Old Mill Grocery & Deli thrives in the spring, summer and early fall. Its location across from one beach, and on the way to another, draws a throng of folks — families, kids, walkers, joggers, bicyclists, and many others.
Winter is tougher. And OMG — the Romanaccis, who operate it, and the Soundview Empowerment Alliance, which owns the property — are battling lawsuits, from a couple of neighbors who object to the gelato card and liquor license.
This week, the deli hosted a couple of events. They welcomed neighbors and friends for light bites, to keep OMG front of mind, and hear ideas on how to make this community (beach and beyond) gem even better.
So, “06880” readers: Don’t forget Old Mill Grocery & Deli. They’ve got a great big table to eat at, and a great, varied menu for takeout.
They hope to see you soon — even before spring.
PS: Want to help directly? Click here.
Meeting and chatting, at Old Mill Grocery. (Photo/Matthew Mandell)
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Online registration for Westport Parks & Recreation Department spring and summer programs begins March 10 (9 a.m.; Camp Compo and RECing Crew only) and March 11 (9 a.m.; all others). Click here to see all activities.
Parks & Rec officials encourage residents to login now to their online accounts, and verify family information.
To update your profile, select “Manage Family Member.” Be sure each child’s grade is correct (as of September 2025).
Questions? Email recreation@westportct.gov, or call 203-341-5152.
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The Westport Library is a town gem. The only 5-star library in the state offers an astonishing array of events, programs, services — even a state-of-the-art recording studio.
But it doesn’t just happen. A board of trustees provides guidance and oversight.
As upcoming vacancies loom, they’re looking for qualified, eager candidates.
Responsibilities include governance and fiduciary duties, strategic oversight, collaboration with leadership, financial stewardship and support, and more.
Candidates must be Westport residents. Fundraising experience and strong community connections are key. Skills in strategic planning, finance, law, nonprofit operations or areas supporting innovation and digital strategy are valued but not required.
Trustee appointments are for 4 years, this year beginning July 1. Interested candidates should email a resume and letter of interest to spresutto@westportlibrary.org by March 20.
Trustees needed!
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Speaking of the Library: The “Career Coach” returns February 19 and March 19. There are 2 sessions ( 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.) each day; both are 2 hours long.
The service is available to people who are exploring career opportunities, actively looking for a job, or seeking additional part-time employment.
The topics are “Job Search” and “Interview Success,” respectively. Click here to reserve a spot.
The Career Coach.
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Earthplace welcomed Kevin Christie yesterday.
Executive director Amee Borys and staff members gave the 1st selectman a tour of the nature center, and explained the work of each department.
Christie got a good look at the preschool classrooms, the Animal Hall (including renovation of the birds of prey area), Eco Lab, and Harbor Watch lab.
From left: Earthplace preschool director Amanda Ciardi, Harbor Watch director Nikki Spiller, nature education and conservation director Veronica Swain, 1st Selectman Kevin Christie, executive director Amee Borys.
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For more than 72 years, STAR Lighting the Way has provided critical services and support to people of all ages impacted by intellectual and developmental disabilities across Fairfield County.
For many years too, their annual Speaker’s Luncheon has welcomed great guests, and provided inspiration to attendees, including Mia Farrow, Barbara Bush, Jenna Bush Hager, Norah O’Donnell and Brandi Chastain.
This year’s event is April 9. The “star” is Stacy Waldman Bass. A native Westporter, her work celebrates beauty, connection, and shared humanity.
Her new book, “Lightkeeper: A Memoir Through the Lens of Love and Loss,” is a powerful reflection on family, grief and healing. told through evocative images and heartfelt words.
The afternoon includes a gourmet lunch, curated shopping boutique, special guest experiences, and a Q&A.
Tickets are $200. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Click here to learn more.
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Congratulations to Sarah von Dohlen.
The Greens Farms Academy basketball star scored her 1,000th point this week. in the Dragons’ victory over St. Luke.
Sarah von Dohlen (left), with GFA associate director of athletics Jennifer Harris.
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Early this morning, SpaceX launched a 4-person relief crew to the International Space Station.
Mike Burns headed to Compo Beach at 5:20 a.m., to see it. Here’s his photo:
(Photo/Mike Burns)
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Just in time for Valentine’s Day, today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo shows a heart-shaped leaf on Hillspoint Road:
(Photo/Nancy Axthelm)
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And finally … in honor of today:
(Here’s another way to honor today — and every day: Please click here, to make a tax-deductible contribution to your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)
Fabulous video Dan‼️🇺🇸
It struck me this morning that the Old Mill Grocery seems to be a frequent topic in 06880. So I tried out the new ‘Ask Anything Widget’ to see if this was just my imagination. Turns out that OMG has been written about 12 times in the last 24 months. I then asked the widget to give me a count for articles written about all other small grocery stores in Westport over this same period for a comparison. Five (5) was the answer to that query. So why is it that OMG gets over twice the coverage of all other small deli/grocery stores in town? I’m just curious. BTW — the widget is a nifty little tool!
Hi Ken,
Thanks for using the widget. That’s exactly what it’s there for.
I have a few thoughts. Asking about “Old Mill Grocery” by name, and comparing it to other “grocery stores” might be apples to oranges. I’m not sure that the widget might have picked up all references to, say, delis or markets. (I don’t think of it as a “grocery store” — people go there primarily for meals, and mostly for takeout, or other food to be consumed immediately.
But even if it had, I think OMG plays a unique role. It’s one of a tiny handful of “grocery stores” (or delis/markets) in a residential area, besides the Country Store on Wilton Road (Gruel Britannia on Cross Highway is more of a “restaurant”).
Because it is over 100 years old, and was the subject of a townwide drive to save it from demolition to be replaced by a private residence, and is kind of a “community center,” and serves the beach area (a hugely popular part of town), and because it’s been the subject of a lawsuit, and because it is owned by a non-profit with the mission of employing because with disabilities, and because the very popular Romanacci’s people took a chance on it, and probably for a few other reasons I’m forgetting, it occupies a special niche in Westport.
Hope that helps answer your question, in a way the widget cannot.
Thanks Dan! Admittedly, I have way too much time on my hands (courtesy of some recent foot surgery)! I appreciate your explanation.
Lawsuits are public records
Who is suing the store?
That Google thing is available to everyone, sir
I grew up shopping at Ken’s. I’m glad many worked hard to save the store but I really can’t comprehend what has happened and why lawsuits have been filed. I am at a loss to understand the thinking. My guess is NIMBY, not in my backyard. I’ve been gone for over 50 years and miss what Weston and Westport were.
I agree, Dan. OMG is a special place that many folks say is the heart of the Compo Beach community. Hundreds of families have been coming here for many generations and think of OMG as the heart and soul of this community. You might say there used to be for 4 such places — Positano (and its predecessors), Allan‘s clam House, Joey‘s, and OMG (in its various incarnations). But, sadly, we are now down to just one such place and virtually everybody says the community would not be the same were OMG not here. These completely unnecessary lawsuits have cast of pall over OMG, its staff, and customers. Most most people find it outrageous that a small handful of OMG’s “neighbors” — three of which no longer live in Westport, four who live near the Old Mill and cannot see or hear OMG from their properties, and four who live more than 2.5 miles away (and likely don’t even know they are parties to a lawsuit) — are trying to impose their will on the 4000+ people who love, OMG and considerate it a beloved part of the neighborhood.
Would hope also, that a requirement for acceptance to the Library Board would be a promise not to support the banning of ANY book.