Capital where he was a partner for nearly 10 years.
He served as a Westport Soccer Association commissioner for 4 years. He coached youth soccer and basketball, served on the St. Luke’s School board of directors, and volunteered with Social Impact Partners of CT.
His family says, “Tim gave generously to many educational and scholarship funds, so other kids could have the advantages he and his children did. Tim’s unique touch was connecting with people from all walks of life and with all points of view. He firmly believed in and practiced the art of civil discourse, even in these divided times.”
His obituary says: “Nothing topped his devotion to his family. His wife Alisyn and children Ale, Cessa and Nate were his top priorities. He loved them deeply, actively and tirelessly.
“Tim was famous for coordinating play dates, soccer schedules, date night, violin and drum lessons, all while ordering fall clothing for the kids (often to their chagrin) and making high-stakes work conference calls.
“He was a memory-making mastermind, relentless in his pursuit of family time through neighborhood walks, vacation hikes, and beach days in Nantucket. He particularly cherished family trips, from Northampton to Sedona, Machu Picchu to the Galapagos Islands, Italy, Scotland and beyond.”
He is survived by his wife of 23 years Alisyn, twin daughters Ale and Cessa, son Nate, parents Karen and Stan, sister and brother Catherine (Alex) and John (Suzanne), nieces Sadie, Zoe and Sasha, and nephew Eli.
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