Sephora is coming to Westport.
But not quite yet.
The multinational retailer of beauty and personal care products — famous for letting customers test products before buying — will move into “Elm & Main” (formerly known as Brooks Corner) downtown.
They’ll open at the end of 2027 or early 2028. A mere 2 years from now.
Not the Westport store. This Sephora is on 5th Avenue in New York.
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It’s (almost) that time of year.
Starting next Wednesday (October 1), dogs are allowed back on Compo Beach.
With a few caveats.
- They are prohibited from the pavilion, playground and walkways.
- All dogs must be leashed everywhere, except in the off-leash area of south of the pavilion (which includes South Beach).
- You are required by law (and common decency) to pick up your dog’s poop.
The dogs-at-the-beach regulations are in effect through March 31. Violators can be fined $77.
And remember: Dogs are not permitted on town athletic fields or playgrounds at any time. They are welcome — leashed — in surrounding areas.
Happy days are here again! (Photo/Dan Johnson)
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Speaking of dogs: Uh-oh. Looks like we missed National Dogs in Politics Day. It was Tuesday.
The annual event commemorates the September 23, 1952 speech by Richard Nixon. Running for vice president with Dwight Eisenhower, he defended himself in a speech against accusations of campaign finance wrongdoing by mentioning his cocker spaniel, Checkers.
Westport’s “animal muse” Cat Malkin, and her dog Yogi Bear, did not forget the day. They visited a couple of politicians — from both parties — and he released a statement.
Yogi Bear said: “I’m not here for your votes. I’m here to spread love, kindness, and fuzziness wherever I go, especially if there’s a treat involved!
“As we go into the campaign season, let’s make Westport the kindest (and most treat-filled) town in the land! I invite you to join us, dogs, as we come together to unite the country in love, kindness, and the right to bark.”
Yogi Bear with Republican 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker …
… and Democratic 1st selectman candidate Kevin Christie. (Photos/Cat Malkin)
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A few tickets remain — but probably not for long — for the Westport Country Playhouse’s fundraiser, honoring Nathan Lane, on Saturday, October 4.
Broadway talents who have appeared with the star, including host Danny Burstein, will celebrate his career.
They will also salute productions that have been staged at the Playhouse in the 95 seasons since its founding in 1931.
Anne Keefe, former Playhouse co-artistic director, will be feted too. She’ll receive the 2025 Playhouse Leadership Award.
Lane and Keefe are longtime friends — and friends of the WCP.
The 7 p.m. curtain includes a live auction, and a 9 p.m. after-party in the Lucille Lortel White Barn. The pre-show reception is already sold out.
For tickets and more information, click here or call 203-227-4177.
Nathan Lane
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Peter Greenberg — America’s premier travel news journalist, an Emmy Award-winning investigative investigative reporter and producer, who has appeared on every major TV network and in every national publication — brought his insights and experience to the Westport Library last night.
The Y’s Men of Westport-Weston hosted the event, which drew a crowd of hundreds. He was joined in conversation by longtime friend and fellow world traveler Allen Swerdlowe, a Y’s Men member.
Peter Greenberg (left) and Allen Swerdlowe, at the Westport Library. (Photo/Susan Garment)
Before the talk Robin Tauck hosted a small dinner for Greenberg, at nearby Massi Co restaurant. A 3rd-generation member of the family whose name is synonymous with global travel, she has known Greenberg for decades, and been on industry panels and at conferences with him around the world.
Robin Tauck and Peter Greenberg.
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TAP Strength is all about helping people feel more confident and capable in their bodies. A new program supports an important group: neurodivergent teens and young adults.
The next event in their “Effortless Effort” speaker series is October 14 (6 to 7 p.m., 180 Post Road East). at its Post Road East studio. It’s a conversation between TAP founder Dr. EJ Zebro and Chelsea Elkind and Lauren Rosenblum, founders of Westport-based NeuroMind. They’ve helped TAP design a program that is inclusive, supportive, and grounded in real-world needs.
To RSVP or for more information, email info@tapstrength.com.
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The 6th annual (and always popular) Artists Collective of Westport trunk show is October 5 (11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Jesup Green lower parking lot by the Westport Library).
More than 30 diverse artists will display their work — in and around their cars. The day includes live music, and food from Gruel Britannia.
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Earlier this year, he Westport Community Theater presented “Words from the Front Lines” at Town Hall.
Many Westporters learned about it the show — a multi-media presentation of the correspondences of real people, in real time, affected by the Russian invasion of Ukraine — too late to attend.
It’s being shown again: this Sunday (September 28, 2 p.m.), at the Ridgefield Library. The event is free. Click here for details, and to register.
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The heavy equipment keeps on coming, for the Sherwood Mill Pond tidal gates and pedestrian path renovation project.
(Photo/Matt Murray)
The photo above is from the Old Mill parking lot. It’s crowded with construction vehicles — and parking has always been tight for residents.
Visitors can park in the Sherwood Mill Pond Preserve on Hillspoint Road.
Or at Compo. It’s a nice stroll, on the new sidewalk!
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The Westport-Weston Probate Court is mourning the death of former chief clerk Shirley DeLuca. She died September 13 at Norwalk Hospital, of natural causes. She was 89.
Probate Court Judge Lisa Wexler says: “Shirley will be remembered by all who knew her as loyal, devoted, bright, hardworking and kind.
“She had unfailing patience for the countless bereaved and vulnerable people who entered Probate Court. Taking a seat by Shirley’s desk, one could pour out one’s heart to Shirley, and she would promptly help solve the problem.
“Generations of local practitioners learned their craft from Shirley, including me. For over 30 years Shirley served our community with love, humility and grace.”
She is survived by her husband Harold and son Glenn. She was predeceased by her son Harold III.
Services are private. Condolences may be sent to Westport- Weston Probate Court, 110 Myrtle Avenue, Westport, CT 06880. All letters will be forwarded to the family.
Shirley DeLuca
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Today’s “06880” feature photo is one of our coolest ever.
And most colorful.
Clarence Hayes captured this bumblebee, sipping goldenrod nectar.
Save the bees!
(Photo/Clarence Hayes)
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And finally … Olivia Newton-John was born today, 77 years ago. The highest-selling Australian female artist of all time died in 2022, after battling breast cancer.
(We honestly love you when you click here to support your hyper-local blog. Well, we love you always. But especially then.)
What is a neurodivergent teen?
Asking for a friend 🇺🇸
Olivia was the precursor of Taylor 🎶
AI says:
Neurodivergence refers to a group of conditions that affect how the brain processes information and interacts with the world. It encompasses a range of neurological differences, including:
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Dyslexia
Dyscalculia
Tourette’s syndrome
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Neurodivergence is not a single diagnosis but rather a term used to describe a variety of brain differences that can result in unique strengths and challenges. Individuals with neurodivergence may experience differences in:
Sensory processing: (e.g., heightened sensitivity to sounds, smells, or textures)
Cognitive abilities: (e.g., difficulty with attention, focus, or organization)
Social interactions: (e.g., challenges with understanding social cues or expressing emotions)
Emotional regulation: (e.g., increased anxiety, depression, or mood swings)
It’s important to note that neurodivergence is not a disorder or a disability. It is simply a different way of experiencing the world, and neurodivergent individuals have just as much potential and value as anyone else.
Thanks Dan
It almost includes everyone 😜
This AI comment seemed straight out of DEI… “and neurodivergent individuals have just as much potential and value as anyone else.” Their potential is severely limited.
Tom, I love you, but this is the most insensitive statement you’ve ever made. You’re better than this.
Neurodivergent people include Albert Einstein, Greta Thunberg, Simone Biles, Bill Gates, and Temple Grandin. Donald Trump’s buddy-until-he-wasn’t Elon Musk is considered neurodivergent too.
Locally, look at Ethan Walmark (https://06880danwoog.com/2023/11/24/ethan-walmark-westports-music-man/) and Wynston Browne (https://06880danwoog.com/?s=wynston; also https://06880danwoog.com/?s=wynston). They have enriched our community, and my life, immeasurably.
We all have different types of potential. Potential is often limited by society — its assumptions and limitations — not by individuals. I think you have the potential to see that.
Please check out the stories above. Please do some research into neurodivergence. The world is a big, wide place, and we need all kinds of human beings in it.
There is insufficient evidence that Albert Einstein was neurodiverse. Many have speculated as such, but it’s clear that someone who is no longer alive cannot receive a definitive diagnosis. The others you listed have, in fact, been diagnosed.
Dan, yours is an important, thoughtful well written and deeply moving response, for which we should all thank you.
Looks like Dan is wrong this time: you aren’t better than this.
Last night’s presentation at the library featuring Peter Greenberg and Allen Swerdlowe was absolutely sensational! The information provided by Peter as well as the background by Allen was enhanced by the great stories, no holds barred, truth about how to travel and how it all being eroded by the industries that control travel and the current administration—very enhanced by Peters sarcastic sense of humor. Thank you Allen and Peter!
Another chain store in Westport -color me shocked!
Needs its own “article” Roundup is too confusing for senior citizens (who are neurodivergent).