Tag Archives: Soundview Summer Stroll

Roundup: Summer Stroll, SLOBs, STG …

Posted on April 28, 2025 | 18 comments

Last year’s Soundview Summer Stroll was a smash.

All day Sunday, the Compo Beach exit road was closed to traffic. Kids enjoyed games, face painting, a balloon artist and more. Adults ambled, greeting old friends and making new ones.

Bands played. Old Mill Deli provided pizza and gelato. The vibe was Venice (California).

It’s back! This year’s 2nd annual Soundview Summer Stroll is July 27. There’s an extra hour: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Like last year, it’s a gift to the town from “06880” and the Compo Beach Improvement Association.

Mark your calendar. See you there!

Fun for all ages. (Photo/Benji Porosoff)

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If you saw a bunch of teenage boys picking up trash, weeding or doing other work this weekend, they were SLOBs.

As in: Staples Service League of Boys.

Every April, the high schoolers fan out around town, for their Earth Day Service Weekend.

That’s in addition to all the other work they do, all year long, for non-profits and other organizations.

The group below worked with the Westport Downtown Association, to help clean up Parker Harding Plaza.

(Photo/Lee Shufro)

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Also yesterday: VFW Post 399 commemorated its 105th anniversary, celebrating over a century of support to veterans and community.

Established on April 27, 1920, by 11 World War I veterans, the Joseph J. Clinton Veterans of Foreign War post has served Westport’s veteran community ever since.

Private Clinton was a Westporter who gave his life in France on November 7, 1918, just 4 days before the armistice.

“For 105 years, our Post has been more than a gathering place — it’s been a family,” says quartermaster, Phil Delgado.

“We honor Private Clinton’s sacrifice by serving today’s veterans, strengthening community ties, and preserving the memory of those who paved the way for our freedoms.”

VFW Post 399 hosts many events, from Memorial Day ceremonies to monthly community blood drives, plus Jazz at the Post every Thursday. It also partners with nonprofits to advance veterans’ causes.

Celebrating 105 years (from left): Al Strazza, Frank Veno, Phil Delgado, Dennis Rohrmoser.

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Jonathan Grayer has spent his career in education.

As CEO of Kaplan, the 1982 Staples High School and ’86 Harvard University graduate turned the test prep company into the 2nd largest online education provider in the world.

He retired in 2008, then started Imagine Learning. He now serves as CEO. Its digital curriculums make enormous differences in some of the largest and neediest public school districts in America.

Grayer is a philanthropist too. His main passions are cancer research and post-secondary schooling. His Kaplan Educational Foundation — “Rhodes Scholars for Community Colleges” — sends students from 2-year schools to Ivy League and other top universities.

But Grayer has not forgotten his Westport roots. And he knows that in this affluent community, plenty of families cannot afford the enormous (and skyrocketing) cost of college.

In 2022 he jump-started a Staples Tuition Grants award, from the Class of 1982. It’s become a shining example of how SHS alums can give back to their school and community, long after they graduated.

To learn more about Staples Tuition Grants — and/or contribute — click here.

To watch an interview of Grayer, at the ASU+GSV summit — where over 10,000 educators, workforce leaders and innovators discussed the future education (and how to ensure access to it) — click below.

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Tickets are selling fast for a variety of upcoming Westport Country Playhouse events. They include:

“The Wizard of Oz” (June 21, 1 and 4 p.m.; all tickets $30). From the same company that brought “Pinkalicious The Musical” to the WCP stage.

“Karma Kabaret” (June 21, 8 p.m.; all tickets $20): A creative celebration of life — described as “Robin Williams meets Streisand meets TED Talks meets Einstein meets Buddha meets Broadway meets creator M. Zavidow.

Rosanne Cash with John Leventhal (July 16, 8 p.m.; tickets $125, $115, $98).

Click here for more information, tickets, and details of many other upcoming events.

Rosanne Cash and her husband John Leventhal.

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1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker and ROAN Ventures’ Rodrigo Real are part of the annual “Real Estate Outlook” panel. The event is May 20 (8:30 a.m., SoNo Collection M&T Bank, Norwalk).

The theme is “Breaking New Ground: The Projects That Will Impact Fairfield County.” The moderator is Eric Bernheim. He heads up the real estate and land use practice at Westport’s FLB Law, which co-sponsors the event. Click here to register, and for more information.

The real estate outlook for Fairfield County includes The Hamlet at Saugatuck project. 

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Westport author Meg Serino’s debut novel “Annapurna” will be published May 6.

In it, a woman returns to the base camp of the famous Nepalese mountain to confront events leading to her best friend’s tragic death there 20 years earlier. She explores the nature of their friendship, the meaning of love, and the unexpected consequences of what is spoken — and what is not. Click here for more information.

Meg Serino

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“Cheese Fries & Chili Dips” — Weston native Chris Fuller’s one-man “hilarious and heartfelt story of a pro golfer’s bipolar journey to wellness” — is set for 2 performances at Greenfield Hill Congregational Church (May 16 and 17).

A 6:30 party precedes the 7:30 p.m. show.

Tickets are $10. Call 203-259-5596 to purchase.

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Spring foliage continues to fill us with joy and wonder.

Today’s “Westport … Naturally” image comes from the ever-changing Riverwalk, outside the Library.

(Photo/Wendy Levy)

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And finally … in honor of an upcoming show at the Westport Country Playhouse (story above):

(It doesn’t take courage, or a brain or heart, to support “06880,” your hyper-local blog. All you have to do is click here. Like Dorothy, you know how important home is.)

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Posted in Beach, Entertainment, Real estate, Staples HS, Westport Country Playhouse

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“06880” In 2025: Help Us Help You!

Posted on January 4, 2025 | 49 comments

“I really like ‘06880,’” a woman said. “But you write too many stories.”

You don’t have to read them all! I thought. That’s what the “Delete” button is for!

“06880” is nearing its 16th birthday. Over the years, I’ve heard all kinds of complaints.

This man does not always smile at the feedback he receives.

Sometimes, people ask why I did not cover something I wrote about the day before. Or the previous week. Or month.

“I know it’s your blog,” many of them begin. “But …”

Then comes a comment, about something. Anything. Or everything.

They say I should ban certain commenters.

I should let commenters use aliases, or comment anonymously.

I should write more about some topic. Or less.

Yes, it is my blog.

But it’s also yours.

“06880” belongs to its readers. On any given day, there are up to 20,000 of you.

Many live in Westport. Some have been here all their lives: 15, 30, 50, 60 years. Others moved in during COVID. Or yesterday.

Many other readers do not live here. Some are in Weston. Some are much further away — across the US, and beyond.

“06880” has readers in Westport, New Zealand. They’re not lost … just interested in our town.

Some grew up here, then moved away. Some have other connections, like parents whose adult children live here. They want to know what their “kids” and grandkids are up to.

As one year ends, and a new one begins, this is a good time to take a look at where “06880” is, and where it should be going.

So: What do you like about “06880”?

What don’t you like?

What should I cover more? What should I cover less?

What new features would you like to see? Are there any I should dump?

“06880” also has a mission to build community. Last year we introduced a Summer Soundview Stroll. With the help of the Westport Downtown Association, we kicked up the Holiday Stroll several notches.

A small part of the large Soundview Stroll crowd. (Photo/Benji Porosoff)

We continue to raise funds — over $300,000 so far — for Lyman, our Ukrainian sister city, and for other worthy causes.

We were a sponsor of the holiday lights on the Cribari Bridge, and have  organized 2 “Historic Homes of Westport” tours.

What other projects would you like us to undertake?

Is there anything else I (and my board of directors) need to know?

Just email 06880blog@gmail. com.

Or click “Comments” below. If you do, of course use your full, real name.

That’s one thing that’s not gonna change.

49 Comments

Posted in Beach, Media, Westport life

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Roundup: CT Challenge, Chariots Of Fire, MAD Magazine,

Posted on July 29, 2024 | 5 comments

Every year, the CT Challenge draws thousands of bike riders. They ride up to 100 miles on scenic roads, raising millions of dollars for cancer survivors.

It’s a team effort — including volunteers.

On Saturday, 2nd Selectwoman Andrea Moore joined members of Westport’s National Charity League, helping at the Mile 17 rest stop in front of Redding Town Hall.

Among the riders who stopped for water (and moral support): Westport Public Schools assistant superintendent John Bayers (2nd from right in photo below), and Westporters Roy Kim (front left) and Victor Garra (back right, without helmet).

The group completed 77.9 hard-earned miles.

2nd Selectwoman Andrea Moore, with riders in Redding. 

Westport’s National Charity League volunteers (from left): Megan Lott, Deanne McGuinn, Maya McGuinn, Ella Moore, Jaden Tracey, Sonja Tracey, Andrea Moore, Stephanie Bulkeley, Kate Bulkeley.

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It’s a simple gesture — and one that most folks driving past the Imperial Avenue office building opposite Jesup Road don’t notice.

But anyone walking or jogging past hears music coming from a small speaker, placed strategically on a tree stump at #27-29.

Yesterday’s selection was particularly apt: “Chariots of Fire.” The film is about 2 runners training for the Olympics — the 1924 Games, in Paris.

Rachel Markus says, “I’m grateful to whomever has decided to share their music!”

The speaker (lower right) plays music that inspires joggers on Imperial Avenue. (Photo/Rachel Markus)

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Everyone of a certain age remembers MAD magazine.

Now — in a new book exploring the impact of the satirical publication on American life and culture — Mary-Lou Weisman remembers it too.

The Westport writer’s remembrances of cartoonist Al Jaffee is one of 28 essays. She is joined by (among others) Roz Chast, R. Crumb, Adam Gopnik and Art Spiegelman.

“The MAD Files: Writers and Cartoonists on the Magazine That Warped America’s Brain” will be published in September. Click here for details.

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Hundreds of youngsters painted rocks yesterday, with the help of Compo Beach Playground Committee members, at the first-ever Soundview Summer Stroll.

Some that were drying were not picked up by their “owners.” They can be claimed today, on the Soundview seawall.

(Photo/Totney Benson)

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A home on Morningside Drive has multiple deer feeders.

As this “Westport … Naturally” photo shows, that’s a lot better meal for homeowners than bushes and flowers.

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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And finally … if the “Chariots of Fire” story above got you thinking about Vangelis’ electronic-sounding music theme song, you’re in luck! Just click below … it’s a winner.

(“06880” is your gold medal hyper-local blog. Like amateur athletes, we rely on the support of our fans. Please click here to help [us, not the Olympians]. Thank you!)

5 Comments

Posted in Beach, Children, Media, Totally random

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Soundview Stroll: Westport’s Newest Summer Smash

Posted on July 29, 2024 | 8 comments

You didn’t have to push a stroller to enjoy yesterday’s first-ever Soundview Summer Stroll.

But it sure didn’t hurt.

Over 3,000 people — men, women and (especially) kids — thronged Soundview Drive (the beach exit road) for 6 hours of music, food, face painting, balloon artists, a photo booth, kids’ games, bicycling, rollerblading, and (literally) dancing in the street.

(Photo/Sunil Hirani)

The event — co-sponsored by “06880” and the Compo Beach Improvement Association — grew out of the annual fireworks show. Why, “06880” (and others) wondered, can’t we close the road to cars on a summer Sunday, and have our own special street festival?

With help from Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department, Police Department and the Compo Beach Playground Committee, we did just that.

The “new” Westport (parents with all those strollers!) mingled with the “old” Westport (folks who actually “strolled”).

What’s more fun for a little kid than playing with chalk on the road? (Photo/Susan Garment)

It was a day to celebrate Westport. And — for at least one couple, who are thinking of moving here — it was a glimpse into the vibrant, fun, always-something-different community Westport has become.

“We thought we were lifers in Manhattan,” the husband said, juggling a kid (and a stroller).

“Then Westport happened.”

Venice Beach, California? No — Westport, Connecticut! (Photo/Benji Porosoff)

(“06880” and the Compo Beach Improvement Association thank Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department, the Westport Police Department, Kristin Mott Purcell, Sunil Harani, the Compo Beach Playground Committee including Erin Hall (and their young helpers), 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, Old Mill Grocery by Romanacci, Jim Hood, and the 4 musical acts: Christian Servance, Drew Angus and Dustin Lowman with the Connecticut Songwriters’ Collective, School of Rock New Canaan, and Rock Paper Soul.)

Some of the youngest music fans. (Photo/Sunil Hirani)

Old Mill Grocery by Romanacci was hopping all day. They served a full — and very popular — menu (photo below). (Photo/Sunil Hirani)

Gelato sales were jumpin’ too. (Photo/Benji Porosoff)

Compo Beach Committee volunteers helped younger kids enjoy a balloon toss … (Photo/Benji Porosoff)

… but they didn’t need much help chalking the street. (Photo/Benji Porosoff)

Melissa and Doug Bernstein (left) chat with Christian Servance — the first performer (with an “angelic” voice) and his mother. (Photo/Dan Woog)

Former 1st Selectman Jim Marpe, and grandson Charlie. (Photo/Dan Woog)

A young fan enjoys Drew Angus and Dustin Lowman. Both are Staples High School graduates. (Photo/Dan Woog)

Drew Angus and Dustin Lowman entertain the crowd. (Photo/Benji Porosoff)

Compo Beach Playground Committee chairs (from left) Bridget Flynn, Josh Sterling and Samantha Owades spread the word about next spring’s project …

… while teens from Sara Holland Sports helped with the (very wet) water balloon toss. From left: Emma Crino, Emily Crusio.
Davis Goldblat.

 

Hanging out on the street (from left): Kristin Mott Purcell, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, 2nd Selectwoman Andrea Moore, Deputy Fire Chief Matthew Cohen, Fire Department official Jennifer Petrosinelli, Dan Woog. (Photo/JC Martin)

Among the most popular events: tug of war! (Photo/Benji Porosoff)

With Soundview Drive closed, there was plenty of room to rollerblade. (Photo/Benji Porosoff)

Just another day at the beach. (Photo/Benji Porosoff)

(“06880” was proud to sponsor yesterday’s Soundview Summer Stroll. It was a great community event — and we rely on this great community for support. Please click here to help. Thank you!)

8 Comments

Posted in Beach, Children, Westport life

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See You At Today’s Soundview Summer Stroll!

Posted on July 28, 2024 | Comments Off on See You At Today’s Soundview Summer Stroll!

Today marks the start of a new Westport tradition.

The Soundview Summer Stroll starts at 11 a.m. The entire beach exit road — from the parking lot to the Compo Road South jetty — will be closed to traffic.

Without cars, it will be filled with music, food, kids’ activities — and people “strolling,” rollerblading, meeting old friends, making new ones, and enjoying Compo Beach in a new, exciting and very fun way.

“06880” founder Dan Woog promotes Westport’s newest tradition.

The Soundview Summer Stroll grew out of the annual fireworks. Why, “06880” wondered, did so much community spirit have to be confined to one day a year?

The Soundview Stroll is co-sponsored by “06880” and the Compo Beach Improvement Association. The Compo Beach Playground Committee is in charge of kids’ fun. The Parks & Recreation Department, and Westport Police, signed on early, and have provided great support.

The family-friendly street festival is a gift to Westport, from “06880” and the Compo Beach Improvement Association. We’ve got help from the Parks & Recreation Department and Westport Police.

Here’s the schedule for youngsters, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.:

  • On the hour: Tug of war
  • 20 minutes after: Water balloon toss
  • 40 minutes after: Inflatable relay race.

Here’s the musical lineup:

  • 11:30 a.m.: Christian Servance
  • 12:30 p.m.: Drew Angus and the Connecticut Songwriters Alliance
  • 1:45 p.m.: School of Rock
  • 3 p.m.: Rock Paper Soul.

Old Mill Grocery & Deli will offer favorites from their menu.

Best of all: The Soundview Summer Stroll is free! (NOTE: A beach emblem is required to park.)

Bring your strolling shoes. See you from 11 to 5 today, up and down the beach exit road.

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Roundup: Blog Party, Summer Stroll, Scarice And CMS …

Posted on July 25, 2024 | 12 comments

Tonight’s the night!

From 6 p.m. until dark, everyone in our community — online and real — is invited to Compo’s South Beach, for our 11th annual “06880” blog party.

It’s a very casual, very fun, bring-your-own-food-and-drink (and chairs) event. Meet old friends; make new ones; watch the sun set (if the clouds part), and enjoy a summer evening with people drawn together by this hyper-local blog. See you there!

PS: Don’t worry. The clouds will be gone by the time we begin 🙂

Bring yourselves (and a bit of food) to tonight’s “06880” blog party! (Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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But the fun doesn’t end when our blog party is over.

This Sunday (July 28, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.) marks the first-ever Soundview Sidewalk Stroll.

The family-friendly street festival is a gift to Westport, from “06880” and the Compo Beach Improvement Association. We’ve got help from the Parks & Recreation Department and Westport Police.

With Soundview Drive closed to traffic, Westporters are welcome to walk, bike, rollerblade and play, from the Soundview parking lot to the Compo Road jetty.

In addition to music from 4 great bands, youngsters can enjoy face painting, a balloon artist, craftsand more.

Volunteers from the Compo Beach Playground Committee will run this schedule, all day long:

  • On the hour: Tug of war
  • 20 minutes after: Water balloon toss
  • 40 minutes after: Inflatable relay race.

Old Mill Grocery & Deli will offer favorites from their menu.

The Soundview Summer Stroll is a great chance to meet old friends, make new ones, join the cool street scene, and enjoy Compo without worrying about traffic.

Best of all: It’s free! (Beach emblem required to park.) Don’t miss this one!

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Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice got a raise, and an additional year on his contract, this week.

The Board of Education vote was unanimous. His new salary — retroactive to July 1 — is $321,661. His contract runs through the 2026-27 school year.

Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice

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Speaking of education: Coleytown Middle School has a new principal.

Her commute will scarcely change. Janna Sirowich moves to her new post from Coleytown Elementary School, where she has spent the past 16 years as principal. Before that, she was a literacy leader and classroom teacher in Westport.

“While Janna is overwhelmed with gratitude for her years at CES, she is equally excited about this new opportunity and what lies ahead for her and CMS,” says superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice.

Janna Sirowich

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Westport Police made 3 custodial arrests between July 17 and 24.

A 58-year-old Westport man was charged with assault, disorderly conduct, and tampering with a witness following a June incident at Birchwood Country Club. An employee was pushed to the ground by the man, who he did not know. Despite being warned not to contact the complainant, he did so twice.

A 48-year-old Westport man was charged with driving under the influence following a complaint by a passenger in the vehicle.

A 22-year-old New Britain man was charged with burglary, criminal mischief and larceny, and conspiracy to commit those crimes, following the early morning theft of an ATM from the Wheels gas station and convenience store on the Post Road in February.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Failure to obey state traffic control regulations: 17 citations
  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 8
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 6
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 6
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 5
  • Driving while texting: 3
  • Illegal shellfishing, closed area: 3
  • Illegal shellfish taking at night: 3
  • Violation of local shellfish regulations: 3
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 2
  • Reckless driving: 1
  • Speeding: 1
  • Distracted driving: 1
  • Failure to yield to a bike at an intersection: 1
  • Following too closely: 1
  • Driving while texting, 2nd offense: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
  • Failure to carry a license: 1
  • Failure to have headlamps: 1

Watch out for bicyclists at intersections!

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This beautiful butterfly flitted past Lauri Weiser.

It alit just long enough for her to catch it, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Lauri Weiser)

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And finally … John Mayall, the pioneering British bluesman best known for influencing some of rock’s biggest names, died Monday in California. He was 90.

Click here for a full obituary.

(“06880” looks forward to 2 great events: tonight’s “blog party,” and Sunday’s Soundview Summer Stroll [stories above]. As always, we look forward too to readers’ support. Please click here. Thanks!)

12 Comments

Posted in Beach, Education, Police

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Roundup: Kamala Harris, Soundview Stroll, Blog Party …

Posted on July 22, 2024 | 25 comments

President Biden’s decision yesterday to not seek re-election set social media a-twitter.

Two Westporters were among the many people sharing their thoughts.

Producer/screenwriter/author/CEO Shonda Rhimes wrote about the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee: “I stood behind her in 2016 when she ran for Senate, I was behind her when she ran as @vp and I continue to stand behind her today.”

Designer Cristian Siriano said: “What an honor to create suits for you @kamalaharris and I can’t wait to do it again!”

Both posts drew over 60,000 likes — and plenty of comments. Some were very positive. Others were strongly negative.

Meanwhile, CNBC reports: “Among the top party fundraisers now planning to help Harris is longtime Wall Street executive Marc Lasry, according to a person with direct knowledge of the matter.

“Lasry helped raise money for the vice president when she ran against Biden in the 2020 Democratic primary. He later raised campaign cash for Biden when he beat Trump during that election cycle.”

Lasry — a billionaire businessman and private equity manager — lives on Beachside Avenue. He is the co-founder and CEO of Avenue Capital Group, and former co-owner of the NBA’s Milwaukee Bucks.

Meanwhile, one Westport voter did not wait for official news. He created his own yard sign with a pair of scissors, on Bayberry Lane:

(Photo/Howard Matson)

(Hat tip: Dave Briggs)

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Everything is set for this coming Sunday’s first-ever Soundview Sidewalk Stroll — including the bands.

The lineup includes:

  • 11:30 a.m.: Christian Servance
  • 12:30 p.m.: Drew Angus and the Connecticut Songwriters Alliance
  • 1:45 p.m.: School of Rock
  • 3 p.m.: Rock Paper Soul.

The music is just part of the July 28 day-long festival along the Compo Beach exit road.

The Soundview Sidewalk Stroll also builds on the excitement of the annual fireworks, when for a few hours Soundview Drive becomes a street fair.

With Soundview Drive closed to traffic, Westporters are welcome to walk, bike, rollerblade and play, from the Soundview parking lot to the Compo Road jetty.

From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. — in addition to the 4 bands — youngsters can enjoy face painting, a balloon artist, crafts like shell painting and games like tug of war. Members of the Compo Beach Playground Committee have planned a great day for kids.

Old Mill Grocery & Deli will offer favorites from their menu.

The Soundview Summer Stroll is a great chance to meet old friends, make new ones, join the cool street scene, and enjoy Compo without worrying about traffic.

Best of all: It’s free! (Beach emblem required to park.) The Soundview Summer Stroll is a gift to Westport from the Compo Beach Improvement Association and the “06880” blog, with help from the Westport Police and Parks & Recreation Department.

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The Soundview Summer Stroll is just one of 2 great “06880” beach events this week.

The 11th annual “06880” blog party is this Thursday (July 25). From 6 p.m. until dark, everyone in our community — online and real — is invited to Compo’s South Beach.

It’s a very casual, very fun, bring-your-own-food-and-drink event. Meet old friends; make new ones; watch the sun set, and enjoy a summer evening with people drawn together by this hyper-local blog. See you there!

A small part of the large “06880” blog party crowd. (Photo/Dennis Jackson)

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Speaking of Soundview Drive: When it’s closed to vehicular traffic for this coming Sunday’s Summer Stroll, drivers — human and canine — will have to find another way to enjoy the open air.

(Photo/Dana Tofel)

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While many Westporters were outdoors in the weekend’s wonderful weather,  members of the Westport-Weston Community Emergency Response Team attended Red Cross training at Staples High School.

The CERT volunteers — who support our police, fire and EMS first responders during emergencies — joined Elaine Daignault (director of Westport’s Department of Human Services), First Chief Nick Marsan and Deputy Fire Chief Matt Cohen, Westport Deputy Fire Chief, learning how to safely manage shelter operations at Staples, in the event of a widespread electrical outage or other disaster.

CERT volunteers (from left): Juan Rodriguez, Sergio Roque, Ricardo Arce, Mark Rozelle, Molly Alger, Lourdes Roque, Zulma Heidelberg, Mike Vincelli, Juanita Visconti, Steve Levine, Margaret Cain, Quijani Silveira. Missing: David Kinyon, Frank Rosen.

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Sherwood Island State Park was packed yesterday, as the background of the photo below shows.

But there was plenty of room on Long Island Sound, off of adjacent Burying Hill Beach — for this pair to enjoy this special father-son outing.

(Photo/William Weiss)

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One of the most fun parts of a Levitt Pavilion concert is hanging out, waiting for the entertainment to start.

It’s not just the folks on the large lawn. Yesterday, there was this group:

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

They made their own music, cawing to each other.

They happily posed too, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

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And finally … in honor of the photo above:

(Whether you donate to Kamala Harris, Donald Trump or Robert F. Kennedy Jr., all “06880” readers agree: Clicking here to support his hyper-local blog is a great investment in the future. Thank you!)

 

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Roundup: Justin Paul, Powerful Storm, Pinkalicious …

Posted on July 18, 2024 | 2 comments

Congratulations to Justin Paul!

The 2002 Staples High School graduate — and his writing partner Benj Pasek — has just been nominated for an Emmy.

The category is “Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics.” The song is “Which of the Pickwick Triplets Did It?” The show is Hulu’s “Only Murders in the Building.”

An Emmy would be very cool.

It would also be very historic. Pasek and Paul have already won Grammy (“Dear Evan Hansen” cast album), Oscar (“City of Stars,” from “La La Land”) and 2 Tony awards (“Dear Evan Hansen” Best Musical; “A Strange Loop”). This would complete the coveted — and very rare — EGOT quadruple crown. (Hat tip: Kerry Long)

Justin Paul (left), Benj Pasek and their Grammys.

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Westporters are cleaning up, after yesterday’s swift yet strong storm.

This was the scene next to 27 Imperial Avenue. Phil Levieff, who sent the photo, says, “The early assessment is it is lucky to have minimal damage. It’s built like a tank.”

(Photo/Phil Levieff)

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The Westport Country Playhouse is for everyone.

Including kindergarten through 2nd graders.

They’re the target audience for “Pinkalicious: The Musical.” Based on the book by Westporter Victoria Kann and Elizabeth Kann, it’s the newest show at the 93-year-old theater.

There are 2 shows on Saturday, August 17: 1 and 4 p.m. All tickets are $30.

Audience members are encouraged to dress as their favorite “Pinkalicious” character. Click here for tickets, and more information.

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For nearly a decade, Westporters have been generous supporters of Catch a Lift.

The non-profit was founded in memory of Army Corporal Chris Coffland, who was killed in Afghanistan in 2009. The organization has helped over 13,000 combat-injured veterans from Afghanistan and Iraq regain mental and physical health through gym memberships, home gym equipment, personalized fitness and nutrition programs, and a peer support network.

Giving money, time and personal support, Westport has welcomed Catch a Lift to town. They’ve visited our gyms, our police and fire station, the VFW, and our homes.

The 10th annual Connecticut fundraiser is September 9 (Patterson Club). There’s a full day of golf, with an after-golf event from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Sponsorships and tickets are available; so are opportunities to help with silent and live auction donations. Click here for details. Questions? Email   jdrew@catchaliftfund.com.

Catch a Lift veterans and volunteers, at Birchwood Country Club.

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The Margolis name is well known in Westport.

Manny Margolis was a nationally known civil liberties lawyer. He died in 2011, at 85.

His wife Estelle was a noted artist and longtime political activist. When she died in 2019, at 86, “06880”‘s tribute was told through the words of her grandson, Jonah Newman. He inherited his grandparents’ eloquent way with words. (Click here to read.)

The son of Staples High School Class of 1979 graduate Abby Margolis still has a way with words.

And with illustrations.

Simon & Schuster just published Newman’s “Out of Left Field.”

The graphic novel — about a nerdy gay teenager who jumps into “the bro-y world of high school baseball” is semi-autobiographical. Like his protagonist, Newman struggled to fit in in high school, playing sports while coming to terms with his sexuality.

When he’s not creating, writing or reading comics, he’s a cartoonist and editor. And when he’s not doing that, he listens to history podcasts, plays in an LGBTQ+ softball league, and follows his fantasy baseball team. He lives in Brooklyn with his husband and 2 cats.

Click here for more information on “Out of Left Field,” including how to buy it. (Hat tip: Tommy Greenwald)

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Speaking of sports: It’s mid-July, but many Staples teams are already preparing for the fall.

Among them: the boys soccer squad.

They met for a 6:30 a.m. run yesterday at Compo Beach. Then — with the whole day still ahead — they cooled off with a quick swim in the Sound.

(Photo/Luca Caniato)

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A reminder: The 11th annual “06880” blog party is Thursday, July 25. From 6 p.m. until dark, everyone in our community — online and real — is invited to Compo’s South Beach.

It’s a very casual, very fun, bring-your-own-food-and-drink event. Meet old friends; make new ones; watch the sun set, and enjoy a summer evening with people drawn together by this hyper-local blog. See you there!

Three days later — on Sunday, July 28 — we’re back at Compo, for the 1st-ever Soundview Summer Stroll.

Co-sponsored by “06880” and the Compo Beach Improvement Association, this event builds on the fun and community spirit we all feel at the fireworks, when the beach exit road is closed.

Thanks to the cooperation of Parks & Rec and the Westport Police, the street will be shut again. Enjoy live music; kids’ activities like face painting and balloon-making; a photo booth; food trucks — and plenty of room for walking, biking, rollerblading, and the best street scene east of Venice, California.

It runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Mark your calendars for the “06880” blog party, and the Soundview Summer Stroll. See you at both!

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Westport Police made 1 custodial arrest between July 10 and 17.

A 27-year-old Bridgeport man was arrested for larceny, forgery and identity theft, following an complaint that a fraudulent check had been written for $5,972.

Police also issued these citations:

  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 11 citations
  • Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 11
  • Operating unregistered motor vehicle: 7
  • Distracted driving: 4
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 4
  • Illegal shellfishing – closed area: 3
  • Illegal taking shellfish at night: 3
  • Violation of local shellfish commission regulations: 3
  • Simple trespass: 3
  • Speeding: 2
  • Failure to insure motor vehicle: 2
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 2
  • Operating motor vehicle without a license: 2
  • Improper use of markers: 2
  • Traveling too fast for conditions: 1
  • Driving while texting: 1
  • Disorderly conduct: 1
  • Improper turn: 1
  • Driving with a foreign license: 1
  • Violation of license class: 1
  • Failure to display plates: 1

3 people were issued citations for illegal shellfishing. (Photo/Barry Lytton)

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A heads-up: The Republican primary is August 13.

Early voting takes place August 5-11 (Town Hall).

On primary day, Republican electors should visit their regular polling locations (6 a.m. to 8 p.m.).

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You had to look carefully to see this action on a milkweed plant — or have a great camera, as Molly Alger did for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature:

(Photo/Molly Alger)

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And finally … in honor of next month’s “Pinkalicious,” at the Westport Country Playhouse (story above):

(Just give me a reason not to support “06880.” If you can’t, please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)

 

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