Tag Archives: VFW Post 399

Roundup: Compo Parties, August Laska. Brian Keane …

Posted on September 21, 2026 | 7 comments

Last week, “06880” reported on a new trend: massive parties at Compo Beach, outside the homes along Soundview Drive. Revelers appear to be primarily freshmen. That was the second in as many weekends.

The third week offered no reprieve.

A reader writes: “There was a mob scene of freshmen. I’m told by one of the town employees, who is trying to keep them under control along with a few cops, that there are 4 or 5 different schools having these insane parties at Compo. They are on people’s property, running around, leaving trash and drinking.

“It’s absolutely awful. Probably 300 kids.

“This is the third time, and probably the worst I have seen it this season.

“It’s a real problem. I couldn’t even walk the beach for over an hour.

“One Staples junior football player told me he tries to help out with the situation because the kids know him.

“The last time, I met a resident who was outside of her house not knowing what to do. She said all her windows were closed, and the noise was very disturbing.

“I’m all for kids having a good time, but this is out of control.”

Freshman party, 2 weekends ago.

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As a Staples Players actors, August Laska starred in a variety of shows, like “Guys and Dolls,” “Little. Shop of Horrors,” “West Side Story” and “A Chorus Line.”

He’s played many “roles” since then.

After graduating in 2013, August majored in film and media at Middlebury College.

While many classmates joined the “Middlebury to Goldman Sachs pipeline,” he headed to Los Angeles. He worked for Snapchat and loved the West Coast, but realized technology was not for him.

In 2018 August joined the marketing team at Disney Theatrical Productions.

Which all led to …opening a plant store.

August founded The Old Yew Plant Shop in the West Village in 2021. He now owns a second store too, on the Upper West Side.

August has earned renown for his ability to understand customers’ needs, educated them about both design (what plant goes where), and diagnostics (what happens when pests invade, or plants die).

Yesterday, the New York Times Real Estate section featured a long piece on August, and his magic touch with customers.

All those communication skills are certainly paying off. Particularly from “Little Shop of Horrors.” Click here for the full story. (Hat tip: John Dodig)

August Laska, at his Old Yew Plant Shop. (Photo/Ngoc Minh Ngo for New York Times)

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Ric Burns’ 2 new episodes of his sprawling, highly regard “New York” documentary film — the first in 23 years — air tonight and tomorrow on PBS (9 p.m.).

A 10-volume soundtrack was just released for streaming.

And there’s a great Westport connection.

Staples High School Class of 1971 graduate Brian Keane composed that soundtrack.

But that’s not all. Brian spoke yesterday at the IFC Center in New York, at a tribute to Jane Goodall.

Brian scored the original chimps movie that helped put Goodall on the map in the 1980s, and also scored Ruby Yang’s film “Vanishing Song” about a gibbon in Malaysia. Goodall was collaborating on that documentary when she died.

Brian Keane (center) with Ric Burns (right) and Burns’ son Simon, at Keane’s studio. A newborn when “New York” came out in 1999, Simon is now assisting on his father’s 2 new episodes. A 10-volume complete soundtrack set of Keane’s score — one for each episode — is streaming on all platforms. 

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The next Veterans Benefits Luncheon (Thursday, September 24, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.), VFW Post 399).

It’s open to all veterans as part of an ongoing effort to check in on all veterans’ welfare, and connect them with the benefits and support they earned.

Representatives will answer questions, and provide information on services and assistance available to veterans.

RSVPs are encouraged (but not required). Email vfw399ct@gmail.com, and include the number of attendees, or call (203) 227-6796.

PS: If you’re not a veteran, but know one: Please pass the word!

VFW veterans’ benefits luncheon.

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In 2024, Lisa Bastoni sold out First Folk Sunday.

The Westport-native artist returns soon. She’ll do it again.

Rozanne Gates and Suzanne Sheridan, creators of First Folk Sunday, saw Bastoni perform in Northampton, Massachusetts — where she now lives — in 2023.

Impressed with her songwriting prowess, musicianship and connection to the audience, they invited her to Westport. Neither knew her roots.

Lisa told Rozanne, “I was just a kid, but I was at the anti-war rally you organized in 2001 on Jesup Green when Suzanne sang. I thought she was wonderful.”

On October 4 (12:30 p.m., Saugatuck Rowing Club), Lisa and Suzanne will sing together

Lisa wrote “There Are No Kings in America,” which has been sung nationally at many No Kings rallies. Suzanne Sheridan sang it in March, on Jesup Green.

Click here for tickets, and more information. Doors open at noon; an a la carte menu and open bar are available. Questions? Call 203-984-7562.

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StartUp Westport continues to expand its programming.

The town’s public/private partnership to serve entrepreneurs and innovators continued its “Founder Stories” series last week, at Content Studio in Saugatuck.

Amy Hochhauser and Rhodie Lorenz spoke with Julie Roehm about JoyRide. They went behind the scenes, offering insights into what it takes to build, grow and evolve a business — including unforeseen challenges like COVID.

Founded in Westport in 2010, JoyRide pioneered the local boutique fitness movement, expanding into a beloved regional brand across multiple studios in Connecticut and Texas. While the business ultimately closed its doors, its multi-year trajectory offers a master class in scaling, community building, making tough decisions, and navigating complex market shifts.

For more information on StartUp Westport, click here.

Amy Hochhauser, Rhodie Lorenz and Julie Roehm, at last week’s Startup Westport event.

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Tomorrow is the first day of fall.

And — right on time — our “Westport … Naturally” series presents this Wilton Road beauty:

(Photo/John Maloney)

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And finally … in honor of all who celebrate Yom Kippur:

(Another Monday … and another Roundup, to start it off. If you appreciate all the ways you can learn about Westport on this hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Roundup: Flood Alert! And Following Up: Compo Parties, Mill Pond Shellfishing, 9/11 …

Posted on September 13, 2026 | 6 comments

The National Weather Service has extended its flash flood warning for the area until 11 a.m.

About 2 1/2 inches of rain have already fallen. Additional rainfall of 2 more inches could occur. Be safe and smart!

Pumpkin Hill and Colony Roads (Photo/Kimberly Paris)

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A Compo Beach resident who requests anonymity writes:

I want to share what our neighborhood has seen over the past 7 days, in case it isn’t already on the town’s and citizens’ radar.

  • Sustained reckless driving and speeding on Compo Beach Road and Soundview Drive, including late at night.
  • 2 gatherings of 300-plus young people on the beach. Several attendees said they were freshmen at Staples High School. There was open drinking and littering.
  • Each of the following mornings, the beach, seawall and road were covered in bottles, cans and trash.

On Friday night, at least 7 police cars were on the beach. Working alongside a Parks & Recreation Department supervisor, they kept the situation under control, dispersing a crowd of 300 quickly and calmly.

It was genuinely impressive, and they deserve credit for it.

Compo is one of the best things this town gives its kids. A night on that beach with friends is exactly what a place like Westport should want for them.

What gives me pause is the combination — a crowd that size, alcohol, fast cars, and an unlit road with no separation between pedestrians and traffic.

It’s fun — until the night it isn’t.

Friday night’s Compo Beach party.

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Speaking of the beach: The other day, our Roundup linked to a breathless story in the Connecticut Centinal, which charged that hundreds of “illegal aliens” were illegally shellfishing in Westport every night, “until there is nothing left.” And that no one in our town cared.

I noted that Media Bias/Fact Check calls the oddly spelled Centinal “an extreme right-biased imposter website (rated) Questionable based on the promotion of propaganda, conspiracy theories, pseudoscience, poor sourcing, and false claims.”

Bingo!

Westport Animal Control officer Peter Reid spoke to Corporal Brendan Fearon of the Westport Police Department’s Marine Division.

He told Reid the WPD has been monitoring Sherwood Mill Pond. The current activity is for blue crabs only — which is legal.

Fearon said the Mill Pond is closed to shellfishing, and that during inspections they have not seen any shellfish in the buckets. He has also not seen any juvenile terrapins, a concern of Reid’s.

Fearon added that the large groups that were there a couple of summers ago (and were commercial operations) are a thing of the past. Numerous arrests were made. He noted that the current crabbers are mostly families.

This Connecticut Centinal photo purported to show illegal shellfishing.

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Former Y’s Men president Dewey Loselle honored 9/11 last week, with a deeply personal remembrance at the group’s first meeting of the season.

In 2001 Loselle — who later served as Wesport’s town operations director, under 1st Selectman Jim Marpe — was a partner in a consulting firm, with offices near the World Trade Center.

He had gone to the Port Authority for a morning meeting, and narrowly escaped from the 63rd floor of the North Tower after a hijacked plane struck the building at 8:46 a.m.

Loselle described the thunderous impact, the building’s violent swaying, and the immediate decision to leave everything behind and head for the stairs.

In a vivid account, Loselle recalled the extremely narrow, crowded, smoky stairwells; the uncertainty over what had happened, and the courage of fellow evacuees and first responders.

He spoke of encountering a man in a wheelchair and his companion, who later perished while awaiting help, as well as members of Fire Department Rescue Company 1 climbing upward in full gear.

Loselle and his team eventually escaped into the chaos outside, where debris fell, people fled in every direction, and the collapsing towers sent a massive dust cloud through Lower Manhattan.

Loselle described his wife Susan reaching his cell phone in the stairwell before communications failed, and the hours she spent not knowing whether he had survived.

His presentation was both an account of survival, and a plea to preserve the memory of those killed.

Dewey Loselle, speaking to the Y’s Men. (Photo/Ted Horowitz)

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Mia Dillon is a Westport Country Playhouse favorite.

She debuted there in 1979, and has performed often since then. Her nexxt appearance is tomorrow (September 14, 7 p.m.), in the Script in Hand play reading of “The Next Best Thing.”

Dillon plays Jo, an outspoken and wildly inappropriate grandmother who takes issue with the impeccably polite android version of herself created to replace her after she dies. The play asks: Should we embrace what’s difficult about the people we love, or settle for a more acceptable alternative: the next best thing?

Click here for tickets, and more information. 

Mia Dillon

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Cleaning your closet for a new season?

Donate gently used clothing and accessories — and anything new and unworn, too — to the Westport Woman’s Club. They’re gearing up for their annual sale. Proceeds benefit the WWC food closet, need-based student scholarships, and grants awarded to local charitable organizations.

Tax-deductible donations are accepted weekdays (10 a.m. to noon, and 1 to 4 p.m.) in the coat room of the WWC (44 Imperial Avenue), The sale is November 13-15.

Items include women’s and men’s clothing, shoes, boots, handbags, scarves, jewelry, and other accessories. Undergarments, lingerie and bathing suits, are not accepted.

Local retailers are invited to donate surplus inventory too.

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Chili time is near.

A highlight is always the VFW’s Chili Cook-off.

This year’s event — the 4th annual fundraiser, supporting Westport’s first responders and veteran community — is Saturday, October 17 (6 to 8 p.m. VFW Post 399).

Attendees vote for their favorite, among a wide variety of homemade recipes. There’s plenty of other great food, a 50/50 raffle, and a healthy heaping of community spirit. Tickets are $25, at the VFW in advance or at the door.

Questions? Email vfw399ct@gmail.com, or call 203-227-6796.

Dig in! (Photo/Andrew Colabella)

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The Sweet Remains brought their folk-pop harmonic vibe to the Levitt Pavilion last night.

A large crowd packed the outdoor theater for the locally based, broadly loved band.

Last night at the Levitt.

Three special appearances offered a special added bonus: front man Greg Naughton’s wife, Broadway star Kelli O’Hara, and their two talented children, Owen and Charlotte.

Greg Naughton (left), Kelli O’Hara, and the Sweet Remains. (Photos/Susan Garment)

There’s more to come at the Levitt this week:

  • Tonight (Sunday): 7 p.m. Brian López Electric Trio
  • Tuesday, September 15, 7 p.m., Comedy night
  • Wednesday, September 16, 7 p.m., Westport Community Band
  • Thursday, September 17, 7:30 p.m., Barboletta: Tribute to Santana.

Click here for details.

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In a survey of 2,000 Americans, 35% say 2026 is “stressful.” Almost a third call it “challenging.” 37% say life feels out of control.

No surprise. But Westport author Caroline C. Barney’s new book — “Connected: From Stuck to Thriving in the Middle of the Chaos” — arrives at exactly the right time.

She was named to Ad Age’s “40 Under 40,” and worked with organizations ranging from Fortune 500 companies to the White House. That career taught her a lot about strategy, narrative, and what makes people move.

Barney says that feeling connected — to who they really are, to the beauty of life with others, and to a belief bigger than themselves — helps people thrive at home, at work and in their  community. Click here to learn more about her “connections” work.

Caroline C. Barney

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To all in the “06880” who celebrate, we echo the sign on Pumpkin Hill Road: L’shana tova!

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Former Staples High School girls soccer coach Dr. Jesús Zornoza died peacefully last weekend. He was 79, and lived in Ridgefield.

The Madrid native began practicing radiology in 1974 at MD Anderson in Houston. He published extensively on cancer imaging and needle biopsy techniques, as well as authoring and editing a book on percutaneous needle biopsies.

In 1983, Jesús joined the radiology group at Danbury Hospital. After 20 years practicing medicine he retired, and devoted much of his time to soccer.

He coached youth teams, and became president of SCOR (Soccer Club of Ridgefield). From 1991 to 1994 he coached the Staples girls varsity team to a 44-20-4 record.

He then began a second career as a referee and league administrator. In 2005 he was inducted into the Connecticut Girls Soccer Coaches Association Hall of Fame, and in 2010 into the Connecticut Soccer Hall of Fame.

Jesús was also an avid gardener. He was a caretaker of orchids and bonsai trees. He was devoted to his flock of farmyard chickens. ain.

Jesús is survived by his wife of 53 years, Jeanne; their children Andrew Zornoza (Evelyn) and Pippi (Sean Campbell); grandson Rafael Francis Zornoza, and siblings José, Enrique, Maria and Loreto Zornoza. He was predeceased by his sister, Pilar.

Family and friends will be received on Saturday. September 19 (2 to 4 p.m., Kane Funeral Home, Ridgefield). In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Jesús Zornoza Memorial Soccer Referee Scholarship Fund.

Dr. Jesús Zornoza

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature looks like a painting.

But it’s a photo. “Liquid sunshine” is the way Rindy Higgins describes this Saugatuck Shores scene.

“Gorgeous, is our call.

(Photo/Rindy Higgins)

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And finally … on this date in 1814, Francis Scott Key composed the poem “Defence of Fort McHenry” during the War of 1812’s Battle of Baltimore. It later became the American national anthem: “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

(O say can you … click here to support “06880”? It’s a very patriotic — or at least, generous — thing to do. Thank you!)

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Posted in Environment, History, Obituaries, religion, Sports, Staples HS, Westport Country Playhouse

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Roundup: Day In The Life, Free Library, Stew’s …

Posted on August 24, 2026 | Leave a comment

Less than 2 weeks remain before “A Day in the Life of Westport.”

On Sunday, September 6, every Westporter is invited to help create a one-of-a-kind portrait of the town. We’ll do it by taking a photograph that captures one real moment from our day.

Whether it’s a sunrise at Compo Beach, breakfast with family, volunteering at a community event, opening a business downtown, walking the dog, cheering from the sidelines or enjoying a quiet moment at home, every image will become part of a collective portrait of Westport.

“A Day in the Life of Westport” is a collaboration between the Artists Collective of Westport, the League of Women Voters Westport, the David T. Langrock Foundation, and “06880.”

As part of Westport’s America 250 celebration, the project will document the town in its everyday rhythms, creating a lasting record of who we are as a community in this semiquincentennial year.

Inspired by the classic Life magazine photo essays documenting “A Day in the Life of America,” the project invites residents of every age to photograph one moment on Sunday, September 6, then submit it online with a brief caption describing what the image means to them.

Photos must be taken on Sunday, September 6, and submitted by midnight that evening at dayinthelife2026.artcall.org. The submission website will accept photographs only on the day of the event.

Each participant may submit up to 3 shots, each accompanied by a brief caption describing the moment.

For more information and submission details, click here or email Westportphoto2026@gmail.com.

“A Day in the Life” sign, next to the Remarkable Bookcycle at Compo Beach. (Photo/James Delorey)

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For years, Village Pediatrics’  “Story Walk” — an often-changing display along the Saugatuck River — has made doctors’ visits fun.

Now they’ve added a new chapter.

Dr. Neysa McDonald has started a “Little Free Library” for kids. It’s by the Riverwalk near their office, at 323 Riverside Avenue.

While it’s a treat children can have after a physical or sick visit, Village Pediatrics says it’s open to the general public too.

Dr. McDonald built the free library, with painting and personalization by medical assistant Caleigh Porter.

Dr. Bill — the very popular office dog — is prominently displayed on the side of the structure.

Cayden — medical assistant Caleigh Porter’s son — enjoys the Little Free Library.

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On Saturday, Ben Stiller was at Stew Leonard’s.

The “Meet the Parents” star was in Norwalk for a well-publicized promo of his recently launched Stiller’s Soda. Entry into the meet-and-greet line required the purchase of a 12-can case ($15, plus tax).

The event drew an enormous crowd. There were reports of fans (presumably of Stiller, not the soda) flying in from Texas.

Gabe Escobar was there too. I didn’t know who he is, but plenty of other people do. AI described him as a “musical theater graduate, and digital content creator with millions of followers across TikTok and Instagram. He is well-known for his solo travel vlogs, comedy sketches, Broadway content, and for sparking the viral ‘girlfriend effect’ fashion trend.”

I also didn’t know what “the viral ‘girlfriend effect’ fashion trend” is, but whatever. (Click here, if you must know.)

Back to Stew’s. Gabe’s encounter with “the worlds [sic] largest grocery store” — (he “didn’t know it was a superlative,” he notes) offers an intriguing perspective on it, as well as on Ben Stiller, suburbia, and the world of influencers in general.

Click here or below to see.

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Lyman — Westport’s sister city, in an especially besieged area of Ukraine — was featured in Friday’s New York Times.

The story begins:

Stay, or try to escape? Nina Ivanova, 77, felt the odds of survival were 50/50 either way, and she had nothing left to lose.

Russian forces were just over a mile away, battering her city, Lyman, in eastern Ukraine, with glide bombs and drones. Her husband was dead after a long illness, and her home was destroyed. She was hiding in a basement with her two daughters.

Lyman was burning, but civilian and military evacuation teams no longer entered the city, given the danger. The only way out was on foot — nine miles under drone-filled skies.

When Ms. Ivanova saw a body eaten by dogs in Lyman, it helped push her to her limit, she said. She and her daughters would take their chances on the road, as countless Ukrainians have done before them all along the front line.

“We got up and left,” she said.
Click here for the full story. To donate to Lyman through Ukraine Aid International, click here. Click the “I want to support” box; then select “Support for the City of Lyman.” Scroll down on that page for other donation options (mail, wire transfer and Venmo.)  (Hat tip: Howard Matson)

Damage after a Russian attack on Lyman in 2024. (Photo/Tyler Hicks for the New York Times)

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Yacht Rock — a live tribute to classic ’70s and ’80s music like Steely Dan and Christopher Cross — returns to VFW Post 399 this Saturday (August 29; doors open at 6 p.m.; show at 7:30).

Tickets are $15 in advance (click here), $20 (cash) at the door. 

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Also at the VFW: The next Veterans Benefits Luncheon (Thursday, August 27, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.), VFW Post 399).

It’s open to all veterans as part of an ongoing effort to check in on all veterans’ welfare, and connect them with the benefits and support they earned.

Representatives will answer questions, and provide information on services and assistance available to veterans.

RSVPs are encouraged (but not required). Email vfw399ct@gmail.com, and include the number of attendees, or call (203) 227-6796.

PS: If you’re not a veteran, but know one: Please pass the word!

VFW veterans’ benefits luncheon.

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Last night’s Levitt Pavilion Andy Frasco/Kitchen Dwellers/Magoo show — a finale to the three band tour — included Frasco doing a crowd-surfing hora hybrid.

Tonight (Monday, 7 p.m.), the outdoor amphitheater becomes a jazz club. Greens Farms Academy graduate Charlie Hall celebrates Miles Davis’ centennial with his “Get Up With It” ensemble project. Tickets are available here, and at the box office.

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We’ve featured lots of creatures in our “Westport … Naturally” series.

This may be the first sting ray, though.

Michael Friedland spotted it last week at Old Mill Beach.

At first glance, it looks like a shark.

It’s much smaller. But still pretty cool!

(Photo/Michael Friedland)

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And finally … Janie Bradford Hobbs died in Los Angeles, following an extended illness. She was 87.

Though nowhere near as well known as fellow Motown songwriters like Holland-Dozier-Holland, Smokey Robinson and others — perhaps because she was a woman? — she wrote several important hits for the label. Among them:

(Hat tip: Michael Taylor)

(Just like Barrett Strong, money is what we want. We’re not as direct as he is — okay, maybe we are — but we remind you again that “06880” is reader-supported. Please click here. And thank you!)

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Roundup: Primary Day, E-bikes, Dhilan Lowman …

Posted on August 11, 2026 | 11 comments

Today (Tuesday) is Primary Day in Connecticut.

Registered Democrats are choosing between Governor Ned Lamont and his challenger, Josh Elliott.

Registered Republicans vote for a 4th Congressional candidate, to challenge Jim Himes. The candidates are Michael Ted Goldstein and Daniel Miressi.

Polls opened at 6 a.m. They close at 8 p.m. Regular Representative Town Meeting (RTM) polling places are in use:

  • Districts 1 and 2: Saugatuck Elementary School
  • Districts 3 and 8: Coleytown Middle School
  • Districts 4 and 5: Greens Farms Elementary School,
  • Districts 6 and 7: Long Lots Elementary School
  • District 9: Westport Library

Not sure of your district? Click here. Questions? Click here. 

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A concerned “06880” reader writes:

“Dear Westport parents, I’m very worried about the safety of 2 boys in town, as well as the safety of all kids using electric transportation.

“I’ve repeatedly seen the same boys on Valley Road — one on an electric bike and the other on what looks like an electric skateboard. Valley is a winding road with limited visibility. I’ve seen them riding in the middle of the road, talking to each other, looking around, and not paying attention to traffic.

“I happened upon the same 2 boys again on Imperial Avenue at the 3-way stop sign near the police station. They came around another car at the stop sign, slowed down (did not stop or wait their turn), then continued through the stop sign.

“Recently, I was behind one of the boys on the e-bike as he turned from Valley onto Greens Farms Road. He rode down the middle of Greens Farms as though he were a car, before eventually moving over to the side.

“In a separate incident, I was approaching the stop sign at Hale Street when a different boy on an electric scooter suddenly came around the corner from Valley onto Hale on the wrong side of the road. Thankfully I saw him in time.

“I’ve seen another boy in the neighborhood on an electric bike trying to pop wheelies while riding. It reinforces my concern that some kids may not realize how quickly things can go wrong when they’re on roads with traffic.

“I don’t know if the boys on Valley are the same ones I’ve also seen riding in the middle of Compo South, but I’m worried that someone is going to get seriously hurt.

“This isn’t about getting anyone in trouble. It’s simply a plea for parents to remind their kids to stay alert, ride predictably, and understand that drivers may not be able to see them in time, especially on winding roads.”

Not the Valley Road boys. These 2 were not in the middle of the road — but they were not wearing helmets. (Photo/Diane Lowman)

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For more than a decade, Westport has had a special relationship with Catch A Lift Fund. The national non-profit provides gym memberships and home gym equipment to help wounded post-9/11 service members heal physically and mentally, through physical fitness.

Westporters have donated funds, welcomed veterans, and joined in workouts at venues like the police station, VFW, beach and Birchwood Country Club. The vets give plenty back in return — as inspiration, and  serving as “angels” for children, teens and adults with disabilities through myTeamTriumph.

The 25th anniversary of 9/11 — and 250th birthday of the United States — is a great time for Westporters to continue supporting Catch a Lift.

On September 9 (6:30 p.m., Inn at Longshore), a special fundraiser will benefit the noon-profit.

Save the date — and click here for information on how to purchase tickets or sponsorships, and donate raffle items.

Catch a Lift veterans, at a Birchwood Country Club event.

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Congratulations to Dhilan Lowman!

For the 2nd year in a row, the Westport basketball player is the Best Shooter in Connecticut.

That’s not some vague term. Dhilan retained his title against 15 other elite athletes, from around the states.

The event — a fundraiser for Shot for Life is an intense 2-hour contest, involving free throws, mid-range and 3-pointers. Competitors must raise at least $1,000 for cancer research.

Dhilan — a member of last season’s Staples High School state finalist hoops team, who is transferring to Hotchkiss School — took over 1,500 shots. He hit a very impressive 85.46%.

And he did while taking over 100 shots more than the runner-up (who hit “only” 81%)!

Dhilan Lowman, in the state finals at Mohegan Sun. (Photo/Ryan Allen)

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Summer comedy nights keep rolling — and keep audiences rolling (with laughter too) — at VFW Post 399.

This Friday’s headliner is Matt Vita (August 14). He’s joined by Joe Pontillo, Tony Liberti, Autumn Harvist and John Kenneth.

Tickets are $20 online, plus a 1-drink minimum at the show. The VFW has a full bar, and a light food menu. Doors open at 7 p.m.; the show starts at 8. Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Also at the VFW: The Jazz Society of Fairfield County’s “Festival of August Guitars” continues this Thursday.

Bob DeVos offers originals and masterpieces, backed by a soulful band: organist Roberta Piket, drummer Steve Johns and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall.

Shows are 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner service begins at 6:45. Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo is our first-ever queen of the night cactus, from the Greens Farms neighborhood.

Koralina Wisniewska explains, “the flower blooms only in summertime; it is huge and smells amazing. They open when it gets dark and close before the sun is out, which is how it gets its name.”

(Photo/Karolina Wisiewska)

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And finally … in honor of Dhilan Lowman, Connecticut’s best shooter (story above):

(Dhilan Lowman hit 85% of his shots. If just 1% of our readers click here today to support this hyper-local blog, we’ll be thrilled. Hit it!)

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Posted in Politics, Sports, Staples HS, Transportation

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Roundup: Live Music, New Podcast, Real Housewives …

Posted on August 1, 2026 | 1 comment

East Town Prophets bring their high-energy rock sound to VFW Post 399 tonight (Saturday, 7:30 p.m.; $10 cover).

Doors open at 6 p.m. Light bar food is available, plus drink specials.


East Town Prophets

Also tonight, at the Levitt Pavilion : Anthem Reggae Band (7:30 p.m.). Tomorrow (Sunday, 7 p.m.) it’s Danny Lipsitz & the Brass Tacks. Both shows are free. Click here for more information.

Last night’s show featured Residual Groove. The local band that played 2 Slice of Saugatuck festivals,  many nights at Dunville’s and opened last year for Mahali made the first of what may be many headline performances at the outdoor theater.

Residual Groove (Photo/Matthew Mandell)

And one more: Vinnie Ferrone plays outdoors on Church Lane tonight (6 to 9 p.m.).

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Jay Schadler’s “Turning Point” podcast is one of the Westport Library’s most popular series.

The journalist/photographer/artist is a superb interviewer, zeroing in on key moments in a guest’s life and career.

And I’m not just saying that because his interview with me kicks off his 2nd season,

Our chat ranged widely, from writing to soccer to LGBT activism. The through line was “community” — and the turning points that shaped me and my work. Click here to listen.

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Channeling Westport circa 1965, and inspired by hilarious Instagram posts from Rita Gigante daughter of mob boss Vincent “The Chin” Gigante and author of “The Godfathers Daughter”), a group of longtime Westport friends donned housecoats, pink foam rollers and their mother’s pearls.

Dubbing themselves “The Real Housewives of Westport,” they gathered for an afternoon potluck lunch of Ritz cracker chicken casserole, corn soufflé, Jell-O mold, tuna pasta and pineapple upside down cake.

Ellen Bowen hosted the event. As you can see in the photo below, she and Yvonne Claveloux, Stacey Tagen, Marci Gordon, Lilia Temple, Cathy Colgan, Sara Kempner, Lois Backon and Cathy Circle were looking very, um, mid-’60s-Westport-ish.

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Yesterday’s Roundup noted that a large sign at the Compo Road/Bridge Street intersection, touting a new sidewalk project, identified Ned Lamont as “govenor.”

We neglected to mention — because, truthfully, we did not notice — 2 other misspellings.

The Department of Transportation — which presumably is responsible for the sign — forgot a “t” in their own name.

They even screwed up the name of their commissioner. It’s “Garrett” — not “Garret” — Eucalitto.

But hey, the DOT had a swift solution yesterday:

To be fair, “06880” makes a fair share of spelling errors.

But we don’t post them on large, taxpayer-funded signs.

PS: Every word in this particular item has been checked and re-checked. At least 12 times.

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Sure, school has been out for over a month.

But we just learned that 5 Staples High School students have been named state winners in the annual PTA Reflections competition. The theme was “I Belong.”

Congratulations to Isabella Mariani (music composition, 1st place), Noah Bruno (film production, 1st place), Jessica DiPrato (visual arts, 1st place), Dylan Marks (photography, 2nd place) and Archie Kobetitsch (literature, 3rd place).

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo is a first: a clearwing hummingbird moth.

In addition to sending a superb image, Jay Ludy quotes Google: “The hummingbird moth is a fascinating day-flying insect known for hovering in midair, making a buzzing sound, and using a long proboscis to drink nectar from flowers.”

It also looks very, very cool.

(Photo/Jay Ludy)

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And finally … in honor of the winners of the “Reflections” contest (item above):

(Reflect on this: “06880” — your hyper-local, 24/7/365 blog — relies on reader support. We need you! Please click here to help. And thank you!)

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Roundup: Josh Suggs, Russell Greenberg, Gadi Slade, Tom Karrel …

Posted on July 30, 2026 | Leave a comment

The last time we mentioned Josh Suggs, the 2021 Staples High School graduate had just been featured in the Wall Street Journal.

Yesterday, the 23-year-old was seen by an even bigger audience: NBC’s “Today” show.

Brian Cheung interviewed him about Street Talk. That’s the company he formed, after dropping out of Syracuse University. It is “disrupting advertising,” Cheung said.

Josh’s route to social entrepreneurship started in Westport, he told “Today.” As a 14-year-old, he got free haircuts for social media posts.

When a Syracuse friend paid Josh $2,000 for 30 street interviews, a light bulb went off. Today, Street Talk earns 8 figures in revenue by conducting authentic, unscripted street interviews that companies large and small can use as brand ads.

“I bet on myself, and the future fo social media,” Josh said.

Click here for the full — and very engaging — interview.

RERUN: Last fall’s story was not the first to feature Josh Suggs. Click here to read this one, from 2016. It features Josh and his great Bedford Middle School friend, Jamie Mann. A fellow SHS grad, Jamie has also made a name for himself in New York: on Broadway.

Screenshot: Josh Suggs and Brian Cheung.

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Congratulations to Russell Greenberg and Gadi Slade!

The Chabad of Westport friends recently participated in the Maccabi Games in Israel (aka “the Jewish Olympics”). Over 5,000 athletes attended, including 900 from the US.

Greenberg swam in the Masters division, and captained his team. He captured gold in the 65-69 age group in the 100 meter freestyle, then added silver medals in the 50 free, 50 butterfly and 200 free. He was also part of 3 silver medal relays. Greenberg called the competition “the highlight of my swimming career.”

Slade’s story starts in 1932. A blonde, blue-eyed Jew from Frankfurt traveled to Tel Aviv where, by chance, the 1st Maccabi Games were being held. She met a doctor from Galilee. They exchanged phone numbers and addresses. But she returned to Germany and did not think about him.

Six months later, Hitler came to power. Nine months after that, the German woman and her parents fled to Haifa, where she knew just one person: the doctor from the Maccabi Games. They got together, fell in love,  and were married. Slade is their grandson.

He planned to gain citizenship in Ecuador, make the national basketball team, and play in the Atlanta Olympics — all to get into Harvard Business School.

When that failed, he tried out in 1997 (also unsuccessfully) for the inaugural Maccabi USA field hockey team. Finally, this year he make the Games for masters table tennis. He won a gold medal in the team competition.

94 years after his grandparents met, Gadi marched in the opening ceremony with his son Leo (who also participated in table tennis, for 16 and under).

“The medal was a nice surprise, but for me just being there and wearing the Team USA shirt was my definition of victory,” Slade says.

Gadi Slade (left) and Russell Greenberg, with Maccabi medals.

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Between email, texts and now AI, we’ve forgotten how to have conversations with actual human beings we don’t know.

Help is near.

Staples High School Class of 2012 graduate Tom Karrel has just published “The Lost Art of Random Conversations: How One Conversation with a Stranger Will Change the Way You Connect with Everyone.”

Drawing on over 10,000 hours of group facilitation experience across nearly 50 countries, Karrel offers practical tools and honest stories to help readers break through phone addiction, overcome social anxiety and loneliness, and create real world connections.

It’s available on Amazon, and by clicking here.

Tom Karrel

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Kawa Ni’s “Paint + Sip” events are a smash.

The next 2 are planned for August 5 and 19 (6:30 to 8 p.m.).

Artist Lauren Smith leads guests as they create, sip and enjoy lite bites, on the Bridge Square rooftop overlooking the Saugatuck River.

For $56 you get painting supplies, an 8″x10″ canvas, and Kawa Ni fare. Wine, sake and cocktails are available for purchase. Click here to register.

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Lachat Town Farm offers 3 fall children’s programs:

  • Caregiver & Me
  • Pre-school drop-off
  • K-8 after-school.

Click here for details. Questions? Email childrensprograms@lachattownfarm.org.

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Every Thursday for several years, VFW Post 399 has hosted 2 jazz shows. They kick off at 7:30 and 8:45.

Now, every other Thursday, the Dave Kardas Band plays original jazz, blues and rock, right before (5:30 to 7:15 p.m.). Upcoming dates are tonight (July 31), August 13 and 27, and September 10.

The music is free. There’s happy hour food and drink prices too.

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Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between July 22 and 28.

A 50-year-old Fairfield man was charged with evading responsibility, traveling too fast for conditions, failure to drive right and reckless endangerment, following 2 notifications on Sturges Highway from iPhone crash detection. Two calls were made, and the man denied being involved in an accident. However, a witness reported a damaged and disabled Tesla unoccupied in the middle of the road, and a man walking away. An investigation determined that the vehicle left the road twice, striking several large rocks. He was released on a $5,000 bond.

A 68-year-old Westport woman was charged with driving the wrong way on a 1-way street, interfering with an officer and failure to appear, following an investigation into an April incident on Franklin Street. The woman approached an officer driving the wrong way. After being signaled to stop, she rolled up her window and attempted to change direction multiple times. When she stopped she was argumentative with officers. She refused to exit the vehicle, and engaged in a physical struggle. She was released on $3,500 bonds.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Texting while driving: 21 citations
  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 9
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 8
  • Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations 8
  • Failure to renew registration: 4
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 4
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 2
  • Failure to insure motor vehicle: 2
  • Distracted driving: 2
  • Following too closely: 2
  • Improper use of markers: 2
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 1
  • Speeding: 1
  • School zone violation: 1
  • Disorderly conduct: 1
  • Criminal mischief: 1

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A crepe myrtle tree makes its first-ever “Westport … Naturally” appearance today. This beauty is on Compo Road South.

(Photo/Topsy Siderowf)

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And finally … in honor of Tom Karrel, and his book on how to have a conversation (story above):

(Speaking of conversations: Let’s talk! If you appreciate even a small part of this hyper-local blog, please consider clicking here to support our work. We rely on you — our readers — so thank you!)

 

 

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Roundup: Shark! WTF …

Posted on July 28, 2026 | 8 comments

It’s not Amity Island.

But this was the scene this morning at Burying Hill Beach:

(Photo/Seth Schachter)

Seth Schachter — who made the early morning discovery — searched AI for information.

It says, “based on the shape and markings in your photo, this appears to be a juvenile smooth dogfish (Mustelus canis), which is one of the most common small sharks found in Long Island Sound.”

He notes that it’s a baby; the photo makes it look larger than it is.

Seagulls were picking at it. Seth guesses that high tide will carry it back into the water.

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Wakeman Town Farm is a place of wonder for many youngsters.

And for plenty of others, from nearby communities.

This summer, Wakeman Town Farm welcomed young campers from around the area for a week of discovery, connection and hands-on learning.

With muddy boots, curious minds and big smiles, campers harvested fresh vegetables, met friendly animals, and explored composting, planting and regenerative farming practices.

Through WTF’s Room to Grow initiative, hundreds of students from Hall Neighborhood House, the McGivney Center and Horizons embraced every opportunity to learn, explore, and grow — for free.

The Room to Grow Fund was launched at the 2025 Harvest Fest gala. Generous donors, and the Westport Woman’s Club and Town Fair Tire Foundation, provide added support.

It’s one of several Wakeman Town Farm initiatives that connect young people from neighboring communities with nature, fresh food, and the lifelong benefits of land stewardship.

Fun at Wakeman Town Farm.

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Westport resident Carl Wistreich is the son of Holocaust survivors from Poland and Germany. Pursuing a career in business and law, he achieved the financial security his grandparents had in their respective countries, before making the lifesaving decision to leave it all (including close relatives) behind.

Finally, in his 50s, Wistreich had time to read family memoirs describing miraculous stories of survival. He realized the stories his parents rarely spoke about needed to be shared.

The result — My Lethal Obsession, a novel about ruin, resilience and rebirth, of one family and the Jewish people as a whole — will be published September 1. The next day — September 2 (7 p.m), Wistreich launches his book at the Westport Library, in a conversation with Temple Israel’s Rabbi Michael Friedman. An audience Q-and-A and book signing will follow. Click here for more information.

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KEYS is a brilliant acronym.

It stands for Kids Empowered by Your Support — which is exactly what the Bridgeport non-profit does and is.

Each year they offer free music lessons, summer camps and instruments, to 600 youngsters in 21 schools.

A front lawn party this Sunday (August 2, 4 to 6 p.m., 53 Compo Beach Road) will introduce guests to the organization, including volunteer, donation and support opportunities.

Park at Compo Beach. Bring a lawn chair if you’d like. Learn more about KEYS –and enjoy their very “empowered” jazz group, who will perform live. For more information, email KanikaTaylor@hotmail.com.

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Grammy Award-winning trumpeter/composer/arranger Michael Mossman has done it all.

After apprenticing as a youngster with jazz legends Lionel Hampton, Dizzy Gillespie, Art Blakey and others, he took center stage as music director for Blue Note Records’ “boy band”, Out of the Blue. Mossman went on to be a key performer in Latin jazz, working with the Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra and others.

He returns this Thursday for “Jazz at the Post” (July 30, shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 6:45; VFW Post 399).

He’ll play with pianist Luis Perdomo, bassist Alex Ayala, percussionist Carly Moldonado, drummer Vince Cherico and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall. Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Westport resident Jean Schiavone died July 14.

The Newton, Massachusetts native trained as a secretary at Katherine Gibbs in Boston. She married Paul in 1052. The family moved to Westport in 1966.

Jean loved Compo Beach, and raising her children here. She was a parishioner and volunteer at St. Luke Church for over 60 years, working with the Friendly Visitor Program, Multiple Sclerosis Society, Sacred Heart St. Anthony’s School, and St. Luke Women’s Guild. She also cared for the altar linens.

Jean was predeceased by her husband and siblings Peg Davis, Dick McLellan, Ruth Vlass (Gordon) and Tom McLellan. She is survived by her children Dr, Karen Edwards (Lawrence), Joseph (Kan), Paula Bruns (Robert), Nancy Schiavone (Norman Schulman) and Barbara Pinkerton (Steven); grandchildren Katherine Bernard (Scott), Benjamin Bruns (Christina) Timothy Bruns (Eleni) Emily Schulman (David Stone), Peter Schulman, Molly Edwards, Alison Pinkerton, Michael Pinkerton, and great-grandchildren Alice Bernard, Elijah Bruns, Noah Bruns, Lucia Bruns and Anais Stone; sisters-in-law Sally McLellan and Betty McLellan; brother-in-law Gene Davis, and many nieces and nephews.

Visiting hours will take place at Harding Funeral Home this Thursday (July 30, 9:30 to 10;30 a.m.). A funeral mass for Paul and Jean will follow at 11 a.m. at St. Luke Church.

Donations in Jean’s memory may be made to the Matthew 25 Fund at St. Luke Church, which provides food and assistance to individuals and families in need.

Jean Schiavone

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Mourning doves build nests in many places.

Including man-made structures.

These 2 chicks — the subjects of today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature — look as happy as if they were just hatched in, say, a tree or bush somewhere.

Hey — none of us has any control over where we’re born.

(Photo/Rob Jackson)

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And finally … happy 36th birthday, Soulja Boy!

(“06880” is the soundtrack to your Westport life. If you enjoy this hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thank you!

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Posted in Arts, Beach, Children, Entertainment, Environment, Library, Obituaries, religion

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Remembering Ed Karazin

Posted on July 21, 2026 | 13 comments

Judge Edward Karazin — a native Westporter, highly respected jurist, civic volunteer, Vietnam veteran, former Board of Finance member, and grand marshal of the 2025 Memorial Day parade — died yesterday.

He was the first member of his family to go to college. Eight years after graduating from Staples High School — and shortly after marrying in 1965 — Karazin joined the Army. Deployed to Vietnam as a civil affairs officer, he served as a military assistance command advisor in the Pacification Program. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and Vietnamese Gallantry Cross.

Following his service, Karazin returned home to pursue his passions for law and community. He was a lawyer and judge, providing pro bono legal work for veterans. For 2 decades he did trial work as an attorney, helping clients in civil cases and family law matters.

He became a Superior Court judge in 1990, serving for the next 20 years. In 2010 he became a trial referee.

An employee of Stamford Superior Court calls Judge Karazin “a kind and considerate fellow, who always respected the staff. He always made sure we stopped right at the start of our lunch hour, never going over, unless we said it was okay.”

Judge Edward Karazin

He was an avid supporter of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 399 in Westport. He spoke regularly at schools about his military experience, led the annual Veterans Day ceremony at the Stamford courthouse, and was an active participant in veterans’ events and local parades. He was a member of Port 5 National Association of Naval Veterans in Bridgeport.

Judge Karazin was a Little League coach and board member, Pop Warner board member, lector at Assumption Church, and instructor for in-service training with the Westport Police Department. He chaired a fundraiser for Captain Eugene Pasacreta, creating the Riverside Avenue park that bears his name.

He was also an adjunct professor at Western Connecticut State University, teaching legal writing and family law.

Memorial Day parade grand marshal Ed Karazin and his wife Rene, in 2025. (Photo/Tom Feeley)

Visitation will take place on Friday, August 21 (4 to 7 p.m., Shaughnessey Banks Funeral Home, 50 Reef Road, Fairfield). A Mass of Christian burial is set for Saturday, August 22 (10 a.m., Church of the Assumption), with burial to follow at Willowbrook Cemetery.

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In 2021, Judge Karazin was inducted into the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame. In her nominating letter, his daughter Deborah Owens wrote: 

My father and mother were married on May 8, 1965. The newlyweds expected to spend my father’s 2 years in the Army in Georgia at Fort Gordon, where my father would serve as a civil affairs officer.

The war in Vietnam changed all that. In November of 1965 he was sent to Vietnam for a 1-year tour of duty as a civil affairs officer working the Pacification Program in Quang Tin Province as a MACV advisor.

He served with distinction, and upon discharge he was presented with the Bronze Star. The Vietnamese government also awarded him the Vietnamese Gallantry Cross.

Edward Karazin in Vietnam.

After his return to he civilian world, my father immersed himself in his 2 other passions: the law and his family. He started his career in Westport, serving as an assistant prosecuting attorney for the State of Connecticut.

Over the next 2 decades he did trial work as an attorney, helping clients in civil cases and family law matters.

In the late ‘70s and early ‘80s VFW Post 399 on Riverside Avenue undertook major renovations. Improvements included new docks for boats on the river and a new brick addition. My father did much of the legal work pro bono. It included land use work with the town, review of contracts, and preparation and review of many other documents.

The VFW was so appreciative that he was given a lifetime VFW membership! As an aside, I had my “Sweet 16 Party” in the renovated party room.

Ed Karazin in uniform, on Veterans Day.

In 1990 my father was nominated to a state Superior Court judgeship by Governor O’Neill. He accepted with honor, and served in that role until becoming a judge trial referee in 2010.

He has not only served justice traditionally, but has given his time to others in many additional ways. He has spoken on panels about law and justice, served on the Ethics Commission, led the Veterans Day ceremony at the courthouse and even come to my children’s schools to talk about law, military service and honor. He helped my son’s Cub Scout pack achieve a badge by telling them about the branches of the government and the importance of democracy.

As chief administrative judge, my father undertook the daunting task of opening the new courthouse in Stamford. Under his leadership, everything and everyone moved successfully from the old facility to the new one.

My father never tires of working, sharing stories, and engaging with others. Even now at 80, he continues to work as a judge trial referee in Stamford. Last year he was honored by the Fairfield County Bar Association with the Robert J. Callahan Judiciary Award. It recognizes dedication to the highest professional ideals, and long-term conscientious service to the community as a judge.

Ed Karazin

My father was born the son of a home maintenance man who eventually ran his own small business on the Post Road, and a homemaker. He went all through the Westport school system, including Greens Farms Elementary School, Bedford Junior High and Staples.

He was the first in his family to go to college. After earning a BA from Boston College in 1961, he headed straight to law school. He graduated from Fordham University in 1964. He was also commissioned a 2nd  lieutenant in the Army in 1961, which began his military career.

My brothers Edward and Michael and l went through the Westport public school system. We were fortunate to have our dad working locally so he could coach our Little League teams, play lawn darts, take us to BC football games, and host backyard barbeques for his Vietnam veteran buddies.

My father was a dedicated volunteer who helped shape our community. Our garage overflowed with equipment for the town’s baseball teams. His many, many volunteer positions (including Board of Finance), civic engagements, awards and organizational affiliations are important, but the bottom line is that my father was (and still is) busy, and the majority of what he did (and does) is for the good of others: his family, town, state and country.

My father’s community-minded spirit led me into a life of law and volunteerism as well. Both of my brothers are also active members of their communities, and all-around good citizens. After too many Sunday night dinners with “Grandpa” to count, both of my college-aged children are considering future lives of service as well.

Ed Karazin (far right) and his wife Rene (2nd from left), with chlldren and grandchildren.

My father’s favorite game — “What Would the Judge Do?” — helped my children develop critical thinking skills, and showed them there are always many sides to any given issue.

From his days as a young government lawyer and his service in Vietnam to his never-ending devotion to his family and community, my father, Judge Karazin, has served his country, his state, his community, and his society as a whole with honor, integrity and selflessness.

His story is one that would inspire others. It reflects highly upon the State of Connecticut, its public schools, and its people. Judge Karazin would be a wonderful addition to the Connecticut Veterans Hall of Fame.

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Posted in Local politics, Obituaries, Staples HS

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Roundup: VFW’s All-American Honors, MoCA’s Lost Places, Audrey Hepburn’s Sign …

Posted on July 18, 2026 | 4 comments

Congratulations to VFW Post 399!

For the 2nd year in a row, it’s earned All-American Post status.

The recognition, from the Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Connecticut, honors the 106-year-old post’s commitment to serving veterans and the community.

All-American VFW posts demonstrate outstanding leadership, excellence in advancing the VFW’s core programs, meaningful service and sustained membership growth.

Post 399 quartermaster Phil Delgado calls the honor “a testament to the volunteers, members and partners who support our mission of serving veterans and our community.” To learn more about the Westport VFW, click here.

VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399.

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Ellen Harvey’s powerful, evocative works — dozens of “lost places,” from Ebbets Field and the Sutro Baths to the Remarkable Book Shop, Allen’s Clam House, the Cedar Brook Café and Bloodroot — formed the backdrop for an intriguing evening Thursday at MoCA\CT.

Harvey joined “06880” founder Dan Woog and Westport preservationist Ed Gerber in a wide-ranging discussion of the meaning of lost places, the importance of remembering them, and the meaning of absence.

Audience members participated avidly, recalling many parts of Westport’s past: restaurants like the Arrow, Ships and Big Top; stores like Klein’s, Selective Eye and Sally’s Place; Arnie’s Place, movie theaters and all of downtown, and much more.

From left: Ed Gerber, Dan Woog, Ellen Harvey … (Photo/Dave Matlow)

Each generation remembers the past differently, the panelists said, as they explored the meaning of memory, and the realities of the past and future.

Noting the inclusion of 4 local “lost places,” Harvey said, “I love that when this show travels next, it will bring a little piece of Westport with it.”

The program was sponsored by the CORA Foundation, the private foundation founded by philanthropist, travel business owner and advocate for culture and sustainability Robin Tauck.

CORA will sponsor 4 events in conjunction with the current MoCA exhibit, “Looking for History.” The next is Thursday, July 23 (6 p.m.)A : “Architectural Elegy: A Mourning Ritual for Lost Spaces.” Click here for details, and tickets.

… and Ellen Harvey, in front of her artwork. (Photo/Lewis Derogene)

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Also on Thursday: Nina Bentley was interviewed by fellow Westport artist Mark Yurkiw at the Westport Center for Senior Activities. Her humorously innovative exhibits of “typewriter art sculpture,” “Shoes” and “Marriage” is on display there throughout July.

Bentley, served as a Westport Arts Center board member, helped found the Westport Arts Collective, and is active with the Silvermine Guild Arts Center.

Nina Bentley and Mark Yurkiw. (Photo/Dave Matlow)

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On Thursday too, Eleish Van Breems Home hosted the most recent Westport Pride gathering.

Members of the LGBTQ community and allies enjoyed food from Nômade (across the street), and drinks from Black Bear Wine & Spirits.

The next social event is at Yuzu.

Westport Pride member, and friend. (Photo/Bethany Eppner)

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Many great scientists are also passionate musicians. (Far less often, the other way around).

On Tuesday (July 21, 8 p.m., Westport Observatory), Stephon Alexander will discuss “Cosmic Sound: the Emergence of Structure in the Universe.”

The director of the Center for Theoretical Physics and Innovation at Brown University revisits the interconnection between music, the evolution of astrophysics, and the origin of large scale structure in the universe.

He’ll explore new ways that music mirrors modern physics, like quantum mechanics, general relativity, and the physics of the early universe.

The talk will also be live-streamed on YouTube, shown as a Zoom webinar, and posted to the WAS YouTube channel afterward.

Dr. Stephon Alexander

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Yesterday’s Roundup included a photo of a sign from Turkey Hill Road South: Audrey Hepburn, warning drivers to “Slow Down.”

(Photo/Chris Grimm)

Pretty random, we thought. And quickly moved on.

Never underestimate the power — and knowledge — of “06880” readers.

Staples High School Class of 1971 graduate Bonnie Erickson soon sent a link to The New Journal, a Yale University publication.

It begins:

New Haveners have noticed, enjoyed, and sometimes stolen signs put up by artist Matthew Feiner. His most recent design is especially eye-catching: “SLOW DOWN,” it reads, over a stencil of Audrey Hepburn. The colors and stencils vary, but each sign features Hepburn in the center with her beehive haircut, staring straight at the viewer.

There are around 240 Audrey Hepburn signs made by Feiner in Connecticut. She glares from street signs near Feiner’s studio in West Haven, near his girlfriend’s place in Hamden, around bike routes, and across downtown New Haven.

“They’re a bright spot on the urban landscape,” Feiner proudly remarked. “They’re a calling card from an artist that says ‘cars slow down, everybody slow down, take an assessment of your life.’”

When asked how long ago he started making the signs, Feiner’s tall scruffy face smirked, and responded in his slightly raspy voice. “I guess the question really is, how long ago did I start admitting that they were mine?”

Click here to read the full story.

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The mother-daughter team of Niki Ketchman and Karen Kallins present their first exhibition together.

It’s on view weekdays (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.) at the Weston Senior Center. A reception is set for Thursday, July 23 (6 to 8 p.m.).

Ketchman is showing “Resinations,” mixed-media works created with resin and found materials. Kallins exhibits her “Submerged” series, combining botanicals, water and flowing inks to blur the line between photography and painting.

Though working in different mediums, both share a love of color, texture, movement and organic forms, creating a cohesive exhibition.

The family’s roots in Westport go back nearly 50 years.

“Resinations” (Niki Ketchman)

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In today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature photo, a mother leads her little one across the street to Pizza Lyfe … or perhaps the new ice cream spot, Sweet Lyfe.

(Photo/Stacey Henske)

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And finally … Happy National Woodie Wagon Day!

(“06880” is “where Westport meets the world.” Audrey Hepburn, Surf City, lost places, the universe — you’ll find them all here. If you enjoy this hyper-local blog, please click here to support us. Thanks!)

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Roundup: Dick Fincher Dedication, MoCA Lost Places, Outdoor Music Options …

Posted on July 14, 2026 | 5 comments

Dick Fincher’s impact on Westport’s green spaces is enormous.

So it’s fitting that this Saturday (July 18, 10 a.m.), his life and legacy will be honored with the dedication of a commemorative plaque at the Lillian Wadsworth Arboretum. The public is invited.

As both a private citizen and Tree Board chair, Fincher was a driving force behind the creation of the arboretum at the corner of Stonybrook Road and Woodside Lane, around the corner from his home.

Fincher died in 2024, at 86. In addition to his Tree Board service, he was an Earthplace and Staples Tuition Grants board member, and Christ & Holy Trinity Church vestryman.

Dick Fincher, at the Wadsworth Arboretum.

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Gone, but not forgotten.

That’s the theme of “Looking for History,” MoCA\CT’s summer exhibit. Ellen Harvey is one of 3 artists addressing themes of memory, loss and place.

She’s included 4 places dear to Westporters’ heart: The Remarkable Book Shop, Allen’s Clam House, Cedar Brook Café and Bloodroot.

This Thursday (July 16, 5:30 p.m.; free), MoCA visitors get a chance to talk about them — and many other beloved (and now vanished) local landmarks.

Harvey and Westport preservation advocate Ed Gerber will chat with “06880” founder Dan Woog about the cultural and emotional significance of lost places.

You’ll get a chance to talk about your own “local places” too — restaurants, stores, hangouts and more.

The event is sponsored by the CORA Foundation, whose founder and president is Westporter Robin Tauck. Most grants — which center around arts and culture — are international. This one is local.

Click here for more information.

“The Remarkable Book Shop” (Ellen Harvey)

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Here at “06880” central, we sometimes assume everyone knows everything about every live outdoor music option in the area.

Well, you know what they say about “when you assume…”

So — apropos of nothing, other than an opportunity educate our readers about all things local, and courtesy of the KMS Team at Compass — here are some things you may already know.

And some you may not.

The Levitt Pavilion offers over 50 free nights of programming, at a beautiful venue on the banks of the Saugatuck Rive.

All summer long, the Westport Downtown Association sponsors live music on Friday and Saturday evenings on Church Lane.

A favorite is Music at the Barn, at the Weston History & Culture Center. Kick back with a BYO picnic, and enjoy select Sunday evenings.

Lachat Town Farm also offers monthly concerts, with food trucks and the Barn Bar.

Fairfield’s Sherman Green is the place to be on Thursdays and Sundays, with beachy cover bands and tribute acts. Sweet Sounds of Summer are full of family fun there too, with bands sponsored by Saugatuck Sweets and Al’s Angels.

Norwalk’s First Taxing District has free concerts at the Norwalk Green’s gazebo several Saturdays in the summer.

Catch larger outdoor performances by the shore every Wednesday night at Calf Pasture Beach. Tuesday nights are open jam sessions (time slot sign up at 6:30 p.m.) at Freese Park.

The Wilton Library hosts free, public concerts (indoors) from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM on Thursdays.

Levitt Pavilion: Westport’s premier outdoor music venue. (Photo/Susan Garment)

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An indoor music venue — and not limited to summer — is VFW Post 399 (Riverside Avenue at the Saugatuck Avenue fork).

Every Thursday, the Jazz Society of Fairfield County sponsors “Jazz at the Post.”

This week’s headliner is Mitch Schechter (July 16, shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; doors and dinner service at 6:45). He’s joined by bassist Takashi Otsuka, drummer Charlie Descarfino, and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Also at the VFW: plenty of laughs.

This Friday (July 17; doors open 6 p.m., show time 8), 5 talented comedians –John Ziegler, Brendan Ryan, Linda Marcus Smith, Helaine Witt, plus resident comic Joe Pontillo — take the stage.

Tickets are $20 online, $25 at the door, with a 1-drink minimum. NOTE: Previous comedy shows have sold out.

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It looks like a Norman Rockwell (or Steven Dohanos) painting.

But this was the small-town scene yesterday, at the train station.

And no, we can’t see the answer long-running apostrophe debate: Greens Farms, or Green’s Farms?

(Photo/Seth Schachter)

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Sometimes Compo Beach is so crowded you can’t move.

And sometimes it’s just you and the gulls.

Amy Schneider snapped today’s”Westport … Naturally” photo yesterday morning:

(Photo/Amy Schneider)

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And finally … in honor of MoCA\CT’s upcoming event honoring “lost places”:

(“06880” often looks back on the Westport that was — while always providing insights into our town today, and a look at tomorrow. If you enjoy our coverage, please click here to support us. Thanks!)

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