Today, I am finally a teenager.
Well, my “06880” blog is, anyway. It’s 13 years old — and, since that first story back in 2009, I have not missed a day of posting. That’s over 14,000 stories, on everything from COVID, trees and hurricanes to Unsung Heroes, Pics of the Day and entitled drivers.
I couldn’t do it without you. Which is why today, I ask for your help.
This man is smiling, because he loves publishing “06880.” (Photo/Pam Einarsen)
I’m honored to publish “06880.” I love telling our town’s stories; shining a light on the men, women, children, institutions, businesses and history that make us who we are; creating a sense of community for newcomers, oldtimers, ex-pats and anyone else who ever wandered through this fascinating place.
But those stories don’t magically land in your inbox, or on this site.
I conduct interviews and research. I take, find and edit photos. I moderate the comments (140,000 now, and counting). I answer every email.
All that takes 6 to 8 hours a day. So on this one day, I hope you’ll give back.
If you like what you read, please consider supporting “06880. Click here for details (via credit card, Venmo, check or PayPal) — or scroll to the bottom.
Am I worth $1 a month? $5 a week? Perhaps (my choice!) $1 a day. Choose whatever amount you’re comfortable with. It’s greatly appreciated!
I hope that if “06880” has ever:
- Made you laugh, cry, think or wonder
- Spurred you to attend an event, read book, try a restaurant or patronize a store
- Help you meet a neighbor or stranger, or connect with a friend
- Kept you up to date on a blizzard, hurricane, windstorm or power outage
- Connected you to your new home town (or the place you grew up in)
- Alerted you to a new housing or zoning development
- Provided a forum to rant about an issue, rave about a place, or complain about me
- Galvanized you to support a cause
- Publicized your event, book, appearance or concert
- Published your photo
- Honored someone you loved or admired
- Saved you time or money
- Opened a window on Westport’s history, helped you think about its future, or made you look at someone or something in a new way
- Inspired you
- Made you say “Wow!” (or “Holy F—!”)
you will consider tossing something my way.
“06880” offers many unique perspectives on our town. (Photo/John Videler for Videler Photography
Thanks for 13 great years. (How many teenagers say that?!) I’ll keep doing what I do (unless no one contributes). I’ll still answer every email.
That’s the “06880” way. I look forward to the coming year with excitement, gratitude and joy.
PS: While “06880” is now a non-profit — allowing us to sponsor events like the Holiday Stroll, educational workshops and more — our tax-exempt status has not yet been approved. When (and if) it is, it may be applied retroactively.
PPS: “06880” has 12,000 daily (free!) subscribers. Another 6,000 to 8,000 readers check in each day, without subscribing. I love you all. But only a small percentage contribute. I’m just sayin’…
You can donate by PayPal or credit card: click here. It’s easy, safe — and you don’t even need a PayPal account.
Checks can be mailed to “06880”: PO Box 744, Westport, CT 06881.
I’m also on Venmo: @blog06880
You can even scan this QR code:
Thank you!
Hey, why not?
GONGRATS!
13 years and lots of great and enjoyable posts.
Thank You Dan.
Congrats, Dan- keep up the good work you crazy teenager!
Uh oh. 06880 is now a teenager. Happy Birthday!
Thanks for all of it, Dan. It has helped me keep in touch with my home town. And, not to make too fine a point of it, Today You Are a Man.
Very true David. And Dan, to commemorate this momentous occasion, Debbie and I will be sending you a Cross pen…Just kidding (and I think those of you who went to Bar/Bat Mitzvahs back in Dan’s day will understand the reference.) But, seriously, we will be getting you a gift card to Gold’s and will arrange that when they are back open tomorrow. Congrats on your long-running and very successful gig!
You’re also a mensch. Congratulations, and thank you, for 13 years of chronicling the town and truly being the place where Westport meets the world — and the other way around. What would Westport do without you?
Done.
Well done Dan! And of course better behaved now than at Long Lots! You, as always, rock!
Happy Birthday 06880. You have been a good friend to me, but most of all to Westport. Birthday present in the mail.
Congratulations, Dan!
Imagine if every member of the 06880 Nation simply gave $13.00 today.
I know this is your passion but I also know how much work it is. I’ve been a fan since the Westport News Woog’s World daze. (BTW: I also loved “faces in the croud” section!).
Keep on keeping on!
Great work Dan! Congratulations from Maine!
LOVE receiving 06880 multiple times a day!! You work so hard and dig so deep, Dan. You’re amazing and I can’t thank you enough for keeping me connected and in the know about 06880! Childhood & family friends forever.
Dan Woog and Tom Brady – Two recently retired (old) GOATs
Congratulations Dan!! (the check is in the mail)
thank you and happy to support!
Thank you, as always, Dan for featuring important, historical, present, thought-provoking, poignant, funny, and relevant images and writing on Westport. You have my support, as you know.
Dan- Happy 13th and as always, thank you for all that you do in our community !!!!!!!! You continue to innovate with 06880 and all of your hard work and dedication does not go unnoticed !!!!!!
Happy Birthday 06880! And thank you for keeping us informed! Just venmoed your present!! Cheers!
It takes a lot of “chutzpah” to ask for support: done!
I guess the PO Box requires a variation on the zip code to differentiate it from mail going out in the trucks? Couldn’t they make an exception for you?
Mazel tov on becoming Bar Mitzvah!
I couldn’t start my day without your news, insight, humor, journalism, bulletins, weather updates, etc etc etc!!! Congratulations on lucky 13!!!
Congrats and thanks for all you do!!!
Thanks, Dan, as always, for all you do for all of us. PayPal contribution is on the way.
I’m in! Congrats Dan and thank you again for another year of great stories, valuable insight and good humor. I very much appreciate the connection to Westport and the world that you provide. Cheers.
Thanks, so much, Dan. I can’t imagine my day beginning without 06880. As I’ve often said, “You’re the glue that keeps us all together.” I wonder if you have time to sleep! PayPal on its way.
Thanks, Dan for keeping it all going on for 13 years! Love checking in and commenting from time to time.
Happy birthday 06880. Can’t imagine not having this great resource! Thanks, Dan, for all you do.
I always open up 06880 with my morning coffee! Thanks Dan for keeping everyone informed!
Hi Dan ! Happy to see 06880 every day and put my two cents in now and then. And once a year, a bit more. Cheers!
What happens when the blog is old enough to drink? :^)
This is Westport. The blog has already started to drink.
Dan, A sincere congratulations on your blog’s 13th birthday! WOOG (Westport’s Outstanding Original Gem)
Geez, Dan, you don’t look 13!! 😂
CONGRATULATIONS – it’s lovely waking up with you each day and I so appreciate all you do to keep us out-of-towners in the loop!
The check is in the mail!!
Dan, Congratulations! Nothing like being a teenager! I recently had the pleasure of communicating with you – you really do answer emails! Thanks for providing great feedback and being so engaged. As a town newbie, you sure made me feel welcome! Sending you a little something something via zelle! thank you!
Congratulations, Dan, and thanks for the irreplaceable service you provide to our town.
Congrats on 13 (WOW!) years, Dan! Always happy to donate to 06880!