Tag Archives: Westport Downtown Association

Roundup: TEDx, Fashion, Little League …

Posted on April 27, 2026 | Leave a comment

TEDx is coming to town!

The project — created in the spirit of TED Talks, bringing passionate speakers with compelling stories and thought-provoking ideas to local communities — debuts at the Westport Library on Sunday, September 13 (4 to 6 p.m.).

A planning group headed by Sholeh Janati is identifying 8 presenters, to speak for 10 minutes each. Potential topics include the human mind, body, soul and health, creativity, communication, the environment, dreams, music and art, money, housing, sobriety, competition, technology and artificial intelligence.

Speaker applications are welcome, through May 5. Click here to submit.

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The fun feelings still linger from Saturday’s Fashionably Westport show.

The 6th annual Westport Downtown Association event — a benefit for Homes with Hope — packed the Westport Library.

But whether you were there or not, there’s still time to bid on dozens of auction items. Categories include art, beauty, entertainment, experiences, fashion, food and wine, health and wellness, jewelry, sports, travel and more.

The online auction ends Thursday (April 30). Click here to view, and bid.

The Homes with Hope team, at Fashionably Westport. From left: Katharine Murray, Thomas Samaranayake, Sarah Carusone, Mary Ann Hendrick, Helen McAlinden (president and CEO), Paris Looney, Katie Weldy, Jocelyn Boursiquot, Carmen Ayala. (Photo/John Videler for Videler Photography)

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Happy 75th anniversary to Westport Little League!

The organization — which has expanded greatly since its beginnings with a few boys baseball teams — now includes a robust softball program.

More than 150 players and their families kicked off the 2026 Westport Little League Softball season Saturday, at Meyer Field.

Two special guests were honored: Jeff White, chair of Westport Baseball & Softball, and Jen Bonitata of ASF Logo Wearhouse.

Together, they threw the first pitch to 8th graders Farrah El-Gamal and Luna Symon.

Joining the event were many sponsors, including Anderson Septic, ASF Sports & Outdoors, Headliners Salon, Keeler Automotive, NAYA, Office Evolution and Sasco Pediatric Dentistry.

Jeff White and Jen Bonitata flank Farrah El-Gamal and Luna Symon. (Photo/Regina Calderone Photography)

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Yesterday’s Minute Man races were competitive. They were fun.

They were also very important for a group of people who don’t always get a chance to compete.

The myTeam Triumph community was there for the 5K, delivering not just a race but a powerful reminder of what inclusion, teamwork and community spirit look like.

MyTeam Triumph pairs individuals with disabilities (“captains”) with able-bodied athletes (“angels”), to participate together in endurance events. It is a way to ensure that everyone has a chance to cross the finish line.

Sixteen captains took part in the Women’s League of Westport event, including first-timers Gene and Jenn.

They were joined by over 70 angels — runners who push, guide and support the Captains. Many also participated for the first time.

Among the new faces were Levi and Ryan, who brought friends and family as part of their bar mitzvah service project.

Staples Service League of Boys (SLOBs) again lent their hands.

Ahead for myTeam Triumph: the Boys & Girls Club of Stamford Corporate 5K, Bloomin’ Metric bike ride (registration TBA), and the Athletic Brewing Company Fairfield 5K.

To learn more or get involved in an upcoming event, click here.

Captains and angels smile, at the start of the Minute Man 5K. (Hat tip and photo/Todd Ehrlich)

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The great Weston photographer Alison Wachstein offers today’s “Westport … Naturally” image — and a haiku to go with it.

Tiny pink petals
Driven by the springtime winds
Cherry trees rejoice

(Photo/Alison Wachstein)

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And finally … Wayne Moss, a guitarist and producer who played on well-known recordings by Roy Orbison, Tammy Wynette and others, died last week in Madison, Tennessee. He was 88, and suffered from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, was confirmed in a statement from his family.

The New York Times says, “He was one of the three guitarists who played the indelible staccato riff that ignites (Roy) Orbison’s ‘Oh, Pretty Woman’ …. He also improvised the filigreed guitar phrasing on Bob Dylan’s ‘I Want You’ (and played on Tammy Wynette’s crossover smash ‘Stand By Your Man.'” Click here for a full obituary.

(Three very different songs — all connected. Just like “06880” — we deliver great variety every day, all part of our shared community. If you like our this local blog, please click here to support us. Thanks!)

VERY Fashionably Westporters Walk The Runway

Posted on April 26, 2026 | 2 comments

What can’t the Westport Library do?

What doesn’t the Westport Downtown Association do for the town?

And what better cause than Homes with Hope?

The Library’s Trefz Forum was transformed into a models’ runway last night.

The WDA’s 6th annual Fashionably Westport show — a benefit for the town’s supportive housing and food pantry programs — drew nearly 100 models.

Dressed fashionably in outfits from nearly 3 dozen local retailers (and with hair styling and makeup donated too), local celebrities, friends and neighbors strutted their stuff.

The women were gorgeous. The men looked as good as we could. The kids stole the show.

TV journalist Dave Briggs and CBS weatherman Lonnie Quinn — both Westporters — served as high-energy MCs.

A silent auction raised even more funds. (Bidding ends April 30; click here for items.)

The food and drinks were wonderful.

And — in keeping with the evening — The Home Cook donated extra food to Homes with Hope’s Gillespie Center, a few yards away from the Library.

Staples High School junior Ryan Allen — “06880”‘s superb photographer — captured all the action. Let the fun begin!

(All photos/Ryan Allen)

2 Comments

Posted in Library, Local business

Tagged Fashionably Westport, Homes With Hope, Westport Downtown Association

Roundup: PopUp Bagels, Hydration Stations, Fashionably Fun …

Posted on April 13, 2026 | 2 comments

PopUp Bagels — the Westport start-up that popped up during the pandemic, roared into regional and now national prominence, and has clearly outgrown its motto — “Not famous, but known” — is in the headlines again.

Bloomberg reports that Tiger Global has agreed to invest — at a $300 million valuation.

That’s “roughly 5 times what the startup was quoted at as recently as 5 months ago.”

“The buzzy bagel brand races to turn its TikTok-fueled hype into a national presence,” Bloomberg adds.

It describes the brand as developing “a cult-like following around its smaller, fluffier bagels, sold in limited flavors with a minimum order of 3.”

PopUp Bagels plans to open up to 300 locations across the US in the next 4 years.

The 30th store opens Friday in Chicago. Number 31 follows the next week, in Dallas.

Click here for the full Bloomberg story.

PopUp Bagels founder Adam Goldberg, with his Brooklyn Bagelfest award.

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Sustainable Westport’s UnPlastic Westport initiative is bearing fruit.

Donations have already funded 2 public water bottle filling stations: one at the Compo Beach basketball courts, the other at Winslow Park. Both will keep tens of thousands of plastic water bottles out of landfill.

Rendering of the water bottle filling station at Winslow Park …

Five more “priority locations” have been identified:

Burying Hill Beach
Old Mill Beach
Grace Salmon Park
PJ Romano Field
Town Farm Little League fields.

Three “wish list locations” — requiring more logistical planning — are the Wakeman Fields, Longshore and downtown.

The cost and installation of each station ranges from $5,000 for an in-wall unit, to $15,000 for a standalone, ADA-compliant one.

Sustainable Westport seeks individual donors, and corporate sponsors. Click here to contribute, and for more information.

… and the Compo Beach basketball courts.

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“Love + War” — the remarkable documentary about the professional and personal lives of Pulitzer Prize and MacArthur fellowship winner (and 1991 Staples High School graduate Lynsey Addario — has been nominated for 4 Emmy Awards.

The nominations include the biggest category — Best Documentary — along with others for Outstanding Editing, Outstanding Sound, and Outstanding Promotional Announcement.

Addario congrats her team — including National Geographic — and adds, “It took me years to feel comfortable letting a film crew into my life. Even then, it never felt entirely natural as someone who’s usually behind the camera, not in front of it. So thank you to our cameramen.”

She cites their “gorgeous (and subtle!) cinematic eye (and) powerful footage from Ukraine, often shot while under fire.

“It’s been amazing to share this film with so many different people across the world. I hope ‘Love + War’ continues to stand as a testament to a profession that became my calling, while also being clear-eyed about the complexities and sacrifices that come with it.”

Winners will be announced at Lincoln Center on May 28. “Love + War” can be streamed on Hulu and Disney+.

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As models get fitted, styled, and practice their runway strut, a few tickets still remain for “Fashionably Westport.”

The Westport Downtown Association-sponsored evening (April 25, 7 p.m., Westport Library) is a benefit for Homes with Hope. It features an actual runway, with friends-and-neighbors models from all over town, wearing outfits from over 20 local stores.

(Spoiler alert: One of those models is yours truly. Please don’t laugh — but please come to the show!)

The evening includes plenty of food, and a great silent auction. Click here for tickets, and more information.

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A full crowd packed the VFW last night, for a very special show.

Corky Laing — the former drummer for Mountain (of “Mississippi Queen” fame) — sat in with Gary Shure’s 10$Grand Band.

From the first chords, the place rocked. Do you know what I mean?

From left: Joe Whelan, Ray Schmidt, Corky Laing, Gary Shure, Ronnie Roberts, Michael Bertholf.

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More ospreys — and not the well-known Fresh Market ones.

This pair nests at the north end of Sherwood Mill Pond.

Are they surveying the scene? Planning dinner? Thinking about starting a family?

Whatever the answer: They look very intent doing it.

(Photo/John Kantor)

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Besides the ospreys, there was another sign of the season yesterday — a (finally) warm and sunny spring Sunday.

Boats and other craft headed to Cockenoe Island, off Compo, by the — well, boatload.

(Photo/Carrie Kuhn)

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Westport native and Korean War veteran Donald Switter died on Wednesday. He was 92.

He was studying architecture at the University of Connecticut to study architecture, but while drawing up plans realized his true love was outdoors.

Don pivoted, and started a landscape company. For years, he was one of the town’s top landscapers.

Many residents knew him as the man riding in a Jaguar convertible, with his English setter Mike by his side.

Don is survived by his sister, Phillis Fox of Unicoi, Tennessee; brother James of Winchendon, Massachusetts, and many nieces and nephews.

Don Switter

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It’s been a while since we’ve had deer in our “Westport … Naturally” daily feature.

These 2 look like they need a good meal.

(Photo/Richard Fogel)

Lucky (for them): Growing season is upon us.

Unlucky (for us): They’ll soon be chomping on our plants.

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And finally … on this date in 1742, George Frideric Handel’s oratorio “Messiah” had its world premiere in Dublin.

If you’re free for the next 2 1/2 hours — enjoy!

(Hallelujah! “06880” is your 24/7/365, hyper-local go-to blog — “Where Westport meets the world.” We rely on reader support. Please click here to donate. And thank you!)

2 Comments

Posted in Beach, Entertainment, Environment, Media, Politics

Tagged Cockenoe Island, Corky Laing, Fashionably Westport, Homes With Hope, Lynsey Addario, ospreys, Popup Bagels, Sustainable Westport, Westport Downtown Association

Roundup: Lamont & Chamber, Osprey & Hawk, Laura & Jenna …

Posted on March 30, 2026 | 4 comments

The 4th in the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce’s “Your State, Your Business” series will feature the biggest name of all.

Governor Ned Lamont speaks at the Westport Library on April 13 (11 a.m.).

The series began earlier this month, with Comptroller Sean Scanlon and Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas. It continues this Thursday (April 2, 11 a.m.), with Attorney General William Tong.

Governor Lamont’s session will focus on Connecticut’s fiscal stability and economic outlook, highlighting efforts to maintain affordability through initiatives like tax rebates and energy cost relief. Following his talk, Governor Lamont will join in a conversation with Chamber executive director Matthew Mandell, followed by an audience Q&A.

The event is free, but pre-registration is required here.

Governor Ned Lamont

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Last week’s osprey sighting may have been a false alarm.

Carolyn Doan — who has tracked the raptors’ Westport sojourns for years — writes: “The photo that was sent to you could have been a hawk. As far as I know, the osprey haven’t returned yet.

“I hope I’m wrong. It’s possible I keep missing them, but I have engaged the help and eyes of some friends as well. Nobody has seen them yet.

“I talked with the manager at Fresh Market. They are on the lookout also

“The nest itself hasn’t changed. No new sticks or dangling sticks moved. No visible spiffing up has occurred.

“If they haven’t returned, then they are about a week late. Other nests in town have late arrivals also.

I’ll let you know if anything changes or I hear differently.”

Osprey or hawk? Last week, at Fresh Market. (Photo/Dana Kuyper)

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This past weekend, the Westport Library turned into a concert venue.

Next month (Saturday, April 25, 7 p.m.), it becomes a fashion runway.

In just 6 years, the Westport Downtown Association’s Fashionably Westport show has become one of the hottest spring tickets.

For good reason. In addition to the latest styles from over 20 local fashion and accessories retailers and salons — all modeled by local residents — plus a silent auction, food, music, and high-energy MC Dave Briggs, it’s a fundraiser for a wonderful organization: Homes with Hope. They run the town’s men’s and women’s shelter and food pantry (among many other good works).

Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Laura Blair has participated in 21 STAR Walk & Roll events. During that time, she has raised over $100,000 for the non-profit that serves individuals of all ages with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

This year will be special for Laura. For over 30 years she took care of Jenna Herbst, a fellow Westporter and STAR client.

Jenna died earlier this month. Laura is dedicating this year’s Walk & Stroll to her, and other friends Laura has met at STAR who, like Jenna, rely on the organization for help.

Money raised funds birth-to-8 early intervention therapies, customized job training, placement for transitioning high school students and adults, and scholarships for self-enrichment programs for over 600 people in Fairfield County.

Many people know Laura, through her work with Jenna and as a Staples High School superfan. Click here to help Laura reach her $20,000 goal.

Laura Blair and Jenna Herbst.

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Westporter Sam Hendel — a music industry leader at Chord Music rights platform, and Dundee Partners (a private equity and venture capital firm, focusing on music, media, and technology) — helped draw a large crowd yesterday morning, to “Coffee with the C-Suite: Creators, Technologists, and Music’s AI Frontier.”

The event — the first on the final day of the Westport Library’s VersoFest — examined how artificial intelligence is reshaping how music is created, distributed, licensed and monetized.

Music industry veteran Dick Wingate — another Westporter — moderated the fascinating, forward-looking discussion.

Sam Hendel (far right), on the AI-and-music panel. Other participants (from left): Daniel Rowland, Danny Newcomb, Paul Sinclair. (Photo/DinkinESH Fotografix)

The 4-day event closed with an interview with Peter Shapiro — who has owned the Capitol Theatre and Brooklyn Bowl, and produced numerous music festivals — followed by a screening of the Grateful Dead movie “Dead Ahead,” filmed in 1980 at Radio City Music Hall.

The Dead live! (Photo/Matthew Mandell)

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Congratulations to Caleb Smith!

The 2024 Staples graduate — who quarterbacked the Wreckers to the state championship and was named Connecticut Football Player of the Year; earned All-America honors in lacrosse; captained the basketball team and was honored as a statewide Scholar-Athlete — was inducted into the Fairfield County Gridiron Hall of Fame last week.

He was the youngest honoree, among this year’s 13 players and coaches.

In his career, culminating in the state crown (and #1 ranking in Connecticut), Caleb passed for 5,138 yards and 49 touchdowns. He rushed for 2,307 yards and 43 TDs, and holds 7 school passing records.

After playing quarterback at the University of Connecticut his freshman year, Caleb transferred to Boston University this year. He is playing lacrosse, and studying finance.

Caleb Smith, with his family and state championship plaque.

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Who doesn’t like chocolate? And who doesn’t like wine?

Those indulgences are doubly enjoyable together. Which is exactly why Chocolatieree and The Grapevine are collaborating on a “Pairing Table.” It’s where handcrafted ganache bonbons meet thoughtfully curated wines.

There are 2 dates: April 21 and 23 (at Chocalatieree; $115). Three rounds “contrast Old and New World styles,”; each pairing includes a wine category matched with a chocolate, unlocking a flavor that “might bloom, soften, brighten, or surprise you entirely.”

It’s “part tasting, part discovery, part lively conversation, and completely” delicious. Participants leave with a box, to “savor and reminisce later.” Click here to register, and for more information.

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Sure, you can always find great artwork at Westport River Gallery.

But now you can also see a pair of the replica ruby slippers — created to exact detail of those worn by Judy Garland as Dorothy, in the 1939 “Wizard of Oz” film — at the Riverside Avenue space.

Connecticut-based artist Kyle LaRue constructed each slipper using a vintage size 5 shoe (the actress’ size) from the 1930s. Each features sequins, bugle beads and rhinestone.

The slippers at the gallery are the most authentic pair available. More durable, wearable versions in any size can be made on commission.

Artist Kyle LaRue (left) with Westport River Gallery owner Ken Warren, and Dorothy’s slippers. (Photo/Koleen Kaffan)

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Just in time for hydrangea season, the Greens Farms Garden Club is sponsoring an expert speaker.

Horticulturist/photographer/New York Botanical Garden instructor Lorraine Ballato — author of “Success With Hydrangeas,” and a blogger with a site dedicated to the plant — will speak on April 7 (11 a.m., Southport Congregational Church). RSVP: cafedame@aol.com.

Who doesn’t love hydrangeas?

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Lucas Flesch is a junior at Staples — and a talented and passionate artist.

He was was accepted into Pratt Institute’s prestigious Summer Pre-College Intensive program.

His family does not qualify for the school’s financial aid. They’ve set up a GoFundMe page to help.

It says: “The pre-program would be an incredible next step for Lucas. It would allow him to experience a structured, college-level environment and be surrounded by other students who are just as passionate about art. This experience could be transformative, helping him build confidence and skills for his future. Any support, in any amount, truly helps, and we really appreciate it.”

Click here for Lucas’ GoFundMe page. And click here to see some of his work.

“Dead/Lucid Self Portrait” — graphite on paper, 2024. Lucas writes: “In this piece, I was thinking about religion. And how we justify with religion and overcome our greatest fear. The unknown. In old literature (Romeo and Juliet, and Catullus 5) the writers play this metaphor of this very short life we live and how we should spend it with loving. Everyone does things in preface to death, either it being memorable for things done in your life or loved by others. This self- portrait talks about how death is a part of everyone living or not. Death might be the one thing that controls your life.”

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We get a lot of sunset photos, here at “06880” headquarters.

We can’t run 95% of them.

But this one — over Sherwood Mill Pond — caught our eye, for its color and composition. So it made the cut, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured image.

(Photo/Matt Murray)

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And finally … in honor of Dorothy’s slippers, now being paid homage to at Westport River Gallery (story above):

(You don’t need a brain, a heart or courage to support “06880.” All you have to do is click here, to make a tax-deductible contribution. We’ll be over the rainbow with joy. Thank you!)

4 Comments

Posted in Staples HS

Tagged Chocolatieree, Fashionably Westport, Governor Ned Lamont, Greens Farms Garden Club, Homes With Hope, osprey, STAR Inc., The Grapevine, VersoFest, Westport Downtown Association, Westport-Weston Chamber of Commerce

Roundup: Parks & Rec Registration, Outdoor Dining, Deej Webb …

Posted on March 10, 2026 | 2 comments

A reminder: Online registration for Westport Parks & Recreation Department’s Camp Compo and RECing Crew begins at 9 a.m. today (Tuesday).

Registration for all other spring and summer programs starts tomorrow (Wednesday, 9 a.m.). Click here to see all activities.

Questions? Email recreation@westportct.gov, or call 203-341-5152.

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Yesterday’s stunning weather (and extra hour of daylight) turned many Westporters’ thoughts to the outdoors.

Including activities like dining al fresco.

Tomorrow (Wednesday, 9 a.m., Town Hall auditorium), the Board of Selectpersons will be asked to approve a request from the Westport Downtown Association for the annual temporary closure of Church Lane between Elm Street and Post Road East, for outdoor dining (and music).

The street would be closed to all but emergency traffic from May 8 to October 1. Musicians would entertain on Fridays and Saturdays (5:30 to 9 p.m.), from June 5 to September 26.

In a WDA survey last year, respondents were asked if the Church Lane closure is a benefit to the town, and something that should be continued.

2,033 — that’s 92.2% — said yes. 171 (7.8%) said no.

This would be the 7th year for the street closure and outdoor dining downtown. The tradition began during the pandemic.

Outdoor dining at Spotted Horse. (Photo/John Videler for Videler Photography)

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Speaking of eating: Foodies collect many things: recipes, cooking equipment, leftovers .

They also collect books.

Cookbooks, non-fiction, food memoirs — you name it, they’ve got it.

But food books — like food — are meant to be shared.

This Thursday (March 12, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center), the winter Westport Farmers’ Market hosts a “foodie book swap.”

Bring your favorites. Trade them for something new.

The WFM puts it best: “Come hungry for stories, and leave inspired in the kitchen.”

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A celebration of the life of Richard “Deej” Webb – the Westport native, teacher and historian who turned his lifelong fascination with F. Scott Fitzgerald’s summer here into a book and documentary — is set for March 20 (1:30 p.m., Trinity Episcopal Church, Southport).

Deej died in December, at 63.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Compo Beach Improvement Association. Funds will help beautify Deej’s adult and childhood playground. Venmo: @CBIA-KristinPurcell-Tsr.

Deej Webb

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Bedford Middle School is taking “The Little Mermaid” to new heights.

Literally.

On March 19-22, the musical production will include — with help from ZFX Flying Effects — young actors soaring across the sage.

That’s in addition to the immersive underwater world, with dynamic lighting, projections, bubbles and theatrical effects.

Performances are March 19, 20 and 21 (7 p.m.), with a 2 p.m. matinee on March 22. Click here for tickets, and more information.

Flying high, in “The Little Mermaid.”

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Americans know Alisyn Camerota as an award-winning broadcast journalist and author.

Westporters know her as our neighbor.

On the weekend of April 10-12, a small group of women will know her as someone who helped reinvent their lives.

On a weekend retreat in the Catskills, Alisyn and Michelle Blieberg — a global talent manager and artist — will guide a fun, exciting experience to “design your future with purpose and confidence.”

Creative exercise and activities will help attendees map their next act.

The setting — the Menla Retreat and Spa, 330 acres — offers yoga, hiking, healing therapies, spa services and gourmet meals, along with Alisyn and Michelle’s expert guidance.

For more information, email info@reinventyourlife.biz. To register, click here.

Alisyn Camerota

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Sure, “06880” is “where Westport meets the world.”

But Wikipedia has a much wider reach.

And of those 100 million or so who use it daily, any who click on the “Secondary Schools” page will learn everything they need to know about high schools — or senior schools, or whatever else they’re called around the globe.

There’s plenty of text, all with the necessary Wikipedia citations.

There’s only one photo, though.

And of all the images that could have been used to illustrate high schools on the planet, the one that’s used is … Staples High School.

Staples High School, on Wikipedia’s “Secondary school” page.

The reader who alerted us to this remarkable/impressive/crazy fact writes: “At first I thought it was some kind of location-based gimmick, where the website would just display whatever school was closest to your location.

“But having looked at the editing history of the page, it actually is just the picture that they chose!”

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Whether blowing bebop with the Charles Mingus Band or improvising with Anthony Braxton, Michael Rabinowitz has changed the conception of what a bassoon can do.

This Thursday (March 12, VFW Post 399; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m., dinner from 7), he’ll bring his talents ot “Jazz at the Post.”

Rabinowitz will be joined by pianist Stebe Sandberg, bassist Michael O’Brien, drummer David Alvarez and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall. Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo comes from Earthplace. Luisa Francoeur was at the bridge by Frog Pond. “It was interesting to see the reflections, and how they made the image difficult to decipher,” she says.

(Photo/Luisa Francoeur)

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And finally … Country Joe McDonald — the Navy veteran whose rousing “I-Feel-Like-I’m-Fixin-‘t0-Die Rag” served as both a symbol of Woodstock and an anti-Vietnam War anthem for a generation — died Saturday in Berkeley, California.

He was 84, and suffered from Parkinson’s disease.

After his band — Country Joe & the Fish — broke up in 1970, he had a long solo career, in a variety of styles.

Click here for a full obituary. It includes the fascinating nugget that his parents — who were communists — named him after Joseph Stalin.

(No f-bombs here. Just a gentle reminder that “06880” relies on reader support. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. In Country’s Joe’s legendary memory, of course.)

2 Comments

Posted in Downtown, Restaurants, Staples HS

Tagged Alisyn Camerota, Bedford Middle School, Board of Selectpersons, Church Lane, Deej Webb, Jazz at the Post, outdoor dining, Parks & Recreation Department, Westport Downtown Association, Westport Farmer's Market, Wikipedia

Roundup: College Admissions, Corky Laing, Fashionably Westport …

Posted on March 8, 2026 | 2 comments

The Staples High School Counseling Department works hard to encourage students and families to look beyond rankings and “prestige” when considering college, focusing instead on fit, engagement and long-term outcomes.

Last week, a large Westport Library audience heard a nationally recognized education expert emphasize those same ideas.

Jeff Selingo — the author of “Dream School: Finding the Fit That’s Right For You” — made several key points.

He noted that although the average acceptance rate across US colleges hovers around 65%, competition feels more intense than ever. Among the reasons: Students are more willing to travel longer distances to attend “name brand” colleges; it has become much easier to apply to a larger number of schools, and families increasingly see admission to a highly selective college as an “insurance policy” for the future.

Families often approach the admissions process as something that can be carefully optimized, with the right strategy. Selingo said that this often smacks into the reality of holistic admissions, where there is limited transparency about exactly what colleges look for. At the most selective schools, even highly accomplished students compete with thousands of similarly strong applicants from across the country.

Selingo emphasized that long-term outcomes depend less on where a student goes, and more on what they do once they arrive. He encouraged families to look for colleges that provide strong first-year support, opportunities for mentorship with faculty, access to experiential learning such as internships, co-ops or undergraduate research, and strong return on investment.

He also encouraged students to build balanced college lists — and think carefully about why they want to attend college in the first place. When visiting campuses, he suggested taking time to observe the culture, visit academic departments, and look beyond surface impressions to see how students actually engage with the community.

Before the presentation, Selingo met with Staples counselors for a professional development conversation about current trends in higher education and the admissions landscape.

Jeff Selingo (2nd from right), with Staples High counselors.

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Meanwhile, was not another manic Monday at the Westport Library.

Instead, it was a fulfilling Friday.

Bangles co-founder Susanna Hoffs — who also had a thriving career as a solo performer, and published a novel (“This Bird Has Flown”) — had a spirited and insightful conversation with former CNN journalist (and rock memoirist) Alisyn Camerota. and performed.

Hoffs said she’s still “living inside a dream” of music. She’s stretching that obsession into fiction and new songs rather than arena tours. She added that growing up as the daughter of a psychoanalyst and an artist made it natural to talk through the emotional toll of sudden fame.

Among the audience members: former Talking Heads musicians.

It was an early part of VersoFest. The Library’s annual music/media and more celebration kicks into full gear March 26 (click here for details). (Hat tips: Susan Garment, Allan Siegert)

Susanna Hoffs (left) and Alisyn Camerota. (Photo/Susan Garment)

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Speaking of music: Corky Laing is no stranger to Westport.

The legendary drummer for Mountain has played here before. He was a frequent guest of music executive Terry Coen and his wife Gail, at their Soundview Drive home.

Can’t quite place Mountain? They’re the “Mississippi Queen” band.

And Laing provided the iconic cowbell intro.

He returns April 11 (7 p.m., VFW Post 399), this time as a special guest with Ten$Grand Band.

Tickets are just $20. The show will sell out soon. Click here to purchase.

Corky Laing

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“Fashionably Westport” is one of the hottest tickets on the local events calendar.

The Westport Downtown Association-sponsored evening is a benefit for Homes with Hope. It features an actual runway, with models everyone can relate to — because they’re friends and neighbors. (Spoiler alert: One of them will be yours truly.)

The evening includes a great silent auction. The WDA is finalizing the items now. If you’re a business looking to contribute to a great cause — or an individual with a second home to offer, a connection to Broadway or sports or other entertainment, or have something unique to donate — click here.

This year’s show is April 25 (7 p.m. Westport Library). Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Has the snow finally ended?

There was plenty of rain this past week. Not wonderful … but a welcome break from the long winter.

John Maloney snapped this wet shot, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” series.

(Photo/John Maloney)

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And finally … In honor of Corky Laing and Mountain (story above):

(From here to Mississippi — and everywhere else — “06880” is where Westport meets the world. If you enjoy this hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

2 Comments

Posted in Education, Entertainment, Library

Tagged Fashionably Westport, Staples High School counseling department, VFW Post 399, Westport Downtown Association

Andrea Moore: Life After Town Hall

Posted on January 28, 2026 | 18 comments

Andrea Moore woke up on November 5 with nothing to do.

She had not felt that way in 40 years.

After college, she had spent over 20 years in financial services, with firms like UBS, Deutsche Bank and Salomon Brothers.

Returning to Westport, the 1984 Staples High School graduate was elected to the Representative Town Meeting (RTM). Then came the Board of Finance, including vice chair. In 2021 she ran with Jen Tooker, and became 2nd selectwoman.

Moore was an active civic volunteer too. She was president of the Child’s Place preschool board, Saugatuck Elementary School PTA and Staples Tuition Grants. She served on the Westport Weston Family YMCA board of trustees, and the National Charity League’s local board.

But on Election Day nearly 3 months ago — running for re-election — she and 1st selectman candidate Don O’Day suffered a resounding defeat.

He became 3rd selectman. She became unemployed. (Though the $2,000 stipend for 2nd selectperson may not really qualify as “employment.”)

Andrea Moore, at Studio Café.

Moore was so focused on the campaign, she had not thought about next steps if she lost.

In the weeks since, she’s taken time to figure out what’s ahead.

One thing she is not thinking about is “what if…”

Republicans nationwide suffered losses in November, from the governor’s mansion to town boards and commissions. In Connecticut alone, 30 cities and towns — including Westport — shifted from Republican leadership to Democratic.

“We worked hard. But nothing Don and I did differently would have mattered,” Moore notes. “There are masses of people who never would have voted for Republicans.”

Andrea Moore and Don O’Day, on the campaign trail.

The moment the first RTM district’s results came in, Moore knew they had lost. That chapter in her life was over.

Two months earlier, Moore’s youngest of 3 daughters began her first year at Emory University. The campaign was already in full swing.

The result: Moore never had time to deal with “empty nest syndrome.” Then came the holidays, and a trip to Australia, where she had spent a year during college.

Now, in January, she has time to do things like clean closets. But she knows she’s not the type to spend “the next 30 years” doing that.

“It’s a relief to not wake up thinking about “the community gardens, and the comments on ‘06880,’” Moore admits.

Still, there are many aspects of her most recent role the misses.

The 2nd selectperson has no specific role, beyond serving on the Select Board. Tooker delegated important tasks to Moore, including vetting potential members for all boards and commissions.

There was a large backlog of appointments, after COVID. Then — in response to a challenge to the makeup of TEAM Westport — the town reassessed the membership of all appointed bodies.

“I got to meet so many people I never would have known,” Moore says. “I was able to help them find a place where they could put their talents and passions to work for the town.”

She met others too, like Y’s Men members, whose friendships she now cherishes.

Selectwomen Jen Tooker and Andrea Moore, at a Wreathing for Community event.

Another highlight: Helping raise — very quickly — the funds and volunteers to light the Cribari Bridge in 2024, when it seemed the longstanding holiday tradition would end.

Tooker and Moore had an excellent relationship, professionally and personally. Moore acted as advisor to the 1st selectwoman.

She also acted as a buffer, an ambassador, and a conduit.

The role suited her well. “I had an impact. But I wasn’t on the firing line,” Moore says.

Now — as Moore assesses her next challenge — she is moving slowly and deliberately. Whatever she does, it must align with her interests and skill sets.

She already said “yes” to the Westport Downtown Association. With her deep knowledge of the town, its operations and its people, she’s eagerly joining their board of directors.

“It’s a very good group. They put on great events,” Moore says. “They support local business, and they’re expanding.”

Andrea Moore, at the 2025 Downtown Westport Association’s “Fashionably Westport” show. (Photo/Dan Woog)

Beyond that, she asks herself: “How can I use 20 years of relationships and knowledge in this town, to help create something good?”

One thing she has no time for: people who pat her solicitously on the arm and say, “I’m so sorry for you.”

“I hate that,” Moore says. “I was sad we lost. But now I’ve got a great opportunity to move ahead. I look forward to whatever comes next.”

(“06880” regularly covers town politics — and the people in it. If you enjoy stories like this, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

18 Comments

Posted in Categories, Local politics, YMCA

Tagged Andrea Moore, Staples Tuition Grants, Westport Downtown Association, Y's Men

Roundup: Kowalsky Property, Downtown, All That Jazz …

Posted on January 27, 2026 | 5 comments

What may be Westport’s last large open residential lot has been sold.

Two boldface names are involved in the transaction.

Marc Lasry — the billionaire hedge fund manager and former Milwaukee Bucks co-owner, who lives on Beachside Avenue — bought the 12.3-acre 109 Morningside Drive South property for $7 million.

The seller — Wildflower Haven LLC — is run by Shonda Rhimes. She too lives elsewhere in Westport. Rhimes bought it in 2022, for $5.925 million.

For many years before that, it was owned by the Kowalsky family.

Lasry tells “06880” that he has 5 children, and may build homes there for 2 or 3 of them. The land will not be subdivided for a dozen homes, as many Westporters feared when it was on the market.

But nothing will happen soon.

“There is absolutely no rush,” Lasry says.

109 Morningside Drive South is the vast open space at the center of this aerial view. It is bordered by Clapboard Hill Road and Turkey Hill Road South.

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Walking around town is treacherous, after the weekend’s snow.

This is the scene on Post Road East, near Turkey Hill Road North and Harvest Commons:

(Photo/Peter Swift)

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Meanwhile, the Westport Downtown Association has this message for residents:

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Tired of being cooped up indoors?

Friends of Sherwood Island State Park is hosting a “Love Yourself, Get Outdoors” event on (appropriately) Valentine’s Day (February 14, 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.)

Linda Gottlieb of FitTraining will lead the session. Organizers say: “Practice green exercise. Experience ‘forest bathing.’ Learn to use the ‘nature pyramid’ to guide your exercise.”

It’s free, and everyone is welcome. Dress in layers; it’s windy at the bach.

Questions? Call Call 203-247-1390.

Linda Gottlieb at Sherwood Island.

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If recent weather has you thinking of warm sun: Head to VFW Post 399 on Thursday.

This week’s “Jazz at the Post” features The Caribbean Jazz Connection. Its leader — drummer Jim Royle — has been crossing genres of jazz and Caribbean Latin styles for years.

The band includes his former student and steel pan player Bryan Garbe. The Fairfield native is now an internationally acclaimed percussionist; bassist John Mobilio, and pianist Dave Childs.

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

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For the next few days, our “Westport … Naturally” feature will include photos from Sunday’s snowfall.

This one comes from Jay Petrow. No surprise: He’s a landscape architect.

(Photo/Jay Petrow)

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And finally … happy birthday, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart!

In just 35 years, he wrote over 800 pieces, in virtually every classical genre: symphonic, concertante, chamber, opera and choral repertoires. He is considered one of the greatest composers in the history of Western music.

(“06880” is nearly 17 years old — half of what Mozart was when he died. We’re not comparing ourselves to him. But we do work pretty hard. Please click here to support our efforts. Danke schön!)

5 Comments

Posted in Beach, Downtown, Entertainment, Real estate, Weather

Tagged 109 Morningside Drive South, Friends of Sherwood Island State Park, Jazz at the Post, Marc Lasry, Shonda Rhimes, Snowy sidewalk, Westport Downtown Association

Holiday Stroll: Santa, S’mores, Songs … And So Much More!

Posted on December 7, 2025 | 3 comments

Over 2,000 Westporters (and out-of-towners) of all ages (especially kids) filled downtown yesterday afternoon (and evening).

They posed for photos with Santa (and Buddy and his elves) (and in a photo booth), roasted s’mores, petted piglets, caroled with the Orphenians, sent letters to Santa, dropped off toys for the Police drive, got face paint, shopped and enjoyed store giveaways, met neighbors and friends — and did it all in perfect almost-winter weather.

The 5th annual Holiday Stroll was by far the biggest and best yet.

S’mores by Nômade, elves and more. (Photo/John Walker)

Co-sponsored by the Westport Downtown Association and “06880,” it’s our gift to the town. And the town embraced it.

Thanks to all who made it happen — especially the hard-working WDA crew (Maxx Crowley, Beth Meyer, Huong Belpedio, Brian Spurr and others). Thanks to Santa; the fabulous Staples Orphenians, characters and face painters; the retailers and restaurants and non-profits who welcomed all and handed out “stuff” — and everyone who strolled.

Staples Orphenians’ first stop, above Brandy Melville. Other caroling spots: the clock, “Tunnel of Love,” and Bedford Square courtyard. (Photo/Dan Woog)

Westport sure rocked around the Christmas tree.

And the brand-new, but looks-like-its-been-there-forever, Main Street clock.

At the clock: 1st Selectman Kevin Christie, Westport Downtown Association president Maxx Crowley, “06880” founder Dan Woog. The WDA donated the clock to the town; the WDA and “06880” co-sponsor the Holiday Stroll. (Photo/John Walker)

A classic shot. (Photo/John Walker)

Staples Players Scarlett Shope, Claire Kresser, Ellis Maroney and Seamus Brannigan are all in character. (Photo/Dan Woog)

Riverside Realty’s piglets were favorites. (Photo/Thomas Samaranayake)

Senior Cat Betit conducts the Orphenians. The day before, they sang at Radio City Music Hall. . (Photo/Dan Woog)

Orphenians singing at the clock. (Photo/John Walker)

Listening to the Orphenians. (Photo/John Walker)

(Photo/John Walker)

Annette Norton’s Savvy + Grace mailbox was filled with dozens of letters to Santa. The popular downtown store also sponsored the photo booth. (Photo/Dan Woog)