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)
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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.
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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.
The Shoah Memorial — an inspiring sculpture honoring the bravery of 4 women in the face of Nazi horrors — comes to Fairfield University in July.
The Westport Library offers a companion program. They say:
“In an era of rising division, how do we transform the lessons of the past into a shield for the future? Join us for an exclusive first look at the Shoah Memorial, a landmark project coming to Fairfield that seeks to honor history while actively stemming the tide of hate. Discover how this local initiative aims to make a global impact.”
A special event — postponed from January by snow — is set for this Sunday (April 12, 2 p.m., Trefz Forum
It includes a conversation between Dr. Mindy Hersh and her mother, Judy Hersh, a Holocaust survivor, followed by a panel discussion featuring Shoah Memorial artist Victoria Milstein; Shelly Krieger, the founding educator of the Holocaust Research Center; Holocaust survivor Michell Schell, and Marla Felton of Common Circles.
The Shoah Memorial Fairfield University project began when Paul Burger attended the unveiling of the original “She Wouldn’t Take Off Her Boots” sculpture in Greensboro, North Carolina. Moved by its powerful message, he decided to bring the memorial to his community, to ensure its broader impact.
Fairfield University is already home to the Carl and Dorothy Bennett Center for Judaic Studies, and offers a Judaic Studies program.
Anyone who was at VersoFest — or any other Trefz Forum concert — knows how loud the place gets.
But every once in a while, the volume is turned down.
This Saturday (April 11) is one of those days.
From 1 to 5 p.m., a traditional, tranquil atmosphere will be encouraged library-wide.
Residents can bring their current read, or borrow something new. Find a cozy corner, enjoy some wordless picture books in the Children’s Library, or participate in quiet, all-ages crafting at a build-your-own bookmark station.
The event is part of the Library’s We Read initiative.
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Back to the noisy Library: Supper & Soul returns May 2.
Vanessa Collier — an international touring blues artist — returns also. She played the second Supper & Soul, in in 2018.
The Supper & Soul series, presented by The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce and Library, returns this spring with Vanessa Collier, an international touring and multi-nominee for Best Blues Artist. Vanessa returns to Westport for an encore Supper & Soul show having played the second one back in 2018.
A $90 ticket to the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce event includes a 3-course dinner at one of 11 downtown restaurants, plus the concert.
Participating restaurants are Arezzo, Blondinit, Capuli, Emmy Squared, Finalmente, Il Pastaficio, Massi Co, Nômade, Spotted Horse, Walrus Alley and Yuzo Sushi.
Concert-only tickets are available for $35.
Dinner is at 6 p.m. The show starts at 8. After the concert, a ticket is good for happy hour pricing on drinks at any participating restaurant.
Yesterday’s Easter sunrise service included 3 pastors.
All are new to town. It was the first sunrise service here for all 3.
Pastor Jinho Choi (United Methodist Church of Westport and Weston), Rev. Sophie Beal (Greens Farms Congregational Church) and Rev. Dr. Steven Savides, (Saugatuck Congregational Church) led worship together.
Rick Benson carefully tended the fire. It was definitely not his first sunrise beach service.
From left: Rev. Sophie Beal, Rev. Dr. Stephen Savides, Pastor Jinho Choi.
Former Westporters Kent and Pegi Bernard died, following an automobile accident last May at their second home in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
Pegi died on impact. She was 73. Kent fought for 10 months before succumbing to his injuries on March 20. He was 75. They were married for 49 years.
Kent moved with his parents to Westport from New York when he was 9. A few years later he was accepted by Juilliard for opera. But allergies sent him on a different path: to Colgate University, and a career in law.
Pegi’s military family moved often. In Virginia, she pursued her equestrian dreams. She was jumping at near Olympic levels, but suffered an ankle injry.
She graduated from the Morven Park International Equestrian Institute in 1973, while also a student at LeMoyne College in New York.
It was less than 40 miles from (then all-male) Colgate. On a trip to LeMoyne, Kent met Pegi.
Kent graduated magna cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania Law School in 1975. Pegi joined him after she graduated. They were married that August.
In 1980 they, and their young son Adam, moved to Kent’s hometown of Westport.
Kent joined the legal division of Pfizer Inc., and spent his career there. He retired as vice president and assistant general counsel in 2007.
The family was diehard New York Mets fans. Kent and Adam traveled to half the Major League Baseball stadiums.
When Adam began taking martial arts classes, Kent and Pegi joined. They became 3 of the highest ranking black belts in Connecticut.
After Kent retired from Pfizer he joined Fordham University School of Law as an adjunct professor. He spent a decade teaching and mentoring future leaders.
Kent and Pegi supported many charitable organizations. A scholarship at Fairfield College Preparatory School is in the family name, and Pegi was on the advisory board at Jackson Hole Therapeutic Riding.
They are survived by their son Adam, and a Norwegian forest cat named Bragi.
And finally … a toast to our Westport Library, which can be both quiet (item above) and loud (VersoFest): Shhhh … boom!
(It’s the start of another week … and that means plenty of “06880” stories, features, photos and more. If you enjoy this hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Posted onFebruary 22, 2026|Comments Off on Roundup: AI Widget, Audra McDonald, Food Pantry …
The good news: In less than 2 weeks since its debut, our new “06880” AI widget has field hundreds of questions.
The less-than-good news: Many readers are using it like Google search, rather than the much more robust engine it is.
Queries like “geese,” “Players,” “Staples,” “Hamlet” and “library” are not the best way to interact with our AI widget.
To get a much deeper answer — one that scrapes all 17 years of “06880” content, as designed by Westport-based Thought Partnr — you should ask things like:
“How do they manage geese at Longshore?”
“What is Staples Players known for?”
“Why was the Hamlet at Saugatuck plan rejected?”
“What activities are planned for VersoFest?”
Here’s a great example of a query from yesterday: “I’m thinking of moving to Westport with a young family. What are the pros and cons I should consider?”
Think of it as a conversation starter. The widget will respond; you can then continue the conversation, refine it, or simply walk away more knowledgeable about a local subject.
We’re all used to typing in a word or two in a search engine. We get a list of links that we then plow through.
But that’s not our AI widget. It responds in complete paragraphs, and invites an ongoing dialogue.
Bottom line: Take a few extra seconds to frame your question — just as you would with a friend. Give your AI buddy enough information to offer a complete, detailed response.
The more you use it, the better you’ll get.
And the smarter our AI widget will become too.
PS: Coming soon: AI for our “06880” app.
The arrow points to our AI widget.
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Emmy, Grammy and 6-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald returns to the Westport Country Playhouse May 19, for an encore evening of music
The singer/actor — a National Medal of Arts recipient, and one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People — last appeared here in February of 2024.
For 4 hours yesterday morning, volunteers from the Saugatuck Congregational Church Missions Board, the Westport Rotary Club and Westport Sunrise Rotary unloaded supplies at the church, then packed 12,500 shelf-stable meals — with oatmeal/apple/vitamin packets — for a program run by EndHungerNE.
Norwalk and Wilton Rotarians helped too, along with other Westporters.
Then, they delivered the cases: 22 to the Gillespie Center, 20 to Open Door in Norwalk, and 14 to a food pantry in Norwalk.
At a time of rising food insecurity, they will fill a great need. (Hat tip: Mark Mathias)
Assembly line volunteers, at Saugatuck Church. (Photo/Katie Phillis)
Yesterday’s Roundup included an item about a new bird flu in the tri-state area. It’s killed more than a dozen geese, at Compo and Burying Hill Beaches.
That’s not all. A dead red-breasted merganser was found in a yard near Compo.
The disease does not seem to affect humans. But be careful out there!
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Longtime Westport teacher and women’s issues volunteer Patricia MacBride Hendrickson died peacefully at her Maine home in June. She was 95.
After graduating in 1952 as a biology major from Brown University, she worked in microbial genetics at the Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research. After traveling solo in Europe, she married Donald Hendrickson, a chemical engineer, in 1955. They lived in Westport for 40 years before moving to a retirement community in Topsham, Maine in 2006.
For 2 decades, Pat taught advanced biology and ecology courses at Staples High School. She was enriched by her students, and her passion for the subject inspired many to choose careers in the sciences.
She received honors for her work as regional director of the Brown University National Alumni Schools program.
After retiring in 1991 Pat was active in politics, serving as president of the Democratic Women of Westport. She was one of 6 founders of the Women’s Campaign School at Yale. She served on the board for 6 years, including positions as vice president, president and admissions director.
A passionate believer in women’s personal liberty, she initiated in 1993 an all-volunteer security escort service for the Summit Women’s Center in Bridgeport, and coordinated the effort for a decade.
She received awards and recognition from CT Naral, CT NOW and the National Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice.
In 2003, she was co-founder and president of the Rosie Fund, the first abortion fund in Connecticut, which supports needy women’s right to choose. She was a longtime board member and then the President of the Y’s Women of Westport, a large women’s group in Westport.
Pat enjoyed travel, the natural world, wildlife, birding and botany. She traveled extensively, including Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands, Africa, Australia, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, Asia, Europe, Alaska and the Virgin Islands.
After the death of her husband in 2012 she remained engaged in national and local politics. She traveled to visit family, hosted friends and family at her home, and took excursions and vacations to beautiful locations in Maine.
Pat is survived by her children Andrew, Laura Hendrickson (Rupert Stasch) Rupert Stasch and Julia, and granddaughter Madeleine. She was predeceased by her husband Donald, fraternal twin sister Pamela MacBride Colgate, and a brother, Roger MacBride.
A private burial will be held at the family plot on Cape Cod. Contributions may be sent to The Brown University Elise Lea MacBride Memorial Book Fund, Office of Planned Giving, PO Box 1893, Providence, RI 02912.
And finally … today marks the actual birthday of George Washington.
The Father of Our Country was born on this date 294 years ago — in 1732.
For decades, Americans celebrated this as a federal holiday. It has since morphed into Presidents Day, on the third Monday in February. The idea is to honor all Presidents (including Abraham Lincoln, born February 12) — and give everyone a 3-day weekend, while goosing sales of mattresses and cars.
An instrumental piece called “The President’s March” was composed by Philip Phile in 1789 to honor Washington’s inauguration. Joseph Hopkinson added lyrics in 1798. The song became very popular, and was often performed at official events.
What’s next for the property, bordered by Riverside Avenue, Railroad Place and Charles Street?
Stay tuned.
Artist’s rendering of the Hamlet at Saugatuck project.
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Hoop dreams have come true for over 50 youngsters in Santo Domingo.
They’re the recipients of uniforms and basketballs, donated by Westport residents through Westport PAL.
Full Court Peace — a Norwalk organization that provides equipment to under-served communities — facilitated the delivery. They run frequent trips to the Dominican Republic, to repair courts and support youth leagues.
Boys in Santo Domingo sport Westport basketball jerseys.
The Westport Rotary and Sunrise Rotary Clubs join their Norwalk and Wilton Rotary colleagues this Saturday, to help ease food insecurity.
At the Saugatuck Congregational Church event, dozens of volunteers will pack 12,500 nutritious meals. The clubs will then deliver them to Homes With Hope in Westport and Open Doors in Norwalk, for distribution through food pantries.
The church is providing the space, and custodial setup and cleanup, at no charge.
It’s a hometown event. Corbelli — a Westport resident — knows something about making a lasting impact.
As the first female founder in the advertising technology industry, she pioneered interactive TV with her company BrightLine. Her technology platform SustainChain addresses global sustainability and justice.
Jazz pianist Matt DeChamplain brings his James P. Johnson-, Fats Waller-, Willie “The Lion” Smith- and Art Tatum-influenced talents to Jazz at the Post this Thursday (February 19, VFW Post 399; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 7).
He’s joined by long time associates Matt Dwonszyk (bass) and Jonathan Barber (drums), plus Kerry MacKillop (trumpet) and Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall (saxophone).
Jerry Kennedy, the guitarist, producer and record executive who had a major hand in shaping the music being made in Nashville in the 1960s and ’70s, including chart-topping hits by Roger Miller, Roy Orbison, Tom T. Hall and Tammy Wynette, died on Wednesday in hospice care in Franklin, Tenn. He was 85.
It was not until paragraph 8 that we learn he “unleash(ed) the ferocious guitar solo” that opens “Oh, Pretty Woman.”
She has created beautiful, wonderful chocolates. She has provided opportunities through them to thank teachers, first responders and many others, and to raise funds for children in need.
“I lost my father to inoperable brain cancer when I was just 21. Nearly 4 years ago, I flew to India in the middle of the holiday season to be with my mother in India after a breast cancer diagnosis. Today, my older brother is battling cancer. I barely know anyone who isn’t in some way affected by the ravages of this disease.
“A few years back I shaved my head for St. Baldrick’s — not for attention, but in quiet solidarity with children fighting cancer.
“Today, my daughter is raising funds for Memorial Sloan Kettering’s Cycle for the Cure in Chicago. Inspired by her act, I just signed up for the Cycle for the Cure ride happening tomorrow (Saturday) at Equinox in Darien.
“As Le Rouge prepares to say goodbye to the town I have called home for over 2 decades, I would like to reach out my community — our community that always shows up and rallies when it really matters.
“I need your help to turn this moment of saying goodbye into something bigger: action, gratitude, and giving back. 10% of February sales at Le Rouge are always donated to charity — this year, to a cause that is deeply personal to me. If you’re able to support or share my fundraising effort, it would mean a great deal.
A new Emergency Medical Technician course begins later this month.
The class begins February 25, and runs through June 22. It meets Mondays and Wednesdays from 6;30 to 9:30 p.m., with occasional lab work on Saturdays (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Instructions include traumatic injury management; breathing, cardiac, mental health and pediatric emergencies; childbirth and OB/GYN; EMS operations, and mass casualty incident response.
provides students with the skills to provide pre-hospital emergency medical care for those who are sick or injured. The program meets State of Connecticut guidelines for EMT certification upon successful completion of exams.
Students who pass the exams will earn Connecticut Emergency Medical Technician certification, and be able to join Westport Emergency Medical Services. and the ability to join WVEMS.
In addition, WVEMS is offering a free “Stop the Bleed” class. It’s Thursday, February 12 (7 to 8:45 p.m.).
The #1 cause of a preventable death after an injury is bleeding. The session helps turn bystanders into immediate responders, for emergencies at home or work, or on the road. Click here for details, and registration.
Westport resident Susan Filan — a former prosecutor and MSNBC senior legal analyst — trades the courtroom for a church on Sunday.
She’ll be a special guest at the Saugatuck Congregational Church 10 a.m. worship service. Filan will speak about transformation, purpose, and clarity in moments of disruption.
After decades working in high-pressure legal environments, a near-fatal accident in 2022 upended her legal career.
It sparked a profound wake-up call, reshaping how she understood success, identity, and what truly matters. Today, she brings that experience into conversations about reinvention, meaning, and rebuilding from the inside out.
The public is invited to the service.
Susan Filan
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Love was in the air Wednesday night, at the VFW.
Post 399 hosted Club203 — our town’s social club for adults with disabilities — for their monthly event.
DJ Lev provided the music. Planet Pizza donated pies, and Mo\CA CT helped with great heart creations.
There were smiles all around … and love was in the air.
Club203 member Dylan Curran (left) and VFW quartermaster Phil Delgado enjoy the evening.
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Speaking of the VFW: Sure, next Friday is the 13th.
But you’re in luck, if you head to Post 399. Laughing Gas Comedy and The City’s Backyard Podcast return, after very successful past shows.
The lineup includes Davin, Paul Taro, Autumn Harvist and Joe Pontillo. Matt Zako is the host.
Speaking of ice: Today’s frozen “Westport … Naturally” photo shows one of many scenes like this, all over town. This one is at Susan Alintoff’s Old Hill home.
And finally … Chuck Negron — a founding member of Three Dog Night — died Monday in Los Angeles. He was 83, and suffered from pulmonary disease and heart failure. Click here for a full obituary.
Holding candles, singing “This Little Light of Mine,” and gathering in solidarity with the people of Minnesota, a few dozen frigid yet determined residents gathered on the steps of the Saugatuck Congregational Church tonight, for a vigil.
All residents, of all faiths — and none — were welcomed by the church, and the vigil’s organizers.
The Westport Woman’s Club Ruegg Grants are generous gifts, to non-profits that (like the WWC itself) provide important community services.
On Thursday, they honored VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399, with a $10,000 check.
The VFW will use the funds for its monthly free Veteran Benefits and Welfare Check luncheon program.
It reaches veterans facing challenges like PTSD, aging concerns or financial hardship. Many veterans are unaware of the benefits and support services available to them.
In addition to this outreach, Post 399 recently hosted its 66th consecutive monthly American Red Cross Blood Drive, and the Wreaths Across America program that placed American flags on the graves of over 1,200 local veterans.
Other VFW projects include Veterans Day and Memorial Day ceremonies. The post is also helping plan 250th birthday events for the USA.
VFW quartermaster Phil Delgado (2nd from left), and VFW and Westport Woman’s Club representatives, with the $10,000 “check.”
Building on its Thanksgiving meals for students at Capital Prep Harbor School, A&S Westport and Conlon Amendola did the same for Christmas.
Twenty families received a full meal, each serving 6 people: ham with glaze, macaroni and cheese, lasagna, chocolate and red velvet bûches de Noë
Many Westporters helped with donations. Once again, Dr. John Corino of Norwalk Dental Arts gave a significant gift.
Dr. Joan Miller of Capital Prep Harbor School (center), with honor students who helped distribute the meals.
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Sunrise Rotary Club’s Friday morning speakers are always interesting.
But Rachel Precious — well, aw, shucks.
The 2006 Staples High School graduate, and conservation biology major at the University of Massachusetts, now owns Precious Oysters (I know, right?).
She told the Rotarians (nearly) everything there is to know about oysters.
Then she gave a shucking demonstration. And — at a time when most Westporters are drinking coffee and eating breakfast — the members sampled some.
Rachel spent 5 years farming oysters in the area, including Sherwood Mill Pond.
Today she runs her own oyster catering business, and is building her own oyster restaurant. She also serves as chair of the Connecticut chapter of the Surfrider Foundation, sits on Senator Murphy’s Long Island Sound Advisory Council, and leads an adaptive climbing club at a rock climbing gym.
Rachel Precious, and an oyster. (Photo/Katie Augustyn)
They’re in other places too. Charles Rosoff says, “I would love it if I had a nickel for every time I saw a dog in a grocery store, ice cream store and restaurant. What is wrong with people?”
And finally … on this date in 1915, he last Australian troops were evacuated from Gallipoli. It was one of the most significant — and consequential — battles of World War I.
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