On Thursday, Westporters will sit down to Thanksgiving feasts.
There will be turkey, football and naps. There should also be thanks. That’s the whole idea.
This week, I feel very thankful.
I am thankful that — decades ago — my parents moved to Westport. Growing up in this community has profoundly shaped my life. The teachers I had; the friends I made; the values I absorbed — all helped make me the person I am today.
I am thankful that some of those values — like giving back to those less fortunate — remain strong today. In just the past month alone, organizations like the Rotary Clubs roared into the breach when the Homes with Hope food pantry was overwhelmed. The Westport Firefighters Charitable Fund donated 1,000 turkeys to Bridgeporters. A&S Fine Foods prepared Thanksgiving meals for dozens more, and residents added pies to the meals.
Homes with Hope’s food pantry was full.
Just this past weekend, Staples’ Service League of Boys raised thousands of dollars for a Staples Tuition Grants scholarship honoring Perrin Delorey, an elementary school friend killed in an automobile accident 8 years ago.
Speaking of Staples: I am thankful that hundreds of students have the immense talent, energy, passion and pride — and countless adults inspiring and guiding them — to produce Players’ astonishing production of “Les Misérables.” The gift they gave 10 sold-out audiences is beyond measure.
Staples Players’ memorable “Les Mis.” (Photo/Kerry Long)
I am thankful too that members of the Staples boys soccer program gave the entire town a lesson in maturity, commitment and hard work. Their state championship run this month was exciting, inspirational — and fun.
I am thankful that our municipal election this month drew dozens of smart, qualified and eager candidates. Our choices were difficult; there were many excellent men and women to choose from. I am thankful that turnout was the highest in years — and hopeful that it continues to grow.
I am extremely thankful for the Westport Library. Bill Harmer and his kick-ass crew have made an outstanding building into an even more outstanding town gem. From wide-ranging programming to a first-class media facility — augmented by staff members who know everything — it awes everyone who sees it for the first time. (Senator Richard Blumenthal, a frequent visitor, calls it simply “the best.”) I hope we never take our tremendous library for granted.
All day — and into the night — the Westport Library is a community gathering spot. (Photo/Michael Chait)
I am thankful that, just a couple of years after comingthisclose to closing, the Westport Country Playhouse has not only survived, but flourishes. They carry on our town’s rich arts heritage — and are joined by relative newcomers like the Westport Arts Collective and MoCA\CT. Not to mention other entertainment options like the Levitt Pavilion (a mere 5 decades old).
I am thankful for so many organizations that expand my mind and horizons, like StartUp Westport, and for groups like the VFW, which open their doors to all.
I am thankful for new businesses that have placed a big bet on Westport, like the Delamar hotel and The Clubhouse; for restaurants that are creating a statewide buzz, and for all the recent residents, who bring a fresh sense of vitality (along with young kids).They’ve chosen our town for all the right reasons — its schools, culture, beaches, amenities, beauty. ideals, and spirit of involvement — and they are making it their own. Just as my parents did, all those decades ago.
A move to make Westport more walkable and bikeable is being driven by new, young residents.
I am truly thankful for our first responders. Westport’s Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Services are the best of the best. If you’ve needed them: you know. If you haven’t: someday: you will. And then you’ll be even more thankful.
I am thankful, of course, for the opportunity to do my part for this great community, through “06880.” But this blog is nothing without you: our readers. I am truly thankful that you follow us, let me know about items of interest (and passing stories of interest along to others), and comment (especially civilly).
That’s me. Those are my thanks.
What about yours?
Big or small; concrete or abstract; here in town or elsewhere — we want to hear from you. Click “Comments” below.
Thank you!
This guy is thankful he’s roaming the streets of Westport, not stuck in a supermarket case. (Photo/William Webster)
…and we are all thankful for you, and 06880, Dan Woog !
Happy Thanksgiving Dan! Thank you for all you do for 0680! I love reading everything. So many great stories. Thanks to all the people of Westport who contributed over the years.
I am thankful to wake up every day in Westport, CT and get to read 06680’s news articles, town updates, entertaining and interesting stories, weather and traffic reports, local profiles, photos, artwork, etc etc etc! Thanks to Dan for being the straw that stirs the drink!
Westport would be just a fading image in my rear view mirror if it wasn’t for 06880. Thanks Mr Woog💕🇺🇸
I totally agree with the three comments. 06880 is the best.
Dan,
I am thankful to 06880! This blog brings so much to our community, reminding us of all of the big and small miracles around us in Westport. Thank you for bringing us history, moral clarity and joy each day. You shine a light on Westport and for this we are grateful.
Let’s not forget that Dan’s 06880 blog cannot continue to do the job we’ve come to expect without significant donations from the public. This is the perfect time of year for businesses, local corporations, and just plain readers to hit that donation button on the home page. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
I am thankful for the people who serve on the Board of Education, Board of Finance, RTM, P and Z and other town committees, who give innumerable volunteer hours to manage our town so successfully. And of course the love and health of my family and friends
Agree with all of the above comments- plus I am thankful we live in a free country where we can write in our comments to an 06880DanWoog.com town blog “Where Westport Meets the World.” (And I am thankful for Dan’s Saturday Art Column.)
Clearly, Dan, the consensus of our community is that our gratitude to you and your work is undeniably loving and real.
The Feliciano Family joins so many others who personally have been blessed by you for many years and look forward to the years ahead. Take care. Happy Thanksgiving, Friend. God bless you. God bless America
I, too, am thankful for wonderful Westport, where I raised my children, from birth through Staples. Was, and is a great town. And thankful for you Dan, and the superb reporting of 06880.
Apparently I’m not the only one thankful for you, Dan! Not just a valued connection to Westport but also a great teacher, coach, mentor. Cheers and happy holidays to you!
I am thankful this is not April Fool’s day and Dan’s wonderful words ring so true. So many of us wake up each morning and check out “06880”. One of so many treasures in Westport.
Hi Dan— Let me echo all those who said, “I’m thankful for you!”
I hope Tacombi wasn’t one of those, ‘restaurants that are creating a statewide buzz’. Curious though, which restaurants in Westport are creating this statewide buzz?
I’m always up for a new dining experience, but it seems in Westport, more restaurants are closing being replaced by the ubiquitous coffee/pastry/pizza joint.
Massi Co. Casa Me. Kawa Ni. Finalmente. Basso. Nomade. The Blondinit. Gabriele’s. Dandelion. Mexica. Hudson Malone. Sushi Jin. The Whelk. The Cottage. OKO.
Those, and many others, draw crowds from pretty far beyond Westport. Which restaurant that closed has been replaced by a coffee/pastry/pizza joint? I’m curious.
I’m happy to treat you to dinner at a restaurant of your (or my) choice. Please email me privately (link at the top of this page, on laptop or desktop.
Hudson Malone, The Whelk, Gabriele’s…https://www.ctinsider.com/westport/article/westport-health-inspections-march-2025-20267047.php ans this was April 2025…
The Cottage, https://www.ctinsider.com/news/article/westport-restaurant-health-inspections-may-2025-20389567.php
Thanks for the offer, but gotta take a hard pass on the botulism potential. Why doesn’t this blog give your readers a heads up on 06880 restaurant violations?
Happy Turkey Day.
Your link is 6 months old. The violations were fixed. You must be a lot of fun at parties.
Dan,
No worries. I don’t think you’re going to see “Paul Max” at very many parties. He’s always six months in arrears.
Susan Feliciano as in a relative of Jose Feliciano, one of the greatest singers of all time! Feliz Navidad.
Yes. Susan is Jose’s wife.
Dan,
I am thankful for Beth Truman, who tirelessly, assures kids with Disabilities have a Baseball Team ( Challenger), they have a Sunday morning game at White Field! It is a Beautiful treat to witness the smiles as the Kids become Sluggers!!!
Thank you sooo much, Rhona!!! You’re a town gem and I’m thankful for you too!!