Folk-rock legend and cultural icon Ani DiFranco kicks off the 4-day weekend. She’ll chat with Lauren Coyle Rosen, co-author of their new book, “The Spirit of Ani: Reflections on Spirituality, Feminism, Music, and Freedom.
Their March 26 conversation (7 p.m.) will focus on DiFranco’s creativity, spirituality, and evolving consciousness.
DiFranco‘s 23 albums cross genres, and address a range of autobiographical, political and social issues.
“Verses” — her collection of poems and paintings — was published in 2007. Her memoir, “No Walls and the Recurring Dream,” was a bestseller. She is the author of the children’s books “The Knowing” and “Show Up and Vote.”
In 2024,\ DiFranco spent 5 months on Broadway, playing Persephone in “Hadestown.”
This year’s VersoFest also includes a February 27 performance by rising rockers The Thing; conversations with performers, actors and authors, plus panel discussions, an interactive art installation, and more. Click here for details.
Ani DiFranco (Photo/Shervin Lainez)
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The Grammy Award-winning artist/producer/composer/Fugees co-founder has just been booked as the headliner for the March 27 concert.
He’ll be there with his full band. Tickets are $125, and available now at VersoFest.org.
If that’s not enough: Jean’s show will support Music Will — the largest nonprofit music education program for schools in the United States.
Wyclef Jean
VersoFest is the Westport Library’s annual music and media conference — a forum for media creators, artists, and fans to converge.
The music that Jean has written, performed and produced — both as a solo superstar, and as founder and guiding member of the Fugees — has been a powerful pop cultural force for more than 2 decades.
Hits include the Fugees’ reinvention of Roberta Flack’s 1973 ballad “Killing Me Softly”; “Hips Don’t Lie” with Shakira, which he co-wrote, produced, and is featured on; his own “Gone Till November”; “Ghetto Superstar”; Carlos Santana’s Numeber 1 single “Maria, Maria” (featuring Jean); and Whitney Houston’s “My Love is Your Love.”
Jean has earned 3 Grammy Awards; Golden Globe and Emmy nominations, and the cover of Rolling Stone’s “Top 50 Hip Hop Players.” He’s made music with Michael Jackson, Queen, Mick Jagger, Paul Simon, Earth Wind & Fire, Kenny Rogers, and Tom Jones.
As a solo artist, Jean’s 6 albums have sold nearly 9 million copies worldwide.
Now he’ll be in Westport — performing for just 700 people, in the cutting-edge, intimate Library space.
But the Westport Police Department had 3 big jobs on Saturday.
They monitored the massive “Hands Off!” protest on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge.
Nearby, hundreds of visitors flocked to the Westport Library, for VersoFest.
And not far away, in the middle of it all, was the funeral service for retired Police Chief Ron Malone.
All that is without the normal Saturday Post Road traffic.
Sure, our police officers — including Chief Foti Koskinas, who seemed to be everywhere — were just doing their job.
Police Chief Foti Koskinas, at Saturday’s protest. (Photo/Alan Shinbaum)
But they did it with plenty of professionalism, politeness, and understanding that “To Protect and Serve” are not just words on their cop cars.
They kept the protesters safe. They helped drivers navigate through. They answered questions from visitors. And they gave their former chief the sendoff he deserved.
We are lucky that our police officers — those on patrol and special duties, and those who lead them — do such a good job, “just doing their job.”
They’re the police, sure. But they’re also human.
Saturday was tough. There was a lot going on, with a lot of moving parts. Thanks to the Westport Police Department, those parts all worked together.
Keeping protesters safe, and traffic moving. (Photo/Dan Woog)
(Unsung Hero is a weekly “06880” feature. To nominate a hero, email 06880blog@gmail.com. To support our work, please click here. Thank you!)
Posted onApril 9, 2025|Comments Off on Roundup: “Born To Run” At 50, The Pledge At Y’s Men, Inam At Clarendon …
One of this year’s VersoFest highlights was a compelling panel discussion, honoring the 50th anniversary of Bruce Springsteen’s “Born to Run” album.
Arlen Schumer (art director of Thunder Road, the first magazine dedicated to Springsteen’s life and music) and Dick Wingate (former music industry senior executive who managed Springsteen’s “Darkness on the Edge of Town”) moderated the event, with Mike Appel, Springsteen’s first manager and co-producer of “Born to Run”; Michael Pillot, former Columbia Records promotions director; Robert Santelli, executive director of the Bruce Springsteen Archives, and Kenneth Womack, co-author of “Bruce Songs.”
When Congressman Jim Himes visited the Y’s Men of Westport & Weston last week, the traditional opening Pledge of Allegiance included a preamble written by and delivered by US Navy veteran (and Staples High School graduate) John Brandt.
Christy Colasurdo and Liz Milwe — Wakeman Town Farm leaders for over 12 years — updated the Westport Rotary Club on the continuing evolution of the Cross Highway sustainability and education center.
Among the topics: The planned major addition of a barn. So far, $150,000 has been raised for construction.
Other updates included activities for families and children: vegetable gardens, workshops, camps, youth programs and more.
Christy Colasurdo and Liz Milwe, at the Westport Rotary Club. (Hat tip and photo/Dave Matlow)
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Inam — the artists specializing in forests, rivers and changing seasons — will greet visitors to Clarendon Fine Art on April 26 (6 to 8 p.m.).
The gallery will cover sales tax for all purchases made at the event.
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Former Westporter Susan Reeves died peacefully in Niantic on Sunday, surrounded by her family. She was 94.
She attended Gettysburg College, where she was Homecoming Queen as a freshman and met her future husband, Donal. They married in 1951 and settled in Westport. For 50 years they connected with nature there, and raised 3 daughters.
Sue was active in the Westport Garden Club, and built lifelong friendships there. She was president from 1977 to 1979. She cared for cemeteries and public gardens,tended tomato starts in preparation for the annual Plant Sale, and hosting tea parties for Garden Club friends.
She was proud of her involvement developing Grace Salmon Park, and the restoration of Adams Academy.
Sue excelled at flower arranging, acrylic painting, sewing and quilting. The results were shared with family, including quilts for weddings, graduations and births.
Sue and Don also enjoyed skiing and boating (on their 38-foot powerboat “Susan”) with their family. Each summer culminated in a month with longtime friends on Martha’s Vineyard.
As she aged, kayaking became a way to connect with the water. At 90 she purchased her first kayak. At 91 she kayaked in the Pacific Northwest San Juan Islands with her daughter.
Susan is survived by her daughters Linda Morrissey (Kevin), Donna Abbott (Ted) and Lisa Zenner (John); grandchildren Kaylin, Kyle, Lindsay, Greg, Thomas and Elizabeth, and great-grandchildren Bryce, Tucker, Caleb, Maverick, Lily, Lydia, Isla, Teddy and Lucy. She was predeceased by her husband of 68 years, Donal.
Her family thanks caregivers Ann Marie, Taylor, Lynne, Elizabeth, Jessica and Terri; her trainer Axel, who kept her physically strong enough to adventure in her 90’s; the team at VITAS Hospice, and pastor Ben of Christ Presbyterian Church.
Celebrations of life will take place in June. Donations in Susan’s memory can be directed to Christ Presbyterian Church, PO Box 543, Niantic, CT 06357.
Susan Reeves
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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” image comes from behind the police station.
Johanna Keyser Rossi writes: “I’ve seen these swans attempting to build a nest there. It’s not an ideal place — not much foliage to hide in.”
And finally … Clem Burke, “whose energetic, versatile drumming provided the beat for the band Blondie as it churned out post-punk, disco and rock hits” (says the New York Times), died on Sunday. He was 70, and had battled cancer.
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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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Also yesterday morning, VersoFest attendees attempted to set a world record for the “loudest library.”
They got up to 119 decibels. That’s equivalent to a chain saw, firecrackers — or a rock concert.
Getting ready to get loud! (Photo/Matthew Mandell)
The afternoon continued with a panel discussion on Bruce Springsteen’s breakthrough album — “Born To Run,” celebrating its 50th anniversary — with 4 men who were there at the start.
Dick Wingate and Arlen Schumer hosted The Boss’ manager/producer Mike Appel, Springsteen Archives and Center for American Music executive director Bob Santelli; former Columbia Records executive Michael Pillot, and music culture writer Kenneth Womack.
Dick Wingate (left) with the Bruce Springsteen panel. (Photo courtesy of DinkinEsh Fotographix)
VersoFest concludes today, at 11 a.m. Paul Shaffer — legendary “Saturday Night Live” band member and “David Letterman” music director — chats with SNL Beehive Queen Christine Ohlman. Click here for tickets, and more information.
The local bakery — begun by Westporters Bill and Andrea Pecoriello to provide job training and employment to people with disabilities — now sells its Colossal (and colossally good) cookies at Yankee Stadium (concourses 121 and 211).
Fans are eating them up. Sweet P’s order went from 10 dozen cookies per home stand, to 75 dozen.
National reporter and “06880” contributor Dave Briggs visited Sweet P Bakery the other day. In between bites, he shot a great behind-the-scenes Instagram reel.
Click here or below to meet the very talented bakers, and hear the back story of Westport’s newest baseball stars.
In addition to VersoFest — and the large “Hands Off” demonstration — downtown Westport was also the site yesterday for retired Police Chief Ron Malone‘s wake and funeral.
The highly respected former chief — and Representative Town Meeting member — died last week. In his honor, police headquarters was draped in bunting.
Also yesterday: Dustin Lowman performed at Voices Café.
The 2011 Staples High School graduate — now a Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter, whose career is taking off quickly — entertained a sellout crowd, at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Westport’s monthly coffeehouse.
Next up: a tribute to Peter Paul & Mary (May 10), with Westport’s Suzanne Sheridan, the Kennedys and Mustard’s Retreat. Click here for details.
“Taste of Westport” is one of Westport’s most anticipated — and delicious — fundraisers of the year.
CLASP Homes — the sponsor and grateful recipient of proceeds from the 19th annual event (June 5, 6 p.m., The Inn at Longshore) has announced an all-star lineup of restaurants.
Each has a table, with tempting samples. They include:
Westporters who enjoy Grace Salmon Park — or just drive by on Imperial Avenue — have been intrigued by its new “Tulip Bulb.”
That’s the sculpture by Emily Teall, which she’s loaned to the town.
Next Sunday (April 13, 3 p.m.), the large patinated steel work will be officially dedicated, by the Westport Arts Advisory Committee. The ceremony will include poetry by town poet laureate Donna Disch, remarks from the artist, and music.
Artist Emily Teall, with her work. (Photo/Mary Schwartzman)
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Fire up your Easter Egg hunting nose and toes.
The Westport Uniformed Firefighters Charitable Foundation’s annual free event is April 19 (2 p.m., Long Lots Elementary School).
Bring a basket or bag. And get ready to pose for photos with the Easter Bunny!
Skunk cabbage — which got its name from the odor given off by bruised leaves — is popping up all around town.
Eve Potts snapped today’s “Westport … Naturally” image outside her home.
You can almost smell it, right?!
(Photo/Eve Potts)
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And finally … on this date in 1947, the first Tony Awards were presented for theatrical achievement.
Musicals represented at the ceremony were “Street Scene,” “Brigadoon” and “Finian’s Rainbow.”
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Over 500 law firms have backed several of their biggest colleagues. In a “friend of the court” brief, they said that President Trump’s threats against firms that have crossed him personally are “a grave threat to our system of constitutional governance and to the rule of law itself.”
The Bridgeport-based firm — which recently won a near-$1 billion suit against Alex Jones on behalf of Sandy Hook families — was founded in 1936 by Theodore Koskoff.
His son — Westporter Michael Koskoff — was a longtime partner. His grandson Josh now carries on their long civil rights and social justice legacy.
Describing the decision to join the amicus brief, Josh writes: “Today we joined firms across the country to say to the president and others that would seek to deny access to justice for individuals wronged by the government that your threats only fill us with resolve, that we will not bend the knee and pay tribute or do your dirty work, and that we 100 percent will not yield in our service to individuals wronged by your abuse.”
Josh Koskoff
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The Wallflowers — Jakob Dylan’s band — rocked the Westport Library yesterday, on the second day of VersoFest.
The 4th annual music/media-and-more event continues today.
From 10 to 11:30 a.m., artist 5iveFingaz hosts a rotating cast of DJs. Attendees will try to set a record for “world’s loudest library” withprimal scram. There’s also live art installations, and other family fun.
At noon and 1 p.m. there’s “Graffiti 101,” followed by a 1 p.m. panel on the 50th anniversary of Bruce Springsteen’s “Born to Run”; Black Thought, lead emcee of The Roots, in a 4 p.m. conversation, and Henry Rollins at 7 p.m.
Paul Shaffer headlines tomorrow’s events (Sunday, 11 a.m.).
Click here for the full schedule. Click here for the live auction, with Keith Richards’ guitar and more.
The Wallflowers, in concert at VersoFest … (Photo copyright DinkinESH Fotographix)
… and meeting fans outside. (Photo/Matthew Mandell)
The United Methodist Church’s Easter Egg hunt, scheduled for today at 2 p.m., has been postponed to tomorrow (2 p.m., indoors).
It’s free — but donations of non-perishable food for local pantries are welcome.
Easter Egg Hunt, at the United Methodist Church.
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April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month.
And local, state and federal officials are celebrating it.
Westport Police are teaming up with the Connecticut and US Departments of Transportation for a “U Drive/U Text/U Pay” campaign.
At any moment, 660,000 drivers are using electronic devices while driving. More than 3,000 people have been killed annually in crashes involving distracted drivers — about 8% of all fatal accidents.
Connecticut law prohibits the use of any hand-held mobile electronic device while operating a motor vehicle. Drivers who are 16 or 17 years of age are prohibited from using a cell phone or mobile device at any time, even with a hands-free accessory.
Tickets are $200 for the first offense, $375 for the second offense, and $625 for the third and subsequent offenses. For more information, click here.
Speaking of the Connecticut Department of Transportation: Last month they announced plans to build a new maintenance facility on their property, behind Walgreens and Saatva.
They have not wasted any time getting started. Clear-cutting has already begun.
View from the Sherwood Island Connector. (Photo/Matt Murray)
Longtime Westport resident Michael Hoherchak died Tuesday. He was 94.
Michael J. Hoherchak, a beloved resident of Westport, CT for the past 68 years, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 94.
He was a member of St Luke’s parish, the Masons and the Ancient Order of the Scottish Rite.
Growing up in Brooklyn he worked a wide variety of jobs from an early age: (selling newspapers, being a messenger, helping in a meat market, and as an engineering aide, TV installer, clerk and surveyor.
The first member of his family to attend college, he received engineering degrees from the University of Virginia and New York University.
He began his professional career as a mechanical engineer at AMF. He worked as a project manager in the pollution control industry, most recently for ABB.
Mike is survived by his wife of 68 years, Gay; son Michael (Monica), daughter Karin (David) and grandchildren Sasha, Natasha, Michael, Klara and Justin. He was predeceased by his sister Mary-Ellen.
A wake will be held tomorrow (Sunday, April 6, 2 to 4:30 p.m., Harding Funeral Home). A funeral Mass will be at St Luke on Monday (noon).
His family is grateful to the caring doctors, nurses and staff at Norwalk Hospital. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association.
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Westporter Alan Nudelman died Wednesday. He was 87.
The Chicago native graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in engineering. He served as an Army lieutenant. After 25 years at IBM, he became president of Composition Materials for 30 years.
Alan is survived by his wife Kay; daughters Julie Naye and Joey Sadavrati; stepsons David Elster and Jeff Elster; grandchildren Wes, Jack, George and Jett
Naye; step-grandchildren Sydney Elster and Alex Elster, and sister Iris Anosov.
A funeral service will be held Monday (April 7, 2 p.m., Temple Israel).
Memorial contributions can be made to the Anti-Defamation League.
And finally … in honor of the Wallflowers’ show last night, at VersoFest (story above):
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It would be easy to reduce the controversy over Patti Smith’s VersoFest appearance to a few contentious sentences:
A group protested the National Book Award winner and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee’s invitation to the 4th annual music/media and more event.
Citing her Instagram account, which included (among other things) a reposted flyer saying “Palestine belongs to Palestinians,” they called Smith antisemitic, and demanded the Library cancel her kickoff conversation with Westport journalist Alisyn Camerota.
The Library refused, citing its own commitment to “the free and open exchange of ideas.”
A group of about 75 people protested outside the Library an hour before Thursday’s event. Smith and Camerota went on as scheduled, in front of a sellout crowd of about 500.
Patti Smith at VersoFest. (Photo/Dinkin ESH Fotografix)
But that was not the whole story.
On a table near the Trefz Forum, 4 posters on 2 tables paid tribute to the 378 attendees killed by Hamas on October 7, 2023, at the Nova Music Festival.
Near flickering candles, the posters showed the young revelers.
“Music and art have the power to unite us in both darkness and light,” the first poster read.
“May these flames be a symbol of our shared humanity, and our unwavering belief that love is stronger than hate.”
One part of the Nova Music Festival display …
Another poster included the words to Bob Dylan’s universal anthem, “Blowin’ in the Wind.”
The display had been created in just 24 hours by Representative Town Meeting memberMelissa Levy. And it was there because Library executive director Bill Harmer had heeded her request.
… and the other. (Photos/Sal Liccione)
Her pleas to Harmer — and his reversal of his previous position, to allow the counter-programming — is the real story of the Patti Smith controversy.
When she shared her concerns about Smith’s appearance in her first email to Harmer and Library board of trustees president Pat Wieser, and a subsequent meeting, antisemitism was on Levy’s mind.
Her 12-year-old son was recently a victim. (The school handled it swiftly and well, she says, and the young perpetrator and his family have been very open and receptive too.)
Noting that antisemitism and hate speech stem from a lack of education and awareness, Levy urged Harmer and Wieser to include counterbalanced programming at Smith’s VersoFest appearance.
Harmer said no.
Levy replied with some concrete ideas — including tying in the Nova Music Festival in Israel with Westport’s VersoFest.
On Wednesday — 24 hours before Smith’s appearance, and the demonstration that preceded it — Harmer said yes.
Melissa Levy
“He sent a lovely message,” Levy says. “He said this would be very meaningful, and he was happy to include it.”
And, the director told her, he looked forward to getting together after VersoFest to plan other activities.
Levy quickly put her display together.
On Thursday it was there in the Library, a few steps from the stage.
Yesterday, Harmer emailed Levy: “The display is now prominently centered in the Hub — front and center for everyone to see as they enter the Library.
“With an expected 3,000 people visiting over the next 3 days, our hope is that all of our festival-goers, community members and neighbors will take a moment to experience the powerful and thoughtful exhibit you’ve helped bring to life.
“We’re grateful for your collaboration and your commitment to honoring these stories in such a meaningful way. It’s a strong reminder of the role we all play in lifting up compassion and community.”
Levy says, “My goal was not to be divisive. Bill’s ‘180’ says a lot.
“I was willing to stand up for what I, and others, believed in. Bill had been focused on his ideas. But he came to the table. It’s good for the community to know that you can get your point across without being divisive.
“This shows how kind activism can lead to collaborative results. And that we have highlighted how important education and understanding are around these very sensitive subjects.
“This is the happiest ending I could have asked for.”
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Here’s a high five to Coleytown Middle School student Madden Orlovsky.
On Wednesday he celebrated World Autism Day by covering the ESPN studio with his artwork.
Madden Orlovsky and his dad at ESPN, with Madden’s artwork.
It was a truly special day — for Madden, his father Dan (a noted ESPN personality), Dan’s studio colleagues, and tens of millions of viewers and social media followers.
Click here for a great Twitter/X post. Former Westporter Mike Greenberg called it “the best show ever.”
Screenshot of Madden Orlovsky, his father Dan, and the ESPN crew.
The network’s 28 million Instagram followers loved Madden too. Click here or below.
Finally, click here to watch Dan talk about the day with Pat McAfee. (Hat tips: Dave Briggs, Beth Cody, Jeff Mitchell)
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Save a Life Day is Wednesday (April 9).
In Westport, that’s more than a proclamation.
At 7 p.m. (Town Hall), Aspetuck Health District and Positive Directions invites residents to learn how to recognize an opioid overdose, and how to use Narcan to save a life.
An important related event is National Drug Take-Back Day (April 27, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.).
In addition, Westport and Weston Police Departments have medication disposal safety boxes in their lobbies. They are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for safe disposal of prescription drugs.
And in recognition of Alcohol Awareness Month, on Monday (April 7, 7 p.m., Zoom), the Westport Prevention Coalition hosts a virtual community discussion: “Exploring Westport’s Relationship with Alcohol.”
Panelists will share perspectives as a parent, person in recovery, mental health counselor, substance counselor, LGBTQ community member and teen. Click here to register.
Wakeman Town Farm and Sustainable Westport honor Earth Day together.
Their April 26 “Spring Garden Fest” event includes a workshop on growing dahlias, a talk about sustainable garden practices and choosing the best pollinator plants for your garden, a demonstration of battery-charged garden tools, and a free native “seed bomb” from Terrain. Click here for details.
Meanwhile, do you love vegetables? Want to plan a garden? But have no clue how to begin?
If you can wait till May 5 (7 p.m.), check out Wakeman Town Farm’s “Wild About Veggies” workshop. Click here for more information, and to register.
The Planning & Zoning Commission meets this Thursday (April 10, 6 p.m., Town Hall Rooms 201/201A).
There is 1 agenda item: “Discussion of the proposed Long Lots Elementary School submitted by the Long Lots School Building Committee to receive feedback on site design at 13 Hyde Lane.”
The public may observe, but not participate. Written public comments prior to the meeting will be accepted. Click here for the “Contact” page on the town website.
A very preliminary drawing of the new Long Lots Elementary School was shown at the “State of the Town” meeting this winter.
ADL Connecticut, Temple Israel, TCS, Chabad of Westport, the Fairfield Jewish Advocacy Coalition, the Jewish Federation of Greater Fairfield County and Beth El Norwalk are joining together to sponsor please join us for a screening of the documentary “October 8.”
The April 17 event (6:30 p.m., Westport Library) will be followed by a talkback and Q-and-A with the production team.
The documentary explores the explosion of antisemitism on college campuses, social media, and America streets beginning the day after the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel by Hamas.
The film also “uncovers how, over decades, Hamas created sophisticated networks in America to permeate US institutions and examines the tsunami of online antisemitism, propaganda and disinformation unleashed by Iran, China and Russia — with the sole purpose of dividing American society.”
There are also 2 screenings at the AMC Royale in Norwalk, on April 8 (6:30 and 7:30 p.m.). Click here for details.
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The curtain rises tonight on the Coleytown Company production of “Matilda The Musical.” A few seats remain for this weekend’s 4 performances of the Roald Dahl-inspired show.
Coleytown Company promises “colorful characters, rousing songs, and an inspiring storyline.” The show will entertain audiences of all ages — especially elementary school, with its “relatable and magical” story.
Shows tonight (Friday, 7 p.m.), tomorrow (Saturday, 1 and 7 p.m.), and Sunday (1 p.m.). Click here for tickets.
The Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport hosts a multi-generational Passover Seder potluck on April 19 (5:30 p.m.).
Passover honors the Israelites’ freedom from slavery in Egypt. At a Seder, families, friends and strangers remember the Exodus through stories, music and ritual foods.
The Unitarian Universalist Congregation evokes the spirit of many different religions, and celebrates various traditions. Everyone, of all ages, is invited to this Seder. The only requirement is to pre-register, by clicking here.
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Last Sunday’s Westport Swim Club meet at Staples High School drew 50 swimmers, and over spectators.
It was a fun, productive event — complete with cowbells and pizza — for youngsters who had been working on their strokes, with old friends and new ones.
Click here to learn more about the Westport Swim Club.
Westport Swim Club youngsters and coaches.
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How do you move an asteroid?
If anyone knows, it’s Nancy Chabot.
On April 15 (8 p.m.; Zoom and YouTube), the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory’s planetary chief scientist tells the Westport Astronomical Society about the Double Asteroid Redirection Test: the first mission to move an asteroid.
The Staples High School team of Alexia Damian and Sophie Jacques recently placed first in the Connecticut Debate Association’s state finals (novice division).
Coach John Bengston’s sophomore squad won all 4 rounds, in the 40-team event. their coach.
Please find attached a photo (photo by Lucy Basso ’27) of the team from left: Debate Coach and Social Studies Teacher John Bengston, Alexia Damian ’27 and Sophie Jacques ’27
Staples debate team coach John Bengston, with Alexia Damian and Sophie Jacques.
The Weston High School junior recently led a drive that distributed over 12,000 pounds of food to more than 1,300 underserved residents in Florida.
He rallied his peers to join the effort. Click here for his inspiring blog post.
The project was part of Joshua’s Heart Foundation, which fights food insecurity.. Bruce serves on the junior advisory board, and leads the partners and sponsors team.
Bruce is also an Eagle Scout with Troop 788 in Weston, a member of the National Honor Society, a Congressional Award gold nedalist, and a 4-time recipient of the President’s Volunteer Service Award.
He also serves as presidenet of WHS’ HOSA Club, secretary general of Model UN, and vice president of the American Heroes Club. And … Bruce is also a black belt in kung fu.
Bruce Matos, helping fight food insecurity.
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Speaking of Weston: The town’sCommission for the Arts and Friends of the Weston Library invite artists to submit up to 3 works. They’ll be considered for the Weston Connections Art Exhibit, set for the Library in July.
Artists (age 14 or older) must have a “connection” to Weston — a local subject matter, current or former resident, or work or volunteer there. Click here for details.
Every year, “06880” runs photos of American oystercatchers at Compo Beach.
Today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature shows one at Burying Hill Beach.
It’s a beauty.
(Photo/Lou Weinberg)
Photographer Lou Weinberg says: “Whenever I see these beautiful birds, it gives me hope the environment still has some sustaining power. Nature wins!
“The American oystercatcher subsists primarily on shellfish. They live in a narrow ecological zone consisting of salt marshes and barrier beaches.
“According to the American Oystercatcher Working Group, threats to these native coastal birds include direct loss of habitat from coastal development and expanding human recreational activity, elevated predation from predator populations augmented by human activities, loss of primary food sources by: pollution, decline in water quality, restricted groundwater flow, disease, invasive exotic marine organisms, and (of course) effects of global climate change, particularly sea level rise eliminating small isolated islands used for nesting and roosting.”
And finally … in honor of Coleytown Company’s big show this weekend (story above):
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But the Rolling Stones/Rock & Roll Hall of Fame guitarist/longtime Weston resident signed a bunch of items.
After this weekend, they can be yours.
Among the items up for sale at the Library’s very cool auction, running in conjunction with the 4-day VersoFest that kicked off last night:
A signature Keith Richards guitar, signed by Richards. (Starting bid: $12,500)
2 signed first edition first-printing copies of “Life,” Richards’ best-selling memoir
A professionally framed print by famed Westport photographer Michael Friedman of Richards and the Rolling Stones in concert at Madison Square Garden, signed by both Friedman and Richards
An original art portrait of Richards, painted by VersoFest 2025 featured artist 5ivefingaz, signed by both Richards and 5ivefingaz.
Keith’s guitar.
Non-Keith Richards auction items include travel opportunities like trips to the American Music Awards Show, Disney World, New Orleans and more.
Richards’ items will be on display throughout VersoFest. Proceeds benefit the festival.
The auction has already begun. It closes at 11:59 p.m. Sunday (April 6). Click here to see all items — and bid.
Keith Richards’ 5ivefingaz print (left), and Michael Friedman’s photograph. Both are autographed.
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