We’ve posted this image of Main Street before. It’s from the 1962 Staples High School yearbook.
But never with this color, or computer-enhanced graphics.
Eric Bosch — who moved here with his family in the fall of 1963 — sent it along.
To orient yourself: Klein’s department store (far right) became Banana Republic, then (briefly) Oka furniture. Brooks Brothers will soon move in, from its current location a few yards north.
The Townly Restaurant featured a Jazz Age-era mural. It was lost when Klein’s expanded into that space, then rediscovered and hung by Banana Republic. No word yet on whether Brooks Brothers will keep it.
The Mobil gas station — once the site of an annual Christmas party, where food was served on the lowered hydraulic lifts — is now Vineyard Vines.
The hardware store was one of 3 on Main Street.
And of course, traffic flowed in both directions, all the way to the Post Road (aka State Street).
What else do you remember from that era? Click “Comments” to share.
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On Wednesday, our Roundup reported that a couple of days earlier, a Westporter had found a large, heavy sign at Schlaet’s Point. It honored a dog, and had apparently been placed on Cockenoe Island. The man who found it figured it floated away during last weekend’s storm.
He hauled it to the benches near where Soundview Drive meets Hillspoint and South Compo Roads. He hoped someone connected to the sign would see the “06880” item.
Someone did!
Yesterday, the Bell family wrote, “To the reader who found Ollie’s sign: From the bottom of our hearts, our utmost gratitude for spotting and then dragging our memorial to the top of the beach.
“Oliver enjoyed all things Westport and for the sign to float from Cockenoe to Compo Beach, another favorite Ollie place, is nothing short of a miracle. If it wasn’t for ‘06880,’ we would have never known!
“When we picked our memorial up last evening, we stood in awe at the stones – even a purple gemstone – that were perfectly placed on top in his honor.
So to those who read Ollie’s’ memorial and placed stones – purple and plain – on top, and to the ‘06880’ reader who gave it a second home, Oliver’s story of life in Westport truly has a perfect epilogue. He couldn’t have lived in a better place.”
That’s the whole idea of this blog: to bring our community together, in ways both planned and serendipitous.
To our readers and neighbors: Keep doing good things, no matter how small.
Your deeds can ripple far and wide. Even beyond Cockenoe Island.
Westport’s newest outdoor artwork is already drawing attention — and praise.
“The Couple” was installed this week at Riverside Park. It was donated to the town by longtime Westporter, arts patron and philanthropistSusan Malloy, who died in 2015, at 91. Sculptor William King died the same year, at 90.
For 10 years, “The Couple” lived at Earthplace. Malloy’s family, and the Westport Arts Advisory Committee, felt it would be more visible and accessible on Riverside Avenue.
Malloy’s granddaughter Meredith, son Timon, and niece Ann Sheffer and her husband Bill Scheffler made the conservation and relocation of the sculpture possible. The Parks & Recreation Commission helped with the installation.
Sheffer said, “I love the idea of weddings in front of ‘The Couple.'” A public dedication of the sculpture will take place in October.
If you have an inefficient — but still working — dehumidifier, Eversource will recycle it, at no cost. Plus, you’ll get $30 bck.
The date is tomorrow (Saturday, August 22, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., The Home Depot, 90 Monroe Turnpike, Trumbull). Click here to register.(Hat tip: Dick Lowenstein)
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Last night’s free Levitt Pavilion concert, featuring Borboletta’s tribute to Santana, has been rescheduled to September 17. Click here for details.
The rest of the weekend lineup remains the same (and sounds like fun):
Tonight (Friday, August 21): The Machine Performs Pink Floyd (7 p.m.; tickets)
Saturday, August 22: Frank Mastrone & Friends (7:30 p.m.; free)
Sunday, August 22: Andy Frasco & the UN, and Kitchen Dwellers with special guests Magoo (5 p.m.; tickets).
Speaking of music: Sure, the Heida Hermanns International Music Competition is 3 months away.
But — as the name says — it’s an international event. So the Museum of Contemporary Art\Connecticut wants you to know about it now.
Plus, this year marks the 50th annual showcase of virtuosity, artistry and musical expression.
Three exceptional pianists from across the globe have been chosen to compete. The winner receives $20,000, and a solo recital engagement. Second and third prizes are $10,000 and $5,00o respectively.
This year’s finalists are Matthew Figel, Juhee Lim, Daria Podorozhnova. They hail from the US, South Korea and Russia, respectively.
And finally … on this date in 1959, President Eisenhower signed an executive order proclaiming Hawaii the 50th state.
(“06880” is where Westport meets the world. Wherever you are — here, Hawaii, or any other spot — if you enjoy our hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
“Young Shoots” may be the most underrated contest name we’ve ever heard.
The annual Westport Farmers’ Market event offers ribbons, prestige — and cash prizes — for images taken there, by young photographers in 3 age groups (5-9 years old, 10-14 and 15-18).
So: They’re young shooters, shooting (among other things) produce with shoots.
Yesterday’s weekly market honored the winners of the 14th annual contest. 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners are below.
A new prize — the “06880 Honor Award” — was given. Rising 1st grader Ziggy White earned the inaugural honor. “06880” founder and executive editor said his shot — which also won first prize in the 5-9-year-old division — “captured the essence of the Westport Farmers’ Market. It shows its appeal to all ages, along with the wonders, colors and joy” that draw hundreds of people to the Imperial Avenue parking lot every year.
Also cited: Juliana Rosenoer. This is the International Year of the Woman Farmer. One of her photos showed a WFM vendor hefting a pair of cucumbers, like weights.
(Photo/Juliana Roseoer)
Yesterday’s ceremony was overseen by Farmers’ Market director Lori Cochran-Dougall, and contest organizers Ann Burmeister and Miggs Burroughs. Badass Bagels — a regular WFM presence — provided treats.
(“06880” reports regularly on the environment, arts, young people — and, like today, their intersections. If you enjoy stories like this, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Effective today (Thursday), there are no lifeguards on duty at Burying Hill Beach. The beach remains open, with swimming at your own risk. Beach emblems are required at Burying Hill through Labor Day (September 7).
Compo Beach lifeguards continue their regular schedule through September 7. Beach Emblems are required at Compo through September 30.
Burying Hill Beach (Photo/Drew Coyne)
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For over 25 years, “Holiday Time, Main Street, Westport CT” — a festive Main Street. by internationally known folk artist Kathy Jakobsen — has been a favorite of Westporters. Many business names are clear (though most are long gone).
Now Westport River Gallery is offering a few signed and numbered unframed 23×17 serigraphs. The prints were originally $450. These are just $25.
Jakobsen’s works are part of the permanent collections of the American Folk Art Museum in New York and the Smithsonian in Washington. She is a former Weston resident.
Email westportrivergallery@gmail.com, or call 203-226-6934.
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Longtime Levitt Pavilion favorite Frank Mastrone returns to the Levitt Pavilion stage this Saturday (7:30 p.m.).
The Broadway artist’s repertoire — show tunes and American Songbook classics, with a few pop and classical selections thrown in — appeals to a broad crowd.
The Levitt says he’ll be joined by “friends.” We’re not sure who they all are, but we do know 2: Dodie Pettit and Rex Fowler.
Earthplace welcomes fall with 2 of its favorite events.
The Fall Festival (October 3) and Woodside Bash (October 17) are great ways for friends and newcomers to gather and celebrate nature, while supporting environmental education, conservation, wildlife care and scientific research.
The Fall Festival includes the reopening of Earthplace’s renovated Birds of Prey Exhibit, with new and expanded habitats for raptors, and a more engaging and accessible experience for visitors. .
Earthplace serves thousands of children, families, students and visitors each year through its nature center, animal ambassadors, nature-based preschool, Harbor Watch water quality program, summer camps, community programs, and 62-acre wildlife sanctuary.
They serve on its board, volunteer at and donate to the Bridgeport non-profit, which impacts countless women’s lives — and those of their families — through education and support services.
So it’s no surprise that MLC’s annual benefit (September 27, 5 p.m., Shorehaven Country Club) has a strong Westport flavor.
The event honors Allison and Tony Allott. Former Westporters and Staples parents, they introduced their Green’s Farms Church congregation to the non-profit. Congregants (including the Allotts) volunteer with MLC on Service Sunday.
Allison has been an ESL and citizenship tutor since 2014. She is also a board and event committee member.
The Mercy Learning Center board chair is Tammy Barry. The event committee includes local residents Gina Beranek, Sara Connolly and Theanne Feldman.
Rach’s Hope — the non-profit honoring the memory of 2015 Staples High School graduate Rachel Doran, which provides nutritious food, lodging, transportation and encouragement to family members when a child is in intensive care — is as active as Rachel herself was.
On Sunday, October 4 (3 p.m., Compo Beach), everyone is invited to join the 5th annual “Walk the Extra Mile … For Rach’s Hope” event.
It’s a fun, community-wide beach walk, with live music, a gourmet pizza truck, wine and beer, dessert and special Rach’s Hope swag.
The contributions, struggles and sacrifices made by Native Americans during the Revolutionary War are often overlooked.
On October 4 (2 to 4 p.m.), Pocomoke Indian Nation member Drew Shuptar-Rayvis brings his outdoor demonstration station — including artifacts, reproduction pieces and traditional clothing — to the Weston History & Culture Center. He’ll answer questions too, about Native American life.
The free event is is part of the History Center’s “America 250: The Revolutionary Spirit Lecture Series.” For more information, click here.
Meanwhile the Weston History & Culture Center will be open for exhibits, guided tours, children’s activities and more on 3 Sundays this fall: September 27, October 4 and October 25 (1 to 4 p.m.).
Attractions include the interactive “Weston at Work,” the 1940s-era Coley House, and stories from the American Revolution. Click here for details.
Westport Police made 3 custodial arrests between August 12 and 18.
A 49-year-old Stamford man was charged with breach of peace, following an investigation into a July incident in which a cyclist became irate about an automobile driver’s driving. The cyclist yelled, used profanity, made obscene gestures and spat on the vehicle. Video did not support his claim that he had been unsafely passed. He was released on a $1,000 bond.
A 31-year-old Oxford, Ohio man was charged with stalking and violation of a restraining order. He allegedly traveled from Seattle to Connecticut after learning from social media that the business he was arrested at was affiliated with a relative of the victim. He was held on a $250,000 bond.
A 45-year-old Holyoke, Massachusetts man was charged with failue to appear, stemming from a previous arrest for felony charges. He was held on a $10,000 bond.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 3 citations
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 3
Improper use of markers: 3
Traveling unreasonably fast: 2
Failure to register a commercial motor vehicle: 2
Violation of town ordinance (dogs): 2
Failure to obey stop sign: 2
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 2
Speeding: 1
Illegal operation by a motor carrier: 1
Failure to obey state traffic commission regulations: 1
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With exactly 14 weeks left before Thanksgiving, John Karrel’s Muddy Brook photo is perfectly appropriate for today’s “Westport … Naturally” image:
(Photo/John Karrel)
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And finally … in honor of Mercy Learning Center’s upcoming benefit (story above):
(If you learn about upcoming events on “06880” — or anything else — we hope you’ll click here to support our work. We rely on support from readers like you. Thanks for showing us a little love!)
David Stalling grew up in Westport, and graduated from Staples High School in 1979.
After forestry school in the Adirondack Mountains of New York, and serving in a Marine Corps Force Recon unit, he moved to Montana in 1986. he has spent most of his career protecting and restoring wild places and wildlife, with an emphasis on and fondness for grizzly bears.
They become landmarks, witnesses, and quiet members of a family’s history. For me, that tree was the enormous red oak that stood in the middle of Hickory Drive.
For those of us who grew up in that neighborhood — Including my sister Sue and my brothers Ed, Bob and Tim — the “tree in the middle of the road” was part of our lives.
I do not know teh exact age of that tree, but it’s safe to say it was likely 300 years old. Which means it was already roughly 230 years old when my parents (Ed and Barbara Stalling) bought our house in 1956. By the time I was born in 1960, it had already stood there for generations — long before our family arrived, and long before most of the houses and families we knew moved in.
It stood about halfway down Hickory Drive, at the top of a little hill. You would go down one hill, climb another, and just as you reached the crest, there it was: the big red oak, planted by nature likely long before the road was built around it.
So it ended up smack dab in the middle of the road, between the Doland and Deluca houses. Beyond it, the road dropped downhill again.
Red oak tree, smack in the middle of Hickory Drive.
That tree was part of our childhood geography. If you were giving someone directions to our house, you said, “Pass the big tree in the middle of the road, then start downhill, and and when you get to the bottom of the hill we’re the little red-and-white house on the left.”
Everyone knew exactly what you meant.
That tree saw its share of our childhood adventures — and misadventures.
I snuck out in my brother’s 1967 Mustang convertible before I was old enough to drive. One winter night I hit ice, slid, and introduced the Mustang to that great old oak.
I’m sure there were other scars near the bottom of the tree from encounters like mine, although the tree undoubtedly regarded them as little more than scratches from passing generations.
We came close to hitting it in our homemade go-karts, too. We nailed tires onto those things, but had a tendency to fall off at exactly the wrong moment. Add a hill, lack of brakes and youthful confidence, and that big oak became a very important obstacle.
Bicycles on ice. Sleds in winter. Flying downhill with considerably more enthusiasm than judgment. The tree was always there.
I climbed it once, too, almost to the top — a fairly remarkable achievement, considering how enormous it was.
There was even a sign on the tree warning drivers, “Caution — Children.” Another sign said, “Slow — Children.”
Mr. Marshall, a teacher and football coach at Long Lots Junior High, once gave me a ride home and noticed the sign. He looked at it, then me and, smiling, said, “Slow children? That explains a lot.”
The tree was not merely something we had to drive around. It was part of our lives. It was a meeting point, a landmark, a warning to slow down, and a silent witness to all the ordinary things that make up a childhood.
And now it is gone.
The beginning of the end.
My brother Ed recently heard from our old neighbor, Anna DeVito, that the tree had been cut down. We don’t know exactly why. Perhaps it had begun to rot. Perhaps there was concern that a tree that enormous and
old could eventually fall onto the wires, a house, or the road.
Trees, even magnificent ones, eventually grow old and die. Sometimes cutting one down is the safest and wisest thing to do.
But knowing that doesn’t make it any less sad.
That oak probably stood there for 2 or 3 centuries. It survived storms, winters, hurricanes, droughts, countless cars, generations of children, and all of us who thought we were invincible.
It was there through my childhood, my teenage years, and when I graduated Staples High School in 1979. It was there while I served in the Marine Corps in the early 1980s, and it was there when I moved to Montana in 1986.
It was a giant, beautiful old tree. In a strange way, it belonged to all of us who grew up around it.
Another view. (All photos/Anna DeVito)
I can still picture that hill. I can still see the road rising toward the tree, then falling away again. I can still imagine the Mustang sliding on the ice, the go-karts careening downhill, the bicycles and sleds, and a kid climbing as high as he dared into those enormous branches.
That red oak is gone now, but it left behind something that cannot be cut down.
Memories.
For those of us who grew up on Hickory Drive, the big red oak will always be there — standing in the middle of the road, just over the hill, waiting for us to slow down.
(“06880” is a bridge between the Westports of yesterday, today and tomorrow. If you enjoy this hyper-local, all-community blog, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
One evening last night, Westport Animal Shelter Advocates volunteer Sara Stockman learned that after many hours, a mastiff was still frantically pacing the large fenced-in yard of a Burnham Hill resident.
We headed to the house to see if there was anything we could do to help rescue the dog, who had been on the lam at least 5 days. Her image appeared on several Ring cameras in the area.
At the house, we saw the kind homeowner trying to coax the mastiff to come near. She immediately responded to Sara, as dogs always do.
The dog came near, but not close enough to slip on a loop lead. We realized that professionals were needed.
We contacted the volunteers at CT Doggone Recovery. They have helped trap several difficult Westport dogs.
Jill Bishop and Melissa Carpenter had just returned home after an exhausting day searching for 2 dogs around Norwalk. Their shoes were off, and they were making dinner.
But they did not hesitate. They loaded the CT Doggone Recovery truck with supplies, including a big trap.
They arrived, then set up the trap (loaded with chicken and hot dogs) and a camera.
Preparing the trap …
Sara — the human our new friend trusted most — was in charge of the liquid smoke and guiding the dog to the trap. Within a few minutes, she was in. Very tired, thin and tick-covered, she was ready for transport to Westport Animal Control.
… and heading off to heal.
Officers Peter Reid and Joseph Saponare met us at the shelter. We tucked her in for the night.
The next morning WASA volunteers arrived early to check on her, and the other guests. She had her first WASA-funded vet visit that week.
My nominations for 06880’s Heroes of the Week are: WASA volunteer Sara Stockman, CT Doggone Recovery volunteers Jill Bishop and Melissa Carpenter, and the lovely Westport family – Cindy, Andy and Justin Kaplan — for being so kind and patient, hosting a frightened friend in their back yard and allowing a group of volunteers to crash in at dinner time to secure her safety.
(To donate to CT Doggone Recovery to support their rescue efforts, please click here. To donate to WASA for vet care needed for our new friend, please click here.)
(Do you know an Unsung Hero? Email 06880blog@gmail.com. “06880” is proud to honor them — and tell many other tales of town too. Please click here to help us do that, by supporting this hyper-local blog.)
Jennifer Johnson is in her 3rd term as a Representative Town Meeting (RTM) member, from District 9. Previously, she served on the Parks & Recreation Commission. She writes:
Regardless of how one feels about a “dog park,” there is a long-established process for the Parks & Recreation Commission to champion initiatives involving our shared open space.
The PRC clearly followed that process with the recent field-light proposal. Why not for a dog run?
After waiting over 5 hours to speak Monday night, more than 60 residents made clear that this issue deserves a thoughtful process.
The Planning & Zoning Commission already has plenty on its plate. It should not be asked to do the work that should first be vetted by the PRC — including answering basic questions about whether a particular site is appropriate.
And the PRC has already done much of the groundwork. The recently completed, taxpayer-funded $250,000 Parks Master Plan identifies Winslow Park as a possible location for a dog area, but it also specifically identifies Machamux Park, on Greens Farms Road.
Machamux Park (Photo/Andrew Colabella)
Given its size, current use, location, parking, etc. Machamux seems worthy of serious consideration. The plan estimates the cost at $80,000 to $100,000. What remains is to determine the ongoing costs and requirements for maintenance, cleaning, management and enforcement.
Whether Westport residents ultimately want a dog park is a legitimate question. But before we let the dogs out — or put up a fence — we should follow the process.
The PRC should review the recommendations of its own Parks Master Plan, and develop a complete proposal. After it has been publicly vetted and voted on by the full Parks & Rec Commission, bring it to the appropriate town bodies.
Then the P&Z can weigh in.
Winslow Park (Photo/Mark Mathias)
There may be plenty of bones to pick with the idea of a dog park. But asking P&Z to decide now whether dedicated open space at Winslow should become a fenced dog area is putting the cart before the dog.
We have a process. Let’s respect it.
And let’s not leave the Parks Master Plan sitting in the doghouse.
(“06880″‘s Opinion pages are open to all. Email submissions to 06880blog@gmail.com. To support this hyper-local blog with a tax-deductible contribution, please click here. Thank you!)
Top Hat Tutors — Staples’ High School highly regarded, student-run, very popular (and cool) tutoring service — is gearing up for a new year.
They’re looking for both new tutors, and families needing them.
Top Hat Tutors are juniors and seniors from around Fairfield County. They provide high-quality, in-home tutoring across a wide range of subjects, including science, math, English, social studies, world language, music and SAT/ACT. Last year, they worked with 150 clients.
All tutors have taken the classes they work with — and passed it with at least a 90.
Top Hat charges $50 per hour for individual students. Group sessions are $25 per hour for each additional student ($75 for 2 students, $100 for 3, etc.).
Derek Yach is a 3-time cancer survivor: melanoma, prostate and, most recently, esophageal. He swims regularly at Compo Beach, in summer and winter.
Mary Money — a breast cancer survivor — is a regular swimmer too. (And a baker, famous for her 6 a.m. Friday muffins.)
With prostate cancer survivor Keith Kirkpatrick (who swims mainly at Fairfield’s Penfield Beach) and fellow Westporter Leila Shields (a regular Compo swimmer, and strong supporter of several community based programs), they’ve formed a tight-knit community.
Next month, they’ll take the plunge in different waters, in a far different way — and for an excellent cause.
On September 10, they’ll swim 28 1/2 miles around Manhattan. That’s right: from Battery Park, up the East River, into the Harlem River, then down the Hudson River to the Statue of Liberty.
The 8-hour event will raise funds for cancer treatment in underserved Kenyan communities. The Phangisile Mtshali Cancer Center and other health facilities provide desperately needed chemotherapy ports, to deliver treatments.
“As cancer survivors we know that our diagnosis, treatment and follow-up has been successful due to outstanding care available in Connecticut — mostly at Yale Smilow,” says Derek.
“So much care is often taken for granted. My work takes me with the Catholic Medical Mission Board to Kenya, where a rural cancer center lacks most of the critical diagnostics, treatment and even chemo ports we take for granted.”
The swim is especially timely. given recent deep cuts to global health programs. Click here to contribute.
Derek also urges “06880” readers to “join advocacy efforts to urge greater support for cancer care through government, corporate and nonprofit programs.”
And, he adds, “join us in our early morning swims. It’s the best way to promote your health!”
There’s always something special at the Westport Farmers’ Market.
Tomorrow (Thursday, Imperial Avenue parking lot), winners of the Young Shoots photography contest will be honored at 12:30 p.m.
Photos will be on display throughout the market’s regular hours (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.).
Michael Veltri’s award-winning Young Shoots photo, 2025.
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The most recent Red Cross blood drive goal was 29 units. They blew past that number, finishing with 44. An impressive 14 donors were there for the first time.
Eight were “Power Red” donations, equating to 16 units. Those are very valuable, often prioritized for trauma, surgical, and cancer patients.
There were 25 Type O donors, especially critical for their universal compatibility.
But the need for blood is constant. Nationwide, someone needs a unit of blood every 2 to 3 seconds. Most of us will need blood at some in our lives
The next Westport blood drive is Friday, August 28 (11 a.m. to 4 p.m., VFW Post 399). .
Donors are encouraged to schedule appointments to donate blood or platelets in advance. Click here; then use sponsor code VFWWESTPORT; call 800-733-2767, or use the Red Cross Blood Donor app.
A small mini-plaza opposite Goodwill includes a popular Italian deli (Gaetano’s), 2 Asian restaurants (Shanghai Gourmet and Yama Fuji Sushi), and a nail salon.
Soon, you can buy all your closet and organizing needs there too.
Around Labor Day, Closet Factory will open a flagship showroom there. The owners — Westporters Dan and Melanie Zuller — already own franchises in Westchester and Fairfield County.
The Westport location will replace the current Darien site. It will occupy half of the former Calico Corners space. The design and fabric store moved to 224 Post Road East in 2021.
Westport Swim Club — the great, fun program for young swimmers of all abilities in grades 1-8 (and a feeder program for the Staples High School swim teams) — has added 3 tryout dates: Sunday, August 23 (9:45 a.m.), Saturday, August 29 (10 a.m.) and Sunday, August 30 (9:45 a.m.). All are at the Staples pool.
There are 5 practices a week — but they are not mandatory. An option of 1 weekly practice is available, for 50% of the regular fee. Westport Swim Club offers 4 seasons a year. Click here to register for a tryout.
Speaking of sports: The old(er) guys did it. Congratulations to Team Schur!
They took last night’s Compo League men’s basketball championship was won by Team Schur 59-48, over the younger team of recent Staples graduates.
Both teams prevailed in their semifinal by double digits to advance to the title game. The top 2 seeds were tied 28-28 at the half.
A not-quite-sold out crowd watched the match, held at the Staples fieldhouse due to lighting issues at the beach courts.
Compo Beach men’s basketball champs. From left: Charlie Stoebe, Travis Test, Noah Hammond, Jordan schur, Don Snyder, Baptiste Bataille. Team members not pictured: Zach Gut, Kevin Cline, Michael Carter-Williams, Brandon Barton, Steve Goldenberg, Connor Whelan.
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A reader writes: I was at Compo Beach on Sunday after the storm — Schlaet’s Point, where Soundview Drive runs into Hillspoint/Compo Road South — when I saw something large at the water’s edge.
“I found a large, heavy sign. It is a memorial for a dog, Ollie. It must have been placed on Cockenoe Island, and floated away in the storm.
“Whoever made it would probably want to know where it is — and maybe bring it back.
“I dragged it to the top of the beach, and planted it next to the benches at the corner of Compo South and Hillspoint. My guess is it’s still there.”
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We all know that love rocks.
But here’s literal proof.
Kim Mathias painted some rocks at her Saugatuck Church’s women’s retreat. She placed them — gently and lovingly — around the base of her mailbox, for anyone strolling by (and looking down) to enjoy.
Longtime Westport resident Mary Condon died peacefully in her sleep on August 13, in Southport.
Born in Cork City, Ireland in 1944, Mary carried deep pride in her Irish heritage throughout her life. At 14 she emigrated to New York, and lived in the Bronx with her family. After marrying she moved to Westport, where she raised her family.
Mary’s passions reflected both her Irish heritage and her deeply held values. She treasured time spent with friends, loved literature and lifelong learning, and generously supported organizations that were meaningful to her, including the ASPCA, NPR, PBS, Planned Parenthood and the American Cancer Society.
Her daily ritual of drinking Barry’s Tea was a lifelong comfort, and a cherished connection to Ireland.
After surviving breast cancer, she gave back by volunteering for many years at Norwalk Hospital.
Mary is survived by her brother, John O’Donnell; her children Christopher and Claire, and her grandchildren, Ryder and Teagan.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mary’s memory to the American Cancer Society. A celebration of life will be held at the Gaelic-American Club, 74 Beach Road, Fairfield, Connecticut, on August 28 (12:30 to 2:30 p.m.).
Mary Condon
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Wendy Levy sends along today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo, and adds, “Backyard garden veggies still going, despite various animal tastings.”
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We headed to the house to see if there was anything we could do to help rescue the dog, who had been on the lam at least 5 days. Her image appeared on several Ring cameras in the area.
