Meanwhile, a few yards away, Mystic Bowie thrilled a full house with his “Talking Dreads” concert. It was (we think) the world’s largest reggae dance party ever, at a library.
Talking Heads’ Chris Frantz and Tina Weymouth were there. Other Tom Tom Club members paid a visit to the dressing room.
Just another night of great, diverse, high energy and very cool music in Westport.
Mystic Bowie (Photo/DinkinESH Fotografix)
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Speaking of entertainment: When “The Phantom of the Opera” returns to New York next month — as “Masquerade,” an immersive experience — the cast will include Tony Award winner Diane Paulus.
And a face very familiar to Westporters.
Staples High School Class of 2013 graduate Clay Singer will be on stage too.
Two years after closing — as the longest-running show in Broadway history — the new “Phantom” will allow audiences to “experience the music of the night more intimately than ever before … from the highest rooftop to the subterranean lair deep below the Opera Populaire.”
Westport’s Department of Human Services wants to make sure that everyone knows there are plenty of, well, “human services” available, in a variety of areas.
They include:
Connecticut Renter’s Rebate Program: Residents must have lived in Connecticut for at least 1 year, be 65 or older or receiving Social Security Disability Income, and had a 2024 income of $45,200 or less (single) or $55,100 or less (married). Click here for details.
Free summer food bags, for children who receive free or reduced lunch. Click here for details.
Career Coach Bus: Monday, June 30, across from the Gillespie Center (2 sessions: 10 a.m.-noon; 1-3 p.m.). Hands-on workshop introduces the fundaments of AI for a job search, including crafting a resume to preparing for interviews with confidence.
Positive Directions Support Groups:
Alternatives to Suicide (Tuesdays, 7 p.m., 90 Post Road West, or Fridays, 7 p.m., virtual)
1:1 Peer Support for Teens and Young Adults (by appointment)
Alzheimer’s Support Group (Every other Thursday, 10 a.m., online).
(The Duck Race is one the great things about Westport. So is “06880.” We hope you enjoy both — and support us. For your hyper-local blog, please click here. We thank you!)
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The 2019 Staples High School graduate has just been crowned Miss Globe USA. She’ll represent our country in the international Miss Globe competition.
Sam is a proud first-generation Albanian-American, with deep roots in her heritage and a strong commitment to service.
A former Miss Connecticut Teen USA, she used her platform to bring awareness to important social issues like human trafficking.
She launched a video series featuring interviews with survivors and experts, created an educational anti-trafficking program for high school students, and collaborated with nonprofits across the world as a spokesperson.
Sam is currently the president-in-training of Kaleido, a non-profit founded in 2006 with a shelter in Mexico City. She spoke at the Washington International Summit Against Trafficking, and hosted an international panel at St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
Sam also serves as executive director of the Albanian-American Association of Ulqin. She has hosted events on women’s empowerment, including one with the President of Kosovo.
She speaks English, Albanian and Spanish, and hopes to be an attorney.
Staples Orphenians are in final preparations for their trip to Spain.
Before they go, they invite the public to a (free!) sendoff concert. It’s this Sunday (June 22, 3 p.m., Trinity Church, 651 Pequot Avenue, Southport). They’ll sing the repertoire they’ve prepared for overseas.
Their itinerary includes performances in Madrid and Barcelona: one at the Church of San Millan and San Cayetano, a festival with Rollo Dilworth at Basilica del Pi, and a mass and hour-long concert at La Sagrada Familia.
Speaking of music: Nearly a decade after its start, The Cello Camp has earned a spot as a “first chair” summer program.
It was created by cellist, educator (and Staples High School graduate) Danielle Merlis.
She envisioned “a welcoming space where young cellists can connect with each other, discover the full range of what the cello can do, and grow as musicians. It’s not about perfection. It’s about curiosity, creativity, and building strong technique through high quality instruction.”
The camp includes bass players, and welcomes guest clarinetists, drummers, pianists and singers.
If you’re near the Fairfield County Hunt Club now through Saturday, you’ll notice plenty of action.
The Fairfield June Horse Show began yesterday. The Heritage competition is a chance for the public to watch world-class riders — for free.
High performance show jumping includes a $5,000 Welcome Stake tomorrow (Thursday), and the $15,000 Grand Prix on Saturday (June 21, 1 p.m.).
Visitors can walk the course for the Grand Prix right before the competition, to experience the height of the fences and the technicality of the course.
Saturday is also Family Fun Day, with pony rides, face painting, crafts and more (10 a.m.).
Horse show action, at the Fairfield County Hunt Club.
Another “Family Fun Day” takes place at Wakeman Town Farm on July 12 (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.).
It includes farm crafts and activities for all ages, plus visits with animals, books, hair tinsel, sunflower seed planting, a bubble show, information about bees and butterflies and music from the School of Rock.
Food (pizza, mozzarella sticks, salads, Italian ices and lemonade) is included in the ticket price.
Wakeman Town Farm will collect new diapers at the Family Fun Day. Bring as many as you can!
Also at Wakeman Town Farm: a lecture by advanced master gardener Alice Ely on milkweed growing and monarch butterfly raising (July 14, 7 p.m.). Children and adults are welcome.
Attendees will learn how to attract egg-laying monarchs to gardens, how to raise the eggs into caterpillars and healthy adult monarchs, and tips on growing milkweed species to help them thrive.
After years on CBS News, Emmy Award-winning journalist — and 1988 Staples High School graduate — Jeff Pegues joins the podcast world.
“Person of Interest” debuts June 19th on the Alive Podcast network. The Juneteenth date is intentional: Alive is a Black woman-owned company.
Pegues’ podcast will be streamed on Apple TV, Roku and Fire TV. He says, “This show isn’t about sensationalism. It’s about substance.”
He will have “freedom to follow the real story, and examine the people and perspectives too often ignored by traditional media.”
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Yesterday, Westport firefighters took advantage of a special training opportunity.
At a home slated for demolition near Compo Beach, crews practiced stretching hose lines into the structure, reinforcing essential tactics in a real-world setting.
Westport Avenue training. (Photo courtesy of Westport Fire Department)
Saugatuck Rowing Club’s juniors performed superbly, at the recent USRowing Youth National Championships in Sarasota, Florida. The event drew more than 4,000 athletes, from 230 clubs and schools.
The women’s second varsity 8+ earned a national championship. Westport athletes included coxswain Sora Yu, plus rowers Kate Weitz, Caroline Zajak, Sophie Cochran, Carolina Proctor and Mina Leon.
The men’s U17 4+ A boat also claimed gold. Westporters included Elena Nasar (coxswain), Cameron Jaffe and Otis Gotlieb. Daniel Sobel lives in Weston.
Up next: Saugatuck’s junior women head to the Henley Royal Regatta in London.
National champs! From left: Sora Yu, Mackenzie Fosdick, Kate Weitz, Grace Baker, Caroline Zajak, Phoebe Bryan, Sophie Cochran, Carolina Proctor and Mina Leon. (Photo copyright Row2K.com)
Celebrating on land. The rowers are the same as above, except coxswain Sora Yu is 5th from left.
Also champs! From left: Cameron Jaffe, Otis Gottlieb, Daniel Sobel, Samuel Turok, Elena Nasar. (Photo/Lisa Worthy)
From left: Samuel Turok, Daniel Sobel, Elena Nasar, Otis Gottlieb and Cameron Jaffe.
Rock star/soul singer/multi-intstrumentalist Eliot Lewis — a longtime member of the Average White Band (1989-2002) and Hall & Oates’ band (2003-23) brings his many talents as a solo performer to VFW Post 399 on June 27 (7 p.m.).
Speaking of the VFW: Trumpeter Frank London is a master of old and new jazz, swing, bop, klezmer, gympic, Baltic, Cuban, West African — and many other — music genres.
Diagnosed with myelofibrosis, a rare blood cancer, Lonson recently released “Spirit Stronger Than Blood,” as a celebration of life. He has gained the upper hand, and is once again touring the world.
Tomorrow (Thursday), he’ll headline Jazz at the Post (VFW Post 399; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner at 7; $20 music charge, $15 for veterans and students).
Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo — and nature lesson — come from Lou Weinberg.
(Photo/Lou Weinberg)
He writes: “Adult catbirds feed their young a diet of spiders and insects, primarily. As young catbirds get older, adults introduce berries to their diet.
“Catbirds are related to mockingbirds, and are well versed at the art of mimicry. Their most famous call sounds like a cat’s meow.
“This is the season when many native and migrant birds care for their fledglings.
“Green open spaces are essentially ‘all you can eat buffets’ for birds raising their young, as they harbor large populations of insects, spiders, worms and other invertebrates.
“Westport continues to see a decline in tree cover and green open space, unfortunately. The most recent example is the town’s decision to clear cut and bulldoze 4 acres (the Long Lots Preserve around the Westport Community Gardens) that is a model of biodiversity.
Finally … in honor of The Cello Camp (story above):
(From a pageant queen and a horse show, to rowers and a podcaster, “06880” is today — and every day — where Westport meets the world. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
All Westporters are invited to stand in solidarity with the Jewish community, in a townwide vigil following the murders of Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim in Washington this week.
The gathering is set for Jesup Green this Tuesday (May 27, 6:30 p.m.).
The Planning & Zoning Commission continues its discussion of the Hamlet at Saugatuck project on June 2 (6 p.m.; live streamed on www.westportct.gov ; also on Optimum Channel 79 and Zoom link, with meeting ID 849 2904 0375 and passcode 521369).
The Representative Town Meeting’s first review of the Long Lots Elementary School building project — with updated plans, elevations, financial information and timing requirements for the upcoming funding and appropriation — takes place at their June 3 session (7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium).
The RTM Finance Committee then meets June 10 (7:30 p.m., Town Hall room 201) to discuss a request to appropriate $98.8 million for construction of the new Long Lots School.
And on June 11 (7 p.m., Town Hall Room 201), the RTM Environment Committee follows up on an earlier discussion regarding a possible ordinance banning new artificial turf athletic fields.
It may not feel like it — but this weekend marks the official opening of town beaches.
Also — just in time for beach openings — Save the Sound has released its 2024 grades of 200 Long Island Sound beaches, including Connecticut, and Westchester, Nassau and Suffolk Counties.
Water quality is graded in 4 categories, based on pollutants found in dry and wet periods.
The report is released every 2 years. Three in Westport dropped from both 2020 and 2022.
During that period, Compo Beach declined from A, to B+, and now B-.
Burying Hill dropped from 2 consecutive A+s, to the current C+.
Sherwood Island remains at B+, after ratings of A+ and B+.
Meanwhile, everything — including lifeguard chairs — is in place for Westport’s Memorial Day weekend beach openings.
(Photo/Totney Benson)
Now all we need are people.
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A state-of-the-art, first-of-its-kind gelato and sorbet machine is enjoying a “soft” launch at the Westport Library.
The Solato machine is like a Keurig coffee maker (but cooler). Choose your pod — 2 are featured each day — and watch as a Library Café worker slides it into the machine.
A minute later: There’s your gelato or sorbet, made specially for you.
Gelato flavors include banana maple, vanilla bean, coffee, salted caramel and dark chocolate, and mango and strawberry sorbet, plus frozen yogurt. All are locally sourced, and free of artificial colors, flavors and preservatives.
Keurig cups are criticized as wasteful, because they’re single use. The Solato pods double as the serving dish. And each is served with a wooden — not plastic — spoon.
The Solato machine was donated by Lisa Weitzman and Howard Edelstein.
Gelato, on demand. (Photo/Dan Woog)
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The Westport Country Playhouse is more than a venue for plays.
It’s a concert hall. A site for script readings. And — this summer — it’s a movei theater.
Five classic films from the 1950s through ’70s will be screened:
“Roman Holiday” (June 18, 7 p.m.)
“Singin’ in the Rain” (July 14, 7 p.m.)
Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (August 6, 6 p.m.)
Ruben said a woman came in with her family of 5. She had paid $160 for each — $800 total.
Like every passport applicant, she still had to pay the $35 USPS fee, and the $130 filing fee, for each. But she could have prepared all the information herself, at the USPS website.
Beware! And while you’re at it: continue to hand all your mail to the post office clerks. You still can’t trust the drop box: Thieves still are fishing for checks there.
A flower garden in memory of Cathy Talmadge — a founder and longtime friend of Wakeman Town Farm — will be dedicated across the street from there on June 28 (1:30 p.m.).
The longtime Representative Town Meeting member, civic volunteer and environmental advocate died in January 2023.
First selectwoman Jen Tooker and Westport poet laureate Donna Disch will speak. Friends are invited to share memories. RSVP: nancyp311@gmail.com
Cathy Talmadge, at Wakeman Town Farm.
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Joe Lamp’l — aka “Joe Gardener” — presents “Digging Deeper: Ecological Gardening for Beauty and Biodiversity” on June 23 (7 p.m., Westport Library).
The final event of Sustainable Westport’s “Your Yard, Our Climate” initiative, it will help residents transform outdoor spaces into eco-friendly havens. Topics include soil health, reducing lawn size, minimizing chemical use, and the significance of native versus invasive plants.
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Chabad of Westport’s first-ever Community Golf Outing (June 30, Great River Golf Club, Milford) is notable for 2 reasons.
The entire community is welcome.
And IDF soldiers will be special guests, offering “an opportunity to show support and solidarity with Israel.”
Golfers (and non-golfing guests) will enjoy on-course snacks and refreshments; lunch; a cocktail/dinner reception; raffles and giveaweays, and a $25,000 hole-in-one prize.
Westport music teacher Jenny Ong invites the town to the annual Children’s Piano Spring Concert June 1 (elementary 9:15 a.m., advanced 10:45 a.m., Faust Harrison Pianos, Fairfield).
The event, showing young pianists from Westport and nearby, raises funds for the Connecticut chapter of the American Parkinson Disease Association. RSVP: jennyong.music@gmail.com.
Part of Jenny Ong’s recital.
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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo follows up on the lifeguard image above.
Compo Beach looks empty now. But it won’t be for long — or for the next few months.
And finally … in honor of Paul Newman’s “return” to the Westport Country Playhouse (story above):
(It’s a holiday weekend. But “06880” never rests. We’re here for you, 24/7/365. If you appreciate our coverage of all things Westport, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Applications must be made at least 7 days in advance. They’re limited to 1 reservation per household per season (a second may be granted, based on availability).
The centerpiece is Westport Pride’s townwide celebration (Saturday, June 22, 12 noon to 3 p.m., Jesup Green). Music, food, vendors, rainbows and much more — and (of course) everyone is invited!
Two weeks earlier (June 8, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.), Saugatuck Congregational Church hosts a family picnic and party on their front lawn
LGBTQ families — and allies, or course, — are invited to enjoy a bounce house, lawn games, face painting, crafts, hot dogs, cake, and more.
For more information, call 203-227-1261, or email sarah@saugatuckchurch.org.
(Photo/Sal Liccione)
Temple Israel has a host of activities planned for Pride Month too. They include:
“Unspoken” screening and discussion (June 10, 6 p.m.). The film is about a closeted teen in a religious community who discoverd that he might not be alone. A discussion with writer/director Jeremy Borison follows. Register here.
Pride Shabbat and concert with Elana Arian (June 13, 6:30 p.m.) open to LGBTQ+ individuals and allies.
Rainbow challah bake (June 21, 5:30 to 8 p.m.) — to be shared the next day, at Westport Pride. Open to all; register here.
Temple Israel is also organizing its first LGBTQ+ affinity group — a safe place for those who identify with the community, and allies. For more information, email jcadrain@tiwestport.org.
Meanwhile, Weston celebrates its own Pride on June 3 (4 to 6 p.m., Town Green, 56 Norfield Road).
They’ll raise a rainbow flag, hear from local officials supporting the town’s inclusive culture, and (in conjunction with the Weston Library) host a craft- and Pride-themed story time.
Oh, yeah: There’s an ice cream truck too!
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The Westport Library’s spring book sale opened yesterday, with a rush.
But there are still plenty of great volumes — and music, movies and more — available.
Hours are:
Today (Saturday): 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (almost everything half-price)
Monday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (fill our logo bag for $10 per bag, or your own equivalent bag for $8, or buy individual books at half-price).
A tiny portion of the many books. (Photo/Pam Docters)
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The Architectural Review Board meets on May 27 (7:30 p.m., Town Hall Room 309).
Among the agenda items: “To review and comment on the proposed construction of a new Long Lots Elementary School/Stepping Stones Pre-School…. Comments offered at the meeting will be considered in anticipation of further zoning review and approvals.”
So far, only general drawings have been shown of a new Long Lots School.
In just a few weeks,”Sunday Gravy” — the talk radio show hosted by Chris O’Dell (Staples High School athlete and coach), Mac DeVito (Staples football legend and coach), and Brian Philpott (son of Staples’ football defensive coordinator) — has gained a devoted following.
The conversation and banter is wide-ranging, casual, and always interesting.
Tomorrow’s show — from 12:10 to 1 p.m., on 95.9 FM and 600 AM WICC should be especially intriguing.
The 3 hosts will dive into the recent controversy involving the non-renewal of Staples boys soccer head coach Russell Oost-Lievense.
O’Dell has intimate knowledge of the situation. He was part of the Staples soccer staff for 20 years, and worked closely with Oost-Lievense.
“Sunday Gravy” is broadcast throughout southern Connecticut. But it’s very much a local production. Shows are taped at the Westport Library’s Verso Studios — and the 2 stations are owned by Westport-based Connoisseur Media.
“Sunday Gravy” crew, at Verso Studios (from left): Mac DeVito, Brian Philpott, Chris O’Dell.
As they prepare to leave Westport after several decades, Carl Swanson and JoAnn Miller must dispose of several large, compelling — but heavy — sculptures by their longtime friend, the late Kelley Spearen.
One has already found a new life. The couple donated it to Wakeman Town Farm, not far from their home off North Avenue.
The move was made recently. Today, it’s the newest — and most intriguing — addition to the Cross Highway farm.
The mural showing early-20th century Westport life — a decades-long feature of the long-gone Townly restaurant — was resurrected when Banana Republic moved in.
That store was briefly replaced by Oka. Now it’s gone.
But the mural can be seen, as work is done inside.
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After several years and 2 attempts, the Fairfield County Hunt Club will build a new racquets facility.
On Monday, the Planning & Zoning Commission voted to approve the 22,000-square foot indoor tennis and squash court building.
The original plan — for outdoor paddleball courts — met strong opposition from neighbors.
This time, residents on nearby Hunt Club Lane opposed the size of the structure, and possible noise from HVAC machinery.
The P&Z vote was 6-1. John Bolton opposed.
Also on Monday, the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) unanimously approved the Board of Education’s $150.4 million operating budget.
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Last night, in what has become an annual ritual, the RTM voted 28-2 to restore Wheels2U’s budget for the upcoming fiscal year.
Westport Transit District directors Peter Gold and Karina Betfarhad thanked the 400 residents who wrote letters in support of the service, which links riders with the 2 train stations, and their homes, jobs and other spots in town.
To raise awareness about safety, the Westport Police Department is sponsoring a community forum.
The May 13 event (6:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium) will cover rules and regulations (for riders and motorists), street awareness, and tips and resources for all ages. A Q-and-A session will follow.
The evening will feature law enforcement officials and safety director Charles Foster of SCBC Safe Rides.
Class 3 e-bike.
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Speaking of safety: a car fire broke out during the Westport Rotary Club’s meeting yesterday, at Green’s Farms Church.
While the service organization was handing out $285,000 in grants at its annual awards luncheon, to 46 Fairfield County non-profits, Westport firefighters doused the blaze. There were no injuries, and no damage to the building.
Meanwhile, all the funds were handed out successfully, and received gratefully. The recipients provide services for victims of homelessness, food insecurity, substance abuse, domestic violence, mental health and other challenges. Of the nearly 4 dozen awardees, 1/3 ar based in Westport.
The grants come from the Rotary Club’s annaul LobsterFest. Mark your calendar: This year’s is September 20.
A small part of the large Rotary Club crowd. (Photo and hat tip/Dave Matlow)
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If you’ve ever sat on the beach, watched sailboat races and wondered what it’s like to be on the water: This could be your summer.
You can join a boat — for free.
Cedar Point Yacht Club is looking for crews, for various fleets:
Atlantic (Saturdays, Sundays)
Flying Scot, Lightning, Thistle (Saturdays)
Vanguard 15 (Thursday, Fridays [women], Sundays
Cruising Class (Wednesdays, Saturdays). Click here for opportunities. Captains will welcome you aboard.
Cedar Point racing. (Photo/Richard Gordon)
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Wakeman Town Farm thinks of everything.
Including “Sensory Safari: Farm Fun for Neurodiverse Kids.”
The gentle, sensory-friendly animal adventure is designed for children ages 3-8.
The 45-minute session includes the chance to interact with goats, alpacas, sheep, rabbits and chickens.
The relaxed pace includes plenty of time to observe, touch (as comfortable), and engage with the animals in a calm, supportive environment.
The class is run by Jewell Ailes, an educator who works in an intensive resource room one-on-one with students with ASD and other special needs.
Wednesday classes are May 21 and 28, and June 4 and 11 (4:15 to 5 p.m.). For more information and to register, click here.
Fun at Wakeman Town Farm.
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Last month, Cory Booker delivered the longest recorded speech in US Senate history. For 25 hours and 5 minutes, he protested President Trump, and his administration.
He’ll speak for considerably less time next month, in Westport.
But the New Jersey Democrat will be here, raising funds for his re-election campaign. The event is June 6, 5:30 to 7 p.m. For details, email lizmilwe@gmail.com.
Henry Patrick Raleigh was a noted Westport illustrator. He drew for magazines like the Saturday Evening Post and Colliers.
The Society of Illustrators calls him a “’star’ during the Golden Age of American Illustration (1900–1930). His graceful, fluid drawings, usually of crowded social scenes, were done in line, wash or colored inks and seemed to flow from his fingertips….
“Home to Raleigh was what is now the famous artist’s colony of Westport, Connectict. He, George Wright, Frederick Dorr Steele and Rose O’Neill helped pioneer that area’s popularity.”
F. Scott Fitzgerald — another noted Westporter — called his work “the best illustrations I’ve ever seen.” Decades later, in 1991, art historian Benjamin Eisenstat said, “Raleigh was the highest paid illustrator in America, and perhaps the world.”
The home he once lived in — 167A Compo Road South — is now on the market.
Built in 1913, the 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom, 2,103-square foot house on 2 acres is listed for $1.895 million.
Let’s hope it appeals to someone who appreciates the history behind it.
Plenty of Westporters celebrated Cinco de Mayo on Monday, at several of our town’s Mexican restaurants.
But no one had a better time than Andrew Colabella. The Representative Town Meeting (RTM) member, and man about town, celebrated in style at Viva Zapata.
(Photo/Matthew Mandell)
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From the Revolutionary Era to today, artists have explored our nation’s evolving understanding of itself through depictions of Old Glory.
On May 29 (6 p.m., MoCA CT), Dr. Robin Jaffee Frank’s “O Say Can You See: Artists Reimagine the Flag” gallery talk will describe how artists incorporate the stars and stripes into their work, to “achieve aesthetic ends, critique social and political inequities, celebrate freedom and democracy, support and mourn our troops, and express despair and hope.”
The “06880” panel on youth sports is 1 week from today.
We’ve partnered with Tommy Greenwald — the famed youth adult sports fiction writer, former Staples athlete (and father of 3 athletes) — to present “Fair Play and Foul Behavior: Issues Facing Youth Sports in Today’s World.”
It’s May 14 (7 p.m., Staples High School cafeteria).
Topics include the achievement/pressure balance, referee abuse, sport specialization, cost, the “academy” syndrome, myths and realities of college recruiting, and more.
I’ll moderate the event, and include time for audience questions. Panelists are:
VJ Sarullo, Staples athletic director
Dave Smith, father of 4 athletes who writes frequently on youth sports topics
Caleb Smith, former Staples quarterback and lacrosse star, now playing football at the University of Connecticut
Heather Talbott, PAL girls lacrosse co-president and basketball organizer; former lacrosse player at Lehigh University
Mark Pressman, longtime football and softball official
And finally … on this date in 1824, Beehoven’s Ninth Symphony — perhaps his most famous — had its world premiere in Vienna.
(Beethoven had patrons. “06880” is not a musical genius — just a hyper-local blog. But we depend on donors too. Please click here to support our work. Meanwhile, enjoy the music!)
During 3 years in Westport, Mrs. London’s has made her — er, its — mark.
The Church Lane café and bakery draws big crowds, with its pastries, coffee and more. (It also features a Champagne vending machine, though no one seems to have ever vended from it.)
Now though, it’s changing hands. With the sale of Mrs. London’s to Maman — a New York hospitality group — it will go the way of its predecessors Aux Delices, Java, Wild Pear, Chef’s Table, and probably a few more I can’t recall.
A press release says that Maman, “known for its cafés, bakeries, and event spaces, features a menu that celebrates childhood favorites from the South of France and North America.”
Mrs. London’s will retain its original brand in Saratoga Springs, New York.
Owner Max London says, “We’ve been given the opportunity to expand
nationwide with some of our key menu items, thereby broadening our reach beyond brick and mortar. So despite our success with this location, the timing just made sense.
“We have been very appreciative of Mrs. London’s success in Westport, and as local residents, we are very excited to see Maman thrive here as our successor.”
They’ve launched a community survey, covering programs, events and offerings.
It’s anonymous, open to Westporters and non-residents — and patrons, and those who have never stepped inside.
Need an extra incentive? Participants are eligible to win prizes, including 2 sets of Apple AirPods, free drinks at the Library café; Amazon gift cards; and — for students — a delivery of 10 pizzas to the Library during AP exam study times.
The survey (click here) takes 10 minutes to complete. It’s available through May 31.
Everyone’s got documents to shred. And who doesn’t want to support cancer research?
Both come together this Saturday (May 10, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., William Raveis Real Estate, 47 Riverside Avenue).
Raveis is sponsoring “Shred it for Cancer Research.” Your stuff will be shredded as you watch. You don’t even have to leave your car.
There’s a suggested donation of $10 per box or shopping bag, $20 for a large garbage bag (cash, check, credit card of Venmo).
100% of every donation benefits the William Raveis Charitable Fund, Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
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Four months after receiving notice that his contract was not being renewed, Staples High School boys soccer head coach Russell Oost-Lievense will get a hearing.
The Board of Education meets next Monday (May 12, 9 a.m., Town Hall auditorium) to hear the appeal.
Well, they will be on Friday (May 9, 6 p.m.). The building is VFW Post 399 (465 Riverside Avenue).
At least, their music will be there. Tickets for the dinner (and classic hits) are $40. Click here to purchase. For more information, call 302-312-3774.
One more sign of summer: The Wakeman Town Farm farm stand opens June 14.
It will be open every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. It features fresh produce, honey, artisanal baked goods, extra virgin olive oils and gourmet balsamic vinegars, Chaga mushroom elixirs and salsas — plus fresh cut flower bouquets and WTF logowear.
Visitors can also walk through the gardens, say hi to the animals, and chat with the farmers.
Meanwhile, Wakeman Town Farm is looking for volunteers (ages 16+) to prepare and plant gardens (Wednesdays and Fridays, 2 to 4:30 p.m.). Email info@wakemantownfarm.org.
Lots o’ stuff, at the Wakeman Town Farm stand.
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Staples High School’s May Students of the Month are senior Rachel Pontoriero, juniors Isabel Alfageme and Isabel Jo, sophomore Damein Potter, and freshmen Dylan Robbin and Sofia Urrea.
Nominated by teachers, they “help make Staples High School a welcoming place for their peers and teachers alike. They are the ‘glue’ of the Staples community — the type of kind, cheerful, hard-working, trustworthy students that keep the high school together.”
From left: Isabel Alfageme, Rachel Pontoriero, Isabel Jo, Dylan Robbin, Damein Potter. Not pictured: Sofia Urrea.
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Westport artist Steven Parton just completed an intriguing, throwback beach series of paintings.
This one will be part of New York’s Salmagundi Club Summer Invitational Exhibition, from May 20 through June 6.
Steve will see you there. Or at Compo.
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Play ball!
Westport Little League Softball welcomes 130 players grades pre-K through 8th — and their families — to opening day Saturday, at Meyer Field.
1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker threw a strike, for the ceremonial first pitch.
(Photo/Fairfield County Sports Photography)
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Speaking of sports: TOPSoccer — a national program for youngsters with disabilities — kicked off Saturday.
The partnership between the Westport Soccer Association and Weston Soccer Club drew a great crowd.
But there’s room for more players — and more volunteer buddies.
Sessions run the next 4 Saturdays, plus a rainout makeup date TBA; 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Morehouse Farm Park in Weston.
To register as a player — or volunteer — click here.
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JazzFC’s “PianoFest” — this month’s feature at Jazz at the Post — cotninues with a repeat performance by David Berkman.
He’ll be joined by saxophonists Billy Drewes and Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall, bassist Jakob Dryer and drummer Quinton Cain.
It’s this Thursday (May 8) at VFW Post 399. Shows are 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner begins at 7. Tickets are $20; $15 for veterans and students. Click here to purchase.
The longtime Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce board member earned President’s Sales Leadership Club status for her regional work with Welcome Wagon. She was also named 2025 Local Business Person of the Year in Westport by Alignable, a national business networking platform.
And finally … in honor of Elvis Presley and Neil Diamond’s “appearances” at the VFW this Friday (story above):
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Got drugs you no longer need (or want)? Or those that have expired?
This Saturday (April 26, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Senior Center) the Westport Police Departmet takes part in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.
Residents can bring tablets, capsules, patches and other solid forms of prescription drugs to the Senior Center.Liquid products, such as cough syrup, should remain sealed in their original container.
Do NOT bring syringes, sharps and illicit drugs. The cap must be tightly sealed to prevent leakage.
Drop-offs are free, and anonymous.
Westport Police also offer a year-round collection bin in the lobby of the headquarters building on Jesup Road. There is a supply of medication disposal bags in the lobby, to dispose of liquid and pill medications in your regular garbage.
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Speaking of police: This Friday (April 25), Rizzuto’s Oyster Bar & Restaurant will have some special staff members.
From 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., Westport Police Department officers will welcome diners, take orders and serve meals.
No, Rizzuto’s is not short staffed. And the police are not pocketing the proceeds.
The Tip-A-Cop event is a fundraiser for Special Olympics Connecticut. Customers are encouraged to leave extra tips. All tips the officers receive will help provide sports, health and fitness programs to athletes of all abilities.
Our police are known as Westport’s finest. Thanks to the force, Rizzuto’s and Special Olympics, for this very “fine” idea.
Two long-vacant storefronts at “Elm & Main” — the new name for what decades of Westporters knew as Brooks Corner — will soon be filled.
Everything But Water is moving into the old Birddogs space. The Orlando-based women’s retailer specializes in designer swimwear, vacation essentials and accessories.
They operate 34 stores. Westport will be their third in Connecticut. The other locations are Farmington and Greenwich.
Beyond Yoga opens their second Connecticut store in September. The first will be in Greenwich, starting next month. The female-founded activewear brand is owned by Levi Strauss.
Fun Fact: Brooks Corner was named not for longtime tenant Brooks Brothers, but for B.V. Brooks. The real estate developer built the shopping center in the early 1960s.
Speaking of openings: The next location for The Granola Bar is …
… 330 Madison Avenue, in New York City.
Instantly popular from the day in 2013 when it opened in Playhouse Square — still its “flagship” location, with offices nearby — the breakfast/lunch/catering-and-more spot has since expanded to Fairfield, Darien, Stamford and Greenwich, plus Rye, Woodbury (Long Island) and the Upper West Side.
Now comes Midtown — just steps away from Grand Central.
Tomorrow’s Board of Education meeting (Thursday, April 24, 7 p.m., Staples High School cafeteria) includes the usual mix of topics: academic performances, revisions to the school caelndar, board policies regarding employees, and students with disabilities.
The discussion item at the end should be less dry. It’s about Staples Block “S” trophies, and the controversy raised this year when the traditional metal awards were replaced by plaques.
“Wild About Veggies: Tips for Planting a Garden” (May 5, 7 p.m.). Learn about seasonal rotations, and much more. Click here to register.
“Learn to Shuck Oysters with a Local Pro” (June 8, 5 p.m.). Then enjoy the oysters you open (from Copps Island in Norwalk). You’ll also gain an understanding of oyster anatomy, and learn about the history of oyster farming here. $50; BYOB. Click here to register.
Coming Sunday (April 27) to the Weston History & Culture Center i
Opening Day of “Images of a Forgotten Village: Valley Forge” (1 p.m.). The Saugatuck Reservoir in Weston was home to a small neighborhood called Valley Forge. Now the once-thriving community of mills, forges and farms has vanished from memory and sight. The only reminders are photos.
Author Talk with Heather Pemberton About her debut thriller, “Hidden Below” (3 p.m.) — inspired by the history of Weston’s Valley Forge
Both are free for members, with a suggested donation for non-members.
For 2 decades, STAR Lighting the Way’s “Walk & Roll” has been a spring highlight. The event brings together families, friends, supporters and businesses to celebrate individuals of all abilities, and raise needed funds for STAR’s programs and services, aiding people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
This year’s event is May 4 (Sherwood Island State Park, 10:30 a.m.). The day includes family activities, music, food trucks, games and entertainment.
As always, the public is invited to walk, roll, volunteer or cheer from the sidelines. Click here to donate, register to walk or roll, or become a sponsor.
Here’s an early head’s-up, on an event that will sell out soon.
On June 27 (6:30 p.m.,), Mystic Bowie’s Talking Dreads make their first-ever Westport appearance.
They’ll fill the Westport Library with their fun Caribbean swagger, and bouncy reggae rhythms, for a special dance party.
Salon says: “Talking Dreads play Talking Heads songs as shimmering one-drop reggae jewels. Tom Tom Club vet Mystic Bowie (swaps out) urbanity for roots and sincerity.”
Tickets are $37.50. Click here to purchase, and for more information.
Max Harper’s family and friends — and many Westporters who did not know the Staples High School senior who died last fall — are admiring a new memorial to him.
The handsome stone is at Compo’s South Beach, near the trees and benches.
It was designed by longtime Westport artist (and Staples graduate) Miggs Burroughts.
On a cold, windy March day, an expert from Enduring Monuments met Miggs and Max’s father Marcus at the rock Marcus had chosen.
The Westchester firm had created stencils from Miggs’ artwork. They blasted as pecial powdery spray into it, then spray painted the recessed areas to make them stand out.
Creating the memorial …
… and the finished memorial. (Photo/Pam Docters)
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A reader writes: “I went into the AMC (used to be Bowtie) Royale 6 this afternoon. They are open. Who knew?!
“I thought they had closed. They switched owners, and took down the board where they used to post movie titles you could see from Route 1. So for the last 6 months I drove by and thought they were closed. I bet 50% of Westport has no idea they are open.”
I’m in the 50% who knew they were open. In fact, I bet 90% of the town did not think they were closed.
But, as a public service announcement, I’m relaying the “news.”
Hopefully, it’s a lot more interesting than all the announcements you hear before a movie.
At the AMC Royale 6, which — did you know? — is open!
And finally … in honor of the AMC Royale 6 theater (story above):
(You go to the movies every once in a while. But “06880” entertains — and maybe informs and inspires — you several times a day. If you enjoy this hyper-local blog, please click here to support us. Thanks!)
Americans discard 20 million mattresses and box springs annually. That’s 55,000 that land in incinerators and landfills each day.
But up to 90% of old mattresses can be recycled into carpet pads, exercise equipment cushions, bike seats, insulation, air filters and steel materials.
Sustainable Westport can help. They’ll host a free mattress/ box spring recycling event on Saturday, April 26 (8:30 to 11:30 a.m., Earthplace).
Dry and unsoiled mattresses and box springs are welcome. Please do not bring those that are damaged, wet, or contaminated (bed bugs, etc.).
If you can’t bring your mattress or box spring, Westport Boy Scout Troop 36 will provide a pickup service for a small donation. Click here to sign up.
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Supper & Soul — the great Westport Chamber of Commerce meal-and-music event — returns Saturday, May 3.
Green River — the Creedence Clearwater Revival/John Fogerty tribute show — takes center stage at the Westport Library at 8 p.m.
Dinner starts at 6 p.m. An $85 Supper & Soul ticket includes a 3-course dinner at one of 11 downtown restaurants, plus the concert.
After the concert, show your ticket at any participating restaurant, for happy hour pricing on drinks.
Concert-only tickets are $30. Click here to purchase.
Participating restaurants include Arezzo, Basso, Capuli, Casa Me, Don Memo, Emmy Squared, Il Pastaficio, Nômade, Spotted Horse, Gogi, and Walrus Alley.
But it’s not far away — 3 East Avenue in Norwalk, just down the hill from Stew Leonard’s, and to the right at the light.
Plus, it’s the artistry of Jalna Jaeger, a 1971 Staples High School graduate.
“Everyone is invited to stop by!” she says.
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Alvin Ailey is coming to the Westport Country Playhouose.
“Ailey II: The Next Generation of Dance” takes the stage on May 1 (7 p.m.)
The program features the premiere of “Down the Rabbit Hole,” inspired by the “Matrix” film series exploring the relationship between humans and technology; Alvin Ailey’s Streams, an abstract exploration of bodies in space, and Baye & Asa’s “John 4:20,” an “explosive adrenaline rush.”
Tickets are $75, $80. Click here to purchase, and for more information.
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Westport Transit Director Peter Gold writes: “Westport is in danger of losing the Wheels2U shuttle yet again.
“The Board of Finance once again voted at its March meeting to eliminate all funding for Wheels2U, the WTD’s door-to-train station on-demand commuter shuttle. This will effectively shut down the service as of June 30. (The door-to- door service for the elderly and persons with disabilities will not be affected.)
“The Finance and Transit Committees of the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) meet on April 21 and April 22, respectively, to make recommendations to the full RTM regarding the budget for Wheels2U.
“The full RTM meets May 2 to vote on restoring funding to keep the shuttle running for another year.
“Please send an email to the RTM (RTM-DL@Westportct.gov) urging the RTM to restore the budget and keep the shuttle alive.
“Wheels2U provided over 20,362 rides to and from Westport’s 2 train stations to more than 1,230 people since the start of the current fiscal year on July 1, 2024, with 2,590 rides to and from Westport’s train stations in March alone.
“Wheels2U supports Westport residents and businesses and aids economic development by providing a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way for Westport commuters, reverse commuters and others to link their homes, their employers, and downtown to the train stations.
“It takes a vote of 70% of RTM members present and voting at a meeting to override the Board of Finance and restore the funding for Wheels2U. Every bit of support matters.”
Rhododendrons — their beauty, history and landscape use at Blau House & Gardens — are on display at a special May 18 event (9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., beginning at Wakeman Town Farm).
The day includes a box lunch, and guided tour of Blau House, Westport’s hidden gem off Bayberry Lane. Click here for tickets, and more information.
Rhododedrons at Blau House & Gardens.
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Eight members of the Artists Collective of Westport will be part of ARTWorks Gallery’s “Been There” show. It opens April 26 (5 to 7 p.m., 60 East Avenue, Norwalk).
The final day — May 18 — includes a 4 p.m. artists’ walk and talk, at the closing reception.
“Tuesday” — mixed media (Barbara Ringer)
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1975 Staples High School graduate Naomi Schalit and her husband John Christe — co-founders of the Maine Center for Public Interest Reporting — were inducted into the New England Newspaper Hall of Fame last month.
They were honored at the Portland event for their commitment to investigative journalism and public service.
Maine Governor Janet Mills attended the event, to show her support for Schalit and Christie. Speaking of the 1st Amendment, she said, “When it goes, we won’t even know that it’s gone because you won’t be there to report it.” (Hat tip: Douglass Davidoff)
And finally … on this date in 1943, Albert Hofmann accidentally discovered the hallucinogenic effects of the research drug LSD. He took the drug intentionally 3 days later.
(“06880” does not endorse hallucinogenic drugs. We do, however, fully support you clicking here, to help support your hyper-local blog. Thank you for joining us on this trip.)
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.
(“06880” is your hyper-local source for news you can use. If you enjoy our daily Roundup — or anything else we publish, several times a day — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Comments Off on Roundup: “Born To Run” At 50, The Pledge At Y’s Men, Inam At Clarendon …
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