The “06880” Comments section has occasionally gone off the rails.
It belongs to all readers — not just a few, who veer off topic or use it to communicate with each other.
Effectively immediately, we’re instituting a few new rules:
A limit of 3 comments (1 initial one, and 2 replies) per thread. This is down from the previous 5. Think before posting: Is this really worth using one of my 3 comments for? (NOTE: This rule can be waived by the executive editor, for truly worthwhile, in-depth and/or serious topics.)
All comments must be directed to all readers. Offer your thoughts to the topic at hand. Do not engage in back-and-forth with 1 or 2 readers. If you do address a specific reader, this is acceptable: “Susie, I’d like to know more about why you think xxxxx. Have you considered yyyy?” Unacceptable: “Sally, were you the person who did xxxx and yyyy?” If you’d like to correspond directly with another commenter, please send me an email. I’ll forward it to that person.
One exception to the above rules: Our Friday Flashback posts are open to unlimited comments, and unmoderated back-and-forth dialogue. Have at it on Fridays at noon! For every other “06880” post: Please use common sense, and common courtesy. Thank you!
For as long as the Levitt Pavilion has hosted a Big Name for its annual fundraiser, they’ve tried to get Bonnie Raitt.
Last night, they did.
The 13-time Grammy-winning singer-songwriter/Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member/guitarist whom B.B. King called “the best damn slide player working today” thrilled a sold-out crowd, on a humid but gorgeous evening.
Backed by musicians she’s worked with for decades, the 76-year-old showcased her wide range of guitar and vocal talents, blending rock, blues, country and folk. She even took a turn on keyboard.
The Levitt has welcomed stars like Willie Nelson, John Fogerty, Cyndi Lauper, Smokey Robinson, Chuck Berry, the Tedeschi Trucks Band, and many more.
At last, they’ve added Bonnie Raitt to the list.
Bonnie Raitt, at the Levitt Pavilion. (Photo/Dan Woog)
A few hours earlier, Westporters took advantage of perfect summer weather to head to Compo.
Longtime beachgoers have noticed an increase in the number of people who actually leave the shore, and go in the water (one of the primary functions of a beach, after all). Sandbars created by recent storms have made it easier to wade out.
This was the mid-afternoon scene. It’s one of the reasons we live here — and love it so much.
Thanks to William Weiss, for this classic mid-summer view:
(Photo/William Weiss)
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Richard Fogel continues to document the renovation of the Staples High School tennis courts.
Today’s photos show the removal of a number of fir trees, between the parking lot and the courts themselves.
Trees have been removed from between the parking lot (left) and tennis courts (right)
View from the top of the Staples “hill” parking lot. Tennis courts are in foreground; trees that have been removed are center rear. (Photos/Richard Fogel)
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The next Executive Networking Series — set for August 27 (6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Nômade), is for the dogs.
The event — bringing business owners, executives, entrepreneurs and local leaders together, while introducing companies to non-profit organizations — highlights the Pet Animal Welfare Society (PAWS0.
It’s a familiar feeling for parents of young kids.
You see a social media post about a street fair, musical event or other fun event — after the fact.
How could I have missed that? you wonder.
A better question is: How can I keep up with everything going on around here?
The answer is easy: Get Kindo.
The website (ourkindo.com) and social media platform (@ourkindo) is your go-to spot to find family activities, events and places, across Fairfield County and into New Haven.
It’s free (and ad-free).
And — here’s the secret sauce — it’s filterable.
Want to find something to do with art, science, water, sports or nature? Choose whichever categories you care about. Ignore the rest.
Other filters include dates, cost or free, and age (0-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12).
Kindo is the brainchild of Dörte Inett. The Hamburg, Germany native came to New York in 2015, for her husband’s job. They were young and childless.
Dörte Inett
As often happens, the arrival of children brought moves: first to Brooklyn, then the ‘burbs.
They knew exactly 2 families in Westport, but fell in love with the town. They arrived in 2020, just before COVID. “We were so lucky,” Dörte notes.
With the pandemic raging, it was difficult to meet people. The best opportunities came through daycare, and a network of German expats.
When the world opened up again, Dörte realized the difficulty of finding — and then sorting through — the many activities for families.
In addition to raising her sons (now 6 and 4), she was managing e-commerce sites for web businesses. As a sideline, she began developing Kindo.
“It was part selfish,” she admits. “I’d be its number one user.”
Dörte Inett, her husband Tom, and sons Finn (left) and Noah.
She was fortunate to work on it one long day, with few interruptions. It came at the Stamford courthouse, waiting until 4 p.m. for a jury duty call that never came.
Friends and family provided feedback and suggestions.
Kindo — the name works on several levels, including “kinder,” which is German for “children”; it’s pronounced “kindoo,” suggesting “doing” something — launched in June.
It’s comprehensive, offering activities at museums, aquariums, libraries and zoos, along with hikes, story times, crafts classes, street fairs, playgrounds and more. On any weekend, Kindo lists scores of events.
“There are already great local resources out there,” Dörte says. “But they’re just lists. I wanted Kindo to let you filter by what your family actually needs.”
Kindo categories …
Many of the listings are pulled in and organized by AI. Dörte provides the important human-touch. “Some of what AII thinks is ‘family friendly’ really is not,” she explains.
She’s kept it ad-free “to be genuinely helpful.” She has no plans to monetize it (or leave her full-time job).
She’s marketed Kindo through chat groups, asking users to pass it along to their networks.
… and drilling down, with filters …
Less than 2 months in, the word is getting out. At last week’s StartUp Westport summer social, she explained what she does to a small group.
(“06880” regularly spotlights children’s activities in Westport — and the Westporters who make them happen. If you like stories like this, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
But the small tunnels, carrying water from streams or ponds underneath roads and railways, are a prominent feature of Westport.
Last week’s Photo Challenge showed one. Guesses were all over the map — literally. Riverside Avenue? Kings Highway North? Sherwood Mill Pond?
Nope. Nope. And nope.
This one — photographed by Janine Scotti — is near Gorham Island, off Parker Harding Plaza. (Click here to see.)
It’s a little bit of (semi-) nature, in the heart of downtown.
It’s a good reminder: Keep an eye out for culverts. They’re all over the place. They perform important functions.
And, in the case of one wrong guess — the one near the Mill Pond — you can even use it to kayak all the way to Burying Hill Beach.
Here’s this week’s Photo Challenge. If you know where in Westport you’d see this, click “Comments” below.
(Photo/John Maloney)
(Every Sunday, “06880” hosts this Photo Challenge. We challenge you too to support your hyper-local blog. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)
The first comes from the Sandbar. The new (and highly regarded) Compo Beach concessionaire has posted a sign at the register, warning that the birds may swoop down and snatch your food.
(Photo/Dan Woog)
Perhaps they need to be more visible. Leigh Gage writes: “My husband and I bought sandwiches. We took them over to ‘sunset beach,’ found an empty table and sat down.
“I noticed large seagulls. They seemed agitated.
“The tray with the sandwiches was right in front of me, I turned my head toward our cooler. A seagull swooped down and grabbed my sandwich, which was maybe 1 foot from me. I yelled, but it was gone in a flash.
“The seagulls continued to stay close. I threw a stone at one who was acting too aggressively for my taste.
“Later on, a seagull landed on the table next to ours — eyeing our food. They spoiled our dinner.”
Two Connecticut theater teachers took their classes to Moscow and Crimea in 2014, just before the Russian invasion.
They worked with and befriended students in Crimea, and stayed in touch throughout the last 12 yeas of war. The result is a play by Nancy Herman and Lynda Sorensen that uses the actual voices of Americans, Russians and Ukrainians in correspondence, to bear witness to the fighting.
Since the discovery of the first exoplanet in 1992, research has grown exponentially. So far, over 6,000 exoplanets have been discovered.
Michael Telesco helps uncover faint transits in the Kepler data. He has found over 30 exoplanets — 2 of them in the habitable zones of their stars.
And he is still just a teenager.
On August 18 (8 p.m.), the Stanford University incoming freshman discusses “Discovery of the First Solar System-like Planetary System Architecture” at the Westport Astronomical Society (182 Bayberry Lane). The recent New Canaan High School graduate is a WAS member.
And finally … speaking of the birds that steal meals at the beach (story above):
(Unlike certain birds, “06880” does not take. We give — information, insights, inspiration, and much more. But we do rely on you to give us support. Please click here to show this blog some love. Thanks!)
It’s an increasingly common scene in Westport: a dog on a leash.
But not in Winslow Park, on a sidewalk, or Soundview Drive (skirting by centimeters the no-dogs-on-the-beach rule).
These pooches are in indoor spaces: the post office. Downtown stores. Markets.
Westporters are noticing. A few readers contacted “06880,” asking about the trend.
Shopping at Trader Joe’s.
They raise interesting questions.
Why are more people bringing dogs into spaces they’d never take them before?
Where and how do owners’ rights intersect with the rights of others to be in a dog-free zone? (A related issue: What about people who for whatever reason don’t like — or are scared of — dogs? Including children?)
Do any laws — either actual or social — regulate when, where and why a dog can or should be in a public space?
Dog stories are catnip for “06880” readers. We know there will be many comments. Please keep them civil. Dogs can’t read, but their owners — and non-owners — can. We’re all neighbors.
We’ll fetch all the replies, and report back soon.
(If it’s happening in Westport — or people here are talking about it — you’ll find it on “06880.” But we can’t do this without readers’ help. support. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
When it comes to safe bike riding practices, kids may not always listen to their parents.
But if it means free ice cream … well, now you’re talking.
The Westport Police Department, Westport Youth Commission and Sunny Daes have partnered on an initiative to reward good biking habits.
Officers will keep an eye out for young bicyclists who follow essential rules, like:
Always wearing a helmet
Riding safely and smartly
Being responsible.
Young riders “caught” practicing safe habits will receive a special reward voucher. Each card can be redeemed at Sunny Daes for free kiddie cone or cup.
Now, if anyone can convince another local business to do the same for adults — in bikes and cars …
There is life after the Planning & Zoning Commission.
In 2021 Chip Stephens — a native Westporter, 1973 Staples High School graduate and longtime civic volunteer — surprised many here.
After 3 terms on the P&Z (including a stint as chair); service on the Superstorm Sandy Recovery Regulation Committee; preservation efforts for Bedford Elementary School (now Town Hall), Cockenoe Island and open space; a run for state representative, and coaching Staples wrestling, and PAL football, basketball and baseball, he headed north.
For 5 years, Chip was code enforcement officer, plumbing inspector, and Department of Environmental Protection and health official for Readfield and Wayne, Maine — 2 towns northwest of Augusta.
Now, he’s launched a new business. Kennebec Shore and Land Use Consulting helps property owners navigate shoreland zoning, permit applications, board presentations and regulations — “clearly and efficiently,” Chip says.
For decades in Westport, Chip was the man to call with land use questions and concerns.
Now central Maine residents can do the same. With — as always — a response that is professional, fast and (even) fun.
Chip Stephens. He seldom wore a tie in Westport. He’s probably never worn one in Maine.
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It doesn’t quite rise to the level of “Unsung Hero.”
But Jonathan Alloy sends along a social media post, from the mother of a young child. He’d lost his favorite blankie at the beach. She described it, and said, “If you find it PLEASE let me know. PLEASE PLEASE.”
Donna Stark did.
But, the mother said, there were other heroes too. “EVERYONE walking the beach was so kind and helpful. Someone else found it first and put it on a bench. So whoever that was is also our hero!”
Click here to help support “06880” via credit card or PayPal. Any amount is welcome, appreciated — and tax-deductible! Reader contributions keep this blog going. (Alternate methods: Please send a check to “06880”: PO Box 744, Westport, CT 06881. Or use Venmo: @blog06880. Or Zelle: dwoog@optonline.net. Thanks!)
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Roundup: “06880” Comments, Bonnie Raitt, Tennis Court Trees …
The “06880” Comments section has occasionally gone off the rails.
It belongs to all readers — not just a few, who veer off topic or use it to communicate with each other.
Effectively immediately, we’re instituting a few new rules:
A limit of 3 comments (1 initial one, and 2 replies) per thread. This is down from the previous 5. Think before posting: Is this really worth using one of my 3 comments for? (NOTE: This rule can be waived by the executive editor, for truly worthwhile, in-depth and/or serious topics.)
All comments must be directed to all readers. Offer your thoughts to the topic at hand. Do not engage in back-and-forth with 1 or 2 readers. If you do address a specific reader, this is acceptable: “Susie, I’d like to know more about why you think xxxxx. Have you considered yyyy?” Unacceptable: “Sally, were you the person who did xxxx and yyyy?” If you’d like to correspond directly with another commenter, please send me an email. I’ll forward it to that person.
One exception to the above rules: Our Friday Flashback posts are open to unlimited comments, and unmoderated back-and-forth dialogue. Have at it on Fridays at noon! For every other “06880” post: Please use common sense, and common courtesy. Thank you!
==================================================
For as long as the Levitt Pavilion has hosted a Big Name for its annual fundraiser, they’ve tried to get Bonnie Raitt.
Last night, they did.
The 13-time Grammy-winning singer-songwriter/Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member/guitarist whom B.B. King called “the best damn slide player working today” thrilled a sold-out crowd, on a humid but gorgeous evening.
Backed by musicians she’s worked with for decades, the 76-year-old showcased her wide range of guitar and vocal talents, blending rock, blues, country and folk. She even took a turn on keyboard.
The Levitt has welcomed stars like Willie Nelson, John Fogerty, Cyndi Lauper, Smokey Robinson, Chuck Berry, the Tedeschi Trucks Band, and many more.
At last, they’ve added Bonnie Raitt to the list.
Bonnie Raitt, at the Levitt Pavilion. (Photo/Dan Woog)
==================================================
A few hours earlier, Westporters took advantage of perfect summer weather to head to Compo.
Longtime beachgoers have noticed an increase in the number of people who actually leave the shore, and go in the water (one of the primary functions of a beach, after all). Sandbars created by recent storms have made it easier to wade out.
This was the mid-afternoon scene. It’s one of the reasons we live here — and love it so much.
(Photo/Dorothy Robertshaw)
==================================================
Speaking of Compo: We’ve got a new “06880” header, on our desktop and laptop platforms.
Thanks to William Weiss, for this classic mid-summer view:
(Photo/William Weiss)
=================================================
Richard Fogel continues to document the renovation of the Staples High School tennis courts.
Today’s photos show the removal of a number of fir trees, between the parking lot and the courts themselves.
Trees have been removed from between the parking lot (left) and tennis courts (right)
View from the top of the Staples “hill” parking lot. Tennis courts are in foreground; trees that have been removed are center rear. (Photos/Richard Fogel)
=================================================
The next Executive Networking Series — set for August 27 (6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Nômade), is for the dogs.
The event — bringing business owners, executives, entrepreneurs and local leaders together, while introducing companies to non-profit organizations — highlights the Pet Animal Welfare Society (PAWS0.
The series is a partnership between VTB Financial and Prestige Cabinetry & Design LLC. Click here for tickets, and more information.
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Sure, we understand that registration for Westport Weston Family YMCA programs have already begun.
And yeah, it’s kind of cute that the Y’s promotion includes an orange-clad family, with cute little jack-o-lantern outfits.
But adding a paper pumpkins throughout the building is a bit much.
Dude, it’s August 10th.
(Photo/Dan Woog)
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We’ve gotten a lot of deer photos lately, for our “Westport … Naturally” series.
Sometimes, there are 2 in the shot.
Seeing 3 — including a fawn — is a rarity.
Dalton Delan captured this early morning “breakfast” yesterday, on Spicer Road.
(Photo/Dalton Delan)
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And finally … speaking of the tennis courts (item above):
(Anyone for tennis? How about anyone for clicking here to support “06880,” your hyper-love blog? We’d “love” that. Thank you!)
9 Comments
Posted in Categories, Entertainment, Environment, Staples HS, YMCA
Tagged "06880" comments, Bonnie Raitt, business networking, Levitt Pavilion, PAWS, Staples High School tennis courts