Category Archives: Beach

Roundup: Bill Taibe’s New Restaurant Coming, Motorcycle Ride Sunday, Teardowns Ahead …

Posted on August 28, 2026 | 2 comments

What does Bill Taibe — founder of Le Farm, The Whelk, Kawa Ni and Don Memo — do for an encore?

And what’s next for Basso, the highly acclaimed restaurant that closed last year?

hi’Amba!

The new restaurant and market — featuring eastern Mediterranean food — moves in to the Jesup Road space previously occupied earlier by Matsu Sushi some time this fall.

The announcement came via Instagram, from The Connecticut Edit. It was first reported earlier today, by CT Insider.

The post said, “Think: a working bakery on the ground floor, a grab-and-go market brimming with house-made dips, pantry goods, and a full dining room upstairs with a menu made for sharing.

“The food focuses on flavors of the Eastern Mediterranean: shakshuka, hummus, man’oushe, and a seasonal, locally-driven menu that shifts with what’s fresh.”

Taibe calls hi’Amba “the kind of place you want in your neighborhood and can rely on every day.”

The restaurateur has sold his interests in The Whelk, Don Memo (now Massi Co) and Le Farm (now The Cottage).

He currently operates Kawa Ni in Westport and Denver, and the Norwalk Art Space Café.


Bill Taibe

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Sunday’s CT United motorcycle ride will impact travel on Riverside Avenue, Wilton Road — and cross streets — from Exit 17 to the Wilton line.

The event — paying tribute to the victims and first responders of 9/11 — is the largest motorcycle ride in the state.

It begins around 11:30 a.m. at Sherwood Island State Park. Hundreds of riders head south on I-95; take Exit 17, and then proceed to Wilton, and on through 7 towns before ending in Bridgeport.

The route is closed and continuous. With the assistance of a police escort, motorcyclists drive through traffic lights and do not stop at stop signs.

Drivers should expect extended traffic delays along the route — potentially 45 minutes or longer. Alternate routes are recommended.

The start of the CT United ride, at Sherwood Island State Park. (Photo/Penny Pearlman)

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Speaking of cool vehicles: Mauro Motors BMW of Bridgeport and the Westport Police Department are hosting “Cars & Coffee” on Sunday, September 13, 8 to 10 a.m., Westport train station).

The event features a car show with entrants from around the region, automotive vendor displays, a DJ, live K-9 demonstration with the Westport Police Department, and coffee from Steam of Westport. All proceeds benefit the Westport Police K-9 Unit.

Everyone is invited — to display your car, or just enjoy all the others.

Westport’ sK-9 unit.

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After months of bad news, the situation in Lyman may be improving.

“Ukraine Matters” reports that Ukrainian forces in Westport’s sister city have isolated and cut off Russian invaders. The situation for Russia is “dire.”

Click here or below to see the report. Lyman is first mentioned at the 3:45 mark.

To donate to Lyman through Ukraine Aid International, click here. Click the “I want to support” box; then select “Support for the City of Lyman.” Scroll down on that page for other donation options (mail, wire transfer and Venmo.)

(Hat tip: Robert Gerrity)

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The Historic District Commission meets September 8 (7 p.m.; Zoom).

The agenda includes discussion of demolition permits for:

  • 27 Owenoke Park
  • 15 Jennie Lane
  • 8 Bedford Drive
  • 7 Bedford Drive
  • 31 Richmondville Avenue

Click here for links to all materials.

27 Owenoke Park

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For years, Lorenza Arnal has shared her love of Mexico through food: creating her own brand of salsa macha, selling homemade guacamole at the Westport Farmers’ Market and more.

Now there’s another way to experience her home country, even more deeperly and personally: on trips that celebrates Mexico’s history, culture and traditions.

Lorenza leads culinary, cultural and Jewish history tours, and a trip to Oaxaca to experience the Day of the Dead.

The next Oaxaca journey is October 25  to November 1.In Mexico’s “culinary capital,” streets are filled with colorful altars dedicated to the deceased, food, parades, dancing and flowers. Lorenza’s group dines in the best restaurants in town.

For more information, email lorenza@capitanaadventures.com.

Dining in Oaxaca.

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MoCA\CT says: “We are terribly sad at the passing of Yayoi Kusama, an artist whose limitless vision transformed the way we see ourselves, one another, and the world around us.

“In 2019 Kusama’s work helped inaugurate MoCA\CT (then MoCA Westport), welcoming our community into her unforgettable universe of light, reflection, repetition, and wonder. For 7 remarkable weeks, visitors experienced ‘Infinity Mirror Room: Where the Lights in My Heart Go and Narcissus Garden’ together. It was an unprecedented presentation on the East Coast.

“Her work invited us to step beyond ourselves: into lights that seemed to extend forever, reflections that connected each visitor to the people around them, and a world where wonder felt infinite.

“Today, we pay tribute to an extraordinary artist whose imagination and brilliance continue to inspire us all.” (Hat tip: Chris Grimm)

“Infinity Mirror Room” (Photo/Jenna Bascom)

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Oops!

We mixed up 2 similar-looking photos, and gave an incorrect credit in yesterday’s Roundup.

This is the correct picture by Jim Corgel:

(Photo/Jim Corgel)

And this is the one by Carrie Kuhn:

(Photo/Carrie Kuhn)

Our apologies to both photographers. But please: Keep ’em comin’!

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Westport resident and Staples High School graduate Jaclyn Sharp is the founder and CEO of IMPOSTER 4 Animals.

IMPOSTER is “the exclusive global partner for T-Rex Leather for a variety of products, including small leather goods and equestrian sporting goods.”

The first T-Rex Leather handbag in the world recently made its US debut at the Hampton Classic Horse Show, in Bridgehampton.

The UK company that made the T-Rex Leather is IMPOSTER’s partner. The CEO brought the handbag, which had been under glass in an Amsterdam museum. It’s valued around $200,000. This was the first time  any T-Rex Leather samples have been seen in North America.

The bag, at the show.

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A savanna in Africa?

Nope.

A backyard on Whitney Street.

And a very compelling photo, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Richard Fogel)

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And finally … in honor of the CT United motorcycle ride this Sunday (story above):

(Get your motor runnin’ … and once you’ve done that, please click here to support “06880,” your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)

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Pic Of The Day #3417

Posted on August 27, 2026 | 3 comments

Compo Beach sunset (Photo/Eileen Lavigne)

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Roundup: Sudden Wealth, Scam Alert, Arnie’s Deli …

Posted on August 27, 2026 | 2 comments

We often think of “Sudden Wealth Syndrome” as something that happens to lottery winners, pro athletes or people who suddenly come into millions.

But it happens to regular people too — you or (I wish) I. A first paycheck, big bonus, inheritance — even a raise — can mean money arrives before we’re prepared for it.

Tom Henske can help.

The longtime local resident — a financial literacy expert who developed a very popular “Total Cents” podcast at the Westport Library, and now is a University of Virginia senior lecturer teaching personal finance (and working closely with UVa athletes) — has just finished a TEDx Talk.

Titled “Why Suddenly Having Money (Often) Goes Wrong,” it covers what Henske calls the 4 P’s: Pause, Purpose, People and Plan.

He must be on to something. The 15-minute talk was selected as a TED Editor’s Choice. Like sudden wealth, that’s an unexpected bonus.

Click here or below for Tom Henske’s very compelling TEDx Talk.

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Scam alert!

Westport Police Department warn that fraudulent arrest warrants — like the one below — are being sent to residents.


Scammers use official-looking documents, names, case numbers and other information to make their claims appear legitimate. They want to pressure people into sending money, or providing personal information.

Anyone receiving a suspicious document, phone call, email or text claiming to be from law enforcement should not send money, or provide personal or financial information.

If you are ever unsure whether a communication from law enforcement is legitimate, contact the WPD at 203-341-6000.

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Speaking of cops: The Westport Police and Fire Departments will (hopefully) crush the Darien Police.

On the softball field, that is.

A charity game at Compo Beach this Sunday (August 30, 4 p.m.) will raise funds for LivFree. The non-profit supports children fighting cancer, and their families.

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Sure, there’s a pool at Staples.

But why play indoors, when you’ve got an entire sound to splash around in?

The annual outdoor water polo “field” has appeared again, off Schlaet’s Point.

Game on!

(Photo/Jerry Kuyper)

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Tired after the first week of school?

Tomorrow (Friday, August 28, 7 p.m.), Westport Country Playhouse rocks with  “Cruel Summer: The Playhouse Playlist.”

The high-energy, back-to-school concert celebrates the music of Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, Olivia Dean, Sabrina Carpenter and other great artists.

One of the vocalists is Elyse Bell (currently starring in the Netflix film “Don’t Say Good Luck”). Click here or below to see her at Tuesday’s rehearsal. ).

Students enjoy a discount: $20 per ticket. Use the code STUDENTDISC. For more information and to purchase, click here,

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Hermes Botti worked at Arnie Kaye’s International Deli in 1991. He writes:

“Since it was an era before cellphones and digital cameras, I don’t have a single photograph from my time there.

“If anyone has photos of the deli — whether it’s the interior, the staff, or even background shots from old family visits — could you please share them? Finding these would mean a lot to me. Thank you so much!”

Email hermesfbotti@gmail.com. And please CC 06880blog@gmail.com. We’d love to see them too.

We don’t have any photos of Arnie Kaye’s International Deli. But here he is, in 1994.

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Westport Pride invites everyone — members of the LGBTQ community, allies, you name it — to happy hour at Yuzu restaurant.

It’s next Tuesday (September 1,, 6 to 8 p.m.). Complimentary light bites and happy hour drink specials are on the menu.

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We have to ask: Based on the sign below, is every married woman who shops there a “trad wife”?

(Photo/Andy Millard)

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Westport Police made 1 custodial arrest between August 19 and 25.

A 47-year-old Westport man was charged with violation of probation. He was released on a $15,000 bond.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Texting while driving: 8 citations
  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 5
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 4
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
  • Distracted driving: 3
  • School zone violation: 1
  • Construction zone violation 1
  • Disorderly conduct: 1
  • Violation of readable plates regulation: 1
  • Failure to obey state traffic commission regulations: 1
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 1
  • Failure to renew registration: 1

License plates must be readable!

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Steven Palmer — Westport’s Planning & Zoning director in the 2010s — passed away peacefully on Monday, surrounded by his family after a valiant battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 59.

After college, the Fairfield native began a 20-plus-year career in municipal planning and zoning. He served as director in Westport, Bethel and New Canaan, earning a reputation for thoughtfulness and reasonableness.

In 2020 he left the public sector to join the family business, Judge Tool & Gage in Stratford. He helped his father Joe bring the 70-year-old company into the digital age. He recently hired his son Michael, to ensure the business remains in the family for future generations.

Steve loved golfing, beautifying his home and yard, traveling, hosting Sunday family dinners, and body surfing.and open up. Even the family dogs seemed to love Steve the most.

He is survived by his wife Theresa; children, Michael and Kelly, and their mother Karla; parents Joe and Gwen; brothers, Chris (Marjory) and Joe (Colleen); nieces, nephews and great-nephew; Theresa’s children Christian (Jessica), Allison (Michael), Matthew (fiancée Victoria), Helen and Fisher (Greg), and Theresa’s grandchildren Blakely, Pasquale, Walker and Giada.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday (August 31, 10 a.m., 10 a.m., St. Pius X Church, Fairfield). Friends and family may visit at the Spear-Miller Funeral Home in Fairfield on Sunda (August 30, 2 to 5 p.m.). In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Smilow Cancer Hospital.

Steven Palmer

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The stars were aligned — well, the moon, a bird and sailboat were, anyway — for today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured photo.

Jim Corgel captured the image, near the Compo Beach cannons.

Tonight, a lunar eclipse will cause the moon to be almost entirely obscured behind the Earth’s shadow. It will begin shortly after 9:20 p.m., and peak at 12:12 a.m.

(Photo/Jim Corgel)

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And finally … as Tom Henske knows (story above):

(What would happen if “06880” suddenly got a boatload of money? We’d keep doing what we’re doing … and we’d stop asking for donations. But until then: Please click here to help. And thank you!)

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Posted in Beach, Economy, Local business, Obituaries, Police, Westport Country Playhouse

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From Germany To Westport: “My Amazing Westport Summer”

Posted on August 27, 2026 | 7 comments

It’s easy to get caught up in negative Westport noise: Too much traffic! Not enough parking! We need a dogport! No, we don’t need a dogport!

It’s easy — but why?

It’s so much better — and healthier and more fun — to count our blessings.

If we can’t do it ourselves, Paula can help.

She is 11 years old, and lives in Germany. Her godparents live in Westport. Paula visited them this summer. She had such a great time — in so many ways — she decided to write about it for “06880.”

So sit down. Relax. Read Paula’s thoughtful, insightful words.

Then realize: An 11-year-old German girl nailed it.

So the next time you’re consumed with anger, outrage or any other negative emotion, about traffic or parking or a dogport – look at Westport through Paula’s eyes.

She sure opens ours.

One of my favorite things this summer was going for walks on Soundview Drive with dogs named Teo, Lola and Bobo. Walking all 3 of them (with help!) at the same time was a little bit chaotic, but it was also one of the best parts of my whole trip.

The view is beautiful, and I loved looking out at the water while the dogs pulled me in 3 different directions. But it allowed me to met a lot of Westport people.

Paula walks down Soundview Drive, after the rain.

I also got to swim in the ocean, which is something I do not get to do very often in Germany. The water was a little cold at first, but once I got used to it, it was so much fun. I jumped over the waves and floated on my back and looked up at the sky.

Paula, doing one thing that every Westport kid does.

This summer I made friends with 3 girls almost the same age who live close by. It is good to have friends my own age around. I hope we can stay in touch and play together again next time I come back.

Something really special happened this summer: the local Westport police made me an honorary Junior Officer! They gave me a little badge, and I felt so proud. The officers were so kind and let me ask them all kinds of questions about their job. I will keep my Junior Officer badge as a memory of my summer in Westport.

Paula and Westport Police Officer Brian Quick.

I went to golf camp for a few days, and even though I am not the best golfer yet, it was really fun to learn. My swing definitely needs some more practice, but the counselors were patient and nice, and I got a little better every single day.

The birds right on Soundview were very cool to watch. Catching fish right out of the water is really special, and I loved watching them fly around and fight for the oysters. I had never seen anything like it before, and it made me appreciate how much wildlife there is around Westport.

Checking out the tidal gates at Sherwood Pond. I thought it was fascinating to see how the water moves in and out and how the gates work. It felt like a fun little science lesson mixed with an outdoor adventure.

One of the most magical evenings of the summer was when we drove our camper right up next to Compo Beach. We climbed up into the roof tent and ate pizza while watching the most amazing sunset over the water. The sky turned all these incredible colors, and it felt like the perfect way to end a day in Westport.

Camping at Compo.

Westport also has some amazing restaurants, and I got to try a lot of them this summer. I ate at Casa Me, and the food there was so good. I also went to the Lobster Shack, and it turned out to be delicious too. I also loved going to Little Barn, and Romanacci (and OMG) where we had pizza and it became my favorite spot. Of course, the bagels from PopUp Bagels were amazing to have on Sunday mornings. It made it easier being away from the amazing pretzels we have back at home.

Paula, a bagel and a schmear.

Even though all of these adventures were amazing, my favorite part of the summer was spending time with my godparents. We talked, we played card games, we laughed, we cooked together, and they made me feel so at home even though I live so far away.

My godparents also have 3 children, who are all in their 20s now, so they are much older than me, but that never stopped us from having so much fun together. They always joined in and played with me too, and it never felt like there was any age difference at all.

Every time I visit, it feels like coming back to a whole second family, and that is such a special feeling. They all took me on these adventures and made every single day feel special. I already look forward to coming back and seeing everyone again.

I had a chance to meet so many friendly people who were always kind, curious and welcoming to me in Westport, thank you for an unforgettable summer.

I already cannot wait to come back next year!

Until then, auf Wiedersehen, and see you soon!
Paula

(Hat tip: Sunil Hirani)

See you soon! (All photos/Georg Scholz)

(If it happens in Westport — or it involves anyone in town — you’ll read about it on “06880.” We rely on reader support to do it all. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Pic Of The Day #3416

Posted on August 26, 2026 | Leave a comment

Compo  Beach lifeguard shack — rear view (Photo/John Maloney)

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Roundup: 1st Day Of School, Rosh Hashanah, Farmers’ Markets …

Posted on August 26, 2026 | 5 comments

Yesterday was Westport’s 1st day of school.

In a scene repeated all over town (and the country) (and every August), the kids at the Vani Court bus stop got ready for another (hopefully great) year.

(Photo/Susan Garment)

We look forward to a similar photo in June. Let’s see how they grow!

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For nearly 40 years, the Hole in the Wall Gang — founded by our longtime neighbor Paul Newman — has provided “pure camp magic” to children with serious illnesses. They have fun, they laugh, and form great friendships.

All free of charge.

Jordan Glick — the son-in-law of Westporter Jamie Klein — has spent many summers as a camp volunteer. His wife — the Klein’s daughter Stevie Klein-Glick — recently joined him.

This year, both families are collecting and donating items from the Hole in the Wall Gang’s “wish list” (click here to see).  Several are running low in the General, Sports & Rec and Workshop categories.

Items can be dropped off on the covered front porch at 20 Manitou Road, now through September 4.

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“Michael Borders: Connecticut Industry” — the newest piece of MoCA\CT’s larger “Looking for History” exhibition — features a monumental mural of 8 5 foot-by-10-foot painted panels. Together, they offers a sweeping visual account of Connecticut’s 8 counties.

Created over more than 2 decades and informed by years of research, the mural traces the state’s history, from Indigenous presence and colonial settlement to industrial expansion, technological invention, and contemporary community life.

Borders incorporates local figures, regional industries, landscapes, tools, machinery, and symbols of labor into his vivid, detailed composition.

An opening reception is set for September 10 (6 to 8 p.m.). For more information on the exhibit, click here and scroll down.

Michael Borders, in his studio. 

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In advance of Rosh Hashanah (September 11), The Blondinit is preparing a catering menu of Israeli-inspired cooking.

Options include entrees like pistachio-crusted black sea bass, salmon, chicken and chicken shawarma, schnitzel and brisket), plus appetizers, salads and sides.

To order, click here (then scroll all the way down), call 203-557-3277, or email catering@theblondinit.com.

 

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Weston’s Farmers Market returns to Lachat Town Farm this Friday (August 28, 4 to 8 p.m.). There are 25 vendors — and live music, Canyon (4:30 to 5:30) and Bar Car (6 to 8). Click here for more information.

Of course, the Westport Farmers’ Market continues tomorrow (Thursday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Imperial Avenue parking lot). Click here for more information.

(Photo/Susan Garment)

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Youngsters in grades 6 to 12 who enjoy camping, hiking, outdoor adventures and hands-on life skills: Scouting may be for you.

They and their families can learn more about Troop 36 next Monday (August 31, 7 p.m., Saugatuck Congregational Church).

Founded in 1949, Troop 36 is Westport’s only Scouting America Family Troop, welcoming both girls and boys. They usually meet once a week, with at least 1 weekend outing a month (camping, city tour, merit badge courses). They participate in several community service projects throughout the year.

Questions? Email Scoutmaster Srikanth Puttagunta: sputtagu79@gmail.com.

Troop 36 in action.

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On Monday night, “Get Up With It” — the 10-member jazz ensemble co-founded by Greens Farms Academy graduate Charlie Hall — wowed a large Levitt Pavilion Crowd with a dazzling tapestry of Miles Davis works.

After the show, members of the group — now in its 3rd decade — said this was their first time on a stage large enough that they could all see each other while playing.

It was also their first outdoor performance as this collective. The setting created a new dynamic for the artists — and the audience.

Ahead this week: Lissy & the Triggermen (Friday, August 28) and Billy & the Showmen (Saturday, August 29). Both shows are 7:30 p.m. Click here for tickets, and more information.

Get Up With It: outdoors, at the Levitt. (Photo/Sean Bemand)

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Carrie Kuhn sent this photo, of last night’s almost full moon over Compo Beach:

(Photo/Carrie Kuhn)

As for tomorrow: a deep partial eclipse will begin shortly after 9:20 p.m. Thursday, and peak at 12:12 a.m. Friday. (Hat tip: Bill Dedman)

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Meanwhile, shore birds along Schlaet’s Point watch sailboats, in today’s serene “Westport … Naturally” photo.

(Photo/Nikki Gorman)

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And finally …. the New York Times reported this sad news well:

Dolly Parton, a rhinestone-studded, rags-to-riches daughter of Appalachia who for six decades ruled country music — and much of pop culture — with an outsize personality and down-home wit that enshrined her as one of America’s most cherished originals, died on Tuesday in Nashville. She was 80.

From her hardscrabble beginnings to glittering stardom, Ms. Parton’s life was the stuff of make-believe. With her voluptuous figure, sparkly stage costumes and blond bouffant wigs, she was likened by the writer Chet Flippo to the Big Rock Candy Mountain, the Depression-era symbol of abundance. Her songs spoke to millions, confronting privation and loss even as they radiated possibility and hope.

She was, quintessentially, a uniter of people. In 2019, The New York Times ran a story with the headline “Is There Anything We Can All Agree On? Yes: Dolly Parton.”

Inducted into both the country music and rock ’n’ roll halls of fame, Ms. Parton was the top-ranking female singer on country radio from 1967 to 1993, and had a total of 25 No. 1 country singles.

Click here for a full obituary. And then relive some of the joy she brought so many of us, for so many years.

And enjoy this great 1991 collaboration between Dolly and Weston’s own José Feliciano.

(Dolly Parton worked a lot longer than 9 to 5. So does “06880.” If you enjoy our 24/7/365 coverage of all things Westport, please click here to support our work. PS: We will always love you!)

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Pic Of The Day #3415

Posted on August 25, 2026 | 2 comments

Follow the leader at Compo Beach (Photo/Rowene Weems)

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Pic Of The Day #3414

Posted on August 24, 2026 | 4 comments

Sherwood Island Mill Pond (Photo/Jerry Kuyper)

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Pic Of The Day #3413

Posted on August 23, 2026 | 8 comments

Classic Compo Beach South Beach shot (Photo/Janette Kinnally)

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Roundup: Sherwood Island Pavilion, Passport Scam, Fundraiser Fun …

Posted on August 23, 2026 | 5 comments

is there a statewide competition to see which bureaucracy can spend the longest time on a project?

The Connecticut Department of Transportation took the lead, with its Post Road renovation.

But the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is not sitting back. (Well, actually, they are.)

The popular Sherwood Island State Park pavilion has been closed since January 16 for “assessments for repairs.”

The other day, the Y’s Men of Westport & Weston — which is one of many groups that uses the pavilion — asked for an update.

Parks supervisor Caitlin Munson told Allan Siegert: “We unfortunately do not have any estimated timeframe for the repairs to the pavilion as the project is in the planning phase with the Engineering division, however, it is my best guess that it will remain closed for the remainder of 2026 and the majority, if not all of 2027.

“At this time, I don’t have any details to give, but you’re welcome to check back periodically to see if there are any updates. However- I would say for now while you plan for your events next year, it is safe to assume that the pavilion will remain closed next year.”

That must be some assessment that’s going on.

Sherwood Island pavilion.

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Ruben — the popular, ever-helpful Westport Post Office clerk — has seen a steady stream of customers requesting passports.

They’ve filled out forms online. But because they googled “Passport application,” and clicked on a “service,” they paid an additional fee that they did not need to.

Ruben urges “06880” readers to avoid the excess fee. The least expensive way to get a passport is through the official State Department website: https://travel.state.gov/en/passports.html.

You can also get passport forms at the Westport Library.

Remember: A “service” that you find online is anything but. Go to the official State Department page website!

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Frank Mastrone is always a Levitt Pavilion favorite.

His 10th annual appearance last night was extra special. The Connecticut-born Broadway star brought 2 friends: Westporters Dodie Pettit and Rex Fowler.

Dodie met Mastrone when both were in “Phantom of the Opera.” Rex — Dodie’s husband — is the co-founder of Aztec Two-Step. The duo now perform as Aztec Two-Step 2.0.

From “Send in the Clowns” and “Bring Him Home” to “Like a Rolling Stone” and “The Boxer,” it was a great evening.

And the rain held off until 10 minutes after the show ended.

Rex Fowler, Frank Mastrone and Dodie Pettit. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Just hours after she was born 9 weeks early, in June of 2022, Shea Greenfield’s heart stopped beating.

Doctors saved her life. But she was diagnosed with Long QT Syndrome. Her heart’s electrical system takes longer than usual to recharge between beats. She is at risk of fainting, seizures, cardiac arrest and sudden death.

There is no cure for the condition. And Shea’s condition is one of the most severe her doctors have ever seen.

Shea’s parents, Mark and Kira, had moved to Westport a year earlier. In addition to educating themselves about LQTS, they began raising funds for the Mayo Clinic, where Dr. Michael Ackerman’s team does cutting-edge research.

In 2023, the Greenfields organized a fundraiser. Others followed. Since then, they’ve raised over $1.4 million.

The next event — “Shank It & Serve It” is September 14, at Birchwood Country Club. The day includes an 18-hole morning golf scramble, 9-hole afternoon scramble, ladies’ point-play tennis tournament and canasta tournament — all capped by a cocktail reception (and pop-up market).

Funds raised go to Hearts in Harmony Foundation, a Long QT Syndrome research non-profit. Various ticket options and sponsorships are available; click here for details.

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Missy Greenberg made friends with this speckled guy at Compo Beach.

And promptly sent it to us, for our “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Missy  Greenberg)

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And finally … in honor of all those with, or seeking, passports (item above):

(You don’t have to travel anywhere to support “06880,” Just click here to make a tax-deductible donation. Thank you!)

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