In just 5 years, VersoFest has gained a great reputation for its celebration of music, media and creativity.
This year, those 3 elements have reached new, um, records.
Verso Studios — the Library’s media hub — has created a promotional jingle. They’re playing at other Library events, and will be heard at VersoFest too. The 4-day show begins Thursday.
There are 4 versions of the same jingle. Each emulates the styles of major artists in this year’s lineup.
Lyrics and music were created in Verso Studios by Travis Bell, the studio’s in-house producer. He collaborated with Verso advisory board member Les Dinkin, principal of DinkinEsh Presents, who conceptualized the creative project.
The duo used the studio’s AI-based software to draft and refine a set of lyrics for the festival. Then came music generated through iterative prompts.
Ani DiFranco (Photo/Shervin Lainez)
Bell and Dinkin worked on many preliminary versions, before finalizing the right fit for each artist’s sound.
All jingles were created solely from prompts through AI tools. The artist’s recordings or inputs from their recordings were not utilized in any way.
“We believe this may be the first time that AI music tools have been used to create artist-specific jingles by any performance venue, let alone a public community library,” Bell says.
This is not the first “first” for the Westport Library.
In 2022 “Verso Records: Volume One” became the first vinyl record ever recorded, produced, and released by a public library.
(“06880” is your place for all VersoFest news — and everything else going on in town. If you appreciate our coverage of “Where Westport meets the world,” please click here to support us. Thanks!)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
Neil Sedaka — who, the New York Times said, “went from classical music prodigy to precocious songwriter to teenage idol to pop music fixture in a celebrated career that spanned seven decades” — died yesterday in Los Angeles. He was 86.
Obituaries and tributes mention his Brooklyn upbringing (he dated Carole King in high school, and Neil Diamond lived across the street).
But after achieving stardom with hits like “Calendar Girl” — and, more than a decade later, “Laughter in the Rain” — he moved to Westport, in the 1970s.
Sedaka lived in the Old Hill neighborhood for about 20 years. In 1982, he headlined one of the first benefit concerts at the Levitt Pavilion.
Several Westporters have wondered what’s going on at Gray’s Creek. A dozen or so trees have been removed just west of the Minute Man Monument, near the small burial ground of patriots killed in the Battle of Compo Hill.
“06880” reached out to the Parks & Recreation Department, which oversees the site. (It’s not in the right of way, so it’s out of the tree warden’s jurisdiction.)
Parks superintendent Nick Quatrano says that he contracted Knapp Tree, due to concerns for public safety.
The trees include black locust (invasive), black cherry, Norway maple (invasive), and a few too dead for him to identify.
Once all are removed, he’ll replant trees that can better tolerate the salty environment. Among the contenders: black pine, red cedar, thornless honey locust, and white oak.
Gray’s Creek cemetery.
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The Board of Finance will hold its formal budget reviews next month, in the Town Hall auditorium.
They’re set for March 9 (Board of Education) and March 10 (1st Selectman’s town budget).
The meetings will also be broadcast on Optimum Channel 79, and/or livestreamed at www.westportct.gov.
Westport has voted on its favorite pizzas, burgers, soups and salads.
On this year’s menu: sandwiches.
The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce’s 9th annual event runs throughout March. Over 20 restaurants, delis and markets will compete in 10 categories.
Judging is done by residents, online. Each voter is also entered into a drawing to win a free sandwich, from one of the 10 winners.
The 21 competitors are: A & S Fine Foods, Calise’s, Clubhouse, Dunkin, Emmy Squared, Garelick & Herbs, Kabab & Hummus House, Kawa Ni, Lyfe Café, Match Burger Lobster, Nomade, Old Mill Grocery, Organic Market, Outpost Pizza, Pizza Lyfe, Rizzuto’s Lobster Shack, Romanacci, Saugatuck Provisions, Saugatuck Rive Café, The Granola Bar and Zucca Gastrobar.
The 10 categories are: Best Chicken Sandwich, Best Steak Sandwich, Best Vegetarian Sandwich, Best Combo Sandwich, Best Club, Best NY Deli, Best Pressed Sandwich, Best Breakfast Sandwich, Best Wrap Sandwich, and Best Fish/Seafood Sandwich. Each restaurant, deli or market may enter up to 4 categories, but can only win 2 at most.
Starting March 1, residents can visit the venues, enjoy the offerings, then vote here.
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Speaking of food: Ordering delivery is fast and easy.
Unless people at one place want different restaurants.
Starting Thursday, there’s an app for that.
Wonder comes to Westport. It’s at 1300 Post Road East, just east of Turkey Hill Road.
A press release says, “With free delivery, pickup or dine-in options at over 100 locations, Wonder features world-renowned chefs including Bobby Flay, José Andrés, and Marcus Samuelsson, alongside award-winning restaurants like Tejas Barbecue and Di Fara Pizza.”
Customers can combine dishes from a variety of Wonder restaurants in a single order. Menus are developed by Wonder’s culinary team, in collaboration with chefs and restaurant partners. Every dish is “made to order” in local Wonder kitchens.
Westport’s Wonder joins over 100 locations in the Eastern US.
The grand opening on Thursday includes a ribbon-cutting. The first 100 guests enjoy giveaways and food samples.
The Thing — the hot Brooklyn-based rock band, featuring Weston native Jack Bradley on guitar — kicked off VersoFest 2026 last night. A large, enthusiastic and multi-age crowd packed the Trefz Forum for the show.
The bulk of the 5th annual music-media-and-more festival takes place at the end of next month. But the dates did not work, so The Thing kicked off their new tour in late February, at a venue that audiences in the tri-state area have come to know is a bit out of the mainstream, but where loud music thrives: the Westport Library.
TAP Strength’s next “Effortless Effort” talk covers “Effortless Eating.” It’s March 11 (180 Post Road East, 6 p.m.
Nutrition specialist Kevin Knight will offer “a mindful approach to eating your way to your best life.”
TAP founder EJ Zebro will add practical cools to incorporate new habits of movement and mindfulness into your daily life. It’s free, but RSVPs are requested: info@tapstrength.com.
And finally … in honor of Westport’s new “Wonder” restaurant (story above):
We wonder if you know how much work it takes to provide daily Roundups — and everything else on “06880.” We wonder too if you’ll click here, to support our work. It’s no wonder we thank you!)
Westport and Weston seem to have weathered the Blizzard of 2026 well.
At least, judging from the low number of power outages.
As of 6 a.m., Eversource reported only 17 Westport customers without electricity. That’s 0.13% of the town. They all appeared to be in the Center Street area of Greens Farms.
Weston had 85 outages (2.17%).
Statewide, 8,104 residents had lost power (0.61.%).
Snow and wind is expected to continue through noon. Another 2 to 4 inches of snow are possible, with winds continuing at 25 to 35 miles an hour.
Stay warm and safe! If you need anything, please email 06880blog@gmail.com. We’ll do our best to help!
The view outside “06880” headquarters. (Photo/Dan Woog)
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An incorrect date was listed yesterday, in the story on The Thing’s VersoFest show this week.
The platform helps local businesses and organizations offer part-time, seasonal and intern positions to high school students. Jobs include retail work, business support, non-profit assistance, lifeguarding, camp counseling and more. The Job Bank can be found here.
The Student Job Bank is free to businesses and students.
Speaking of high school students: Congratulations to Staples wrestlers Gavin Donaldson (120 pounds), Seamus Brannigan (126) and Julian Rousseau (215) — all first-place winners at Saturday’s state “LL” (extra large schools) tournament.
Congrats too to silver medalist Damian Rousseau.
Those 4 — plus Kai Schwartz (132) and Jessiah Jones (190) — move on to the state open meet this coming weekend.
Staples head coach Jordan Marion (far left), and Staples wrestlers at the LL tournament. First-place winners holding their bout sheets are (from left in the middle) Julian Rousseau, Gavin Donaldson and Seamus Brannigan.
(Tired of shoveling? Not ready to start yet? Relax … it’s the perfect time to click here and support “06880.” We can’t dig out your car. But we can continue to provide 24/7/365 news and info. Thank you!)
He was born 30 years after those legendary concerts (and many others).
But the 2016 Weston High School graduate is a huge rock ‘n’ roll fan.
And to paraphrase the Byrds — another great band that played here — he wants to be a rock ‘n’ roll star.
Bradley is well on his way.
Jack Bradley
For the past few years, the guitarist’s band The Thing has drawn attention — and sold out shows across the US and Europe — with their music.
It mixes the Kinks, Grand Funk Railroad, Pink Floyd and garage and psychedelic bands of the 1960s and ’70s, with newer artists like The Black Keys.
This Friday (February 27, 8 p.m.), they kick off the Westport Library’s 5th annual VersoFest.
The actual 4-day music and media extravaganza takes place March 26-29. But The Thing will be on a national tour then. So the Library snagged them for this show. It will be the opening date of that tour.
Before he was a rocker, Bradley was a producer. Not many teenagers were as obsessed as he was with rock. So he created a makeshift studio in his Weston basement, recording and producing rappers.
But during a stint at Millbrook — after Fairfield Country Day School, and before Weston High — he’d met Michael Carter and Zane Acord. They bonded over their love for music their parents loved.
They stayed in touch after Bradley left. They scattered across the country — he went to Berklee College of Music in Boston Zane headed South, and Mike to the Pacific Northwest. When the pandemic hit, they reunited in a big farmhouse in Sharon, Connecticut.
They recruited a drummer, recorded there, then moved to Brooklyn. They won a Battle of the Bands at Our Wicked Lady — the famed (and now closed) music venue there — which kick-started their career.
Jack Bradley and The Thing.
The Thing was invited to South by Southwest. They bought a van, and for the past 2 1/2 years have played over 300 shows.
Thursday’s will be their first in Westport, though.
The route to the Library began in late 2024, when the band played at Fairfield Theater Company.
Bradley met Dick Wingate there. The longtime music industry executive and Westport resident — a key figure in past VersoFests — made the connection for this year.
Bradley is familiar with the event. Gang of Four kicked off their “Long Goodbye” tour at it last year. He was there, and met the band.
The Thing and friends, at Flushing Meadows Park.
Bradley looks forward to their own tour kickoff. He expects a crowd like many of their US shows: teenagers and grandparents. (Their European audiences tend to include “the whole town.”)
He hopes there will be plenty of fans in between. His own parents will be there, for sure. (His mother is very proud that Duran Duran’s Simon Le Bon features The Thing often, on his Sirius XM show.)
From last year, Bradley knows what it’s like to hear and play music in a library. He’s not sure his bandmates do.
“If you haven’t been there, you don’t realize how cool” the venue is, he says.
But, he warns: “We’re loud!”
Also cool: the opening act.
Fever Dream is a 5-person group. Staples and Weston High musicians Seamus Brannigan, Griffin Delmhorst, Ari Sklar, Harry Schultz and Ezra Schwartz play covers of their favorite classic/alternative rock and grunge songs, along with originals they’ll release soon.
Fever Dream. Three members (top row) performed in Staples Players’ “Les Misérables” last fall.
Jack Bradley didn’t have a band, when he was in high school.
This Thursday, a large VersoFest crowd will see that once again, it’s The Thing.
With an enormous amount of snow, and temperatures remaining well below freezing, cleaning up from the January 25 storm was difficult.
Plowed, congealed piles made walking and parking difficult downtown.
So on Tuesday night, SCA Crowley — led by vice president Maxx Crowley, president of the Westport Downtown Association — joined forces with Westport’s Department of Public Works team.
SCA spent 3 hours on Main Street removing snow.
It was then hauled away by DPW director Peter Ratkiewich’s crew, led by superintendent Joe Izzo and crew captain Dave Smith. Public Works followed up by salting roads and sidewalks.
It’s much easier to park now — which means it’s far easier to drive and walk, too. Thanks to all who helped!
One view of the Main Street cleanup …
… and another. (Hat tip and photos/Andrew Colabella)
“Your State, Your Business” — a 3-part event bringing 3 of Connecticut’s constitutional officers to Westport to discuss issues regarding the state and how they relate to business (and residents) is coming to town.
The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce and Westport Library are collaborating on the series.
It kicks off on March 5 with Comptroller Sean Scanlon. Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas follows on March 19. Attorney General William Tong is the final speaker, April 2. All sessions begin at 11 a.m.
Each event includes a presentation by the officer, a moderated discussion, and questions from the audience. It’s free, but registration is required.
Adria Petty — a noted producer and music video director — will be at the Westport Library on March 28 (3 p.m.). She’ll discuss her father’s legacy, with music and technology pioneer Sam Hendel.
Petty works as a managing partner at the Tom Petty estate with her family and the remaining members of Tom Petty’s band and operations team, preserving their archive of 40 years of American music.
She has directed videos for recording artists like Beyonce, Coldplay and Rihanna. She has also done commercial spots for brands such as Lancôme, Target, Converse, Hershey’s, McDonald’s and more.
The Westport Astronomical Society is introducing a new STEM opportunity for students in grades 9-12. It’s run through the Northeast Occultation Network (NEON).
Participants will learn to operate telescopes, observe and capture astronomical data from asteroid occultations, and contribute to professional astronomy research under the training of astrophysicist Dr. Kevin Green of the University of New Haven.
Students will work with the WAS team to collect, analyze and submit research-grade data to NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
So when alert “06880” reader Chris Grimm sent me a video clip about Gryphon (click here), I had to ask for details.
Turns out that’s his dog. He competes in agility.
His partner — Chris’, not Gryphon’s — handles the dog during runs. The Westminster Kennel Club hosts a big agility trial — the Westminster Masters Agility Championship — which ended Tuesday night.
Gryphon’s Standard run begins at the 12:00 mark in the video below.
Chris reports: “He froze a bit at the weave polls and Leslie took a spill by the tunnel, but Gryphon did a great job of finishing.”
In the video below, Gryphon’s jumpers run starts after 12:30. “Except for wandering off to say hello, it was a good run,” Chris says. “I can’t believe he got his Q for that.
The founder of Westport Writers’ Workshop, and noted memoir and creative nonfiction workshop instructor, has just practiced what she preaches.
Her new memoir, “West End Avenue,” has just been published.
Amazon describes it:
A young girl’s world is upended when her divorced mother of 3 marries a widowed father of 4.
Set against the backdrop of Manhattan’s Upper West Side, this evocative memoir traces the uneasy transformation of a blended household – where strangers become siblings bound by shared trauma, quiet acts of loyalty, and the unspoken bonds forged in childhood.
Orthopedic surgeon Dr. William Conaway was this week’s Westport Rotary Club guest speaker. Among his topics: the growing role of robotics in his specialty.
Westport Police made 4 custodial arrests between January 28 and February 3.
A 28-year-old Westport man was charged with interfering with an officer, following a complaint that he verbally threated an employee at Whole Foods. He fled, but was located nearby, and taken into custody based on repeated resistance to requests to stay away from the store.
A 64-year-old Hamden man was charged with larceny and criminal trespass, following an investigation into the theft of $110.31 of energy drinks from Stop & Shop. He had been formally warned earlier not to return to the store. He was held on a $25,000 bond.
A 53-year-old Bridgeport man was charged with failure to appear, after panhandling on the I-95 northbound ramp. He was held on a $25,000 bond.
A 28-year-old Westport man was charged with failure to appear, after being held in Pennsylvania on an unrelated matter. He was held on a $15,000 bond.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Texting while driving: 14 citations
Traveling unreasonably fast: 11
Failure to renew registration: 11
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 7
Failure to obey stop sign: 7
Distracted driving: 2
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 2
Speeding in a school zone, 2nd offense: 1
Speeding in a school zone: 1
Speeding: 1
Traveling too fast for conditions: 1
Failure to drive in the proper lane: 1
Failure to grant right of way: 1
Improper turn: 1
Unsafe backing: 1
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
Violation of readable license plates: 1
Failure to return license plates: 1
Improper use of markers: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
Failure to reinstate license within 60 days: 1
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 1
Lots of license plate citations recently. That’s no laughing matter.
And finally … in honor of Tom Petty’s daughter’s appearance at VersoFest (story above):
(From dog shows to outer space, “06880” is “where Westport meets the world.” If you’re a part of our online community — and you’re reading this, so you are — please click here to support us. Thanks!)
Four days after Sunday’s snowfall, a massive pile remains downtown.
(Photo/Jay Petrow)
Two narrow — and difficult-to-see-past — lanes feed into Main Street from Post Road East, from the west and east.
It’s one of several hazards posed by plowed banks.
Another especially treacherous one: Compo Road North, at the Evergreen Avenue hill.
Be careful out there!
The good news: A nor’easter that forecasters were watching for this weekend seems to have disssipated.
The bad news: It will be 5 degrees again tonight. Run a little stream of water to keep pipes from freezing!
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The Westport Fire Department battled a house fire on Weathervane Hill. off Wilton Road, last night.
When firefighters arrived around 11 p.m., they saw heavy smoke. All occupants had safely left the house.
The Norwalk, Fairfield and Wilton departments assisted. Emergency Medical Service provided medical support; Westport Poliee and firefighters directed traffic, while the Department of Public Works helped mitigate icy conditions.
The last unit left at 4 a.m. The fire marshal’s office is investigating the cause.
Firefighters at Weathervane Hill. (Photo/Ryan Blake)
The next Westport Country Playhouse Script in Hand play reading is “The Goldsmith.”
Based on a family’s true stories of their gold jewelry passing across borders, cultures and generations, it’s set for February 9 (7 p.m). The play — written and performed by Broadway actor Sharone Sayegh — won Theatre Aspen’s 2025 Solo Flight Festival.
VersoFest ’26 has announced plenty of attractions: Ani DiFranco, Wyclef Jean, and much more.
Now we know the closer, at the Westport Library on March 28 (7:30 p.m.). Musician/writer/playwright/poet/visual artist/alt-rock legend David J, of Bauhaus and Love & Rockets) fame’s special storytellers event is the final event this year.
He’ll read selections from his new poetry book Rhapsody, Threnody & Prayer, accompanied by original music. The reading will be followed by an interview featuring author Douglas Rushkoff (“one of the world’s 10 most influential intellectuals,” says MIT), and concludes with a short set of acoustic songs.
Every Thursday this winter, the Westport Farmers’ Market offers nutritious food.
Next Thursday (February 5, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center), there’s another way to nourish your body and mind.
“A Day of Care & Connection on Thursday” features Kiin Sauna (a wood-fired experience), Dharma Massage (chair massages), Whole Health Thermography (educational talk) and Abbey Chase Yoga (bowl healing).
Westport Police made 6 custodial arrests between January 21 and 27.
A 36-year-old Hamden man was charged with larceny, and conspiracy to commit larceny, following a report that 2 Brooks Brothers employees were processing fraudulent merchandise returns. He is alleged to have profited over $20,000. He was unable to post $50,000 bond.
A 64-year-old Fairfield woman was charged with larceny and possession of a shoplifting device, following an investigation into a December incident. Though the complainant wished only to have the stolen goods returned, merchandise from other downtown businesses were located.
A 45-year-old Stratford woman was charged with disorderly conduct, assault and strangulation, following an investigation into an August disturbance at a Westport home that she initiated. The victim alleged being punched and choked.
A 63-year-old Westport man was charged with evading responsibility and operating under the influence, after a vehicle with heavy damage was blocking part of Post Road West. The damage was caused by striking a mailbox, sign, shrubbery and a utility pole on Kings Highway North properties.
A 20-year-old Bridgeport man was charged with violation of a protective order, operating a motor vehicle without a license, and defective headlamp, following a motor vehicle stop near Maple Avenue for that headlamp. It was learned that a passenger was protected by a court order, stipulating no contact between the 2 parties. She was released on a $25,000 bond.
A 20-yera-old Norwalk woman was charged with violation of a protective order.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Failure to obey stop sign: 7 citations
Texting while driving: 6
Failure to renew registration: 6
Traveling unreasonably fast: 4
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 3
Failure to remove snow and ice from a vehicle roof: 2
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 2
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 2
Following too closely: 2
Evading responsibility: 1
Speeding: 1
Traveling too fast for conditions: 1
Unsafe passing: 1
Parking a motor vehicle on a sidewalk: 1
Breach of peace: 1
Improper use of markers: 1
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 1
Not a parking spot! (Also not Westport, but you get the idea.)
And finally … on this date in 1861, Kansas became the 34th state in the US.
(January seems like it’s been 392 days already. Fortunately, “06880” is here for you, 24/7/365. If you appreciate our work, please support us by clicking here. Thank you!)
Stocking up on bread and milk before a big snowstorm is not just a myth.
Westporters flocked to grocery stores all over town yesterday, preparing 48 hours early for whatever Mother Nature hurls our way. (The latest prediction is for a foot or more, beginning Sunday morning and continuing into Monday.)
These were scenes at Trader Joe’s:
(Photo/Jennifer Johnson)
(Photo/Jennifer Johnson)
(Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)
The store usually restocks every night.
If they didn’t get a shipment of your favorite item, they’ll be out today.
And you’ll be s— out of luck.
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In other Big Snow news, Ciara Webster sends along a reminder: When you dig out, don’t forget your vents.
Meanwhile, this was the temperature this morning — after the sun rose — on Saugatuck Shores:
(Photo/DinkinESH Fotografix)
Stay warm!
And of course, once the snow flies: Send your photos to 06880blog@gmail.com.
We live for this stuff.
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There will no doubt be many cancellations on Sunday (and, over 5,000 Westport students hope, on Monday too).
Here’s one for today: New York Polyphony, scheduled for 5 p.m. at Christ & Holy Trinity Church. Organizers are concerned that the musicians would have problems returning home.
In addition, Monday’s “Pie & Politics” League of Women Voters event, set for Lyfe Café, has already been postponed.
Residents who subscribe to town meeting notices grew concerned yesterday, when they read the agenda for the Historic District Commission’s February 10 session (7 p.m., Zoom).
Among the items: “To take such action as the meeting may determine to oppose the issuance of the demolition permit for 50 Post Road West and require the full 180-day delay.”
That’s the Greek Revival structure — once owned by the Sherwood family — that for nearly 2 centuries has stood halfway up the hill, near the downtown bridge.
In July, “06880” reported that Westporter Tomás Botero would be renovating it, creating 13 apartments.
Had plans changed?
Fortunately, no.
The demolition permit is for the building in back. The Cape-style structure is in bad structural shape, and will be demolished. Four more apartments will be added there, in a new barn-style building.
Twenty percent of the 17 units will be affordable, according to state guidelines.
Other demolition requests on the HDC agenda include:
50 Post Road West will not be torn down. It will be renovated, for 13 apartments.
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Nearly every day, it seems, VersoFest adds another great session.
The latest: a conversation with Bangles co-founder Susanna Hoffs and Alisyn Camerota. Hoffs will also perform. The event is March 6 (7 p.m., Westport Library).
After her work with that best-selling band, Hoffs has recorded solo albums,a nd collaborated with (among others) Elvis Costello and Rufus Wainwright.
She also published a novel, “The Bird Has Flown,” which NPR called “a valentine to music.”
Camerota — a Westport resident — is a veteran journalist, and rock memoirist.
The Westport Country Playhouse continues to add a variety of programs to its winter schedule.
“Laura & Linda Benanti: Mothers Know Best” (February 28, 8 p.m.) features Tony Award-winner Laura with her mother Linda, in a humorous show about mother-daughter relationships.
Isaac Mizrahi and his jazz band return (March 7, 8 p.m.), with comedy, commentary, and music from Sondheim and Blondie to Comden and Madonna.
“2motherpluckers” are back too, with their musical about motherhood (March 10, 7 p.m.).
An adaptation of “America’s Lost Band” — a film about the Remains, the great group with Staples High School graduates Barry Tashian and Bill Briggs, who toured with the Beatles in 1966 but broke up on the brink of stardom — was one of CPTV’s 5 most-watched programs in 2025.
The film was produced by 1971 Staples grad Fred Cantor.
“Lost Band” was the only standalone documentary short in the top 5. Two were CPTV-produced episodic shows; the others were feature-length documentaries that premiered on CPTV.
And finally … the announcement that Bangles co-founder will be part of this year’s VersoFest (story above) brings to mind:
(Just another wintry weekend. Whether you’re leisurely sipping coffee, or panicking about the weather, here’s one way to pass the time: Click here to support “06880.” Thank you — and stay warm!)
Both are on the menu this Monday (January 26, 7 p.m.). The League of Women Voters of Westport hosts their annual “Pie & Politics” panel, a few days before the General Assembly session begins in Hartford. It’s a decades-old tradition, organized by LWVs all over the state.
Local State Senator Ceci Maher, and State Representatives Jonathan Steinberg and Dominique Johnson will meet voters (and enjoy dinner). There’s also a panel, moderated by former State Representative Ken Bernhard.
They’ll discuss statewide issues like the budget, and local ones they’ll wrestle with, including affordable housing and the Cribari Bridge.
Two Representative Town Meeting (RTM) committees — Health & Human Services, and Environment — meet jointly on February 4 (7:30 p.m., Zoom).
The agenda includes:
Water contamination
Synthetic turf fields vs. grass fields
Reducing town pesticide applications
Tree preservation and clear-cutting
Noise ordinance.
Clear-cutting is on the RTM committees’ agenda.
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The VersoFest lineup just got even more festive.
Peter Shapiro — longtime owner and operator of concert venues like the Capitol Theatre and Brooklyn Bowl, and producer of many music festivals — and rock author, writer and documentarian Dean Budnick will discuss the legacy of the Grateful Dead, and the development of the jam band scene over the decades.
Their free session is March 29 (12 p.m.).
Shapiro produced Fare Thee Well: Celebrating 50 Years of the Grateful Dead. He founded Lockn’, a 4-day festival featuring Bob Weir, Phil Lesh, Widespread Panic and Tedeschi Trucks Band.
Budnick is the author of books on the music industry, and has written for Billboard, Variety and The Hollywood Reporter.
Speaking of prix fixe menus: Dandelion is serving up one for $95 on Valentine’s Day.
The February 14 “intimate and elevated” meal is “designed to be shared and savored,” at the restaurant in the Delamar Westport hotel.
It includes “a welcoming amuse bouche, followed by your choice of vibrant starters and beautifully composed entrées inspired by Mediterranean and Levantine flavors, from fresh seafood and wood-fired specialties to refined cuts of meat and seasonal vegetables. End on a sweet note with indulgent desserts created exclusively for the occasion.”
After 8 years as a professional with Brooks Beasts, the 2013 Staples High School and 2017 University of Virginia graduate — and holder of many Connecticut and collegiate running records (plus a world record, as a relay anchor) — is retiring.
Wynne began running as a freshman as a way to stay in shape for lacrosse. He soon realized he was a natural. He flourished under coach Laddie Lawrence, then went on to even great heights.
He missed the Olympics twice, by only two spots at the trials. But he stands tall, as one of Staples’ most accomplished athletes ever.
Congratulations, on a great career! You have inspired many young Westporters to follow — hopefully quickly — in your footsteps. (Hat tip: Reess Kennedy)
Henry Wynne (Photo/Will Hoffman for Runner’s World)
But the proposed remediation and redevelopment of Manresa Island — just off the Norwalk coast — is a Very Big Deal.
On Tuesday, the Westport Rotary Club heard all about it. Jessica Vonashek — executive director of the Manresa Island Corporation — described what may be ahead for the former NRG power plant. (That’s the smokestack we see from Compo Beach.)
The hope is to transform the site into a thriving (and accessible) 125-acre park. It would unlock almost 2 miles of shoreline access, and create a unique destination alongside the adaptive reuse of the structures at its center.
Westport Police made 3 custodial arrests between January 14 and 20.
A 30-year-old Piscataway, New Jersey man was charged with operating under the influence, traveling unreasonably fast and following too closely, after his vehicle struck a trash truck on Post Road West just before 4:30 a.m.
A 64-year-old Stamford man was charged with operating an unregistered motor vehicle, improper use of registration market plate, failure to maintain minimum insurance coverage, operating a motor vehicle without a license, and failure to appear, following a motor vehicle stop on Beachside Avenue.
A 53-year-old Westport woman was charged with failure to appear. Officers were called to a trespassing complaint, and learned that she was the subject of a warrant for an unrelated matter.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Texting while driving: 7 citations
Traveling unreasonably fast: 5
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 2
Speeding: 1
Evading responsibility: 1
Following too closely: 1
Failure to obey stop sign: 1
Failure to obey state traffic commission regulations: 1
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without a tint inspection: 1
Failure to remove snow from a motor vehicle: 1
Failure to renew license: 1
Failure to renew registration: 1
Improper windshield: 1
Improper rear/marker lamps: 1
It’s the law: You must remove snow and ice from your vehicle!
It’s a lot closer. And even though it’s a Middle School company, their “Addams Family” production may be worth checking out.
The curtain rises at Weston High School at 7 p.m. on January 30, and 3 p.m. on January 31 and February 1. Tickets are available online, and at the door.
Short Wharf Theater’s “Addams Family” cast. (Photo/Greg Cohen Photography)
And finally … in honor of Weston Middle School’s upcoming “Addams Family” show (story above):
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Natan Sharansky — the former Soviet dissident, political prisoner, Israeli leader, and worldwide symbol of freedom and democracy — is coming to Westport.
His “Night of Courage & Freedom” appearance — part of Chabad of Westport’s “Candid Conversations” series — is set for February 2 (7:30 p.m.; VIP reception at 6:45).
From enduring years in Soviet Union gulags to serving in the Knesset, Sharansky’s life story and message resonate powerfully today. He is the author of 2 books, and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
There’s always something new down at the (Wakeman Town) Farm — even in winter.
January brings new special events like Valentine’s Cooking, Valentine’s Dinner, Knitting Circle; classes on winter seed sowing, garden tools and cooking with mushrooms, plus new children’s program, and Toddler Tea and Story Time.
Alert “06880” reader — and Remarkable Bookcycle lover — Janine Scotti sends this photo:
(Photo/Janine Scotti)
She writes: “If I had a garage, I’d take care of this. But maybe someone who reads this can repair it. It looks like they plowed snow, which piled up against it.”
Shouldn’t be too hard a fix. Maybe one of those books includes a handy repair manual!
The latest addition to VersoFest ’26: Gina Gershon.
The actress joins journalist/ rock memoirist/Westporter Alisyn Camerota on March 28 (5 p.m.). They’ll discuss Gershon’s memoir “AlphaPussy: How I Survived the Valley and Learned to Love My Boobs.”
Tickets are $35, and include a copy of the book. Click here to purchase, and for more information.
In addition to Gershon, VersoFest includes a February 27 performance by rising rockers The Thing; a conversation with folk-rock legend Ani DiFranco (March 26); a March 27 concert with former Fugees star/rapper/multi-Grammy winner Wyclef Jean; talks with performers, actors, and authors, plus panel discussions, an interactive art installation, and more. Click here for details.
Gina Gershon
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Another library — Weston’s — kicks off Black History Month — and its “America 250: The Revolutionary Spirit Lecture Series” — with “Unhired Hands.”
The February 1 (3 p.m.) event with poet/actor/playwright David Mills explores the history of slavery in the North during the 18th century, through storytelling and poetry.
The event is co-sponsored by the Weston History & Culture Center, and the League of Women Voters of Weston.
Wayne Uccellini — the longtime owner and chef of the legendary Allen’s Clam & Lobster House — died peacefully on January 8, surrounded by his family. He was 80.
Wayne was a lifelong resident of Westport, and a 1964 graduate of Staples High School. After graduating from Transylvania University in 1968, he served in the US Army until 1970. He was stationed at the Pentagon as an illustrator.
In addition to the Westport restaurant, Wayne owned Allen’s East in Stratford. He operated both locations with his family for more than 40 years.
Wayne later served as the kitchen manager at Osborn Hill Elementary in Fairfield, where he was fondly known as “Mr. Wayne” by students and staff.
Wayne was an avid boater and fisherman, on Long Island Sound and Lake Taunton. He also spent countless hours training his beloved dogs.
His obituary says, “Wayne was a beloved mentor to many young people who passed through the doors of Allen’s Clam & Lobster House over the years. His greatest legacy is not only the delicious food he served, but the leadership, loyalty and work ethic he demonstrated to his devoted family, friends and community.”
Wayne is survived by his wife of 57 years, Karen (Miller); their children Jennifer Hios (Peter) of Fairfield; Tollie Barrato (Christopher) of Fairfield, and Matthew Uccellini (Kim) of Richmond, Virginia; grandchildren Megan and Kyle Hios, Ashley, Sophia and Charlotte Barrato, and Isla and Shea Uccellini; sisters Cheryl Spillane, Janis Pascarlla (Jim), sisters-in law Sally Uccellini (Douglas) and Hilde Uccellini (Ronald), and many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers Ronald and Douglas Uccellini, brother-in-law Edward Spillane, and sister-in-law Judith Uccellini.
A celebration of Wayne’s life will be held at a date to be determined.
Wayne Uccellini
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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” image shines a light on Westport, in mid-winter.
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