Last weekend, Westporters enjoyed lobster, from the Westport Rotary Club.
Next month it’s wine, with Westport Sunrise Rotary.
The 34th annual edition of “Westport Uncorked” — an evening of great food and drink, and plenty of community spirit — is set for October 16 (6 to 9 p.m., the Inn at Longshore).
One hundred sustainable and organic wines, curated by Cory D’Addario of The Fine Wine Company of Westport, are available for tasting, with expert advice from the distributors who will serve them.
Exclusive wines can be ordered at the event. Non-alcoholic beverages and hors d’oeuvres are also on the menu.
All proceeds go directly to charities supported by the Westport Sunrise Rotary Club. Click here for tickets, and more information.
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Okay … one more look at the LobsterFest.
This is a view we don’t often see. It’s from a drone.
Can you find yourself?
(Drone photo/RB Benson)
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In 2016, Michael Fanone voted for Donald Trump.
In 2021, he was a US Capitol police officer defending the building against rioters. They tried to take his gun, and shoot him.
The other day — in the aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s murder, and all that followed — TV journalist and Westport resident Dave Briggs talked to Fanone.
Fanone’s reaction to the president blaming the left for all political violence is powerful, emotional and still raw.
Click here or below for in-depth Briggs’ interview.
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Le Pain Quotidien (“the daily bread”) opens today, at the east end of the Fresh Market plaza.
It moves into the space vacated several months ago by short-lived Little Beet.
The Brussels-based chain offers “a warm, communal dining experience with fresh, organic ingredients and delicious, artisanal baked goods.”
This is the third Fairfield County location. The others are in New Canaan and Greenwich.
A few of the many Le Pain Quotidien treats. (Photo/Jerri Graham)
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A few new names have been added to Westoberfest — the craft beer and family festival set for October 4 (12 to 6 p.m., Elm Street downtown).
New this year, Castle Wine & Spirits joins the tasting area as sommeliers.
Children enjoy face painting, pumpkin decorating, and flower crown making, and a new petting zoo hosted by Kelly’s Kids.
Food choices range from traditional German fare by Colossal Kielbasa, to Haven Hot Chicken, Paradise Island Food, COBS Bread, Sushi Jin and LemonNate’s.
Musical entertainment comes from Dan Tressler and One Bad Oyster. CBS News weather anchor (and Westport resident) Lonnie Quinn emcees the crowd-favorite hot dog eating contest.
Click here for tickets, and more information.
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Speaking of downtown: There’s a new sculpture at Sconset Square.
(Photo/Sal Liccione)
Well, not exactly new.
David Waldman bought “Trapped Ball,” by sculptor Dale Rogers, 20 years ago at the Westport Arts Festival.
The real estate developer placed it in a shopping center he owns in Avon. It’s been there ever since.
But a new tenant needed the space, for an outdoor dining area.
So Waldman brought it back “home.” He looked at several options, and decided the small shopping plaza — with plenty of drivers stopping in front, at the Myrtle Avenue light — was the best site.
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Also downtown: Eleish Van Breems Home is hosting a “Soul of Scandinavian Design” event at their Main Street flagship location, on October 9. The event features insights into Nordic principles behind furniture, textiles, glass and pottery, from Steele Marcoux and Scandinavian designers flying in for the day.
Also on tap: the opening of EVB’s Fika bar, with ceramist Agneta Livijn.
Agneta Livijn’s design.
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Another downtown event: Westport Book Shop hosts Staples High School graduate Bruce Lawder for a hours poetry and short story reading this Friday (September 26, 6 to 7:30 p.m.).
He’ll share poems from his latest collection, “Breakwater Rock” — deeply connected to Westport — and stories from his book of short fiction, “Dwarf Stories.”
RSVP by emailing RSVP@westportbooksaleventures.org or calling 203-341-5141.
Bruce Lawder
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The Sherwood Mill Pond tidal gates renovation project draws the interest of many Westporters.
“06880” has received a number of photos, from a variety of angles. Here’s the latest:
(Photo/Molly Alger)
There’s plenty of time for others to submit theirs. The scheduled completion date is May — 8 months from now.
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Also on the water: The Saugatuck River major dredging project is still (far) in the future.
But work to replace pilings and docks continues.
(Photo/Werner Liepolt)
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Saturday’s MoCA CT “Endless Summer” fundraiser and friend-raiser brought the beach indoors Saturday night. 150 guests enjoyed art, music and community, around the backdrop of Ted Papageorge’s “At the Beach” photo exhibit.
One special highlight was a major contribution in support of the museum’s outreach to underserved communities.
From left: Deborah Murtagh, MoCA CT past president; William Felton, gala co-chair Rita Marcocci; 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker; gala co-chair Keara Williams; Pamela Hovland, acting executive director. (Photo/Lewis Derogene)
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Longtime Westport resident and civic volunteer Diane Cady died peacefully on September 17 in Boulder. She was 91.
The California native attended College of Marin, then earned a master’s degree in social work at Fordham University.
In Westport, Diane served with the Westport Young Woman’s League and Westport Rotary Club.
She was elected to the Representative Town Meeting (RTM), then was appointed to the Westport Tree Board.
Diane had a special place in her heart for dogs, particularly
Gordon setters. She enjoyed showing them, with a spirit of
competition and camaraderie.
She was predeceased by her brother, Roderick Duncan. She is survived by her children Christopher, Stephen and Robin MacLaughlin, and 5 grandchildren.
Diane Cady
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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo appears just 64 days before Thanksgiving.
Don’t tell these guys.
And where are they?
Turkey Hill South.
You can’t make this stuff up.
(Photo/Nancy Wolvovsky)
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And finally … in honor of the Sunrise Rotary Club’s “Westport Uncorked” event (story above):
(If you can’t find something to do in Westport, you’re not trying. Or you’re not reading “06880.” If you learn about our town — and town events — on this blog, please click here to support us. Thanks!)
Diane was a beautiful lady. 😢💓
I see Briggs found a TDS patient to “interview.”😜🇺🇸
Diane Cady was a lovely woman. When I recall her, I think of dogs, the environment and sensitivity.
A life well lived, Diane Cady, lead with such peaceful charisma. She’ll be missed ❤️
Diane did w wonder job on the rtm and tree board she will be missed by all of us thanks for your service to Westport Diane
RIP Diane….Regarding the interview with Fanone: That is a tough watch with the dramatic histrionics of Mr. Briggs. Fanone is one troubled cat. It’s no wonder he can’t get a job with another law enforcement agency. Scary.
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Nailed it.
Diane served on the RTM with dignity and voted according to her deeply held principles. She exemplified what a public servant should be, and it was a pleasure to serve alongside her. R.I.P., Diane, and thank you for what you gave of yourself to so many others.
So a police officer who voted for Donald Trump and then had to defend our capital from thousands of rioters egged on by Donald Trump is now a troubled cat and a TDS patient.
He was not at a love fest as described by a defeated president! He put his body and safety on the line to defend our democracy, our elected officials and our election result. I think he deserves a little more respect than that.
While I don’t agree with Mr Feeley or Mr Eason on what they think they see with their own eyes on January 6 or for that matter yesterday at the UN I would not call either of them troubled cats or patient’s with Trump adoration syndrome.
I truly do not understand the demeaning of people who speak out against what they saw! I have numerous civil conversations with Trump supporters and always ask respectfully ask what am I missing. And if they will listen to this ancient physician, Vietnam serviceman, newly diagnosed troubled cat suffering from TDS I will tell them what I see. I can only hope that gets us close to preserving our democracy.
Mr. Stein…What happened on Jan. 6th was horrific. I never said otherwise. However dig in on Fanone a little bit and decide for yourself. He would never pass a psyche evaluation these days and that’s a good thing for the public.
I am surprised more police officers don’t wind up with PTSD after what they have to deal with on a daily basis. And I am sure you have seen it from a policeman’s perspective and I have seen it from a hospital physician’s perspective. I am not sure why Officer Fanone or any other officer would even want to go back to police duties.
PTSD does not invalidate opinions on what is seen. It just makes life situations difficult to deal with!
I really thought the interview with Michael Fanone and Dave Briggs was excellent.
I learned a lot.
He is undoubtedly a hero.