Category Archives: Beach

Roundup: Beach Stickers, Basketball, Big Sports Names …

Posted on March 17, 2026 | 2 comments

Summer is here!

Well, at least, beach parking emblems (oldtimers call them “stickers”) are available for purchase — online and in the Parks & Recreation Department office — for Westport and Weston residents starting this Thursday (March 19), at 9 a.m. There is no limit for Westport and Weston residents. Click here for fees.

Beach parking emblem sales for non-residents begin tomorrow (Wednesday, March 18), at 9 a.m. The fee is $545, plus sales tax. There is a limit of 450 for the season — first come, first served.

If you bought emblems or registered for programs in previous seasons, your online account is already set up. Click here to log in. Then select “Memberships,” and follow the prompts.

If you have not bought emblems or registered for programs previously, click here. Then click the “Purchase Now” icon on the right.

Emblems will be mailed in 14-21 days. They are not required until May 1.

If you forget your login or password, do not create another account. Select the proper “forget” button on the login page. For further help, email  recreation@westportct.gov.

Office hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.

Beach stickers go on sale this week. (Photo/Mark Marcus)

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The Staples High School boys basketball team is one game away from a historic accomplishment.

The Wreckers — ranked #1 in Division I — downed Notre Dame Prep 67-61 last night at Fairfield Warde, in a state tournament semifinal contest that was nowhere near as close as the score seems.

That lifts the Westporters into the state championship against #2 West Haven.

The game — to be played Saturday or Sunday, on a date and time to be determined at Mohegan Sun — will be their first state championship since 2023. Three years ago, they fell short in their quest for the Division II crown.

If the Wreckers win this weekend, it will be their first state title since — are you ready? — 1937.

That’s right. Staples’ last Connecticut championship came when Franklin Roosevelt was in the White House. And 9 years before the founding of the NBA.

Go Wreckers!

There could be another historic moment this weekend too.

The boys could be joined by the Staples girls basketball team.

The Wreckers’ girls state tournament semifinal game tips off at 6 p.m. tonight (Tuesday), at Bethel High School.

The Wreckers — seeded #3 in Division II — take on #10 Bristol Central.

Go Wreckers indeed!

The 2026 Staples girls basketball team.

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Speaking of sports: Sports Business Journal just unveiled the nominees for their 2026 Sports Business Awards Executive of the Year.

Astonishingly, 3 of the 5 are from Westport.

They are NBC Sports president Rick Cordella, ESPN president Jimmy Pitaro, and TKO Group Holdings president and COO Mark Shapiro. (The 2 non-Westport nominees are 23XI Racing co-owner Michael Jordan, and TWG Global CEO Mark Walter.

Cordella — who would be the first NBC Sports leader to win the award since Dick Ebersol in 2009 — oversaw the NBA’s return to NBC, the Super Bowl and the Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina, and negotiated a 3-year deal for MLB to return to the network this season.

Pitaro won the award in 2020. He led the re-launch of the DTC-focused ESPN app, the acquisition of key assets within NFL Media and a renegotiated MLB media deal, and was selected to the Broadcasting + Cable Hall of Fame.

Shapiro presided over TKO (the parent company of UFC, WWE, PBR, On Location and IMG). UFC agreed to a $7.7 billion, 7-year deal with Paramount Skydance, while WWE agreed to a $1.625 billion, 5-year deal with ESPN.

The 19th annual Sports Business Awards ceremony — including 14 other categories — will be presented May 20 at the New York Marriott Marquis Times Square.

Good luck to all 3 local nominees. Looks like there’s a 60% chance that the  Sports Business Executive of the Year will be one of our neighbors.

Will they share an Uber to the event? (Or — more importantly — home?)

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With 74 power outages in Westport (0.58% of customers), and a much more substantial 1,128 in Weston (29%), it’s a good time to remind readers that Office Evolution is a great option.

The co-working space opposite Westport fire headquarters on Post Road East offers free day passes to new customers, and discounts on hourly private office space.

It’s a great way to get work done, charge devices, and enjoy hi-speed Wi-fi.

Call (203-635-8770) or email (WestportCT@OfficeEvolution.com) — if you can!

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Probate Judge Lisa Wexler is running for re-election, in the Westport-Weston district. She says:

“Being your probate judge for the last 13 years has been a great privilege. I have loved being able to help so many people in our community. I remain committed to fulfilling the responsibilities of probate judge with the utmost integrity, transparency and fairness. I hope that I have earned your trust and confidence for another term.

“Most people think that probate courts are only for wills, trusts and estates. But over half of our work involves people with special needs, including the elderly and those suffering from mental illness. As your probate judge, I use the tools available to me to try as best as I can to help those in our community who are the most vulnerable.”

Wexler has opened the court on Tuesday nights for public lectures, writes an email newsletter, appears at the Westport and Weston senior centers, and speaks before gatherings of trusts and estates professionals. She also made probate hearings available for the first time, via CDs.

A graduate of the New York University School of Law and Johns Hopkins University, she is a member of the Weston Kiwanis and Hadassah, and advisory board member to Jane Doe No More, and is a board member of The Jeffrey Modell Foundation.

Judge Lisa Wexler

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Last month, “06880” reported on Westport’s first-ever Mini Moguls Marketplace. The youth business fair — founded and organized by Staples High School junior Aanya Gandhi — drew (very) young vendors in grades 5–8, and plenty of shoppers, to the Westport Library.

Long Lots Elementary School students Leo Rubin and Luke Capolupo made and sold personalized necklaces. Their first sale was to an important customer: superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice.

The event jump-started their business. Since then, they’ve expanded sales at school. Leo then pitched the idea to ASF. The popular Post Road East store now carries their product.

An Instagram post says: “LL Creations’ beaded necklaces are made for players and true sports fans alike. Rep your passion, support young entrepreneurs, and give back — 10% of proceeds go to the Boys & Girls Club.”

 

Luke Capolupo and Leo Rubin at ASF.

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Attention, college juniors and seniors interested in a career in management consulting: A Westport firm is offering a summer internship.

The New England Consulting Group’s program runs from June 1 to August 7. They’re looking for interns from top colleges; any major is appropriate.

It’s on-site in Westport, with a $5,000 stipend.

Contact Tom Sebok, managing partner: ths@necg.net (subject line: Westport Summer Internship at NECG); 917-825-2206.

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You don’t have to be Irish — or even a human being — to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.

Jolantha — Weston’s favorite pig — is all decked out in green. Sure, and it’s a great day when everyone eats corned beef.

Not ham or bacon.

(Photo/Hans Wilhelm)

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David Berkman has been a major jazz voice for decades. Since his first visit to the Jazz at the Post — a soldout performance a few years ago with Antonio Hart — he has become a favorite at VFW Post 399.

This week, as the featured artist of JazzFC’s March Jazz Madness, he presents his own writing for quintet.

Berkman will be accompanied by saxophonists Billy Drewes and Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall, bassist David Ambrosio and drummer Jay Sawyer.

Shows are Thursday (March 19) at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m. Dinner starts at 7. Click here for tickets, and more information.

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What could be more appropriate for today’s St. Paddy’s Day “Westport … Naturally” photo than this wearing-of-the-green shot?

(Photo/Bob Weingarten)

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And finally … to all who celebrate today (and who doesn’t?):

(And on that note, may we ask for a bit o’ green today? If you’d like to support “06880” — and, ahem, this Danny Boy — please click here. Thanks — and may the luck of the Irish be with you!)

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Posted in Beach, Entertainment, Local business, Sports, Staples HS

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Here Comes The Sun

Posted on March 17, 2026 | 6 comments

Maybe not today, or the rest of the week.

But soon.

It’s been a long, cold, lonely winter …

Maybe not “lonely.” But — as they so often did — the Beatles nailed the past few months.

We’ve had a classic New England winter.

Big snowfalls. Frigid temperatures. Gray days, one after another after another.

Pretty gross. (Photo/Dan Woog)

Yet — as it always does — spring beckons.

It arrives Friday, meteorologically.

It comes early next month, religiously. Once again, Passover and Easter share the same week.

The holidays — one celebrating freedom and redemption, the other renewal and resurrection — are annual reminders that life goes on, stronger than ever, as the world reawakens with colors and warmth.

Spring is a glorious time, whatever God you follow. Or none.

So — as Westporters spend more time outdoors, in the garden, at the beach, on playing fields, and everywhere else in town — what’s ahead?

The Cribari Bridge will continue to dominate many discussions. The road upon which the can has been kicked down for decades may finally reach a fork.

There’s still no clear direction for the future of the 143-year-old span, whose impact on the town is far broader than its 2 narrow lanes might seem.

We may know a lot more after Thursday’s 6 p.m. Town Hall meeting, when the state Department of Transportation meets the public.

Whatever follows will be the first big test of 1st Selectman Kevin Christie’s tenure. He’s been quiet so far. Let’s hope he’s assessed his options, spoken behind the scenes with all the players, and is ready to lead.

Springtime at the Cribari Bridge. (Photo/Fred Cantor)

Soon, the budget — actually 2; the town’s, and the larger Board of Education’s — heads to the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) for approval.

Last week, the Board of Finance voted unanimously in favor of the BOE’s $157.9 million request. But they vowed to keep a “sharper eye” on next year’s request.

That’s nothing like the situation in the 1970s and early ’80s, when budget battles were annual affairs. Sides were clearly drawn: one claiming every penny was necessary for education, the other (including an actual “Taxwatchers Party”) demanding deep cuts.

There has been great cooperation recently between the BOF and BOE. Several drivers of the budget increase — especially healthcare costs — are largely out of the town’s control.

Renovation of Coleytown Elementary School will be an upcoming budget item.

But events both local (like the recent revaluation) and national (the war in Iran, gas prices, inflation) may impact Westport in the year to come.

We’re not yet talking much about those issues (though the Board of Assessment Appeals is plowing through a number of re-revaluation requests).

We soon may be.

I feel that ice is slowly melting …

We’re all ready to head outdoors.

Al fresco dining returns soon, all over town. Once again, Church Lane will be closed to cars. A tradition begun 6 years ago, in the very dark days of the pandemic, will continue, bringing the community together around food and music.

A new concessionaire may take over at Compo Beach and Longshore (if not, there will be food trucks).

At Longshore too, work continues on the Inn. The renovation is on schedule; it will reopen soon, as a wonderful, newly improved sparkle in one of our town’s true jewels.

Artist’s rendering of the renovated Inn at Longshore.

Old Mill Grocery will pulse with energy too. A couple of NIMBY neighbors are trying to stop the sale of alcohol, and the use of outdoor tables and a gelato cart. The existence of the 107-year-old beloved neighborhood spot remains in doubt. But for now, it’s lived to serve us for another season.

Spring returns soon to Westport.

All is not right with our town, or the world.

But after a long, cold, lonely winter, we’ll take what we can get.

Here comes the sun … it’s all right.

(“06880” covers everything under the Westport sun. If you enjoy stories like this — or anything else on our hyper-local blog — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Beach, Economy, Education, Local business, Longshore, religion, Restaurants, Weather, Westport life

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Roundup: Post Office, Restaurant, Music, Sports & More …

Posted on March 12, 2026 | 8 comments

It’s that time of year again: People put tax payments in the mail.

And once again: Other people are stealing them, from the mail.

Our friends at the Westport post office say: Hand all important mail directly to the clerks behind the counter.

That’s right. It’s not only dangerous to use your own mailbox, and the one outside the post office in Playhouse Square — it’s also risky to use the drop box inside. 

It’s a sad state of affairs. But you’ve been warned.

The only upside: Our postal clerks are the best, and friendliest, anywhere. It’s always nice to have that little bit of human interaction.

Nope! Don’t use the drop box inside the post office. Hand important mail directly to a clerk at the counter!

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From Mediterranean to pancakes to Japanese.

That’s the journey of the 2-floor restaurant at 43 Main Street.

Yuzu has opened its doors, at the Parker Harding Plaza side of the “Tunnel of Love” connecting the parking lot with Main Street. The spot was most recently the Original Pancake House. Before that is was Acqua, preceded by Boca.

Yuzu brings “a fresh take on Japanese cuisine,” featuring “a premium cuisine and omakase experience.” Their goal is to create “a welcoming space where Westporters can gather, and enjoy high-quality dining.”

Yuzu is the newest in a recent spate of Main Street restaurant openings. Just last week Felice debuted, in nearby space previously filled by Mexicue.

Click here for Yuzu’s website, with menus and more information.

 

Inside Yuzu.

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Musicians get most of the headlines at VersoFest.

But the Westport Library’s annual music, media and more extravaganza includes plenty of non-artists, headlining intriguing panels.

The newest addition is “Coffee with the C-Suite: Creators, Technologists, and Music’s AI Frontier” (Sunday, March 29, 10:30 a.m.).

Executive-level leaders from across music tech, rights investment, AI creation tools and licensing platforms will discuss the seismic shifts redefining the industry.

Speakers include Westporter Sam Hendel, managing partner at Chord Music Partners and Dundee Partners (and co-founder of StartUp Westport); Paul Sinclair, chief music officer at Suno; Daniel Rowland, vice president of strategy and partnerships at LANDR, Danny Newcomb, CEO and co-founder of Incantio. Music industry veteran and Westport resident Dick Wingate will moderate the free panel.

For more information on this AI panel, click here. For the full VersoFest schedule, and more information, click here.

Sam Hendel

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Speaking of music: The Mamas and the Papas, Byrds, Buffalo Springfield, Doors, Crosby Stills & Nash, Neil Young, James Taylor, Carole King, Joni Mitchell and the Eagles all come to the Westport Country Playhouse on March 22.

Well, maybe not the actual artists.

But their music will sure be there.

“Live from Laurel Canyon – Songs and Stories of American Folk Rock” is an evening of live music and narrated stories of some of the most influential songwriters who lived in Laurel Canyon in the 1960s and ’70s. them.

It’s a tribute evening — and much more. Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Great bluegrass comes to the Levitt Pavilion on June 11.

Greensky Bluegrass is the latest addition to the outdoor summer series lineup.

The quintet’s underground die-hard fans pack venues across the country. The group has sold out multiple-night runs at venues like Red Rocks and the Ryman. Tickets go on sale to the public tomorrow (March 13, 10 a.m.). Click here to purchase, and for more information.

The Levitt also added a new free ticket show. Circles Around the Sun — tangibly linked to Grateful Dead history, and “sharing shelf space with post-rock, psych-rock, jazz-funk and good old fashioned psychedelia” — has been booked for June 27. Click here for free tickets, and more information.

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TOPSoccer — the program for youngsters with physical or learning differences — returns for a second spring season.

Blake Serotta — a freshman player at Staples — leads the program, in conjunction with the Weston Soccer Club and Westport Soccer Association.

TOPSoccer is open to boys and girls in grades K-8. It runs Saturdays, 11;30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., from April 11 through June 6 at Morehouse Farm Park in Weston.

The program is run by Coach Felipe of Ole Soccer, and includes fun games, drills, and small-sided games. Each child is paired with a buddy, who stays with them on the field.

High schoolers are welcome as volunteers and buddies.

To learn more, and sign up as a player or buddy, click here.

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Speaking of sports: The Westport Swim Club’s first “Candy” meet of the year last Sunday got the season of to a fun, energetic start, at the Staples High School pool.

The intra-squad meet for swimmers in grades 2-8 was a first for many. Candy Meets are a friendly introduction to competitive swimming. Participation, confidence and fun come first (with a little candy as motivation after each race). Staples swimmers volunteer, and help the youngsters learn to cheer for each other.

There is still room for young swimmers (and divers). Click here, or email swimwestport@gmail.com.

All smiles at the Westport Swim Club “Candy Meet.”

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Miggs Burroughs has had quite a career.

And on Tuesday, the Staples High School graduate, noted artist/graphic designer/photographer/civic volunteer took the Y’s Women through it all.

He spoke about his engineering studies at the Carnegie Institute of Technology; working at Pepperidge Farm; designing a stamp for the US Postal Service, and his many efforts on behalf of countless local organizations.

And he did it all with his trademark good humor, and great modesty.

Miggs Burroughs (Hat tip and photo/Vera DeStefano)

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Westport Police made no custodial arrests between March 4 and 11.

They did issue these citations:

  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 15 citations
  • Failure to renew registration: 10
  • Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 6
  • Texting while driving: 5
  • Distracted driving: 5
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 5
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 3
  • Speeding in a school zone: 2
  • Reckless driving: 1
  • Speeding: 1
  • Traveling too fast for conditions: 1
  • Disobeying the signal of a police officer: 1
  • Interfering with a police officer: 1
  • Passing in a no-passing zone; 1
  • Following too closely: 1
  • Failure to yield right of way 1
  • Unreadable license plate: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1

Disobeying the signal of a police officer is against the law.

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Speaking of police: We don’t know what this driver did to get booted.

But here’s a sight you don’t see every day, at the Westport train station:

(Photo/Michael Diggin)

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Speaking still of police: Where were they Tuesday at Compo Beach, when this egregious breach of the law occurred?

(Photo/Nancy Lewis)

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Staples High School graduate Jeffrey Ruden and his family have been touched by Alzheimer’s disease.

His mother Carole suffered. That journey inspired Jeffrey and his brother Dave to help others. They have chaired the CT Walk for Alzheimer’s, and Jeffrey served on the CTALZ board for several years.

Jeffrey wishes he had known about CaringKind during his mother’s illness. With over 45 years of experience, they work directly with community partners to develop information, tools, training and support for caregivers.

Now he is chairing an inaugural “Hope Blooms” gala for CaringKind (May 14, Fairfield County Hunt Club).

For tickets or sponsorship opportunities, click here or email jmruden@yahoo.com

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It’s that time of year.

A mother hawk trains her fledgling near Bayberry Lane, in today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured photo.

Hopefully, they won’t go after Carl’s chickens.

(Photo/Carl McNair)

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And finally … just to reinforce the Post Office alert (story above):

(The good news: You don’t have to mail a check to support “06880.” Click here for the many ways to contribute to your hyper-local blog. Thank you! PS: Be careful out there.)

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Posted in Beach, Entertainment, Library, Police, Restaurants, Transportation, Westport Country Playhouse

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Pics Of The Day #3248

Posted on March 11, 2026 | Leave a comment

One Compo Beach tree … (Photo/John Maloney)

… and another (Photo/Gara Morse)

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Roundup: Staples Logowear Online, A Better Chance Events, Earthplace Egg Hunt …

Posted on March 11, 2026 | 2 comments

Alumni and residents often ask the Staples High School PTA if they sell logowear.

They don’t have a permanent store. However, 3 times a year they run online sales.

One of those times is now.

From today (Wednesday) through March 25, you can order alumni gear. Some youth sizes are available too.

Items include t-shirts, polos, hoodies, sweatshirts, shorts, flannel pants, caps, golf umbrellas, stadium seats and magnets.

Click here to shop. Your purchase will be delivered to your door.

Some of the Staples High School logowear at the online store.

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Speaking of Staples: A Better Chance of Westport — the program that provides educational opportunities to academically gifted and highly motivated young men of color — has 2 important upcoming events.

On March 21 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.), you can “Shop for a Cause” at Fred, the 30 Post Road East women’s clothing store. 10% of all sales that day will benefit ABC.

It’s a great chance to find the perfect outfit for the organization’s “Dream Event” (May 7, 6:30 p.m., House on the Hill, Norwalk). It’s an inspiring evening, saluting the young scholars of A Better Chance, who enrich our community every day.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Speaking of tickets: They’re going fast for Earthplace’s Great Egg Hunt.

One-hour slots are available April 3 and 4 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

In addition to a nature hunt for eggs, youngsters can meet live rabbits and create spring-themed crafts. Click here to register.

Also on the Earthplace calendar: their 5th annual Arbor Day “Toast to the Trees.”

The April 25 event (4 to 6 p.m.) includes craft beer tastings, food trucks, live music, fun activities and more. Click here for more information, and registration.

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“Greens” Farms Church was an appropriate setting Monday, for Club203’s “Luck o’ the Irish” celebration.

A large crowd of adults with disabilities, and their friends, enjoyed green-themed delicious foods from Lyfe Café, desserts by Avery, and tunes from the Especially Everyone band. Attendees also made pots of gold, with MOCA\CT.

Volunteers — including many Rotarians — brought great spirit, laughter and energy to the bash.

A small part of the large green crowd at Monday’s Club203 event.

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Yesterday afternoon, Westport Police searched for a man who left a facility against the wishes of medical control.

He was located on Post Road East, near Myrtle Avenue.

The number of police vehicles and officers made the response look more significant than it otherwise might be, due to its proximity to headquarters and its occurrence during a shift change.

Police vehicles on Post Road East. (Photo/EJ Zebro)

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This year’s Democratic Women of Westport “Souper Luncheon” welcomes the co-chairs of the Connecticut House of Representatives Reproductive Rights Caucus: Jillian Gilchrest and Matt Blumenthal.

The event is March 27 (11:30 a.m.). A $40 donation supports Staples Tuition Grants’ DWW scholarship. RSVP by email: dww06880@gmail.com.

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Red Hot Mamas — the online community for menopause information founded by Westporter Karen Giblin — is looking for baby boomers to be part of a special Oprah Winfrey podcast conversation focused on “generations.”

The taping is tomorrow (March 12, 11 a.m.) in New York City.

Email info@eventstics.com if interested. Include your first and last name, email address and cell phone.

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Westport Country Playhouse artistic director Mark Shanahan visited the Westport Rotary Club yesterday.

He spoke about the Playhouse’s Pulitzer Award play, “Primary Trust. Previews begin April 14.

Shanahan called it “a story of friendships and lifting people up. When I first saw this play, I choked up.”

Mark Shanahan

The main Rotary speaker was Jasmine Prezzie, program director for the Norwalk Mentor Program.

A former mentee herself, she noted the value of adults who share their triumphs and disappointments with children trying figure out their own futures.

There are 413 mentors in the school-based initiative.

Jasmine Prezzie (Photos/Dave Matlow)

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The new header on our “06880” home page features the Ned Dimes Marina at Compo Beach. You can see it below, too.

The image — showing empty slips, just waiting to be filled — is by longtime Westporter JD Dworkow. We highlight his great work often here.

Thanks, JD!

(Photo/JD Dworkow)

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Our favorite nature photographer, Lou Weinberg, writes: “In addition to rooting for the UConn Huskies in the upcoming March Madness, I’m rooting for the comeback of the rusty red and blue: Eastern bluebirds.

“They scored a big win at the Newman Poses Preserve on Monday. Eastern bluebirds seem to be rebounding well. Conservation efforts and bird boxes help. Protecting open space and planting natives are important factors in their recovery as well. Go Bluebirds!”

(Photo/Lou Weinberg)

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And finally … in honor of Lou Weinberg’s bluebird (above):

(Is spring finally here? We have no idea. But we do know this: Any time is a good time to help support “06880.” Please click here, to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)

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Pics Of The Day #3247

Posted on March 10, 2026 | 2 comments

Compo Beach dog fence … (Heli Stagg)

… and Burritts Landing (Photo/Larry Bartimer)

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Roundup: Concierge Care, Easter Eggs, Haggis …

Posted on March 9, 2026 | 2 comments

Infinity Care is a new personalized medicine/concierge practice, coming soon to town.

Dr. Lyuba Kofler — a family medicine physician –is a Westport mom who understands the realities of packed schedules. She designed her practice to offer “the kind of thoughtful, responsive care families often wish medicine still had.”

A core focus is what she calls “generational health.” Through “proactive prevention, lifestyle guidance, and personalized medical planning, she helps patients build habits and strategies that support not only their own health, but the well-being of their children, grandchildren, and future generations.”

Dr. Kofler has practiced with Yale New Haven Health and Stamford Health. She is fluent in Russian and proficient in Spanish. Click here for more information on Infinity Care. 

Dr. Lyuba Kofler

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Our first Easter-related item of 2026 is from Wakeman Town Farm. Their family fun “EGGstravaganza” is Saturday, April 4 (10 a.m.).

The 10:30 hunt is followed by egg-themed games, story readings with the Westport Book Shop, and photo opps with Big Bunny. Guests can isit the farm animals too.

There are treats for the kids, and coffee for adults, from The Granola Bar, Sweet P Bakery, and Danna Rogers and Jen Kass Team at the Higgins Group.

Click here to register. The Eggstravaganza usually sells out quickly.

Easter at Wakeman Town Farm.

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Speaking of spring: Temperatures are inching up. There’s a whiff of the new season in the air.

But all around town, snow piles remain.

And because they were dumped or pushed there after the first big snowstorm of the year, after which temperatures remained far below freezing for a week — and because tons of sand was used in the process — these big boys are not going anywhere soon.

Scott Smith spotted this one at the Imperial Avenue commuter parking lot. He writes: “Photos can’t convey just how big this snow field is. It’s gargantuan!”

Snow pile. Imperial Avenue is in the distance. (Photo/Scott Smith)

The question is: Will it still be there when the Farmers’ Market opens, in mid-May?

I bet it won’t all be gone even then.

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The national dish of Scotland is haggis.

If you’ve never enjoyed it, it’s a pudding made from sheep’s pluck (heart, liver, lungs), minced with onion, oatmeal, suet and spices. It’s encased in a sheep’s stomach and boiled.

However, 12 Westport Scouts headed to a jamboree there in July have decided to not serve haggis at their fundraiser.

Instead, Troops 39 and 139 offer a pancake breakfast. It’s this Sunday (9 a.m. to 1 p.m., VFW post 399). The full pancake bar includes plenty of toppings, sausage, juice, coffee and tea.

There’s a free will donation; $10-15 per person, $35 per family is suggested.

Haggis …

… and Westport Scouts in Scotland, 2 years ago.

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Players from Jeff Lea’s first state championship team — and 3 others — were on hand Saturday night, as the winningest coach in Staples boys soccer history was inducted into the Connecticut Soccer Coaches Hall of Fame.

Lea co-coached with Albie Loeffler in 1970, then served as head coach from 1978 to 2002. He earned 5 state crowns and 12 FCIAC titles. He retired in 2002, compiling a 357-77-42 record.

Congratulations, Coach Lea!

Jeff Lea (red tie) with former players (from left) Dan Woog, Jem Sollinger, Dan Donovan, Jono Sollinger, Neil Brickley, Steve Lichtman and Mike Brown.

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Compo Beach is one of Westport’s most family-friendly places.

So what does it take to get it ready for the upcoming season?

A papa machine, mama machine, and baby machine.

(Photo copyright DinkinESH Fotografix)

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One more sign of spring: Today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature photo is a blue jay, hanging out near Sherwood Mill Pond.

(Photo/Dr. Nikki Gorman)

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And finally … speaking of Scotland (see Scouts story above):

(Whether ye take the high road or low road, we hope ye feel moved to click here to support our own wee blog. Thank ye kindly.)

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Photo Challenge #584

Posted on March 8, 2026 | 16 comments

Everyone — well, nearly everyone — loves Old Mill Grocery & Deli.

Including — perhaps, especially — dogs.

Hanging prominently next to the door of the popular Hillspoint Road institution is a large jar, filled with canine treats.

It’s one more reason that OMG serves everyone (and everything).

And it was last week’s Photo Challenge (click here to see).

Pat Saviano, Gabby Velez, Cat Malkin, Linda Stern, Matt Murray, Jonathan McClure, Micheal Simso, Sal Liccione, Andrew Colabella, Audrey Fox and Lisa Hayes all quickly identified the very easy image. Arf!

This week’s Photo Challenge comes courtesy of Mark Mathias. The other day — just after George Washington’s birthday, and before the snow melted — he snapped this shot:

(Photo/Mark Mathias)

The plaque commemorates one of George Washington’s 2 visits to Westport (then a part of Norwalk), over 250 years ago.

It was dedicated on the 200th anniversary of his birth. (At that point, the original Old Mill Market was already in its second decade.)

If you know where in Westport you’d see this, click “Comments” below.

(Every Sunday, “06880” hosts this Photo Challenge. We challenge you too to support your hyper-local blog. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)

16 Comments

Posted in Beach, Local business, Photo Challenge

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Pic Of The Day #3244

Posted on March 7, 2026 | 3 comments

Owenoke Park home, from Longshore (Photo/John Maloney)

3 Comments

Posted in Beach, Pic of the Day

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Pics Of The Day #3242

Posted on March 5, 2026 | 3 comments

Compo Cove house … (Photo/Judith Katz)

… and Compo Beach sand, snow and clouds (Photo/Livia Fuccella)

3 Comments

Posted in Beach, Pic of the Day, Weather

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