The Westport Downtown Association picked the perfect fall Saturday for their 9th annual Westoberfest. A large crowd enjoyed beer, food, beer, music, beer, kids’ activities, beer, non-profit giveaways and much more, all around Elm Street downtown.
On the other hand, the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce picked the wrong Saturday — last week — for their 14th annual Slice of Saugatuck.
It was rained out. But they pivoted to today. A similarly large crowd enjoyed food, music, food, bounce houses, food and merchant giveaways, in the “slice” of Saugatuck from Riverside Avenue and Railroad Place to Saugatuck Avenue.
Here are a few scenes. First, the Slice of Saugatuck:
Little guy with a big smile, and an even bigger fire truck.
Serving up samples at Tutti’s.
Beer and wine on Railroad Place, served up by local notables.
Patty Kondub passes out sliders — with a smile — at the VFW.
Who doesn’t love a bounce house?
And now, Westoberfest:
What’s a Westoberfest without lederhosen?
Dozens of beers, from a variety of brewers.
Unleashing her creativity, in the kids’ zone.
The stage is set for an afternoon of music.
Sure, Westoberfest is all about beer. But don’t forget pumpkins!
If you move fast, there’s still time to enjoy these great community events. Both run until 5 p.m.
PS: The Slice and Westoberfest were not all that’s going on.
Compass realtors showed off their new offices. They’ve reimagined the old Patagonia store.
For decades before that, it was Westport Bank & Trust. The huge vault and historic WPA murals are still there.
Meanwhile, this is the 2nd floor view from what was once the bank president’s office.
(All photos/Dan Woog)
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Yesterday — based on inaccurate information — our “06880” Roundup reported that the Board of Finance turned down a Public Works Department request for equipment for the Ned Dimes Marina renovation project.
Public Works director Larry Roberts clarifies: “We brought an appropriation request to the Board of Finance, but it was withdrawn due to inaccuracies in the accompanying materials.
“In any event, the work was not anticipated to begin until after the summer boating season.”
Speaking of last Sunday’s flood: In 2021, the Westport Arts Advisory Committee partnered with landowner David Waldman. They installed 5 mini-murals in the alley behind Anthropologie.
This one depicts what Westport artist Rebecca Ross thought Westport would look like in 50 years.
As Miggs Burroughs notes: “She was off by only 45.”
Westoberfest is less than 2 weeks away.
The 9th annual craft beer and family fall event returns Saturday, October 3 (1 to 5 p.m., Elm Street. Among the highlights: craft beer, music, food, art, shopping, and family-fun activities.
Admission is free. Guests who want to sample more than 50 local and regional beers, from over 20 breweries, can purchase a tasting pass.
This year, Westoberfest introduces a collaboration with 3 local arts organizations for hands-on creativity in the family area.
MoCA\CT invites families to design tote bags using colorful stamps, patterns and doodles, then take them home. One River School of Art + Design offers a fall-inspired mandala activity, while Whimsy Works Atelier brings parent-child creative play.
The family area, sponsored by Gault Family Companies, will feature carnival games from Chris and Pete Amusements, pumpkin decorating, and more.
For friendly competition, the annual stein-holding competition, hosted by CBS News weather anchor and Westport resident Lonnie Quinn, will once again challenge participants to show off their strength and stamina.
One Bad Oyster takes the stage with their energetic ska-surf sound.
Food and treats will be served by Blind Rhino, Freshko by Krisia, Fryborg, LemoNate’s, Lovely Chocolate by Talita Dupin, Paradise Island Food, and Van Leeuwen Ice Cream.
Elm Street will also feature a shopping and services vendor area
A beer tasting pass is $50 now, $55 on-site. Click here to purchase. Beer tasting participants receive a Westoberfest tasting glass and koozie.
Wakeman Town Farm’s “Fantastic Farmhands” welcomed a special guest last week: monarch watch conservation specialist Alice Ely.
She helped the youngsters release Petey, a monarch butterfly, and provided a fascinating peek into the science behind monarch migration.
Before Petey took off, Alice attached a tiny radio tag to his back using eyelash adhesive. The transmitter weighs no more than a grain of rice, so it’s light enough for Petey to fly freely.
Petey wasted no time.
In 2 days, the feisty butterfly traveled 109 miles, heading southwest toward Mexico.
To follow his journey, download the Project Monarch app, then search for Petey2026. You can track his migration in real time as he flies south.
Once they arrive in Mexico, the butterflies stay there until late winter. As temperatures warm and the days get longer, they receive their cue to head north, where they mate and lay eggs on the first milkweed they find — often in Texas.
The tiny tags are powered by solar cells, so Petey may occasionally disappear from the radar while his tag recharges. The WTF butterfly — the first monarch ever released from Connecticut with this type of radio tag — could make it all the way to Mexico.
Alice Ely, with monarch butterfly and Wakeman Town Farm “farmhands.”
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Sure, it’s another Sunday with rain in the forecast. (Though nowhere near as much as last week … knock wood.)
But the Staples High School girls swim and dive team is washing cars today, rain or (fingers crossed) shine.
They’ll be at 176 Post Road West — the old Carvana spot, opposite Kings Highway Elementary School — from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
A suggested donation is $20. Stop in for a wash. If these girls can spend hours a day in the pool, the least you can do is get wet, while supporting the squad.
This was the scene at an old sea captain’s home, on Sylvan Routh South:
(Photo/Susan Garment)
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Actors have to flexible.
So does their entire company.
Westport Community Theatre had an unexpected change in their season lineup just a few weeks before opening.
“Vintage Hitchcock: A Live Radio Play” moved into the first slot.
It showcases a talented cast of Fairfield County actors, as well as Fairfield playwright Joe Landry.
The show — featuring suspense, intrigue, murder and touch of dark humor — runs through October 4, in the basement level of Town Hall.
Landry transforms 3 Hitchcock thrillers – “The Lodger,” “Sabotage” and “The 39 Steps” – into a 1940s-style radio broadcast performed before a live audience.
The 7-member cast moves among multiple roles, voices and characters as the stories unfold, creating the world of Hitchcock with microphones, scripts, music, and an elaborate soundscape.
Remaining performances are at 2 p.m. Sundays (today, and September 27 and October 4), and 7:30 p.m. on September 24, 25, 26, and October 2 and 3.
A 6-play subscription for the year is available for $140. WCT’s 69th season includes “Betrayal” by Harold Pinter; “Summer, 1976” by David Auburn; “What the Constitution Means to Me” by Heidi Schreck; “Catch-22” by Joseph Heller, and “Happy Days” by Samuel Beckett.
Tom Rusen and John Bachelder in “Vintage Hitchcock.”
Looking for a fun afternoon, with competition, food, camaraderie — and a chance to help support a new initiative?
A Better Chance of Westport’s inaugural Cornhole Tournament is set for Saturday, October 3 (11:30 to 3 p.m., Longshore’s Evan Harding Point).
Proceeds will help launch ABC’s College Scholarship Fund. It’s a way to expand their commitment to the scholars they sponsor and support during their time at Staples High School, as they move on to the next chapter of their educational journeys.
And finally … on this day in 1973, Jim Croce and 5 others died when their light plane crashed shortly after takeoff from Natchitoches Airport in Louisiana.
(It’s been a week since a huge “rain bomb” hit Westport. “06880” reported that story all day, and every day since. If you appreciate our coverage, please click here to support this blog. Thanks!)
When my husband Jim and I read on social media that the picnic tables on Parker Harding Plaza along the Saugatuck River were in disrepair, it occurred to us that they were the perfect gift to our town.
I remember when Lee Papageorge, the owner of Oscar’s Deli, placed them there many years ago.
I have been in town for 46 years, and Jim for 20. We raised our children here, and wanted to say thank you.
We contacted Maxx Crowley, executive director of the Westport Downtown Association, and shared our idea.
With the help of SCA and the WDA, we found the right benches. They should last many years.
Thank you to Maxx and his team for assembling the tables, removing the old ones and cleaning up the area.
The new Parker Harding benches. (Photo/Julie Whamond)
We give these tables in honor of those we lost on 9/11. We love driving by and seeing people enjoying their lunch by the river.
Now they can do it without the fear of a massive splinter.
Thank you, Maxx, SCA, the Westport Downtown Association! You are our Unsung Heroes of the week.
PS: We’ll add Julie and Jim to the list too!
(Do you know an Unsung Hero? Email 06880blog@gmail.com. “06880” is proud to honor them — and tell many other tales of town too. Please click here to help us do that, by supporting this hyper-local blog.)
Two big, traditional fall events were announced this week.
The 14th annual Slice of Saugatuck returns Saturday, September 26 (2 to 5 p.m.).
The food tasting/retail experience includes over 40 businesses and restaurants, spread from Riverside Avenue and Railroad Place to Saugatuck Avenue.
Over 2,000 people eat and drink their way through the neighborhood, listening to live music at 7 venues while kids enjoy bouncy houses, balloon artists and face painters.
A local non-profits will highlight their work. (Like the restaurants, they’ll offer tasty samples too.)
Two beer gardens (with wine) are located outdoors. Many restaurants offer specialty drinks inside (and/or continue the fun with happy hour specials after the Slice ends).
Tickets ($15 adults, $5 kids under 13; children under 5 are free) are available on site only (credit or electronic payment only).
The Slice of Saugatuck is sponsored by the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce. Since its inception, they’ve donated $60,000 to the Homes with Hope food pantry, from the proceeds.
For more information, and to see participants and a map, click here.
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Meanwhile: Craft beer, live music, food and fun return to downtown October 3.
The 9th annual Westoberfest takes place from 1 to 5 p.m. — and this year’s event is bigger than ever.
Over 50 local and regional beers, from 20+ breweries are on tap (ho ho), from crisp lagers and bold IPAs to rich stouts. There are plenty of non-alcoholic options too. The event is sponsored by the Westport Downtown Association.
Beyond the beer: food from local favorites, music from One Bad Oyster, other entertainment for all ages, and vendors offering a variety of products and services.
A competitive stein-holding contest is hosted by CBS News weather anchor (and Westport resident Lonnie Quinn.
A dozen talented and varied artists star in the next Artists Collective of Westport pop-up show.
Lynne Arovas, Nina Bentley, Jeanine Esposito, Kat Evans, Herm Freeman, MaryEllen Hendricks, Julie Leff, Kerstin Rao, Dolores R. Santoliquido, Gay Schempp, Gregg Ziebell and Virginia Zimmerman show their work September 10 through 13 (12 to 4 p.m., Westport Country Playhouse barn).
An opening reception September 9 (6 to 8 p.m.). features Rock & Roll Hall of famer Mark Naftalin on piano. The show ends with an artists’ talk at 4 p.m. on September 13. Click here or below to learn more about the Artists Collective.
Fresh off his role in “Masquerade” — the innovative, immersive staging of “Phantom of the Opera” — Staples High School graduate Clay Singer is immersed in 2 intriguing projects.
“Late Fame” was released last month, to strong reviews. The indie film stars Willem Dafoe as a legendary New York poet, whose forgotten works captivate the minds of an eccentric group of young artists (including Singer), who attempt to reignite his passion for writing.
The New York Times says the “group of aspirationally literary young men” are portrayed with “charming authenticity.”
Other critics say they “effectively capture the pretentious yet earnest vibe of modern trust fund creatives, striking the perfect balance between sneering at media influencers and earnestly fangirling over an old poet.”
Clay Singer
The Staples Players alum is also in “Rhinoceros.” The Eugene Ionesco play is being performed at the American Repertory Theatre in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Starring Paul Giamatti, its theme of herd mentality is particularly timely today.
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Speaking of performing: High school sports teams around the country play the national anthem before games.
Some use live singers. Few have as talented a corps as Staples.
Football and basketball fans have been awed at some of the renditions by high school (and middle school!) singers.
Serena Diamond is one of those performers. Now the Staples junior is giving back in another way.
She has created a directory of a dozen Westport student singers available for games. And not just athletics — what about Eagle Scout ceremonies, town Veterans Day ceremonies, etc.?
Click here for the list, or email serenabelladiamond@gmail.com.
And if you’re a singer, and want your name on the list: let her know!
Demeil Betfarhad took his act on the road last winter. The Staples student sang the national anthem before the state boys basketball championship game, at Mohegan Sun. (Photo/Ryan Allen)
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There has been no news lately — from the state or the town — about the status of plans for replacement or renovation of the Cribari Bridge.
Meanwhile, routine maintenance continues. This was the scene yesterday:
(Photo/Ben Meyer)
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Other work was going on, elsewhere in Westport.
This was the scene on Evergreen Parkway. A new water main will be installed soon.
(Photo/Mark Mathias)
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Westport Police made 1 custodial arrest between August 26 and September 1.
A 19-year-old Westport man was charged with assault and disorderly conduct, following a verbal and physical argument at a local residence. The man became angry when the victim spilled a glass of water.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Traveling unreasonably fast: 11 citations
Texting while driving: 8
Failure to obey stop sign: 8
Distracted driving: 5
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 4
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 4
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 2
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 2
Failure to drive in the proper lane: 2
Improper use of markers: 2
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 2
Evading responsibility: 1
Passing a standing school bus: 1
School zone violation: 1
Traveling too fast for conditions: 1
Following too closely: 1
Negligent pedestrian: 1
Failure to carry license: 1
Failure to carry insurance card: 1
Failure to stop on the right side of the road: 1
Unsafe movement of a stopped vehicle: 1
Disobeying the signal of an officer: 1
Possession of a controlled substance: 1
Truancy: 1
Drivers are not the only ones who get tickets. Police can cite a “negligent pedestrian” too.
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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo is a scene we never get tired of: Cockenoe Island, from Compo Beach.
And finally … in honor of Serena Diamond’s national anthem singers’ registry (story above), here’s one of the most famous renditions in history.
José Feliciano’s slow, Latin-influenced version — performed before game 5 of the 1968 World Series — was hugely controversial. It was non-traditional; and called
“disrespectful,” “disgraceful” and “unpatriotic.”
It came at a time of deep social and political divisions in the US. The criticism stalled the Puerto-Rico born singer’s career, for several years.
But it also paved the way for many more imitators. Today, a “traditional” performance of the difficult-to-sing song is seen as “different.”
And Feliciano — a longtime Weston resident — went on to earn 9 Grammy Awards, sing for presidents and popes, and enjoy international acclaim.
O say, can you sing …?
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You Snooze, You Lose alert: LobsterFest returns to Compo Beach on Saturday, September 19.
Tickets go on sale at noon today (Tuesday, August 18). Click here at 12 — and be quick. They sell out fast.
LobsterFest is a fun-filled day, with over 1,500 guests, plenty of food, live entertainment, kids’ activities, booths and much more.
The Westport Rotary Club event generates over $400,000, all of which goes to local charities and international projects.
Over 250 volunteers help make it all happen. Tasks range from light duty to heavy lifting. Set-up is Friday, September 18; Saturday shifts are 2:30 to 4:45 p.m., and 4:30 to 7. Clean-up crews help out on Sunday, September 20.
NOTE: There is a special need for strong people (18 years and older) for the lobster cooker and cracker jobs.
Volunteers who would like to eat lobster or steak and enjoy beverages should buy a LobsterFest ticket. There are beverages, hamburgers and hot dogs available at no cost for volunteers who do not buy a ticket.
And … one more set of tickets, on sale this morning (Tuesday), beginning at 10 a.m.: the Westport Library’s 27th annual “Booked for the Evening.”
This year’s signature fundraising event (October 28) features award-winning director, actress, choreographer and producer Debbie Allen.
She’ll be in conversation with Shonda Rhimes. The noted TV creator, producer, author, CEO of global media company Shondaland — and a Westporter — was the 2022 “Booked” honoree.
Debbie Allen (Photo/Marvin Joseph for the Washington Post)
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As Democratic registrar of voters Deborah Greenberg steps down from her post, the party is seeking a replacement.
Registrar is a part-time elected official responsible for administering all local, state and federal elections. The annual salary is $52,086. There is a $750 transaction allowance, a $6,000 stipend for primaries; a $10,000 stipend for each November election, and a small daily stipend for conferences.
Interviews take place between August 31 and September 1. Email Andrew Nevas (abnevas@gmail.com) with interest.
“The End of Oak Street” opened earlier this month.
The science fiction survival film is set in Flowervale, Michigan. But a few real residents of the end of Oak Street — the one in Westport, off Clinton Avenue — went to see it the other day.
End of Oak Street residents (from left): Mark Shannon, Kenny Wildstein, Karen Kleine, Barbara Ryan, Edward Boyle, Trish Boyle, Eileen Ludy, Jay Ludy.
That’s not the only Westport connection. The movie stars Anne Hathaway, who lived here for several years.
Though not on Oak Street.
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Dozens of Staples High School football players gathered at Paul Lane Field last week for the 7th annual Murph Challenge.
It was the culmination of their summer fundraising for the Catch a Lift Fund (the non-profit that helps post-9/11 combat-injured veterans regain mental and physical health).
The workout honors US Navy SEAL Lieutenant Michael Murphy, killed in Afghanistan in 2005.
Over the last few weeks the 100 or so athletes in the football program raised money individually, did team lemonade stands, and prepared for a tough workout.
Coach Matty Jacowleff and the Gridiron Club reiterate the message of both physical and mental fitness, and a team first mentality — the same spirit carried by the veterans served through Catch A Lift.
The event began with US Army Sergeant Jason Smith talking to the players about sacrifice, resilience and commitment.
Sgt. Jason Smith
Then the athletes took on the Murph Challenge. It included a mile run, 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups, 300 squats, and another mile run.
The 2026 season begins next month.
Staples players, coaches and Catch A Lift officials, at Paul Lane Field. (Photos/Adam Vengrow)
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Speaking of Staples: We’re proud of all our 2026 graduates.
And we get it: So are you.
(Photo/Dan Woog)
But come on! This is mid-August.
Your kid graduated more than 2 months ago. He or she is either already in college, or has one foot out the door.
It’s time to stop being proud. Start looking ahead.
And proud families of seniors: Order your Class of 2027 sign now.
June will be here before you know it.
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Speaking of Staples grads: It was a Westport reunion, on the Appalachian Trail.
Class of 1982 alum Jon Atwood is hiking the 2,198-mile route, from Maine to Georgia. His son Finn joined him for part of the journey.
Jon’s classmate and longtime friend Chris DiVecchio met them in New York. He did not look like he was ready to hike the entire trail. (Hat tip: Dan Donovan)
From left: Finn Atwood, Chris DiVecchio, Jon Atwood.
If you thought the New York Knicks’ NBA championship was exciting … well, just wait for tonight’s Compo Beach Men’s Summer Basketball League tourney.
It’s down to the final 4 teams. (And the semifinals have been moved to the Staples fieldhouse, due to lighting issues at Compo). Tip-off is 7 p.m., with the finals at 8.
One semi pits Team Clachko — with recent Wrecker grads Sam Clachko, Derek and Cody Sale, Caleb Tobias, Matty Corrigan and Griffin Kass — against Team Raus.
The other semi features defending champ Team Schur, against Team Dymond. Staples alumni on the court include Jordan Schur, Charlie Stoebe, and Aaron and Josh Shapiro, plus PAL travel coach Jamill Powell and former RTM member Noah Hammond.
Spectators are welcome.
Compo Beach summer league action.
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Westport children’s author Nicole O’Connor is launching the 3rd book in her “Kiera and Lamby” travel-themed picture book series.
It’s based on stories she told her daughter during the pandemic, inspiring her to dream about traveling the world. In each books Kiera and her stuffed lamb take a magic blanket to a different city: New York, Madrid, and now Tokyo). They explore famous landmarks and try new foods, in a playful, accessible way.
The launch includes a book signing and Japan-themed craft (origami ice cream bookmarks!) at Momu: Sunday, August 30 (1 to 3 p.m).
The latest addition to Riverside Park is this concrete pad.
We’re not sure if it’s for a bench, memorial, or something else. Like checked it out (see photo below), but did not act like a little kid. She left no paw prints.
The Village Voice called Dave Stryker “one of the most distinctive guitarists to come along in recent years.” He was voted one of the Top Jazz Guitarists in the 2025 Downbeat Critics and Readers Polls — for the 15th time.
This Thursday (August 20, shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner service at 6:45; VFW Post 399), he headlines Jazz at the Post.
And finally … on this date in 1868, French astronomer Pierre Janssen discovered helium.
(Supporting “06880” is no laughing matter. We rely on readers like you to help us do what we do, 24/7/365. Please click here to help. And thank you for putting a smile on our face.)
Westport did not go far to find its new director of public works.
Larry Roberts — Weston’s current director of public works and facility management — takes over from Pete Ratkiewich on July 6. The longtime Westport director is retiring.
And he’s a Westport native.
Roberts has over 3 decades of experience, including municipal public works, facilities management, emergency communications and public safety. In Weston he oversees highway operations, facility maintenance, fleet management, municipal solid waste operations, capital projects and long-range infrastructure planning.
Previously, Roberts served as director of the Weston Communications Center. He spent more than 20 years with the Greenwich Fire Department, retiring as deputy chief.
Roberts holds a master of science in fire science/public administration from the University of New Haven, and a bachelor of Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical. He also graduated from the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program.
Dan Donovan writes: “06880 was out in force Thursday night in New York City.
“From local philanthropists Ann Sheffer and Bill Scheffler, to local business owners Bill Mitchell and Annette Norton, to Westport soccer illuminati including Andy Udell, Todd Coleman, Jim Wolf, Mike Carey and Zack Gross, and a group of more recent players, to former Staples High principal John Dodig, former 2nd selectwoman Andrea Moore, and fellow townies Andrew Colabella and Terry Brannigan, along with Dave Briggs, Amy Saperstein, Joan Gillman — and many others — we were all there to celebrate 06880’s own Dan Woog, as he was inducted into the LGBTQ Sports Hall of Fame. Of course Dan’s family and a few of his former Staples teammates were there too.
“Dan was honored, along with several other impressive, decorated, driven, articulate and brave sports world figures, who also happen to be part of the LGBTQ community.
“Kyle Martino, our most decorated Westport soccer success story — National High School Player of the Year, MLS Rookie of the Year, US men’s national team member, now a TV analyst and advocate for soccer in under-served communities — introduced Dan with humor, recalling growing up in Westport and the influence Dan had on him.
“Then Dan got to the podium and knocked it out of the park — or, as we say in soccer, scored a golazo — with his insightful words. It was a great night for Dan, and a great showing for 06880.”
Dan Woog (center, front) with Mike Carey and Zack Gross. Standing (from left): Luke Foreman, Neil Brickley, Jack Foster, Matthew Jordan, Jim Wolf, Emerson Anvari, Vaughan Sealey.
Kyle Martino, introducing Dan Woog
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Also this weekend: the Westport Astronomical Society’s Amateur Radio Field Day.
Local clubs operate as K1WAS. Hams from across North America participate in Field Day by establishing temporary ham radio stations in public locations to demonstrate their skill and service. Here, that’s the Westport Observatory classroom, behind the Aspetuck Health District and yard waste station on Bayberry Lane.
Everyone is invited to get in on the action — and on the air.
Shoppers who brought in 10 canvas bags — or all 15 varieties produced so far — received rewards.
From left: Lauren Kreter, Westport Farmers’ Market Lori Cochran-Dougall and Andrea Debello, with their shopping bags.
Also celebrating: River Hollow Farm and Ox Hollow Farm (representatives in the photo below). Both have been part of the WFM since its inception, 2 decades ago.
In a celebratory ceremony — with a lobster dinner — at the Ned Dimes Marina on Thursday night, Westport Rotary Club outgoing president, Peter Helt (left below) passed the ceremonial gavel to new president Ron Henkoff.
And finally … on this date in 1844, Joseph Smith, founder of the Latter Day Saint movement, and his brother Hyrum Smith were killed by a mob at the Carthage, Illinois jail.
An all-ages, high-energy crowd filled the Westport Library’s Trefz Forum last night.
Board of Finance chair Danielle Dobin interviewed President George W. Bush’s former press secretary, and current Fox News star Dana Perino, about her new novel.
“Purple State” explores love across political lines. It’s an apt subject, and the 2 women were well paired. Perino and Dobin were roommates on Capitol Hill 30 years ago, while working for congressmen of different political parties.
They’ve remained friends ever since. Last night, they discussed — and demonstrated — how and why those relationships are important.
Danielle Dobin (left) and Dana Perino, at the Westport Library. They discussed Perino’s new book, “Purple State” — and both wore purple. (Photo/Dave Briggs)
Starting this summer, Aquarion will install a new water main from Hemlocks Reservoir in Fairfield to Coleytown Road.
A community meeting is set for tonight (Wednesday, 6 p.m., Patterson Club, Fairfield)to discuss the impact to traffic flow during construction. Road restoration will be completed by 2028.
Click here to learn more about the project. (Hat tip: Jonathan Steinberg)
Aquarion project.
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This weekend’s Sidewalk Sale will have all the usual goodies on sale, outside: clothes, art, jewelry and much more. (You cannot, however, buy a sidewalk; it’s not for sale.)
Plus Animal Packs.
Kevin Bachman created the family-friendly reimagined deck of cards, based on woodland animals from around Fairfield and Westchester counties.
He’ll have a booth Saturday and Sunday (June 27 and 28), offering quick game play demos, single decks, and discounted 2-pack bundles.
The Westport connection is growing. Animal Packs is being added to the toy collection at the Westport Library. It’s already available at other libraries, including Pequot and Fairfield Public.
The next Veterans Benefits Luncheon is tomorrow (Thursday, June 25, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.), VFW Post 399).
It’s open to all veterans as part of an ongoing effort to check in on all veterans’ welfare, and connect them with the benefits and support they earned.
Representatives will answer questions, and provide information on services and assistance available to veterans.
RSVPs are encouraged (but not required). Email vfw399ct@gmail.com, and include the number of attendees, or call (203) 227-6796.
PS: If you’re not a veteran, but know one: Please pass the word!
Also tomorrow (Thursday): “Planning Today. Peace of Mind Tomorrow.”
The 6 p.m. Westport Library event features a panel of geriatric care specialists. The goal is to help seniors, caregivers and the “Sandwich Generation” understand the continuum of care and the resources available throughout Fairfield County.
Experts in home care, senior living, dementia support, elder law, real estate transitions and care navigation will offer practical guidance on how families can plan ahead, identify early warning signs, and make informed decisions during times of transition.
Also available: refreshments, raffles, complimentary assessments and “savings.” The event is sponsored by Connecticut Nursing Services.
Fifty years of Apple history flew by in an hour last night.
David Pogue educated, entertained and intrigued a full house. The writer/TV correspondent/explainer-in-chief returned to the Westport Library — where he often spoke and moderated panels, during his 20 years in town — for an author talk on his new book about the tech behemoth’s first half century.
David Pogue, with a vintage photo of Steve Wozniak and Steve Jobs. (Photo/Ted Horowitz)
Accompanied by a whiz-bang slide show, Pogue romped through the highs (2.5 billion people own an Apple device) and lows (in the 1990s, they were 6 weeks away from bankruptcy).
Apple’s market cap is now $4 trillion dollars. They make $1 million every 90 seconds.
Pogue — who for the first 10 years of his career was a Broadway conductor — used the Library’s grand piano to belt out 3 song parodies. One — a “My Way” takeoff called “I Want an iPhone” — was filmed in Westport.
David Pogue at the piano, singing about an iPhone. (Photo/Susan Garment)
He showed it on the big screen. I’m sure it was filmed, edited and projected using Apple products.
Before the event, David Pogue chatted with Jay Babina. The teenager runs the very cool Westport Tech Museum, filled with early generation Apple successes and failure. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Seventeen members of Staples High School’s premier jazz ensemble, Staples Jazz 1, earned several standing ovations Friday night, from a standing room only crowd at New York’s Birdland Jazz Club.
The group was the opening act for the Birdland Big Band, at one of the jazz world’s most iconic venues.
The high energy performance, directed by Kevin Mazzarella, featured classics including “Moten Swing” and “Big Swing Face.”
It was a full day of music, for the young musicians. Earlier in the day they participated in an educational clinic led by Birdland Big Band director David DeJesus, bassist Noriko Ueda, and drummer Maria Marmarou. The students received personalized coaching, performance feedback, and professional insights.
“For many jazz musicians, performing at Birdland is a dream,” says Mazzarella. “For our students to have the opportunity not only to perform there, but also to learn from world-class musicians and then share the stage with the Birdland Big Band, was truly extraordinary. What made me proudest was not just the quality of the music, but the way these students supported one another, carried themselves professionally, and embraced every moment of the experience.”
Staples Jazz Ensemble, at Birdland.
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Fresh off the 53rd annual Fine Arts Festival, the Westport Downtown Association is gearing up for summer.
The Sidewalk Sale returns June 26-28.
And summer music is back on Church Lane, entertaining diners and strollers. The weekend schedule includes many popular names.
June 5: Owen Daniel
June 6: Moss
June 12: Ethan Walmark
June 13: Dan Tressler
June 19: Owen Daniel
June 20: Eliot Thompson
June 26: Moss
June 27: Vinnie Ferrone
Summer music on Church Lane. (Photo/Jonathan Alloy)
The Westport Farmers’ Market is many things, to many people.
To chef/owner Brian Lewis of The Cottage, it means a special Farmers’ Market Menu.
Available at dinner Tuesday through Sunday all summer long, the $65 3-course menu highlights ingredients sourced from local farms and producers. It’s a seasonal snapshot of food at its peak, while supporting local agriculture.
The menu evolves, as new ingredients become available. Current offerings include:
Fort Hill Farm kohlrabi salad with pea leaf ricotta, chili vinaigrette, and coffee walnut crumble
Hand-rolled garganelli with Double A Ranch chicken sausage, broccoli rabe, and sunflower seeds
Ox Hollow Farm beef sirloin with fermented gooseberries, mustard greens, burnt alliums, and red wine jus.
The Farmers’ Market Menu coincides with the opening of the Cottage patio, for outdoor dining.
Brian Lewis shops at the Farmers’ Market — and shows off a dish.
For Sustainable Westport, the first Monday of each month is special.
That’s the evening for a casual meet-up. It’s a great chance for people to learn more about sustainability, from getting involved with the organization to making an impact at home.
We’ve posted a couple of times about the Whitney Street road reconstruction and sidewalk renovation project. We’ve noted in particularly the huge boulders involved.
Here’s one more photo. It shows the scale of the work — and the great job being done by the workers.
Drummer Greg Burrows is one of Greg (The Jazz Rabbi) Wall’s favorite musicians.
This Thursday (June 4, 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner at 7), Burrows headlines “Jazz at the Post” — the long-running series at VFW Post 399 created by Wall and the Jazz Society of Fairfield County.
Burrows will play the music of noted composer Ed Bonoff, with whom he’s collaborated for decades. He’ll be joined by saxophonists Wall and Frank Basile, trombonist John Fumasoli, pianist David Childs and bassist Rick Zurkowski.
The Staples High School Jazz Ensemble II will play at 7.
And finally … it’s the 3rd of June. Here in Westport, it’s not exactly another sleepy, dusty Delta day.
But … well, you know the rest:
(The 3rd of June — and all other 364 days — are perfect times to show support for “06880.” From here to the Tallahatchie Bridge, it’s where Westport meets the world. Please click here — and thanks!)
We’re just 2 days away from the 53rd annual Fine Arts Festival.
Across North America, over 150 artists will head to Westport. (Six already live here — they’re hometown favorites.)
Selected from more than 320 applications, and representing 12 categories, they come from 23 states and Canada.
All 2025 award winners return (click here for a full list). Meanwhile, a record 52 artists make their Fine Arts Festival debut.
New this year: Staples High School art students will paint a BMW in the family area (Sigrid Schultz parking lot). There are lots of other kids’ activities there too.
Plus, of course, music and food.
Two new judges join the panel: art enthusiasts Lonnie Quinn (CBS weatherman) and Louise Crowley.
Also downtown, coming soon: an interesting reshuffling of space.
After more than 25 years in Westport, Brooks Brothers will vacate its space in what used to be called Brooks Corner, at the corner of Main and Elm Streets.
But they’re not closing. In fact, they’re moving a few yards away, to bigger digs.
Brooks Brothers’ new location is 44 Main Street. For decades, it was Klein’s department store. For a couple of decades after that, it was Banana Republic. For a few minutes most recently, it was Oka furniture.
(Before Klein’s expanded north from its smaller beginning, the space belonged to the Townly restaurant. During Banana Republic’s renovation, they discovered a long-lost painting, depicting life — in Westport? — during that era. They preserved it. Hopefully, Brooks Brothers will too.)
The move is planned for late October or early November — in time for the holidays.
The new space will be 1,000 square feet larger. It will include new women’s casual and everyday wear, in addition to the current inventory.
DOWNTOWN TRIVIA: Brooks Corner (now called much more generically “Main & Elm”) was not named for Brooks Brothers.
It’s a tribute to B.V. Brooks and his family. The real estate developer created the small shopping plaza in the 1960s — years before Brooks Brothers arrived in Westport.
Of course, the clothing company has a much longer history than that. They were founded in New York City in 1818 — 17 years before Westport was incorporated.
That makes them the oldest apparel brand in continuous operation in the United States.
There will be no Democratic primary in the 26th State Senate district race.
Weston 1st selectwoman Sam Nestor is assured of a clear path to the November ballot. State Representative Lucy Dathan of New Canaan had explored a bid after Nestor outpolled her nearly 2 to 1 at the nominating convention, but decided against it.
Nestor’s Republican opponent for the seat being vacated by Ceci Mahar will be Westporter Alma Sarelli.
Last month, Dr. Matthias Becker led a powerful Westport Library conversation about decoding bias and hate.
Next Thursday (May 28, 6 p.m.), the noted linguist returns for a follow-up discussion.
The evening includes screenings of video shorts about the subject, created by local teens — and an announcement of the winners of the “Decode Hate Video Challenge Awards.”
Parents, teens, and all community members are invited to learn — and to celebrate the next generation, using creativity to tackle an enormous social problem.
The Brubecks are one of the jazz world’s leading family.
They’re also local. Their roots in Wilton date back decades.
So it was fitting on Tuesday night for for Dave Brubeck’s son Chris to bring his trio, Triple Play, to MoCA\CT, for an intimate, high-octane performance. A full house enjoyed the warm, playful and intimate show.
Arts supporters and blues lovers joined together in the gallery space where the current exhibition, “Art, Jazz + the Blues,” has drawn raves.
Chris Brubeck (left) and his trio, in the MoCA\CT gallery. Two of Westport artist Eric von Schmidt’s majestic paintings, telling the stories of America’s jazz, blues and folk music history, hang on the wall. All 7 of his works are part of the show. (Photo/Roger Young)
The Pierrepont School junior will perform there in November, with Pierrepont dance faculty members Jamal Jackson and Emily Pacilio.
They’ll be in “Timaeus and The Teacher,” an opera written by former Pierrepont teacher Tammy Nguyen.
It will cost $100,000 to produce the piece. Tax-deductible donations can be made through the Center for the Arts at Wesleyan University. Designate a gift to the “Venice Biennale Project Fund,” or email Joshua Lubin-Levy, director and chief curator: jlubinlevy@wesleyan.edu.
Questions? Email Lisa Manimala: lisamanimala@gmail.com.
And finally … in honor of yesterday’s wonderful (if fleeting) weather:
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