It started with a casual conversation.
Lynn Untermeyer Miller — a longtime friend and very talented photographer, whose images had been a hallmark of “06880” ever since its launch in 2009 — suggested a regular photo feature.
They would be shots of local scenes — not tied to a particular story. Just a way to tie current and former residents together, and strengthen our “06880” community (online and off).
Click!
The name came quickly. “Pic of the Day” launched on April 17, 2017.
The very first “Pic of the Day”: Behind the Black Duck, on the Saugatuck River. (Photo Lynn Untermeyer Miller)
Every night since, at 9 p.m., I’ve posted an image of Westport. Some are recognizable and relatable; others are artistic, whimsical or surprising. All are new, and fresh.
Every day since — over 2,100 times — I’ve posted a Pic of the Day. Prominent photographers have sent in shots; so have people who never published a photo. Some are in their 90s, like Lynn’s father Larry Untermeyer; others are teenagers.
The subjects range all over town: Nyala Farm. Longshore. The Levitt Pavilion. Staples high School. The train station. Main Street. The Greens Farms post office.
The Westport Library is a popular spot for Pics of the Day. (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)
Over the years, readers suggested I compile some of the many great photos into a picture book. It was a great idea — and one I had no time to pursue.
Last spring, I got my first-ever assistant through Staples’ superb Senior Internship program. Lyah Muktavaram was an Inklings editor, with a passion for journalism.
She loved the picture book idea. She quickly showed she had an eye for picking the best ones — the prettiest, the most compelling or colorful or whatever — and laying them out in a clever, striking and thematic way.
Lyah taught herself production. She emailed each photographer for permission. She handled all the back-end publishing stuff with professionalism, promptness, and an intuitive understanding of what “06880’s Pics of the Day” are all about.
Lyah’s work coincided with “06880”‘s move to non-profit status. Our mission is to “create a community for Westporters old and new, near and far, through sharing stories, news, events, history and perspectives, uniting all who love our hometown.”
“06880: Pick of the Pics” has just been published. Proceeds will help us fulfill that mission.
Click here to purchase “06880: Pic of the Picks.” Thank you!
The front cover features an iconic photo by Bruce Borner.
“06880: Pick of the Pics” includes summer photos of Sherwood Mill Pond, and winter skating the PAL Longshore ice rink. (Photos by Merri Mueller and Michael Winser)
The proceeds go where exactly? Charity?
This is on the “About ‘06880’” tab above:
“06880” is a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization. Our mission is to create a community for Westporters old and new, near and far, through sharing stories, news, events, history and perspectives, uniting all who love our hometown.
We publish “06880,” a hyperlocal blog focusing on stories about Westport, Connecticut — its politics, history, issues, organizations, personalities, arts, sports, businesses, opinions, trends and more.
We also sponsor events, including forums, workshops and meetings, to educate, inform and raise awareness of community issues, and help residents share ideas.
The goal of “06880” is to create a more informed and cohesive community, and offer resources to readers to contribute to charitable causes.
“06880” is overseen by a board of directors. Members include Miggs Burroughs (chair), John Dodig, Dan Donovan, Chloe Murray, Annette Norton, Amy Saperstein and Bill Scheffler. See biographies below.
06880, Inc. has been recognized as a public charity under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. We will provide a tax receipt for all monetary donations greater than $250. Our tax id is # 37-2000587.
In 2022, “06880”
Initiated and developed Westport’s sister city relationship with Lyman, Ukraine; led effort to raise $250,000 for building supplies, generators, police and trash trucks, holiday meals and more, with partner Ukraine Aid International.
Joined with the Westport Downtown Association to present the 2nd annual Holiday Stroll, with Santa Claus, music, entertainment and more; over 500 people, and more than 40 retailers and restaurants, kicked off the season together.
Served as media sponsor of Westport Library’s Verso Fest music workshops and concerts.
Organized “Understanding Ukraine: Past, Present and Future” panel with Professor Wolodymyr Zaryckyj, director of the Center for US-Ukrainian Relations.
Published “Pic of the Pics” photo book, highlighting the best images from “06880”‘s popular nightly feature.
Welcomed 150 “06880” friends to the annual July “blog party” community gathering.
2023 began with a partnership with the Drew Friedman Community Arts Center, which presents 3 scholarships of $7,500 each to Westport students who will pursue arts education after high school.
For more information or questions, email 06880blog @ gmail.com.
Wonderful! So excited to get it on the 8th..👏
“My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” – Maya Angelou………..(or it could have been Dan 🙂
Great idea! Ordered.
Awesome! All about our community.
Great idea! I want one. Some day my kids, who grew up in Westport, will have it.
Congratulations Dan and Lyah💫
Looming forward to receiving my copy, and proudly displaying on my coffee table
Love it.. Done!
Done! Thanks Dan and Lyah and Lynn.
An idea whose time has arrived. Well done.
Dan, this is wonderful! Is there any chance it will be available for purchase at the Westport Barnes & Noble, or the Westport Library? I try to avoid buying books on Amazon.
It’s print on demand, which Barnes & Noble doesn’t deal with unfortunately. I’ll see if the Library is interested in a copy.
Wonderful idea. Always enjoyed the pictures. Kudos to your intern.