Tag Archives: TOPSoccer

Roundup: Post Office, Restaurant, Music, Sports & More …

Posted on March 12, 2026 | 8 comments

It’s that time of year again: People put tax payments in the mail.

And once again: Other people are stealing them, from the mail.

Our friends at the Westport post office say: Hand all important mail directly to the clerks behind the counter.

That’s right. It’s not only dangerous to use your own mailbox, and the one outside the post office in Playhouse Square — it’s also risky to use the drop box inside. 

It’s a sad state of affairs. But you’ve been warned.

The only upside: Our postal clerks are the best, and friendliest, anywhere. It’s always nice to have that little bit of human interaction.

Nope! Don’t use the drop box inside the post office. Hand important mail directly to a clerk at the counter!

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From Mediterranean to pancakes to Japanese.

That’s the journey of the 2-floor restaurant at 43 Main Street.

Yuzu has opened its doors, at the Parker Harding Plaza side of the “Tunnel of Love” connecting the parking lot with Main Street. The spot was most recently the Original Pancake House. Before that is was Acqua, preceded by Boca.

Yuzu brings “a fresh take on Japanese cuisine,” featuring “a premium cuisine and omakase experience.” Their goal is to create “a welcoming space where Westporters can gather, and enjoy high-quality dining.”

Yuzu is the newest in a recent spate of Main Street restaurant openings. Just last week Felice debuted, in nearby space previously filled by Mexicue.

Click here for Yuzu’s website, with menus and more information.

 

Inside Yuzu.

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Musicians get most of the headlines at VersoFest.

But the Westport Library’s annual music, media and more extravaganza includes plenty of non-artists, headlining intriguing panels.

The newest addition is “Coffee with the C-Suite: Creators, Technologists, and Music’s AI Frontier” (Sunday, March 29, 10:30 a.m.).

Executive-level leaders from across music tech, rights investment, AI creation tools and licensing platforms will discuss the seismic shifts redefining the industry.

Speakers include Westporter Sam Hendel, managing partner at Chord Music Partners and Dundee Partners (and co-founder of StartUp Westport); Paul Sinclair, chief music officer at Suno; Daniel Rowland, vice president of strategy and partnerships at LANDR, Danny Newcomb, CEO and co-founder of Incantio. Music industry veteran and Westport resident Dick Wingate will moderate the free panel.

For more information on this AI panel, click here. For the full VersoFest schedule, and more information, click here.

Sam Hendel

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Speaking of music: The Mamas and the Papas, Byrds, Buffalo Springfield, Doors, Crosby Stills & Nash, Neil Young, James Taylor, Carole King, Joni Mitchell and the Eagles all come to the Westport Country Playhouse on March 22.

Well, maybe not the actual artists.

But their music will sure be there.

“Live from Laurel Canyon – Songs and Stories of American Folk Rock” is an evening of live music and narrated stories of some of the most influential songwriters who lived in Laurel Canyon in the 1960s and ’70s. them.

It’s a tribute evening — and much more. Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Great bluegrass comes to the Levitt Pavilion on June 11.

Greensky Bluegrass is the latest addition to the outdoor summer series lineup.

The quintet’s underground die-hard fans pack venues across the country. The group has sold out multiple-night runs at venues like Red Rocks and the Ryman. Tickets go on sale to the public tomorrow (March 13, 10 a.m.). Click here to purchase, and for more information.

The Levitt also added a new free ticket show. Circles Around the Sun — tangibly linked to Grateful Dead history, and “sharing shelf space with post-rock, psych-rock, jazz-funk and good old fashioned psychedelia” — has been booked for June 27. Click here for free tickets, and more information.

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TOPSoccer — the program for youngsters with physical or learning differences — returns for a second spring season.

Blake Serotta — a freshman player at Staples — leads the program, in conjunction with the Weston Soccer Club and Westport Soccer Association.

TOPSoccer is open to boys and girls in grades K-8. It runs Saturdays, 11;30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., from April 11 through June 6 at Morehouse Farm Park in Weston.

The program is run by Coach Felipe of Ole Soccer, and includes fun games, drills, and small-sided games. Each child is paired with a buddy, who stays with them on the field.

High schoolers are welcome as volunteers and buddies.

To learn more, and sign up as a player or buddy, click here.

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Speaking of sports: The Westport Swim Club’s first “Candy” meet of the year last Sunday got the season of to a fun, energetic start, at the Staples High School pool.

The intra-squad meet for swimmers in grades 2-8 was a first for many. Candy Meets are a friendly introduction to competitive swimming. Participation, confidence and fun come first (with a little candy as motivation after each race). Staples swimmers volunteer, and help the youngsters learn to cheer for each other.

There is still room for young swimmers (and divers). Click here, or email swimwestport@gmail.com.

All smiles at the Westport Swim Club “Candy Meet.”

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Miggs Burroughs has had quite a career.

And on Tuesday, the Staples High School graduate, noted artist/graphic designer/photographer/civic volunteer took the Y’s Women through it all.

He spoke about his engineering studies at the Carnegie Institute of Technology; working at Pepperidge Farm; designing a stamp for the US Postal Service, and his many efforts on behalf of countless local organizations.

And he did it all with his trademark good humor, and great modesty.

Miggs Burroughs (Hat tip and photo/Vera DeStefano)

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Westport Police made no custodial arrests between March 4 and 11.

They did issue these citations:

  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 15 citations
  • Failure to renew registration: 10
  • Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 6
  • Texting while driving: 5
  • Distracted driving: 5
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 5
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 3
  • Speeding in a school zone: 2
  • Reckless driving: 1
  • Speeding: 1
  • Traveling too fast for conditions: 1
  • Disobeying the signal of a police officer: 1
  • Interfering with a police officer: 1
  • Passing in a no-passing zone; 1
  • Following too closely: 1
  • Failure to yield right of way 1
  • Unreadable license plate: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1

Disobeying the signal of a police officer is against the law.

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Speaking of police: We don’t know what this driver did to get booted.

But here’s a sight you don’t see every day, at the Westport train station:

(Photo/Michael Diggin)

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Speaking still of police: Where were they Tuesday at Compo Beach, when this egregious breach of the law occurred?

(Photo/Nancy Lewis)

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Staples High School graduate Jeffrey Ruden and his family have been touched by Alzheimer’s disease.

His mother Carole suffered. That journey inspired Jeffrey and his brother Dave to help others. They have chaired the CT Walk for Alzheimer’s, and Jeffrey served on the CTALZ board for several years.

Jeffrey wishes he had known about CaringKind during his mother’s illness. With over 45 years of experience, they work directly with community partners to develop information, tools, training and support for caregivers.

Now he is chairing an inaugural “Hope Blooms” gala for CaringKind (May 14, Fairfield County Hunt Club).

For tickets or sponsorship opportunities, click here or email jmruden@yahoo.com

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It’s that time of year.

A mother hawk trains her fledgling near Bayberry Lane, in today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured photo.

Hopefully, they won’t go after Carl’s chickens.

(Photo/Carl McNair)

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And finally … just to reinforce the Post Office alert (story above):

(The good news: You don’t have to mail a check to support “06880.” Click here for the many ways to contribute to your hyper-local blog. Thank you! PS: Be careful out there.)

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Posted in Beach, Entertainment, Library, Police, Restaurants, Transportation, Westport Country Playhouse

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Roundup: Get Growing … And Prepare For Disaster

Posted on September 4, 2025 | 3 comments

Just in time for today’s Westport Farmers’ Market (Thursday, Imperial Avenue parking lot, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.), there’s a fresh look and expanded offerings for their very popular “Get Growing” children’s programs.

With more young visitors than ever, the WFM has added new (and sturdy) tables and chairs, creating a welcoming space for creativity and learning.

Since starting on a blanket 7 years ago, the kids’ area has grown steadily. A Drew Friedman Foundation donation has made several upgrades — and the entire program — possible.

Get Growing’s hands-on activities keep children engaged, while helping them connect with local farmers, businesses and the greater community.

Weekly craft sessions help children understand the importance of supporting small, sustainable farms, as they explore and express their creativity.

Programming over the coming weeks includes:

  • Kids’ yoga
  • Create Grow Flow – Sound bath and Reiki
  • Mud & Nature Kitchen – Hands-on outdoor play
  • Earth place activities
  • Apple Blossom and Housatonic Valley Waldorf School programming.

When there is not a guest host, Mae Farrell will continue to lead creative fun, through arts and crafts projects.

For more information about Get Growing, or to learn about hosting a week of activities, click here.

Get Growing, at the Westport Farmers’ Market.

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Several area organizations are preparing for a large-scale mass casualty drill.

The September 16 event (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) will test the ability of local Emergency Medical Services, hospitals  and volunteer organizations — including the Community Emergency Response Team, Medical Reserve Corps, American Red Cross and State Animal Rescue Team — to respond to and manage a simulated disaster scenario.

Members of the Westport Astronomical Society’s amateur radio station K1WAS will join the Connecticut Amateur Radio Emergency Service, Aspetuck and Trumbull Health Districts, and area police, fire and EMS groups in the drill.

Sherwood Island State Park will be part of the “incident command.”

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Congratulations to Scotty Coleman!

The 2022 Staples High School graduate — now a senior, and a star on the Johns Hopkins University soccer team — is one of just 20 student-athletes nationwide chosen for the 2025-26 Fall Allstate NACDA Good Works Team. The honor recognizes exceptional community service.

Scotty is fundraising chair for Baltimore Scores in STEM. The program provides scholarships and mentorships to students pursuing education in science, technology, engineering or math.

Scotty — a dean’s list student majoring in neuroscience — is also a research  assistant at Johns Hopkins’ Department of Pediatrics and Center for Psychedelics and Consciousness Research.

Scotty Coleman

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Speaking of student-athletes: TOPSoccer — the program for youngsters with physical or learning differences — returns for a fall season. It follows a successful reboot last spring.

Blake Serotta — a freshman player at Staples — leads the program, in conjunction with the Weston Soccer Club and Westport Soccer Association.

TOPSoccer is open to boys and girls in grades K-8. High schoolers are welcome as volunteers and buddies.

The program runs Saturdays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Morehouse Farm Park in Weston, from September 13 through October 25. Click here to register, and for more information. Questions? Email blake.serotta@gmail.com.

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After years of searching for a solution to downtown parking, some random person found it.

And it’s so simple, I can’t believe it’s taken this long.

Just park two cars in every spot that’s lined for one!

Check it out:

(Photo/Diane Lowman)

Duh!

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Speaking of vehicles:

The Department of Public Works’ annual roadway crack seal program begins Friday. It will involved up to 10 miles of roads throughout town, and will last 2 weeks.

Traffic will not be detoured, but alternating 1-way flow will be used around the continually moving work zone. The roadways will be open for two-way traffic as the work crew progresses.

Crack sealing

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Singer/songwriter/2007 Staples High School graduate Drew Angus’ first single comes out tomorrow.

Drew says, “‘Patterns’ is self-reflection, an acknowledgement of bad habits and traps I’ve let myself fall into when the going gets tough and sticking through seems impossible.

“I think it’s a pretty universal feeling for a relationship in just beyond the infatuation phase. ‘Patterns’ also takes on another meaning for me: that of the completely independent artist knocked around plenty, but too stubborn to give up.

“Well, I can confirm I’ll be here making art and writing songs until the pen runs out of ink.”

The track includes drummer Fred Eltringham (Sheryl Crow) keyboardist Billy Justineau (Eric Church, Maggie Rose), and Drew on acoustic guitar, and lead and backing vocals.

Click here to download “Patterns,” on a variety of platforms. Click here for Drew’s upcoming tour dates. Click here for Drew Angus’ website.

Drew Angus

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For a decade, Circle of Care has hosted a 5K run/walk in Wilton. The event supports Connecticut families facing childhood cancer, with practical, emotional and financial help.

This year, the event moves to Sherwood Island State Park.

The timed 5K for runners and joggers, untimed walk for all abilities, and other activities for all ages takes place Sunday, September 28 (9 a.m.). To learn more and register, click here. 

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Former Westporter Douglas Moser has just published “James & Jim” — a “darkly comic thriller.”

Set in this area, and Manhattan’s “ruthless corporate towers,” it “plunges readers into the cutthroat world of management consulting in 2007 — just before the financial crash and tech revolution …. it’s a world where ambition turns deadly, success has a body count, and the rules are made to be broken.”

Moser was named artistic director of the Boston Post Road Stage Company in Fairfield and Westport at age 26. His adaptation of “A Christmas Carol” played sold out theaters for 2 years, and won the Connecticut Critics’ Circle Award. He has directed regionally and in New York, including an opera debut at Lincoln Center.

Since then (and COVID), he’s focused on writing, coaching and teaching. For more information, click here.

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MaryEllen Hendricks is this month’s Westport Book Shop guest exhibitor.

The photos on display come from her book “Thin Places Project,” in which she captures “the spiritual dimensions of the physical world.” She uses antique lenses, toy cameras, and other old and new technologies.

A reception is set for September 20 (6 to 7:30 p.m.). All artwork is available for purchase.

MaryEllen Hendricks, at the Westport Book Shop.

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Westport Police made no custodial arrests between August 27 and September 1.

They issued these citations:

  • Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 7 citations
  • Driving while texting: 6
  • Driving over the posted speed limit in a school zone: 3
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 2
  • Failure to drive in the proper lane: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 2
  • Passing a standing school bus: 1
  • Texting, 2nd offense: 1
  • Distracted driving: 1
  • Transporting a child without restraints: 1
  • Motorcycle infraction: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
  • Failure to renew registration: 1.

Passing a standing school bus, and speeding in a school zone, are major infractions.

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For many Westporters, this is the best time of year.

The humidity is gone. The air is slightly cooler, but we still wear shorts (and no jacket). Sunshine is bountiful.

It’s not only people who feel that way. This guy was enjoying early September, at Ned Dimes Marina.

And he was happy to share his pleasant day with “Westport … Naturally” photographer Eric Bosch.

(Photo/Eric Bosch)

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And finally … congratulations to Drew Angus, on his new release “Patterns.”

He’s too young to remember, but:

(Whew! We crammed a ton o’ stuff in again today. But that’s how we roll. A Roundup of everything, every day. If you appreciate our hard work, please click here to support “06880.” Thanks!)

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Posted in Children, Entertainment, Local business, Police, Staples HS

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Roundup: Hamlet At Saugatuck, Startup Westport, Drugs & Alcohol …

Posted on March 27, 2025 | 2 comments

The Planning & Zoning Commission meets on Monday (March 31, 6 p.m., Zoom; click here for the link).

The public hearing portion includes continued discussion of The Hamlet at Saugatuck. For the most recent “06880” update on the project, click here.

An artist’s rendering of Railroad Place. The view is looking west, from the corner of Riverside Avenue.

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It’s Westport’s newest tradition.

And one of the best.

On the first Thursday of every month, StartUp Westport sponsors a casual get-together.

The next one is April 3 (6 to 8 p.m., VFW Post 399; click here to register).

Call it what you want — meet-and-greet, networking, whatever — it’s an opportunity for our town’s tech entrepreneurs, innovators and investors to get together.

There’s no fee. Everyone is responsible for their own drinks and (if they wish) food.

But if a billion-dollar idea or deal comes out of one of these, maybe the men and women behind it can buy a round at the next one.

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Drugs, alcohol, suicide — those heavy topics, and more, are addressed regularly in Westport.

Positive Directions sends out this schedule of upcoming events:

Free QPR suicide prevention training (Friday, March 28, 12 to 1:30 p.m., Positive Directions, 90 Post Road West). For the general public, 16+. RSVP: positivedirections.org/events

Exploring Westport’s Relationship with Alcohol. (April 7, 7 p.m., Toquet Hall). A community discussion, including a panel and breakout discussion groups to kick off Alcohol Awareness Month. Panelists include a parent, person in recovery, mental health counselor, substance counselor, LGBTQ community member and teen. RSVP: positivedirections.org/events

Save a Life Day. (April 9, 7 p.m., Town Hall). Positive Directions and Aspetuck Health District provide an overdose awareness event, sigh free Narcan and other supplies to participants. RSVP: positivedirections.org/events

Drug Take-Back Day (April 26, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Senior Center). Bring medications, for safe collection and disposal.

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TOPSoccer — a national soccer program for youngsters with disabilities — flourished her for several years.

Now Eric Serotta and his daughter Blake, a Bedford Middle School 8th grader, are relaunching it.

The Westport Soccer Association and Weston Soccer Club are collaborating, to offer skill development and physical participation, to children in grades K-8 with physical and/or learning differences.

TOPSoccer will run on 5 Saturdays (11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) beginning April 26, at Morehouse Farm Park in Weston.

To register as a player — or volunteer — click here.

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An incorrect date was given in yesterday’s Roundup for the Earth Animal/Fetch Rescue puppy adoption event at Earth Animal.

The correct day is this Sunday (March 30, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.).

One of many puppies up for adoption this Sunday, at Earth Animal.

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Content Studio — the Saugatuck Avenue event space — hosts several exciting April events.

Mixology Mixer, with Ed Hernandez of Mixxed by Ed (April 10; 6 to 8 p.m.). Ticket includes 2 drinks, supplies, light bites, and a screening of the 1988 film “Cocktail.” “Perfect for date night, girls’ night out, or corporate team-building.” Click here for tickets.

Westport Downtown Association “town hall” (April 24), for members and those interested in learning more. Wine, beer and light bites, plus information on upcoming town and beautification events. For more information, email beth@contentstudio.com.

Mother’s Day Mini-Portrait Sessions (April 26; sessions available 8 to 5:30 p.m.). For mothers and their children, or children and grandchildren at any age. Click here to book a session.

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Carl Addison Swanson has done it again.

The prolific author, longtime Westporter and Staples High School graduate just published his second book in 2 weeks.

Swanson — a Vietnam veteran — is now focused on vets’ issues.

“Thank You For Your Service” — published last week — is about a Marine who, despite 2 tours in Iraq, was not a US citizen (though here legally), as he awaits his asylum hearing. Click here to order from Amazon.

“A Fart in a Hurricane” — another Hush McCormick novelette — deals with 3 Marines who were fired from their jobs at the Veterans Administration, without due cause. They want their jobs back, and resort to any means — including blackmail. Click here to order from Amazon.

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In April of 1777, British soldiers landed at Compo Beach, and marched to Danbury.

On April 6 of 2025, Westport art historian drives north to the Keeler Tavern Museum. There, at 3 p.m., she’ll discuss “Art, War, and Identity” — an exploration of how the persuasive power of artists during the Revolutionary Era helped sway public opinion, and forge our national identity.

Tickets are $15 ($10 members and students). Click here to purchase, and for more information.

Dr. Robin Frank

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Westport Police made one custodial arrest between March 19 and 26.

A 60-year-old New York City man was charged with criminal attempt to commit larceny, illegal possession of personal ID information device, and identity theft, following the attempted theft of funds from a bank account. He was held on $150,000 bond.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 12 citations
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 7
  • Failure to renew registration: 4
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 4
  • Speeding: 3
  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 2
  • Driving while texting: 2
  • Failure to yield right of way: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 2
  • Traveling too fast for conditions: 1
  • Distracted driving: 1
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 1
  • Following too closely: 1
  • Unreadable plates: 1

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The piano concert with Liang-Fang Chang and Uriel Tsachor at Saugatuck Congregational Church set for April 6 has been postponed.

A new date will be announced soon.

Dr. Liang-Fang Chang and Dr. Uriel Tsachor

As spring prepares to blossom, these pine cones lie at the Imperial Avenue parking lot.

Amy Schneider spotted — and smelled — them, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Amy Schneider)

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And finally … happy 56th birthday to Mariah Carey!

(“06880” is your hyper-local source for news, events, photos, and everything else in town. If you enjoy our 24/7/365 coverage, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Local business, Local politics, Police, Real estate, Saugatuck, technology

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Roundup: Mailbox Scams, Guitar Jams, Jazz Bands

Posted on October 17, 2023 | 7 comments

“06880” has warned of checks being taken from private mailboxes — and from legit blue post office boxes, near places like the UPS Store.

But now the thieves are even more brazen. Bruce Schneider writes:

“Yesterday morning, I dropped off a package at the post office in Playhouse Square.

“As I left, 2 Westport police officers were standing by the mailbox outside. One was holding a handful of letters.

“A woman approached the box, with a letter. The offices told her to bring it inside, since there was some sticky substance in the drop box, allowing someone to steal mail.

“Given the numerous stories on ‘check washing,’ I thought that dropping a letter in a mailbox right outside the post office would be pretty safe. But I guess not.

“It seems the only safe way to mail a letter is inside the post office, or handing it directly to your mail carrier.”

Like this mailbox outside the UPS store, the one outside the main post office in Playhouse Square may be “compromised.”

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On Sunday, “06880” noted that Westport’s Nile Rodgers and Weston’s Keith Richards were #7 and #15, respectively, on Rolling Stone’s list of “The 250 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.”

Oops!

We forgot to mention that another neighbor — Westonite José Feliciano — checks in at #212. ¡Felicidades!

Bonus track: John Mayer of nearby Fairfield is #61.

Click here for the full list. (Hat tip: Bill Dedman)

José Feliciano (Photo/David Bravo)

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Daisy Fording — a Staples High School senior — has kick-started the TopSoccer program.

A national program run locally by the Westport and Weston Soccer Associations, it provides learning, developmental and participation opportunities for youngsters in kindergarten through 8th grade with physical and/or learning disabilities.

Together with trained coaches, each player is paired with a volunteer buddy to learn teamwork and soccer skills, and have fun.

Games are Saturdays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Morehouse Town Park in Weston.

There are 3 more weeks in the fall season. For more information (including registration) click here, text Daisy at 203-957-2390, or email dkfording@gmail.com.

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The VFW is well known for its “Jazz at the Post” Thursday night series.

But there’s more jazz at Joseph J. Clinton Post 399 on Riverside Avenue on Wednesday, November 15 (7 p.m.).

And it’s got a close military connection.

The US Air Force Rhythm in Blue Jazz Ensemble — featuring trumpeter Michael  Mossman — comes to town for a concert.

And it’s completely free.

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Meanwhile, this week’s “Jazz at the Post” includes a twist.

Saxophonist/composer Wayne Shorter — who died earlier this year at 89 — will be remembered for his work with Art Blakey and Miles Davis, and his own recordings.

Featured artists include trumpeter Michael Mossman, guitarist Paul Bollenback, bassist Boots Maleson, drummer Tim Horner and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall.

There are 2 shows this Thursday (October 19): 7:30 and 8:45 p.m. Dinner service starts at 7. The cover charge is $15. Reservations are highly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.

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To honor Native American Heritage Month, living historian Drew Shuptar-Rayvis presents “Life in the Eastern Woodlands: Pre-contact – 1620” (November 19, 2 p.m., outside at the Weston History & Culture Center.

On display are artifacts like bark baskets, stone axes, cookware, bows and arrows, animal pelts and leather.

Shuptar-Rayvis’ heritage includes indigenous Pocomoke, Pennsylvania Dutch, Welsh, Swiss, English, Scots-Irish, Boyko Ukrainian and Ashkanazi Jewish. He reads Wampum, works to preserve the Eastern Woodland languages, and is educated in many European languages used in colonial times.

Advance tickets ($5 each) are required. Click here to purchase, and for more information.

Drew Shuptar-Rayvis

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Nature abounds here … even in the midst of downtown.

Check out today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature. Enjoy a peaceful vibe, just yards from Main Street.

(Photo/June Rose Whittaker)

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And finally … happy 81st birthday to Gary Puckett. His band the Union Gap wore Civil War-style uniforms, though they were from the Pacific Northwest.

There is a connection: Puckett grew up in Yakima, Washington — not from the small town of Union Gap.

His band had several hits in the late 1960s. Nearly all had “girl,” “woman,” or some form of female in the title.

(“06880” covers the local news — and all that jazz. But we can’t do it without readers’ support. Please make a tax-deductible contribution by clicking here. Thank you!)

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Posted in Children, Entertainment, Sports

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Roundup: Smoke & Neon, Fencing Team, Lash Studio …

Posted on March 14, 2023 | 11 comments

There’s a new smoke shop in town.

Mohegan has moved into the mini-strip mall near Stanton Miles, on Post Road East by the Southport border.

Alert “06880” reader Stacie Curran noticed — particularly, the lights.

(Photo/Stacie Curran)

“I thought neon signs were prohibited in Westport,” she wrote.

I emailed my go-to at Town Hall: Planning & Zoning director Mary Young.

She was out of the office. But zoning official Laurie Montagna replied:

“Yes, we have a regulation that prohibits neon signs. 33-3.14 says, ‘Directly-illuminated gaseous signs, such as neon tube signs, that are visible from outside the building shall be prohibited.’

“Unfortunately, almost all signs installed today that look like neon, are actually LED signs.”

I’m no signage expert (or chemist). But if it looks like a duck …

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Tonight’s kickoff of a 3-part Westport Library series on cardiac health has been postponed, due to anticipated bad weather.

The session on coronary artery diseases planned for this evening (March 14) has been pushed back to March 22. The discussion on valvular heart disease planned for that date will be rescheduled. The atrial fibrillation talk is still set for April 17.

The cardiac series is curated by Andrew Wilk, and led by Dr. Robert Altbaum.

Andrew Wilk’s first session on heart disease will now begin on March 22.

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The Staples High School boys basketball took a huge step toward the state championship last night.

Ranked #7 in the CIAC Division II tournament, the Wreckers upset #2 Holy Cross-Waterbury 61-47, in the upstaters’ gym.

The quarterfinal win vaults the blue-and-whites into the state semis. They’ll meet #3 Fairfield Warde tomorrow (Wednesday, March 15), at a neutral site and time TBD.

The Mustangs defeated the Wreckers 51-44, in their regular season matchup earlier this year.

Staples was led by Chris Zajac and Cody Sale (16 points) each, Sam Clachko (11) and Charlie Honig (10).

The 2023 Staples High School boys basketball team.

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Staples’ boys basketball team has snagged all the headlines this winter.

But the school also fields a fencing team.

And not just any fencing team. A 2-time state champion one.

The Wreckers’ boys foil fencers defended their Connecticut crown last weekend.

And they’re only 2 years old.

In that time they’ve grown from 9 participants to over 20 male and female fencers. Beginners are welcome.

They practice 3 times a week, all year long. They’re coached by Westport resident Delphine DeVore, a world-ranked fencer. She’s a member of the Columbia University fencing team, and volunteers her time to work with Staples.

Club leaders, including founders and co-captains Max Peterbarg, PJ Loranger and Gleb Symonchoy are pursuing full recognition as a team sport. They hope to have enough fencers to field both boys and girls teams next year in foil, epee and saber — at both the varsity and junior varsity levesl.

For more information, check out the Instagram account: @staplesfencing.

From left: Coach Delphine DeVore, and team members Gleb Syomichev, PJ Loranger, Eric Wilson and Max Piterbarg

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Speaking still of sports:

TOPSoccer — a national program for youngsters in grades kindergarten through 8 with physical or learning disabilities — is coming soon.

Together with trained soccer coaches, each player is paired with a volunteer buddy to learn teamwork, soccer skills, and have fun.

Staples High School junior Daisy Fording and Weston High sophomore Cole Johnson are spearheading the effort.

Click here for information and registration. Questions? Email dkfording@gmail.com or Colerobertjohnson@icloud.com.

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Refined Lash Studio on Post Road East — across from Design Within Reach — is closing.

A note to clients from “Miss Vic” says: “It is with great hesitation that this chapter of my life must come to a close. I have decided to move back to the West Coast.

“I want to thank every person who ever booked with me, shared personal stories with me, and those who’ve been with me since the beginning. I hope to remain a part of your life even without a professional relationship.

“I will do my best to accommodate all schedules and send updates of my departure. I don’t have a definitive end date, I just wanted to give as much notice in advance possible.”

Sounds like it’s your “lash chance.”

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Today’s weather forecast forced the postponement of the Connecticut Appalachian Mountain Club’s presentation of “Exploring the Colombian Amazon” with Ida Lowe.

The new date is next Tuesday (March 21, 6:15 p.m., Saugatuck Congregational Church). Appetizers, pasta dinner, salads, drinks and desserts will be served. It’s $10 for members, $15 for non-members. For more information, email easasso7@icloud.com.

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This week’s “What’s Next in Weston” is part 1 of a 2-part program. 1st Selectwoman Sam Nestor discusses  her town’s upcoming property revaluation , including how’s done, by whom, and how it leads to the mill rate used going forward.

The podcast (click below to listen) comes courtesy of the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston.

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Grammy nominee Paul Bollenback headlines this Thursday’s Jazz at the Post (March 16, shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner at 7; VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399).

He’s joined by a hot rhythm section: Essiet Essiet on bass, Sylvia Cuenca on drums, and Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” on sax.

Reservations are highly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.

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This serene “Westport … Naturally” scene from the bay at the mouth of the Saugatuck River was taken (naturally) before today’s weather.

(Photo/Dan Vener)

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And finally … in honor (?) of Westport’s newest store, and its bright lights:

(Whether it’s a new smoke shop or a lash store closing, “06880” has got our retail scene covered. Please click here to help support all that we do. Thank you!)

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