The day Westporters have been waiting for (and salivating over) is almost here.
Rotary Club LobsterFest tickets go on sale this Friday (August 15), at 10 a.m.
The mega-fundraiser — set for September 20 (3 to 7 p.m.) sells out quickly.
For very good reason. There’s something — lobsters, oysters, steak, beer, wine, soda, gelato, music, kids’ stuff (fire juggler, glitter tattoos, antique fire truck) — for everyone. T
100% of profits from sponsorships, donations and ticket sales go to charitable causes. Last year’s event raised over $325,000.
Click here for tickets. and more information.
And remember: Those lobsters don’t eat themselves.
Tickets are on sale Friday for this fest. (Photo/Dan Woog)
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With the first day of school around the corner (Spoiler alert: It’s much closer than you think!), dozens of Westport children still need help.
The Department of Human Services has launched its annual Back-to-School and After-School Care campaigns, to make sure every child starts the year with the supplies, clothing, and support they need to succeed.
There are several ways to help:
- Make a monetary gift online or in person to support back-to-school resources and after-school scholarships for elementary -aged children – providing safe, enriching activities for working families.
- Donate Walmart gift cards to help families purchase backpacks, notebooks, clothing and essentials.
- Choose an item from Human Services’ Back-to-School Amazon Wishlist.
“Back-to-school isn’t just about pencils and paper—it’s about giving kids the confidence and resources to learn and grow,” says Human Services director Elaine Daignault. “Every donation helps give every child a fair start.”
Mail checks payable to “Westport Human Services”; send to Human Services, Town Hall, 110 Myrtle Avenue, Westport, CT 06880
Drop off gift cards at Human Services at Town Hall weekdays between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Give online at www.westportct.gov/donate (WeCare Westport); select “Family to Family Programs—Seasonal Program.”
For more information, contact Annette D’Augelli: 203-341-1050; adaugelli@westportct.gov.
Every student deserves a backpack, and supplies.
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Colin Quinn is the latest addition to the Westport Country Playhouse fall schedule.
The Brooklyn comedian (MTV, Saturday night Live, Comedy Central, on and off Broadway) brings his New York vibe to the historic stage on October 9 (8 p.m.).
Click here for tickets, and more information.
Colin Quinn
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Blau House & Gardens is more than a gorgeous hidden gem off Bayberry Lane.
It’s also a cherished classical garden space.
Norwalk Symphony Orchestra highlights a series of Sunday concerts. Each blends music, poetry and nature, in a serene woodland setting.
This Sunday (August 17), the Harmonia V Woodwind Quintet fills the gardens with lyrical melodies. Gwyneth Walker will read selected poems before each of 5 parts of her suite “All Nature Sings.”
The final event (August 31) showcases “So Sings the Garden,” a collaboration of poetry reading led by Westport poet laureate Donna Disch, with performances by soprano Maureen McKay, baritone Marcelo Guzzo, pianist Thomas Cuffari, and cellist Gunnar Sahlin.
Each evening includes an optional garden tour from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., with concerts beginning at 6. Guests are encouraged to bring a picnic before the performances. Parking and shuttle service is provided at Coleytown Elementary School.
Tickets are $75 per concert; the garden tour is $25. Click here for tickets, and more information.
Blau Gardens
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The last day this summer for lifeguards at Burying Hill Beach is this Sunday (August 17).
The beach remains open, but swimmers are at their own risk.
Compo Beach lifeguards are on their regular schedule through September 1.
Stickers are required at Westport beaches through September 30.
The scene next week. (Photo/Yvonne O’Kane)
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Speaking of Westport’s waters: We don’t often think of Sherwood Mill Pond in terms of tides.
But this was the scene yesterday, just after high tide.
(Photo/Pippa Bell Ader)
And t’s not even a full moon — that was 3 days ago.
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Speaking of that sturgeon moon: Here’s what it looked like last night, over Compo Beach:
(Photo copyright Ted Horowitz)
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This item directly impacts only 56 people: Westport’s justices of the peace.
But it may be of interest to all “06880” readers. We all need to be vigilant, againt all kinds of scams.
Town Clerk Jeffrey Dunkerton emailed all our JPs:
“We have been alerted by a Westport Justice of the Peace that they were recently targeted in a scam.
“The JP was contacted to perform a wedding ceremony and offered payment in advance. The couple sent a certified check for more than the agreed amount and then asked the JP to wire the overpayment back to them.
“In this instance, the JP recognized that something was suspicious and contacted both the Westport Police Department and our office.
“Please remain vigilant if you are contacted to perform a ceremony. If you have any doubts, feel free to contact our office to confirm whether the couple has obtained a Marriage License here in Westport.”
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Three Westport-based creators are producing “Rise + Step:” the first wellness event ever at Bridgeport’s Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater.
The event “blends movement, music and mission, bringing together community wellness, local talent,” turning the concert venue venue into a space for “empowerment, connection, and purpose.”
The fitness and wellness experience (September 7, 9 to 11 a.m) features:
- Flow yoga with Westporter Sarah Sadie Newett
- The Gold Step with Cori Adams, a Westport music-driven step workout phenomenon
- Producer Peter Van Heerden, Westport-based arts and culture strategist.
Local sponsors include The Granola Bar, Hemma Kitchen, and Barvida.
Ten percent of proceeds support Homes for the Brave, the Bridgeport-based veterans’ non-profit. Click here for tickets, and more information.
Rise and Step!
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From beauty to blight: A reader reports on the state of 22 Maple Avenue North.
For over a decade, the owner stuffed boxes and other hoarded materials inside. Nowo the back walls have rotted, and given way.
Red caution tape currently surrounds the home.
22 Maple Avenue North.
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Westport native Jack Backiel now lives in Maryland.
But thanks to “06880,” he keeps up with all things Westport.
Now, add CNN to the list.
Jack writes, “Stew Leonard Jr. was interviewed on CNN yesterday. He talked about prices, but also mentioned he’d be throwing out the first pitch at Yankee Stadium last night.”
Stew Leonard Jr., on CNN. (Photo/Jack Backiel)
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This morning’s “Westport … Naturally” feature is an evening shot. We showcase John Richers’ hibiscus blooms:
(Photo/John Richers)
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And finally … in honor of next month’s “Rise + Step” wellness event (story above):
(Rise up, click here, and join the crew of “06880” supporters. Remember, this blog does not fall from the sky. It takes work — and we need your help to make it happen. Thank you all!)
Is Blau Gardens operating with a stay of execution?
https://06880danwoog.com/2023/06/24/blau-house-gardens-plea-save-us/?noamp=mobile#comments
Apologies if I’ve missed a further update over the last two years.
(It looks incredible.)
Just checked the Blau home page.
Guess the ‘urgency’ continues, two years later?
Dan, Leonard practiced his aim by throwing multiple items to customers and employees in his Yonkers, New York store.With that said, I may have made a mistake and it was actually Bloomberg Business News that interviewed him. That’s the second mistake I’ve made since 2007 when I retired to watch TV all day and read 06880.
Is 22 North Maple Avenue on the corner of Old Road which has been deteriorating since I was in Long Lots 65 years ago?
Yes
Stew shoud stick around after the 1st pitch to see if the Yankees’ bullpen needs help. He probably can’t do much worse than what they have out there……When will the Yankees trade for Ben Casparius? We could use him next year.
(you may have already posted about this but if you didn’t) NYC Mayor Adams declared Aug 8 in NYC Stew Leonard Day for saving life of 1 of our local news stations reporters … https://nypost.com/2025/08/08/us-news/eric-adams-declares-stew-leonard-day-after-heroic-rescue/
Thanks. I had no idea!
Stew Jr. has received a lot of attention since Wegmans opened in Norwalk. He’s also going to be interviewed next month on Bloomberg! I suppose that it’s just a coincidence.
I just read that the Superintendent was rehired and got a 3 or 4 percent raise for three years. This is how I would have handled it. “ Sir, we want you to come back for three more years, but with the same pay.” 100% he accepts that! Now, with the savings, Westport activates an enormous amount of SPEED CAMERAS around town and collects THOUSANDS of dollars forever! Win, win, win with cash being generated forever!
Dan — is it Maple Avenue North or ‘South?
North.
Bobbie, On the corner of North Maple and Old Rd. There are (were) three houses that were exactly the same with Diane Pepper living in one of them in the 1950s. Her house was basically across the street from the Jaeger house.