Last week’s Unsung Heroes were the hundreds of volunteers — Westport Rotary Club members, and those with no connection at all — who made this year’s LobsterFest a $400,000 success.
This week, we broaden our lens. September and October are prime fundraising season. The Westport Country Playhouse, Earthplace, Sunrise Rotary Club, Wakeman Town Farm — they, and many other very worthy organizations, host galas, bashes, fests and more.
The venues are different: indoors, outdoors, on-site and off.
The goals are similar: to raise money for their own operations, and/or to help others.
Wakeman Town Farm’s HarvestFest is one of many fall fundraisers.
There are so many moving parts: finding sponsors, and donors for raffles and auctions (silent and live). Lining up entertainment. Arranging for food and drinks. Selling tickets. Decorations, set-up and check-in. Making everyone feel welcome, and important. Following up, and thanking everyone else profusely.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, with invitations to great causes. It’s simple to pick one or two, write a check, go and have a good time.
It’s really, really hard to put on an event that showcases a non-profit’s work, stands out in a crowd, provides an evening of fun, and brings in the people and funds needed to keep the organization relevant and solvent.
To all those who toil behind the scenes, helping to ensure that good works get done well: You are this week’s Unsung Heroes.
(“06880” is proud to honor Unsung Heroes — and tell many other tales of town too. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog.)
It’s no easy task, providing a couple of thousand lobsters, hundreds of pounds of steak, all the fixings and plenty of beverages to 1,500 hungry people, for 4 long hours.
Add setup, recycling and cleanup — and throw in live music, face painting, fire trucks and police vehicles for kids to clamber in, and much, much more — and you realize it takes a village to entertain a village.
Fortunately, the Westport Rotary Club is there.
Last weekend’s 14th annual LobsterFest was the best of Westport.
The community comes together at Compo Beach for a late-summer party. It’s fun. It’s festive. The food is delicious.
And the Rotary Club raises about $400,000, which they promptly distribute to dozens of worthy non-profit organizations, throughout Fairfield County and abroad.
LobsterFest ’25. (Photo/RB Benson)
But they can’t do it alone.
The Rotarians have help from many, many sources.
Dozens of businesses and individuals contribute goods, services time and energy.
Groups like the Y’s Men, Staples Service League of Boys, and A Better Chance of Westport — and many more! — provide volunteers.
Those lobsters don’t recycle themselves. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Politicians turn out in force — not to politick, but to cook lobsters, pour beer and clean up tables.
And from the moment the first lobster is boiled, to the last claw is cleared, everyone smiles.
To the Westport Rotary Club, their helpful compatriots at Sunrise Rotary, and every company, group or person who made LobsterFest such a success: You are our Unsung Heroes of the week.
Thank you!
(“06880” is proud to honor Unsung Heroes — and tell many other tales of town too. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog.)
Last weekend, Westporters enjoyed lobster, from the Westport Rotary Club.
Next month it’s wine, with Westport Sunrise Rotary.
The 34th annual edition of “Westport Uncorked” — an evening of great food and drink, and plenty of community spirit — is set for October 16 (6 to 9 p.m., the Inn at Longshore).
One hundred sustainable and organic wines, curated by Cory D’Addario of The Fine Wine Company of Westport, are available for tasting, with expert advice from the distributors who will serve them.
Exclusive wines can be ordered at the event. Non-alcoholic beverages and hors d’oeuvres are also on the menu.
A few new names have been added to Westoberfest — the craft beer and family festival set for October 4 (12 to 6 p.m., Elm Street downtown).
New this year, Castle Wine & Spirits joins the tasting area as sommeliers.
Children enjoy face painting, pumpkin decorating, and flower crown making, and a new petting zoo hosted by Kelly’s Kids.
Food choices range from traditional German fare by Colossal Kielbasa, to Haven Hot Chicken, Paradise Island Food, COBS Bread, Sushi Jin and LemonNate’s.
Musical entertainment comes from Dan Tressler and One Bad Oyster. CBS News weather anchor (and Westport resident) Lonnie Quinn emcees the crowd-favorite hot dog eating contest.
Speaking of downtown: There’s a new sculpture at Sconset Square.
(Photo/Sal Liccione)
Well, not exactly new.
David Waldman bought “Trapped Ball,” by sculptor Dale Rogers, 20 years ago at the Westport Arts Festival.
The real estate developer placed it in a shopping center he owns in Avon. It’s been there ever since.
But a new tenant needed the space, for an outdoor dining area.
So Waldman brought it back “home.” He looked at several options, and decided the small shopping plaza — with plenty of drivers stopping in front, at the Myrtle Avenue light — was the best site.
Also downtown: Eleish Van Breems Home is hosting a “Soul of Scandinavian Design” event at their Main Street flagship location, on October 9. The event features insights into Nordic principles behind furniture, textiles, glass and pottery, from Steele Marcoux and Scandinavian designers flying in for the day.
Also on tap: the opening of EVB’s Fika bar, with ceramist Agneta Livijn.
Agneta Livijn’s design.
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Another downtown event: Westport Book Shop hosts Staples High School graduate Bruce Lawder for a hours poetry and short story reading this Friday (September 26, 6 to 7:30 p.m.).
He’ll share poems from his latest collection, “Breakwater Rock” — deeply connected to Westport — and stories from his book of short fiction, “Dwarf Stories.”
Saturday’s MoCA CT “Endless Summer” fundraiser and friend-raiser brought the beach indoors Saturday night. 150 guests enjoyed art, music and community, around the backdrop of Ted Papageorge’s “At the Beach” photo exhibit.
One special highlight was a major contribution in support of the museum’s outreach to underserved communities.
From left: Deborah Murtagh, MoCA CT past president; William Felton, gala co-chair Rita Marcocci; 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker; gala co-chair Keara Williams; Pamela Hovland, acting executive director. (Photo/Lewis Derogene)
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Longtime Westport resident and civic volunteer Diane Cady died peacefully on September 17 in Boulder. She was 91.
The California native attended College of Marin, then earned a master’s degree in social work at Fordham University.
In Westport, Diane served with the Westport Young Woman’s League and Westport Rotary Club.
She was elected to the Representative Town Meeting (RTM), then was appointed to the Westport Tree Board.
Diane had a special place in her heart for dogs, particularly
Gordon setters. She enjoyed showing them, with a spirit of
competition and camaraderie.
She was predeceased by her brother, Roderick Duncan. She is survived by her children Christopher, Stephen and Robin MacLaughlin, and 5 grandchildren.
Diane Cady
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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo appears just 64 days before Thanksgiving.
And finally … in honor of the Sunrise Rotary Club’s “Westport Uncorked” event (story above):
(If you can’t find something to do in Westport, you’re not trying. Or you’re not reading “06880.” If you learn about our town — and town events — on this blog, please click here to support us. Thanks!)
In just over a dozen years, LobsterFest has become one of the biggest, best loved and fun parties in town.
Yesterday, 1,500 folks of all ages celebrated at Compo. It’s the second biggest beach event of the year, after the fireworks.
They ate lobster and steak (plus a lot more). They drank beer and soda. They danced to a great band (Silver Steel). Hordes of kids climbed on a fire truck, went inside a police car, got tattoos and face paint, and had all the kind of fun we remember from our childhoods.
Politicians were out in force. But instead of politicking, they wore yellow volunteer shirts. They served beer, checked tickets and cleared trash. They looked like they had a blast.
RTM member Sal Liccione and man about town Dylan Curran.
And — thanks to the spectacular work of the Westport Rotary Club, and volunteers from many other town groups — LobsterFest raised nearly half a million dollars, for dozens of good causes.
In a few months the Rotarians will distribute large grants, to all those groups.
It’s a feel-good ceremony. Those funds will — literally — change lives.
But none of it would be possible without everyone who made LobsterFest happen yesterday. (Special kudos to whoever was in charge of the weather. You rocked it.)
PS: Tickets for LobsterFest ’26 go on sale next summer. As usual, they’ll sell out in minutes.
Towner Didier enjoys his first LobsterFest. (Photo/Steve Dodd)
What kid doesn’t enjoy a fire engine?
Friends from the Staples High School Class of 1982 dance to …
… the Silver Steel Band.
Parks & Recreation director Erik Barbieri, and operations manager Carmen Roda.
Jodi Bell and Rob Simmelkjaer. He’s a Westporter, and CEO of New York Road Runners. Both are training for next month’s Chicago Marathon. After yesterday’s lobsters, they’ll run 22 miles today.
Chrissy Toeplitz, Bre Injeski and Danielle Dobin.
LobsterFest organizers take recycling and waste seriously …
… in more ways than one.
There were plenty of beverages …
… and here’s the money shot. (All photos/Dan Woog unless otherwise noted)
Our “Historic Homes of 06880” tour returns for a third great year!
Save the date: Sunday, November 2 (1 to 4 p.m.).
Once again, we’ll open 4 beautiful — and very different — homes to the public. You’ll see loving restorations, creative touches, and some very cool surprises.
Once again, we’re working with KMS Team at Compass to present this fun (and very popular) event.
The 4 homes will be revealed soon. See you November 2!
This Cross Highway barn was part of our 2023 “Historic Homes of 06880” tour. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Want to help shape the future of Westport’s parks?
As part of the Parks Master Plan process, the Parks & Recreation Department hosts a public workshop on September 30 (6 p.m., Westport Library). All community members are invited. It will be run by the town’s consultants, BL Companies.
The Town’s consultant, BL Companies, will provide residents with the opportunity to engage directly with the consultants, share feedback, and learn more about the planning process.
If you’re between the ages of 6 and 18, and you play music — or want to — or you’re the parent of someone who does, check out the Music Collective’s open house this weekend (September 20-21, 3 to 6 p.m.; 1572 Post Road East).
The Collective (formerly the Gig Center) looks forward to showing off its space. Instructors will be there, attendees can try out some instruments. Or sing into a mic.
Jim Savage plays boogie-woogie piano on Saturday (September 20, 6-9 p.m.).
And a Veterans Benefits Luncheon is set for September 25 (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.). 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!
Mark Shanahan has earned standing ovations as the Westport Country Playhouse artistic director.
But he works his magic away from the local stage too.
Shanahan is the writer and director of the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp’s annual Fandango Benefit Gala. It’s this Saturday night, at the Ashford camp in northeastern Connecticut. Shanahan took over the role from the Playhouse’s Anne Keefe, several years ago.
The Playhouse is a strong supporter of the event.
The camp — which creates joy and community for seriously ill children and their families — shares a long bond with the WCP.
Westporters Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward supported both institutions generously. Many Playhouse staff members volunteer at Hole in the Wall throughout the year.
The Playhouse also raises funds for the Camp every December, through audience donations at “A Sherlock Carol.”
Club203 kicked off the 2025-26 year in style Tuesday, at Weston’s Lachat Farm.
Members of Westport’s social club for adults with disabilities kicked up their heels, danced with Marca, and enjoyed great food catered by Carmine Cenatiempo of Calise’s Deli.
MOCA offered art projects, Skip’s Good Humor ice cream added dessert, and the volunteers helped everyone make the most of the great Lachat setting.
Art by MoCA, at Club203. (Photo/Stacie Curran)
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Heating season (and heating bills) are near.
Fortunately, beginning October 1 income-eligible Westport residents can apply for the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program.
Those who previously qualified for assistance through Westport’s Department of Human Services will receive application instructions in the mail. Residents wishing to apply for the first time should call 203-341-1050 or email humansrv@westportct.gov.
To qualify, household income must be at or below 60% of the state median income. The maximum income for households is:
Households of one (1) $47,764
Households of two (2) $62,460
Households of three (3) $77,157
Households of four (4) $91,854
Households of Five (5) $106,550.
Applicants must have recent copies of heating, electric, water, lease or mortgage statements, and other proof of income documents.
On Saturday, 1,500 guests will enjoy lobster, steak, veggie burgers, all the trimmings, beer and wine and other beverages — plus music, kids’ activities and much more — at the Westport Rotary Club’s annual LobsterFest.
At Tuesday’s weekly meeting, longtime member and LobsterFest maestro Rick Benson updated members on logistics. All hands will be on deck, raising $400,000 for charitable organizations in Fairfield County and abroad.
Rick Benson, and his map.
Rotarians also heard from Wendy Petty. The Senior Center director said that 25% of Fairfield County residents are over the age of 65. The Center has seen a commensurate increase in membership over the past few years.
The Senior Center hosts over 100 classes each week, along with a tech hub, nutrition program, and a quarterly veterans’ coffee.
Wendy Petty (Photos/Dave Matlow)
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Westport’s other Rotary Club — Sunrise — celebrates International Day of Peace this Sunday (September 21, 2 p.m.), by sharing peace through music and humor.
The event — “Songs and Reflections on Peace, Kindness and Fun” features performances by the Whirled Peas Band, with members from area Rotary clubs and special guests David Friedman, Shawn Moninger, Eric Šebek and Samantha Talora.
There is a great back story to today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo.
But first, marvel at this creature:
(Photo/Seth Schachter)
Seth Schachter encountered this massive reptile yesterday on Maple Lane, near Burying Hill Beach.
A neighbor helped him get it to safety. Otherwise, Seth is sure it would have been struck by a car.
Turtles can live well beyond 100 years. This guy might have been roaming Greens Farms at the dawn of the automobile age.
Seth and his neighbor used a broom and a large blue recycling bin — something that was definitely not around when the turtle was born — to move it along.
And finally … sure, we honored this group just the other day, when Mark Volman died.
But thanks to the item above, they’re worth revisiting, with a different song:
(If you enjoy “06880,” we hope you’ll be part of our November 2 “Historic Homes” tour. We also hope you will click here, to make a tax-deductible contribution supporting our work. Thank you!)
Jo Fuchs Luscombe — a force of nature who, in a lifetime of work and volunteer efforts, accomplished everything from 5 terms in the Connecticut House of Representatives (including minority whip) and Westport’s 3rd selectwoman, to leadership (and boots-on-the-ground) service in nearly every major organization in town — died last weekend. She was 94.
An official obituary has not yet been released. But in 2017, “06880” hailed her as one of our first Unsung Heroes. I wrote:
If you’ve been in Westport for any length of time, you’ve probably heard — and met — Jo Fuchs Luscombe.
She’s been involved in every aspect of life here — politics, education, community service. If it needs doing, Jo has done it.
But how many people know her back story?
A Dallas native, she was just a year old when her father — an oilman — moved the family to Venezuela. Jo grew up speaking Spanish — and gaining an important, real-world view of life.
She went to boarding school and college in Texas, headed to Katherine Gibbs secretarial school, got married at 19 and had a child at 20.
Jo Fuchs Luscombe
Her husband was in oil too, so they headed to Libya. Jo learned Italian there, and was once more immersed in a very different culture.
In her mid-30s, after moving back to the US, Jo and her husband divorced. Encouraged by Rev. Dana Forrest Kennedy, she threw herself into every aspect Christ & Holy Trinity Church. She became president of the Women’s Guild, served on the vestry, and ran fundraisers.
She got interested too in the Westport Historical Society. Jo was a driving force behind the acquisition and restoration of Wheeler House — owned at the time by her church — as the organization’s headquarters.
In 1980, Jo was asked to fill out an unexpired term on the Zoning Board of Appeals. Public speaking did not come easily. But — as with everything else in her life — she worked to master it.
She won a full term on her own, then was appointed to the vacant post of 3rd selectman.
In 1986, Jo managed her friend and fellow Westporter Julie Belaga’s campaign for governor.
Jo’s next step was the state House of Representatives. She served 5 terms — from 1987 to ’97 — and rose to assistant minority leader and Republican minority whip.
At the same time, she was involved in the League of Women Voters (1989-2011). She was a member of Westport Sunrise Rotary from the 1988 beginning, and was the first female president (1991-92).
Retirement from state politics did not slow her down. As a 10-year member of Westport’s School Building Committee (and chair) she helped oversee 5 major construction and renovation projects (including the new Staples High School).
Jo Fuchs Luscombe (Photo courtesy of Westport Woman’s Club)
Remarriage did not slow her down either. Jo was president of the Westport Woman’s Club from 2003-05 (where she helped run major events like the art show), and was active in the Greens Farms Garden club, and countless others.
As a Westport Weston Family YMCA board trustee from 1998 to 2015, she helped shepherd the new building on its long, torturous journey from downtown to Mahackeno. She earned a “Faces o Achievement” Award from the Y in 1999.
She was even a justice of the peace.
Her husband John says there is one reason she accomplishes so much: “She doesn’t sleep.”
There’s one more thing: Jo Fuchs Luscombe is one of the nicest, most always-smiling people you’ll ever meet.
Congratulations, Jo. And thanks from all of us, for all you’ve done in so many ways.
(Hat tip: Bobbie Herman)
Cards can be sent to Jo’s son, Edward Fuchs: 52 St. James Drive, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418. A full obituary will be published when available.
Voters in more than half of Westport’s 9 Representative Town Meeting districts will have an actual choice this November.
But just barely.
Each RTM district elects 4 representatives to the town’s legislative body.
With the filing deadline passed, only 5 of those districts have more than 4 candidates on the ballot. They are Districts 1, 2, 3, 4 and 9. The other 4 have the bare minimum: 4 candidates each.
And of the 5 districts with actual races, 3 have just 5 candidates. Two — Districts 2 and 9 — have 6.
Here’s the breakdown.
District 1: Incumbents: Andrew Bloom, Matthew Mandell, Kristin Mott Purcell, Chris Tait. Petitioning: Gail Coykendall.
District 2: Incumbents: Jay Keenan, Melissa Levy, Louis Mall, Mike Perry. Petitioning: Harris Falk, Jenna Petok.
District 3: Incumbents: Ross Burkhardt, Jimmy Izzo, Pamela Troy-Kopack. Petitioning: Adam Drake, Srikanth Puttagunta.
District 4: Incumbents: Andrew Colabella, Clarence Hayes, Jeff Wieser. Petitioning: Charles Lucas, Victoria Wylie, Charles Lucas.
District 5: Incumbents: Peter Gold, Karen Kramer, Dick Lowenstein, Claudia Shaum.
District 6: Incumbents: Candace Banks, Seth Braunstein, Alma Sarelli. Petitioning: Lauren Karpf.
District 7: Incumbents Brandi Briggs, Jack Klinge, Ellen Lautenberg Hendel. Petitioning: Joseph Carson.
But those crustaceans (and all the steak, cole slaw, beverages — not to mention the band, booths, etc.) don’t fall from the sky. They take a ton of work.
The Westport Rotary Club fundraiser happens every year because of the very hard work of every member. And many more volunteers.
At yesterday’s weekly meeting, LobsterFest volunteer chair Susan Shuck described what all those people do.
Their efforts pay off. Approximately $400,000 will be distributed as grants in May, primarily to Westport and other Fairfield County non-profit organizations.
Representatives from one of those groups — Homes with Hope — spoke to the Rotary Club too. Paris Looney and Katherine Murray joined CEO Helen McAlinden.
She noted that HwH plays a major role in the greater Westport community — not only in the rehabilitation of homeless people, but through an array of programs and strategies that help prevent homelessness at its roots.
Back to LobsterFest: If you don’t yet have tickets, you’re out of luck. It sells out very quickly, when 1,500 tickets become available each summer. Watch this space next year!
Susan Shuck, with a LobsterFest volunteer t-shirt. (Photo/Dave Matlow)
Doris Skutch — a longtime Westporter, business executive, and ardent volunteer in politics and other areas of local life — died peacefully here on Sunday. She was 94.
After leaving Connecticut College in the 1950s, she moved to New York and began her professional journey as a journalist for women’s periodicals.
Her career soon transitioned into textiles, where she found her calling in communications and marketing. Doris spent over 3 decades at Burlington Industries. Starting as a secretary, she rose through the ranks to become vice president – fashion. She loved her twice-yearly trips to shows in Paris and London, bringing back wonderful concepts for fabric buyers.
Following her tenure at Burlington, Doris brought her expertise to a boutique communications firm in Westport. She later dedicating her skills to nonprofit work, as a grant writer for United Way in Bridgeport.
A passionate advocate for civic engagement and community service, Doris was a lifelong Democrat who remained active for over 50 years. She was a life member of the Westport League of Women Voters, and held LWV leadership roles at the local and state levels.
Her commitment to public service included the Y’s Women, and the Connecticut Alliance for Music. She also participated in several book clubs.
Doris was a devoted member of Christ & Holy Trinity Episcopal Church for many years.
Doris is survived by her sons Douglas and Elliot Royce; stepsons David and Christopher Skutch; niece Casey Farley; 4 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren.
Doris Skutch
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Today, elephant ears make their first appearance in our “Westport … Naturally” feature.
And finally … Rick Davies, founder of Supertramp, died Saturday in East Hampton, New York. He was 81, and had been diagnosed with blood cancer over a decade ago. Click here for a full obituary.
(What can be more logical than supporting “06880,” your 24/7/365 hyper-local blog? And what can be easier than clicking here to do it? Thanks for helping us bring news, photos — and music — to you !)
“Masquerade” — the immersive “Phantom of the Opera” revival — opened last week.
It’s unique.
Once audiences enter the fully transformed Opera House (formerly Lee’s Art Shop on West 57th Street), they trace the steps of the Opera Ghost, who has terrorized performers and management.
It’s quite an experience. Making it extra special for Westporters is Clay Singer. The Staples High School Class of 2013 graduate is one of 6 actors playing the Phantom.
He’s also the youngest performer to play the role fulltime in New York.
Clay’s portrayal is deeply influenced by Kevin Gray’s renowned interpretation — a favorite of his, for more than just its artistic brilliance. Kevin was a 1976 Staples (and Players alum). He died in 2013 — the year Clay graduated — of a heart attack. He was just 55.
The show operates in 6 “pulses,” beginning every 15 minutes. Clay performs in the 8 p.m. and 2 p.m. (matinee) pulses. (Select one of those time slots when buying tickets.)
As part of the series, Amurri invites Westporters to celebrate “the best local gems.” Winners will be featured in upcoming episoes. Click here — but hurry! Nominations close tomorrow — Thursday.
Categories include best breakfast sandwich, iced coffee, workout class, kids’ activity, boutique, girls’ lunch, blowout, mani/pedi, pizza, date night dinner, dessert, bar scene and local creator.
Screenshot from “The Westport Project”: Chris O’Dell and Eva Amurri.
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After months of major, urgent agenda items, the Representative Town Meeting took a break in August.
Members gathered at the Ned Dimes Marina for a BBQ, casusal conversation, and a chance to enjoy the sunset just like their constituents often do.
(Photo courtesy of Matthew Mandell)
Meanwhile, Westport residents interested in running for the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) can pick up a petition at the Town Clerk’s office.
To qualify for the November 4 ballot, candidates must collecct at least 25 signatures from registered voters in their district. Completed petitions must be returned to the town clerk by September 9.
For more information about the petition process or other election questions, contact Town Clerk Jeffrey Dunkerton: 203-3411105; jdunkerton@westportct.gov
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Calling all high school artists!
MoCA CT announces an open call for their 11th annual scholastic exhibition, “the Sound of Us: Youth Culture Now.”
It explores the effects of contemporary music on youth culture. Music today is more immediate, interactive and personal than in previous generations. This shapes the way young people communicate, form communities and express themselves, from slang and style to activism and identity.
Artists will select a song from 2020 to now, 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.
The Westport Rotary Club’s recent instrument collection project was a resounding success.
Yesterday, 225 guitars, clarinets, a piano and more were shipped to the Youth Orchestra of Ecuador.
But the music continues.
Diego Carneiro — a Brazilian cellist and Rotary Peace Fellow who travels the world, promoting peace and understanding through music and community empowerment — headlines an evening of classical music (August 13, 7 p.m., Green’s Farms Congregational Church).
He’s joined by soprano Jurate Svedaite, and the church’s msuic director Dylan Sauerwald.
Hundreds of classic and exotic cars — and thousands of auto enthusiasts — will fill the parking lot at 148 East Avenue in Norwalk this Sunday (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.).
It’s a benefit for the Vincent Penna Jr. Memorial Scholarship Fund.
Penna died unexpectedly in 2020 at 51, leaving behind a wife and teenage sons. He was a highly respected Westport Police officer for 26 years, rising to deputy chief before retirement.
Admission is free, but there is a $20 fee to enter a car (no cutoff years). The day includes live music, raffle prizes, food trucks, trophies and more. Thanks to more than 150 sponsors, the Italian American Police Society of Southern Connecticut will give away more than $40,000.00 in prizes.
Classic cars like these will be on display Sunday. (Photo/Andrew Colabella)
As one group tries to buy the WNBA’s Connecticut Sun from the Mohegan tribe — for a league record $325 million (and relocate it from Mohegan Sun to Boston) — another group has countered with over $300 million (and a move to Hartford).
That second group is led by Westporter Marc Lasry. He’s got the money — he’s a billionaire businessman and private equity manager.
But he’s also got basketball chops. He was a co-owner of the Milwaukee Bucks from 2014 to 2023.
Staples High School Class of 1991 graduate Lynsey Addario was a guest on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” today.
The New York Times Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist/author/MacArthur “genius grant” winner discussed US aid to Sudan, and the impact of budget cuts.
Addario noted that images must be repeated and seen multiple times, for them to have an effect on people.
Also in the media: Delano Melvin was on national television yesterday.
The 11-year-old Westporter asked “Today” show guest MrBeast — one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People — what he most likes about being a YouTuber.
Delano had an in for his question. His father, Craig, is a co-host of the NBC morning show.
As “06880” reported more than 2 weeks ago, the state Department of Transportation is changing the near-century-old Merritt Parkway exit numbers.
The new ones — “20” for our familiar Exit 41, and “21” for 42 — conform to federal standards, which mandate that exits show the approximate mileage from a starting point. With the Merritt, that’s the New York border.
Old habits die hard. This may take some getting used to.
Fortunately, for at least 2 years small signs underneath the larger ones will say “old Exit 41” or “42.”
Fingers crossed that GPS picks up on the change pretty quickly.
(Photos/Adrian Mueller)
In a couple of years, an even bigger change is coming.
Say goodbye to Westport’s I-95 exits 17 and 18. (Hat tip: Bill Dedman)
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All is ready for Alo’s opening.
The “activewear brand,” offering “studio-to-street clothing, yoga gear and luxury skincare,” replaces Oka — previously Banana Republic, and before that, Klein’s Department Store — tomorrow (August 1).
Can’t wait? There’s an Early Access Shopping event today (Thursday, July 31, 4-7 p.m.), at their “newest sanctuary.”
There’s a DJ, yoga performances, beverages, and a $500 Alo gift card giveaway.
The first 100 shoppers get an “exclusive gift” with their purchase.
But that’s not the only new activewear store opening downtown tomorrow.
Or the only one with a special opening event.
Beyond Yoga opens their second Connecticut store (after Greenwich) near Lux Bond & Green, in the “Elm & Main” shopping plaza (formerly called Brooks Corner).
They’ll host their own preview party tonight (Thursday, July 31, 5 to 7 p.m.), with their own DJ, light bites, sips, 20% off purchases, and a gift with any purchase of $300 or more. Click here to RSVP.
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LobsterFest is one of our town’s greatest parties.
The Westport Rotary Club event features lobsters (duh), steak, drinks, live music, kids’ activities and much more, all on a beautiful late summer day at Compo Beach. (This year it’s September 20.)
Over 1,500 guests help raise over $400,000, for nearly 50 community organizations.
But all that fun takes work.
At least 250 volunteers are needed — and as hard as Rotarians work, there are not that many club members.
Volunteers can purchase a lobster or steak ticket, or get a free hamburger or hot dog. All volunteers enjoy free drinks too.
All ages (youngsters and up) are needed for set-up on Friday, September 19 (3 to 6:30 p.m.) and Saturday, September 20 (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.); shifts during the September 20 LobsterFest (from 2 to 7:30 p.m.), and clean-up on Sunday, September 21 (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.).
The Clubhouse — Westport’s very popular sports simulator/big TV screen/ karaoke/rooftop event space hosted Club 203’s volunteers.
The town’s social club for adults with disabilities, and their partner Westport’s Department of Human Services, said “thank you” to the men and women who make each monthly gathering special.
“They are the glue to all of our celebrations. We would be nothing if not for them,” says Club203 co-founder Stacie Curran. She also thanked owners Tim and Emily Zobl of The Clubhouse, for their help.
Volunteers were the first to see the 2025-26 calendar. The year kicks off with a bash at Lachat Town Farm in Weston, and continues with Halloween, Thanksgiving and holiday gatherings. January brings a night at Westport Country Playhouse.
It’s on the bank of the Saugatuck River, behind the Levitt Pavilion.
She worries it may become a hazard.
“06880” often reminds drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians: “Be careful out there.”
Now we’ll add rowers and boaters to the list.
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Westport Police made 1 custodial arrest bewteen July 230 and 29.
A 40-year-old Norwalk man was charged with failure to appear. The warrant stemmed for a previous motor vehicle arrest. He posted a $10,000 bond.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Traveling unreasonably fast: 4 citations
Failure to obey stop sign: 2
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 2
Failure to renew registration: 2
Criminal trespass: 1
Distracted driving: 1
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
Failure to insure a motor vehicle: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 1
Improper use of markers: 1
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Noted lawyer and 1959 Staples High School graduate Michael Cardozo died July 23 in White Plains, after a short illness. He was 84.
His career included over 45 years at Proskauer Rose, and 12 as New York City’s corporation counsel (appointed by Mayor Bloomberg). He also served as president of the New York City Bar Association, the New York State Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government, and on many non-profit boards.
He earned a BA political science in 1963 from Brown University, and a JD 3 years later from Columbia Law School.
Michael is survived by his wife Nancy Cardozo; daughters Hedy Cardozo (Michael Rosenblut) and Sheryl Cardozo (Adi Diner), and grandchildren Lucy, Josh and Ellie.
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