We work hard. Many of us put in far more than 40 hours a week. Many of us work on weekends (and holidays).
For some Westporters, this is a day at the office.
Yet still, our time is largely our own.
We don’t have a set schedule. We don’t “clock in,” or fill out time sheets.
Importantly, we’re not limited to 2 weeks’ vacation a year (plus holidays).
If we want to spend an afternoon at a charity golf tournament, leave on Friday for our kid’s soccer tournament, or take a morning yoga class at the Y, we do it.
Like many Americans, we have family responsibilities — caring for an elderly parent, picking up a sick child at school, taking the dog to the vet — along with our own eye exams, root canals and therapist appointments.
It’s not easy. Balancing all the demands of modern life makes us feel like the guy in the circus spinning plates.
But for many of us, privileged enough to live in Westport or Weston, we do all those things without worrying about how it will affect our jobs.
Or whether our boss, manager or company policy will not let us do it at all.
So today — Labor Day — let’s be grateful for all the opportunities we have, in the “labor force.”
Let’s honor all those who do unpaid labor — the moms and dads who, thanks to a high-earning spouse, have the good fortune to spend time at home with their kids as they grow.
Let’s think too about all the men and women in Westport, and far beyond, for whom Labor Day is a much-needed day off.
And let’s think especially about those who are working right now, on this holiday honoring workers. From supermarkets and drug stores, to hospitals and Police, Fire and EMS departments — and so many more — we need you.
Submissions are pouring in for today’s “Day in the Life of Westport” project.
From midnight through 11:59 p.m. today — and only today — residents are encouraged to take, and submit, up to 3 photos, showcasing anything at all about this Sunday in our town.
People, places, events, homes, yards, sports, work, parties, streets, woods, beaches — whatever you’re doing or seeing today can be part of this community endeavor.
The first photo submitted today was this sunrise. (Photo/Elisa Martin)
They’ll become part of an online community archive and digital image library (and featured on “06880”).
Organizers also plan to create a large photographic mosaic incorporating every submission, with selected images potentially featured in a public exhibition, commemorative book, and other America 250 legacy projects celebrating Westport’s history and community spirit.
Celia Campbell-Mohn sent in this selfie, with friends.
(“A Day in the Life of Westport” is a collaboration between the Artists Collective of Westport, the League of Women Voters Westport, the David T. Langrock Foundation, and “06880.”)
Miggs Burroughs captured these flags, at Compo Beach.
As expected, last week’s Photo Challenge was tough.
Wendy Crowther’s image of a weather-beaten barn could have been a number of places around town. (Click here to see.)
But it can be seen on a walking path at a place some Westporters visit regularly, and others have never been to: Sherwood Island State Park.
Werner Liepolt explains: “It is an equipment barn on the shore of Sherwood Mill Pond, across the little road from the trailer park set for a Donald Sutherland movie based on a Stephen King short story filmed a couple of years ago.
“I know this portion of the barn because when dogs are allowed into Sherwood Island, Pip walks me by this barn every third walk. (He has 3 chosen routes. Go figure.)
“This is believed to have originated as the stable barn of the Sherwood family farm or estate; a nearby stone building reportedly served as the carriage barn.
“The Sherwoods settled on what was then called Fox Island in 1787. They operated a substantial 19th-century coastal farm, growing onions and potatoes for shipment to New York and running the gristmill at Sherwood Mill Pond. The barn is therefore an important surviving link between Sherwood Island’s agricultural past and its later public use.
“After the state made its first small purchase there in 1914 — the beginning of Connecticut’s state park system — it took a contentious 23-year struggle to secure sufficient land and public access in 1937.
“The old farm buildings were subsequently adapted for park maintenance, equipment storage and staff use. A former employee recalled working around the white barn in the 1960s and ’70s, and even living in it one summer.
“Unfortunately, Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection has classified the barn as structurally deficient and unusable for park operations. Its current restoration program lists demolition of the barn as ‘completed,’ and calls for construction of a new, simple metal vehicle-and-equipment storage building, originally estimated at $400,000.
“If the building in this recent photograph remains standing, DEEP’s notation may be premature, or this may be a surviving section of the larger historic service complex.”
Besides Werner, Jeanine Esposito and Joyce Evans correctly identified last week’s Photo Challenge.
This week’s is below. If you know where in Westport you’d see this, click “Comments” below.
(Photo/Nancy Breakstone)
(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!)
In sustaining objections to Old Mill Grocery & Deli’s use of their 107-year-old property on Hillspoint Road last February, Superior Court Judge Dale Radcliffe said that allowing the sale of alcoholic beverages and outdoor dining in residential zones was “an impermissible expansion of the existing nonconforming uses.”
However, according to attorneys for OMG’s owner, the Soundview Empowerment Alliance, his ruling implied that a different regulation could pass legal muster.
While lawyers pursue an appeal of the Superior Court ruling, they have asked the P&Z to consider a new text amendment.
On September 14 (6 p.m., Zoom), commissioners will hear a proposal from Eric Bernheim to create a new “Food and Beverage Planned Development District, for lots used as grocery stores, delicatessens and Retail Food Establishments; Restaurants and Cafes and taverns.”
This would allow the P&Z to create floating zones for outdoor eating and the sale of alcohol in “pocket zones.” It would apply to establishments like OMG, Gruel Britannia and the Country Store on Wilton Road.
As the 25th anniversary of 9/11 nears, Christ & Holy Trinity Church invites the community to a screening of an important documentary.
Filmed over 5 years, years, “The Trees: Growing a Forest at Ground Zero” shows life returning to Ground Zero. It includes the story of the Survivor Tree, a damaged callery Pear that was the last living thing to come out of the wreckage, and is now an enduring symbol of resiliency for New York City.
The showing (Sunday, September 13, 11 a.m.) will be followed by a conversation with the producer and director, Westporter Scott Elliot.
A new Westport Country Playhouse Script in Hand play reading series begins September 14 (7 p.m.). It could not be more timely.
“The Next Best Thing” is a comedy about the battle between an outspoken, inappropriate grandmother and the “kinder, gentler” AI android duplicate her family builds to replace her when she dies. This play asks the question even ChatGPT can’t answer: Should we embrace what’s difficult about the people we love — or remember only the Next Best Thing?
Looking for a fun afternoon, with competition, food, camaraderie — and a chance to help support a new initiative?
A Better Chance of Westport’s inaugural Cornhole Tournament is set for Saturday, October 3 (11:30 to 3 p.m., Longshore’s Evan Harding Point).
Proceeds will help launch ABC’s College Scholarship Fund. It’s a way to expand their commitment to the scholars they sponsor and support during their time at Staples High School, as they move on to the next chapter of their educational journeys.
There are many ways to help Homes with Hope. And not all of them take place at the men’s and women’s shelters, or the food pantry.
On Saturday, September 26 (8 to 11 a.m., 19 Church Lane), residents are invited to volunteer to pack essential care items. It’s a great family activity — and an excellent way to meet like-minded, caring people.
Click here to register. The event is sponsored by the Westport Downtown Association, FLB Law, David Adam Realty and Willo.
But Long Island Sound is still warm. So was yesterday’s weather.
A good-sized crowd took advantage of both, enjoying the late-summer holiday weekend.
(Photo/Pam Kesselman)
(Photo/Ed Simek)
The sun will be out this afternoon, and tomorrow. A high of 71 is predicted for today. Tomorrow it will warm up to 78.
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Hollywood Nights brought great energy — and great Bob Seger tunes — to the Levitt Pavilion last night.
Summer vibes continue this coming week with 3 free shows: ever-popular DNR (the almost all-doctor rock band; Thursday, September 10, 7:30 p.m.), in their annual tribute to EMS and first responders; the equally popular Sweet Remains (Saturday, September 12, 7:30 p.m.) and the Brian López Electric Trio (Sunday, September 13, 7 p.m.).
Channeling Bob Seger at the Levitt. (Photo copyright DinkinESH Fotografix)
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Former Westport resident William Luedke IV died August 20. He was 74.
After growing up in Schenectady, New York and Danville, illinoise, Will’s family moved here in 1968. He spent 7 summers as a Compo Beach lifeguard, rising to director of beaches in 1975. Compo was always one of his favorite places.
Will graduated from Williams College in 1974 cum laude, with honors in history. At Vanderbilt University School of Law, he was a member of the Law Review. He met Carolyn, his wife of 47 years, there.
Will joined Bracewell & Patterson in Houston, and helped build their financial institutions practice. For many years they were one of the nation’s most active firms in back mergers and acquisitions.
He was also a trustee at Wayland Academy, his alma mater. He also served on the board and executive committee of the Independent School Chairperson’s Association.
Retirement in 2019 offered Will more time for his vast book collection. He also loved to cook, run (he was Bracewell’s race winner for 8 years), play golf, grow herbs, collect art and play guitar.
Will is survived by his wife Carolyn; daughter, Hannah (Siddharth), brother Fred Fritz of Dallas; sister Ann Luedke Lobdell of Stonington, Connecticut; and 3 nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held October 1 (11 a.m.First Presbyterian Church, Houston).
In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made in Will’s memory to Wayland Academy, (Attn: Advancement Office, 101 N University Ave., Beaver Dam, WI 53916).
Will Luedke
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Nature takes many forms, as our “Westport … Naturally” photo feature often shows.
Sunil Hirani spotted this colorful arrangement on Soundview Drive:
(Some things are worth waiting for. But supporting “06880” is not one of them. We rely on readers to keep us going. Please click here to help. And, um, we hope you’ll do it today. Thank you!)
Smartphones, point-and-shoots, huge ones with lenses the size of howitzers — everyone’s got at least one camera.
Today, use yours. All across town, folks will shoot images. Together, we’ll immortalize September 6 forever.
All day long, every Westporter is invited to help create a one-of-a-kind portrait of our town. We’ll do it by taking a photograph that captures one real moment from our day.
Whether it’s a sunrise at Compo Beach, breakfast with family, volunteering at a community event, working (yeah, even on a Sunday), walking the dog, cheering from the sidelines or enjoying a quiet moment at home, every image will become part of a collective portrait of Westport.
“A Day in the Life of Westport” is a collaboration between the Artists Collective of Westport, the League of Women Voters Westport, the David T. Langrock Foundation, and “06880.”
As part of Westport’s America 250 celebration, the project will document our town in its everyday rhythms, creating a lasting record of who we are as a community in this semiquincentennial year.
Inspired by the classic Life magazine photo essays documenting “A Day in the Life of America,” the project invites residents of every age to photograph one moment today. Then submit it online, with a brief caption describing what the image means to you.
Collectively, the photographs will become a real-time portrait of Westport, preserving both extraordinary moments and ordinary ones that define daily life.
Miggs Burroughs, a founding member of the Artists Collective, says, “Every individual photograph tells a story. Together, hundreds — perhaps thousands — of photographs become something entirely different: a portrait of Westport itself. The finished mosaic will reveal not only the beauty of our town, but the connections that make us a community.”
Early September will still be warm enough for a sunrise swim … (Photo/Jimmy Izzo)
LWV secretary James Delorey notes, “Westport has always been a community that shows up. Whether it’s volunteering, voting, supporting neighbors or celebrating together, people here take part. ‘A Day in the Life of Westport’ is another opportunity for everyone to help tell the story of this remarkable town.”
League member Andrea Moore adds, “Westport’s story is written by our whole community. ‘A Day in the Life’ invites everyone to share a special moment or a favorite scene from their day. Each photograph captures a part of who we are today, and creates a record that future generations will be able to look back on.”
You can photograph every aspect of community life, including all generations, neighborhoods, occupations, traditions, celebrations, acts of service, family life, recreation, arts, faith, work, and the countless moments that make Westport unique.
,,, and photographers can also capture random kids having moments of fun. (Photo/Dan Woog)
The final collection will reflect the full diversity of the community, and the many different ways people experience the same day.
Photos must be taken today — Sunday, September 6 — and submitted by midnight at dayinthelife2026.artcall.org. The submission website will accept photographs only today!
Each participant may submit up to 3 shots, accompanied by a brief caption describing the moment.
Submitted photographs will become part of an online community archive and digital image library (and featured on “06880”).
Organizers also plan to create a large photographic mosaic incorporating every submission, with selected images potentially featured in a public exhibition, commemorative book, and other America 250 legacy projects celebrating Westport’s history and community spirit.
(“06880” is proud to partner with Westport organizations on this project — and to be your hyper-local blog. We rely on reader support. Please click here to help. Thanks for all you do for us!)
A reminder: Tomorrow (Sunday) is our special “Day in the Life of Westport” day.
Residents of all ages are invited to take up to 3 photos of any kind, illustrating life in Westport. They can be taken anywhere in town, at any time from midnight to 11:59 p.m.
Suggestions include neighborhoods, work, traditions, celebrations, acts of service, family life, recreation, arts, faith — whatever happens on a Westport Sunday.
Submitted photos will become part of an online community archive and digital image library (and featured on “06880”).
Organizers also plan to create a large photographic mosaic incorporating every submission, with selected images potentially featured in a public exhibition and/or commemorative book.
Photos must be taken tomorrow only, then submitted by midnight to dayinthelife2026.artcall.org. The submission website will accept photographs only on the day of the event.
“A Day in the Life of Westport” is a collaboration between the Artists Collective of Westport, the League of Women Voters Westport, the David T. Langrock Foundation, and “06880.”
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Homes with Hope is an avid supporter of “A Day in the Life of Westport.” And to show how many people are involved, they will pose for a photo at 2 p.m. tomorrow, outside the Gillespie Center men’s shelter.
They’ve invited members of the Westport Rotary and Sunrise Rotary Clubs. All volunteers — those who prepare and serve meals, those who donate to the food pantry, etc. — are welcome to join in the photo. Town officials will be there too.
It’s a great way to demonstrate the town’s support for Homes with Hope.
And to be part of the historic “Day in the Life of Westport” too.
Gillespie Center and Hoskins Place will be filled with Homes with Hope staffers and volunteers tomorrow.
Last month, Paulie Veneto began pushing an airline beverage cart in Boston.
The retiree — who was working on September 11, 2001 — is honoring the memory of his colleagues who were killed that day by pushing the cart 210 miles, to Ground Zero in New York.
This is the 5th tribute walk for “Paulie’s Push,” to raise awareness of their heroism in the face of unimaginable danger.
Once again yesterday, the Westport Fire Department offered a welcome pit stop for lunch and hospitality, at their Post Road East headquarters.
Yesterday, his route took him through Westport. He stopped briefly at fire headquarters on the Post Road.
After a brief ceremony, and a meeting with firefighters, he was back on his trek.
At Eno Lane on Saugatuck Avenue, resident Mike Sharpe brought neighbors together to show support and appreciation — and have the honor of helping push the cart.
Carolyn King reports, “It has become a meaningful tradition, and a beautiful reminder of the importance of coming together.”
Paulie will reach in New York by Friday.
Paulie Veneto (white shirt), his cart, and Westport firefighters and officials.
Paulie Veneto and 1st Selectman Kevin Christie push carts down Riverside Avenue.
Hers was at the dump across the Saugatuck River. With the Taylor parking lot dump closed by court order (neighbors complained — that was a thing 70 years ago too), and nowhere to put the quickly growing town’s garbage, the Westport Woman’s Club agreed to allow limited dumping on landfill next to their Imperial Avenue clubhouse, where a new parking lot was being built.
In response to negative public opinion, sportscaster and Westport resident Win Elliot organized an October 1957 event. Vanderbilt presided; there was a grand piano, and a sterling silver tea set.
Elliot said, “At a well-run dump you can hold a tea or a formal ball. There is absolutely no smell.”
A year later, that dump was filled to the height specified in the agreement. The town moved its dump to a site off Saugatuck Avenue.
The Imperial Avenue parking lot has had many uses since: for commuters, as the site of the Remarkable Theater, the Westport Farmers’ Market, and of course the Westport Woman’s Club’s signature event, the Yankee Doodle Fair.
A hat tip to longtime WWC official Dorothy Curran, for setting the record straight.
And not dumping on us for the error.
Imperial Avenue parking lot — and former dump — built on landfill adjacent to the Westport Woman’s Club (white building, center right).
Yesterday’s Westport Sunrise Rotary meeting went to the dogs.
Brute — a Belgian Malinois, and member of the Westport Police Department K-9 corps — was the star of the morning meeting.
He graciously let his handler, Corporal James Loomer, do the talking.
Loomer joined the WPD in 2010. With Brute wagging his tail encouragingly, Loomer discussed his background in K-9 operations, patrol, and narcotics and explosives detection.
Corporal James Loomer, and Brute. (Photo/Katie Augustyn)
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Michal Amzallag has spent her career in banking law, financial crimes and commercial negotiation.
Then she had kids. And she realized no one was teaching them about money. “Understanding money at 8 instead of 28 is the biggest head start anyone gets, and almost nobody does,” she says.
So she is building the courses she kept looking for.
“Compound Kids” is 8 weeks of hands-on money skills, for youngsters age 8 to 13.
They use real money — part of the registration fee — and real activities. There are no worksheets or lectures; just hands-on activities.
There will be 2 courses this winter, at the Westport Library, divided by age (8-10, and 11-13). Click here for more information.
Michal Amzallag
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Speaking of money: We normally would not mention an upcoming meeting of the Pension Investment Committee and 401(k) and Defined Contribution Plan Investment Committee.
They do important work, sure. But it’s not the headline-grabbing, dog park-, athletic field lights- and Saugatuck redevelopment-type work of, say, the Planning & Zoning Commission.
Still, one agenda item from their next session caught our eye: “Aristotle Discussion.”
We got very excited. Would the Pension Investment Committee and 401(k) and the Defined Contribution Committee actually sit around discussing the Greek philosopher’s thoughts on formal logic and syllogisms?
Nope.
Turns out Aristotle is a family of mutual funds.
We learn something new every day.
Or, as a famous Greek philosopher once said, “All men by nature desire to know.”
Aristotle, the mutual funds guy.
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Speaking of meetings: The Blight Prevention Board meets September 10 (7 p.m.; Zoom).
Mihali made a triumphant return to the Levitt Pavilion last night. Their 11th show at the outdoor theater may have been their best yet.
Tonight (Saturday, 7 p.m.), Hollywood Nights brings their acclaimed Bob Seger Experience to Westport. Click here for tickets.
Summer vibes continue this coming week with 3 free shows: ever-popular DNR (the almost all-doctor rock band; Thursday, September 10, 7:30 p.m.), in their annual tribute to EMS and first responders; the equally popular Sweet Remains (Saturday, September 12, 7:30 p.m.) and the Brian López Electric Trio (Sunday, September 13, 7 p.m.).
Familiar scenes lead off this week’s online art gallery. (Though one may be familiar only to longtime Westporters.)
Yet whether you’re an old-timer or newcomer: This is your space. And we want your work.
No matter your age; the style or subject you choose — and whether you’re a first-timer or old-timer — we want your submissions. Watercolors, oils, charcoal, pen-and-ink, acrylics, mixed media, digital, lithographs, collages, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage, needlepoint — we want whatever you’ve got.
Just email a JPG to 06880blog@gmail.com. And please include the medium you’re working in.
Untitled (Duane Cohen — Available for purchase; click here)
Untitled (Eric Bosch)
Untitled (John Maloney)
“The Power of Patience” — textured photography (Patricia McMahon — Available for purchase; click here)
“Fanciful Flower” (Bonnie Scott Connolly)
“Floating” — Monhegan Island — photograph (Jerry Kuyper — Available for purchase; click here)
“Sunset Reflection” — acrylic on canvas (Dorothy Robertshaw — Available for purchase; click here)
“I LOVE YOU Baaa-beee!!” (Mike Hibbard)
“Gone Fishing” (Martin Ripchick)
“They Just Aren’t Talking Anymore! Series 1” — watercolor (Steve Stein)
“Potter” (Lawrence Weisman)
(Entrance is free to our online art gallery –as it has been for 6 years. But please consider an anniversary donation! Just click here — and thank you!)
Every Monday, “06880” features 4 “Then & Now” homes: one that was torn down, and the home that replaced it.
There are many reasons why new owners opt for new construction. The house they bought may not fit their needs. It may be too small, architecturally outdated, or lacking modern amenities.
But there’s another reason: It was not maintained well.
For sellers who hope their home survives the wrecking ball, that’s one variable they can control.
Our friends at KMS Team at Compass know all about maintaining a home. They say:
Westport’s teardown issue isn’t just about developers. Deferred maintenance plays a role, too.
Plenty of buyers appreciate older homes, and see them as a more affordable way into town. But when years of deferred maintenance add up, renovating may no longer make financial sense, and the value shifts to the land.
Taking care of our older homes helps preserve the character of Westport, and gives the next buyer a reason to renovate rather than tear down.
Maintenance is preservation. Homeowners who consistently care for the fundamentals of an older home give future buyers the option to renovate and preserve it, rather than making the land itself the property’s greatest value. The goal is not to make an older home new. It is to keep it healthy.
This 1939 River Lane home has been expanded to 6 bedrooms. Its architectural details have been well maintained.
Maintaining a home does not mean constantly renovating it, or having the latest kitchen and bathrooms. It means taking care of the bones of the house — the roof, foundation, drainage, electrical, plumbing, heating and cooling systems, chimney, septic or sewer connection, and environmental and safety issues.
Cosmetic updates are relatively easy for a buyer to envision. What can become overwhelming is a house with years of deferred maintenance. An older kitchen can be charming; a failing roof, water intrusion, outdated electrical system and neglected mechanicals are much harder to overlook.
Buyers are much more willing to work with an older home when they believe the underlying house is sound.
We see buyers who genuinely appreciate Westport’s Capes, ranches and older colonials. They may be perfectly happy renovating a kitchen, opening up a floor plan or adding a primary suite. But when they start adding up a new roof, windows, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, drainage, mold remediation and structural work, the economics can quickly change.
At some point buyers stop asking, “How can I make this house my own?” and start asking, “Does it make more sense to start over?” That’s often how a perfectly appealing older home becomes viewed primarily for its land.
Owners should think of home maintenance as an ongoing program — not something to address right before selling.
This High Gate Road home looks fresh and appealing.
Start with the basics: Clean your gutters, keep water away from the house, address leaks immediately, service HVAC equipment, inspect the roof and chimney, maintain septic systems where applicable, watch for rot and insect damage, and periodically evaluate plumbing and electrical systems.
Keep trees and vegetation from damaging the house. Pay attention to basements and crawl spaces for moisture.
Save invoices, permits, warranties and information about major improvements. When it comes time to sell, being able to show buyers that a home has been consistently cared for creates confidence.
Fall is a good time to address maintenance issues. Focus on gutters and drainage, roof and chimney condition, heating system servicing, exterior wood and trim, tree limbs near the house, outdoor faucets and irrigation, and identifying any areas where water or ice could cause damage over the winter.
If you’re thinking about selling but have not done much maintenance, there are several steps to take. But putting money into cosmetic renovations before addressing deferred maintenance can be the wrong investment.
Don’t assume you need to renovate everything. First, look at the house the way a buyer and home inspector will. Identify significant structural, mechanical, environmental and safety issues first. Then prioritize the items most likely to frighten buyers, or make the cost of owning the house feel unpredictable.
A homeowner preparing to sell might be much better served spending money correcting water intrusion, repairing a roof, addressing electrical or plumbing concerns, servicing mechanical systems, removing mold or repairing exterior rot than installing a brand-new kitchen that the next owner may replace anyway.
Real estate agents can also help homeowners prioritize. The objective is to determine which improvements will give buyers confidence that the house is worth preserving.
(“06880” reports often on all aspects of Westport’s real estate market. If you enjoy our coverage — or anything else on our hyper-local blog — please click here, to support our work. Thank you!)
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