Tag Archives: Sophie B. Hawkins

Roundup: Long Lots School, Westport Country Playhouse, Sophie B. Hawkins …

Posted on June 12, 2025 | 15 comments

The Long Lots Elementary School project took a major step forward last night. The Board of Finance voted unanimously to approve a $103 million request for the new building.

The final step comes tonight (Thursday, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium). The Representative Town Meeting (RTM) has 2 agenda items: to approve the same appropriation request, and to approve the actual application by the town “to construct a new elementary school, parking lot, athletic fields, playgrounds, and associated site and utility work.”

Artist’s rendering of the new Long Lots Elementary School.

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There’s a lot of news today from the Westport Country Playhouse.

Bruce Miller — archivist for the 94-year-old theater — offers these details on Tony Awards won on Sunday by Playhouse “alumni”:

  • Natalie Venetia Belcon won Best Actress in a Featured Role in a Musical for “Buena Vista Club.” She appeared in the 2007 Playhouse production of “Being Alive!”
  • Sam Pinkleton earned Best Direction of a Play for “Oh, Mary!” He was in the 2010 WCP production of “She Loves Me.”
  • Francis Jue won Best Actor in a Featured Role in a Play for “Yellow Face.” He was seen in this year’s Script in Hand reading of “Back Talk.”

Other Playhouse alums who worked on “Buena Vista Social Club” were set designer Arnolfo Maldonado (who designed the WCP’s “4000 Miles,” and wig designer J.Jared Janus (who, among many other plays, recently did “Theatre People.” (Hat tip: Dave Matlow)

The Westport Country Playhouse stage is not too far — geographically or artistically — from Broadway.

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In addition, the Playhouse will participate in “Connecticut Open House Day” on Saturday (June 14, 1 to 5 p.m.).

The free event includes self-guided backstage tours, kids’ activities, music and food trucks.

At 1, artistic director Mark Shanahan unveils the 2025-26 productions. Anyone renewing or purchasing a subscription will be entered to win 2 tickets to an upcoming show.

For more information on the Open House, click here.

One of the coolest parts of a Playhouse tour: the hundreds of head shots lining the walls, near the dressing rooms and green room. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Meanwhile, the Playhouse has just added a new solo play.

“The Goldsmith” (July 11, 8 p.m., Lucille Lortel White Barn) stems from Broadway actress Sharone Sayegh’s true family’s journey.

It’s “a treasury of stories woven through the golden jewelry passed down through her family across countries, borders, and generations. Each piece of jewelry takes us further along her family’s journey from Iraq to Israel, and then to America, where Sharone grapples for love as a first generation Iraqi, Israeli, American Jew.”

All tickets are $20. Click here to purchase, and for more information.

Sharone Sayegh

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More entertainment!

On Monday, Westport’s Sophie B. Hawkins brought her new musical “Birds Of New York” to the Westport Library, for a special script reading.

It was a powerful performance, with Broadway veterans taking on the characters and belting out 18 songs — some pop, some ballads — all written by Sophie.

The packed house gave Sophie and the actors a standing ovation.

Veteran TV journalist Anne Craig chatted with Sophie about the musical: why she wrote it, and how much of the material mirrors her own life experience.

Click here or below, for the interview.

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The scene before Tuesday night’s rain squall, on Saugatuck Shores, is today’s colorful “Westport … Naturally” image:

(Photo/Nikki Gorman)

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And finally … we cannot sum up the life of Brian Wilson better than the New York Times‘ Ben Sisario does:

Brian Wilson, who as the leader and chief songwriter of the Beach Boys became rock’s poet laureate of surf-and-sun innocence but also an embodiment of damaged genius through his struggles with mental illness and drugs, has died. He was 82.

Like many “06880” readers of a certain age, I saw them in concert several times. One time, in Miami, they were young and fresh — and the opening act was a pre-“Piano Man” Billy Joel.

Decades later, at a Levitt Pavilion fundraiser, the “Boys of Summer” had morphed into a listless version of the “Grandfathers of Summer.” Brian Wilson had stopped performing long before.

But today, let’s remember his genius — and the music that made us all feel young and immortal.

Click here for a full obituary. And if you’ve got a Beach Boys memory, click “Comments” below.

(From the Playhouse to the Beach Boys, “06880” is where Westport meets the world. We rely on reader contributions. If you enjoy our work, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Education, Entertainment, Local politics, Westport Country Playhouse

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Sophie B. Hawkins’ “Birds Of New York” Flies Into Westport

Posted on May 29, 2025 | 1 comment

The world knows Sophie B. Hawkins as a platinum-selling international artist, painter, environmentalist, and LGBTQ+ and animal rights activist.

Westporters know her as our neighbor. So it’s only fitting that “Birds of New York” — the musical she’s spent 9 years writing and refining — should have an important script-in-hand performance at the Westport Library on June 9 (6:30 p.m.).

The show is a heartfelt story of an estranged daughter who returns home to New York with her 7-year-old son, to reconnect with her dying father. Amid tensions of old conflicts with her mother and sister, she seizes the opportunity to create a new family.

A painful childhood memory resurfaces, setting the stage for forgiveness, healing and redemption.

This is not Sophie’s first foray onto the stage. Years ago, she worked with Todd Meehan — the Tony Award-winning writer of “Annie” — on a show. But “like a lot of musicals,” she says, “it fell apart.”

“Birds of New York” is a solo effort. In between recording, touring, and raising her children, she crafted the characters and dialogue.

The key to it all is the music.

Sophie’s show had its first reading a year ago, at the Westport Country Playhouse barn. It was raw, and “great,” the playwright says.

But it was not yet finished. Based on feedback that night — and random people who stopped her later at places like Trader Joe’s — Sophie stripped it down.

“Like Georgia O’Keeffe, who wanted to see what she could do with 3 colors,” Sophie cut 2 characters from the show. Three now form its heart.

Every rewrite is a challenge. Now though, she says, “it represents the truth. I trust the process.”

Sophie B. Hawkins (Photo/Marc Andrew)

A second reading — with only the songs — at Joe’s Pub in New York gave Sophie confidence that she was on the right track.

She added more music. The process continued.

Sophie is not yet ready to invite producers to next month’s event, which is directed by Broadway and West End veteran JoAnn Hunter

“This is for me, and whoever shows up,” she says. “After this, we can really see the most impactful scenes and structure.”

Sophie  B. Hawkins, in action. (Photo/Nigel Dick)

Following the Library, she’ll get it in front of industry movers, who can help take it forward — to New York, Williamstown or wherever.

“Birds of New York” has already developed a cult following. Sophie recently performed on a 3-day cruise. Several people on board had seen — and loved it — at Joe’s.

Westporter Susan Westphal, who is working with Sophie on the show, saw it at the Playhouse barn. She was “in awe of the such deep, rich, complicated characters,” along with the music.

The Trefz Forum at theWestport Library – which Sophie loves — is a great fit.

Local talent includes Carlos Velasquez Escamilla,, a 9-yar-old student at Triple Threat Academy who performed in Staplesl Players’ “Elf.”

On June 9, Sophie B. Hawkins shows off her work to her friends and neighbors in town.

When it moves on to much bigger stages, we can say we knew it when.

Tickets and more information about “Birds of New York” are available here.

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Roundup: A/C, Sophie B., Cam Manna …

Posted on June 6, 2024 | 11 comments

Pippa Bell Ader is one of Westport’s most ardent environmentalists.

She saw yesterday’s “06880” story on Main Street stores whose wide-open, come-on-in doors spew air conditioning onto the sidewalk all day, every day.

All is not lost, she says.

She told “06880”: “L’Occitane, a B Corps company (as is Patagonia), wouldn’t be caught dead with the doors open! Look what they have, right on their front door on Main Street:

(Photo/Pippa Bell Ader)

Pippa adds: “The argument that businesses will suffer if the doors remain closed (which is interpreted as unwelcoming) is absurd. Who will they be welcoming in 20 years?!”

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The Westport Country Playhouse has just added another popular singer to its Barnstormer Series.

And this one won’t have far to travel at all.

Sophie B. Hawkins sings selections from her new musical “Birds of New York,” and tells stories about it, on June 25 (7 p.m.).

She’ll be joined by a cast of Broadway performers, as she tells stories from the tale of a daughter who comes home at Thanksgiving to heal, but has no idea what she’s in for.

Tickets go on sale tomorrow (Friday, June 7) at 1 p.m. Click here to purchase, and for more information.

Sophie B. Hawkins 

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Talented Westport photographer Pamela Einarsen has spent a couple of years working on a personal project.

“Translations” was inspired by her experience as the parent of a transgender daughter.

Early photos will be on display at “In/SIGHT,” a photography show with 9 other photographers at The Carriage Barn Arts Center in New Canaan.

Westport Artists Collective member Emily Laux is also involved.

The opening is this Sunday (June 9, 3 to 5 p.m.). The show runs through June 30. An artists’ talk is Sunday, June 15 (10:30 a.m.).

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Mike Barbiglia entertained his second straight sold-out audience last night, at the Westport Country Playhouse.

The comedian/writer/director/actor concludes his 3-run show tomorrow night.

Mike Barbiglia, at the Playhouse. (Photo/Susan Garment)

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Congratulations to Ithaca College rising senior Cam Manna.

The Staples High School graduate has just earned honorable mention at the Sportscasters Talent Agency of America Jim Nantz Award and All-America program.

“06880” has been a follower and fan of Cam since his WWPT-FM days at Staples High School.

Of course, this award has another connection to our town . Nantz — the legendary CBS sportscaster for whom it’s named — is a former Westporter.

Cam Manna, in action.

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A reader writes: “Our Compo Beach neighborhood is one of the noisiest in town.

“The houses are close together, so at any moment you can hear someone, or several people, blowing their lawns with one or more gas-powered leaf blowers (not to mention the amount of construction that goes on around here).

“When the town ordinance passed limiting gas-powered leaf blowers, I was thrilled. I know it was  designed to address air pollution, not noise levels. But I also know that battery-powered leaf blowers are much quieter than the gas powered ones.

“But no one uses battery powered leaf blowers. It’s like the ordinance never happened.

“I asked a landscaper nearby why they didn’t use them. He said, ‘too expensive; they’re $800.’

“I told him we got ours at Harbor Freight: a whole package — leaf blower, hedge trimmer with lots of attachments, big battery, plus a backup battery — so when our crew is here they use one and have a backup. All for $200-300.

“Maybe this will inspire other homeowners to take the initiative to use battery- powered blowers, and/or provide them to their crews. I don’t think the landscapers will willingly make the switch, especially since there’s no real way to enforce the ordinance.”

Electric leaf blower

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Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 399 quartermaster, Phil Delgado was in command Tuesday, as the guest speaker at Westport Rotary Club’s weekly meeting.

He highlighted the vital role the VFW plays in serving veterans throughout Fairfield County. He described programs and initiatives that support veterans, emphasizing the importance of community involvement and support.

One-third of the members are disabled. Many suffer from PTSD. In addition to community and VFW events, including the weekly Jazz at the Post Night, support and assistance are also offered for  mental and physical issues.

Philip Delgado addresses the Rotary Club. (Photo/Dave Matlow)

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Yesterday’s Roundup item about the drive to collect new underwear for Norwalk’s Open Doors Shelter neglected to mention 2 important facts: when and where.

It’s this Saturday (June 8, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Imperial Avenue parking lot).

Any type of new underwear for women and children is great. The shelter requests boxer briefs for men.

Can’t make it Saturday? Lisa will pick items up, or accept them at her Town Hall office. You can also send them to her via Amazon. For details, email lsmarriott@gmail.com.

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Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between May 29 and June 5.

A 34-year-old Milford man was arrested for interfering with an officer and misuse of 911, after police responded to a 1:22 a.m. call at Nômade restaurant.

The suspect was on the sidewalk, arguing with the manager, who said the man was intoxicated, and disruptive when asked to leave. When officers told him he had to go home, he stated that the bar had been serving minors.

The claim was not substantiated, and the suspect was told to call police when he observed such activity. He said he would call 911 right then, and was advised if he did so, he would be arrested. He allegedly dialed 911, and was arrested.

A 28-year-old Hartford man was arrested for interfering with an officer. At 5:35 a.m., police were on routine patrol in the Wilton Road/Partrick Road area, while other officers investigated an attempted motor vehicle theft from Wilton Terrace.

Officers on Partrick Road were alerted to a suspicious person on surveillance cameras walking through back yards, and attempting to enter a vehicle. When a man emerged from a driveway and saw police, he ran into the woods. Police gave chase on foot, then apprehended and arrested him.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 9 citations
  • Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 6
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 5
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 4
  • Failure to renew registration: 3
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 2
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 2
  • Speeding over 70 mph: 1
  • Failure to yield to a pedestrian: 1
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 1
  • Following too closely: 1
  • Failure to drive right: 1
  • Unsafe backing: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
  • Failure to display plates: 1
  • Improper use of markers: 1

Look carefully before backing up!

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” image shows a typical large Westport family enjoying Longshore:

(Photo/Elisabeth Levey)

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And finally … in honor of today’s 80th anniversary of D-Day, let’s look back to the poignant 75th ceremony, 5 years ago:

(“06880” is your hyper-local blog. We rely on readers like you to support us. Please click here to help. Thank you!)

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Posted in Arts, Downtown, Entertainment, Environment, Police, Westport Country Playhouse

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Roundup: Northern Lights, Library Book Sale, Walkable Westport, …

Posted on May 11, 2024 | Comments Off on Roundup: Northern Lights, Library Book Sale, Walkable Westport, …

The Northern Lights — a rarity over Westport — were visible early this morning.

A geomagnetic storm caused the show, for the first time in nearly 20 years.

Amateur astronomer Franco Fellah captured the celestial magic over Elmwood Lane:

Staples High School senior Charlie Scott captured this image, near Clinton Avenue:

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The Westport Library’s Big Spring Book Sale starts next Friday (May 17), and runs through Monday, May 20.

There are thousands for children and adults in more than 50 categories of nonfiction and fiction, children’s and antiquarian books, vinyl, CDs,  movie and television DVDs, plus ephemera and artwork.

Hours are: Friday, May 17 (noon-6 p.m.); Saturday, May 18 (9 a.m.-5 p.m.); Sunday, May 19 (11 a.m.-4 p.m. — half-price day); Monday, May 20 (9 am.- 5 p.m. — fill the Library’s logo bag for $10, fill your own same-sized bag for $8, or buy items at half price).

On Friday May 17, the Book Sale will be open from 8:45 a.m. to noon only to people who buy an early access ticket in advance. Click here to purchase.

Click here for details on special sale items.

Westport Library book sale.

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It never gets old.

For the fifth time, Ken Bernhard and Ted Freedman are asking Westporters to check their closets, and donate  new or slightly worn shoes to Soles4Souls.

The non-profit keeps shoes out of landfills, provides footwear for people in need, and creates micro-business opportunities in places of poverty.

Since 2006, the organization has salvaged over 83 million pairs of shoes. They’ve been distributed in 129 countries, and all 50 states.

Ken and Ted have placed donation boxes in Town Hall and the Senior Center. They’ll be there for the next 2 weeks.

 Ted Freedman, Ken Bernhard, and their Soles4Souls donation box.

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“Walkable cities” are environmentally, socially and economically vibrant.

Can Westport become a “walkable town”?

Sustainable Westport thinks so.

On June 4, the non-profit group brings urban planner Jeff Speck to Bedford Middle School (6 p.m. reception, 6:30 presentation).

Offering firsthand observations of Westport, he’ll share his thoughts on how we can become more walkable, bikeable and sustainable. He’ll also provide suggestions on short- and long-term efforts we can take toward those goals.

Click here to register.

Jeff Speck’s book

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Rhone — the men’s clothing store on Main Street and a longtime champion of mental fitness — is hosting an evening dedicated to the topic.

The May 30 event (Westport Woman’s Club, 5:30 to 8 p.m.) includes inspirational speakers, a silent auction, and a “Mind & Muscle” experience led by Eric Johnson. It combines dynamic workouts with mental health discussions, combining physical and mental well-being.

Rhone co-founder and CEO Nate Checketts will deliver the keynote.

Rhone will donate 10% of proceeds from all purchases between May 31 and June 2 to Westport-based Positive Directions.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Westport-based singer Sophie B Hawkins is on a spring tour.

She won’t have to travel far next Saturday (May 18). She’s booked for a 7:45 p.m. show at Fairfield Theatre Company’s Stage One.

She’ll perform a collection from her new album. Each tells a own powerful story. Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Best-selling “Cork Dork” author Bianca Bosker returns to the Westport Library June 11 (7 p.m.), for a chat with artist/author Miggs Burroughs. They’ll talk about her book “Get the Picture” — a fascinating journey into the secretive world of art and artists, from cave paintings to Instagram.

Bosker threw herself into that milieu: gallerists, collectors, curators, and artists themselves. Her research even included a stint as a museum security guard.

Click here for more information.

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Just added to the Westport Country Playhouse calendar: a screening of the film “When My Sleeping Dragon Woke,” followed by a Q-and-A with writer Sharon Washington and director/producer Chuck Schultz (June 14, 7 p.m.).

Washington shares intimate moments that strengthened her as she grew from a little girl in a library, to a young woman embracing new opportunities and breaking down barriers.

Following the screening of the film will be a discussion in the theatre with Sharon Washington herself and director/producer Chuck Schultz.

All tickets are $25. Click here to purchase, and for more information.

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Westporter Stephen Rappoport — CEO of Lamy America — was honored this week at the Night for Sight gala at New York’s Chelsea Piers. The event benefited the Foundation Fighting Blindness.

Lamy America donates a portion of sales of its Two Blind Brothers optical products toward finding a cure for blindness. (Hat tip: Avi and Liz Kaner)

Stephen Rappoport

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Julie Conti, a 30-year resident of Westport, died Thursday at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Bridgeport. Born on July 4, she was 74.

Her daughter Gabi writes: “She used to scream ‘I love this town! out the window while driving over the Cribari Bridge.

“She lived so many extraordinary lives. She was the only one in her family to get out of Brooklyn. She became an American Airlines flight attendant in the 1970s despite being 5-foot, brunette and Italian (the competition was tall, blonde and from Texas).

“She thought she found her happily ever after at 27 when she met a first-class passenger, but when that relationship crumbled she packed up a trailer and drove back to Brooklyn.

“She didn’t give up. She started working at Doyle Dane Bernbach in New York, where she met her soulmate, Paul Conti. Together they started Big Time Productions, producing commercials and music.

“In the mid-’90s she was diagnosed with a rare form of stomach cancer. After an exhaustive pre-internet search, my dad found the one doctor who could save her life. She was cancer-free ever since.

“Julie was involved in New Neighbors, Green’s Farms Church, Westport Country Playhouse, PTAs and Staples Players.

“When I went off to college she started working for Meridith Baer, a home staging company. She convinced them to bring their business to Westport.

“She always loved the theater. As a girl she auditioned for “The Sound of Music” on Broadway. She didn’t get the part, but in her 60s she decided to follow her love of performing by taking acting classes at Staples with Al Pia.

“My mom was a fighter who never gave up, and lived so largely until it was her time. Her favorite activity was walking along Compo Beach, which she did every day until she couldn’t walk anymore.

“The day she died we went to the beach and felt her walking along beside us, as a ray of sunshine that followed us along the Sound.

“All are welcome to celebrate her life, this Friday (May 17, 11 a.m., Greens Farms Church.”

Julie Conti

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Paul Delano found a host of beautiful birds, all around town. Here’s one for our “Westport … Naturally” feature: an orchard oriole.

(Photo/Paul Delano)

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Ans finally … in honor of both the “Walkable Westport” and shoe collection stories (both above):

(If it’s happening in Westport, you’ll read about it here. If you enjoy reading about it, please consider a contribution to your hyper-local blog. Just click here — and thank you!)

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Roundup: RTM & DPIC, “MOMents That Matter,” Drug Takeback Day …

Posted on April 25, 2024 | 7 comments

Two dozen electors have petitioned the Representative Town Meeting to appoint a committee to “review the Downtown Plan Implementation Committee’s plans for both Parker Harding and Jesup Green, the scope of the work and the associated costs; and to consider the merits and costs associated with feasible alternatives to what is being proposed by the DPIC, including a parking deck at the Baldwin lot; and to report its findings to the entire membership for such action as may be appropriate.”

The petitioners note “a great deal of concern and consternation among the citizenry surrounding the DPIC proposal, focused upon both the encroachment into Jesup Green and perceived flaws in the redesign of Parker Harding.”

RTM moderator Jeff Wieser has asked the RTM Rules Committee to review the petition prior to the full body’s May 7 meeting.

Wieser says that the RTM will take up that topic at the full meeting, along with the request for design funds to propose construction drawings for Jesup Green and the Imperial Avenue parking lot.

“Various committees have met regarding the design funds,” he notes. In addition, the RTM will have field trips next week at Jesup Green to review the proposed plans.

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It’s very appropriate: WestportMoms is hosting a Mother’s Day celebration — called “MOMents that Matter” — next Thursday (May 2, 6 to 10 p.m., Birchwood Country Club).

The event includes:

  • Mother’s Day shopping boutique with curated vendors
  • Panel discussion “rock star local moms” (including CNN anchor Alisyn Camerota, actress Stephanie Szostak, “Devil Wears Prada” author Lauren Weisberger, Melissa + Doug co-founder Melissa Bernstein and others) on balancing careers and motherhood, and the “MOMents That Matter.”
  • Gift bags for 50 attendees ($100 gift card to WEST, massage at Squeeze, and much more)
  • Appetizers from the new Birchwood chef, and cash bar.

Attendees are asked to bring a pack of feminine napkins, for women in need. The be donated to the Diaper Bank of Connecticut.

Tickets are $30. Click here to purchase, and for more information.

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Stacie Curran reports:

“What a wild nightyesterday at the Westport Library!

“Attendees from Club 203 members (our social group for adults with disabilities) and friends packed the Trefz Forum with a night of ‘speed friending; by TeenSLP (Staples High School’s speech and language expert Deirdre Flores), and rockin’ out with karaoke by our MC extraordinaire volunteer PJ Pitcher.

Thank you, Westport Library, for this incredible space. A special shout-out to associate director Alex Giannini, and the sound manager of Verso Studios, Travis Bell. You turned dreams into realty!”

Part of the Club 203 fun last night at the Westport Library.

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There’s a new addition to Saturday’s annual Drug Takeback Day (April 27, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Westport Senior Center).

A Wellness Fair — sponsored by Positive Directions — will take place, along with a collection by Westport Police and the Drug Enforcement Agency of tablets, capsules, patches and other solid forms of prescription drugs.

Syringes, sharps and illicit drugs are not accepted. Liquid products like cough syrup should remain sealed in their original container.

Residents can bring expired and unwanted medications for safe disposal, then stay for “wellness fun.”

The event includes a free behavioral health screening and blood pressure check, a sensory table for relaxation, and nutrition tips.

Prevention resources include drug awareness activities (drunk goggles, liquor stickers, lock bags, Narcan demonstration), tick and mosquito prevention resources, and gambling awareness materials.

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Prep work continues for the upcoming beach season.

It’s not pretty.

But — a few weeks from now — it will be worth it.

(Photo/Richard Fogel)

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Speaking of big vehicles: Dennis Wong was surprised this yesterday, near the Westport Library:

(Photo/Dennis Wong)

It’s not new. However, it is usually parked in the lower Westport Police parking lot, near EMS. It was moved, because the lot will be swept.

The vehicle is used for high water rescue incidents, during floods.

Hopefully it’s like insurance: We pay for it, but don’t want to ever use it.

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Speaking of police: The Westport PD made 6 custodial arrests between April 17 and 24.

A 26-year-old Bridgeport woman was arrested for larceny, illegal taking of a payment card, illegal use of a credit card exceeding $500, receipt from illegal use of a credit card, and identity theft, following complaint of fraudulent credit card charges over $12,000. Surveillance footage at Walgreens determined that an employee had used the card to purchase gift cards. Surveillance footage at other locations also showed the same user.

A 52-year-old Elizabeth, New Jersey woman was arrested for larceny and forgery, and conspiracy to commit those crimes, after a $560 check was stolen from their mailbox, and fraudulently deposited for $5,500..

A 43-year-old Westport man was charged with disorderly conduct and interfering with an emergency call, following a domestic disturbance. His comments made a family member fear for their safety, then held their car keys so they could not leave and interfered with a 911 call for help

A 47-year-old Stamford woman was charged with disorderly conduct and assault, after a domestic violence incident in a Westport home.

A 33-year-old Norwalk man was arrested for illegal operation of a motor vehicle with a suspended license, evading responsibility, failure to obey a stop sign and operating a motor vehicle without a license, following an accident with injuries at the Compo Road North/Evergreen Avenue intersection. The driver — who fled with the passenger on foot — had failed to stop at the Evergreen Avenue stop sign. He and the passenger were quickly apprehended. The operator of the vehicle that was struck sustained minor injuries.

A 39-year-old Darien man was arrested for driving under the influence after his vehicle was stopped in the travel portion of the street, near 1655 Post Road East. Officers found the driver disoriented, unable to follow basic instructions, and with the odor of alcohol on his breath.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

Traveling unreasonably fast: 3 citations

  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
  • Speeding: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 2
  • Interfering with an officer: 1
  • Reckless driving: 1
  • Distracted driving: 1
  • Failure to yield to a pedestrian: 1
  • Following too closely: 1
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
  • Improper use of markers: 1

Drivers must yield to pedestrians at crosswalks like this one, on Riverside Avenue at Sylvan Lane.

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Suzuki Music Schools are best known for their violin instructions.

Sophie B. Hawkins does not play the violin.

No matter. The Westport-based singer/songwriter is the special guest performer at Suzuki’s annual gala this Friday (April 26, Aspetuck Country Club, Weston). She’ll be accompanied by Suzuki students.

The event includes a cocktail hour with open bar, dinner, and a live auction.

Last year’s gala raised nearly $40,000 to support their Bridgeport Outreach programs, to provide music lessons to children in need.

This year’s goal: raise enough funds to provide violins for those children to take home for practice.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

Sophie B. Hawkins

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There was just the slightest touch of rain yesterday, for about 1/10 of a second.

But we were nonetheless treated to a sweet rainbow. Here are 2 drone views. (Apologies to all who sent photos — we can’t post them all!)

 

Over the Westport woods, and …

… the Merritt Parkway … (Drone photos/Paul Delano)

… and the Fairfield County Hunt Club. (Photo/Dave Shea)

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Dimitri Alatakis — a part owner of the Sherwood Diner — died last week, after suffering a heart attack. He lived in Fairfield, and was 61.

Dimitri is survived by his wife of 31 years, Donna; children Dimitri, Zoe and Alexei; mother Galatia and brother Stephen. He was predeceased by his father Andreas.

Services will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 4070 Park Avenue, Bridgeport, CT 06604, to benefit the preschool program.

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We don’t often post a nighttime “Westport … Naturally” photo. Here’s an exception: Jerry Kuyper’s image, “minutes after the moon hit full.”

(Photo/Jerry Kuyper)

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And finally … on this day in 1792, “La Marseillaise” — the French national anthem — was composed by Claude Joseph Rouget de Lisle.

(“06880” — your hyper-local blog — relies on support from readers like you. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)

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Roundup: Eclipse Pets, Compost Heap, WMMM Lives …

Posted on April 8, 2024 | 2 comments

Cathy Malkin has spent her career around animals. She says: “Unlike humans, our pets don’t need special glasses during the eclipse.”

Still, Yogi Bear would rather be safe than sorry:

(Photo/Cathy Malkin)

Experts do note that dogs and cats may exhibit brief periods of confusion or fear during the event.

Today’s peak eclipse is at 3:26 p.m. The sun in Westport will be 90.7% obscured.

Of course, that will happen whether or not there are clouds in the sky, to amaze humans and confuse pets.

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Fashion and hip hop closed out VersoFest yesterday. The 5-day event was the best attended and most diverse in the 3-year history of the Westport Library event.

The penultimate event was “Glam to Punk Fashion Roundtable: Alice Cooper, Bowie, Blondie and Beyond.” Christine “The Beehive Queen” Ohlman moderated.

Christine Ohlman (left) leads the fashion panel.

The finale was “Hip Hop Panel and Performances: 51 Years of Wild Style, the First Hip Hop Motion Picture” with Tony Tone (Cold Crush Brothers).

Hip hop on stage. (Photos/Dinkin Fotografix)

VersoFest ’24 drew plenty of Westporters — and many others from throughout the tri-state region.

All were impressed by the depth and breadth of the programming, as well as the venue. Those who had never been in the Westport Library before were awed by the space.

And amazed that no one said, “Be quiet. This is a library!”

Congratulations to all who made it happen: Library staff, sponsors, performers, panelists, and anyone else.

Rock on!

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For 3 years, Peter Swift has overseen the compost effort at the Westport Community Gardens.

Now, the recycling effort is bearing fruit — or at least, the organic version of “black gold.”

This was the scene this weekend, at the Gardens:

(Photo/Peter Swift)

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In the 1950s, ’60s and ’70s, WMMM was Westport’s local radio station.

Broadcasting from studios above Oscar’s (now Rye Ridge) Deli, 1260 AM offered local news and sports, plus middle-of-the-road music.

They were there for the Save the Children radio auction, the Great Race, Festival Italiano and the Oyster Fest.

Of course, John LaBarca hosted a weekly Italian house party — and made trips (as Santa) to deliver holiday gifts to the Southbury Training School.

WMMM is no longer (though the FM station lives on, as 50,000-watt WEBE 108).  WMMM’s last owners — the Graham family — donated WMMM to Sacred Heart University.  In 2000, the call letters were changed to WSHU-AM.

But WMMM is back, at 105.5. Those are the call letters now of a radio station serving the Madison, Wisconsin area.

I don’t know how former Westporter John Kelley stumbled on the station, but he shared the news with “06880.”

PS: When WMMM was our station, the letters stood for “Modern Minute Man” (owner Red Graham owned Minuteman Travel, too).

Out in Wisconsin these days, they call it “Triple M.”

The “new” WMMM …

… and the original.

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The Fortunoff brothers — Aaron, a Staples High School freshman, and Brett, a Bedford Middle School 7th grader — spent all of yesterday outside Stop & Shop.

The boys were collecting cereal and donations for Cereal4All. The non-profit provide cereals to local food pantries.

Their hard work paid off. Shoppers donated 989 boxes of cereal, and added $2,100 in cash.

If you missed the Fortunoffs, but want to help, you can Venmo @lauriefortunoff, or click here for an Amazon wish list.

There will also be a collection box at Temple Israel in Westport throughout May.

 

Aaron and Brett Fortunoff, with a few of their many cereal boxes. 

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Suzuki Music Schools are best known for their violin instructions.

Sophie B. Hawkins does not play the violin.

No matter. The Westport-based singer/songwriter is the special guest performer at Suzuki’s annual gala (April 26, Aspetuck Country Club, Weston). She’ll be accompanied by Suzuki students.

The event includes a cocktail hour with open bar, dinner, and a live auction.

Last year’s gala raised nearly $40,000 to support their Bridgeport Outreach programs, to provide music lessons to children in need.

This year’s goal: raise enough funds to provide violins for those children to take home for practice.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

Sophie B. Hawkins

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Coming up at MoCA Westport:

Community Conversations: “It Will Go On” curator Victoria McCraven and Black Art Library founder Asmaa Walton (Thursday, April 11, 6 to 7 p.m.; Zoom only): A discussion about the current exhibit, and New England’s first Black art library installation. Click here to register, and for more information.

MoCA Some Noise: Open Mic Night (Friday, April 26, 6:30 p.m.): A night of creativity and talent, celebrating the power of expression and connection through music, poetry and more. Click here for more information.

Voices of Women: Natalia Kazaryan (Saturday, April 27, 7 p.m.):  Georgian pianist Natalia Kazaryan celebrates the contributions of women composers. Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Stéphanie Szostak — the Westport actress whose credits include “The Devil Wears Prada,” “Iron Man 3” and “A Million Little Things.” — is a keynote speaker at the American Cancer Society’s annual Women Leading the Way to Wellness luncheon (May 15, 11 a.m., Stamford Marriott).

Szostak speaks often about overcoming failure, being an outsider and living with authenticity.

Kitt Shapiro — owner of WEST boutique, and a longtime supporter of the ACS — is a tri-chair for the event.

The luncheon highlights the importance of being one’s own health advocate. Over the past 10 years it has raised more than $1 million to support women’s health research, advocacy and more.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

Stéphanie Szostak

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I have never been in the bathroom at Village Pediatrics.

But Tracy Porosoff has.

Intrigued by the décor, she took a photo.

Look what I’ve been missing:

(Photo/Tracy Porosoff)

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A deer silhouetted in the Vista Terrace woods, in Longshore near the 1st and 2nd holes on the golf course, starts this week’s “Westport … Naturally” feature off on a handsome note.

(Photo/Claudia Sherwood Servidio)

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And finally … Happy International Trombone Week!

(“06880” is your hyper-local blog — and we rely on support from readers like you. Please click here to help. Thank you

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“06880” Podcast: Sophie B. Hawkins

Posted on March 6, 2023 | 3 comments

Sophie B. Hawkins —  platinum-selling international artist; Best New Artist Grammy nominee in 1992; painter; ardent environmentalist; LGBTQ+ and animal rights advocate — is also a Westporter.

And she’s as passionate about our town as anyone I know.

The other day, Sophie and I chatted at the Westport Library — a place she knows well, from performing and recording. It was a wide-ranging, warm conversation.

Click below to listen, and learn more about Sophie B. Hawkins and her town.

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Sophie B Hawkins Composts. You Can Too!

Posted on May 8, 2022 | 5 comments

Shortly after moving to Westport in August 2020, a mom received an email from a class mother at Greens Farms Elementary, her kids’ new school.

“Who wants to be part of Sustainable GFS?” it read.

The woman had been looking for a group of environmentally-minded folks. She jumped right in, and has been an avid member since.

She is no ordinary Westporter (if there is such a thing). The woman is Sophie B. Hawkins — the Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter, and a longtime environmental activist.

Sophie B. Hawkins, and her kids.

Now, she’s helping Sustainable Westport get the word out about food scrap collection (aka “composting”). The other day, she told them:

I did not know how much recycling I could do. But Westport makes it easy to deal with trash (other than when I drove up and down the Sherwood Island Connector looking for “the Dump,” which hardly stands out).

Now I take our food scraps to the separate collection site at the Dump (aka “transfer station”). I have found a great deal of emotional reward from recycling and by managing our trash and food waste.

Westport’s transfer station does not look like a dump.

That’s my way of honoring the privilege of where I live by being more responsible. It’s been mentally healthy for me. And you don’t have to be a gardener to get a lot of reward for sending your food scraps off to be composted.

Paying attention to our household trash has led me to shop differently, cook more, purchase without plastic wrap wherever possible, and get creative about avoiding waste of any kind. My blue bin is much lighter.

And those plastic bags that bread and other food items come in: I now wash them out, drape them over an old pair of drumsticks standing in playdough, then reuse them.

The transfer station offers a food scrap drop-off site.

We have a “no plastic water bottles” policy in our house. I am a real gorilla on it — I mean none, even away from the house. We all got used to it.

Traveling is a challenge when it comes to managing waste, but my band and I have started buying food, carrying utensils and enjoying impromptu picnics on the road.

The pandemic has led us to some very environmentally sound and fun ways of traveling. On my touring rider I ask for no plastic in the dressing room and on stage — only filtered water and healthy containers.

I am  an ardent environmentalist and activist. It’s a prominent feature of my career. I give 100 percent of my royalties from some songs to Waterkeeper Alliance, and rescue animals from catastrophic events. I’m hands on in every way. It’s a primary feature of my career, life and social media.

I believe more Westporters would become committed to food waste reduction and recycling if they knew how easy it becomes. Just jump in without worrying about the details.  Once you start, you won’t want to stop.

A food scrap recycling starter kit.

As for actually collecting food scraps: I use a mixing bowl on my counter. I dump the food scraps in it, and cover with a nice plate. When that’s full I dump it into a small aluminum trash can outside my kitchen door.

I take it to the transfer station every 3 or 4 days, when it’s full.

I try to just model the behavior, and remind my kids to recycle and clear their plates. I don’t ask them to compost their leftovers, because in general I eat or scrape them.

The kids come with me to the transfer station. They help me clean the house. It’s a mellow approach.

My advice is to just use what you have in the house to collect your waste. Try it for one week. Notice how easy it is, and how good you feel doing it. Don’t buy new gear or become crazy.

I noticed how little garbage I have now. It’s uplifting to know I’m helping reduce toxic waste for our planet, for all of us.

Greens Farms Elementary School was in the forefront of food scrap recylcing.

Sustainable Westport invites everyone to join Sophie B. Hawkins in the Zero Food Waste Challenge (click here for details).

Sustainable Westport will be on Instagram Live this Monday (May 9, 6:30 p.m.) with WestportMoms. Follow @SustainableWestport to learn how to compost at home.

As for Sophie B. Hawkins: Right now, she’s touring. She’ll be local this spring and summer. For more information, click here.

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Roundup: Oystercatchers, Drive-In Concerts, Clear Cutting …

Posted on March 23, 2021 | 6 comments

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Tina Green reports that the American oystercatcher pair has returned to Compo Beach for the season.

“Their loud. distinctive calls announced their early morning arrival for all to hear yesterday,” she says.

“No doubt they will try to nest again in the same area of the beach just north of the cannons. The pair successfully raised and fledged 3 juvenile birds last year, due in part to the beach being closed because of COVID. They had the beach to themselves until May, along with the piping plovers.

“Compo visitors — especially those with dogs — should keep away from the oystercatchers and give them some space. Westporters are very fortunate to have a front row seat to watch nature up close and personal in our hometown.

American oystercatchers at Compo Beach yesterday. (Photo/Tina Green)

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Besides the oystercatchers, there’s another returnee to Westport: drive-in concerts.

The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce and Westport Library sponsor 2 next month. The site is the Imperial Avenue parking lot.

Sophie B Hawkins — a great talent, and Westport resident —  opens the season on Friday April 23rd. The show — featuring her 5-piece band is a fundraiser for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Deep Banana Blackout follows on Saturday, April 24. The 8-piece band is an area favorite, with a high-energy mix of jam, funk and blues.

Tickets for each show are $150 per car (5 person max). Tickets for Sophie B Hawkins go on sale on this Monday (March 29, 10 .am). Deep Banana Blackout will go on sale Tuesday, March 30, also at 10. Click here to order.

Sophie B Hawkins

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Speaking of entertainment: Jamie Mann — the Staples High School senior who stars in Netflix’s new hit, “Country Comfort,” which premiered Friday — has written a great piece for Backstage on the highs and lows of being a young actor.

He writes honestly about his love for dance, the “dead zone” when child actors grow too tall and add braces, the mentors he found in Westport like Cynthia Gibb and Jill Jaysen, being just another cast member with Staples Players, and more. Click here to read.

Jamie Mann (Photo/Curtis & Cort)

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John Noble writes: “I live near Earthplace, and walk by this house on Woodside Avenue almost every day.

It’s a teardown. I totally get it — but why did the developer take down over 17 large mature trees to create this eyesore of a lot now? There’s always 2 sides to a story, but as a neighbor this tree obliteration really bugs me.”

(Photo/John Noble)

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The Westport Library is seeking candidates for its Board of Trustees. Of particular interest: people with expertise in finance, fundraising and development for non-profits; knowledge and understanding of current trends in digital media and information technology, or a background in municipal government and/or not-for-profit law.

Trustees serve 4-yeare terms. Click here for more information.Interested candidates should email a resume and letter of interest to rpowell@westportlibrary.org. The deadline is April 19.

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Westporter Ana Cristina Purcell died on March 16. She was 68.

Born in Buenos Aires, Argentina, she immigrated with her parents to the US in the 1950s.

Ana was a graduate of Staples High School. She served as the office administrator for Purcell Moving Corporation, a family-owned business, for over 20 years. She enjoyed traveling, the beach, and spending time with family and friends.

She is survived by her husband Lawrence; daughter Cristina; son Shane (Jennifer Soyeck); sister Julia Huber; niece Rachel Greene; nephew Philip Huber, and grandchildren TJ Altman, Kroy Purcell and Camilla Purcell.

Harding Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Services will be held at Assumption Church this Saturday (March 27, 11 a.m.). After, close friends and family are welcome to their home to share memories of her life.

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And finally … happy 67th birthday to legendary University of Connecticut women’s basketball coach Geno Auriemma.

They beat High Point by a whopping 102-59 on Sunday. Tonight (9 p.m.) they face Syracuse. Go Huskies!

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Sophie B. Hawkins Sings A New Tune

Posted on February 16, 2021 | 5 comments

Many of the men and women who fled New York for Westport during the past year work from home. Finance, consulting, business, writing — all you need is an extra room, an internet connection, and you’re ready to rock.

It’s a bit tougher for Sophie B. Hawkins.

Sophie B. Hawkins

A Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter who burst on the scene with her 1992 platinum debut album “Tongues and Tails” — and who followed it up with the #1 adult contemporary hit “As I Lay Me Down,” then performed and collaborated with artists like Bryan Ferry, Chris Isaak, Jewel and Sting — she could not exactly open her doors and invite audiences in.

But Sophie is part of that diaspora. A native New Yorker, she’s found a wonderful home in Westport.

And this Sunday (February 21, 7:30 p.m.), she’s appearing at the Ridgefield Playhouse. It’s a way to get back on stage — and to help an important performing arts center that, like so many others, is struggling during COVID.

In the early days of the pandemic, as so many people in her neighborhood fell ill, Sophie remembered hearing about the wonders of Westport. She checked housing prices — much more reasonable than Manhattan — and learned about the great school system.

Soon she, her 12-year-old son and 5-year-old daughter, were living in Greens Farms.

It was quite a change for a woman who said her life in New York as a “single mother artist” was “too stupid.”

“I love the sounds of birds, wind, nature,” Sophie says. “It’s so quiet.”

She is awed by the beauty of her neighborhood — especially the trees. “They’re the stars of this place,” she notes.

Sophie walks to the Greens Farms train station. It’s an easy trip to New York, where her mother still lives.

Even something as simple as driving her son to karate or going to CVS, fills her with joy. “Life here is like a river that is always flowing. There’s an ease to it. It allows me to do more as an artist,” she explains.

Sophie’s son quickly met a great group of friends at the Wakeman Town Farm summer camp. He thrives at Bedford Middle School; her daughter loves Greens Farms Elementary.

Sunday’s Ridgefield Playhouse show also fills her with joy. She’s playing with musicians she’s never met (and, as of yesterday, had not yet rehearsed with), but that’s part of the fun.

“One good thing about COVID: It’s made us grateful for so many little things,” Sophie says. Performing live, playing the music she loves, is one of those.

Her show will begin with “Tongues and Tails” revisited. It moves through her subsequent album, and ends with new material. Her 7th album comes out soon.

“It will be like a party,” Sophie promises.

The Ridgefield Playhouse is selling just 100 tickets. The concert will be livestreamed too, for a virtual audience.

(Click here for tickets — actual and virtual — to Sophie B. Hawkins’ Sunday show at the Ridgefield Playhouse.)

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