Tag Archives: Westport Astronomical Society

Roundup: Today’s Events, Plus Tulips, Cashmere, Moon …

Posted on October 4, 2025 | 5 comments

There is a ton going on in Westport today. In the words of former 1st selectman Jim Marpe, “If you can’t find something to do here, you’re just not trying.”

Among the activities:

Meet Your RTM Candidates (10 a.m. to noon, Westport Library): Informal chats with the men and women running for our legislative body; coffee, donuts, snacks and art activities for youngsters. Co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters Westport, and “06880.”

Westport Volunteer Fair (11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Westport Library): Dozens of local nonprofit organizations with information tables, and members on hand to promote volunteerism.

Westoberfest (Noon to 6 p.m., Elm Street): Oktoberfest comes to downtown, with raft beers, kids’ activities, music and much more. Purchase tickets online; more expensive on-site. Sponsored by the Westport Downtown Association.

At This Stage (5:30 p.m., Westport Country Playhouse): Gala fundraiser, honoring Nathan Lane and Anne Keefe. Click here for tickets, and more information.

Woodside Bash (7 to 10 p.m., Earthplace): Harvest dinner, open bar, music, line dancing, a fire pit and mechanical bull. Click here for tickets, and more information.

 

Westoberfest — one of many activities in town today.

================================================

It’s tulip time now — for a beautiful payoff this spring.

Tomorrow (Sunday, October 5, 9 a.m.), volunteers will gather at the entrance to Compo Beach, to continue the annual planting project.

Andrew Colabella has donated 1,500 bulbs. All are welcome to help get them in the ground. Bring a small trowel; Andrew will have power tools.

He hopes to raise money through the Sons of American Legion to continue the tradition. For details, email mshornick@optonline.net.

Andrew Colabella (front, right) joined fellow Representative Town Meeting members in 2023, to plant tulips at the Minute Man Monument.

==================================================

Earth Animal’s 18th annual Mitten Project is underway.

Once again, the popular local business has set an audacious goal: $80,000, to address hunger in Fairfield County. Last year, Earth Animal and its friends raised $75,737.66.

Once again, they’ll match every dollar raised.

This — due to federal funding cuts — Earth Animal’s partner CT Foodshare needs more help than ever.

There are 3 parts to the Mitten Project. 

In November and December, shoppers can support the cause in many ways, including:

Purchasing advent calendars (25 days of giving treats to pups!)

“Shop & Give” promotions in which businesses donate percentages of sales  (South Pine Creek Deli, Millie Rae’s, Bel Mondo, McLaughlin, Element50, Eleven11, Pet Pantry, Izzo’s Garden Center, 299 Design Gallery, The Post, Kelli & Crew, Westport Hardware, Scout & Molly’s, Vintage Gardens, La Moda, Capri, Athletic Shoe Factory, Lolli Sutton, Fox Trot Home and more)

Pin-up Fundraiser ($5+ donations fill out a mitten, and will be displayed in Earth Animal’s store windows)

Pies for Good (Wakeman Town Farm offers homemade apple, apple crumb, blueberry, blueberry crumb, cherry, cherry crumb and pumpkin pie, plus homemade ice cream; $25 per pie, $10 per pint; pre-order here (November 3-21).

Wreaths for Good (November 29, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.): Holiday wreath fundraiser, and a special appearance by Santa. 

==================================================

Speaking of winter: a new pop-up store — The Cashmere Sale — moves into 180 Post Road East (near Mancini Salon) on October 10.

It will be there — selling, presumably, cashmere — through December 24. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.

Click here for the website.

(Hat tip and photo/Sal Liccione)

==================================================

NASA is shut down. But the Westport Observatory is wide open.

The Westport Astronomical Society invites everyone to visit tonight (Saturday, October 4, 8 p.m.), to celebrate International Observe the Moon Night.

The annual event encourages everyone on Earth to observe, learn about, and celebrate the Moon together.

At the Bayberry Lane site, visitors can see the 10 1/2-day, 80% illuminated waxing gibbous moon (and other stuff) through a number of telescopes. (Bonus view: Saturn.)

Map of the moon.

==================================================

There’s a lot going on at VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399.

And you don’t have to be a veteran to take part. All are welcome!

Mark your calendars for:

Comedy Night (October 17, 8 p.m.; $20): Four comedians will keep you laughing.

Chili Cookoff (October 18, 6 p.m.; $25). Benefit for Westport Police Department, Westport Fire Department, Westport Emergency Medical Services, and veterans.

Veterans’ luncheon (October 23, 11 a.m.). 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.

Blues party: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member Mark Naftalin and friends (November 1, 7:30 p.m.; $15).

Plus: Sunday specials during NFL football games: $5 shots, $6 drafts.

Questions about any of these events? Email vfw399ct@gmail.com, or call 203-227-6796. (Hat tip: Andrew Colabella)

=================================================

There’s also a lot this month at MoCA CT. For example:

  • Latinx Musical Identities (October 11, 7 p.m.)
  • Collecting 501: Buying, Selling, Loaning Art & Tax Planning (October 16, 5:30 p.m.)
  • Multi-Bowl Pottery Class (adults; October 16, 6 p.m.).
  • Caity Gyorgy & Band (October 19, 4 p.m.)
  • Reflections by East Coast Contemporary Ballet (October 30-30, 7:30 p.m.)
  • Studio Art with Ms. Sue (kids 5+; Saturdays, 10 to 11:30 a.m.)
  • Saturday Drop-in Art Class for Kids (ages 4+; Saturdays, 12 to 1:30 p.m.).

Click here for details, registration information and more.

==================================================

Staples High School senior Myla Saperstein is the Westport Book Shop’s guest exhibitor this month.

She is showing photos from some of her favorite places around the world, from the beaches of Westport to the shores of Cabo San Lucas.  Her work highlights the sky in different lights and colors. All works are available for purchase.

A reception is set for October 22 (6 p.m.).

Myla Saperstein’s photos.

==================================================

Speaking of great photos: Our celebration of dogs returning to Compo Beach — the annual October 1 event — continues, with this peaceful image by Nicola Sharian:

(Photo/Nicola Sharian)

==================================================

The Sherwood Mill Pond tidal gate renovation project is moving along.

The giant crane has been relocated from the Old Mill parking lot, to the edge of the pond itself.

Work is scheduled to be completed by Memorial Day.

(Photo/Matt Murray)

=================================================

And — though most betting folks would have put up good money against it — there seems to be a bit of action on the long-dormant Post Road project.

This was the scene yesterday, near McDonald’s:

(Photo/Richard Fogel)

No, it is not AI-generated.

===============================================

Also underway: the Greens Farms Academy athletic complex.

The new facility will add plenty of options for student-athletes.

And it’s much closer to the outdoor fields than the current gym.

(Photo/Seth Schachter)

==================================================

Today’s captivating “Westport … Naturally” image comes from Gorham Island, thanks to ever-alert Susan Garment:

(Photo/Susan Garment)

==================================================

And finally … thinking of tomorrow’s tulip-planting event (story above):

(Another weekend, another day packed with a news-you-can-use Roundup. If you enjoy this daily feature — or any other on “06880” — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

5 Comments

Posted in Arts, Westport Country Playhouse

Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Roundup: Board Of Ed, Don Memo, Farmers’ Market …

Posted on August 7, 2025 | 7 comments

There will be 2 more candidates on the November 4 ballot.

Democrats Steve Shackelford and Jodi Harris collected — and the town clerk certified — over 400 petition signatures.

He is a former Representative Town Meeting member; she is a former Staples High School PTA co-presisdent.

They’ll join Democratic Town Committee-endorsed candidates Lauren Karpf (RTM deputy moderator) and Abby Tolan (incumbent BOE member), and Republican Town Committee-endorsed candidates Dorie Hordon (incumbent), Michelle Hopson, TEAM Westport member Andy Frankel, and Kaitlin Zucaro.

Shackelford and Harris say, “We are honored to have the opportunity to earn the trust and support of our fellow Westport residents. We look forward to engaging with the community and sharing our vision for a thoughtful, effective and forward-looking board that puts students and families first.”

Steve Shackelford and Jodi Harris.

=================================================

The Westport dining scene is about to change.

And “06880” is eating it up.

Today (Thursday) at 6 p.m., Dan Woog and Dave Briggs bring our popular “Dave & Dan” Instagram Live camera to Don Memo. Our Instagram is @06880danwoog.

The popular Mexican restaurant in the middle of downtown will soon become a popular Italian-American spot: Massi Co.

We’ll chat with owner Massimo Tullio about the new concept, his own career, and Westport’s ever-evolving culinary scene.

==================================================

Also today — like every Thursday, from May to November — the Westport Farmers’ Market comes alive, at the Imperial Avenue parking lot (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.).

But this day is extra special. It’s part of National Farmers’ Market Week, celebrated every first week of August.

Check out the 36 vendors — along with live music, informational tables, a great community vibe, and much more.

In other Farmers’ Market news, the Young Shoots photo contest — for photographers ages 5-18 — has been extended one week. The new deadline is August 15. Click here for details.

Happy National Farmers’ Market Week! And if you’re a young photographer: Celebrate with your camera.

See you at the Farmers’ Market! (Photo/Marcus Slomich)

==================================================

Speaking (still) of food: Quietly but deliciously, Field Trip has helped make Westport the jerky capital of the Northeast.

The company’s headquarters are at 153 Post Road East, opposite Design Within Reach.

Now they’re adding a sister brand there.

DefenderBar will be the first bar ever — and one of the first snacks in the US — to use functional ingredients like psyllium husk (to support gut health) and dandelion root (for the liver and gut), while also fueling the brain and heart with chia, flax and hemp seeds.

There are 3 flavors: cinnamon churro oatmeal, peanut butter chocolate chip and coconut almond chocolate.

To support the launch on TikTok, Instagram and Facebook, founders Matt Levey, Tom Donigan and Scott Fiesinger invite any “06880” reader to come in to the store, and show you’ve followed the brand on any of those platforms.

You’ll get 25% off the entire store, including Defender and Field Trip.

The first 100 people in (and following on social media) will receive a free Defender bar. The promotion begins August 13, and runs through August 20.

Levey explains, “we realized we’re not 25 anymore. But we’re still pushing ourselves — on the trails, in the gym, at home with our wild kids — and we needed a better way to fuel that lifestyle.

“As longtime friends who have spent half our lives in the better-for-you food industry, and as adventurers and dads, we looked for something with functional macros, real ingredients, and satisfying.

“We were tired of bars that were all sugar and no substance, or ones that claimed to be ‘healthy’ but left us crashing mid-hike. So we got to work. We kept it simple, with nutrient-dense ingredients.”

Defender bars are definitely worth a field trip!

=================================================

Speaking of local businesses: The Gig Center (next to Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids) is now The Music Collective.

It offers the same services: private music lessons, rock band programs, instrument repairs, music books and instrument accessories. It’s also still the home of Westport Musical Instrument Rentals.

The new phone number is 203.292.3077.

Jamming at the Gig Center.

=================================================

 

Nature, memory, abstraction and form are the basis of 3 new art exhibits at the Westport Library.

The artists and their works are Steve Moen (“Circling Back,” in the Sheffer Gallery), Tom Kretsch (“A Symphony of Color,” South Gallery), and Linn Cassetta (“Eggcentric,” Jesup Gallery).

Each exhibit will have a separate reception (6 p.m.) and artist conversation (7 p.m.), with Artists’ Collective of Westport co-founder Miggs Burroughs. Moen’s is set for August 13; Kretsch’s is August 27, and Cassetta’s is September 17.

Click here for more information.

Works by Tom Kretsch

==================================================

What’s new in the world universe of amateur telescopes?

Wesetport Observatory Bob Meadows is just back from the 89th annual convention of amateur telescope makers. He’ll describe all the innovations at the Westport Astronomical Society’s next lecture: August 19 (WAS classroom, 8 p.m.)

The event will also be livestreamed on Zoom and YouTube.

Seen at the Westport Observatory. (Photo/Frank Rosen)

==================================================

The Blight Prevention Board meets August 14 (7 p.m., Zoom) to discuss 3 properties: 1 Charcoal Hil Road, 6 Clifford Lane, and 38 Old Hill Road.

=================================================

Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo comes from just below Arezzo’s outdoor patio.

Perhaps they didn’t have a reservation?

(Photo/Janine Scotti)

==================================================

And finally … on this date in 1789, The Department of War was established.

(Politics, food, art, entertainment … just another day on “06880.” If you learn about your town — or anything else — from our daily Roundups, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

7 Comments

Posted in Arts, Education, Environment, Library, Local business, Local politics, Real estate, Restaurants

Tagged , , , , , , ,

Roundup: Sherwood Island, Blue Origin, Metro-North …

Posted on July 7, 2025 | 1 comment

“06880” regularly posts photos from Compo Beach.

Less regularly, but still often, we feature Burying Hill and Old Mill Beaches.

But — despite its 238 acres, in the heart of our coastline — we seldom show Sherwood Island State Park.

Long an afterthought for residents, it’s gained in popularity since its “discovery” during the pandemic.

Plus, it’s free! (With a Connecticut license plate.)

Here are a few Sherwood Island weekend images. They’re probably not Westporters — but hey. Anyone can have fun at “our” biggest beach.

(Photos/Celia Campbell-Mohn)

“The Kite Guys” are Sherwood Island regulars. (Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

==================================================

Meanwhile, over at Compo, a different church hosts Sunday services each week during the summer.

Yesterday, it was Green’s Farms Congregational:

(Photo/Rick Benson)

==================================================

Metro-North fares will rise 5% on September 1. A second 5% hike takes place on July 1, 2026.

State Department of Transportation officials call the hikes necessary to keep the trains running. Click here for the full story, on CT Mirror.

==================================================

Speaking of transportation: Compo Beach continues to attract classic cars.

The latest one spotted at South Beach is this 1930 Model A Ford.

(Photo/Richard Fogel)

We can’t see a beach sticker. It must be grandfathered in.

==================================================

Speaking still of transportation: The Westport Astronomical Society’s free online lecture series continues July 15 (8 p.m., Zoom and YouTube), with Dr. Bob Dempsey, director of flight operations for Blue Origin’s New Shepard suborbital rocket system. It’s designed for space tourism and scientific payload flights.

His talk is called “What Goes Up Must Come Down: Private Space Flight in the Era of ‘New Space.'”

Blue Origin

==================================================

Congratulations to Westport Little League’s 10-11 year-old team: District 2 champions!

(Photo courteys of Andrew Colabella)

==================================================

We start our “Westport … Naturally” week with a luscious shot, from Sherwood Island State Park (see item above):

(Photo/Celia Campbell-Mohn)

==================================================

And finally … in honor of the Westport Astronomical Society’s upcoming talk (story above):

(Another Monday, another week of Roundups. If you enjoy learning all about Westport — every morning, 24/7/365 — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

1 Comment

Posted in Beach, Categories, religion, Transportation

Tagged , , , ,

Roundup: Astronomical Society’s 50th, Sunrise Rotary’s Ducks …

Posted on June 22, 2025 | 2 comments

The Westport Astronomical Society celebrated its 50th anniversary yesterday.

That’s an impressive run. Not quite as old as the universe — but that’s still impressive.

And they do cover a lot of territory.

The soirée included demonstrations, tours, games, a silent auction, raffles (of meteorites!), and astral photos for sale — along with the dedication of 2 new telescope domes.

The WAS is located at 182 Bayberry Lane. Click here for more information. 

WAS member Matt Deierlein pops his head out of the observatory.

Michael Southam scans the skies. (Hat tip and photos/Frank Rosen)

==================================================

Back on earth: Do you have your ducks in a row?

Westport Sunrise Rotary sure does.

They’re getting ready for next Saturday’s Great Duck Race, on Jesup Green.

The “Fun Faire” — with family-friendly games and activities — runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It’s free — but raffle tickets are still available for the duck race itself (1 p.m.). First prize is $5,000; there are 9 others too.

Click here for all the ducky details.

Seen on Jesup Green. (Photo/DinkinESH Fotografix)

==================================================

“Private Property.” “No Trespassing.” “Rocky Hummock Island Private.”

It’s pretty clear — in English and Spanish — to stay off the land abutting Sherwood Mill Pond.

After all: “Authorized Personnel Only. Trespassers will be Prosecuted.”

Except there’s that fourth sign: “Fishermen Welcome.”

So keep out — unless you’ve got a fishing pole. Then come on in!

(Photo/Dan Woog)

==================================================

Yesterday’s Roundup noted that Westport and Weston are #1 and 2, respectively, in percentage of state residents who own electric vehicles.

Teslas are most popular, but there are many other manufacturers and brands.

A Cadillac Eldorado is not one of them — certainly not one from 1963.

But that didn’t stop this car — seen at Compo Beach yesterday — from dreaming:

(Photo/DinkinESH Fotografix)

Meanwhile, not far away, this one did not pretend to be anything other than a muscle car:

 

(Photo/Richard Fogel)

==================================================

At the ungodly hour of 4 a.m. today, 15 youth and 4 adult leaders from Saugatuck Congregational Church left for their annual youth group mission trip.

This year they head to Fort Worth, Texas to help address food insecurity in the area.

Youth mission trips are open to all youth, from those entering high school in the fall to those who just graduated. Older participants can serve as counselors-in-training, while adults can be chaperones. Saugatuck Church membership is not required.

4 a.m. sendoff!

=================================================

Ospreys make their nests all over Westport. Some opt for natural surroundings (Sherwood Mill Pond, Burying Hill Beach, Longshore). Others go for a more commercial vibe, like the Fresh Market/Terrain parking lot.

This pair may have just moved — like so many new Westporters — from New York. Perhaps they want a convenient commute to the Big Apple.

Yesterday, Tom Jendrock noticed a nest in the overhead steel structure at the Westport train station. It’s perfect for our “Westport … Naturally” daily feature.

The parent was feeding chicks, and was not bothered at akk when a train passed underneath. That’s a real city bird!

(Photo/Tom Jendrock)

==================================================

And finally … in honor of the 1960s car spotted at Compo Beach (story above):

(From Compo Beach to the skies above — and universe beyond — “06880” is here for you. If you enjoy our hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

2 Comments

Posted in Beach, Environment, religion, Transportation

Tagged , , , , ,

Roundup: Lou Weinberg, LGBTQ Pride, Library Verso U …

Posted on June 20, 2025 | 5 comments

Congratulations to Lou Weinberg!

The Westport environmentalist — who chaired the Westport Community Gardens for over 20 years, and established the Long Lots Preserve — was honored Wednesday by Aspetuck Land Trust.

At their annual meeting, the non-profit preservation organization cited him for his work as “a leading voice in defending and restoring community green spaces … and for rescuing dozens of native shrubs and trees from the bulldozer, now replanted at ALT’s Kupinse Preserve in Easton — ensuring these natives continue to thrive and inspire.”

Lou Weinberg

=======================================================

Westport’s LGBTQ+ community — and allies — celebrate Pride on Sunday.

The festival of “love, diversity, community, joy, creativity and connection” runs from noon to 3 p.m., at Jesup Green.

Highlights include music, vendors, food trucks, a chalk drawing competition — and a chance to show your true colors and inclusive spirit.

Happy Pride!

================================================

Tomorrow — the day after the summer solstice — the Westport Astronomical Society celebrates its 50th anniversary.

The June 21 event (12:30 to 7:30 p.m., 182 Bayberry Lane) features:

  • Astrophotography art show, with amazing images by WAS members
  • Silent auction, with “out of this world” (ho ho) items
  • Games and challenges like Space Jeopardy and Black Hole (the WAS twist on cornhole), with prizes
  • Daytime observation of the sun, moon and Venus through solar telescopes
  • Limited edition 50th anniversary WAS swang
  • Ribbon-cutting for the new observatories
  • Live ham radio demonstrations with K1WAS, the on-site amateur radio station
  • Door prizes
  • Food, friends and community connections.

But wait! There’s more.

Speakers include:

  • Clare Burhenne (Ph.D. candidate at Rutgers): Star formation in the local universe
  • Phil Harrington (WAS founder): 50 Years of WAS
  • Shannon Calvert (WAS p)resident: Unveiling a bold new theory of gravity — a world premiere.

The public is (of course) invited.

==================================================

An interesting new store opens soon in Westport.

Make-Modern is a spot to learn and create in a variety of crafts: sewing, needlepoint, knitting, crocheting and more.

Their third location — after Darien and Greenwich — is 180 Post Road East (across Bay Street from Design Within Reach).

Make-Modern will offer summer camps, with different projects and themes “each darn week.” Students will learn to sew, bead, weave, knit, print and more.

The space can be rented for group events too, like birthday parties, bridal showers, book clubs, family reunions and nights with friends.

Make-Modern’s goal is to “inspire creativity, build self-cofidence,” and help people make new friends while creating “amazing” projects.

Click here to learn more. (Hat tip: Patti Brill)

================================================

Verso University — the Westport Library’s lifelong learning and education initiative — is gearing up for summer.

Offerings cover a wide variety of topics, from art to AI, and honeybees to happy hour cooking. Click here, then scroll down to the “Calendar” for specific program details, including registration.

  • “Kickoff to Summer: Happy Hour Cooking Class (today, Friday; 4 to 5:30 p.m.).
  • “Out of the Marvelous: The Poetry of Seamus Heaney” (July 9, 16, 23; 10:30 a.m. to noon).
  • “At Tour and Happy Hour at the Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum” (July 11, 4 to 6:30 p.m.).
  • “AI According to Hollywood” (July 17, 28; August 11, 25; 7 to 8 p.m.).
  • “All About Bees: Honey Tasting and Honeybee Preparation” (July 26, 2-3:30 p.m.).
  • “Creating Digital Art With Your iPad” (August 5, 12, 19, 26; 10 a.m.-noon).
  • “Art Tour at the Bruce Museum” (August 17, 2-3 p.m.).

The Library’s Happy Hour Cooking Class is today (Friday).

=================================================

The newest addition to the Westport Country Playhouse summer calendar is Linedy Genao.

Set for August 12 (7 p.m.), “Songs From My Sala” is an “intimate, soulful journey.”

Genao takes the audience from performing in her family’s Dominican Republic living room to starring as Andrew Lloyd Webber’s first Latina leading lady to originate a role on Broadway.

She was seen most recently on the Playhouse stage in “Native Gardens.” Click here for tickets, and more information.

Linedy Genao

==============================================

Westport has plenty of inane, gratuitous and otherwise useless signs.

For example: “School Bus Stop Ahead.” There’s a school bus stop every 10 yards in Westport, so why single any one out?

Also, those warning that violators of a certain condition — “One Hour,” “Parking for Patrons of [Insert Name] Only” — will be towed. And not just that, but “Immediately.” When was the last time that happened?

Yet this one — from the medical offices at 162 Kings Highway North — must be at the top of any list of inane Westport signs:

Isn’t any parking slippery “when icy or wet conditions exist”? (Or, simply, “when icy or wet.”)

And why illustrate with an image of a break dancer with jazz hands?

==================================================

Two graceful birds grace today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature:

(Photo/Matt Murray)

==================================================

And finally … on this date in 1863, West Virginia was admitted as the 35th state in the union. It separated from Virginia, which had seceded 2 years earlier.

(Whether you’re in Westport or West Virginia,”06880″ is your place for all the news, opinions, photos and more about our town. If you enjoy our work, please support us by clicking here. Thank you!)

5 Comments

Posted in Environment, Library, Local business, Westport Country Playhouse

Tagged , , , , ,

Roundup: Long Lots’ Plans, Astronomical Society’s Anniversary, Ethan Walmark’s Music …

Posted on June 3, 2025 | 8 comments

Yesterday’s “Opinion” piece by Mark and Valerie Seiling Jacobs, about the approval process for a new Long Lots Elementary School, referenced documents that have been filed about the project.

All reports, plans, updates and more are available at the Long Lots School Building Committee’s page on the town’s website.

Meanwhile, tonight’s Long Lots School Building Committee meeting has been canceled.

Also canceled: The June 11 Representative Town Meeting Environment Committee session, regarding a possible ordinance banning new artificial turf athletic fields.

That meeting did not specifically involve Long Lots. However, the elementary school may become part of the discussion. The composition of the new field there — artificial turf or grass — has not yet been determined.

One sketch of the proposed Long Lots School, on the LLSBC page.

==================================================

The universe is 13.8 billion years old.

The Westport Astronomical Society is younger — by about 13,799,999,950 years.

But its 50th anniversary celebration is still worth shouting about, to the stars.

The June 21 event (12:30 to 7:30 p.m., 182 Bayberry Lane) features:

  • Astrophotography art show, with amazing images by WAS members
  • Silent auction, with “out of this world” (ho ho) items
  • Games and challenges like Space Jeopardy and Black Hole (the WAS twist on cornhole), with prizes
  • Daytime observation of the sun, moon and Venus through solar telescopes
  • Limited edition 50th anniversary WAS swang
  • Ribbon-cutting for the new observatories
  • Live ham radio demonstrations with K1WAS, the on-site amateur radio station
  • Door prizes
  • Food, friends and community connections.

But wait! There’s more.

Speakers include:

  • Clare Burhenne (Ph.D. candidate at Rutgers): Star formation in the local universe
  • Phil Harrington (WAS founder): 50 Years of WAS
  • Shannon Calvert (WAS p)resident: Unveiling a bold new theory of gravity — a world premiere.

The public is (of course) invited.

==================================================

The weather has not quite turned summer-y yet.

But the Westport Library is ready, with the return of their Kids’ Summer Reading Program and Adult Summer Reading Challenge.

From now through September 1, youngsters are encouraged to read anything, anytime, anywhere — while earning free books, and a chance to win a prize. “Every minute counts, and every reader wins,” the Library says.

Registration and details are available online.

The 9th annual Adult Summer Reading Challenge runs through August 29.

There are 25 new categories to inspire readers. There are 2 rules

  1. Categories may only be fulfilled once.
  2. Each book can only be used for one category.

Progress can be tracked on the leaderboard — along with a look into what others are reading.

The Library also offers a Reading Challenge Facebook Group to talk about books, share recommendations, and stay motivated.

==================================================

When Ethan Walmark was in pre-K, his teacher advised the neurodiverse boy’s parents to take away his music.

“You want him to be in our world, not his,” she said.

Fortunately, they disregarded that advice.

The 2024 Staples High School graduate just finished his freshman year at the University of Southern California’s Thornton School of Music. He earned a 3.71 GPA, and was inducted into the Honor Society for first-year academic success.

This Thursday (June 5, 5 to 7 p.m.), he’ll bring his prodigious talent to Times Square.

Ethan will star on the Broadway and 46th Street Stage, as part of the ”2025 Neurodivergent Tour.” He’ll sing, and perform 6 songs on keyboards and guitar.

With a band and 2 solo artists besides Ethan, the free, groundbreaking show highlights exceptional artists from around the country.

It’s more than a concert. It’s a statement: The time is now to embrace the diverse talents of all neurodiverse people.

Ethan’s mom, Allison Ziering Walmark, says “For ages, the mantra for parents and caregivers has been, ‘Different, not less than.’ The Neurodiversity Tour will reinforce that to thousands of Times Square tourists, visitors and commuters.”

Ethan Walmark’s bio, from the Neurodiversity Tour.

==================================================

Two of downtown’s most interesting people — WEST owner Kitt Shapiro and TAP Strength founder EJ Zebro — join forces tomorrow night (Wednesday, 6 to 7 p.m.).

The event at TAP Strength (180 Post Road East) is called “Effortless Effort: A Conversation on Community, Relationships, and the Power of Belonging.”

The wellness experts and business leaders will share tips for living longer and feeling better.

EJ will wrap up the talk with an “immersive experience”: practical tools to incorporate new habits of movement and mindfulness into daily life.

To RSVP and for more information, email info@tapstrength.com.

==================================================

For 8 years, Kaia Levine and her family have worked with Jeanette Romanello, a kindergarten teacher at Bridgeport’s Read Elementary School.

Throughout the year, Kaia — an artistic and committed Staples High School students — creates seasons arts and crafts projects for the kids.

Now she’s doing even more. On June 8 (noon to 4 p.m.), she’ll host a pop-up thrift store in a corner of the Old Mill Beach parking lot.

“The Giving Rack” will include used (and some new) clothes from popular teen brands — all donated by close friends. Every dollar raised will go to the Read School.

Showing some love for Read Elementary School students.

==================================================

The Bridge at Saugatuck’s outdoor dining area has opened.

Nestled along the river, the open-air seating and cabanas have drawn enthusiastic crowds.

And the weather isn’t even that great yet.

Between the enormous horseshoe bar, adjacent patio, upstairs indoor and outdoor tables, and now the riverside option, there’s a lot to choose from.

That’s before even opening the menu.

Outdoor dining at The Bridge.

=================================================

Speaking of (relatively) new Saugatuck restaurants: Zucca Gastrobar just celebrated their second anniversary. The Charles Street spot has been embraced by the community.

And their outdoor dining is also open for the season.

Zucca, on Charles Street.

================================================

Always popular (and hometown) singer Melissa Newman headlines this week’s Jazz at the Post.

And, as always, it’s on Thursday (June 5), at VFW Post 399. Sets are 7:30 and 8:45 p.m. Dinner starts at 7. Music cover is $20; $15 for veterans and students.

Melissa will be joined by guitarist Tony Lombardozzi, bassist Phil Bowler and drummer Bobby Leonard.

Melissa Newman

===========================================

Steve Wheeler — a 1970 Staples High School graduate, who in 1974 became the first Connecticut runner to run a sub-4-minute mile — died suddenly in Oregon last Tuesday. He was 73.

After setting high school and state records that lasted for decades, Wheeler ran for Duke University. That 3:59.4 race took place in Raleigh, in 1974. A full story, including an interview with him, is available here.

Wheeler went on to earn a master’s degree in public administration. He had a long career in city management, including assistant city manaager in El Cajon, California, and cit manager of Hood River, Oregon.

Wheeler continued to run into his 60s. He is survived by his wife Nancy; children Jeff and Emily, and grandson  Tyler, a budding track star.

Steve Wheeler (Duke) sets the pace in a Duke relay race. (Photo/Sir Walter Miler)

==================================================

Lauri Weiser sends along today’s stunning “Westport … Naturally” photo, with a simple but heartfelt message: “I love coming home to my beautiful garden.”

Now we all can see why:

(Photo/Lauri Weiser)

==================================================

And finally … in honor of the Westport Astronomical Society’s 50th anniversary:

(“06880” is where Westport meets the world. And the universe. Maybe event the multiverse. And you’ve got a chance now to support us. Please click right here. Karma will be mind-blowing.)

8 Comments

Posted in Library, Local politics, Obituaries, Restaurants

Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

Roundup: All-American VFW, Library Book Sale, That’s Entertainment! …

Posted on May 10, 2025 | 2 comments

Veterans of Foreign War Post 399 is one of the most active spots in town.

With Thursday night jazz, “Elvis” shows, blood drives, meeting space for non-profits, wedding showers and post-memorial service lunches, a lively bar — and of course, resources for veterans of all ages — the VFW is many things, to many people.

Now it’s gained national recognition.

The 105-year-old Joseph J. Clinton VFW Post 399 was chosen as an “All-American Post” by the VFW Department of Connecticut.

The award recognizes exceptional achievement in advancing core VFW programs, and attaining significant membership growth.

Congratulations on the well-deserved honor, to quartermaster Phil Delgado and the entire VFW crew!

==================================================

But wait! There’s more VFW news.

Post 399 and American Legion Post 63 are joining forces for a fundraising golf tournament (June 16, 9 a.m., Longshore).

The shotgun scramble event ($150 per person) includes 18 holes, a putting contest, goody bag, prizes, and BBQ lunch at the VFW.

Register, volunteer or become a sponsor here.

Tee off for the VFW/American Legion golf tournament.

=================================================

The Westport Library Big Spring Book Sale begins on Friday.

There is something for everyone, of all ages: thousands of gently used books in over 50 categories of non-fiction and fiction, plus DVDs, CDs, vinyl, ephemera, and framed art. Here is a link to specials, hours of the sale and more.

The sale begins on May 16 with early access (8:45 a.m. to noon) for special ticket holders. Read about book sale hours and details here.

To volunteer, email volunteers@westportbooksales.org.

Westport Library book sale. 

==================================================

Speaking of the Library: A timely topic — advances in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment — is the subject of the next Andrew Wilk Presents: Medical Series.

Moderated by longtime Westport internist Dr. Robert Altbaum, and featuring Dr. Lisa Phuong and Dr. Jeanne Capasse of Nuvance Health — the event is set for June 3 (7 p.m., Westport Library).

Dr. Robert Altbaum

==================================================

Theater kids have a great chance this summer to create — and perform — an original play.

And to do it on the historic Westport Country Playhouse stage.

A 2-week Playhouse Playmakers program runs weekdays, August 4-15 (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.) for middle schoolers.

Students will write, rehearse, and stage the show. They’ll be directed by actor/ playwright/educator Evette Marie White, and actor/songwriter/educator Stacie Morgain Lewis.

The fee of $995 includes technical rehearsal, materials, and 4 tickets to the performance. Need-based scholarships are available. Read more about the program here.

Stacie Morgain Lewis co-leads the program.

===============================================

Speaking of entertainment: 1988 Staples High School graduate Kerri Kenney-Silver plays Anne, an unsuspecting divorcée,  in “The Four Seasons,” a current Netflix hit.

The “Reno 911!” and “The State” star spoke recently about her current show.

Anne “thought she was set ’til the day she died. When she finds out that is not the case, she becomes completely untethered. You see her go through the 4 seasons of emotion and grief.”

Netflix says: Kenney-Silver portrays a kaleidoscopic range of emotions and pathos as Anne navigates the ups and downs of divorce, and its rippling effects on their close-knit friend group. Take co-star Colman Domingo’s word for it: ‘She’s just incredible. I feel like she can do anything.'”

Read the Netflix story on Kerry Kenney-Silver here. (Hat tip: Ed Friedland)

Kerri Kenney-Silver in “The Four Seasons.” (Photo/Jon Pack for Netflix)

=================================================

Speaking (still) of entertainment: What do Meghan Markle and Kadi Lee have in common?

The other day, Kadi — a 1996 Staples graduate — was a guest on the Duchess of Sussex’s podcast.

They chatted about how Kadi co-founded Highbrow Hippie, then became a favored Hollywood colorist, with a very popular product line.

The women discussed “what it means to grow something from the ground up, how to lead with your values, and why staying connected to your community is the ultimate marker of success.”

Meghan Markle and Kadi Lee’s podcast is here. (Hat tip: Kate Tarrant)

Kadi Lee (Photo/Liza Voloshin, courtesy Highbrow Hippie)

================================================

Speaking (yet again) of entertainment: Wetport singer/songwriter/guitarist Tom Belknap’s band, Small Craft Warning, just released a new album, “Firefly.”

The band — with Westport singer Elise Gabriel — plays original acoustic music, influenced by the Grateful Dead and the Jerry Garcia/Robert Hunter songbook.

Belknap did much of the mixing, using skills learned from Travis Bell in the Westport Library’s Verso Studios. Listen to Firefly on Spotify here.

=================================================

TV news is sort of entertainment too, right?

Lonnie Quinn — the Westporter who is chief meteorologist at WCBS-TV, and appears regularly on the “CBS Evening News” — returned to the newsroom on Monday, following a 2-month recovery from a traumatic brain injury.

The CBS New York newsroom celebrated his return. An Instagram reel has received nearly 2,000 likes. And People magazine gave it full coverage too. (Hat tip: Dave Briggs)

Lonnie Quinn, back in the newsroom. (Photo/CBS New York)

===============================================

Shoppers were out in force Thursday, for the 19th opening of the Westport Farmers’ Market.

First Selectwoman Jen Tooker was there too, cutting the ceremonial ribbon.

Fire Chief Nick Marsan showed up also. Firefighters are known to be great cooks. And what better place to buy fresh, organic ingredients than the WFM?

It runs every Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Imperial Avenue parking lot. We’ll see you — and the firefighters — there often.

Fire Chief Nick Marsan and Westport Farmers’ Market director Lori Cochran-Dougall.

==================================================

Greg Jaffe played PAL football and lacrosse, then headed to Hopkins School, the University of Michigan and UM Medical School.

Now an assistant professor of Family Medicine at Thomas Jefferson University, he specializes in addiction medicine — notably, opioid use disorder.

This week, CBS News in Philadelphia profiled his Harm Reduction Sticker Project.

It’s a simple approach to increase awareness, and educate medical students and residents. about harm and stigma reduction for people who use drugs. Watch Greg’s interview, and learn more about his project here.

Dr. Gregory Jaffe

================================================

Speaking of science: Dark matter is one of the greatest mysteries in modern physics. It makes up 84% of the mass of the universe. But more than half a century after its discovery, no one can figure out just what it is.

The General AntiParticle Spectrometer is a new experiment that’s trying.

On May 20 (8 p.m.), the Westport Astronomical Society hosts a talk about it, with Gabriel Lewis Bridges of Columbia University. It will also be livestreamed on YouTube and as a webinar on Zoom.

Gabriel Lewis Bridges

==================================================

A reminder: Mother’s Day is tomorrow. If you haven’t gotten Mom a gift yet, stop reading NOW and get to work.

If you have, then sit back and enjoy greetings from Jolantha, Weston’s favorite holiday pig:

(Photo/Hans Wilhelm)

==================================================

One of the most visible corners in Westport — North Avenue at Long Lots Road — is also one of the prettiest.

Especially in spring, as today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo shows.

=================================================

And finally … as we await the Westport Astronomical Society’s upcoming lecture on dark matter:

(If you can’t find something interesting to do in Westport, you’re just not trying. Or you’re not reading “06880.” If you rely on us to keep you entertained, please support us by clicking here. Thanks!)

 

2 Comments

Posted in Entertainment, Environment, Library, Westport Country Playhouse

Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

Roundup: Madden, Narcan, Veggies …

Posted on April 4, 2025 | 2 comments

Here’s a high five to Coleytown Middle School student Madden Orlovsky.

On Wednesday he celebrated World Autism Day by covering the ESPN studio with his artwork.

Madden Orlovsky and his dad at ESPN, with Madden’s artwork.

It was a truly special day — for Madden, his father Dan (a noted ESPN personality), Dan’s studio colleagues, and tens of millions of viewers and social media followers.

Click here for a great Twitter/X post. Former Westporter Mike Greenberg called it “the best show ever.”

Screenshot of Madden Orlovsky, his father Dan, and the ESPN crew.

The network’s 28 million Instagram followers loved Madden too. Click here or below.

Finally, click here to watch Dan talk about the day with Pat McAfee. (Hat tips: Dave Briggs, Beth Cody, Jeff Mitchell)

================================================

Save a Life Day is Wednesday (April 9).

In Westport, that’s more than a proclamation.

At 7 p.m. (Town Hall), Aspetuck Health District and Positive Directions invites residents to learn how to recognize an opioid overdose, and how to use Narcan to save a life.

An important related event is National Drug Take-Back Day (April 27, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.).

In addition, Westport and Weston Police Departments have medication disposal safety boxes in their lobbies. They are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for safe disposal of prescription drugs.

And in recognition of Alcohol Awareness Month, on Monday (April 7, 7 p.m., Zoom), the Westport Prevention Coalition hosts a virtual community discussion: “Exploring Westport’s Relationship with Alcohol.”

Panelists will share perspectives as a parent, person in recovery, mental health counselor, substance counselor, LGBTQ community member and teen. Click here to register.

==================================================

Wakeman Town Farm and Sustainable Westport honor Earth Day together.

Their April 26 “Spring Garden Fest” event includes a workshop on growing  dahlias, a talk about sustainable garden practices and choosing the best pollinator plants for your garden, a demonstration of battery-charged garden tools, and a free native “seed bomb” from Terrain. Click here for details.

Meanwhile, do you love vegetables? Want to plan a garden? But have no clue how to begin?

If you can wait till May 5 (7 p.m.), check out Wakeman Town Farm’s “Wild About Veggies” workshop. Click here for more information, and to register.

==================================================

The 4th annual Verso Fest — 4 days of music, workshops and more — kicked off last night.

Patti Smith sat down with former CNN anchor Alisyn Camerota for an in-depth, wide-ranging conversation.

Tonight, the Wallflowers headline an 8:30 p.m. show. Click here for details and tickets. Click here for the full VersoFest lineup.

Patti Smith (Photo/DinkinESH Fotografix)

==================================================

The Planning & Zoning Commission meets this Thursday (April 10, 6 p.m., Town Hall Rooms 201/201A).

There is 1 agenda item: “Discussion of the proposed Long Lots Elementary School submitted by the Long Lots School Building Committee to receive feedback on site design at 13 Hyde Lane.”

The public may observe, but not participate. Written public comments prior to the meeting will be accepted. Click here for the “Contact” page on the town website.

A very preliminary drawing of the new Long Lots Elementary School was shown at the “State of the Town” meeting this winter.

==================================================

ADL Connecticut, Temple Israel, TCS, Chabad of Westport, the Fairfield Jewish Advocacy Coalition, the Jewish Federation of Greater Fairfield County and Beth El Norwalk are joining together to sponsor please join us for a screening of the documentary “October 8.”

The April 17 event (6:30 p.m., Westport Library) will be followed by a talkback and Q-and-A with the production team.

The documentary explores the explosion of antisemitism on college campuses, social media, and America streets beginning the day after the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel by Hamas.

The film also “uncovers how, over decades, Hamas created sophisticated networks in America to permeate US institutions and examines the tsunami of online antisemitism, propaganda and disinformation unleashed by Iran, China and Russia — with the sole purpose of dividing American society.”

Click here for more information, and to register.

There are also 2 screenings at the AMC Royale in Norwalk, on April 8 (6:30 and 7:30 p.m.). Click here for details.

================================================

The curtain rises tonight on the Coleytown Company production of “Matilda The Musical.” A few seats remain for this weekend’s 4 performances of the Roald Dahl-inspired show.

Coleytown Company promises “colorful characters, rousing songs, and an inspiring storyline.” The show will entertain audiences of all ages — especially elementary school, with its “relatable and magical” story.

Shows tonight (Friday, 7 p.m.), tomorrow (Saturday, 1 and 7 p.m.), and Sunday (1 p.m.). Click here for tickets.

==================================================

Looking for a Seder?

The Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport hosts a multi-generational Passover Seder potluck on April 19 (5:30 p.m.).

Passover honors the Israelites’ freedom from slavery in Egypt. At a Seder, families, friends and strangers remember the Exodus through stories, music and ritual foods.

The Unitarian Universalist Congregation evokes the spirit of many different religions, and celebrates various traditions. Everyone, of all ages, is invited to this Seder. The only requirement is to pre-register, by clicking here.

================================================

Last Sunday’s Westport Swim Club meet at Staples High School drew 50 swimmers, and over spectators.

It was a fun, productive event — complete with cowbells and pizza — for youngsters who had been working on their strokes, with old friends and new ones.

Click here to learn more about the Westport Swim Club.

Westport Swim Club youngsters and coaches.

=================================================

How do you move an asteroid?

If anyone knows, it’s Nancy Chabot.

On April 15 (8 p.m.; Zoom and YouTube), the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory’s planetary chief scientist tells the Westport Astronomical Society about the Double Asteroid Redirection Test: the first mission to move an asteroid.

Get ready to rock.

Dr. Nancy Chabot, framed by an asteroid.

==================================================

The Staples High School team of Alexia Damian and Sophie Jacques recently placed first in the Connecticut Debate Association’s state finals (novice division).

Coach John Bengston’s sophomore squad won all 4 rounds, in the 40-team event. their coach.

Please find attached a photo (photo by Lucy Basso ’27) of the team from left: Debate Coach and Social Studies Teacher John Bengston, Alexia Damian ’27 and Sophie Jacques ’27

Staples debate team coach John Bengston, with Alexia Damian and Sophie Jacques.

==================================================

Congratulations too to Bruce Matos!

The Weston High School junior recently led a drive that distributed over 12,000 pounds of food to more than 1,300 underserved residents in Florida.

He rallied his peers to join the effort. Click here for his inspiring blog post.

The project was part of Joshua’s Heart Foundation, which fights food insecurity.. Bruce serves on the junior advisory board, and leads the partners and sponsors team.

Bruce is also an Eagle Scout with Troop 788 in Weston, a member of the National Honor Society, a Congressional Award gold nedalist, and a 4-time recipient of the President’s Volunteer Service Award.

He also serves as presidenet of WHS’ HOSA Club, secretary general of Model UN, and vice president of the American Heroes Club. And … Bruce is also a black belt in kung fu.

Bruce Matos, helping fight food insecurity.

===============================================

Speaking of Weston: The town’sCommission for the Arts and Friends of the Weston Library invite artists to submit up to 3 works. They’ll be considered for the Weston Connections Art Exhibit, set for the Library in July.

Artists (age 14 or older) must have a “connection” to Weston — a local subject matter, current or former resident, or work or volunteer there. Click here for details.

Weston Library

==================================================

Every year, “06880” runs photos of American oystercatchers at Compo Beach.

Today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature shows one at Burying Hill Beach.

It’s a beauty.

(Photo/Lou Weinberg)

Photographer Lou Weinberg says: “Whenever I see these beautiful birds, it gives me hope the environment still has some sustaining power. Nature wins!

“The American oystercatcher subsists primarily on shellfish. They live in a narrow ecological zone consisting of salt marshes and barrier beaches.

“According to the American Oystercatcher Working Group, threats to these native coastal birds include direct loss of habitat from coastal development and expanding human recreational activity, elevated predation from predator populations augmented by human activities, loss of primary food sources by: pollution, decline in water quality, restricted groundwater flow, disease, invasive exotic marine organisms, and (of course) effects of global climate change, particularly sea level rise eliminating small isolated islands used for nesting and roosting.”

==================================================

And finally … in honor of Coleytown Company’s big show this weekend (story above):

(Did you have a good week? Did you learn anything from “06880”? If so, please consider clicking here to support our work. We could not do all this stuff without you. Thanks for your help!)

2 Comments

Posted in Education, Environment, religion, Weston

Tagged , , , , , , , , ,

Roundup: Daylight Savings Time, Staples Spelling Bee, OKO Special Menu …

Posted on March 8, 2025 | 2 comments

The Westport Fire Department responded yesterday afternoon to a house fire on Tarone Drive. One resident was injured, and taken to Norwalk Hospital.

The WPD reminds everyone to ensure they have working smoke detectors in their homes.

Dayling Savings Time begins at 2 a.m. Sunday morning. Move your clocks forward one hour! Whenever you change your clocks, remember to change your batteries!

================================================

More than half a century after graduating from Staples High School, I made my Players debut.

I was a guest speller last night in their production of “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.”

It was short-lived. I got knocked out on my first word: kumis. As I sure as heck did not know, the fermented milk drink from Central and East Asia is spelled not with a “c,” but with a “k.” (It’s also known as koumis or kumyz, neither of which I would have gotten either.)

Yours truly being given a loser’s prize by Mitch Mahoney (Yusef Abdallah), after failing in the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.

My fellow guest spellers — 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, Staples principal Stafford Thomas and Bedford Acting Group director Ryan Smith — lasted longer than I did.

Neither of them won, either. (Spoiler alert: No guest speller has ever won, in the history of the Broadway show. It’s rigged!)

“Older” spellers (from left) Stafford Thomas, Dan Woog, Jen Tooker and Ryan Smith, on stage with the Staples cast, who are much better spellers (and actors).

But boy, did we have fun. Thank you, Players directors David Roth and Kerry Long, for the invitation. And great job Players, making us all feel welcome!

The show continues today (Saturday, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.) and tomorrow (Sunday, March 9, 2 p.m.). Click here for tickets, and more information.

Leaf Coneybear (Cooper Gusick, center) entertains Staples principal Stafford Thomas and 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker. (All photos/Kerry Long)

==================================================

Chef Brian Lewis — whose OKO and The Cottage are Westport favorites — was recently named a semifinalist for the James Beard Award (“Best Chef Northeast” category).

Now he’s introducing a new dining experience.

The OKO-KASE menu includes Popcorn Dashi Lions Mane, Hokkaido Uni, Osetra Caviar, Bread and Butter Lobster, Passion Fruit and Stracciatella
Black Truffle Chawanmushi.

That’s followed by a selection of nigiri sushi, hand rolls, and flavorful dishes like Chili-Lime King Crab Hand Roll, St. Canut Pork Belly with Walnut Miso and Fermented Apple Butter, and Yuzu White Chocolate Huckleberry Kiss.

The price is $200 per guest; $75 sake pairing per guest. Reservations (203-557-8404) require 48-hour notice, and a $50 deposit per guest. 

Westport escaped major damage in yesterday’s high winds.

==================================================

Residents of Hickory Drive were not as lucky, however. Power went out when a tree took down live wires.

(Photo/Ron Poserina)

Winds continue today, 20 to 30 mph, with occasional gusts over 40. The temperature will be in the mid 40s.

The week ahead looks good. Tuesday could see 60 degrees.

=================================================

Last year, Rach’s Hope Walk the Extra Mile raised more than $20,000. The funds helped the non-profit that supports families with critically ill children in the ICU with an additional 100 nights of hotel stays, so parents can rest and recharge while staying close to their kids.

Rach’s Hope — which honors Rachel Doran, the Staples High School graduate and rising Cornell University senior, who died after developin a rare reaction to common medications — is getting ready for their 6th annual Rach’s Hope PJ Gala.

(Rachel was a talented Staples Players costume designer, and founded a pajama company.)

The date is Saturday, March 29 (7 to 11 p.m., FTC, Fairfield). Click here for tickets.

Festivities include an open bar with Tito’s cocktails, beer, wine and prosecco; heavy appetizers and desserts by AMG Catering; live music kicked off by Westport’s own Michael Cantor and Frog Salon, plus Rach’s Hope’s signature band, Ellis Island — and live and silent auctions too.

Enjoying a previous Rach’s Hope gala.

==================================================

Congratulations to Tucker Eklund!

The Staples High School freshman was the only 9th grader in the entire country  to win the Sandra Day O’Connor Institute for American Democracy annual Civics Challenge His entry was Crafting Change: The Art of Lawmaking in Congress.

The Civics Challenge is a very competitive national contest open to students in grades 6 through 12. Participants demonstrate civics knowledge through essays, short videos or original songs.

Tucker — one of just 10 winners nationwide — earned a $500 prize.

And the admiration of everyone who mourns the loss of civics education in America today.

==================================================

Speaking of education: Adam Shapiro recently spent 2 days at Greens Farms Academy.

The noted actor (“The Bear,” “Never Have I Ever,” “Waitress”) was the school’s 2025 Hartwell Visiting Artist.

Shapiro presented at student assemblies, delivered a keynote to parents on “Cultivating Creativity,” coached the Middle School cast of “Frozen Jr.,” and shared his stories and advice about building a career in the arts.

Click here to read more about Shapiro’s visit. Click below for a highlight reel:

==================================================

Speaking of school: Congratulations too to Weston High School’s robotics team!

They won the engineering design Innovate Champion Award at the state robotics championship recently.

That earned them a spot at the VEX Robotics World Championships in Dallas in May. Good luck to the squad: Emily Arias, Angela Zhao, Joshua Miranda and Cooper Schleef.

==================================================

Connecticut Attorney General William Tong — an early opponent, with counterparts across the country, of some of President Trump’s first funding cuts — is the guest at the Democratic Women of Westport’s annual Souper Luncheon.

The event is March 28 (11:30 a.m.). The DWW invites the public to join the AG, and learn more about his work on behalf of state residents. To RSVP, email dww06880@gmail.com.

On April 22, the Democratic Women sponsor a forum with Yale Law School professor Paul Kahn, author of Democracy in Our America: Can We Still Govern Ourselves? He’ll be joined in conversation by the Representative Town Meeting’s current and former moderators, Jeff Wieser and Velma Heller.

Connecticut Attorney General William Tong.

================================================

Saugatuck Congregational Church host’s Connecticut’s first “Music for Food” concert (March 16, 3 p.m.), with classical pianist Emma Tahmizian.

The Bulgarian musician debuted internationally at age 11, at a concert series in Moscow. She has performed and recorded regularly, since winning the 1977 Robert Schumann Competition.

The event is free, but donations are accepted. All proceeds benefit Homes with Hope, to support area residents facing food insecurity.

Emma Tahmizian

================================================

The Gallery @ Green’s Farms Church welcomes photographer Sally Harris, and her latest work: “The Colors and Culture of Oaxaca.”

The show runs from March 14 to May 14. An opening reception is March 14 (6 to 8 p.m.). For more information, click here.

Sally Harris’ Oaxaca art.

==================================================

Speaking of art: Brian Whelan’s work is always a highlight of our “06880” online gallery.

Now it’s on view at Trinity Church Wall Street, in New York.

“Holy City” is a series inspired by medieval artwork, contemporary expressionism, and Whelan’s Catholic roots. blending the temporal and the spiritual.

The 9-panel painting at the center of the exhibit depicts Christianity, Islam and Judaism existing in harmony, with houses of worship supporting and uplifting one another.

The exhibit is open through March 18. Click here for more information.

Brian Whelan, with his “Holy City” works.

==================================================

Speaking still of the arts: A large crowd learned a lot at Thursday’s Malloy Fund for the Arts’ presentation “Reimagined: Westport as an Arts Town, Past, Present and Future.”

Actor James Naughton moderated a panel, with Miggs Burroughs, Melissa Newman and Meloday James.

Ann Sheffer — a passionate arts advocate and philanthropist (and donor Susan Malloy’s niece), whose family’s contributions helped shape Westport’s cultural fabric — also spoke.

If you missed it: no worries. Just click below, to see the entire event.

==================================================

The Westport Astronomical Society will be open from 1 a.m. to 3:40 a.m. (weather permitting) on March 14, to observe the total lunar eclipse.

In other WAS news, the next free online lecture features Sarah Elizabeth McCandless. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory navigation engineer discusses “Exploring an Icy World with Europa Clipper.”

The March 18 (8 p.m.) event will livestreamed on YouTube, and also on Zoom. Click here for more Westport Astronomical Society details.

Total lunar eclipse. (Images courtesy of WAS member Michael Southam).

=================================================

Dogs are one of the most natural parts of Westport.

And most beloved.

Today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature reminds us that man’s best friend has 23 more days to enjoy Compo Beach, before summer rules begin.

(Photo/Lauri Weiser)

=================================================

And finally … in  honor of Staples Players’ spring production (story above):

(How do you spell “support for ‘06880’”? C-l-i-c-k h-e-r-e! Also: T-h-a-n-k y-o-u!)

 

2 Comments

Posted in Arts, Restaurants, Staples HS

Tagged , , , , , , , , , ,

That 2032 Asteroid? Serena Diamond Says: “Don’t Worry!”

Posted on February 26, 2025 | 8 comments

As freshmen, many Staples High School students try to find their passion.

Sports, arts, writing, community service … 9th graders give them a shot.

Serena Diamond already knows hers.

For over a year she’s recorded data of asteroid occultations, and sent it to NASA.

An asteroid occultation, as you remember from astronomy class, occurs when an asteroid passes between a star and Earth. Light is temporarily blocked, casting a shadow on our planet. 

Asteroid occultations enable scientists to determine the size, shape and position of an atsteroid far more precisely than with standard astronomical observations.

The data is especially valuable for space missions involving asteroids — and to warn us of any doomsday scenarios.

Serena Diamond and Joel Barlow High School senior Monica Charnoy, observing an asteroid occultation.

Serena became interested in astronomy years ago, at Long Lots Elementary and Bedford Middle Schools.

The summer after 7th grade, she joined an astrophysics program through the Center for Talented Youth.

Back here — with her interest sparked — she searched for more resources.

She found the Westport Astronomical Society. Housed at the Westport Observatory — the former launch site for Nike missiles on Bayberry Lane — it celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.

Westport Observatory, on Bayberry Lane.

The Observatory has become Serena’s home away from home. Odds are high that in its half century of existence, it’s never been home to a freshman girl who observes asteroid occultations.

Serena’s data is analyzed far beyond Westport. NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory uses it for a variety of purposes, including assessing risks from potentially hazardous asteroids.

Serena has been inspired by several WAS members, including board members Dan Wright and Dr. Kevin Green, who spearheads the asteroid occultations project.

She started by learning how to open the dome and run the telescope.

Soon, she and a group of fellow young astronomers — including Staples sophomore Jessica Willis — gathered at 3 a.m., to catch the exact moment an asteroid cast its shadow.

Last month Serena joined Green, offering a presentation at the Observatory.

Serena Diamond’s presentation, at the Westport Astronomical Society.

The room was filled with adults — people who have been excited by astronomy far longer than the 14 years Serena has been alive.

Her co-presenters included a Joel Barlow High School senior, and a recent University of Connecticut graduate.

Serena lectured as if she were a Nobel Prize-winning professor. Clearly and confidently, she shared her insights. Audience members learned a lot.

Want to learn too? Click below, for  Serena’s lecture (and Green’s, and others’). She begins at the 22:40 mark.

Programs like that — and the opportunity to continue working with high-powered, like-minded astronomers of all ages — fuels Serena’s passion.

She looks forward to raising awareness about asteroid occultations, encouraging other young people to join her at the Westport Observatory, and keeping the planet safe from a random strike.

Serena thinka a lot about asteroids. The average person does not.

But most of us have heard about 2024 YR4 — the asteroid that has a teeny tiny (but nonetheless more than 0%) chance of striking Earth on December 22, 2032.

I could ask NASA, or ChatGPT, about the odds.

But I’d much rather go to a Westport source.

So I asked Serena Diamond.

“Thankfully, very low,” she said.

Whew!

(NOTE: Serena is not just an astronomer. In her spare time she is on the Staples math team, coaches the Bedford Middle School math team, serves as a 9th grade class officer, and sings in the Wreckeapellas. Whew indeed!)

(Hat tip: Anne Nesbitt)

(“06880” is “where Westport meets the world.” And — today — where we meet asteroids, in outer space. If you enjoy our 24/7/365 galactic coverage, please click here to support our work. Thanks!)

An illustration shows asteroid 2024 YR4 narrowly missing Earth and the moon. (Robert Lea, created with Canva, for Space.com.)

8 Comments

Posted in Staples HS, Teenagers

Tagged , , , , , ,