Tag Archives: Westport Swim Club

Roundup: Post Office, Restaurant, Music, Sports & More …

Posted on March 12, 2026 | 8 comments

It’s that time of year again: People put tax payments in the mail.

And once again: Other people are stealing them, from the mail.

Our friends at the Westport post office say: Hand all important mail directly to the clerks behind the counter.

That’s right. It’s not only dangerous to use your own mailbox, and the one outside the post office in Playhouse Square — it’s also risky to use the drop box inside. 

It’s a sad state of affairs. But you’ve been warned.

The only upside: Our postal clerks are the best, and friendliest, anywhere. It’s always nice to have that little bit of human interaction.

Nope! Don’t use the drop box inside the post office. Hand important mail directly to a clerk at the counter!

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From Mediterranean to pancakes to Japanese.

That’s the journey of the 2-floor restaurant at 43 Main Street.

Yuzu has opened its doors, at the Parker Harding Plaza side of the “Tunnel of Love” connecting the parking lot with Main Street. The spot was most recently the Original Pancake House. Before that is was Acqua, preceded by Boca.

Yuzu brings “a fresh take on Japanese cuisine,” featuring “a premium cuisine and omakase experience.” Their goal is to create “a welcoming space where Westporters can gather, and enjoy high-quality dining.”

Yuzu is the newest in a recent spate of Main Street restaurant openings. Just last week Felice debuted, in nearby space previously filled by Mexicue.

Click here for Yuzu’s website, with menus and more information.

 

Inside Yuzu.

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Musicians get most of the headlines at VersoFest.

But the Westport Library’s annual music, media and more extravaganza includes plenty of non-artists, headlining intriguing panels.

The newest addition is “Coffee with the C-Suite: Creators, Technologists, and Music’s AI Frontier” (Sunday, March 29, 10:30 a.m.).

Executive-level leaders from across music tech, rights investment, AI creation tools and licensing platforms will discuss the seismic shifts redefining the industry.

Speakers include Westporter Sam Hendel, managing partner at Chord Music Partners and Dundee Partners (and co-founder of StartUp Westport); Paul Sinclair, chief music officer at Suno; Daniel Rowland, vice president of strategy and partnerships at LANDR, Danny Newcomb, CEO and co-founder of Incantio. Music industry veteran and Westport resident Dick Wingate will moderate the free panel.

For more information on this AI panel, click here. For the full VersoFest schedule, and more information, click here.

Sam Hendel

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Speaking of music: The Mamas and the Papas, Byrds, Buffalo Springfield, Doors, Crosby Stills & Nash, Neil Young, James Taylor, Carole King, Joni Mitchell and the Eagles all come to the Westport Country Playhouse on March 22.

Well, maybe not the actual artists.

But their music will sure be there.

“Live from Laurel Canyon – Songs and Stories of American Folk Rock” is an evening of live music and narrated stories of some of the most influential songwriters who lived in Laurel Canyon in the 1960s and ’70s. them.

It’s a tribute evening — and much more. Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Great bluegrass comes to the Levitt Pavilion on June 11.

Greensky Bluegrass is the latest addition to the outdoor summer series lineup.

The quintet’s underground die-hard fans pack venues across the country. The group has sold out multiple-night runs at venues like Red Rocks and the Ryman. Tickets go on sale to the public tomorrow (March 13, 10 a.m.). Click here to purchase, and for more information.

The Levitt also added a new free ticket show. Circles Around the Sun — tangibly linked to Grateful Dead history, and “sharing shelf space with post-rock, psych-rock, jazz-funk and good old fashioned psychedelia” — has been booked for June 27. Click here for free tickets, and more information.

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TOPSoccer — the program for youngsters with physical or learning differences — returns for a second spring season.

Blake Serotta — a freshman player at Staples — leads the program, in conjunction with the Weston Soccer Club and Westport Soccer Association.

TOPSoccer is open to boys and girls in grades K-8. It runs Saturdays, 11;30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., from April 11 through June 6 at Morehouse Farm Park in Weston.

The program is run by Coach Felipe of Ole Soccer, and includes fun games, drills, and small-sided games. Each child is paired with a buddy, who stays with them on the field.

High schoolers are welcome as volunteers and buddies.

To learn more, and sign up as a player or buddy, click here.

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Speaking of sports: The Westport Swim Club’s first “Candy” meet of the year last Sunday got the season of to a fun, energetic start, at the Staples High School pool.

The intra-squad meet for swimmers in grades 2-8 was a first for many. Candy Meets are a friendly introduction to competitive swimming. Participation, confidence and fun come first (with a little candy as motivation after each race). Staples swimmers volunteer, and help the youngsters learn to cheer for each other.

There is still room for young swimmers (and divers). Click here, or email swimwestport@gmail.com.

All smiles at the Westport Swim Club “Candy Meet.”

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Miggs Burroughs has had quite a career.

And on Tuesday, the Staples High School graduate, noted artist/graphic designer/photographer/civic volunteer took the Y’s Women through it all.

He spoke about his engineering studies at the Carnegie Institute of Technology; working at Pepperidge Farm; designing a stamp for the US Postal Service, and his many efforts on behalf of countless local organizations.

And he did it all with his trademark good humor, and great modesty.

Miggs Burroughs (Hat tip and photo/Vera DeStefano)

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Westport Police made no custodial arrests between March 4 and 11.

They did issue these citations:

  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 15 citations
  • Failure to renew registration: 10
  • Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 6
  • Texting while driving: 5
  • Distracted driving: 5
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 5
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 3
  • Speeding in a school zone: 2
  • Reckless driving: 1
  • Speeding: 1
  • Traveling too fast for conditions: 1
  • Disobeying the signal of a police officer: 1
  • Interfering with a police officer: 1
  • Passing in a no-passing zone; 1
  • Following too closely: 1
  • Failure to yield right of way 1
  • Unreadable license plate: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1

Disobeying the signal of a police officer is against the law.

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Speaking of police: We don’t know what this driver did to get booted.

But here’s a sight you don’t see every day, at the Westport train station:

(Photo/Michael Diggin)

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Speaking still of police: Where were they Tuesday at Compo Beach, when this egregious breach of the law occurred?

(Photo/Nancy Lewis)

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Staples High School graduate Jeffrey Ruden and his family have been touched by Alzheimer’s disease.

His mother Carole suffered. That journey inspired Jeffrey and his brother Dave to help others. They have chaired the CT Walk for Alzheimer’s, and Jeffrey served on the CTALZ board for several years.

Jeffrey wishes he had known about CaringKind during his mother’s illness. With over 45 years of experience, they work directly with community partners to develop information, tools, training and support for caregivers.

Now he is chairing an inaugural “Hope Blooms” gala for CaringKind (May 14, Fairfield County Hunt Club).

For tickets or sponsorship opportunities, click here or email jmruden@yahoo.com

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It’s that time of year.

A mother hawk trains her fledgling near Bayberry Lane, in today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured photo.

Hopefully, they won’t go after Carl’s chickens.

(Photo/Carl McNair)

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And finally … just to reinforce the Post Office alert (story above):

(The good news: You don’t have to mail a check to support “06880.” Click here for the many ways to contribute to your hyper-local blog. Thank you! PS: Be careful out there.)

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Posted in Beach, Entertainment, Library, Police, Restaurants, Transportation, Westport Country Playhouse

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Roundup: Staples Boys Hoops: FCIAC Champs! Plus Fire Heroes, PFAS Info, New Dive Club …

Posted on March 5, 2026 | 1 comment

The undefeated Staples boys basketball team was tested by Ridgefield last night.

But the #1-seeded Wreckers — talented, tough, defensive-minded and driven — pulled away late. Their 62-48 win over #3 Ridgefield at Fairfield University earned them their second straight FCIAC (league) championship.

It cements their spot in the school’s storied sports history. Before last year, Staples’ previous FCIAC title was in 1963.

Sam Clachko — the senior and one of the Wreckers’ best basketball players ever — was named Most Valuable Player. It was a fitting FCIAC finish, after missing last year’s championship with a broken wrist.

Clachko finished with 13 points. Mason Tobias had 14, Austin Heyer 12, Matty Corrigan 11 and Dhilan Lowman 7.

The blue-and-whites — now 23-0 — head to the state tournament. They’ll chase their first title there since 1937.

Click here for the full game story on The Ruden Report (paywall).

Staples boys basketball: FCIAC champs again. (Photo/Diane Lowman)

The Staples girls basketball, meanwhile, fell just short in their quest for an FCIAC title.

In the first game of last night’s doubleheader, the #2-seeded Wreckers dropped a 65-49 decision to top-ranked Greenwich.

It was just the third loss of the season for Staples.

Like the boys, they too begin state tournament competition.

Click here for the full girls game story, on The Ruden Report (paywall).

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The Westport Fire Department is filled with heroes.

But 5 are official “Hero to Heroes.”

They’re graduates of “Hero to Hero,” a non-profit that help highly qualified military members transition to first responder careers. It’s a win-win-win — for the servicemembers, their employers, and the entire community.

On March 28 (5:30 p.m., Saugatuck Rowing Club), a special event will raise awareness of “Hero to Hero” — and raise funds for an independent film, which will raise even more funds for the organization.

The “Blue Bunny” film project is led by Rita Marcocci, a Westport resident and award-winning producer.

It’s a moving story of sacrifice and friendship, weaving between Operation Iraqi Freedom, and the present-day bond between a former commander and his soldier.

Tickets to the benefit include food, beer, wine, a specialty Hero cocktail, an auction and more. Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Speaking of the Fire Department: Traffic was snarled downtown yesterday, as firefighters responded to an alarm at Barnes & Noble.

A small fire on the roof was quickly extinguished.

(Photo courtesy of Westport Fire Department)

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The Westport Conservation Department, Shellfish Commission and Sustainable Westport are hosting a community conversation about PFAS — the synthetics known as “forever chemicals” — in Connecticut’s coastal waters, and their effect on pollution and climate change.

The free event is March 18 (7 p.m., Westport Library). Marine environmentalist Dick Harris will examine the persistence of PFAS chemicals in aquatic environments, their movement through waterways, and emerging challenges facing coastal communities.

For more information, click here.

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The search is on for a new Westport Transit District co-director.

In the upcoming 4-year term, the Transit District co-director will be expected to:

  • Maintain safe and dependable daily operations
  • Strengthen financial management and long-term planning
  • Pursue state and federal funding opportunities
  • Enhance community engagement and rider experience
  • Advance sustainability and environmental initiatives

The Representative Town Meeting (RTM) will conduct a comprehensive process to identify qualified candidates. A background in strategic planning, budgeting and regulatory compliance is highly desirable. Eligible candidates must be registered voters in Westport.

Applications will be accepted through March. The 4-year term will begin in May.

Interested candidates for this volunteer position should email a resume and/or statement of interest, including contact information, to mlevy@westportct.gov. For more information about Westport Transit services, click here.

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The Westport Swim Club does a great job preparing youngsters for the Staples High School swim team.

But the Wreckers also sponsor a dive team. To stock that pipeline, the WSC has created a new Westport Dive Club.

It’s the first — and only — springboard diving program in town.

Coach Grace Slama — who also serves as Staples’ boys and girls dive coach — is a former Taiwanese national diver, and NCAA Division I All-America.

No experience is necessary. Diving is a great activity for any child who loves gymnastics, parkour, trampolining, skateboarding, snowboarding — or any other sport!

Meanwhile, Westport Swim Club continues to grow. Over 76 boys and girls are on the roster.

They now call themselves the WSC Whale Sharks. Here’s the great back story:

Staples co-captain Charlotte Roberts began with WSC. At a recent team event, the coaches held a backstroke rock-painting contest.

Charlotte’s whale shark design won. WSC has adopted it as their new identity. It symbolizes a swimmer’s journey from youth program to high school leadership.

Registration for the Westport Swim Club and Westport Dive Club opens March 11, on the Parks & Recreation Department website.

Click here for the Swim Club. Click here for the Dive Club.

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We can’t link to Ring videos.

But here’s a screenshot of a harrowing one, sent by Susan Garment.

Huge sheets of ice are falling from a Morningside Drive roof. Just moments earlier, a woman — shown walking gingerly on her driveway — walked underneath that roof.

Be careful out there!

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Saugatuck Congregational Church’s Sunday Afternoon Concert Series continues this weekend (March 8, 3 p.m.). Pianist/composer Dr. Hayk Arsenyan will perform Chopin’s “24 Preludes,” and selections from Rachmaninoff’s “Op. 32 Preludes.”

The event is free, but donations are welcome.

Dr. Hayk Arsenyan

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Nearly everyone has old books, somewhere at home.

Are they worth anything?

Bookseller Edward Crafts comes to the Weston History & Culture Center (March 21, 2 p.m.) to discuss “Rare Books: What Are They Worth?”

The talk concludes with one-on-one valuations (1 book per family). It’s free, but registration is required. Click here to sign up, and for more information. 

Edward Crafts

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Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between February 25 and March 3.

A 50-year-old Pleasantville, New York woman was charged with 2 counts of assault of an elderly person, 2 counts of 2nd degree assault, failure to appear and failure to comply with fingerprinting requirements, following an investigation into a July incident in a Westport home.

Police and Emergency Medical Services found 3 patients experiencing the same symptoms. They were transported to a hospital, and all recovered. A relative was found to be linked to prescription medication, which was present in a communal water container.

The woman was held on a $1.01 million bond.

A 21-year-old Westport man was charged with assault of a pregnant woman, criminal attempt at strangulation, threatening and disorderly conduct, following a domestic argument that turned physical. He was released on a $100,000 bond.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

Texting while driving: 12 citations

  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 6
  • Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 4
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 4
  • Speeding: 3
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
  • Unsafe passing: 2
  • Failure to renew registration: 2
  • Passing a standing school bus: 1
  • Failure to remove snow/ice: 1
  • Distracted driving: 1
  • Articles obstructing view: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1

It’s illegal to drive with an obstructed view — front or rear.

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Longtime Westporter, noted writer and civic volunteer Gloria Stashower died peacefully on Monday, surrounded by her family. She was 96.

She graduated from Case Western Reserve University in 1950, the year she married Mike Stashower, her husband of 72 years.

While raising 3 children she earned a master’s degree in English from Hunter College, pursued various civic endeavors and began work as a freelance writer.

The Stashowers settled in Westport in 1970. Gloria embarked on a career in corporate communications, working for CIT Financial Corporation and IBM.

After retirement she continued to take freelance assignments, and immersed herself in community activities. They ranged from the League of Women Voters and Democratic Town Committee to the boards of the Westport Arts Center, Senior Center, Westport Library and Y’s Women (serving as president of the last 2).

She loved books, theater, movies, politics and travel.

Gloria was predeceased by her husband. She is survived by her children, Susan (Paul), Debby (Michael) and Jon (Allison); grandsons Jordan, Scott and Matthew, and great-granddaughter Greer.

A private graveside service will be held, followed by shiva for family and friends at Gloria’s home on Friday (March 6, 2 to 6 p.m.). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the Westport Library.

Gloria Stashower

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Lynn Flint offers today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo — and a back story.

(Photo/Lynn Flint)

This swan plopped itself down on Canal Street, in Saugatuck Shores. Lynn blocked the road, until Animal Control arrived.

Lynn’s neighbor Glenn Ferrari got there first. He got out of the car, and said that the swan always sleeps in the road.

Glenn clapped his hands, and said “Get out of here!”

The swan stood up, walked down to the edge of the water, jumped in and swam away.

Animal Control came a few minutes later. They thanked Lynn for helping out.

And said they’d just responded to a similar call near the Library: another swan, not budging, in the middle of the road.

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And finally … on this day in 1963, country music stars Patsy Cline, Hawkshaw Hawkins, Cowboy Copas and their pilot were killed in a plane crash in Tennessee.

(Another day, another “06880” Roundup chock full o’ stuff. If you appreciate this feature — or anything else we offer — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Environment, Obituaries, Police, Sports, Staples HS, Transportation

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Roundup: Donation Drop-offs, Swim Club Tryouts, Sherwood Island Solstice …

Posted on December 12, 2025 | Comments Off on Roundup: Donation Drop-offs, Swim Club Tryouts, Sherwood Island Solstice …

Westport Country Playhouse is getting in the holiday spirit.

And not just just with it’s production of “A Sherlock Carol.”

The family-friendly show is certainly an attraction.

But there’s more. Three important groups — the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, Norwalk Toys for Tots, and Westport Homes with Hope food pantry– are recipients of donations that can be dropped off during “A Sherlock Carol”‘s December 13-21 run.

There will be collection boxes in the Playhouse lobby whenever the box office is open (Tuesday through Friday, noon to 5 p.m.), and during performances.

For The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, curtain speeches will invite monetary donations from the audience.

“The bond we share with The Hole in the Wall Camp remains especially close to our hearts,” says Playhouse artistic director Mark Shananan.

“It would make Camp founder Paul Newman and our own former artistic director Joanne Woodward very proud to see the relationship between our organizations still going strong.“

In fact, Shanahan’s involvement with the camp helped inspire “A Sherlock Carol.”

It’s the story of a grown-up Tiny Tim turning his personal experiences into a lifelong commitment to helping others — “just like so many people at Camp do,” Shanahan says.

Meanwhile, Norwalk Toys for Tots seeks new, unwrapped toys and books for children in need — including books in Spanish and Haitian Creole — for ages newborn to 18. Donations benefit local agencies and families in Norwalk, Fairfield and Westport. Click here for more information.

Westport’s Homes with Hope — dedicated to preventing and ending homelessness in Fairfield County — needs items for its food pantry: pancake mix, cooking oil, condiments, laundry detergent (small containers), feminine care products, canned fruit, cold cereal, salt and pepper, jelly, cleaning wipes, and gift certificates to Walmart and Stop & Shop. Click here for more information. 

To learn more about “A Sherlock Carol” — including ticket purchases — click here.

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All 2nd through 8th grade boys and girls are invited to try out for the Westport Swim Club.

It’s a great program — big on fun, friends and fundamentals — that helps get youngsters ready for the Staples High School program, either next year or a few years down the line. The winter session starts January 7.

Tryouts are December 15 (5:15 to 6:30 p.m.), January 5 (5:30 to 6:30 p.m.), January 10 (4 to 5 p.m.) and January 11 (9:45 to 10:30 a.m.). Click here to sign up.

More details are in the graphic below. Questions? Email swimwestport@gmail.com.

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Sure, it’s cold. Crowds have thinned considerably at Sherwood Island State Park.

But there’s still plenty to do. And plenty of room to do it in.

The Winter Solstice is 10:03 a.m. on December 21. Starting at 10, Friends of Sherwood Island will meet at the main pavilion for winter seed sowing in milk jugs.

After collecting seeds of native flowers in the dunes, members will help attendees cut a milk jug, drill holes in the bottom, fill it with special potting soil, and add seeds and water.

Then bring it home to leave outside until spring. (Jugs brought indoors will not germinate. Seeds need the winter cold.)

There’s hot chocolate, snacks and a “special visitor.” It’s free (but no pets). Bring empty, washed milk jugs (maximum 3 per family).

Then, on January 1, Friends of Sherwood Island invite everyone to start the new year with a breezy walk along the beach. Children and dogs on short leashes are welcome. Meet in front of the Nature Center at 11 a.m.; follow signs to the East Beach area.

Dress in layers. Bring a hot beverage and snack.

Questions? Call Michele: 203-247-1390.

Seeds for spring.

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Happy (upcoming) birthday! Keith Richards turns 82 on December 18. Time is certainly on his side.

It would be a bit intrusive to suggest we head over to his house to serenade the Rolling Stones guitarist.

But maybe a card or note? Just mail it to “Keith Richards, Weston, CT 06883.”

I’m sure that won’t be the first time someone has done that.

Keith Richards, at the Westport Library in March. He received the first-ever Governor’s Award of Excellence. (Photo/Ryan Allen)

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Speaking of the Stones: American Colors by Henry Lehr’s trunk show tomorrow (Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.) features the Rolling Stones and Revo.

The “exclusive sunglass collaboration (was) inspired by the icons who changed how we hear — and how we look.”

Will Keith be there?

Probably not.

Hey — you can’t always get what you want.

 

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Wednesday’s weather was not exactly ducky.

But Jamie Walsh headed to Compo Beach. That’s where he saw — and shot — today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo.

(Photo/Jamie Walsh)

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And finally … in honor of Westport Swim Club’s next season (story above):

(We’re not exactly drowning, here at “06880” central. But we do rely on reader’s support, to help us publish our hyper-local blog. Please click here to contribute. Every little bit helps. Thank you!)

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Roundup: Native Gardens, Westport Swim Club Tryouts, Egg News …

Posted on February 23, 2025 | 3 comments

Audiences are loving “Native Gardens.”

The Westport Country Playhouse show dramatically — and humorously — captures a culture clash, when 2 sets of well-intentioned neighbors fued in a backyard dispute over property lines.

The play runs through March 8.

(From left): Paula Leggett Chase, Lined Genao, Anthony Michael Martinez and Adam Heller head the cast of performers. (Hat tip and photo/Dave Matlow)

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Tryouts are near for the very popular Westport Swim Club.

The WSC provides developmental training for youngsters in grades 2 through 8. They build foundational skills, while preparing them for competitive swimming in all 4 strokes.

Practices take place at the Staples High School pool, in a supportive, growth-oriented environment for swimmers of all levels.

Tryouts are:

  • February 28 (7 to 7:30 p.m.)
  • March 2 (11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.)
  • March 3 (5:30 to 6 p.m.)
  • March 5 (6:30 to 7 p.m.).

Click here for more information. Questions? Email swimwestport@gmail.com

Westport Swim Club members

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A reader writes: “Our elderly neighbor’s car was egged last night. I’ve just been there with another neighbor, helping clean it off.”

This would normally not be “06880”-worthy.

However, given the price of eggs recently — and the outsized role they’ve played in the political debate — it’s worth noting.

Apparently, at least one vandal in Westport has — almost literally — money to throw away.

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30-year Westport resident Bob Goldstein died peacefully February 17, with his wife Candy and dachshund Bruno by his side. He was 84, and had battled pancreatic cancer.

He was a magna cum laude graduate of Texas Christian University. Years earlier, at 8 years old, Bob decided he would someday be a bank president. He got his first banking job at TCU, in a mailroom, and quickly advanced to management.

He spent his early years as a banker in various parts of Texas. His career then took him to the Northeast, as a CEO and chair of a series of banks.

Bob’s knowledge of risk management, regulatory requirements and asset quality helped him turn around troubled banks, grow community banks and create value for shareholders. He held leadership roles in 20 financial institutions in 11 states.

Bob also served in the Texas National Guard, and played druns in a rock/jazz/country band at Fort Worth clubs. He loved spending time with his family and dog.

Civic engagement was also important. He served as a director on community boards including the Norwalk Hospital Foundation, the Jewish Home for the Elderly, Honey Hill Care Center, Texas Christian University Association, Hermann Hospital Steering Committee and the Children’s Miracle Network.

He was a member of the New York Real Estate Board of Governors and served as a faculty member of the Graduate School of Business at Southern Methodist University.

His family says “he will always be remembered for his personal integrity, sense of justice, sparkling smile, great sense of humor and love of animals.”

In addition to his wife Candy (Koizim), Bob is survived by his children Sandra Tanner, Robbi Russey Goldstein (Kevin), Griffin Goldstein (Laurie) and Amy Goldstein (Jenn); grandchildren Wesley Holt, Sam Holt (Kelsey), Ben Holt, Daniel Tanner (Ellen), Keith Goldstein, Jake Goldstein, Lexy Campos Goldstein and Coty Campos Goldstein, and great-grandchildren Jane and Mabel Tanner.

The family is grateful to Regional Hospice for the exceptional care they provided. Special thanks go to his wonderful caregivers, especially Jessica Floissac and Adriano Lima.

Funeral services will take place on February 28 (11 a.m., Spear Miller Funeral Home, 39 South Benson Road, Fairfield). Interment will follow at Willowbrook Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service or the TCU General Endowed Scholarship Fund (Office of University Advancement, TCU Box 297044, Fort Worth, TX 76129).

Bob Goldstein

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We haven’t had too much snow. But it’s come regularly. And for days, the temperatures have struggled to get above freezing.

That’s winter in our town, 2025. Howard Edelstein captured the view from Harbor Road, looking toward Longshore, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Howard Edelstein)

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And finally … Johnny Winter was born on this date in 1944. When he died in 2014, I wrote this story about his time in Westport.

(Another day, another Roundup, another reminder that “06880” relies on reader support. To make a tax-deductible contribution, please click here. Thank you!)

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Posted in Children, Entertainment, Obituaries, Sports, Totally random, Westport Country Playhouse

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Roundup: “Sherlock Carol,” Swim Club, Sprinkle The Pig …

Posted on December 5, 2024 | Comments Off on Roundup: “Sherlock Carol,” Swim Club, Sprinkle The Pig …

Just in time for Christmas, “A Sherlock Carol” returns to the Westport Country Playhouse. It debuted last year, with great success.

The family-friendly holiday production, based on Sherlock Holmes’ “The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle” and “A Christmas Carol,” runs December 17-22.

The plot features characters from Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Charles Dickens. Six actors play multiple roles. Click here for tickets, and more information.


Sherlock Holmes (Drew McVety) and Ebenezer Scrooge (Byron St. Cyr) in “A Sherlock Carol.” (Photo/T. Charles Erickson)

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The Westport Swim Club — the fun, competitive-technique-packed program that has taught hundreds of kids to swim, to enjoy the water (and, for a good number, join the Staples High School team) — has open spots for 2nd through 8th graders.

Tryouts are set for the Staples pool on Sunday December 8 (10:30 to 11:30 a.m.); Tuesday and Thursday, Deeember 10 and 12 (5:30 to 7 p.m.), and Sunday, December 15 (4 to 5 p.m.).

Click here for more information on the WSC, including its coaching staff, flexible practice sessions and monthly enrollments. Click here for the tryout registration form. Click here for the “06880” back story.

Westport Swim Club

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Wakeman Town Farm says: “Winter kids’ programs make great holiday gifts!”

Among them:

  • Little Farmers Parent & Me (ages 0-3)
  • Crafting with Nature (ages 3-5)
  • Curious Sprouts (ages 3-5)
  • Fantastic Farmhands (ages 6-10)
  • Winter Warmup Cooking (grades 2-6)
  • Cozy Winter Cooking (grades K-2)

Click here for information on these and other programs, and registration.

Cooking classes are just part of Wakeman Town Farm’s programs.

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This Sunday (December 8, 4 p.m., Zoom) Cathy Malkin — Westport’s favorite animal communicator, animal Reiki master teacher and practitioner, pet meditation master teacher, and a pet loss and grief counselor — hosts a “Chat Pawty” fundraiser.

Sprinkle — Hammy Faye, in Hulu’s “Only Murders in the Building” — and her pig family will be celebrity guests.

Attendees can ask questions of the pigs. Cathy will translate.

It’s free, but also a fundraiser for Pigs Fly Rescue. “Pawty-goers” are encouraged to donate. $10, for example, buys one bale of hay.

Click here to join the Pig Chat Pawty.

PS: Cathy’s last chat pawty, with “Only Murder”’s Winnie in the Bulldog, was a great success. Everyone had fun, and they raised $1,200 for bulldogs in need.

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The community is invited to a Christmas Concert of Lessons and Carols (Sunday, December 22, 2 p.m., St. Luke Church).

It features the choirs and instrumentalists of St. Luke and Assumption Churches in Westport, and St. Philip in Norwalk, The children of St. Luke will present a Nativity pageant too.

The concert is free, but free will offerings will be accepted, in support of the St. Luke music ministry.

St. Luke’s pews will be filled for the December 22 concert.

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Westport Police made no custodial arrests between November 27 and December 4.

They issued these citations:

  • Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 10 citations
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 5
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 4
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 4
  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 2
  • Failure to renew registration: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
  • Driving while texting: 1
  • Improper turn: 1
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 1
  • Improper use of markers: 1

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Just over 2 weeks before winter, the only greenery that remains at the Imperial Avenue parking lot is the ivy on this tree.

Johanna Keyser Rossi snapped it, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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And finally … on this date in 1848, President James K. Polk confirmed that large amounts of gold had been discovered in California. The rush began.

(You don’t need to give “06880” gold. Or silver. But a contribution to help us with our hyper-local, several-times-a-day blog would be golden. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

 

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Westport Swim Club: Fun, Friends And Fundamentals

Posted on May 2, 2024 | 26 comments

An Instagram video describes the life of a youth sports parent: competition in Honduras (“it’s about a 49-hour drive, so plan accordingly”), then Cuba, and — if they win — qualification for a tournament in Croatia on Wednesday.

“Pretty low-key schedule,” the coach says.

Most youth sports parents, in any sport — in Westport, and around the country — can relate.

Not those whose kids are in the Westport Swim Club, though.

The 3-year-old organization takes a deliberately — and truly — low-key approach.

They provide instruction and “candy meet” opportunities for young swimmers. They make sure to keep things fun.

If a boy or girl needs to take a month off to act in the school play, their coaches say: Great!

WSC’s core values are simple: “Fun, Friends and Fundamentals.”

Fun at the Westport Swim Club.

The goals are to instill a love for swimming in their young members.

And, during their 7 months together, to prepare their 2nd through 8th graders for the next levels of competition.

Where, if they (and/or their parents) want, they can spend 12 months a year training and racing, up and down the East Coast. (And perhaps Honduras, Cuba and Croatia.)

Or simply make their high school team.

Though low-key, Westport Swimming Club is hardly a minnow. Its 7 coaches have impressive resumes. They’ve swum at the top levels themselves, including the Asian Games and Olympic qualifiers. They’ve coached at the NCAA Division I level. One — Mike Anderson — is currently head coach of the Staples High swim and dive team.

They know the importance of including games and contests — diving for pennies, for instance — to break up the repetitive nature of drills.

And unlike with many teams, the coaches actually get in the water with their athletes.

Some Westport Swim Team coaches and assistants (from left): Kuku Fleming, Pam Moss, Mike Anderson, Matt Fleming, Elaine Rankowitz, Leilani Fleming. 

The WSC is the brainchild of Staples girls swimming coaches Mike Anderson, Elaine Rankowitz and Kuku Fleming. Pam Moss joined later.

Fleming (the Asian Games swimmer who went on to compete for Harvard University, then worked at Deutsche Bank’s hedge fund for 12 years) and Moss (a nationally ranked age group swimmer before managing a digital software firm, and co-founding BlackLight), met through the Masters swimming program.

Three years ago, coming out of COVID, they realized there were no programs for young swimmers who did not start very early.

“With us, even 13 years old is not too late,” Fleming says. “We’re a swim ramp.”

“We help them prepare them for other programs,” Moss adds. “We give them the confidence to try out.”

Coach Neil Markman and his daughter, Noelle Stine-Markman.

WSC runs from January through July, at the Staples pool. There are 4 practices a week — but daily practices are not mandatory. Coaches realize their swimmers have lives outside the pool too.

“Having fun does not mean being weak,” Fleming says. “We are highly allergic to bad technique.”

Every swimmer learns the butterfly, backstroke, breaststroke and freestyle, flip and open turns, dives and backstroke starts, and relay transitions.

There are 2 intra-squad meets, and a couple of “candy meets” (dual competitions against country club teams). They’re opportunities for young swimmers to practice their technique, along with soft skills like paying attention to when their event will be called.

It’s a recipe for — well, not necessarily winning competitions, but developing skills and self-confidence.

Fleming describes a youngster who went from no eye contact to laughing, and doing demonstrations in front of peers.

Another, who graduated from WSC to a club team, won 3 medals at a regional meet.

A third began as a flailing freestyle. Five sessions later, she had a “beautiful” butterfly stroke. She went on to make the Staples squad, and recently competed in Florida with her club team.

Having fun, in and out of the water.

The founders credit to WSC’s philosophy, coaches and swimmers for its success.

But, they note, supportive parents also play a key role.

“They are very friendly, enthusiastic, and generous with their time,” Fleming says.

“They appreciate a program without a lot of pressure. But they know we make kids accountable for their own gear, being on time, and paying attention.”

WSC does not “compete with” programs like the Westport YMCA Water Rats, Weston Swimming, Fairfield Aquatics or Norwalk Zeus for swimmers. Fleming and Moss see their organization as a feeder for those clubs.

They are happy when their swimmers “graduate” to high school programs, and/or clubs.

The coaches cheer them on — at local pools, and (metaphorically) at their meets far and wide.

But they don’t go all over the state, or to Florida (or Honduras, Cuba and Croatia).

They’re busy preparing the next generation of swimmers to join them.

If, of course, they want to.

(For more information on Westport Swim Club, click here.)

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