As flood waters abate, and the sun peeks out, Westport businesses and homeowners are assessing the damage wrought by up to 7 inches of rain.
The Norwalk/Westport area was among the hardest hit in Connecticut. Rainfall reached up to 4 inches an hour.
Westport emergency responders conducted 13 rescues of people trapped in vehicles by floodwaters.
Fire, Police, Emergency Medical Services, Public Works and dispatch teams continued to respond to calls throughout the afternoon.
Town departments are coordinating with Eversource to secure or disconnect utilities where necessary.
One of the first reports of destruction comes from Randy Herbertson. The owner of The Visual Brand — an agency located in a historic building off Church Lane — was heavily damaged, when Deadman Brook surged across Myrtle Avenue, and through Sconset Square.
As he sent the photos, Randy was waiting for the Fire Department to check electrical safety.
The Visual Brand studio entrance.
(Photos/Randy Herbertson)
There was a report too of heavy damage in the 1177 Post Road East apartments.
The first floor was under water, while the parking lot also flooded. Some cars were pushed into each other.
1177 Post Road East apartments.
Many Westporters — town officials and residents — responded well today.
Huge kudos to all, in every department. They answered a slew of calls, quickly and efficiently. They assessed damage, blocked roads, and communicated immediately.
As always, there were boneheads.
James Morgan notes: “Somebody saw fit to remove caution tape preventing people from driving into a massive flooded area at Morningside Drive and the Post Road.
“And police barriers blocking the Post Road on either side of the intersection were casually moved aside and dismissed by people who deemed their travel more important than their neighbors’ safety.”
Hopefully their brakes did not fail completely.
Representative Town Meeting member Jennifer Johnson compiled a video of flooding in her District 9 (downtown and beyond).
“We can’t ignore Deadman Brook,” she notes. “This is the worst I’ve seen in 20 years.”
This year’s official Connecticut 9/11 ceremony — held annually at Sherwood Island State Park’s memorial to the victims of that horrific day — is Wednesday, September 9. It starts at 5:30 p.m.
“06880” reported an incorrect date earlier. The event is held every year prior to September 11, to give families and friends a chance to attend the ceremony at Ground Zero on that date.
The 9/11 Living Memorial at Sherwood Island State Park.
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The Downtown Plan Implementation Committee continues its hiatus.
The September meeting has been canceled, for the 9th consecutive month. The DPIC last met on December 11, 2025.
In January, 1st Selectman Kevin Christie removed Randy Herbertson as chair. A replacement has not been named.
In early July, Christie told “06880,” “we’re aware of the issue and are looking into it.”
Part of the DPIC Master Plan, when it was live on the town website.
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Just 4 days remain before “A Day in the Life of Westport.”
This Sunday (September 6), every Westporter can help create a unique portrait of the town. We’ll do it by taking a photograph that captures one real moment from our day.
Whether it’s a sunrise at Compo Beach, breakfast with family, volunteering at a community event, walking the dog, cheering from the sidelines or enjoying a quiet moment at home, every image will become part of a collective portrait of our town.
“A Day in the Life of Westport” is a collaboration between the Artists Collective of Westport, the League of Women Voters Westport, the David T. Langrock Foundation, and “06880.”
Inspired by the classic Life magazine photo essays documenting “A Day in the Life of America,” the project invites residents of every age to photograph one moment on Sunday, then submit it online with a brief caption describing what the image means to them.
Each participant may submit up to 3 shots, each accompanied by a brief caption describing the moment. For more information and submission details, click here or email Westportphoto2026@gmail.com.
Prospect Gardens — the spectacular 9-acre arboretum-style Greens Farms space featuring flowers, plants — is open to public twice a year. The next date is Saturday, September 19 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). The Staples high School Jazz Ensemble plays at 10:30 a.m.
New this season: “en plein air” artists, sitting in the gardens with paints and easels.
Among other treats, visitors can enjoy tall yellow helenium sunflowers, white Queen Anne’s lace, purple asters and evergreens; the very full vegetable garden; apples, quince and grapes in the orchards; water lilies and lotus ponds in the frog ponds.
Like any good town gathering place, Jesup Green hosts a variety of events. Some are political. Some are social.
On September 19, it’s cultural. The Japan Society of Fairfield County sponsors its annual Aki Matsuri fall festival (1 to 4 p.m.; marketplace opens at 12:30).
The family-friendly fest features taiko drum performances, a Japanese folktale dramatization, martial arts, ikebana flower arranging, calligraphy, J-pop dance, traditional Obon dancing, and Japanese-related activities.
New this year: group calligraphy, and a food truck selling matcha, other specialty teas and baked goods.
Speaking of Jesup Green: Since it opened 5 years ago, the Westport Book Shop across the road has featured artists of the month. They exhibit their work, and greet fans at a reception.
This month’s guest artist won’t do that.
George Hand Wright has been dead for 75 years.
But he’s perhaps the most famous Westport Book Shop artist ever. The longtime Westport resident was acclaimed nationally during his life (1872-1951).
Wright was a painter, illustrator and printmaker, and one of the early founders of Westport’s artistic community. His work appeared regularly in Scribner’s, Harper’s, Collier’s and The Saturday Evening Post. The Library of Congress holds over 100 of his illustrations.
The selected work is on loan from Ed Gerber. The Wright expert lives in (and has preserved) the artist’s former Westport home, on Cross Highway. It is now on the National Register of Historic Places. Wright’s nephew Frank Boylan was Gerber’s godfather.
A reception for Gerber, and Wright’s exhibit, is set for September 16 (6 p.m.). Copies of “George Hand Wright: An Artist’s Life Examined” — written by Kirsten M. Jensen, and underwritten by Gerber – will be available for putchase.
Ed Gerber, at the Westport Book Shop’s George Hand Wright exhibit.
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Westporters are an active bunch. Which means our bodies sometimes break down.
Westport Regenerative Orthopedics & Longevity is a new care facility in Westport.
Drs. Michael Cantor and Ilana Etelzon offer non-surgical options and advanced recovery technology for joint, tendon, muscle, back, neck and sciatic pain; sports and overuse injuries, and chronic and lingering issues.
Treatments include Regenexx procedures, PRP injections, bone marrow concentrate, MLS laser therapy, TenJet tendonitis treatment, hormones and peptide therapy, and IV vitamin drips.
Positive Directions — The Center for Prevention and Counseling — has a new executive director.
Kim DiBella-Farber, who has spent over 20 years leading nonprofit organizations in Connecticut and nationally, returns to the state where she began her career.
For 55 years, Positive Directions has offered mental health, substance prevention and peer support services. For more information, click here.
Kim DiBella-Farber
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Long Island Sound sparkles, in today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo.
And — thanks to the Mobi-mat — people with mobility issues can make it all the way down the sand, to the shore.
And finally … speaking of the Prospect Gardens open house (story above):
(Mamas, papas, grandparents, children, people without kids — everyone! If you’re reading this, you’re part of our “06880” community. We welcome your support; please click here. Thanks!)
We’ve posted this image of Main Street before. It’s from the 1962 Staples High School yearbook.
But never with this color, or computer-enhanced graphics.
Eric Bosch — who moved here with his family in the fall of 1963 — sent it along.
To orient yourself: Klein’s department store (far right) became Banana Republic, then (briefly) Oka furniture. Brooks Brothers will soon move in, from its current location a few yards north.
The Townly Restaurant featured a Jazz Age-era mural. It was lost when Klein’s expanded into that space, then rediscovered and hung by Banana Republic. No word yet on whether Brooks Brothers will keep it.
The Mobil gas station — once the site of an annual Christmas party, where food was served on the lowered hydraulic lifts — is now Vineyard Vines.
The hardware store was one of 3 on Main Street.
And of course, traffic flowed in both directions, all the way to the Post Road (aka State Street).
What else do you remember from that era? Click “Comments” to share.
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Effective today (Thursday), there are no lifeguards on duty at Burying Hill Beach. The beach remains open, with swimming at your own risk. Beach emblems are required at Burying Hill through Labor Day (September 7).
Compo Beach lifeguards continue their regular schedule through September 7. Beach Emblems are required at Compo through September 30.
Burying Hill Beach (Photo/Drew Coyne)
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For over 25 years, “Holiday Time, Main Street, Westport CT” — a festive Main Street. by internationally known folk artist Kathy Jakobsen — has been a favorite of Westporters. Many business names are clear (though most are long gone).
Now Westport River Gallery is offering a few signed and numbered unframed 23×17 serigraphs. The prints were originally $450. These are just $25.
Jakobsen’s works are part of the permanent collections of the American Folk Art Museum in New York and the Smithsonian in Washington. She is a former Weston resident.
Email westportrivergallery@gmail.com, or call 203-226-6934.
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Longtime Levitt Pavilion favorite Frank Mastrone returns to the Levitt Pavilion stage this Saturday (7:30 p.m.).
The Broadway artist’s repertoire — show tunes and American Songbook classics, with a few pop and classical selections thrown in — appeals to a broad crowd.
The Levitt says he’ll be joined by “friends.” We’re not sure who they all are, but we do know 2: Dodie Pettit and Rex Fowler.
Earthplace welcomes fall with 2 of its favorite events.
The Fall Festival (October 3) and Woodside Bash (October 17) are great ways for friends and newcomers to gather and celebrate nature, while supporting environmental education, conservation, wildlife care and scientific research.
The Fall Festival includes the reopening of Earthplace’s renovated Birds of Prey Exhibit, with new and expanded habitats for raptors, and a more engaging and accessible experience for visitors. .
Earthplace serves thousands of children, families, students and visitors each year through its nature center, animal ambassadors, nature-based preschool, Harbor Watch water quality program, summer camps, community programs, and 62-acre wildlife sanctuary.
They serve on its board, volunteer at and donate to the Bridgeport non-profit, which impacts countless women’s lives — and those of their families — through education and support services.
So it’s no surprise that MLC’s annual benefit (September 27, 5 p.m., Shorehaven Country Club) has a strong Westport flavor.
The event honors Allison and Tony Allott. Former Westporters and Staples parents, they introduced their Green’s Farms Church congregation to the non-profit. Congregants (including the Allotts) volunteer with MLC on Service Sunday.
Allison has been an ESL and citizenship tutor since 2014. She is also a board and event committee member.
The Mercy Learning Center board chair is Tammy Barry. The event committee includes local residents Gina Beranek, Sara Connolly and Theanne Feldman.
Rach’s Hope — the non-profit honoring the memory of 2015 Staples High School graduate Rachel Doran, which provides nutritious food, lodging, transportation and encouragement to family members when a child is in intensive care — is as active as Rachel herself was.
On Sunday, October 4 (3 p.m., Compo Beach), everyone is invited to join the 5th annual “Walk the Extra Mile … For Rach’s Hope” event.
It’s a fun, community-wide beach walk, with live music, a gourmet pizza truck, wine and beer, dessert and special Rach’s Hope swag.
The contributions, struggles and sacrifices made by Native Americans during the Revolutionary War are often overlooked.
On October 4 (2 to 4 p.m.), Pocomoke Indian Nation member Drew Shuptar-Rayvis brings his outdoor demonstration station — including artifacts, reproduction pieces and traditional clothing — to the Weston History & Culture Center. He’ll answer questions too, about Native American life.
The free event is is part of the History Center’s “America 250: The Revolutionary Spirit Lecture Series.” For more information, click here.
Meanwhile the Weston History & Culture Center will be open for exhibits, guided tours, children’s activities and more on 3 Sundays this fall: September 27, October 4 and October 25 (1 to 4 p.m.).
Attractions include the interactive “Weston at Work,” the 1940s-era Coley House, and stories from the American Revolution. Click here for details.
Westport Police made 3 custodial arrests between August 12 and 18.
A 49-year-old Stamford man was charged with breach of peace, following an investigation into a July incident in which a cyclist became irate about an automobile driver’s driving. The cyclist yelled, used profanity, made obscene gestures and spat on the vehicle. Video did not support his claim that he had been unsafely passed. He was released on a $1,000 bond.
A 31-year-old Oxford, Ohio man was charged with stalking and violation of a restraining order. He allegedly traveled from Seattle to Connecticut after learning from social media that the business he was arrested at was affiliated with a relative of the victim. He was held on a $250,000 bond.
A 45-year-old Holyoke, Massachusetts man was charged with failue to appear, stemming from a previous arrest for felony charges. He was held on a $10,000 bond.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 3 citations
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 3
Improper use of markers: 3
Traveling unreasonably fast: 2
Failure to register a commercial motor vehicle: 2
Violation of town ordinance (dogs): 2
Failure to obey stop sign: 2
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 2
Speeding: 1
Illegal operation by a motor carrier: 1
Failure to obey state traffic commission regulations: 1
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With exactly 14 weeks left before Thanksgiving, John Karrel’s Muddy Brook photo is perfectly appropriate for today’s “Westport … Naturally” image:
(Photo/John Karrel)
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And finally … in honor of Mercy Learning Center’s upcoming benefit (story above):
(If you learn about upcoming events on “06880” — or anything else — we hope you’ll click here to support our work. We rely on support from readers like you. Thanks for showing us a little love!)
You Snooze, You Lose alert: LobsterFest returns to Compo Beach on Saturday, September 19.
Tickets go on sale at noon today (Tuesday, August 18). Click here at 12 — and be quick. They sell out fast.
LobsterFest is a fun-filled day, with over 1,500 guests, plenty of food, live entertainment, kids’ activities, booths and much more.
The Westport Rotary Club event generates over $400,000, all of which goes to local charities and international projects.
Over 250 volunteers help make it all happen. Tasks range from light duty to heavy lifting. Set-up is Friday, September 18; Saturday shifts are 2:30 to 4:45 p.m., and 4:30 to 7. Clean-up crews help out on Sunday, September 20.
NOTE: There is a special need for strong people (18 years and older) for the lobster cooker and cracker jobs.
Volunteers who would like to eat lobster or steak and enjoy beverages should buy a LobsterFest ticket. There are beverages, hamburgers and hot dogs available at no cost for volunteers who do not buy a ticket.
And … one more set of tickets, on sale this morning (Tuesday), beginning at 10 a.m.: the Westport Library’s 27th annual “Booked for the Evening.”
This year’s signature fundraising event (October 28) features award-winning director, actress, choreographer and producer Debbie Allen.
She’ll be in conversation with Shonda Rhimes. The noted TV creator, producer, author, CEO of global media company Shondaland — and a Westporter — was the 2022 “Booked” honoree.
Debbie Allen (Photo/Marvin Joseph for the Washington Post)
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As Democratic registrar of voters Deborah Greenberg steps down from her post, the party is seeking a replacement.
Registrar is a part-time elected official responsible for administering all local, state and federal elections. The annual salary is $52,086. There is a $750 transaction allowance, a $6,000 stipend for primaries; a $10,000 stipend for each November election, and a small daily stipend for conferences.
Interviews take place between August 31 and September 1. Email Andrew Nevas (abnevas@gmail.com) with interest.
“The End of Oak Street” opened earlier this month.
The science fiction survival film is set in Flowervale, Michigan. But a few real residents of the end of Oak Street — the one in Westport, off Clinton Avenue — went to see it the other day.
End of Oak Street residents (from left): Mark Shannon, Kenny Wildstein, Karen Kleine, Barbara Ryan, Edward Boyle, Trish Boyle, Eileen Ludy, Jay Ludy.
That’s not the only Westport connection. The movie stars Anne Hathaway, who lived here for several years.
Though not on Oak Street.
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Dozens of Staples High School football players gathered at Paul Lane Field last week for the 7th annual Murph Challenge.
It was the culmination of their summer fundraising for the Catch a Lift Fund (the non-profit that helps post-9/11 combat-injured veterans regain mental and physical health).
The workout honors US Navy SEAL Lieutenant Michael Murphy, killed in Afghanistan in 2005.
Over the last few weeks the 100 or so athletes in the football program raised money individually, did team lemonade stands, and prepared for a tough workout.
Coach Matty Jacowleff and the Gridiron Club reiterate the message of both physical and mental fitness, and a team first mentality — the same spirit carried by the veterans served through Catch A Lift.
The event began with US Army Sergeant Jason Smith talking to the players about sacrifice, resilience and commitment.
Sgt. Jason Smith
Then the athletes took on the Murph Challenge. It included a mile run, 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups, 300 squats, and another mile run.
The 2026 season begins next month.
Staples players, coaches and Catch A Lift officials, at Paul Lane Field. (Photos/Adam Vengrow)
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Speaking of Staples: We’re proud of all our 2026 graduates.
And we get it: So are you.
(Photo/Dan Woog)
But come on! This is mid-August.
Your kid graduated more than 2 months ago. He or she is either already in college, or has one foot out the door.
It’s time to stop being proud. Start looking ahead.
And proud families of seniors: Order your Class of 2027 sign now.
June will be here before you know it.
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Speaking of Staples grads: It was a Westport reunion, on the Appalachian Trail.
Class of 1982 alum Jon Atwood is hiking the 2,198-mile route, from Maine to Georgia. His son Finn joined him for part of the journey.
Jon’s classmate and longtime friend Chris DiVecchio met them in New York. He did not look like he was ready to hike the entire trail. (Hat tip: Dan Donovan)
From left: Finn Atwood, Chris DiVecchio, Jon Atwood.
If you thought the New York Knicks’ NBA championship was exciting … well, just wait for tonight’s Compo Beach Men’s Summer Basketball League tourney.
It’s down to the final 4 teams. (And the semifinals have been moved to the Staples fieldhouse, due to lighting issues at Compo). Tip-off is 7 p.m., with the finals at 8.
One semi pits Team Clachko — with recent Wrecker grads Sam Clachko, Derek and Cody Sale, Caleb Tobias, Matty Corrigan and Griffin Kass — against Team Raus.
The other semi features defending champ Team Schur, against Team Dymond. Staples alumni on the court include Jordan Schur, Charlie Stoebe, and Aaron and Josh Shapiro, plus PAL travel coach Jamill Powell and former RTM member Noah Hammond.
Spectators are welcome.
Compo Beach summer league action.
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Westport children’s author Nicole O’Connor is launching the 3rd book in her “Kiera and Lamby” travel-themed picture book series.
It’s based on stories she told her daughter during the pandemic, inspiring her to dream about traveling the world. In each books Kiera and her stuffed lamb take a magic blanket to a different city: New York, Madrid, and now Tokyo). They explore famous landmarks and try new foods, in a playful, accessible way.
The launch includes a book signing and Japan-themed craft (origami ice cream bookmarks!) at Momu: Sunday, August 30 (1 to 3 p.m).
The latest addition to Riverside Park is this concrete pad.
We’re not sure if it’s for a bench, memorial, or something else. Like checked it out (see photo below), but did not act like a little kid. She left no paw prints.
The Village Voice called Dave Stryker “one of the most distinctive guitarists to come along in recent years.” He was voted one of the Top Jazz Guitarists in the 2025 Downbeat Critics and Readers Polls — for the 15th time.
This Thursday (August 20, shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner service at 6:45; VFW Post 399), he headlines Jazz at the Post.
And finally … on this date in 1868, French astronomer Pierre Janssen discovered helium.
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But the small tunnels, carrying water from streams or ponds underneath roads and railways, are a prominent feature of Westport.
Last week’s Photo Challenge showed one. Guesses were all over the map — literally. Riverside Avenue? Kings Highway North? Sherwood Mill Pond?
Nope. Nope. And nope.
This one — photographed by Janine Scotti — is near Gorham Island, off Parker Harding Plaza. (Click here to see.)
It’s a little bit of (semi-) nature, in the heart of downtown.
It’s a good reminder: Keep an eye out for culverts. They’re all over the place. They perform important functions.
And, in the case of one wrong guess — the one near the Mill Pond — you can even use it to kayak all the way to Burying Hill Beach.
Here’s this week’s Photo Challenge. If you know where in Westport you’d see this, click “Comments” below.
(Photo/John Maloney)
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