Winslow Park is Westport’s — maybe Fairfield County’s — favorite dog park.
Before its most recent run though, it was other things: a sanitarium (for half a century) — and before that, one of the most elegant estates in town (here’s looking at you, State Senator Henry Richard Winslow, and your wife Mary).
Where not sure when, why or by whom a wrought iron fence was erected on the Compo Road North side of the property.
But it sure looks like it’s been there a while. It was the subject of last week’s Photo Challenge (click here to see).
Nearly every reader who responded nailed it: Marilyn Alger, Rachel Sara Halperin, Ed Simek, Morgan Eklund, Jonathan McClure, Seth Braunstein, Martha Witte, Lynn Untermeyer Miller and Clark Thiemann.
There were only a couple of errant guesses (Haskins Preserve, and Christ & Holy Trinity Church). Good ideas — but not the right fence.
Meanwhile, we head into the dog days of summer with this week’s challenge:
(Photo/John Maloney)
If you know where in Westport you’d see this, click “Comments” below.
(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 only thing better than watching a World Cup final in person is being part of a watch party, joined by tons of other soccer fans.
Most of us have not shelled out our mortgage for a seat (plus parking!) at MetLife Stadium, for today’s Spain-Argentina clash.
Instead, we can head to the Westport Library. They host a (free!) afternoon of “Where Westport Meets the World Cup”: the final match, and more.
The Library opens at 1 p.m., for Panini card trading.
From 1:30 to 2:30, Westport soccer folks — including Dan Woog, Chris O’Dell, Paddy Donovan, Joe Pierce and Clemson coach Mike Noonan (video) — will tell stories about their experiences with The Beautiful Game.
At 3 p.m., the match will be shown on the Trefz Forum’s giant screen (the pre-game show will begin at 2:30). The audience here will join billions of others around the globe.
Oh, yeah: There’s Riko’s pizza too (courtesy of “06880”).
Wear your jersey. Bring your friends. See you today at the Library!
On Friday, “06880” noted that in April, 1st Selectman Kevin Christie said he’d appoint a Cribari Bridge Advisory Committee.
He responded yesterday to our query about its status: “The Cribari Bridge Advisory Committee has not yet been formed. I am continuing to work on its composition and charge, and will provide an update when those details are finalized.
“There have not been any significant recent developments in conversations between the Town and state Department of Transportation. DOT is aware of Westport’s collective focus on safety in the area of the bridge and beyond.”
Dick Fincher’s family, friends and neighbors remembered the former Tree Board chair and Lillian Wadsworth Arboretum visionary yesterday.
A plaque honoring Fincher — a longtime Westporter who died in 2024, at 86 — was unveiled near the entrance to the 12-acre park, at the corner of Stony Brook Road and Woodside Lane. It contains one of his favorite quotes about trees.
Fincher lived across the street. Representative Town Meeting member Lou Mall, who worked with Fincher to turn the overgrown property into a beautiful area with woods and hiking areas, spoke about Fincher’s contributions to the neighborhood and town.
Mall hailed Dick Stein, several RTM colleagues, the Tree Board, former 1st selectpersons Jim Marpe and Jen Tooker, and tree warden Bruce Lindsay, for all they did to carry out Fincher’s vision.
Lou Mall (far right) speaks at the Dick Fincher plaque dedication.
Mall recalled the history of the Woodside Lane land. Wadsworth donated much of it to Earthplace, along with 12 acres to the town, for a new school. But there was not enough room for that building, so it lay forgotten, unused and unmaintained, until Fincher prodded the town to act.
Fincher’s son Doug and wife Dottie also spoke about Fincher’s legacy. The Lillian Wadsworth Arboretum is open sunrise to sunset. Click here for more information.
Town officials, at the new plaque honoring Dick Fincher: From left: RTM members Jay Keenan and Chris Tait, Parks & Recreation Commission chair David Floyd, RTM members Jimmy Izzo and Lou Mall, former 1st Selectman Jim Marpe, former Earthplace director Tony McDowell, former 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker.
Dottie Fincher, with her sons and grandsons. (All photos/Dan Woog)
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Players from Staples High School’s state championship soccer teams of 1981 and ’82 have remained close.
Many still live in the area. And — more than 4 decades later — they still work out together.
Seen Saturday at TAP Strength in downtown Westport, with (at bottom, in photo below) owner EJ Zebro (a former soccer player himself) were (from left) Mike Brown, Guy Claveloux, Dan Donovan and Todd Coleman.
Speaking of sports: Westport has a new non-operative musculoskeletal care facility.
CT Sports Recovery at 215 Main Street calls itself “the only clinic in Fairfield County offering focused shockwave technology, Unlike traditional radial shockwave systems, focused shockwave delivers energy to precise tissue depths, making it a valuable option for chronic tendon injuries, calcific tendinopathy, plantar fasciitis, joint pain, and other musculoskeletal conditions.”
Founders Dr. Michael Betler and his wife Dr. Anupama Kurra urge clients to “support the body’s natural healing processes through evidence-based, non-invasive therapies before considering more invasive interventions whenever appropriate.”
Their goal is to complement traditional medical care. They serve athletes, active adults, post-operative patients, people with chronic orthopedic conditions, and anyone seeking non-surgical solutions to improve function and reduce pain. Click here for more information.
And while you’re at it, consider a donation to WVEMS. Many residents don’t realize they pay for everything — from ambulances to Band-Aids — themselves.
There are many worthy causes and organizations in Westport. Few are as life-changing — and life-saving — as this.
Today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured photo shows what Ed Simek believes is a yellow crowned night heron. He spotted this handsome bird — which he had not seen before — at Burying Hill Beach.
(Photo/Ed Simek)
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And finally … who will win today’s World Cup final?
We have no idea. That’s why they play the game.
In the meantime:
(And finally … no matter what happens today in New Jersey, you’re always a winner when you check out “06880.” And you’re a true champion if you click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Generations of Westport families knew Amy Lamb as a creative and caring Green’s Farms Nursery School teacher.
Many others knew her for Color Factory — an after-school and summer camp program — or as an aerobics instructor and Staples High cheerleading coach.
All of that followed her original career, working in book design for Random House and as a freelancer. During 34 years in Westport she also found time to raise 3 sons — Brandon, Trevor and Matt — with her late husband Greg.
Amy Lamb
Amy lives in Florida now. She has 7 grandchildren. But she’s embarked on a new act — one that ties together her loves of art, teaching and family.
For years, Amy thought about writing a children’s book. She had a vision for it — a curious mouse named Cooper — but considered herself an “art person,” not an author.
It took 20 years to turn her idea into reality. “Life got in the way,” she says. “And I was never sure where Cooper was going.”
Eventually Amy drew the entire book, with acrylics. She added the text later.
Cooper is “small, brave and adventurous,” Amy explains. He’s someone “kids can relate to.”
The book is called “Uh Oh Cooper.” “Kids say ‘uh oh’ a lot,” Amy notes. She expects they’ll say “uh oh” as they try to figure out Cooper’s next adventure.
There are several blank pages at the end, for young readers to draw whatever they think Cooper does next. “That’s the teacher in me,” Amy says.
The process was exhilarating. “I feel like Grandma Moses,” she says. “I think, ‘I really did this!'”
Despite her publishing background, Amy realizes the world has changed. Self-publishing is the way to go. She’s done it all — drawing, writing, uploading, producing, marketing — herself.
“I’ve been surrounded by books all my life,” Amy says.
“My grandfather was a book binder. My dad was in the paper business. He’d be proud of me.” (Her father’s cousin was Ben Shahn, so there’s art in her family too.)
Cooper seems to be clicking with young readers. Amy is getting emails, texts — even old-fashioned letters — including ideas of what Cooper will do next.
What will Cooper do next?
“It’s been fun connecting with children again,” the first-time author says. “And it’s fun that they’re thinking about new adventures. Cooper is much more than just a cute little mouse.”
The book has also stirred something in Amy. She wants to paint every day. And it’s helped her connect with many people from her past, including friends from high school, college, and her 3-plus decades in Westport.
“They all adore Cooper,” she says. “And they want more.”
Uh oh, Cooper.
You’re not done yet!
(Every Westporter has a story — and “06880” tells them all. If you enjoy this, or anything else about our hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
For the 2nd year in a row, it’s earned All-American Post status.
The recognition, from the Veterans of Foreign Wars Department of Connecticut, honors the 106-year-old post’s commitment to serving veterans and the community.
All-American VFW posts demonstrate outstanding leadership, excellence in advancing the VFW’s core programs, meaningful service and sustained membership growth.
Post 399 quartermaster Phil Delgado calls the honor “a testament to the volunteers, members and partners who support our mission of serving veterans and our community.” To learn more about the Westport VFW, click here.
Ellen Harvey’s powerful, evocative works — dozens of “lost places,” from Ebbets Field and the Sutro Baths to the Remarkable Book Shop, Allen’s Clam House, the Cedar Brook Café and Bloodroot — formed the backdrop for an intriguing evening Thursday at MoCA\CT.
Harvey joined “06880” founder Dan Woog and Westport preservationist Ed Gerber in a wide-ranging discussion of the meaning of lost places, the importance of remembering them, and the meaning of absence.
Audience members participated avidly, recalling many parts of Westport’s past: restaurants like the Arrow, Ships and Big Top; stores like Klein’s, Selective Eye and Sally’s Place; Arnie’s Place, movie theaters and all of downtown, and much more.
From left: Ed Gerber, Dan Woog, Ellen Harvey … (Photo/Dave Matlow)
Each generation remembers the past differently, the panelists said, as they explored the meaning of memory, and the realities of the past and future.
Noting the inclusion of 4 local “lost places,” Harvey said, “I love that when this show travels next, it will bring a little piece of Westport with it.”
The program was sponsored by the CORA Foundation, the private foundation founded by philanthropist, travel business owner and advocate for culture and sustainability Robin Tauck.
CORA will sponsor 4 events in conjunction with the current MoCA exhibit, “Looking for History.” The next is Thursday, July 23 (6 p.m.)A : “Architectural Elegy: A Mourning Ritual for Lost Spaces.” Click here for details, and tickets.
… and Ellen Harvey, in front of her artwork. (Photo/Lewis Derogene)
Also on Thursday: Nina Bentley was interviewed by fellow Westport artist Mark Yurkiw at the Westport Center for Senior Activities. Her humorously innovative exhibits of “typewriter art sculpture,” “Shoes” and “Marriage” is on display there throughout July.
Bentley, served as a Westport Arts Center board member, helped found the Westport Arts Collective, and is active with the Silvermine Guild Arts Center.
Nina Bentley and Mark Yurkiw. (Photo/Dave Matlow)
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On Thursday too, Eleish Van Breems Home hosted the most recent Westport Pride gathering.
Members of the LGBTQ community and allies enjoyed food from Nômade (across the street), and drinks from Black Bear Wine & Spirits.
The next social event is at Yuzu.
Westport Pride member, and friend. (Photo/Bethany Eppner)
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Many great scientists are also passionate musicians. (Far less often, the other way around).
On Tuesday (July 21, 8 p.m., Westport Observatory), Stephon Alexander will discuss “Cosmic Sound: the Emergence of Structure in the Universe.”
The director of the Center for Theoretical Physics and Innovation at Brown University revisits the interconnection between music, the evolution of astrophysics, and the origin of large scale structure in the universe.
He’ll explore new ways that music mirrors modern physics, like quantum mechanics, general relativity, and the physics of the early universe.
Yesterday’s Roundup included a photo of a sign from Turkey Hill Road South: Audrey Hepburn, warning drivers to “Slow Down.”
(Photo/Chris Grimm)
Pretty random, we thought. And quickly moved on.
Never underestimate the power — and knowledge — of “06880” readers.
Staples High School Class of 1971 graduate Bonnie Erickson soon sent a link to The New Journal, a Yale University publication.
It begins:
New Haveners have noticed, enjoyed, and sometimes stolen signs put up by artist Matthew Feiner. His most recent design is especially eye-catching: “SLOW DOWN,” it reads, over a stencil of Audrey Hepburn. The colors and stencils vary, but each sign features Hepburn in the center with her beehive haircut, staring straight at the viewer.
There are around 240 Audrey Hepburn signs made by Feiner in Connecticut. She glares from street signs near Feiner’s studio in West Haven, near his girlfriend’s place in Hamden, around bike routes, and across downtown New Haven.
“They’re a bright spot on the urban landscape,” Feiner proudly remarked. “They’re a calling card from an artist that says ‘cars slow down, everybody slow down, take an assessment of your life.’”
When asked how long ago he started making the signs, Feiner’s tall scruffy face smirked, and responded in his slightly raspy voice. “I guess the question really is, how long ago did I start admitting that they were mine?”
The mother-daughter team of Niki Ketchman and Karen Kallins present their first exhibition together.
It’s on view weekdays (9 a.m. to 3 p.m.) at the Weston Senior Center. A reception is set for Thursday, July 23 (6 to 8 p.m.).
Ketchman is showing “Resinations,” mixed-media works created with resin and found materials. Kallins exhibits her “Submerged” series, combining botanicals, water and flowing inks to blur the line between photography and painting.
Though working in different mediums, both share a love of color, texture, movement and organic forms, creating a cohesive exhibition.
The family’s roots in Westport go back nearly 50 years.
In today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature photo, a mother leads her little one across the street to Pizza Lyfe … or perhaps the new ice cream spot, Sweet Lyfe.
(“06880” is “where Westport meets the world.” Audrey Hepburn, Surf City, lost places, the universe — you’ll find them all here. If you enjoy this hyper-local blog, please click here to support us. Thanks!)
Most weeks, our online gallery artists roam far and wide.
This week, many stick close to home.
Compo Beach, the Saugatuck River train bridge, Taylortown Salt Marsh — all are represented this week.
This gallery is like Forrest Gump’s chocolates. You never know what you’ll get. But the surprises are part of the fun.
And we want you to join in. 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.
“Composition” (Patricia McMahon — Available for purchase; click here)
“Compo Playground” (Amy Schneider)
“Rust Never Sleeps” — Saugatuck River train trestle (Jerry Kuyper)
“Taylortown Salt Marsh” (Michael Tomashefsky — Available for purchase; click here)
Untitled (Duane Cohen — Available for purchase; click here)
“Happy July 4th!” (Pam Kesselman)
Untitled (Lauri Weiser)
Photographer Mike Hibbard asks, “Who broke which of the Christian 10 Commandments to gather materials and the use them to build this house of God?”
“Xavier” — silverpoint on prepared paper, 11 x 8 (Werner Liepolt)
Untitled (Martin Ripchick)
“Mirror, Mirror on the Wall” — watercolor and graphite (Steve Stein)
Untitled (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!)
Our friends at KMS Team at Compass report: 3.6% more homes have traded hands this year than last.
Through June 30, the median sales price ($2.31 million) and average sales price ($2,941,376) are both up — the latter by 14.4% from last year.
And buyers are paying 3.4% higher, on average, than the list price.
But these statistics are dated. Transactions can be negotiated and held under contract for months before closing.
Telling signs that things in Westport are slowing include median days on market creeping higher (26, up 12%), and the number of homes actively listed or closed that have taken price reductions.
Price sensitivity and buyer discernment are particularly evident in the upper range of the Westport market:
While the vast majority of property buyers come from within Connecticut, we still attract a significant number of New Yorkers, natives or those returning to the state after spending some years in the city.
In either case, Connecticut’s outdoors and open spaces continue to be an attractive draw.
This 8-bedroom, 8 1/2-bathroom, 12,946-square foot home, on 2.6 acres on Beachside Common, is listed for $22.825 million.
(“06880” often covers the local real estate scene. If you enjoy stories like this — and can afford a few bucks after buying a home — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Briefly the rage in the 1980s and ’90s, the concept faded quickly once the cutting-edge technology became yesterday’s news.
And then unusable.
But whether your video yearbook is gathering dust somewhere (and you long ago tossed your VCR machine to play it), or whether you never bought one — or if you were not in Westport (or even alive) when these relics were made, but would love to see what Staples was like, back in the day: You’re in luck!
Staples grad Nick Wiener found 5 video yearbooks on YouTube. They’re from 1987, 1988, 1991, 1995 and 1997.
The picture and sound quality isn’t great. But that’s not the point.
Three and 4 decades after they were filmed, edited and distributed — and soon thereafter, forgotten — they live on.
Click below, and relive the glory days: of Staples High School, and video yearbooks.
(Friday Flashback is one of “06880”‘s many regular features. If you enjoy this — or anything else on our website — please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here. Thank you!)
On Sunday, the Westport Library is “where Westport meets the World Cup.”
After 102 matches, there’s one left: European champion Spain vs. South American champ Argentina.
It will be a game for the ages. And all ages — from those watching their first World Cup, to those who remember Pele, Beckenbauer (and Maradona) — are invited to share the excitement on Sunday.
The Library opens at 1 p.m., for Panini card trading.
From 1:30 to 2:30, Westport soccer folks — including Dan Woog, Chris O’Dell, Paddy Donovan, Joe Pierce and Clemson coach Mike Noonan (video) — will tell stories about their experiences with The Beautiful Game.
At 3 p.m., the match will be shown on the Trefz Forum’s giant screen. The audience here will join billions of others around the globe.
Oh, yeah: There’s Riko’s pizza too (courtesy of “06880”).
Wear your jersey. Bring your friends. See you Sunday at the Library — where Westport meets the World Cup.
Speaking of politics: Both the Democratic and Republic Town Committees have issued statements about the decision by the registrars of voters to consolidate polling places — and the quick reversal, to return to traditional Representative Town Meeting (RTM) sites.
The RTC says: The Republican Party commends Registrar of Voters Maria Signore and Deborah Greenberg, her Democratic counterpart, along with their dedicated staff and deputies, for their tireless efforts in ensuring smooth, secure and equitable elections in our town. These public servants consistently go above and beyond — working long hours, managing complex logistics, and adapting to expanded voting options like early in-person voting an no-excuse absentee ballots — to protect every voter’s rights and deliver reliable results. Their professionalism and commitment deserve our deep appreciation and gratitude.
We support the registrars’ proposal to consolidate polling for the August 11 primary to a single, central location at Bedford Middle School. This move was thoughtfully designed to enhance voter experience by offering better security, ample parking and lighting, easier navigation for all districts, shorter lines, and more efficient staffing, particularly important given the lower turnout typical of primaries and the growing preference for early and absentee voting.
While we respect the final decision to maintain the traditional polling locations for this election, we believe the consolidation concept reflects sound planning for future elections. Centralized operations can reduce burdens on poll workers, improve resource allocation, and provide a more consistent, high-quality experience for Westporters.
We remain fully committed to working collaboratively with the Registrars of Votes, town officials and stakeholders to support secure, efficient and accessible elections that reflect the best of our town’s civic spirit. We encourage all registered Republicans, Democrats, Unaffiliated and independent votes to take advantage of the multiple option available, and exercise their fundamental right to vote.
The Democratic Town Committee says:
The officers of the Westport Democratic Town Committee would like to take a moment to express our gratitude and appreciation for our Registrar of Voters, Deborah Greenberg, and the tremendous work she does in collaboration with Westport Town Clerk Jeff Dunkerton and her Republican counterpart, Maria Signiore. Deb works seamlessly with her office and the many members of the public whom she assists and greets daily. She is profoundly respected by Westport’s poll workers, and deeply valued by the DTC Officers and fellow members.
Deb has worked tirelessly through the implementation of new procedures like early voting and no-excuse absentee ballots without a hiccup, and we celebrated her for taking on these changes. Recently, a proposal for a new change was not received well by all members of the public and was subsequently overturned. DTC leadership finds it essential to note that any change proposed by our registrar was done with nothing but the best intentions for our community and respect for democracy.
Serving as a registrar of voters is an incredibly difficult public service role involving a heavy workload that should not be overlooked. Deb — we see you. We see how hard you work for our town and our party. We are blessed to have you as our registrar, and we are proud to have you as a member of the DTC family.
“06880”‘s intrepid osprey watcher writes: “Unfortunately, I think the nest has been abandoned. Since last week, I haven’t seen them.
“Up and down the east coast, osprey are struggling with a shortage of menhaden (bunker fish) due to over-fishing. Parents can’t feed their chicks, and many nests are failing.
“I’m not sure what happened with this nest. It felt a bit off from the beginning. The pair arrived late, and then weren’t seen that often around the nest as they usually are.
“It’s possible it is a different pair altogether. The nest sits quiet at the moment. I’m checking it daily, hoping for some activity.
Speaking of the environment: Smoke from Canadian wildfires continued over Westport yesterday, producing this eerie scene at Compo Beach …
(Photo/Cat Malkin)
… and this equally grotty sunset, over downtown …
(Photo/Miggs Burroughs)
… along with this one, over Longshore:
(Photo/Phil Schaefer)
The haze and acrid smoke are expected to persist today.
The (only) good news: If the smoke thickens, temperatures may not climb as high as expected (mid-80s today). The reason: Smoke could filter out some of the sun’s rays,
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Speaking of the beach: This is the scene at the Old Mill guardhouse:
(Photo/Karen Como)
We’re not sure what’s going on here.
Is this lost footwear, waiting to be claimed?
If so, we understand forgetting both shoes. But only one …?!
Or perhaps this is just a bit of artwork, greeting beach-goers. Who, hopefully, will leave with everyting they brought.
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Another mystery, this one on Turkey Hill Road South:
(Photo/Chris Grimm)
We understand the frustration of residents with speeders, and the urge to plea for safety with a homemade sign.
But why Audrey? Why now?
If you know the back story — or want to guess — click “Comments” below.
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MoCA\CT’s 2026-27 concert series promises an exciting combination: international artists in the contemporary art galleries.
Among the featured performers in the coming year, ranging from jazz and R&B to classical and cross-genre music: Dee Dee Bridgewater, Bill Charlap, Morgan James and Time for Three.
(So long as you’re staying safe indoors … why not spend a few seconds clicking here? You’ll be supporting your hyper-local blog — ensuring we’ll keep reporting news, events, and (of course) weather.
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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