Our “Historic Homes of 06880” tour returns for a third great year!
Save the date: Sunday, November 2 (1 to 4 p.m.).
Once again, we’ll open 4 beautiful — and very different — homes to the public. You’ll see loving restorations, creative touches, and some very cool surprises.
Once again, we’re working with KMS Team at Compass to present this fun (and very popular) event.
The 4 homes will be revealed soon. See you November 2!
This Cross Highway barn was part of our 2023 “Historic Homes of 06880” tour. (Photo/Dan Woog)
==================================================
La Fenice — the Main Street gelato shop — closed this spring, a little less than 4 years after opening.
Soon, a restaurant with a similar name — Felice — will open in Westport.
Right across the street.
It replaces Mexicue, which itself closed last December after only 2 years.
There are 13 Italian restaurants in the Felice group: 9 in New York City, 2 in Florida, and 1 each in Port Chester and Roslyn, New York.
“06880” emailed the company, asking if the Westport Felice is part of the chain. They have not yet responded.
The steps up to Mexicue. (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)
Around the corner, work continues on Maman. The bakery that replaces Mrs. London’s on Church Lane will open “soon.”
Maman (Hat tip and photo/Sal Liccione)
==================================================
Want to help shape the future of Westport’s parks?
As part of the Parks Master Plan process, the Parks & Recreation Department hosts a public workshop on September 30 (6 p.m., Westport Library). All community members are invited. It will be run by the town’s consultants, BL Companies.
The Town’s consultant, BL Companies, will provide residents with the opportunity to engage directly with the consultants, share feedback, and learn more about the planning process.
Riverside Park (Photo/Pam Docters)
==================================================
If you’re between the ages of 6 and 18, and you play music — or want to — or you’re the parent of someone who does, check out the Music Collective’s open house this weekend (September 20-21, 3 to 6 p.m.; 1572 Post Road East).
The Collective (formerly the Gig Center) looks forward to showing off its space. Instructors will be there, attendees can try out some instruments. Or sing into a mic.
The Music Collective offers private lessons and performance bands, for kids and adults. For more information, click here.
==================================================
Two free events are on tap at VFW Post 399.
Jim Savage plays boogie-woogie piano on Saturday (September 20, 6-9 p.m.).
And a Veterans Benefits Luncheon is set for September 25 (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.). It’s open to all veterans as part of an ongoing effort to check in on all veterans’ welfare, and connect them with the benefits and support they earned.
Representatives will answer questions, and provide information on services and assistance available to veterans.
RSVPs are encouraged (but not required). Email vfw399ct@gmail.com, and include the number of attendees, or call (203) 227-6796.
PS: If you’re not a veteran, but know one: Please pass the word!
==================================================
Mark Shanahan has earned standing ovations as the Westport Country Playhouse artistic director.
But he works his magic away from the local stage too.
Shanahan is the writer and director of the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp’s annual Fandango Benefit Gala. It’s this Saturday night, at the Ashford camp in northeastern Connecticut. Shanahan took over the role from the Playhouse’s Anne Keefe, several years ago.
The Playhouse is a strong supporter of the event.
The camp — which creates joy and community for seriously ill children and their families — shares a long bond with the WCP.
Westporters Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward supported both institutions generously. Many Playhouse staff members volunteer at Hole in the Wall throughout the year.
The Playhouse also raises funds for the Camp every December, through audience donations at “A Sherlock Carol.”
Mark Shanahan (Photo/Mark Smith)
================================================
Club203 kicked off the 2025-26 year in style Tuesday, at Weston’s Lachat Farm.
Members of Westport’s social club for adults with disabilities kicked up their heels, danced with Marca, and enjoyed great food catered by Carmine Cenatiempo of Calise’s Deli.
MOCA offered art projects, Skip’s Good Humor ice cream added dessert, and the volunteers helped everyone make the most of the great Lachat setting.
Art by MoCA, at Club203. (Photo/Stacie Curran)
=================================================
Heating season (and heating bills) are near.
Fortunately, beginning October 1 income-eligible Westport residents can apply for the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program.
Those who previously qualified for assistance through Westport’s Department of Human Services will receive application instructions in the mail. Residents wishing to apply for the first time should call 203-341-1050 or email humansrv@westportct.gov.
To qualify, household income must be at or below 60% of the state median income. The maximum income for households is:
- Households of one (1) $47,764
- Households of two (2) $62,460
- Households of three (3) $77,157
- Households of four (4) $91,854
- Households of Five (5) $106,550.
Applicants must have recent copies of heating, electric, water, lease or mortgage statements, and other proof of income documents.
==================================================
On Saturday, 1,500 guests will enjoy lobster, steak, veggie burgers, all the trimmings, beer and wine and other beverages — plus music, kids’ activities and much more — at the Westport Rotary Club’s annual LobsterFest.
At Tuesday’s weekly meeting, longtime member and LobsterFest maestro Rick Benson updated members on logistics. All hands will be on deck, raising $400,000 for charitable organizations in Fairfield County and abroad.
Rick Benson, and his map.
Rotarians also heard from Wendy Petty. The Senior Center director said that 25% of Fairfield County residents are over the age of 65. The Center has seen a commensurate increase in membership over the past few years.
The Senior Center hosts over 100 classes each week, along with a tech hub, nutrition program, and a quarterly veterans’ coffee.
Wendy Petty (Photos/Dave Matlow)
================================================
Westport’s other Rotary Club — Sunrise — celebrates International Day of Peace this Sunday (September 21, 2 p.m.), by sharing peace through music and humor.
The event — “Songs and Reflections on Peace, Kindness and Fun” features performances by the Whirled Peas Band, with members from area Rotary clubs and special guests David Friedman, Shawn Moninger, Eric Šebek and Samantha Talora.
==================================================
Westport Police made 1 custodial arrest between September 10 and 16.
A 40-year-old man was charged with failure to appear.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
- Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 8 citations
- Texting while driving: 7
- Failure to renew registration: 3
- Texting while driving, 3rd offense: 1
- Texting while driving, 2nd offense: 1
- Speeding in a school zone: 1
- Distracted driving: 1
- Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
- Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 1
- Failure to insure a motor vehicle: 1
- Failure to drive in the proper lane: 1.
==================================================
There is a great back story to today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo.
But first, marvel at this creature:
(Photo/Seth Schachter)
Seth Schachter encountered this massive reptile yesterday on Maple Lane, near Burying Hill Beach.
A neighbor helped him get it to safety. Otherwise, Seth is sure it would have been struck by a car.
Turtles can live well beyond 100 years. This guy might have been roaming Greens Farms at the dawn of the automobile age.
Seth and his neighbor used a broom and a large blue recycling bin — something that was definitely not around when the turtle was born — to move it along.
Carefully. And very, very slowly.
==================================================
And finally … sure, we honored this group just the other day, when Mark Volman died.
But thanks to the item above, they’re worth revisiting, with a different song:
(If you enjoy “06880,” we hope you’ll be part of our November 2 “Historic Homes” tour. We also hope you will click here, to make a tax-deductible contribution supporting our work. Thank you!)
Does anyone know how much the Rotary Club is paying the town for the use of Compo and any other town services for this event?
So $0?
“Tom”, you are not posting under your real name. You like to do that. Have some guts and play by the rules here at 06880.
As someone who has experienced the challenges of cancer, I found support through the World Rehabilitate Clinic. Their natural approach and nutritional products made a real difference for me. I encourage others to learn more about their health and explore available options.