There’s one less place to get vapes and other paraphernalia — plus, according to police reports. joints, canisters of THC flower, cannabis resin and edibles — in town today.
The Savvy Smoker — a scourge of neighbors, and an unwelcome neighbor of fashion designer Christian Soriano, who opened a store in the same Post Road East mini-plaza, back when Subway occupied the space — has closed.
All signage has been removed. (Hat tip: Christian Hunter)
Scores of Westporters took advantage of nice weather — and a special invitation — to tour Prospect Gardens yesterday.
The magnificent 9-acre arboretum-style Greens Farms space is open to the public only twice a year.
Main garden designers Cindy Shumate and Judy Gardner were there all day, telling stories and answering questions.
Greens Farms Garden Club members explained how they plant, tend and harvest the 3-tiered vegetable garden. Last season, their harvest of over 1000 pounds was donated to local organizations that feed families in need.
The next public event is set for September.
One view of Prospect Gardens …
… and another. (Photos/Candice Cardenas)
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We’ve got a new header photo for “06880.” William Weiss took this great image of Ned Dimes Marina:
Kerri Kenney-Silver is an actress, comedian, writer, singer, and musician. As Trudy on “Reno 911!” she was nominated for 4 Emmys. She was the only female cast member on MTV’s “The State,” she’s been on “Superstore,” “2 Broke Girls,” “Love” and “The Ellen Show,” and she fronted the all-female rock band Cake Like.
Kerri is also a 1988 Staples High School graduate.
On Friday, the Wall Street Journal profiled her. She notes the first time she felt noticed — in 4th grade, when she teased a substitute teacher — as well as feeling “miserable and inadequate” in middle school.
Staples was different. She discovered Players — the theater company. “I knew immediately I fit in,” she says.
Looking both ways — and keeping their young ones together — these Canada geese parents look just like Westport moms and dads, out with their kids at Compo Beach.
Well, not “just like.” Those outfits are sadly lacking in aura.
And finally … following up on the news about Savvy Smoker (story above):
(From pot to pizza, “06880” has the local business scene covered. If you enjoy these daily Roundups — or any other feature of our hyper-local blog — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
A recent announcement by the town of work on the Cross Highway bridge over that small stream — which they called “Dead Man’s Brook” — got Robert Mitchell wondering.
He’d known it as “Deadman.” As “06880” has noted previously, it’s named for a long-ago family with that unfortunate surname — not, as one would assume, for one unfortunate deceased individual.
Mitchell wrote town engineer Keith Wilberg. He promptly (and fully) replied: “FEMA publications use Dead Man’s Brook. As I spend a lot of my time in the FEMA regulation world, I tend to use FEMA’s nomenclature.
“However, the US Geological Survey also has a naming convention, based on the Geographic Naming Information Service. They use Deadman Brook.
“I’m not sure if one outranks the other. But again, as I spend a whole lot of my time, as does Planning & Zoning, in FEMA world, I tend to use their naming.”
But that’s not all. Wilberg added: “Thus I use Sasco Creek, and the state Department of Transporation uses Sasco Brook. Same water body; we’re just debating about what to call it.”
Then — on a roll — he said, “Our office has considered seeing if there is interest in changing the name of Pussy Willow Brook back to Compo Creek, which show up on very old maps and in some old texts. Not sure why or when it was changed, but I think the name Compo Creek would be more appropriate, and I am surprised there is not a creek so named.”
Deadman Brook runs from the north end of Westport, through downtown. At the Levitt Pavilion, it empties into the Saugatuck River. The Imperial Avenue footbridge crosses it . (Photo/John Maloney)
Things are blooming at Blau House & Gardens. The mid-century modern home on Bayberry Lane — designed by noted theater and set designer Ralph Alswang — was just added to the Connecticut State Register of Historic Places.
Next weekend, the space sponsors s readings of “Garden of Earthly Delights,” by Connecticut playwright Steven Otfinoski. Inspired by the legendary Naumkeag estate, these performances capture the shared spirit of ambition, artistry and preservation defining both historic properties.
The first — June 6, at Blau House & Gardens — includes an outdoor staged reading, talkback, reception, guided tour, and shuttle to and from Coleytown Elementary School.
The next day (June 7), there’s a more formal reading, with music and visuals, at the Westport Country Playhouse’s Lucille Lortel White Barn.
Josh Malerman brought his “From Bird Box to the Stage: A Live Horror Experience” to the Westport Library.
The immersive horror performance based on his new novel, “Incidents Around the House” combined a radio play, concert and stage production.
Josh Malerman and friends, on the Westport Library stage. (Photo copyright DinkinESH Fotografix)
And — nearly 40 years after winning a wiffleball contest, with the prize of an hour of air time on Staples radio station WWPT — G & and the Bones reunited last night.
With Staples Class of 1988 musicians Peter Doolittle, Jem Sollinger and Will O’Toole reuniting from as near as Weston and as far as Idaho, the band rocked Little Pub @ Dunville’s. The crowd included old friends, and others who had no idea of the back story.
The “Billy Bash” was a tribute to the friends’ “band manager” Bill Westcott, who died in 2024.
Guitarist Peter Doolittle (left) and singer Jem Sollinger (right), at Little Pub. (Photo/Dan Woog)
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There’s just a week left to see “Art, Jazz + The Blues.” MoCA\CT’s colorful, tuneful show ends June 7.
Just a couple of weeks later, the next exhibit opens. “Looking for History: Rich Shaefer, Ellen Harvey and Michael Borders” is a series of solo presentations that examine how histories — personal, local and national — are pictured, preserved, and contested.
As the US marks our 250th anniversary in 2026, the exhibitions invite visitors into conversations about the narratives and forces that have shaped our nation.
Shaefer’s “Colossi” anchors the full season. Harvey’s “The Disappointed Tourist” is featured June 25 to August 2, followed by Borders’ “Connecticut Industry” (August 13 through November 15).
MoCA’s executive director Robin Jaffee Frank says, “By bringing these artists together, we invite visitors to consider the distance between our founding ideals and our current reality — and how the choices we make today will shape the future of our democracy. MoCA\CT offers a contemplative space where we can safely engage with historical memory, the topics of our time, and one another.”
First we reported on Ryan Smith’s victory in the Vermont City Marathon — his first 26.2-mile race ever.
Yesterday, we followed up with a fan’s Instagram post about it. (Spoiler alert: Ryan’s time qualifies him for the US Olympic team marathon trials.)
Now here’s the story from Ryan himself. He posted it on Substack. It’s a great piece, and you don’t have to be a track geek to love it. Click here to read.
Viva Zapata has been the site of many events, during its 50-plus years in Westport.
Parties, reunions, wedding receptions, post-funeral gatherings … the Mexican restaurant has seen it all.
Except a book launch.
That changes this Thursday (June 4). At 5 p.m., Westport author Annalise Osborne celebrates her new book, “Hold On For Dear Life,” at everyone’s favorite Riverside Avenue spot. The official publication date is tomorrow.
The novel is about idealism, hubris and resilience — and the long, difficult work of finding your way back to why you started.
“In the summer of 2017, Charlie, Jack, and Nik leave MIT believing they can change how the world moves money. Within months, they are exactly the kind of company that gets written about. Within two years, they are nearly destroyed by it.”
Dr. Dale Atkins’ books like “Dear Deer” and “The Turquoise Butterfly” help young readers and their families navigate big emotions, build resilience, and connect more deeply with the world.
Next Sunday (June 7, 2 p.m.), the “Today Show” expert and psychologist comes to the Westport Library, for a conversation with trustee Liza Van Gundy on Atkins’ children’s books,
They’ll explore how storytelling can support children and families through challenges, from managing anxiety and embracing change to fostering empathy and strengthening intergenerational bonds.
The “Career Coach” will be in the Westport Library parking lot on Thursday, June 18 (April 9), for a session on “Intro to Excel” — the popular business spreadsheet.
There are 2 sessions ( 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.) each day; both are 2 hours long. Registrants can choose one.
The service is available to people who are exploring career opportunities, actively looking for a job, or seeking additional part-time employment. Click here to reserve a spot.
Yesterday’s gusty winds brought down a North Avenue tree, on the sharp curve between Northridge Road and Charcoal Hill Road.
(Photo courtesy of Town of Westport)
Johanna Shields reports that it took more than 6 hours — from early afternoon until 7:20 p.m. — for an Eversource truck to arrive.
They then had to wait for the rest of the crew, before replacing the pole and rehanging the wires.
It was a long afternoon and night, for customers on North Avenue and side streets.
Eversource crew member Sylvester waits for his colleagues to arrive. (Photo/Johanna Shields)
Meanwhile, the second straight unseasonably cool weekend saw the Compo Beach entrance crew decked out in warm jackets. No t-shirts or shorts yesterday.
(Photo/Ed Simek)
Today will be cloudy, with temperatures in the low 70s. That’s the start of the week too. By Wednesday though, we’ll see highs in the mid to upper 80s.
Former Staples High School soccer star Eloy Rodriguez died May 20. He was 68.
A native of Lima, Peru, he came to the US when he was 6. He quickly made himself at home, with his winning personality.
He earned a master’s degree in finance from Southern Connecticut State University. Eloy worked in management for beverage companies, including Coca-Cola, Pepsi and Snapple.
He loved his family, friends, soccer, New York sports teams and a good story.
Eloy is survived by his sister Rocio Casey, brother Poncho, and nieces and nephews Ryann, Susanna, Holly, Jack and Emma.
An afternoon of remembrance and reminiscence is set for VFW Post 399 on June 27 (1 to 5 p.m.). In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
Dianna Broady offers today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo, and says, “I thought that some Westporters would appreciate seeing a bird that a lot of people don’t think of as beautiful. This big tom struts for his ladies in our yard, and sometimes roosts in the big maple over the pond.”
And finally … speaking of Dead Man’s/Deadman Brook (story above):
(From Main Street to Doheny, “06880” is where Westport meets the world. If you enjoy our daily Roundups — or feature stories, photos, music and more — please click here to support our work. Thanks!)
Do you boat, sail, paddle, row or cruise along the Saugatuck River?
If so, Connecticut’s Department of Transportation wants to hear from you.
They’ve posted a survey, as part of the Saugatuck River Waterway Study. The goal is to support planning efforts for infrastructure improvements, including the Saugatuck River railroad bridge.
Questions relate to a variety of river users, and planned activities within the next 20 years. It takes 5-10 minutes to complete. Click here for the survey.
Questions? Contact Erica Blonde: 857-208-8985, or eblonde@hntb.com.
Saugatuck River railroad bridge. (Photo/Doug Steinberg)
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Molly Alger writes: “When you read about the streets in town being repaired, you have an image of the old surface being torn up and a new surface put down over it.
‘On some streets the work is considerably more extensive — and grueling and challenging for town crews. Whitney Street is being widened, and the sidewalk widened and replaced (much needed). I am astonished to walk by the work every day.
“Huge boulders are being removed, broken up, and/or installed as walls along the road. Truly amazing efforts are being expended on this project.
“The men are rightly proud of their efforts and this project. They are upbeat, polite and attentive every day — and beyond any definition of ‘hard-working.’
“As a Whitney Street resident, ‘thank you’ is grossly insufficient acknowledgment of this grueling work.”
Working hard, on Whitney Street. (Photos/Molly Alger)
Based on the photo below, I called it “Flora Aesthetics & Spa.” I noted that I could find nothing about it online, beyond a similarly named “Flora Aesthetics & Wellness” in Ventura, California.
(Photo/Sal Liccione)
Reader Aini Rockwell pointed out that the business is actually “Elora,” not “Flora.”
Bingo!
Unfortunately, a quick Google search for that name was equally fruitless. This time I found 2 “Elora” aesthetics businesses.
One is in Cyprus. The other is in Qatar.
If anyone knows anything about this new Westport venture, click “Comments” below.
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Prospect Gardens — the spectacular 9-acre arboretum-style Greens Farms space featuring flowers, plants — is open to public twice a year. The next date is tomorrow (Sunday, May 31, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). The event is a partnership with the National Garden Conservancy.
Main garden designers Cindy Shumate and Judy Gardner will there all day, telling stories and answering questions.
Greens Farms Garden Club members will explain how they plant, tend and harvest the 3-tiered vegetable garden. Last season, their harvest of over 1000 pounds was donated to local organizations that feed families in need.
The Staples high School Jazz Ensemble plays at 10:30 a.m. They’ll be fresh off an appearance last night, at New York’s Birdland Club.
The Y’s Men and guests got a sneak preview yesterday.
Y’s Men and guests, at Prospect Gardens. (Photo/Susan Garment)
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Speaking of gardens: Volunteers from 2 clubs — Westport and Greens Farms — lent their green thumbs yesterday to Susie’s House.
The gardeners ensured that everything looks stunning for today’s AWARE event, a fundraiser for Homes with Hope’s Compo Road North supportive housing for young women.
Garden work, at Susie’s House. (Photo/Kathie Motes Bennewitz)
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Summer is here!
A full moon and warm weather brought the grill and picnic crowd to Compo’s South Beach last night.
“John and Jen,” the musical co-written by Staples High School graduate and longtime Westporter Tom Greenwald over 30 years ago, is running now through June 7 at the Berkshire Theater Festival in Stockbridge, Massachusetts.
And finally … the DOT’s survey (story above) got us thinking about how many ways we roll on the river.
(“06880” is proud to be your hyper-local blog. We’re proud to bring you news, features, photos and much more, 24/7/365. And we’d be extra proud if you click here, to support our work. Thank you!)
Westport’s Independence Day celebration is always special.
But this year — as our nation turns 250 — our fireworks will be off the charts.
Longtime residents Melissa and Doug Bernstein, the Police Athletic League and Parks & Recreation Department have teamed up to create Westport’s most spectacular celebration since our forefathers chased the British back to ships off (appropriately) Compo Beach.
The July 2 event includes brand new, never-before-seen fireworks effects, unveiled by Grucci over Long Island Sound, plus an extended, extraordinary finale.
Doug and Melissa Bernstein, at last year’s fireworks. This year’s will be even more spectacular, they promise.
But wait! There’s more!
The Bernsteins are giving free “FlowArt Guided Art Pads” to every family that buys a ticket to get into Compo Beach. (Ticket proceeds benefit Westport PAL, and their programs and scholarships that serve thousands of youngsters.).
FlowArt Guided Art Pads are the latest product from the Bernsteins’ new venture Lifelines — and the most popular item in their 35 years making products.
Every family gets this free custom-for-Westport gift with a fireworks ticket, courtesy of Melissa and Doug Bernstein.
But wait! There’s more!
This is not any old art pad. Melissa and Doug have designed a special limited edition custom, just for Westport.
The Bernsteins say, “This is our favorite time of year, seeing this amazing community gather together for such a joy-filled event.
“Knowing we waited 250 years for this very special anniversary, we pulled out all the stops to make this year’s celebration the best ever.”
Tickets are on sale now, at Police headquarters on Jesup Green (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) and the Parks & Recreation office at Longshore, near the first tee (during business hours).
But wait! There’s more! Get those tickets early. They always sell out!
Westport PAL president Craig Bergamo (4th from right) hands the first 2026 fireworks ticket to Melissa Bernstein. Also at the historic Compo Beach cannons for the ceremony (from left) Police Chief Dave Farrell, Parks & Recreation officials Jamie Boone, Ryan Burke, Carm Roda and Nick Quatrano, 1st Selectman Kevin Christie, Doug Bernstein, Parks & Recreation’s Michael Giunta and director Erik Barbieri, Deputy Police Chief Ryan Paulsson. (Photo/Dan Woog)
To contact Pierce Brown for grill cleaning, text 203-228-2293.
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The Soundview Summer Stroll returns Sunday, July 26!
For the 3rd year in a row — with the support of “06880” and the Compo Beach Improvement Association — the beach exit road will be closed to vehicles.
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Westporters can enjoy live music, food, kids’ activities, and a chance to stroll, bicycle, Rollerblade or otherwise enjoy one of the town’s crown jewels.
New this year: non-profits are invited to set up information booths, all along the road.
Earthplace, the Westport Weston YMCA, MoCA\CT and the Westport Swim Club are already in. If your non-profit would like to participate, email 06880blog@gmail.com.
Just a few days after being harassed while leaving The Blondinit — and posting about it on social media — Jonny Daniels returned to the Israeli restaurant on Monday.
This time, he heard no epithets about Israel from across the street. Instead he met the owners — who had closed briefly, after the incident went viral — and wrote:
“Today we had the privilege of meeting an extraordinary couple who proudly embrace and display their Israeli and Jewish heritage. Their warmth, resilience and unwavering pride were truly inspiring.
“The Blondinit serves exceptional Israeli cuisine in a beautiful setting. While the restaurant is not kosher, it offers an authentic and unapologetically Israeli dining experience that deserves to be celebrated and supported.
“Moments like these remind us that hatred and intimidation will never dictate where we go, who we support, or how proudly we live our Jewish lives.
“In the coming days, we will be announcing a very special evening at The Blondinit, where our community will have the opportunity to come together, support this incredible business, and send a clear message: we do not back down, we are not afraid, and we will always stand proudly as Jews.”
Police are conducting SWAT training today at 6 Coleytown Road, near Temple Israel.
There will be increased law enforcement in the area. Don’t be alarmed — it’s for training purposes only.
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Preliminary work is already underway on the Cross Highway bridge replacement, near the entrance to Wakeman Town Farm and the Wakeman fields.
The road will close on or around June 19, through approximately August 20.
Access to Wakeman and Bedford Middle School will be through North Avenue only.
Residents of Cross Highway, Silent Grove North, Half Mile Common, Woody Lane and Whippoorwill Lane will continue to have access, but there will be no through traffic.
Gruel Britannia and Christie’s Service will remain open and accessible.
Questions? Call town engineer Keith Wilberg: 203-341-1128.
The Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport’s “upcycle online” auction ends tonight, at 7:45 p.m. A reflection of their commitment to reduce, recycle and reuse, it’s a chance to share with others, and keep landfills down.
Sports fans (Patriots, Bayern Munich), college grads (Northeastern, Cal), shoe aficionados (Ferragamo, Sperry), china and crystal (Limoges, Wedgewood), clothing (Talbots Liz Claiborne), toys (Lego, Nintendo) and more (Thule luggage rack, live ficus tree) — there’s something for everyone.
For many neurodivergent teenagers, school provides social connections and routine.
That can be tough to replicate in the summer.
NeuroMind — a Westport-based hub for neurodivergent individuals and their families, offering coaching, counseling, support groups workshops, and resources — can help.
Their in-person social group for 15-19-year-olds meets Fridays at 2 p.m., from July 10 through August 28. Led by a licensed social worker, it offers an opportunity to make new friends, find a community, feel supported and judgment-free, and “be yourself!”
The next Veterans Benefits Luncheon is tomorrow (Thursday, May 28, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.), VFW Post 399).
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!
Speaking of lunch: Emmy Squared just launched a new promotion.
From Monday through Thursday, they’re selling cheese slices for $1, and pepperoni for $2. That’s “cheaper than gas,” they say — a lot cheaper. (For one gallon, anyway.)
Also on tap at the Church Lane restaurant: Trivia Nights.
They run every other Thursday (June 8 and 22, July 6 and 20, August 3 and 17).
Drinks are happy hour prices all night, on those days.
Though if you drink too much, you might not remember all those factoids. (Hat tip: Sal Liccione)
Longtime Westporter George Manchester turns 95 in June.
His son Jeff — now raising his own family, in his home town — has planned a special gift. He hopes at least 95 “06880” readers will send his father “Happy Birthday” cards.
George spends summers in Maine. Going to the post office is an important part of his day. Let’s inundate him (and the PO) with cards!
Send to: George Manchester, PO Box 202, South Bristol, ME 04568. And feel free to pass this on to others!
George Manchester in 2017, just before the old Saugatuck Island bridge was torn down after damage from Superstorm Sandy. Decades earlier he was involved in the construction of that bridge, as president of the Saugatuck Shores Island Association (now the Saugatuck Island Special Taxing District).
Elizabeth “Betty” Auber died Sunday in her Westport home, with her family by her side.
She was born and raised in Queens, the child of immigrant Irish/German parents.
After graduation from high School she married her sweetheart, Dick) Auber, and raised 5 children.
She went back to school and obtained a degree in nursing from Norwalk Community College in 1981, then graduated from Fairfield University 4 years later with a psychology degree.
Betty was highly respected for her nursing expertise and compassion. She ended her career as a psychiatric nurse providing compassionate care to vulnerable patients.
Betty retired when she was 76 years old, but continued to be a medical consultant to family and friends, always willing to listen and offer advice.
She and Dick loved traveling with friends, and enjoyed hosting social activities. She was also an active Senior Center and Westport YMCA participant. She volunteered at St. Luke Parish, beginning in 1976. Until very recently, she hosted weekly bridge and canasta games in her home.
Betty is survived by her children Patricia (Tom), Richard (Tatyana), Ron (Cheryl), Judy (Ferdinand) and Christine (Michael); grandchildren Abby, Steven, Jordan, Anastacia, Matthew, Kevin and Mary; great-grandchildren Colden, Keegan, Beckham and Eleanor; sister Patricia Casey and brother Joseph Schick. She was predeceased by her husband of 64 years, Richard.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday (May 30, 11 a.m., St. Luke Church).
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to he Parkinson’s Voice Project or The Westport Center for Senior Activities.
Elizabeth Auber
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It arrived late. But some of this spring’s colors — like today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured photo, from Joann Circle — make the wait absolutely worth it.
And finally … Sonny Rollins, the saxophonist who was a giant of the post-war jazz age, died at his home in Woodstock, New York. He was 95. Click here for a full obituary.
(And finally … if you’re in a sentimental mood — or any other kind — please consider clicking here, to support this hyper-local blog. These daily Roundups, and so much more, don’t just fall from the sky 😎)
Click here to help support “06880” via credit card or PayPal. Any amount is welcome, appreciated — and tax-deductible! Reader contributions keep this blog going. (Alternate methods: Please send a check to “06880”: PO Box 744, Westport, CT 06881. Or use Venmo: @blog06880. Or Zelle: dwoog@optonline.net. Thanks!)
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