Category Archives: Beach

Roundup: Doug & Patti Brill, Rotary & Levitt Music, Earthplace & Greens Farms Garden Club …

Posted on July 20, 2025 | 1 comment

Journalist/photographer/artist/Westporter Jay Schadler spent over 3 decades as a correspondent and anchor for ABC News, “20/20,” “Nightline,” “Good Morning America,” National Geographic TV and others. His work has also been featured too on Bravo and Discovery.

Now, as a podcaster partnered with Verso Studios at the Westport Library, he uses intimate interviews to tells stories of Westporters’ life transitions.

One of the mosot compelling features Doug and Patti Brill. With honesty, insight and compassion — and a bit of humor, too — they describe the world they’ve lived in for the past 20 years.

One day, Doug lost his ability to remember anything for more than 48 hours.

Many Westporters know Doug and Patti Brill. Some know the outlines of their story. Very few understand its depth. Click here to listen.

Doug and Patti Brill (far left and right, respectively), smile often. But the reality of their life is no laughing matter.

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Westporters have plenty of used musical instruments, hanging around their homes.

Young musicians in Ecuador could sure use them.

From now through August 1, the Westport Rotary Club is collecting them. They’ll be sent to the Youth Orchestra of Ecuador on August 3.

Instruments can be left at the Green’s Farms Congregational Church office, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Questions? Email peter.helt51@gmail.com, or call 203-295-5060.

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Dark Star Orchestra brought the Grateful Dead’s music — still quite alive — to the Levitt Pavilion yesterday, to a packed lawn. In the past 25 years, they’ve performed over 3,100 shows.

The band recreated the August 5, ,1974 Philadelphia show.

(Photo/Carleigh Welsh)

Matthew Mandell reports there were 3 Representative Town Meeting members there: himself, Karen Kramer, and Jack Klinge — the longest-serving rep, who when voting to approve the Long Lots Elementary School appropriation, quoted the lyrics “What a long strange trip it’s been.

(Photo/Matthew Mandell)

Jerry Kuyper left moments before the end. He captured this colorful shot from the Imperial Avenue parking lot bridge:

(Photo/Jerry Kuyper)

This week’s shows are all free:

  • Tuesday, July 22: Sierra Hull (7 p.m.)
  • Wednesday, July 23: Fyütch & Aura V (Children’s Series; 7 p.m.)
  • Thursday, July 24: The Moonrise Cartel (7:30 p.m.)
  • Friday, July 25: Danny Lipsitz & the Brass Tacks (7:30 p.m.).

Click here for free tickets, and more information.

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Speaking of colors: It wasn’t a full rainbow.

But Compo Beachgoers were treated to a fun little rainbow last night:

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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Earthplace is in the early stages of a capital campagn to renovate and modernize their building, and add a second floor for a science and environmental center.

The Greens Farms Garden Club is helping, with a big donation.

The two non-profits — with complementary missions — have a long relatinship. They began working together in 1977.

(From left): Wynn Hermann, Earthplace committee chair; Tony McDowell, former Earthplace director; Jacque O’Brien, Greens Farms Garden Club president.

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Staples High School graduate Geoffrey Kneisel died unexpectedly July 1, with his wife and mother by his side.

AFter graduating from Skidmore College, Geoff spent his entire working career at AmeriCares. He loved his job, his business associates, and the travel experiences related to bringing aid to needy nations throughout the world.

In 2021 Geoff and his wife Sara moved to Castine, Maine, where he had spent many summers. He also loved Nantucked and St. Petersburg Beach, Florida.

Geoff was most at home on the water, often with his wife and daughters, fishing, skimboarding or enjoying nature. He cared deeply about the environment and the welfare of the world.

In addition to his wife of 23 years, Sara Byun, and his mother, Mary Clayson, he is survived by his daughters Annabelle and Amelie; siblings Lindsay Kneisel Gagnon of Essex, Massachusetts and David of Westport, and aunts, uncles, cousins and nephews. He was predeceased by his father, Frank, and aunt Ginny Kneisel.

Contributions in Geoff’s memory may be made to The Hatch Community Youth Fund, P.O. Box 195, Castine, ME 04421. A celebration of Geoff’s life will be held  at a date to be announced.

Geoff Kneisel

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From time to time for our “Westport … Naturally” feature, we just like to sit back and offer a beautiful, natural scene.

Like this one, from Saugatuck Shores:

(Photo/Howard Edelstein)

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And finally … on this date in 1969, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first humans to walk on the moon. Ten others have followed. The last 2 — Eugene Cernan and Harrison Schmitt — made the journey in 1972.

(If you click here to support “06880,” we will love you to the moon and back. You can’t ask for more than that. Thank you!)

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Posted in Beach, Entertainment, Environment, Media, Obituaries

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Soundview Summer Stroll: One Week Away

Posted on July 20, 2025 | Comments Off on Soundview Summer Stroll: One Week Away

We’re just a week away from the 2nd annual Soundview Summer Stroll!

From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. next Sunday (July 27), Soundview Drive — the Compo Beach exit road — will be closed to traffic.

There’s live music from great bands and singers, kids’ activities and games, a photo booth and face painting.

Old Mill Grocery & Deli will sell some of their most popular items.

And there’s  plenty of room to walk, Rollerblade, bicycle, push strollers, meet old friends and make new ones.

It’s one of the most family- and fun-filled events on the Westport calendar.

A small part of last year’s big crowd. (Photo/Benji Porosoff)

The entire day is free — courtesy of “06880” and the Compo Beach Improvement Association. It’s our gift to the town.

If last year’s inaugural event is any indication, this will be one of the hottest days of the entire summer. And we are not talking about the weather.

Get ready to rock. And for the latest information, follow the Stroll’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/soundviewsummerstroll.)

(NOTE: We’re looking for a few teenagers to help organize games and fun for little kids, in 1-2 hour shifts. If interested, please email 06880blog@gmail.com.)

(Also note: As always, a beach sticker or daily parking pass is required to park at Compo Beach.

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Posted in Beach, Children, Entertainment, Local business, Westport life

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Pic Of The Day #3013

Posted on July 19, 2025 | Comments Off on Pic Of The Day #3013

Colorful Compo kayaks (Photo/Luca Caniato)

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Roundup: Spotted Lanternflies, Other Creatures …

Posted on July 19, 2025 | 15 comments

Amy Schneider warns: “Don’t sit on the Westport Library patio!

“There is a  swarm of spotted lanternflies there. Some flew on us.”

Not enough to make you consider taking your café coffee elsewhere?

Check out her photo:

(Photo/Amy Schneider)

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Speaking of creatures: Chris Swan enjoyed Jay Dirnberger’s photo of the Sherwood Island lifeguard chair — painted with a turtle — in yesterday’s Roundup.

Chris loves Westport’s first state park. He’s there nearly every day.

And, he notes, all 3 lifeguard stations are painted.

The eastern side (#1) shows a snail:

The western one (#3) is a starfish.

“I believe these were made a few years ago by kids at the Friends of Sherwood Island’s Nature Center,” Chris says.

“There are terrariums there, with jellyfish, terrapin turtles and starfish on display.”

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Now you see it.

Now you don’t.

In a scene repeated nearly every week in Westport, a demolition crew turned an entire house — bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, garage, roof — into rubble yesterday.

It does not take long.

John Richers watched yesterday on Pond Edge Road, as this home met its end.

Here it was at 7 a.m.:

Then, a couple of hours later:

By 3 p.m., it was all gone:

(Photos/John Richers)

All that was left was loading the remains into the back of a trailer-length dump truck.

And memories.

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John McCarthy sent this photo from the Baldwin parking lot downtown to “06880” …

(Photo/John McCarthy)

… and writes: “These wires have been there, unconnected to any device, since the reconstruction several years ago.

“Looks to me like they could have been intended to connect to surveillance cameras. Maybe. Why wasn’t the job finished?”

I asked town operations director Thomas Kiely. He says: “Correct. The poles were wired to include security cameras in the future.

“I do not have a time frame for installation. That would be coordinated through the Police Department and Department of Public Works.”

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Wakeman Town Fam’s final “Pizza on the Patio” event of the summer is set for August 27 (6:30 or 7 p.m.). Anthony K of Tony Pizza Napolitano will do the honors.

Each order includes 2 personal pizzas (select at checkout) and 1 bottle of wine (dtto).  plus taxes and service fees. A limited number of single tickets, and additional bottles of wine or pizzas, is also available. Click here to order, and for more details.

Pizza at Wakeman Town Farm.

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We’re not sure what this guy at Sherwood Mill Pond is squawking about.

But he’s sure making a scene.

And also making today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured photo.

(Photo/Nikki Gorman)

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And finally …in honor of next month’s “Pizza on the Patio” at Wakeman Town Farm (story above):

(When you click on the link, after pizza and a drink: that’s amore! What link? The one that helps you donate to “06880.” Grazie mille!)

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Posted in Beach, Downtown, Environment, Library, Real estate

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“Blue House” Faces Foreclosure Future

Posted on July 19, 2025 | 19 comments

A lot has happened since 2019.

President Trump left office, seethed during the 4-year presidency of Joe Biden, and is now back in the White House.

The world went from never having heard of a “coronavirus,” to shutting down for months, to getting vaccinated, to hearing that vaccines are not really needed anymore — and now, pretty much forgetting that COVID ever existed.

Queen Elizabeth died. Pope Francis died. Taylor Swift took over the planet.

In all that time though, the “blue house” at 233 Hillspoint Road remains unfinished.

233 Hillspoint Road (outlined).

It will be for the foreseeable future, too.

The property is now in foreclosure.

An auction date of September 3 has been set for the land and building. It is marketed by Northgate Real Estate Group as a “single family home, mid-construction,” on a “rare beachfront property featuring 2 stories with an elevator.”

The 4-bedroom, 4 1/2-bathroom home sits on a 5,663-square foot Old Mill Beach lot, a “5 minute drive from the Compo Beach Yacht Club and Marina.”

Current status of 233 Hillspoint Road.

The saga began in 2015, when Positano restaurant — the successor to the popular Café de la Plage — closed.

(Positano subsequently reopened next to the Westport Country Playhouse. After several years, it was replaced by Gabriele’s. That’s not part of the story, but it does illustrate in another way how much time has passed.)

The restaurant building was demolished in 2018.

On July 24, 2019 — almost exactly 6 years ago — “06880” reported that a new 4,200-square foot home would replace it. The asking price would be $7.5 million.

Artists’ rendering of the house going up at 233 Hillspoint Road (July 24, 2019 “06880”).

Construction began.

And then … crickets.

For months — as COVID came and went — the house sat behind a construction fence, half-finished.

Wrapped in blue Tyvek, and swaddled in litgation, it spent years as a large headache for neighbors, and eyesore for all.

Finally — more than a year ago, on February 18, 2024 — “06880” posted good news.

The property had a new owner. He introduced himself to the town, via our blog:

My name is James Pendry.

I have lived in Westport since the late 1980s. I sent my children to Staples High School.

I was a member of Westport Rotary for years, and have lived in an antique home on the Mill Pond for over 2 decades.

I have logged many hours sipping coffee outside Elvira’s, and many summer days reading at Old Mill Beach. I’d like to think I know the neighborhood.

I know there have been many rumors, many fingers pointed, much outrage and vituperative attacks on everyone from the seller, Planning & Zoning Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals and Building Department.

Virtually everything I’ve heard is the worst form of gossip: false and mean.

A photo that ran with James Pendry’s story.

Unfortunately, and I guess to disappoint many of you, there is no villain here. There is only a profound lack of communication, the lost years of COVID, and the ill-effects of “silo-ing.”

At each turn in this drama, every actor was doing the logical and right thing from their specific and singular point of view. Omniscience was required — someone or some authority to look at the big picture, and forge a workable compromise.

That entity does not exist in the land use departments of the town of Westport — or in the halls of Congress of the United States. The result is the same: missed opportunities, little productive debate, and either no outcome or a bad outcome.

In the last week we have cleaned up the site, moved the security fence so as not to impede pedestrian traffic, and replaced all the blue skin on the exterior of the building.

233 Hillspoint Road in February 2024.

The neighbors, who had sued the previous owner, were gracious enough to meet with me and keep an open mind to some changes.  Ultimately, we were able to reach a compromise that each of the plaintiffs and I can abide by.

Construction will start in earnest, as soon as the ZBA signs off on the compromise reached.

I am hopeful that that can happen at their next meeting.

Hope springs eternal.

But as Vince Lombardi may have said, “hope is not a strategy.”

The ZBA did sign off.

Construction did resume.

And then — like a Metro-North train offering false hope when it starts chugging along after stopping randomly on the tracks — it halted again.

Now we know why.

The financing is not there.

The foreclosure notice described the property as “mid-construction.”

Let’s hope that “mid” does not literally mean “in the middle.”

Because if it’s only halfway done, that means it won’t be finished until 2031.

(“06880” reached out to James Pendry for comment. As of last night, he had not replied.)

Another recent view of 233 Hillspoint Road (foreground).

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Posted in Beach, Economy, Real estate

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Pic Of The Day #3012

Posted on July 18, 2025 | 1 comment

Cormorants on Hummock Island oyster house, Sherwood Mill Pond (Photo/Rick Benson)

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Roundup: Good Trouble, Grow A Row, Getting Hit …

Posted on July 18, 2025 | 9 comments

Westport was one of several Connecticut communities participating in yesterday’s “Good Trouble Lives On” day of action.

The event on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge marked the 5th anniversary of the death of Congressman and civil rights ledaer John Lewis.

(Photo/Pippa Ader)

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The Westport Farmers’ Market is in full swing.

Yesterday, the Imperial Avenue parking lot was packed — as usual.

And — as they do every Thursday — the WFM put out a “Grow a Row” cooler.

(Photo/Dan Woog)

Grow-A-Row is a volunteer effort to grow and donate fresh produce.

Since 2020 members have planted, tended, harvested and collected nutritious donations of fresh fruits vegetables and herbs to benefit food-insecure people and families throughout Fairfield County.

So: Buy a little extra. Walk a few steps, and drop donations in the collection area at the center of the market.

Every week, let’s all help Grow-a-Row grow.

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Also yesterday: VFW Post 399’s monthly Veterans Benefits Luncheon.

The free event is open to all veterans. It’s part of the VFW’s effort to check in on their welfare, and connect them with the benefits and support they earned.

Representatives answer questions, and provide information on services and assistance available to veterans.

Yesterday’s veterans’ lunch, at the VFW. (Photo/Sal Liccione)

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A reader writes: “Last Thursday (July 10), around 2:55 p.m. I was walking my dog north on the southbound side of Compo Road South.

“I looked carefully at Baker Avenue. A car on Baker had its right turn signal on. The driver swiveled his head, and appeared to see me. Seeing several cars and cyclists heading south, I got ready to cross.

“The car slowly crept forward; then the driver accelerated into me. He must have been trying to pull out into the line of cars/

“I was hit, but my dog was okay. The driver rolled down his window and said, ‘I didn’t see you.’

“He slowly turned onto South Compo as though he would pull over, but took off. I am fairly certain I left a dent in the hood on the driver’s side.

“The car was a mid-range blue SUV (Toyota, Honda, etc.), with a faded American flag sticker. It had Connecticut plates. The driver was a male with white hair and blue eyes. An elderly woman was in the passenger seat.

“A woman and her adult son were in a pickup truck behind the offending vehicle. They got out to sit with me while I calmed down. I’ve forgotten their names, but I would love to reconnect with them. The woman said she lived by Longshore.

“I filed a police report and went to urgent care. If you have any information about the incident, please notify Officer Carr of the Westport Police Department.”

Baker Avenue, at Compo Road South.

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A new home at 5 Fraser Road, off North Avenue, has sold for $10.25 million.

According to SmartMLS, that’s the highest residential price ever in Westport — north of I-95, that is. (Hat tip: Bross Chingas Bross)

Record-setting sale at 5 Fraser Lane. (Photo/Turn Key Media)

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Most lifeguard stations are utilitarian: ladder, seat, umbrella.

They’re almost always all white.

Sherwood Island State Park is an exception.

Jay Dirnberger is intrigued by this one:

(Photo/Jay Dirnberger)

If you know the back story, click “Comments” below.

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Pam Docters serves up today’s “Westport … Naturally” treat.

She spotted these raspberries off Post Road West and Sylvan Road North, near the Pierrepont School.

(Photo/Pam Docters)

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And finally … Connie Francis — the most popular female singer in the US between 1958 and the British Invasion — died Wednesday. She was 87. Click here for a full obituary.

PS: Westport connection: Former resident Neil Sedaka co-wrote her hits “Stupid Cupid” and “Where the Boys Are.”

(Everybody’s somebody’s fool. But you don’t have to be ours. Just click here to make a tax-deductible contribution to “06880,” and you’ll be a genius. Thank you!)

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Posted in Beach, Environment, Police, Politics, Real estate

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“06880” Blog Party: Westport Rocks!

Posted on July 18, 2025 | 13 comments

Our 11th annual “06880” blog party was the biggest and best yet.

(Photo/Susan Garment)

Early morning rain and midday clouds gave way to blue skies, with just enough of a breeze to keep things comfortable.

Over 200 folks — those born and raised here, 97-year-old “Mr. Pickleball” Tom Lowrie, and 2 couples who moved her 2 months ago; daily readers, and casual ones; politicians and normal people — all came to Compo’s South Beach.

They ate, drank, chatted, stayed, and proved once again why “06880” (the online community, and the real-life one) is so warm, embracing and fun.

There was swag (waterproof pouches from Savvy + Grace; homemade jam thanks to Mary Lou Roels); beverages courtesy of Matt Bannon; music by Warren Bloom, plus the Westport Parks & Recreation Department’s help and hospitality.

Jam and waterproof pouch swag. (Photo/Thomas Samaranayake)

And of course, everyone enjoyed another spectacular Compo Beach sunset.

(Photo/Debra Krayson)

“06880” — the online community, and the real life one — feels truly blessed.

Rick and Totney Benson. (Photo/Tom Lowrie)

Matt Bannon took care of the thirsty crowd … (Photo/Dan Woog)

… while Warren Bloom entertained. (Photo/Mary Sikorski)

The Hive (Frederic Chiu and Jeanine Esposito, 2nd and 4th from left) and friends were in the house.

(Photo/Nancy Axthelm)

The Weinbergs’ treat.

(Photo/Thomas Samaranayake)

97-year-old Tom “Mr. Pickleball” Lowrie, and daughter Anne. (Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

Lou and Marjorie Weinberg enjoy a moment. (Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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Posted in Beach, Local business, Media, Westport life

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“06880” Blog Party: 6 PM Tonight — See You There!

Posted on July 17, 2025 | 1 comment

Sure, it’s hot.

But it’s always cool to hang out at the “06880” blog party.

Tonight (Thursday), we celebrate our 11th annual bash.

We’re all set for 6 p.m. at South Beach — the alcohol-is-fine-except-no-glass-bottles end, furthest from the cannons.

The morning rain has moved on. The weather forecast is “partly cloudy” — hey, that’s fine!

This is a bring-your-own-food-and-beverages event. If you’ve got something extra to share, feel free!

Bring a beach chair. And we can always use folding tables.

“06880” provides the rest: a chance to meet commenters and lurkers. Each year we welcome old-timers, newcomers, politicians and normal human beings. It’s a chance to talk, laugh and trade stories about this wild, wacky and only slightly dysfunctional town we share and love.

See you tonight!

We’ll be just to the left of this jetty (near the boat and kayak launch). Without the car, though, (Photo/Linda Gramatky Smith)

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Roundup: Y Bear, Beat The Heat, That’s Entertainment! …

Posted on July 17, 2025 | 5 comments

One of the joys of the Westport Weston Family YMCA is the view from inside.

The spectacular scenery includes the Mahackeno Outdoor Center woods and trees.

And occasionally, its bears.

Adam Siegel was startled yesterday to see a young bear amble into view.

(Photo/Adam Siegel)

Looks like the cub was having fun with a ball.

Just like youngsters at Camp Mahackeno — all very safely out of the way — do, all the rest of the time.

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It was hot and hazy yesterday.

And a decent-sized crowd took advantage of a mid-summer hump day to enjoy Sherwood Island State Park.

(Photo/Pam Docters)

Today’s forecast: Clouds early, followed by partial clearing. It will hit 94 degrees — perfect for cooling off at your favorite beach.

And then, at 6 p.m. tonight (Thursday), the “o6880” blog party at Compo. ‘

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Speaking of beating the heat: Lou Mall had a chance to do that yesterday.

And he didn’t even plan on it.

The Representative Town Meeting member was on his way into the Senior Center, when he saw 2 teenager girls offering free lemonade.

From left: Taylor Lunney and Nicole Tooker. (Photo/Lou Mall)

Taylor Linney and Nicole Tooker also invited seniors to  join them in a “When life gives you lemons, play Cornhole!” event there, on July 30 (10:30 a.m.).

“What great young women!” Lou says.

“I had a wonderful conversation about their upcoming senior year in high school, and colleges.

“It was so nice of them to volunteer their time and energy. And who doesn’t love free lemonade on a hot day like today?”

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The Westport Downtown Association sponsors music on Church Lane, every Friday and Saturday from early June through mid-September.

Now there’s music on Wednesdays too. Spotted Horse hires the performer. But they play outside the popular restaurant, so diners at other venues enjoy them too.

Ethan Walmark was last night’s featured act. The very talented 2024 Staples High School graduate — a rising sophomore at the University of Southern California’s prestigious Thornton School of Music — rocked the al fresco roadway with a sampling of some of his 3,000 covers, of popular tunes in a variety of genres.

Of course, Ethan took requests. That’s the way he rocks.

And rolls.

Ethan Walmark, in action. (Photo/Jerry Kuyper)

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Also yesterday: 2 well-attended events, on either side of the Westport Library parking lot.

In the Trefz Forum, the 50th anniversary of “Jaws” was celebrated with a special screening of the iconic thriller — followed by an intriguing talk with nephew Christopher Shaw Myers, author of “Robert Shaw: An Actor’s Life on the Set of Jaws and Beyond,”and film critic Joe Myers.

(Photo/Copyright DinkinESH Fotografix)

Meanwhile, a few yards away, the Levitt Pavilion welcomed the folk trio I’m With Her:

(Photo/Jerry Kuyper) 

As if all that wasn’t enough: Singer Rosanne Cash and her husband, guitarist John Leventhal performed at the Westport Country Playhouse.

(Photo/Susan Garment)

In the words of former 1st Selectman Jim Marpe: “If you can’t find something to do in Westport, you’re just not trying.”

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Speaking of the Westport Country Playhouse: Individual tickets are now on sale for the upcoming season.

Beginning in the fall, and running through next summer, it includes 3 mainstage productions of 3 weeks each, plus 3 limited-run shows.

Click here for details, and ticket information.

Artistic director Mark Shanahan gets ready for another season.

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Sunday is the Big Day for Lloyd Allen.

The Double L Market owner — and musical theater playwright — debuts “Screen Time” at the Westport Library (2 p.m.).

It tells the story of Angie (a bookeworm) who meets Marshall (a coder) building Angela (an AI chatbot).

The humans fall in love. Marshall introduces Angie to his influencer friends. Cautious at first, she acquiesces. With Angela’s guidance, she becomes a viral influencer.

“It’s the biggest artistic risk I’ve ever taken,” Lloyd says. “But it feels right.

“And I can’t think the Library enough. They haven’t just given me a stage — they’ve become partners in the artistic endeavor.”

The show will stream live on the library’s YouTube station, and be archived there. For free tickets and more information. click here.

Screenshot from “Screen Time.”

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1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker says: “It is with deep sadness that I learned of the passing of Fairfield 1st Selectman Bill Gerber.

“He was a kind, engaged and accomplished public servant, having served the Fairfield in a wide range of elected and appointed roles over the past 30 years.

“Personally, I found Bill to not only be a good colleague, but even more importantly, a good human.

“On behalf of the town of Westport, I extend my sincere condolences to his wife,Jessica, his family, friends, and the entire Fairfield community. Please know that you are in our thoughts during this time of profound loss.”


Fairfield 1st Selectman Bill Gerber

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“Nature can heal itself, if we give it a little help.”

That was the message from Bob Mazzone, SoundWaters’ vice president of development, the the Westport Rotary Club on Tuesday.

The Stamford-based non-profit teaches students about the environmental challenges threatening Long Island Sound, through programs like sailing, growing kelp to improve the quantity of oxygen, and harbor maintenance.

Bob Mazzone addresses the Westport Rotary Club at Green’s Farms Church. (Photo/Dave Matlow)

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5th through 8th graders interested in history and photography: Check out “History Through a Lens.”

The 3-Saturday workshop (August 23, September 13 and 27, 10-11:30 a.m., Weston History & Culture Center) encourages youngsters to dive into photographs from the archives, uncover the stories they tell, capture their own images, and become storytellers too

No experience is necessary. Bring a camera or smartphone (or one will be provided).

Free for members; $10 for non-members. Click here to register, and for more information. 

Photos from the Westport History & Culture Center archives.

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Westport Police made 1 custodial arrest between July 9 and 15.

A 23-year-old West Haven man was charged with larceny, and conspiracy to commit larceny, after an investigation into the October 4 thefts of tires and wheels from Honda of Westport. The loss and associated damage was estimated at $15,530. He posted a $75,000, and was turned over to Stamford Police, who also held a warrant for his arrest.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Driving while texting: 7 citations
  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 5
  • Failure to renew registration: 5
  • Failure to obey state traffic commission regulations: 5
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 2
  • Failure to obey traffic control regulations: 2
  • Criminal trespass: 1
  • Reckless driving: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
  • Failure to insure a motor vehicle: 1
  • Passing in a no-passing zone 1
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 1
  • Following too closely: 1
  • Improper turns: 1
  • Failure to grant right-of-way: 1
  • School zone violation: 1.

Criminal trespassing is a crime.

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Longtime Westporter and civic volunteer Mary Shaughnessy died peacefully in November in Stamford, 2 days after celebrating her 95th birthday.

Raised on a Minnesota farm during the Depression, and one of 10 children, she was Homecoming Queen at Rochester High School.

She put herself through the University of Minnesota by working at the Mayo Clinic. She then taught physical education and health at Minnetonka High School.

Mary was married for 60 years to Tom Shaughnessy. Together, they raised 6 children.

In Westport Mary was active with the Church of Assumption, volunteered with Meals on Wheels, and was the only female coach of Westport’s first co-ed softball league.

Mary is survived by her children and their spouses: Tom of River Forest, Illinois; Mary Kay of Stamford; Elizabeth of Nashville; Peggy of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin; Patrick of Redwood City, California and John of Coral Gables, Florida; 11 grandchildren, and her siblings Margaret Tushaus, Donna Mae Stock and Eugene Tushaus.

A memorial Mass will be held at Assumption Church on August 9 (10 a.m.). In lieu of flowers, donations made be made to the Thomas F. ’46 and Mary A. Shaughnessy Scholarship Endowment Fund at Cretin-Derham Hall, St. Paul, MN.

Mary Shaughnessy 

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Carolyn Doan sends a pair of spectacular “Westport … Naturally” photos.

She reports: “The Fresh Market osprey is getting ready to leave the nest.

“There is one chick this year. It can lift itself high above the nest. and is now assessing the idea of leaving. Proud parent looks on as this unfolds.”

(Photos/Carolyn Doan)

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And finally … see you tonight at our “06880” blog party (story above)!

(Sure, it’s hot. But the AC is cranking at “06880” Central, and we’re pumping out our usual mix of news, events, features, photos and more, without letup. Please click here to support our work. Thanks!)

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Posted in Beach, Downtown, Environment, Library, Obituaries, Police, Westport Country Playhouse, YMCA

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