“I really like ‘06880,’” a woman said. “But you write too many stories.”
You don’t have to read them all! I thought. That’s what the “Delete” button is for!
“06880” is nearing its 16th birthday. Over the years, I’ve heard all kinds of complaints.
This man does not always smile at the feedback he receives.
Sometimes, people ask why I did not cover something I wrote about the day before. Or the previous week. Or month.
“I know it’s your blog,” many of them begin. “But …”
Then comes a comment, about something. Anything. Or everything.
They say I should ban certain commenters.
I should let commenters use aliases, or comment anonymously.
I should write more about some topic. Or less.
Yes, it is my blog.
But it’s also yours.
“06880” belongs to its readers. On any given day, there are up to 20,000 of you.
Many live in Westport. Some have been here all their lives: 15, 30, 50, 60 years. Others moved in during COVID. Or yesterday.
Many other readers do not live here. Some are in Weston. Some are much further away — across the US, and beyond.
“06880” has readers in Westport, New Zealand. They’re not lost … just interested in our town.
Some grew up here, then moved away. Some have other connections, like parents whose adult children live here. They want to know what their “kids” and grandkids are up to.
As one year ends, and a new one begins, this is a good time to take a look at where “06880” is, and where it should be going.
So: What do you like about “06880”?
What don’t you like?
What should I cover more? What should I cover less?
What new features would you like to see? Are there any I should dump?
“06880” also has a mission to build community. Last year we introduced a Summer Soundview Stroll. With the help of the Westport Downtown Association, we kicked up the Holiday Stroll several notches.
A small part of the large Soundview Stroll crowd. (Photo/Benji Porosoff)
We continue to raise funds — over $300,000 so far — for Lyman, our Ukrainian sister city, and for other worthy causes.
We were a sponsor of the holiday lights on the Cribari Bridge, and have organized 2 “Historic Homes of Westport” tours.
What other projects would you like us to undertake?
Is there anything else I (and my board of directors) need to know?
Just email 06880blog@gmail. com.
Or click “Comments” below. If you do, of course use your full, real name.
That’s one thing that’s not gonna change.
Dan,
Wishing you and 06880 a positive New Year from Jerusalem
You have done an amazing job!
Warmest regards,
Bonnie & Harvey Brooks
I like reading about what goes on in your town both from the social activities and the political activities.
I live in Brookfield , Ct. But my daughter and her family live in Westport.
Dan stick with what you’re doing! Love it! You bring Westport to me daily in the Bluegrass, Lexington,KY and before that in Music City Nashville! Your positive message and your voice tells this former Staples ‘61 grad that Westport still lives in its own way, by the Sound and with its quirks!
It’s an amazing blog-keeps me informed -keep it up !!
Larry bartimer
I think it should be pointed out that, most recently, the 06880 blog has incorporated as a “C” corporation under the CT statutes, with a Board of Directors, as well as gaining non-profit status with the mission of “informing the community” from the Department of the Treasury. While I have followed and supported Professor Woog’s blog from the near beginning, I think this distinction in ownership should be pointed out to his readers.
I love it! I moved here in 2024 and 06880 has really helped me understand and integrate into town. Thank you Dan and team!
There’s no other blog I read that comes even close to ‘06880’.
I have a complaint: ……there is only one of you
Dan, You have long been & continue to be a Westport treasure on numerous fronts, as is 06880. Thank you !
Dan,
Why not take your superb connections throughout the community and recruit several Staples students as understudies, much as you did when you began your career with your “Up At Staples” featurette in the Westport News that many of us remember so fondly. You could step into the mentorship role that the great Phil Schuyler once had with you and use your soccer coaching experience, figuratively speaking, to build a bench of talent. No one lives forever, but your work can live on after we’ve all moved on to whatever lies ahead for Old Westporters. I’m basically talking about a succession plan and building a stronger, broader and more inclusive 06880.
Thanks, Eric. Not many remember “Up at Staples” (or the Westport News!). I’ve been working with a few Staples interns over the years. Formalizing it is a great idea.
And thanks to all who have commented so far. This is a true online community, for sure.
Dan, as a professional (retired) in organizational development I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that “formalizing” any cross-functional initiative such as you’ve proposed for 06880 includes assignments, accountabilities and timelines. I have PMP and LeanSixSigma credentials, let me know how I can help. WE CAN DO THIS!!!
I find it awesome when you talk about all of the philanthropical things around town and the great events in town and things happening with our schools, especially the high school and all of the great events and academics arts and athletics as our kids are a real piece of the soul of a town. The only things that are tough are the political ones that lead to some nasty comments and terrible back-and-forth, but I know you do your best to never take a side and just be informative. There is no confusion on how much you care about this town and thank you for your incredible service.
Don’t change a thing. 06880 is great. Sure are there stories that I choose not to read the same as the NYT. In total it’s great
Keep up the great work! Thank you!
I like you just the way you are!!
Dan- Just keep doing what you are doing- writing, inviting, informing, educating and entertaining a large community of folks interested in everything that’s happening in and important to 06880 (and beyond)!
Dan, I never miss reading 06880…it’s the best, and so are you! I graduated from Staples HS in 1970, now live in NY, and love having a connection to my hometown. I continue to be amazed by all that Westport has to offer, and your writing brings back wonderful memories and keeps me informed of all that’s currently happening. I, too, remember the Westport News and “Up at Staples”. Don’t change a thing…06880 is always a bright spot in my day.
I moved from Westport in 2022 but stay connected through friends and this blog. My little Maine community doesn’t have an “06880,” which makes it really difficult to know what is going on in town. In my view, you only realize how much Dan has done for Westport once you move away.
Dan – I just donated. Thank you for being you!
Don’t change a thing! This is your baby. Who am I to tell you how to raise it.
Thanks Dan for all you do to make 06880 happen. I understand how much work goes into all that is 06880 (or maybe I don’t !) I’ve learned so much about Westport. My family still lives there and I am a frequent visitor. I don’t have time to read every article everyday but keep them coming!! I think there is something to appeal to everyone who has a connection. And I absolutely love Pic of The Day!!! Thank you!!
Patricia Auber SHS ‘76
I cherish your stories.
Dan,
Don’t listen to the naysayers. Embrace change!!!
As my favorite Staples teacher once said to me (during detention): “Be the change you wish to see.”
Thank you, Dan, for all you provide to this vibrant, opinionated community known as Westport, Connecticut. It is a complex community, for sure, and you provide us with not only news, but you challenge us in so many ways. It is clearly a labor of love for you, and I, for one, am extremely grateful for all your words. Even the ones I don’t read!!!! Keep on doing what you’re doing. Thank you so very much.
Priscilla, In the 1958 Staples yearbook, on the same page, is a picture of James L. Long next to the picture of Christopher Lloyd from TAXI fame. He had a younger brother named Herb Long, whom I bowled with. Are you somehow related to them? Does anyone else remember them? I’m guessing Herb was maybe 3 years younger.
Dan,
I LOVE the idea (I think it was John “Jack Wander’s ‘53) of segmenting your readership by “where they live now” and featuring those adoptive areas with comparative anecdotes.
It is terrific that so many commented so positively about your Blog Dan. Those comments also capture my feelings. As to suggestions, consider (i) listing in a blog your thinking as to what, if anything, should be changed, lessened or added to, (ii) including a few more of your views on topics, we know you do not want to be seen as political, but I know there are issues about which you care deeply and your opinions on those issues could well benefit all and (iii) providing the names of your Board of Directors and how, if at all, the Board impacts on what you write.
Bottom line, keep it up, you are the greatest.
Thank you, Dan. Your blog keeps me aware of issues in the community and the school system, long after my children have graduated. I am delighted by the depth and variety of your topics. I also am grateful for your blog.
I think 06880 is fabulous and so unique. I think it’s just perfect. Onward and upward and thank you Dan for all of your hard work and keeping us in the know. I have many friends that have left Westport and a friend from Scotland who are your avid readers. Thank you 👍💙🩷❤️💜💜 Happy New Year
Dorothy, Robertshaw is or was a company in Milford that makes thermostats. The inventor of the thermostat was Frederick Robertshaw who invented it in 1899. Does any of this relate to your family?
So grateful for what you do for the community, Dan. Really enjoy and appreciate your content and the wide-ranging mix of topics and information. And your love for the community comes shining through regularly in all sorts of different ways… I’m also a big fan of your closing musical connections – helps to keep things fun and the throwback value is often very high!
I wouldn’t be opposed to receiving just a single, daily 06880 email summary (plus a closing pic of the day, of course) but as others have rightly noted, it’s your blog.. You do you!
Thanks, Todd. If you receive “06880” by email, you can adjust how often you receive it by scrolling to the bottom of any email, and clicking on something like “Manage My Subscriptions.”
If you receive via the “06880” app (iPhone or Android store), you can adjust the settings for notifications (the “gear” icon, upper right). Hope that helps.
It does! Thanks again Dan..
Hi Dan, I don’t want you to change anything. We are blessed to continue to have you and your community blog.
Since Gordon Joseloffs passing in 2020 and the end of Westportnow.com, your 06880 blog has kept me informed about what is happening in town.
I signed up for the email alerts so I don’t miss out on anything. Thank you so much.
I think you are wonderful,entertaining and informative! Keep doing what you are doing. We are so lucky to have you. If I were to add anything,it would be geared toward activities for people who haven’t lived here long.
You DO NOT WRITE TOO MANY STORIES. WE ARE BEYOND FORTUNATE TO HAVE YOU…..
Dan, you provide a valuable service to anyone with a Westport connection past or present. I grew up in Westport in the 60’s & 70’s and left when I joined the Army in 1975 but my family remained so Westport was always home. I never lost interest in the town and visit whenever I get the chance, but the 06880 blog emails fill the void in between trips back. My sister still lives there and sometimes I’m telling her something that you wrote about that she was unaware of and I’m living in Texas! Keep up the great work and thank you.
I wonder how much time you have for evangelism. Have you met any “Dans” who want to create what you’ve created for their own journalistically starved towns?
When we moved here in 1991, we were told to contact the Welcome Wagon. When people move here now, they’re told to go to your 06880 blog! Keep doing what you’re doing–it’s perfection!
Thanks Dan!!!
How about a periodic feature where the column “invites” former Westporters (and Weston-ites: me) to comment
on their adopted home-town: like “Let’s hear it from all you Portland, Oregon ‘Westporters” etc, etc.
John “Jack Wandres” your idea is the best idea, yet. Kind of a new twist on “06880: Where Westport Meets The World.” There is a world beyond 06880. The question is: How does it compare? Enquiring minds want to know.
I like that idea and comment how each town is different from Westport.
I dislike 06880 so much I am going to make another donation.
You can too!
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!)
Dan start an OT club. OFF TOPIC. Tag all the posters who continuously want to change the topic. Keep score and assess penalties (blocks). 😎🇺🇸
Dan, Roosevelt had the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps.) You can have a CCC corps like President Roosevelt’s. CCC- CONSTANT COMPLAINERS CORPS. Complainers would be obliterated to write CCC after their names when they post a complaint! Everyone knows who they are anyway!
Oops.. obligated.. it was the phone, not me. I taught Spelling
Dear Dan: We are the parents of Guy and Yvonne Claveloux. We lived in Westport from 1977 to 1984, went on to Italy and then New Hampshire, and returned four years ago to be close to the Clavelouxs. Our two grand daughters Alex and Izzy and their husbands Kevin and Nick also settled nearby, and have just given us the BEST Christmas gifts: beautiful great grandchildren Lucy and Teddy. Moving to Westport was certainly one of the best decisions of our life, and we enjoy reading 06880 every day. Happy New Year and keep up your good work!
Francisco “Paco” and Lucila “Lucy” Sabin
There is always a tension between selecting the news
To include and associated commentary and the diverse opinions within a large audience All press hopes to reach. In the final analysis please do not spend much time second guessing. It is working fine.