Tag Archives: Westport Museum for History & Culture

Roundup: Sweet P, Sculptures, Signs Of Compassion …

Posted on October 19, 2026 | 14 comments

SWEET P

As the holidays near — yep, that’s right — there are many ways to give.

With Sweet P Bakery, you can give gifts. And give back.

The non-profit — founded in Westport by Bill and Andrea Pecoriello, and the recipient of StartUp Westport’s Community Impact Innovator Award — trains and employs people with autism and other developmental disabilities.

They bake great cookies, as anyone who has had them at the Westport Country Playhouse, Longshore or Yankee Stadium knows. They’re on sale too at Bridgewater and Goldman Sachs.

And — of course — online. Sweet P ships nationwide.

The kitchen now employs 19 men and women with disabilities. They hope to expand that, as sales grow.

So: Consider cookies as a special gift. The more orders Sweet P has, the more hours they can provide for their very special bakers. Click here to order, and for more information.

OMG! Sweet P!

uncle sam and miss liberty: trashed?

Last week, “06880” reported on the plight of a local woman who had donated historic family heirloom kewpie dolls to the Westport Museum for History & Culture. She wants them back, but has not been able to reach anyone at the institution.

Her plea echoes that of other residents, who wondered about the status of their gifts. For several years, they believe, the Westport Museum has “de-accessioned” — sold or otherwise gotten rid of — donated uniforms, furniture and other memorabilia.

On Saturday, Paul Delano spotted 2 of the most iconic items. For years, “Uncle Sam” and “Miss Liberty” — kinetic sculptures created by Greens Farms artists Walter and Naiad Einsel — graced the front porch of the former Westport Historical Society.

Now, Paul found, they sit broken and neglected, in the back.

 

(Photo/Paul Delano)

SIGNS OF COMPASSION: WESTPORT TO TAIWAN

“Signs of Compassion” — the work by local artist Miggs Burroughs with 30 lenticular photos showing local residents using sign language to recite Emily Dickinson’s poem of the same name, and fellow Westporter Mark Yurkiw’s accompanying Braille “prayer wheel” mantra — was first shown at the Westport Library, in 2017.

Four years later it went big time. It was displayed at the United Nations, on a 102-foot curved wall — the first time any work had been shown without sponsorship by a member nation.

“Signs of Compassion”

Now it’s really going international. From November 13 through January 26, “Signs of Compassion” will be shown at the Hsinchu City Art Museum in Taiwan.

The 30 Westporters (including yours truly) who signed words to the poem won’t be at the opening reception.

But Miggs and Mark will be. Just one more example of how 06880 — the town, not the blog — truly meets the world.

WTF! BEER GARDEN DRAWS FAMILIES

It was called a “Beer Garden.”

But yesterday’s Wakeman Town Farm event was actually a family friendly fall festival.

A crowd of 400 — plenty of them way too young to drink — enjoyed live music, lawn games, bubbles, animal encounters and crafts. Plus plenty of food.

Of course, there were frosty local beers and adult beverages too, sponsored by Greens Farms Spirit Shop.

Beer Garden fun at Wakeman Town Farm.

But that was just half of the WTF day.

At night, they hosted a smaller version of the original Harvest Fest (rained out earlier this fall). Another crowd of about 250 enjoyed food, drinks, music, and a chance to support one of our town’s true jewels.

Putting on a delayed Harvest Fest was a great gesture — one the Farm did not have to do. But that’s the way they roll: serving, educating, entertaining and feeding the community.

Several Wakeman family members were at last night’s WTF event, including Louise Wakeman Remlin (right). She was joined by Susan Perrotta.

Fire pits and friends warmed the chilly night. (Photos/Susan Garment)

CATCH A LIFT RETURNS TO WESTPORT

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

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

Recently — honoring the 25th anniversary of 9/11, and 250th birthday of the United States — Catch a Lift returned to Westport.

The major fundraiser included a stirring talk by US Army combat medic Amanda Dove. Click here or below, for her inspiring speech.

 

FILE THIS!

Is your desktop a digital junk drawer? Is “Untitled Document” a file on your computer?

On Wednesday (October 21, 11 a.m.), the Westport Library offers an “Anyone Can Use: Smart and Simple Computer File Management” class.

Topics covered include setting up main folders so files stop floating around; sorting and viewing  your files by name, date or type; filtering search by file type instead of scrolling forever, and building a monthly habit of clearing out the trash bin and old files.

WOMAN’S CLUB MAKES STRIDES AGAINST BREAST CANCER

Yesterday, for the 17th year, the Westport Woman’s Club joined thousands of others in the annual Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk at Sherwood State State Park.

WWC members, family and friends showed support — and raised funds — for breast cancer research.

As thanks for their contribution, the club received a great banner, with their name.

ZOMBIE JAMBOREE

All over town, Westporters are getting ready for Halloween.

One of the coolest displays is on Partrick Road:

(Photo/Susan Garment)

If you see some great decorations, send a photo: 06880blog@gmail.com

Boo!

burying hill’s header

Our new header — visible on every page of “06880” — is an interesting view of the Burying Hill Beach pier. The photographer was William Weiss.

We change our header every few weeks. If you’ve got a great (very) horizontal shot, please email 06880blog@gmail.com.

“westport … naturally,” & song of the day

Our fine fall foliage “Westport … Naturally” series continues. Today we feature Whitney Street.

(Photo/Molly Alger)

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And finally: The Partrick Road Halloween zombie photo (above) made us think of:

(Don’t be a zombie! Please click here to support “06880” — your hyper-local source for news, events, photos, history, education, inspiration, and much, much more. Thank you!)

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Posted in Arts, Beach, Local business

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[OPINION] Westport’s History Deserves Preservation — Not An Ultimatum

Posted on October 16, 2026 | 29 comments

Andrew Colabella is a native Westporter, a Staples High School graduate, and a Representative Town Meeting member. He writes: 

On Wednesday, the Westport Museum for History & Culture announced that it must raise $750,000 by January or face potentially drastic changes, including selling the historic Bradley Wheeler House, relocating its collections, and significantly reducing operations.

I am not surprised.

The announcement should concern every Westport resident. But the greater concern is not simply the financial shortfall. It is how an institution entrusted with preserving our town’s history arrived at this point.

Before asking the community for another $750,000, the museum owes that same community transparency, accountability, and an explanation of what went wrong.

In 2020, I publicly expressed concerns about the direction of the former Westport Historical Society. I questioned the removal of historic displays, the treatment of longtime donors and volunteers, and the growing practice of charging residents to access their own community’s history.

More than 6 years later, those concerns have not disappeared. They have become increasingly relevant.

The museum’s transformation was accompanied by controversy. The Sheffer family’s name was removed from the main exhibition gallery, despite generations of financial and civic contributions.

Period rooms were eliminated or repurposed. Historic collections were reorganized, and longtime supporters felt increasingly unwelcome.

After the Westport Historical Society became the Westport Museum for History & Culture, questions arose over the fate of the “Miss Liberty” and “Uncle Sam” kinetic sculptures, created by Westport artists Walter and Naiad Einsel. (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)

People such as Ann Sheffer, Dorothy Curran, Morley Boyd, Miggs Burroughs, Betsy Pollak, John Suggs, Joanne Woodward, Bill Scheffler and countless others represent something money cannot replace: institutional knowledge, volunteerism, community relationships, and historical continuity.

These individuals and families helped build, support and preserve the institution long before its rebranding.

You cannot alienate the people who helped build an institution, and then express surprise when community support becomes difficult to sustain.

To be fair, the museum has accomplished worthwhile projects, including restoring its historic barn, improving archival management, and expanding educational programming. Those achievements deserve recognition.

But accomplishments do not eliminate the responsibility to demonstrate financial sustainability.

The comments following the “06880” article raise important questions.

Fred Roberts questioned how a $750,000 emergency could emerge with such little public notice. Morley Boyd acknowledged the museum’s improvements while calling for fresh leadership. Ken Stamm described encountering membership requirements when attempting to research historical documents.

These are not unreasonable criticisms. They reflect a fundamental breakdown of confidence between a community institution and some of the people it exists to serve.

And now, with January approaching, residents are being asked to provide an extraordinary amount of money to preserve the museum’s current operating structure.

Three quarters of a million dollars in 80 days? Their problem lies in expenditures. A director’s salary almost doubled in 6 years. The board is just as culpable as the director, to allow such blown out spending to put their mission at risk, history being wiped out and removed, and a town born from the revolutionary war with nothing to show or share.

The Westport Historical Society was a popular spot for educational field trips, to give physical evidentiary proof and exercise to feel, see, and live what and how humanity and society existed in different times. Those rooms are now offices.

For many years, the Jennings Trail guide was available at the Westport Historical Society. Each spring, the WHS sponsored tours of town landmarks for elementary school students. 

I believe Westport’s history deserves to be protected. I believe its archives, artifacts, photographs and historic properties must remain accessible to future generations. If donors feel uncomfortable about their artifacts being in the museum’s possession, they have a right to have them back.

The museum would benefit from rebuilding relationships with the families, volunteers, historians and donors who helped sustain it for decades. Preserving the museum and preserving its current management structure are not necessarily the same thing.

Before people donate, the board should provide a complete financial accounting, present a realistic recovery strategy, and engage the community in an open discussion about the institution’s future.

The museum belongs to a historical legacy much larger than any one executive director, board or organizational rebranding. Its mission should be preservation, education, accessibility and public trust.

Choosing between history and demanding accountability from those entrusted with protecting it is not appropriate.

(“06880” Opinion pages are open to all. Email submissions to 06880blog@gmail.com.)

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Museum For History & Culture: “We Need $750,000 By January”

Posted on October 14, 2026 | 32 comments

This morning, the Westport Museum for History & Culture sent out an urgent email.

The Myrtle Avenue institution must raise $750,000 by January “to keep the Museum open and operating in its current form.”

The media alert says, “Despite a significant institutional transformation, national and regional recognition, and years of cost-cutting — including reduced public hours and staff — the Museum has exhausted the resources available to sustain current operations.

“Without significant community support, the Museum’s Board is exploring options including the sale of the historic Bradley Wheeler House, relocation of collections and archives, and transition to a smaller research-focused organization with substantially reduced exhibitions and public programming.”

Six years ago, under new leadership, the Westport Historical Society was renamed and rebranded as the Westport Museum for History & Culture.

The move was controversial, and unleashed a torrent of criticism that had bubbled under the surface. Complaints included the dismissal by email of a longtime employee; elimination of “period rooms”; the sale or destruction of donated pieces and costumes; the closing of the gift shop (it reopened later, with a different focus); the pushing aside of a large number of board members, volunteers and large donors; the removal of the Sheffer Gallery name, and the introduction of fees to access archives and files. (Click here for a January 2020 story on the controversy. Click here for a previous story.)

 

The Museum for History & Culture pivoted to more of a regional focus. Greater emphasis was placed on the stories of overlooked local history and marginalized groups, with exhibits and other programming. It looked for new sources of funding, and reached out to new and younger residents for support.

In this morning’s alert, officials say, “The Museum has preserved and restored its unique 1846 seven-sided Cobblestone Barn, renovated its grounds, modernized collections and archival management, expanded educational programming, and provided internships and training opportunities to hundreds of young people.

Joanne Woodward, at the octagonal barn. She and her husband Paul Newman were longtime supporters of the Westport Historical Society.

“At a time when the teaching and interpretation of American history are increasingly contested, Museum leaders say independent institutions committed to primary sources, scholarship and telling the whole story are more important than ever.”

Executive director Ramin Ganeshram adds, “We have taken this institution as far as determination, ingenuity and austerity can take it. Now Westport has to decide whether it wants to keep it.”

To donate, click here.

(NOTE: The “media alert” was forwarded to “06880” by a reader. Despite repeated requests, the Museum for History & Culture has not included this blog on its media distribution list.)

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Roundup: Beach Resiliency, Slice Of Saugatuck, Halloween Painting …

Posted on October 1, 2026 | 3 comments

There’s been a change to tonight’s (Thursday) Parks & Recreation Department forum on beach resiliency.

The 6:30 p.m. event — to discuss existing site conditions, potential beach profiles, and anticipated regulatory requirements — had been scheduled for Town Hall.

It’s now been changed to a Zoom meeting. Click here to log on. 

Burying Hill Beach is rapidly eroding. (Photo/Seth Schachter)

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Sunny weather is predicted for this Saturday’s Slice of Saugatuck.

The event — postponed by last weekend’s nor’easter — runs from 2 to 5 p.m.

The family friendly event features food tastings, retail experiences, 7 bands, 4 bouncy houses, a balloon bender, face painter, antique fire truck as well 2 beer/wine gardens and more.

The price is $15 per adult, kids under 13 remains $5, with age 5 and under free. Only credit card or electronic payment will be accepted. All tickets are sold on site.

For more information on the Slice of Saugatuck, click here.

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If it’s October, it’s time for a … Halloween story.

The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce’s annual Halloween Window Painting Contest is set for Saturday, October 24 (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

Merchants offer their windows for painting. Kids paint them. There are prizes (gift certificates), and everyone enjoys the kids’ work. There’s no trick — what a treat!

Youngsters can request a window, or have one assigned to them. Painters supply their own water-based paint, drop clothes and brushes (and clean up when they’re done).

There are different age groups, for elementary and middle schoolers. Prizes are awarded for:

  •  Scariest art work
  • Best Halloween theme
  • Most original

Click here to register, and for more information. 

Halloween window art work.

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This amphibious vehicle sprayed for invasive plants yesterday, on behalf of Aspetuck Land Trust.

How they got there is interesting.

They came from north of the Post Road. They traveled down the east shoreline, past the Library and Levitt Pavilion, before making land at the park.

It must have been a very low tide, to get under the Ruth Steinkraus Coehn Bridge.

We’re not sure where they headed next — or how they got there.

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Two more great entertainers have been added to the lineup for Saturday’s Westport Country Playhouse gala.

Tamar Greene — Broadway’s longest-running George Washington in “Hamilton” — and Patty McCormack (“The Bad Seed”) join Santino Fontana, Dan Lauria, Wendie Malick, Javier Muñoz, James Naughton, Kelli O’Hara, and NaTasha Yvette Williams.

All will salute productions that have gone “from the page to the stage” at the Playhouse, since its founding in 1931.

There’s a 5:30 p.m. pre-show reception; 7 p.m. curtain with live auction, and a 9 p.m. after-party. Click here for tickets, and more information.

Tamar Greene

A free “PopShop Market” pops up Saturday (October 3, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Westport Museum for History & Culture).

Independent boutiques, makers, designers and artisans offer women’s fashion, jewelry, accessories, vintage finds, home goods, gifts and more. See below for a full vendors’ list.

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Westport Police made 1 custodial arrest between September 23 and 29.

A 38-year-old Brooklyn man was charged with larceny and identity theft, following an investigation into a 2025 complaint of a fraudulent wire transfer of $89,000.He was held on a $100,000 bond.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 9 citations
  • Failure to obey state traffic commission regulations: 6
  • Failure to renew registration: 5
  • Texting while driving: 3
  • Unreadable plates: 1
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 1

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There was plenty of food in the bird feeder.

But this guy couldn’t get it. So he’s looking elsewhere for a meal. Or to stock up for winter.

We’re impressed with 2 things, in today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature: His agility.

And his tail.

(Photo/Ellen Wentworth)

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And finally … we made it to October!

Either that, or we got here way too fast.

(There’s an old “06880” tradition every October 1: Readers click here to donate to their hyper-local blog. Okay, maybe we just started it today. But why not?! Thanks in advance to all …)

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Posted in Beach, Environment, Police, Saugatuck, Westport Country Playhouse

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After 26 Years, A New Westport History: 1639-2025

Posted on June 18, 2026 | 11 comments

The covers offer clues to what’s inside.

On the front is a photo of the handsome stone building that is now Massi Co.

The back shows Westport’s classic Town Hall.

If you’ve been here a while, you know the relationship. The Post Road restaurant on the front is our original Town Hall. (The current one is the repurposed Bedford Elementary School.)

Westport’s original Town Hall.

The images are from “Westport Connecticut: The Old and New Historical Accounts.”

Bob Weingarten’s 234-page book — plus 4 appendices, and an exhaustive index — is the first history of this place since Woody Klein’s “Westport Connecticut: The Story of a New England Town’s Rise to Prominence” in 2000.

Heavy on Greens Farms (the author’s neighborhood since 2002) and on historic homes (his passion), it also features stories about Longshore, the Minute Man Monument, road names (spoiler alert: Cross Highway comes from its “crossing” of the Eleven O’Clock Roads) and more.

“Stories” is the right term. The book includes 37 “articles,” many of them originally written by Weingarten for Greens Farms Living magazine, and other publications like Westport Magazine. (He is a frequent contributor to “06880,” too.)

Weingarten is not an architectural historian by training. He has a master’s degree in electrical engineering, and spent 30 years in software development.

But after moving more than 2 decades ago into an 1805 barn, he devotes hours each day to research.

Old homes are of particular interest. Weingarten has obtained 359 historic plaques; curated 5 exhibits for the Westport Historical Society; served as house historian for the WHS (and now the Westport Museum for History & Culture), and spent 10 years on the Historic District Commission.

Bob Weingarten, with one of his historic home plaques. The Simon Couch Chaise House is on Morningside Drive.

This book grew out of all that. It’s an important complement to Klein’s work, and George Penfield Jennings’ exhaustive “Green’s Farms, Connecticut: The Old West Parish of Fairfield,” published in 1933.

(About that apostrophe: Weingarten addresses the centuries-old debate about the proper punctuation of Greens/Green’s Farms in depth. Spoiler alert: He prefers “Green’s,” but concludes, “Your call!”)

His exhaustive look at historic homes — illustrated with plenty of photos — ranges into areas like barn conversions (“there were a lot more than you’d imagine,” he says), and the Underground Railroad. (Spoiler alert: Though Westporters helped enslaved people on their journey north, no Westport homes have been “officially certified” as stops on the network of secret routes.)

Have you wondered about Westport’s oldest houses? Weingarten writes about them (and includes photos): 187 Long Lots Road (circa 1683), 46 Kings Highway South, 28 Compo Road North, 81 Clapboard Hill Road and 41 Kings Highway North.

(Speaking of Long Lots, spoiler alert: The term comes from land grants that were just  50 to 875 feet wide, but 10 miles long.)

The oldest home in Westport is on Long Lots Road, near the Fairfield line. (Photo/Larry Untermeyer)

Weingarten also discusses well-known Greens Farms residents, like Rodney Dangerfield, Gene Tierney and Robert Ludlum; modern topics like solar panels, and the “changing streetscape” of structures that have been moved, like the Kemper Gunn House (from Church Lane across Elm Street, to its current incarnation as Serena & Lily), and nearby Spotted Horse Tavern.

He also mentions the Red Barn restaurant, a historic structure on the other side of town from Greens Farms. It was in the news recently (after the book was published) because its owner, the Westport Weston Family YMCA, plans to build an ice skating rink on the site.

So is our historic architectural character — of homes, the Red Barn and more — in jeopardy?

Despite his deep love for old homes, Weingarten takes a measured tone: “We need to carefully study any proposal (for change) from both a preservation point of view and a property owner’s point of view. Not an easy task.”

“Westport Connecticut: The Old and New Historical Accounts” will launch officially with an event at the Westport Book Shop on July 8 (6 p.m.). There will also be a signing at MoCA\CT, at a date to be announced. For more information, and to purchase, email rwmailbox@aol.com.

(“06880” is your source for local history, stories of past and present, and much more. We rely on readers for support. To make a tax-deductible contribution, please click here. Thank you!)

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Posted in History, Looking back, Real estate

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Roundup: Beach Concession, High Honors, Bloodroot, Sneakers …

Posted on March 26, 2026 | 6 comments

And the new concessionaire at Compo Beach and Longshore will be …

… either NG Entertainment/Nikki Glekas Collective of Westport, or Braxtons Hospitality Group of Bridgeport.

They were the 2 businesses who followed through with a bid, to the Parks & Recreation Department. One will be chosen to succeed Hook’d on the Sound, the beleaguered operator since 2020.

Parks & Rec director Erik Barbieri is forming an evaluation panel, to do interviews next week.

The hope is to have a concessionaire operating this summer. If that’s not possible, food trucks will be used.

Beachgoers look forward to the return of a concessionaire with the community spirit of Joey’s by the Shore. (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)

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Congratulations to 19 Staples High School “high honors” students.

They’ll graduate in June with a special seal, with grade point averages in the top 4 percent of the Class of 2026.

Principal Stafford Thomas notes, “the most astonishing aspect of this accomplishment is that these students were involved in a number of extracurriculars and various aspects of school life. These activities took a great deal of time, focus and concentration outside of the classroom as well.

“We were lucky to have had them for four years, and we will no doubt be hearing about their next great achievements in the years to come.”

The high honors students are listed in the photo below:

Front row (from left): Isabel Jo, Taylor Serotta, Olivia Cohn, Emma Asiel, Jake Shufro, Ava Carter, Carly Mulhern, Olivia Morgeson, Uma Choudhury. Rear: Matthew Tybur, Gunnar Eklund, Nolan Francis, Rajan Sekhar, Kevin Cano, Jay Hari, Miles Kahn, Rei Seltzer, Anderson Seo, Andersen Yee.

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More Staples kudos: Orphenians — for 70 years the school’s premier elite vocal ensemble – have racked up another honor.

Tomorrow they’ll be a showcase choir at the Connecticut Music Educators Association All-State Festival, at the Convention Center in Hartford. They’ll perform 6 numbers, for music teachers from all over the state.

Director Lauren Pine hailed her nearly 50 singers’ talent, passion and dedication. After missing a number of rehearsals due to weather this winter, they came in before school and on weekends to prepare for the All-State Festival.

But that’s not the only Orphenians news. Next year they’ll head to Austria, to sing and work with famed composer/conductor Jake Runestad.

Over the years they’ve performed at venues like La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, and Radio City Music Hall.

Staples Orphenians

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Jeanne Reed read about this weekend’s upcoming tag sale at Bloodroot with interest.

Then, she was intrigued to learn that the iconic vegan/feminist Black Rock restaurant — co-founded 49 years ago by Westporter Selma Miriam — may have a second life, after its closure in December.

The Connecticut Post reports that the Aspetuck Land Trust may acquire the 1.7-acre site. It would become a nature preserve, and possible community garden.

“We’d love to preserve the land and name the property after the restaurant and just honor all the work and effort and integrity of what they put in there all those years,” said David Brant, Aspetuck’s executive director. “They were ahead of their time.”

Click here for the full Connecticut Post story.

Selma Miriam, at Bloodroot. She died last year.

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VersoFest ’26 kicked off last night, with a reception and artist talk on … sneakers.

Sean “Opus 1” Williams is presenting “The SneakerVangelisT,” an exhibit named after his sneaker world name.

Sneakers are wearable art that serve both self expression and function. Some models offer a canvas for artistic expression. Others make a muse. The exhibit provides examples of both.

Williams discussed all that and more, in a conversation with Westport artist Miggs Burroughs, and fellow VersoFest artist Holly Danger.

Four days of VersoFest music, media and creativity kicks off tonight, with a talk featuring Ani DiFranco. Click here for a schedule and full details of VersoFest ’26. 

Sean “Opus 1” Williams (center), with Holly Danger and Miggs Burroughs. (Photo copyright DinkinESH Fotografix)

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Three early-season shows have been added to the Levitt Pavilion calendar.

The Disco Biscuits — the Philadelphia-based “trans-fusion” band that bridges the gap between EDM and jam rock — play 2 dates: Friday and Saturday, June 12 and 13. They drew a great crowd last year, during their 30th anniversary tour.

Dark Star Orchestra also returns. They’ll bring the Grateful Dead’s music to life the next week (June 21).

Tickets for both groups go on sale tomorrow (Friday) at 10 a.m. Click here to purchase, and for more information. 

Dark Star Orchestra 

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Speaking of the Levitt: The sun created a very cool halo over Westport yesterday morning.

Franco Fellah captured this image:

(Photo/Franco Fellah)

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Speaking of entertainment: “Primary Trust” opens at the Westport Country Playhouse on April 14.

As part of the run-up, Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Eboni Booth recorded a short video about her touching, humorous and inventive show exploring the power of connections.

Playhouse artistic director Mark Shanahan says: “As one of the most celebrated new works in modern American theatre, ‘Primary Trust’ has resonated with audiences across the country.

“There’s a good reason this work has been so widely embraced. It’s a play about kindness and healing — exactly the kind of story we need to hear right now.”

Click here for more information, and tickets. 

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The Westport Rotary Club got an update Tuesday on the Westport Museum for History & Culture.

Michele Rubin — director of education, programs and development at the former Westport Historical Society (and a 1981 Staples High School graduate) — described the Museum’s mission: to bring Westport’s full history to the widest audience possible.  

As the nation celebrates 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, an exhibit opening April 25 will look back at events surrounding the Revolutionary War.

Michele Rubin, at the Westport Rotary Club. (Hat tip and photo/Dave Matlow)

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Dozens of Westporters started last weekend with plenty of pancakes.

They packed VFW Post 399, for a breakfast hosted by Westport Troop 139, and other Connecticut troops.

It was a fundraiser for the Scouts’ trip to a jamboree in Scotland this summer.

They thank the Staples Gridiron Club, Adam Vengrow and the VFW Women’s Auxiliary for “overwhelming support.”

And of course, all the residents who arrived famished, and left well fed.

Dig in!

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The Sea Street Quartet makes their world debut on Sunday — in Westport.

The string foursome present an afternoon of music by Franz Schubert and Joe Hisaiahi at the United Methodist Church on Weston Road (3 p.m.).

Admission is $10, at the door.

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Judith Katz’s caption for today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo — “And just like that!” — says it all.

(Photo/Judith Katz)

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And finally … Westport Rotary Club members are a smart bunch.

But they probably learned a thing or two Tuesday, about the Westport Museum for History & Culture. And about history itself.

(You don’t need to know much about history to know that “06880” is “where Westport meets the world” — and that we rely on support from readers. Please click here to donate. Thank you!)

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Posted in Arts, Environment, Library, Longshore, Staples HS, Westport Country Playhouse

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Roundup: Al Fiore Services, Frank Pepe’s Pizza, Assumption’s Lights …

Posted on December 9, 2025 | Comments Off on Roundup: Al Fiore Services, Frank Pepe’s Pizza, Assumption’s Lights …

Visitation for Al Fiore —Westport’s former police chief, who died Saturday — will take place this Thursday (December 11, 4 to 7 p.m., Harding Funeral Home).

A funeral Mass will be held Friday (December 12, 11 .m., Assumption Church).

Al Fiore

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Frank Pepe’s pizzas are coming to Westport.

The iconic New Haven restaurant will open its 18th location this summer. The Italian apizza place takes over the spot previously occupied by an Indian eatery, The Naan.

It’s a full circle moment. Before The Naan and Kibberia (Mediterranean), the first tenant in the space was John’s Best Pizza.

The closest Frank Pepe Pizza Napoletana right now is in Fairfield. There are 7 in Connecticut, with others in New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Maryland and Florida.

There will be 90 seats, and takeout too.

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Add one more display to Westport’s Christmas lights.

Assumption Church lit theirs Sunday night — the building, as well as the handsome tree beside it.

(Photo/Mary Sikorski)

Slow down and admire the lights.

Or enjoy while stuck in a long line of traffic…

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Also Sunday: Birchwood Country Club’s annual Gingerbread Brunch.

The family buffet was followed by decorating. Each youngster got their own basic gingerbread house, and decorations.

The crowd of 125 had a great time. These are gingerbread houses that will not be re-gifted.

Or used as doorstops. (Hat tip: Mel Sokotch)

Lookin’ good!

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The Pop Shop holiday market returns Saturday to the Westport Museum for History & Culture (December 13, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.).

Among the items sold by the 25 vendors: global accessories and gifts, vintage jewelry with a modern twist, antique treasures, women’s clothing, treats for dogs, and tableware.

The Honey Bee Flower Truck will be there too, with wreaths, winter arrangements and  holiday botanicals.

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Alert “06880” reader Rick Leonard noticed some changes at Fred’s Car Wash, just over the line in Southport.

A full dumpster and cones in the parking lot; vacuum hoses pulled.

He dug a bit, and learned that Fred’s is becoming Russell Speeder’s. That’s similar to transformation of the one just over the other line, on Westport Ave in Norwalk.

The Speeder’s chain has nearly 100 locations, in Connecticut, New York, New Jersey — and Missouri and Nebraska.

Fred’s Car Wash — soon to be Speeder’s. (Photo/Rick Leonard)

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The deadline for submissions to Mo\CA CT’s high school art show has been extended. The new final date is February 13.

The 11th annual high school exhibition is “The Sound of Us: Youth Culture Now.” It coincides with the Westport Public Art Collections’ exhibition, “Art, Jazz + the Blues.”

The exhibition explores the effects of contemporary music on today’s youth culture. Music is a catalyst for conversation, inspiring political awareness and mobilizing youth-led movements. It influences how young people speak, what they stand for, and how they connect with one another.

Students will be prompted to select a song from 2020 to today, and create a work of art that shows its effects on youth culture through fashion, social interactions, speech, education, political alertness and activism, or life in general.

Click here for the application, and more information.

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Comedy comes to the VFW this Friday (December 12, 8 p.m.).

Joe Pontillo stars in a Christmas show — “or whatever you celebrate.” Click here for tickets, and more information.

Joe Pontillo

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Speaking of the VFW: This week’s Jazz at the Post (December 11) there features guitarist Ed Cherry. He performed with Dizzy Gillespie from 1978 until shortly before Gillespie’s death in 1993, winning a Grammy together for “Live at Royal Festival Hall.

Cherry will be joined by bassist Matt Dwonszyk, saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall, and Jason Tiemann.

Shows are 7:30 and 8:45 p.m. Guest chef Dan Frye serves a buffet with chicken piccata, seared tuna, broccoli, rice and dessert starting at 7. Click here for tickets.

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Longtime local orthodontist Dr. Steven Scher died at his Weston home, with his wife Susan at his side. He was 82. .

The Brooklyn native graduated from Brooklyn College. He served 2 years in the US Army at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, then earned his orthodontic certificate from New York University, graduating at the top of his class.

He opened a practice in Westport where, his family says, “he touched the hearts and teeth of countless members of the community.”

Steven loved tennis, golf, skiing the Rocky Mountains, and vacationing in the sun — all with his family. He was a fixture at the sports events of his children and grandchildren.

Steven is survived by his wife Susan; their children Peter (Lesley) and Alexander (Dylan); his children Jon (Robyn) and Lara (Mike) from his first marriage to Joan; sister, Gloria (Gerald, and grandchildren Scarlett, Brooke, Jordan, Jake and Astrid.

A celebration of Steven’s life will be held at Temple Israel tomorrow (Wednesday, December 10, 11 a.m.). Donations in his name can be made to the American Cancer Society.

Dr. Steven Scher

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Baby, it’s cold outside.

That includes Winslow Park.

But at least in “Westport … Naturally” image, the sun is shining.

(Photo/Duane Cohen)

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And finally … the news about Fred’s Car Wash got us thinking about …

(A reminder this holiday season: “06880” is supported by readers like you! Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution to Westport’s hyper-local blog. Thank you — and happy holidays!)

Comments Off on Roundup: Al Fiore Services, Frank Pepe’s Pizza, Assumption’s Lights …

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Roundup: Fireworks Traffic, Fireworks Photos …

Posted on July 1, 2025 | 10 comments

Today is July 1.

Tomorrow — 2 day ahead of the holiday — the annual PAL fireworks will light the sky over Compo Beach. It’s Westport’s biggest and best party of the year.

It also has a major impact on traffic.

The beach closes to the public at 4 p.m. Only vehicles with fireworks passes hanging from their rearview mirrors can stay in the parking lot. The beach reopens to ticket holders no later than 5 p.m.

Access to the fireworks is through Compo Road South only. Hillspoint Road south of Greens Farms Road will be closed to through traffic.

Uber, Lyft and taxi services will drop riders off where Soundview Drive runs into Compo Road South. However, return service will not be possible until 11 p.m., due to one-way traffic exiting the beach. There will be delays of an hour or so after the fireworks end (approximately 9:30 to 9:45) for residents return to the Compo Beach area from elsewhere, and for anyone picking up people at the beach.

The fireworks are sponsored by Melissa and Doug Bernstein, and are an important fundraiser for Westport PAL. A few tickets remain, at the Parks & Recreation Department office in Longshore (during business hours), and the police station.

The traffic is worth it. (Photo/Elissa Moses)

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Speaking of the fireworks: Please send us your photos tomorrow!

Your parties and picnics; you and your friends hanging out, and your kids running around — however you celebrate, we hope you’ll share with our online community.

We’re less interested in shots of the actual fireworks — sorry, but they all tend to look the same — than in people. Faces, smiles, flags — email them to 06880blog@gmail.com, by 10 p.m. (the end of the fireworks show).

Thanks. It takes a village, and we’re glad you’re part of ours.

Jennifer Kobetitsch sent this last year. Let’s see what you’ve got!

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And now … the moment you’ve been waiting for: the winners of the Great Duck Race.

Westport Sunrise Rotary — which thanks to the event will distribute about $100,000 in grants and scholarships next year — announces the champions.

Congratulations to:

  • Sharon Rychilk ($5,000 1st prize)
  • Bruce Fritz ($1,000)
  • Ellen Swisher ($500)
  • Brian Stern ($500)
  • Angelo Termine ($500)
  • Gimbels Pon ($500)
  • Ian Gorman ($500)
  • Courtney Mullen ($500)
  • Tim Kelly ($500)
  • Sylvia Galambos ($500)

They are very lucky ducks!

The race is on! (Photo/Mark Mathias)

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The Westport Library Board of Trustees, welcomes 4 new members: Christy Charise, James Corgel, Darcy Travlos and Ashley Zwick.

There’s a new president too. Senior vice president Robert Boroujerdi succeeds Pat Wieser. She remains a board member member, while Krishna Patel takes over as senior vice president.

Other officers include treasurer Ben Chan, secretary Sheri Gordon, Finance Committee chair Scott Bennewitz, Governance and Nominations Committee chair Martina Sze, and Development Committee chair Mark Silverstein.

Boroujerdi is a former partner at Goldman Sachs. He later joined Third Point, an institutional asset manager, as the head of markets. He and his family live in Westport.

Leaving the board are longtime members Andrea Berkely, Randy Herbertson, Celeste La Croix, Jay Norris and Andrew Wilk.

Charise and her husband Justin co-founded Saugatuck Financial, where she headed up daily operations and growth initiatives for more than a decade. She continues to lead business development, marketing and strategic initiatives. The couple live in Westport, with their 2 children.

Corgel is an experienced business executive. He has been involved with several non-profits since retiring in 2013, after serving in key managerial roles with global responsbility at IBM. He and his wife Chris have lived in Westport for more than 35 years.

Travlos is s a capital markets specialist, investor and entrepreneur with deep experience across technology, media, industrial and consumer sectors. She moved to Westport in 2000 with her daughter, and now lives here with her black labrador Robert.

Zwick has more than 20 years’ experience in the nonprofit and education sectors. She serves as executive director of the Tuck Initiative on Workplace Inclusion at Dartmouth, and teaches courses on social impact at NYU. When she moved to Westport in 2020, her one demand was to live within walking distance of the Library.

New trustees at the Westport Library.

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Joe Lamp’l — aka “Joe Gardener” — spoke to a full house at the Westport Library last week, on ecological gardening for beauty and biodiversity.

The next day, he visited Greens Farms Garden Club’s “Growing for Good” vegetable gardens. Volunteers with the project grow organic vegetables, and donate them to Homes with Hope in Westport, and Bridgeport’s Mercy Learning Center.

He was awed by Prospect Gardens, and their generosity to the program,  Click here to learn about the Greens Farms Garden Club, and Growing for Good. 

Greens Farms Garden Club.

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Richard Orenstein was a significant benefactor of the Westport Museum for History & Culture.

On Sunday, friends unveiled a commemorative stone in his honor, near the front of the building.

He also donated generous to other organizations, here and in Sarasota, Florida — where he flew over 1,000 hours for Angel Flight, which provides free medical services.

(Photo/Nick Pisarro Jr.)

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Today’s “06880 … Naturally” photo from Compo Beach is very, um, interesting.

So interesting, in fact, that we invite you to write your own caption. Click “Comments” below.

(Photo/Andrew Colabella)

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And finally … on this date in 1908, SOS was adopted as the international distress signal.

(No, we’re not in distress — but “06880” does rely on the support of readers like you. If you get a chance, please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)

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Roundup: Candlelight Concert, Leslye Headland, Board of Ed …

Posted on December 14, 2024 | 8 comments

For the 84th year in a row, the Staples High School Music Department presented its gift to the town: the Candlelight Concert.

Performances continue today, at 3 and 8 p.m. All tickets were already claimed, weeks ago.

Tomorrow’s “06880” will offer a full photographic portrait of the very special event. Here is one scene, from early last night:

(Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)

 

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New York Times chief theater critic Jesse Green gave a rave review to “Cult of Love,” the new show that opened Thursday at the Helen Hayes Theater.

He likes the “rip-roaring home-for-the-holidays dramedy” for its plot, direction, music and more.

He also praises playwright Leslye Headland. This is the 1999 Staples High School graduate’s Broadway debut. But she’s earned kudos before, as a playwright, screenwriter and director (“Bachelorette,” “Sleeping With Other People,” “Russian Doll,” “The Acolyte”).

“Cult of Love” is Headland’s final work in a series called “Seven Deadly Plays.” Inspired by the 7 deadly sins, this one is about pride. It was first staged in Los Angeles in 2018.

The play focuses on 4 adult children of one family and their partners, coming home for a contentious holiday gathering.

Green writes: “Though ‘Cult of Love,’ like many unhappy family reunion plays, draws big buckets of humor from the toxic brew of religion and repression, those buckets also draw blood.

“Headland knows just how to get there, suggesting deep familiarity with the territory. But she also has a gift for complication and construction, as was already evident in “Bachelorette,” her Bridezillas Gone Wild breakthrough play of 2010…. Loading pattern on pattern — a holiday-season design don’t for most — is for her an opportunity to dizzy us down to hell.”

Click here for the full Times review. Click here for more information about “Cult of Love.” (Hat tip: Tommy Greenwald)

Leslye Headland

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This is a very busy time of year.

But if you still need something to do, check out this calendar (courtesy of Westport’s Department of Human Services):

Today (Saturday, December 14, 1 to 3:30 p.m.): Gingerbread Cookie Decorating,  Westport Museum for History & Culture ($15 per pair)

Today and tomorrow (December 14-15, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.): Westport Police and PAL toy drive at ASF, Awesome Toys and The Toy Post

December 17 (3 to 5 p.m.): Ornament Making, Westport Museum for History & Culture ($5 entry includes hot cocoa and all materials for group of 2)

December 18, 19, 20, 21 (7 p.m.): “Together at the Table”: Family dinner and “A Sherlock Carol,” Westport Country Playhouse

December 19 (4:30 p.m.): Lighthouse and Holiday Movie Night, Toquet Hall

December 19 (1:15 p.m.): Play With Your Food table reading, Westport Senior Center

December 19 (2:30 p.m.): The Jazz Rabbi, with guitarist Paul Bollenback, Westport Senior Center

December 20 (7 p.m.): “The Nightmare Before Christmas” drop-by movie night, Toquet Hall

December 20, 21, 22: 1940s Christmas by Candlelight Tours of the Coley House; $25 advanced tickets required; click here

December 27 (5 to 11 p.m.): Alumni Night, Toquet Hall (free)

Toquet Hall is one of many places with activities this month.

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The Board of Education’s Policy Committee meets Wednesday (December 18, 9 a.m., Town Hall Room 307), with a wide-ranging agenda.

They’ll discuss the first reading of possible revisions to graduation requirements; admission to the Westport Public Schools at or before age 5 and assignment to grade levels; and student attendance, truancy and chronic absenteeism.

The committee will also discuss health concerns “such as lice,” and a possible new civility policy.

meanwhile, the Long Lots School Building Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday has been postponed to Wednesday (December 18, 6 p.m., Town Hall Room 307/309. The agenda has not yet been posted.


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Speaking of schools: All month long, Kings Highway Elementary School students have collected gifts for their annual Holiday Bear drive.

Each year, the Connecticut Education Foundation’s Holiday Bear provides gifts for children whose families face financial or other hardships.

The KHS Caring Council helped package 25 Holiday Bear bags.

Meanwhile, yesterday the school helped raise funds for Connecticut Children’s Hospital.

Students also wore pajamas as part of a statewide spirit day.

It’s been an eventful month for Kings Highway!

A few of Kings Highway’s many holiday bags.

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John McKinney is the newest member of the Connecticut Mirror’s board of directors.

The Mirror is state’s non-profit, non-partisan, digital source for public policy, government and politcal news.

McKinney — a descendant of Westport’s famed Bedford family — is also a trustee of the Westport Weston Family YMCA.

The former State Senate minority leader and a Republican candidate for governor, he was appointed by Governor Ned Lamont to the Liquor Control Commission in 2021.

McKinney serves on the advisory board of Operation Hope, a homeless shelter in Fairfield. He and his family help provide housing and care for people with AIDS through the Stewart B. McKinney Foundation. It is named for his father, the longtime US Congressman from Westport’s district.

John McKinney

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The quiet geometry of a Compo Beach low tide highlights today’s “Westport … Naturally” image.

(Photo/Celia Campbell-Mohn)

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And finally … on this date in 1819,  Alabama became the 22nd US state.

(Whether you’re here in Westport, way down in Alabama, or anywhere else, “06880” is your hyper-local source for news, events and much more. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Roundup: Shonda Rhimes, Bill Clinton, RAWW Women …

Posted on November 10, 2024 | 4 comments

While many Westporters relaxed in yesterday’s still-spectacular fall weather, plenty of others volunteered in a variety of ways — all for Homes with Hope.

A well-supported food drive at Stop & Shop helped restock the food pantry, now located at Sasco Creek Village while the Gillespie Center is being renovated.

(From left) Clodagh McAlinden, Pete Wolgast, Katharine Murray, Paris Looney — Homes with Hope and Sunrise Rotary Club volunteers at Stop & Shop.

With the Sunrise Rotary Club, Westport Police Department and Builders Beyond Borders taking the lead, over 350 bags of food and personal hygiene items were donated by shoppers.

Police Chief Foti Koskinas, with Police Department and other volunteers, help restock the Homes with Hope food pantry.

Over at 122 Wilton Road — Homes with Hope’s newest affordable housing site — volunteers from Green’s Farms Church planted tulips and daffodils.

Green’s Farms Church volunteers, at 122 Wilton Road.

Teenagers from Staples Service League of Boys (SLOBs) showed up in force at the Linxweiler House. They did a massive fall clean-up at the HWH property on Post Road East. 

SLOBs clean up at Linxweiler House.

Finally, members of American Institute for Foreign Study’s au pair division in Stamford spent the morning cleaning up leaves at the Bacharach Community — Homes with Hope’s emergency housing for women and children, on Wassell Lane.

AIFS Au Pair in America volunteers, at the Bacharach Community.

“Every team was amazing!” says HWH president and CEO Helen McAlinden. “What an incredible help, on this beautiful fall day.”

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The Westport Library’s Holiday Shop is open.

The annual event — located on the main level, and now spilling into the Writing Center — includes scarves, hats and gloves (many handmade); humorous socks; unique dish towels; notebooks, journals and planners; handmade desert bells and other decorative items like paper lanterns, felt baskets, planters and birdhouses; snow globes; jewelry; festive candles; games; puzzles; toys; art supplies, and novelty items for kids.

Library Store purchases are tax-free. Proceeds support Library services and programs.

Manager Heli Stagg shows off a small part of the Library’s Holiday Shop, in the Writing Center off the main floor. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Shonda Rhimes is bicoastal.

But the TV producer/screenwriter/Shondaland founder won’t have far to go for her November 22 gig (8 p.m).

The Westport resident will be at the Palace Theater in Stamford, for a chat with Bill Clinton. They’ll chat about his new memoir “Citizen”; his post-presidency life; the 2024 election, and his reflections on the world today.

(The former president has an equally short commute that night. He’ll be coming from nearby Chappaqua, New York.)

Click here for tickets, and more information.

Bill Clinton and Shonda Rhimes

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On Thursday, the Rockin’ Alts Women of Westport — aka RAWW — hosted a happy hour at Romanacci’s.

Thirty professional women in alternative investments — hedge funds, private markets, venture capital and more – attended. The event was sponsored by Westport-based FoundHer, a recruiting firm specializing in placing return-to-work women in the workplace.

Founder Rachel Markus invites women in alternative finance to join RAWW. For more information, email RachelMarkus10@gmail.com.

Local women interested in returning to work in the financial industry can email jsilver@foundherllc.com and rknapp@foundherllc.com.

RAWW and FoundHer members, at Romanacci’s.

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Next up for Club203: bowling!

Westport’s social group for adults with disabilities heads to Nutmeg Bowling in Fairfield on November 21 (6:30 to 8 p.m.).

The social evening includes pizza (and shoes at no extra cost). As always with Club203, MoCA CT provides an art table.

Parents and guardians are welcome to stay at Nutmeg, and enjoy the cash bar.

A year-long Club203 membership is $100, and includes 10 monthly events. Individual events are $20 each. Click here to join — and let the good times “roll.”

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Want to learn more about your old books? Head to Tail Books will be at the Westport Museum for History & Culture November 16 to evaluate vintage books.

Registration is open for 30-minute appointments with Michele Wan, proprietor of the Westport-based specialists in rare and collectible books. She’ll offer informal analyses of hand press-era texts, modern first editions and more (up to 5 items). The fee is $75. To register, click here.

Michele Wan

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Most days, the Westport Library’s youngest patrons hang out in the second floor children’s room.

It’s warm, welcoming, and always fun.

Yesterday morning, kids took over the Trefz Forum. “Miss Sara’s Music Room” filled the big space, with instruments, rhythm — and (of course) fun.

(Photo/Rob Feakins)

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Staples High School Class of 1958 graduate Alan Dolge died on October 25. He was 84.

The Westport native graduated from Franklin & Marshall College. He was a naval aviator for 22 years. After moving from active duty to reserves, he flew for Trans World Airlines. He retired at age 60, after 33 years, in 2000.

After retirement, he served his community as a conservationist, working alongside the Delaware Highlands Conservancy to protect the Poconos. He was also president of his homeowners’ association for 10 years. He helped found the United Way of Pike County, which he served as president.

Alan is survived by his wife of 34 years, Pamela Dolge, his daughters with Carole Dolge, Kelly (James) Smith and Ginger (Paul) Wolford; grandchildren Shannon, Kendall (Connor Mahaffey), Jonathan, Hailey and Joshua; great-granddaughter Juniper; and brothers Chuck and Tracy.

A funeral is set

He will be buried with military honors at 12:30 p.m. on November 18 at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery in Annville, Pennsylvania.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Alan’s memory may be made to VALOR Clinic Foundation, which serves veterans.

Alan Dolge

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Jo Ann Miller reminds “06880” readers that today is the 249th birthday of the US Marine Corps.

Her father served proudly for 37 years, reaching the rank of lieutenant general (3 Stars). He was one of only two pilots to fly combat missions in World War II (Midway), Korea and Vietnam.  His wing men included astronaut and Senator John Glenn, and Ted Williams. He was inducted into the Aviation Hall of Fame in 2010, with Neil Armstrong.

Semper Fi!

(From Bill Clinton and the US Marine Corps to Shonda Rhimes and our amazing library, “06880” is where Westport meets the world. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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