Last week’s Unsung Heroes were the hundreds of volunteers — Westport Rotary Club members, and those with no connection at all — who made this year’s LobsterFest a $400,000 success.
This week, we broaden our lens. September and October are prime fundraising season. The Westport Country Playhouse, Earthplace, Sunrise Rotary Club, Wakeman Town Farm — they, and many other very worthy organizations, host galas, bashes, fests and more.
The venues are different: indoors, outdoors, on-site and off.
The goals are similar: to raise money for their own operations, and/or to help others.
Wakeman Town Farm’s HarvestFest is one of many fall fundraisers.
There are so many moving parts: finding sponsors, and donors for raffles and auctions (silent and live). Lining up entertainment. Arranging for food and drinks. Selling tickets. Decorations, set-up and check-in. Making everyone feel welcome, and important. Following up, and thanking everyone else profusely.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, with invitations to great causes. It’s simple to pick one or two, write a check, go and have a good time.
It’s really, really hard to put on an event that showcases a non-profit’s work, stands out in a crowd, provides an evening of fun, and brings in the people and funds needed to keep the organization relevant and solvent.
To all those who toil behind the scenes, helping to ensure that good works get done well: You are this week’s Unsung Heroes.
(“06880” is proud to honor Unsung Heroes — and tell many other tales of town too. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog.)
Posted onSeptember 25, 2025|Comments Off on Roundup: Braces, Bargains, Burying Hill …
Just when you think you’ve heard everything: read on.
Braces — for decades, one of the most embarrassing parts of many adolescents’ lives — are now cool.
In fact, a New York Times headline announced last Sunday: “Metal Has Never Been Cooler.”
The head-spinning turn of events has a Westport connection. The story began:
Like many middle schoolers across the country, Madison Aballi carefully crafted her look for the first day of 7th grade.
To see old friends and meet new teachers, she walked into her school in Westport, Conn., with a new light pink North Face backpack, complete with a Labubu keychain. She carried a new-to-her iPhone 15 Pro (formerly her mother’s).
And she revealed the biggest fashion flex of 12-year-olds across the country: a brand-new set of metal braces.
Nearly half the class, she estimated, also debuted new metal. “It’s sort of like how lots of people wear Adidas Sambas or Brandy Melville,” she said. “It’s kind of another accessory at this point.”
Teens and tweens have come to embrace braces — and not just any braces: They’re coveting the old-school metal variety of yesteryear.
The piece includes another local name:
Dr. Emily Driesman, Madison’s orthodontist in Westport, has outfitted her office with LED “on” and “off” signs for posting opportunities. Braces have become “a bit of a status symbol,” she said.
Dr. Driesman has also grown accustomed to patients documenting the entire experience. “I’ve had kids Snapchatting from the chair getting their braces on and sending it off to a whole ton of kids,” she said.
12-year-old Madison Aballi, and orthodontist Dr. Emily Driesman’s LED sign. (Photo/Pamela Zaremba for the New York Times)
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The United Methodist Church of Westport & Weston invites everyone to a tag sale this Saturday (September 27, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
In addition to clothing, home décor, garden items, shoes, books, glassware, bakeware and more, the day includes a grilled lunch and bake sale.
Early bird shopping (9 to 10 a.m.) is available for $10. All proceeds support the church’s mission and community ministries.
All are welcome to the United Methodist Church — and the tag sale. (Photo/Dan Woog)
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Westport Sunrise Rotary welcomes a special guest on Friday, October 3.
Connecticut State Treasurer Erick Russell will talk about his work, and the state’s finances. The public is invited to attend, at Greens Farms Congregational Church.
Coffee, bagels and muffins are served at 7 a.m. The meeting starts at 7:30, with Russell speaking at about 8 a.m. RSVP: info@WestportSunriseRotary.org.
Raised in New Haven, Russell is the first in his family to graduate college. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of New Haven, and a law degree from the University of Connecticut.
As treasurer Russell administers Connecticut’s pension funds (over $62 billion in assets), oversees the state’s debt and cash management, collects and returns unclaimed property, and manages the Connecticut Higher Education Trust.
Staples High School Class of 2019 graduate Donny Macaluso’s day job is running his business: Don’s TEL (Trees, Excavation, Landscaping).
But on October 12, he’ll run the Chicago Marathon.
As he so often does, Donny will be helping others.
He’s fundraising for Salute Inc. They provide essentials like rent, utilities, food and car payments to current military members and injured veterans, during times of financial stress. Click here to support Donny — and Salute.(Hat tip: Andrew Colabella)
Donny Macaluso
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The weather has turned iffy.
But it was beautiful earlier this week. William Weiss snapped this photo at Burying Hill, which he calls “Last Day at the Beach.”
Westport Police made 3 custodial arrests between September 17 and 23.
A 28-year-old Bridgeport man was charged with criminal impersonation, interfering with an officer, operating a motor vehicle without a license and failure to obey a stop sign, following an investigation into a July complaint of a victim of identity theft.
A 21-year-old Bridgeport man was charged with operating under the influence of alcohol/drugs and failure to drive in the proper lane, following the report at 3:46 a.m. ofo a vehicle stopped at the Post Road East/Sherwood Island connector traffic light that did not move for multiple cycles, then rolled into a utility pole on the shoulder of the road.
A 32-year-old Stratford man was charged with breach of peace, after a verbal and physical disturbance between 2 people near the Saugatuck train station.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Speeding in a school zone: 4 citations
Traveling unreasonably fast: 3
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 2
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 2
Disorderly conduct: 1
Speeding: 1
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 1
Failure to renew registration: 1
Improper turns: 1
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This is a legit “Westport .. Naturally” photo. No Photoshop or other funny business.
But speaking of funny — doesn’t this passionfruit of Wendy Levy’s deck look just like a jester?!
And finally … as noted above, metal braces are suddenly cool. So today we salute the metal — heavy metal, that is.
(Pardon us for being a bit paranoid. But why do people read “06880” every day, without supporting us? Is it something we said? To avoid being a freeloader, please click here. Thank you!)
Comments Off on Roundup: Braces, Bargains, Burying Hill …
Last weekend, Westporters enjoyed lobster, from the Westport Rotary Club.
Next month it’s wine, with Westport Sunrise Rotary.
The 34th annual edition of “Westport Uncorked” — an evening of great food and drink, and plenty of community spirit — is set for October 16 (6 to 9 p.m., the Inn at Longshore).
One hundred sustainable and organic wines, curated by Cory D’Addario of The Fine Wine Company of Westport, are available for tasting, with expert advice from the distributors who will serve them.
Exclusive wines can be ordered at the event. Non-alcoholic beverages and hors d’oeuvres are also on the menu.
A few new names have been added to Westoberfest — the craft beer and family festival set for October 4 (12 to 6 p.m., Elm Street downtown).
New this year, Castle Wine & Spirits joins the tasting area as sommeliers.
Children enjoy face painting, pumpkin decorating, and flower crown making, and a new petting zoo hosted by Kelly’s Kids.
Food choices range from traditional German fare by Colossal Kielbasa, to Haven Hot Chicken, Paradise Island Food, COBS Bread, Sushi Jin and LemonNate’s.
Musical entertainment comes from Dan Tressler and One Bad Oyster. CBS News weather anchor (and Westport resident) Lonnie Quinn emcees the crowd-favorite hot dog eating contest.
Speaking of downtown: There’s a new sculpture at Sconset Square.
(Photo/Sal Liccione)
Well, not exactly new.
David Waldman bought “Trapped Ball,” by sculptor Dale Rogers, 20 years ago at the Westport Arts Festival.
The real estate developer placed it in a shopping center he owns in Avon. It’s been there ever since.
But a new tenant needed the space, for an outdoor dining area.
So Waldman brought it back “home.” He looked at several options, and decided the small shopping plaza — with plenty of drivers stopping in front, at the Myrtle Avenue light — was the best site.
Also downtown: Eleish Van Breems Home is hosting a “Soul of Scandinavian Design” event at their Main Street flagship location, on October 9. The event features insights into Nordic principles behind furniture, textiles, glass and pottery, from Steele Marcoux and Scandinavian designers flying in for the day.
Also on tap: the opening of EVB’s Fika bar, with ceramist Agneta Livijn.
Agneta Livijn’s design.
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Another downtown event: Westport Book Shop hosts Staples High School graduate Bruce Lawder for a hours poetry and short story reading this Friday (September 26, 6 to 7:30 p.m.).
He’ll share poems from his latest collection, “Breakwater Rock” — deeply connected to Westport — and stories from his book of short fiction, “Dwarf Stories.”
Saturday’s MoCA CT “Endless Summer” fundraiser and friend-raiser brought the beach indoors Saturday night. 150 guests enjoyed art, music and community, around the backdrop of Ted Papageorge’s “At the Beach” photo exhibit.
One special highlight was a major contribution in support of the museum’s outreach to underserved communities.
From left: Deborah Murtagh, MoCA CT past president; William Felton, gala co-chair Rita Marcocci; 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker; gala co-chair Keara Williams; Pamela Hovland, acting executive director. (Photo/Lewis Derogene)
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Longtime Westport resident and civic volunteer Diane Cady died peacefully on September 17 in Boulder. She was 91.
The California native attended College of Marin, then earned a master’s degree in social work at Fordham University.
In Westport, Diane served with the Westport Young Woman’s League and Westport Rotary Club.
She was elected to the Representative Town Meeting (RTM), then was appointed to the Westport Tree Board.
Diane had a special place in her heart for dogs, particularly
Gordon setters. She enjoyed showing them, with a spirit of
competition and camaraderie.
She was predeceased by her brother, Roderick Duncan. She is survived by her children Christopher, Stephen and Robin MacLaughlin, and 5 grandchildren.
Diane Cady
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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo appears just 64 days before Thanksgiving.
And finally … in honor of the Sunrise Rotary Club’s “Westport Uncorked” event (story above):
(If you can’t find something to do in Westport, you’re not trying. Or you’re not reading “06880.” If you learn about our town — and town events — on this blog, please click here to support us. Thanks!)
Our “Historic Homes of 06880” tour returns for a third great year!
Save the date: Sunday, November 2 (1 to 4 p.m.).
Once again, we’ll open 4 beautiful — and very different — homes to the public. You’ll see loving restorations, creative touches, and some very cool surprises.
Once again, we’re working with KMS Team at Compass to present this fun (and very popular) event.
The 4 homes will be revealed soon. See you November 2!
This Cross Highway barn was part of our 2023 “Historic Homes of 06880” tour. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Want to help shape the future of Westport’s parks?
As part of the Parks Master Plan process, the Parks & Recreation Department hosts a public workshop on September 30 (6 p.m., Westport Library). All community members are invited. It will be run by the town’s consultants, BL Companies.
The Town’s consultant, BL Companies, will provide residents with the opportunity to engage directly with the consultants, share feedback, and learn more about the planning process.
If you’re between the ages of 6 and 18, and you play music — or want to — or you’re the parent of someone who does, check out the Music Collective’s open house this weekend (September 20-21, 3 to 6 p.m.; 1572 Post Road East).
The Collective (formerly the Gig Center) looks forward to showing off its space. Instructors will be there, attendees can try out some instruments. Or sing into a mic.
Jim Savage plays boogie-woogie piano on Saturday (September 20, 6-9 p.m.).
And a Veterans Benefits Luncheon is set for September 25 (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.). It’s open to all veterans as part of an ongoing effort to check in on all veterans’ welfare, and connect them with the benefits and support they earned.
Representatives will answer questions, and provide information on services and assistance available to veterans.
RSVPs are encouraged (but not required). Email vfw399ct@gmail.com, and include the number of attendees, or call (203) 227-6796.
PS: If you’re not a veteran, but know one: Please pass the word!
Mark Shanahan has earned standing ovations as the Westport Country Playhouse artistic director.
But he works his magic away from the local stage too.
Shanahan is the writer and director of the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp’s annual Fandango Benefit Gala. It’s this Saturday night, at the Ashford camp in northeastern Connecticut. Shanahan took over the role from the Playhouse’s Anne Keefe, several years ago.
The Playhouse is a strong supporter of the event.
The camp — which creates joy and community for seriously ill children and their families — shares a long bond with the WCP.
Westporters Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward supported both institutions generously. Many Playhouse staff members volunteer at Hole in the Wall throughout the year.
The Playhouse also raises funds for the Camp every December, through audience donations at “A Sherlock Carol.”
Club203 kicked off the 2025-26 year in style Tuesday, at Weston’s Lachat Farm.
Members of Westport’s social club for adults with disabilities kicked up their heels, danced with Marca, and enjoyed great food catered by Carmine Cenatiempo of Calise’s Deli.
MOCA offered art projects, Skip’s Good Humor ice cream added dessert, and the volunteers helped everyone make the most of the great Lachat setting.
Art by MoCA, at Club203. (Photo/Stacie Curran)
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Heating season (and heating bills) are near.
Fortunately, beginning October 1 income-eligible Westport residents can apply for the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program.
Those who previously qualified for assistance through Westport’s Department of Human Services will receive application instructions in the mail. Residents wishing to apply for the first time should call 203-341-1050 or email humansrv@westportct.gov.
To qualify, household income must be at or below 60% of the state median income. The maximum income for households is:
Households of one (1) $47,764
Households of two (2) $62,460
Households of three (3) $77,157
Households of four (4) $91,854
Households of Five (5) $106,550.
Applicants must have recent copies of heating, electric, water, lease or mortgage statements, and other proof of income documents.
On Saturday, 1,500 guests will enjoy lobster, steak, veggie burgers, all the trimmings, beer and wine and other beverages — plus music, kids’ activities and much more — at the Westport Rotary Club’s annual LobsterFest.
At Tuesday’s weekly meeting, longtime member and LobsterFest maestro Rick Benson updated members on logistics. All hands will be on deck, raising $400,000 for charitable organizations in Fairfield County and abroad.
Rick Benson, and his map.
Rotarians also heard from Wendy Petty. The Senior Center director said that 25% of Fairfield County residents are over the age of 65. The Center has seen a commensurate increase in membership over the past few years.
The Senior Center hosts over 100 classes each week, along with a tech hub, nutrition program, and a quarterly veterans’ coffee.
Wendy Petty (Photos/Dave Matlow)
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Westport’s other Rotary Club — Sunrise — celebrates International Day of Peace this Sunday (September 21, 2 p.m.), by sharing peace through music and humor.
The event — “Songs and Reflections on Peace, Kindness and Fun” features performances by the Whirled Peas Band, with members from area Rotary clubs and special guests David Friedman, Shawn Moninger, Eric Šebek and Samantha Talora.
There is a great back story to today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo.
But first, marvel at this creature:
(Photo/Seth Schachter)
Seth Schachter encountered this massive reptile yesterday on Maple Lane, near Burying Hill Beach.
A neighbor helped him get it to safety. Otherwise, Seth is sure it would have been struck by a car.
Turtles can live well beyond 100 years. This guy might have been roaming Greens Farms at the dawn of the automobile age.
Seth and his neighbor used a broom and a large blue recycling bin — something that was definitely not around when the turtle was born — to move it along.
And finally … sure, we honored this group just the other day, when Mark Volman died.
But thanks to the item above, they’re worth revisiting, with a different song:
(If you enjoy “06880,” we hope you’ll be part of our November 2 “Historic Homes” tour. We also hope you will click here, to make a tax-deductible contribution supporting our work. Thank you!)
Today’s CT United motorcycle ride — paying tribute to victims and first responders of 9/11, in the largest motorcycle ride in the state — has been canceled. The forecast is for rain this morning. There is no rain date.
The start of the CT United ride, at Sherwood Island State Park. (Photo/Penny Pearlman)
And both hosted large, high-energy private parties last night.
In just 3 weeks, Don Memo has been transformed into Massi Co.
Owner Massimo Tullio has fulfilled his dream, of designing an Italian restaurant that honors his love of food from Naples. He and the team behind Don Memo (and the Whelk) and Don Memo have created a unique (and killer) menu, in a town with many other Italian options.
The space — in what was Westport’s original Town Hall, with a long bar, and broad patio fronting Post Road East — is both bright and fresh. Click here for the Massi Co website.
Massi Co’s pizzas (being served on the right) are Neopolitan specialties. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Meanwhile, at the other end of town, 300 guests enjoyed a special party at Dandelion, the restaurant inside the new Delamar hotel.
Realtor Judy Michaelis organized the benefit, for Westport’s Volunteer Emergency Medical Service.
The Mediterranean menu and large bar will be open for dinner only, for the first weeks. Reservations are required. Click here for the Dandelion website.
The Brussels-based chain offers “a warm, communal dining experience with fresh, organic ingredients and delicious, artisanal baked goods.”
This is the third Fairfield County location. The others are in New Canaan and Greenwich.
Coming soon to the Fresh Market plaza. (Hat tip and photo/Molly Alger)
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A new school year brings a new slate of programs at Wakeman Town Farm.
And they’re not just for kids.
Offerings include farm and culinary experiences for youngsters; parent and child farm classes; cooking classes for toddlers, teens and adults, plus animal care, sustainability, crafts and more for older students.
Speaking of the environment: Aspetuck Land Trust and Norwalk Land Trust have merged.
The resutl: NLT’s 33-property, 110-acre portfolio has been added to ALT’s 2,200 acres, across 8 town.
Aspetuck Land Trust will add a new staff member to manage Norwalk’s preserves, and the Farm Creek Education Program for 4th graders.
Founded in 1966, ALT has over 1,700 members and is one of the state’s leading land trusts. The merger aligns with ALT’s Green Corridor 2030 Initiative, to connect and protect landscapes across Fairfield County.
The 2008 Staples High School graduate (also known as Constance Walsh) wrote and produced “Lodestone.” The play opened last weekend, as part of the Circle Theater Festival off Broadway.
The love story explores loss, dreams, and the innovation of language, uwninding the desire of 2 unsuspecting lovers caught in a living zoetrope. The experimental play stages its tale inside a set that moves and dances, evoking and mirroring the character’s experiences and possible trajectories.
The show runs on 4 Sundays: today (September 7), the 14th and 21st, and October 19. To learn more, click here.
And finally … in honor of the new Le Pain Quotidien restaurant, how about a song by Bread?
(Speaking of bread … “06880” relies on contributions from readers like you. Please click here to support our work. We can’t make it without you. Thank you, thank you, thank you!)
Tomorrow — 2 day ahead of the holiday — the annual PAL fireworks will light the sky over Compo Beach. It’s Westport’s biggest and best party of the year.
It also has a major impact on traffic.
The beach closes to the public at 4 p.m. Only vehicles with fireworks passes hanging from their rearview mirrors can stay in the parking lot. The beach reopens to ticket holders no later than 5 p.m.
Access to the fireworks is through Compo Road South only. Hillspoint Road south of Greens Farms Road will be closed to through traffic.
Uber, Lyft and taxi services will drop riders off where Soundview Drive runs into Compo Road South. However, return service will not be possible until 11 p.m., due to one-way traffic exiting the beach. There will be delays of an hour or so after the fireworks end (approximately 9:30 to 9:45) for residents return to the Compo Beach area from elsewhere, and for anyone picking up people at the beach.
The fireworks are sponsored by Melissa and Doug Bernstein, and are an important fundraiser for Westport PAL. A few tickets remain, at the Parks & Recreation Department office in Longshore (during business hours), and the police station.
The traffic is worth it. (Photo/Elissa Moses)
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Speaking of the fireworks: Please send us your photos tomorrow!
Your parties and picnics; you and your friends hanging out, and your kids running around — however you celebrate, we hope you’ll share with our online community.
We’re less interested in shots of the actual fireworks — sorry, but they all tend to look the same — than in people. Faces, smiles, flags — email them to 06880blog@gmail.com, by 10 p.m. (the end of the fireworks show).
Thanks. It takes a village, and we’re glad you’re part of ours.
Jennifer Kobetitsch sent this last year. Let’s see what you’ve got!
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And now … the moment you’ve been waiting for: the winners of the Great Duck Race.
Westport Sunrise Rotary — which thanks to the event will distribute about $100,000 in grants and scholarships next year — announces the champions.
There’s a new president too. Senior vice president Robert Boroujerdi succeeds Pat Wieser. She remains a board member member, while Krishna Patel takes over as senior vice president.
Other officers include treasurer Ben Chan, secretary Sheri Gordon, Finance Committee chair Scott Bennewitz, Governance and Nominations Committee chair Martina Sze, and Development Committee chair Mark Silverstein.
Boroujerdi is a former partner at Goldman Sachs. He later joined Third Point, an institutional asset manager, as the head of markets. He and his family live in Westport.
Leaving the board are longtime members Andrea Berkely, Randy Herbertson, Celeste La Croix, Jay Norris and Andrew Wilk.
Charise and her husband Justin co-founded Saugatuck Financial, where she headed up daily operations and growth initiatives for more than a decade. She continues to lead business development, marketing and strategic initiatives. The couple live in Westport, with their 2 children.
Corgel is an experienced business executive. He has been involved with several non-profits since retiring in 2013, after serving in key managerial roles with global responsbility at IBM. He and his wife Chris have lived in Westport for more than 35 years.
Travlos is s a capital markets specialist, investor and entrepreneur with deep experience across technology, media, industrial and consumer sectors. She moved to Westport in 2000 with her daughter, and now lives here with her black labrador Robert.
Zwick has more than 20 years’ experience in the nonprofit and education sectors. She serves as executive director of the Tuck Initiative on Workplace Inclusion at Dartmouth, and teaches courses on social impact at NYU. When she moved to Westport in 2020, her one demand was to live within walking distance of the Library.
Joe Lamp’l — aka “Joe Gardener” — spoke to a full house at the Westport Library last week, on ecological gardening for beauty and biodiversity.
The next day, he visited Greens Farms Garden Club’s “Growing for Good” vegetable gardens. Volunteers with the project grow organic vegetables, and donate them to Homes with Hope in Westport, and Bridgeport’s Mercy Learning Center.
Richard Orenstein was a significant benefactor of the Westport Museum for History & Culture.
On Sunday, friends unveiled a commemorative stone in his honor, near the front of the building.
He also donated generous to other organizations, here and in Sarasota, Florida — where he flew over 1,000 hours for Angel Flight, which provides free medical services.
If you couldn’t find something to do in Westport today, you just weren’t trying.
Downtown pulsed with the energy of thousands of Westporters and visitors, of all ages.
The Sunrise Rotary Club sponsored their annual Great Duck Race and Family Faire, on Jesup Green.
The race offered a chance to win a $5,000 grand prize, among others. The fair offered games for kids, vendors for adults, and food for all.
Meanwhile, the 60th annual jUNe Day offered dozens of United Nations families a chance to enjoy a Westport experience, at Longshore, Compo Beach, Wakeman Town Farm, Earthplace and more.
The day began on Jesup Green — at the start of the Family Faire — with welcomes from dignitaries (including Westporter Aye-Aye Thant, daughter of former UN Secretary General U Thant), food, and a chance to mix and mingle.
Getting away from the UN, for a day in an American suburb.
A few steps away on Main Street and nearby, the Westport Downtown Association’s Sidewalk Sale offered bargains from merchants — some of whose stores are not downtown — along with (hey, why not?) haircuts right there on the street.
The Sidewalk Sale continues today (Saturday) until 5 p.m. It’s on again tomorrow (Sunday), from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Plenty of shoppers outside Vineyard Vines.
There’s always something happening in Westport. Today, there just happened to be a bit more than usual.
Little girl, big duck.
Felicia Catale offers a sidewalk service.
Sunrise Rotarians are feeling ducky.
You’ve heard of touch-a-truck events. At the Family Faire, kids could touch — and get into — a Westport cop car.
The United Nations soccer team, before heading off to play. (All photos/Dan Woog)
Miggs Burroughs created today’s jUNe Day globe. “06880”‘s Dan Woog supports it. (Photo/Miggs Burroughs)
The Westport Astronomical Society celebrated its 50th anniversary yesterday.
That’s an impressive run. Not quite as old as the universe — but that’s still impressive.
And they do cover a lot of territory.
The soirée included demonstrations, tours, games, a silent auction, raffles (of meteorites!), and astral photos for sale — along with the dedication of 2 new telescope domes.
They’re getting ready for next Saturday’s Great Duck Race, on Jesup Green.
The “Fun Faire” — with family-friendly games and activities — runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It’s free — but raffle tickets are still available for the duck race itself (1 p.m.). First prize is $5,000; there are 9 others too.
At the ungodly hour of 4 a.m. today, 15 youth and 4 adult leaders from Saugatuck Congregational Church left for their annual youth group mission trip.
This year they head to Fort Worth, Texas to help address food insecurity in the area.
Youth mission trips are open to all youth, from those entering high school in the fall to those who just graduated. Older participants can serve as counselors-in-training, while adults can be chaperones. Saugatuck Church membership is not required.
4 a.m. sendoff!
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Ospreys make their nests all over Westport. Some opt for natural surroundings (Sherwood Mill Pond, Burying Hill Beach, Longshore). Others go for a more commercial vibe, like the Fresh Market/Terrain parking lot.
This pair may have just moved — like so many new Westporters — from New York. Perhaps they want a convenient commute to the Big Apple.
Yesterday, Tom Jendrock noticed a nest in the overhead steel structure at the Westport train station. It’s perfect for our “Westport … Naturally” daily feature.
The parent was feeding chicks, and was not bothered at akk when a train passed underneath. That’s a real city bird!
And finally … in honor of the 1960s car spotted at Compo Beach (story above):
(From Compo Beach to the skies above — and universe beyond — “06880” is here for you. If you enjoy our hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
The former Westport resident and FBI director is being investigated by the Secret Service. His new book, “FDR Drive” — a legal thriller and exploration of political extremism — will be published tomorrow.
Meanwhile, 2 other Westporters — TV journalists Alisyn Camerota and Dave Briggs — taped a fascinating interview with him, for their “Sanity” podcast.
They talked about Comey’s viral “86-47 post,” the Trump administration, right wing outrage, extremism, the FBI, the Supreme Court, the 2016 election, and much more.
Including Westport.
Comey reveals what he’d say to Hillary Clinton, if they bumped into each other at Viva Zapata (one of his favorite restaurants). And he adds that his next book will include a scene there.
As the world focuses on Gaza and Ukraine, another humanitarian crisis continues — with much less attention — in Sudan and Chad.
New York Times Pulitzer Prize, MacArthur “genius grant” recipient (and 1991 Staples High School graduate) Lynsey Addario is making sure it’s not completely forgotten.
Her photo essay in The Atlantic — “The Crisis of American Leadership Reaches an Empty Desert” — shines a heart-wrenching light on this other humanitarian disaster.
The Westport Library Spring Book Sale would not be possible without the help of dozens of volunteers.
Among them on Saturday: 2 Jenns (below):
(Photo/John Karrel)
The Book Sale continues today (Monday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; fill the Library logo bag for $10, or your own equivalent bag for $8; individual books half price).
Westport PAL president Craig Bergamo (far left), with scholarship honorees.
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More awards: On Friday, the Sunrise Rotary Club gave Paul Harris Awards — one of the highest honors the international service organization can give — to 16 people.
Recipients included Charlie Adams, Daniel Ambruso, Brien Cartagena, Sister Maureen Fleming, William R. Harris Jr., Jay B. Paretzky, Vincent Penna Sr., Anna Rycenga, Frankie Smith, Anne Lowrie, Ines SaCouto Curwen, Tomas SaCouto Curwen, Susan Hawley, Jonathan Hendrickson, Matthew Hendrickson and Robert Rubenstein.
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Meanwhile, both Sunrise Rotary and the Westport Rotary Club participated in Saturday’s international Epic Day of Service.
Among the projects: Sunrise Rotarians helped out at the Open Doors shelter in Norwalk. “What a great feeling to give back,” says volunteer Alma Sarelli.
Yesterday’s “Day of Champions” raised $175,000 for Westport-based Experience Camps — the non-profit that runs summer camps and year-round programs for children and teens grieving the loss of a parent, sibling or caregiver.
There’s plenty of great fresh produce at the Westport Farmer’s Market.
And plenty that if not sold, would be wasted.
Food Rescue rescues food. They work with restaurants, supermarkets and grocery stores, to pick up unused, perishable meat, fruit, vegetables and more, and deliver it to food pantries and homeless shelters.
Every week, Farmers’ Market vendors donate food that is still fresh, delicious and healthy but unsold. It would go to compost or into the waste stream — but instead it is distributed it neighbors in need, including the Gillespie Center (around the corner from the WFM), and Fridegeport in Bridgeport.
He’s now launched Endeavor Communications. The agency provides media guidance to clients in financial and professional services, fintech, real estate, advertising, adtech, and climate services.
Already they’ve held Qualitative Brokers, a fintech firm that creates algorithms for advanced execution trading, leading to Deutsche Borse scquiring a majority stake. And 427, a tech company that analyzes and predicts climate risk for governments and private businesses, which led to an acquisition by Moody’s.
Matt Yemma
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Longtime Westport resident Esther Brodie died peacefully in her home of 71 years on Thursday. She was 98.
She and her husband Richard built their Burr Farms Road home largely by hand, in 1954 and ’55.
A Bronx native, her parents were recent immigrants. Born during Purim, she was named for the holiday’s heroine queen.
After graduating from Hunter College, where she competed on the diving team, she taught physical education at Taft High School in the Bronx. She met her future husband at Camp Berkshire.
Their son Scott was in the first kindergarten class at Burr Farms Elementary, a few yards from their home. In 1962 Esther returned to teaching phys. ed., in New Canaan. She earned a master’s degree and 6th-year certificate in counseling. She taught for 3 decades, including some children of former students.
Esther served as president of the local chapter of Hadassah, and was active in the Temple Israel sisterhood. Her avocations included modern dance, tennis and meditation. She attended concerts in the area, and enjoyed Broadway shows.
For over 3 decades, Esther was a senior staff member at Camp Berkshire. When it closed in the 1980s, she and Richard built a vacation home on the lake. They spent every summer and frequent Thanksgivings there.
After retiring Esther studied piano, participated in a labyrinth project for women in prison, and volunteered for the census. She joined the Y’s Women investment club, and greeted new residents to her road with welcome gifts.
Esther is survived by her sons Scott (Susan) and Bruce Marie), grandchildren Joshua, Emma, Melissa, Clara and Ben, and their respective spouses and companions Hilary, Kevin, David, Mariah and Claudia.
Representative Town Meeting member Matthew Mandell offers this update on the Hamlet at Saugatuck project:
Tonight (Monday, April 7, 6 p.m., Zoom), the third agenda item will be a discussion of the proposal.
April 28 is the date for public comment only, in person at Town Hall.
The Flood & Erosion Control Board met last week, and continued their Hamlet hearing to May 7. That may disrupt the Conservation Commission schedule, which is currently set for April 23 and 30.
The Architectural Review Board meets on April 10. They have not yet completed their review of the project.
Mandell says: “P&Z will go deep into May at this point” in its Hamlet discussion. “June is looking more and more a reality.”
The RTM member adds: “There are still other pieces – an 8-24 for use of town property will also need to be filed with P&Z, and that could slow up the timeline.
“The Historic District Commission will have to weigh in as well, as every building involved is under their jurisdiction, not just the historic ones on Railroad Place. The Board of Selectwomen acting as the Traffic Authority will also need to render decision on traffic and parking issues.
“A group of citizens, concerned with the impacts of the project, and calling itself the Westport Alliance for Saugatuck has formed and has become active.” Click here for their website.
Click here, then scroll down for all pending applications and recent approvals related to the Hamlet at Saugatuck.
The 21 Charles Street office building would be renovated, in the Hamlet’s plans. This view looks north on Charles Street. Franklin Street would become two-way — but only between Charles Street and Railroad Place (right side of rendering).
Four great days of the 4th annual VersoFest ended yesterday.
Paul Shaffer — legendary “Saturday Night Live” performer, and musical director for both David Letterman and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame — entertained a capacity Westport Library crowd.
He chatted with fellow “SNL” alum (and iconic Beehive Queen) Christine Ohlman. (He brought jingle bells too, in homage to Darlene Love’s famous
“Baby Please Come Home” Letterman appearances at Christmas.)
Paul Shaffer and Christine Ohlman. (Photo/Ted Horowitz)
VersoFest is a huge undertaking. Congratulations to all who helped bring Patti Smith, the Wallflowers, 5iveFingaz, Bruce Springsteen’s people, and so much more to the “loudest library on earth.”
Speaking of which: The website I Love Libraries just gave it a shoutout.
The story — “The Hippest Damn Library in the Country” includes that exact quote from Talking Heads’ Chris Frantz.
It adds Doors drummer John Densmore’s description: “The coolest damn library, ever.”
Click here for the full story. (Hat tip: Dennis Jackson)
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At the risk of sounding self-promotional — but with the goal of promoting one of my favorite organizations in Westport — I pass along the news that A Better Chance of Westport is honoring me with their first-ever “Community Ally Award.”
It will be presented at the annual Dream Event gala (April 26, 6:30 p.m., Westport Library).
It’s a huge honor, for sure, and one that could be given to countless men and women who have helped the non-profit thrive over more than 2 decades, as it has provided educational and life benefits to dozens of young men of color from less-advantaged communities.
I will be thinking of all of them at the fundraiser. And I’ll be honored to honor the scholars themselves.
The highlight — as always — will be the speeches by the graduating seniors, and a returning alum (this year, Yoel Hooper-Antunez).
Click here for tickets, and more information. I hope to see you there!
The gateways to Westport just got a nice more welcoming.
This past weekend, 6 Rotary Club signs were updated. They include the new Rotary International logo, and include a 4-sided inspirational message.
It is a wish for peace to prevail in our homes, schools, communities, and on earth.
Westport’s 2 Rotary Clubs worked together on the project, with global peace builders Rick Benson and Dennis Wong.
The signs are at I-95 Exit 17 (on the northbound island); the Sherwood Island Connector across from the transfer station; Post Road East, at the Southport line; Post Road West, in front of Whole Foods; Merritt Parkway Exit 41, across from the former Red Barn restaurant, and on Route 136 near Norwalk.
The sign by Merritt Parkway Exit 42 disappeared a few years ago.
Rotary sign near Merritt Parkway Exit 41.
In addition, a peace pole was installed at Compo Beach. It’s part of the renovation of the playground — a major project of the Westport Rotary Club, in honor of its 100th anniversary.
Compo Beach playground peace pole. (Photo/Matt Murray)
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The new documentary short adaptation of “America’s Lost Band” — the story about The Remains, the legendary-but-never-quite-made-it band with Westporters Barry Tashian and Bill Briggs, who opened for the Beatles on their final US tour — is drawing plenty of attention.
Feature stories in the Boston Globe, Deadline Hollywood and Hartford Courant have praised the film, and shined a new light on the rock group.
Rock at Night called it a “priceless documentary.” It’s produced by longtime Remains fan — and 1971 Staples High School graduate — Fred Cantor.
Interested? Tonight (Monday, 9:30 p.m.) “America’s Lost Band” has its television premiere on CPTV.
Tomorrow (Tuesday), it begins streaming on PBS platforms, and YouTube.
Speaking of music: On Friday, high school jazz ensembles from around Connecticut — and as far away as Montreal — performed in the Essentially Ellington Competition & Festival at Greenwich High School.
Of course, Staples was there.
And of course, conductor Kevin Mazzarella’s musicians sounded superb.
Bands performed from 8 a.m. through 7 p.m. Two hours were set aside for instrumental master classes, and a performance by the faculty ensemble.
Staples Jazz Ensemble, with conductor Kevin Mazzarella (far left). (Hat tip and photo/Michael Mossman)
Just added to the Levitt Pavilion calendar: The Disco Biscuits’ 30th anniversary tour (June 28, 7 p.m.).
The Philadelphia group pioneered “Trance-Fusion” — bridging the gap between electronic dance music and jam rock.
Members pre-sale tickets are available today (Monday), at 10 a.m. Tickets for the general public begin Friday (April 11, 10 a.m.). Click here to order.
Among the upcoming events sponsored by Neighbors & Newcomers of Westport (which, if you think of it, encompasses just about everyone in town):
Spring coffee (April 11, 10 a.m., Mrs. London’s Bakery). Email membership@neighborsandnewcomersofwestport.com for more information.
Book group (April 24): “Olga Dies Dreaming,” by Xochitl Gonzalez). Email pohal@aol.com for details.
Cooking group (April 23): Alice in Wonderland High Tea: Themed dishes like
“Eat Me” cookies, tea sandwiches, scones and imaginative pastries; appropriate dress optional. Email mia.goldman@yahoo.com for details.
And finally … in honor of the Staples Jazz Ensemble’s appearance at the Essentially Ellington event (story above):
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