The crowds at last weekend’s “No Kings” protest on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge got us thinking about that very busy span.
In the 1930s — long before the bridge’s namesake came to town — it was much narrower than today.
Traffic was far less intense. We see just one vehicle, in the photo below:
The view looks east. There is National Hall, in the lower left. The buildings housing Stephen Kempson London, Arezzo and other businesses and apartments are at the lower right.
Nearly a century ago, the Saugatuck River lapped up against the backs of Main Street stores. It would be 2 decades more before Parker Harding Plaza was built, on landfill.
Just over the bridge, on the left, was the original Westport Public Library (before the Starbucks addition). Behind it is the YMCA (now Anthropologie); beyond that is the church that is now the Seabury Center), on the Church Lane/Elm Street corner.
What else do you notice? Click “Comments” below.
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Five days remain to complete the Downtown Plan Implementation Committee survey.
Questions include the use and knowledge of parking options, metered parking, a deck and more.
The aim is to vet recommendations already developed by consultants and DPIC. Final recommendations will be presented by to the Board of Selectwomen next month. To take the survey, click here.
Speaking of downtown: The Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge — the gathering place for Westport protests — is the site Saturday (June 14, 11 a.m.) for a “No Kings” rally.
The event is part of a national anti-Trump effort. Organizers — including know Indivisible, 50501 and others — say: “Bring posters.”
On the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge, for an anti-Trump rally in April 2025. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Westport’s social group for adults with disabilities closed out their year with a celebration at Ned Dimes Marina.
The Parks & Recreation Department provided the venue. Westport Rotary Club volunteered joined those from the club. MoCA helped attendees make costers for cocktail cups. Susan Wright led everyone in movement and music. And Super Duper Weenie cooked up over 100 meals.
After a summer off, Club203 picks up right where they left off in June.
The Levitt Pavilion kicks off its Children’s Series — 11 great (and free!) shows for kids and their families tonight (Wednesday, 7 p.m.).
Divinity Roxx blends upbeat tunes with positive messages that inspire creativity, confidence and self-expression. She toured and performed with Beyoncé, as her bassist and musical director. Divinity has now expanded her mission of inspiration to children’s music. More details on tonight’s show are available here.
The Children’s Series runs on select Tuesdays and Wednesdays now through August. Pre-show activities include giveaways, and a new “Touch-A-Truck” experience.
The lineup continues highlights like the ever-popular Hall Family (June 25), and an August 25 special needs community celebration and back-to-school spectacular.
An ice cream truck is always on site. And, as always, picnics are encouraged.
Click here or below to see and hear Divi Roxx in action.
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Meanwhile, at the other edge of the age spectrum: Leo Botwin turns 103 years young today.
He’s lived in the same Westport home since 1967 — but that’s just over half his life.
He and his wife of 71 years, Roberta — who, like Leo, is still very healthy — will celebrate with dinner in Westport. On Saturday, there’s a big family-and-friends party at their daughter Ellen’s home in Guilford.
Veteran TV journalist and Westport resident Anne Craig writes: “Many of us take clean laundry for granted. Endless folding and putting away make it a dreaded chore for many, like me.
“But for many families, it’s a luxury they can’t afford. So 10 local congregations are bringing ‘Laundry Love’ to more than 150 families in Bridgeport.
“That’s a full day of free laundry, on the third Tuesday of each month at the Bridgeport SuperSaver.
Volunteers are always needed. Click here or below to learn more.
The Parks & Recreation Commission meets June 18 (7:30 p.m.; Zoom).
The agenda includes reports from the golf, parks and racquets advisory committees, followby updates on the Longshore capital improvement plan project, and the parks master update plan.
Aerial view of Longshore.
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For years, Lorenza Arnal has shared her love of Mexico through food. She created her own brand of salsa macha, and sold homemade guacamole at the Wesport Farmers’ Market.
Now she is helping others experience her home country in a deeper, more personal way: through journeys that celebrate the history, culture and tradition of Mexico.
What started as small culinary tours has blossomed into immersive travel. Lorenza is booking several tours now for the fall.
They include a celebration of Día de los Muertos in Oaxaca; a Jewish heritage trip through Mexico City, and corporate retreats with personalized itineraries, culinary experiences and wellness-focused excursions.
Tomorrow’s Jazz at the Post celebrates the life and music of Wayne Shorter. Artists include pianist Jen Allen, bassist Essiet Okun Essiet, drummer Sylvia Duenca, trumpeter Andy Gravish and saxophonist Greg Wall.
Dinner service at the VFW begins at 7 p.m. Shows are 7:30 and 8:45 p.m. Music cover is $20 ($15 veterans and students). Click here for reservations.
And finally … in honor of the Staples High School Class of 2025:
(You were expecting “Pomp & Circumstance,” not the Beach Boys? That’s “06880”: always surprising — and hopefully delighting — you. If you enjoy our work, please click here to support us. Thanks!)
Now the Downtown Plan Implementation Committee wants to hear yours.
A 30-question survey is live. It covers respondents’ use and knowledge of parking options, metered parking, a deck and more.
Several questions have the opportunity to expand on answers.
The aim of the survey is to vet the recommendations already developed by consultants and DPIC. Final recommendations will be presented by DPIC to the Board of Selectwomen next month.
Some of the parking survey questions cover a parking meter app.
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It’s not easy to pass a bill in Hartford.
But for months, Zander Bauer and Elijah Falkenstein plugged away.
The Staples High School juniors — founders and co-presidents of the local Make Our Schools Safe chapter — pushed for a law to authorize the purchase of emergency response communications systems and personal emergency communication devices for school personnel.
Yesterday, their efforts were rewarded. The state House of Representatives voted unanimously — 145 to 0 — to pass the legislation.
Passed earlier by the Senate, it now goes to Governor Lamont for his signature.
Congratulations to Zander, Elijah, the entire Staples MOSS club, and our own Senator Ceci Maher, its sponsor.
Elijah Falkenstein and Zander Bauer, with “stop the bleed” kits — another Make Our Schools Safe project.
The Planning & Zoning Commission continues its dizzying round of meetings, on a series of controversial projects, next Monday (June 9, remote).
This time, it’s the Long Lots Elementary School project. Commissioners will consider a new 8-24 request from the town, and a new special permit/site plan.
Last night’s bash honored the 2025 women: Mary Dobson, Arvia Few, Sharon Finkel, Bridget Flynn, Ashley Freeman, Kira Greenfield, Joanna Manfro, Liz McKay, Rachel Mila, Tara Welch, Ambar Zaatar and Becca Zipkin.
Congratulations to all. Women of Westport rock!
A few men joined the Women of Westport, at the Westport Lifestyle party. “06880” founder Dan Woog and Monique Hodges enjoyed one of the Vespas on display. (Photo/Jerri Graham)
Rich Dean and Nas Dean are known for their great work, training people of all ages at Rich Dean Boxing & Fitness on Post Road East across from the Saugatuck Church.
Now they’re known as philanthropists, too. The pair just donated $6,000 to Westport PAL’s scholarship fund.
Thank you both!
Nasir and Rich Dean.
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What does 50 Cent have to do with Westport?
About $1 million.
According to The Source — a hip hop site — the rapper/actor/producer/ entrepreneur recently won a legal victory. He can now seize the Main Street home belong to Mitchell Green, a former executive with 50 Cent’s Sire Spirits Champagne and cognac company.
Green reportedly owes the firm more than $7 million, following an alleged kickback scheme. Read more details here.(Hat tip: John McCarthy)
50 Cent may soon own a Westport home.
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Speaking of entertainment: Steely Dan comes to Weston on Sunday.
Well, at least Logical Pretzel — a cover band — does.
They’ll kick off the 10th season of the Weston History & Culture Center’s “Music at the Barn” series (June 8, 5:30 p.m.).
The 2nd annual Pickleball To Slam Alzheimer’s event is set for June 20 (6 to 8 p.m., Intensity Racquet Club, Norwalk).
All proceeds from $100 tickets go toward the October 26 Walk to End Alzheimer’s at Sherwood Island State Park.
The pickleball event is hosted by Westporters Mary Sue Teplitz, Dina Upton and Lori Snow. Mary Sue’s mother died from the disease in 2012. Dina’s partner, Gary Cosgrave, passed away from it this year.
Seen on Facebook yesterday, in the Marketplace section under the “Casket & Casket Trailer” tab:
The description says: “Selling a couple caskets that were used in haunted houses. Casket trailer has some dents and rot and the inside is stripped – $300 Blue casket is in great condition overall on the outside but has some scratches and the inside is stripped – $600 Pick up in Westport, CT.”
There’s always a back story. If you know this one, click “Comments” below. (Hat tip: Frank Rosen)
We’ve showcased lots of interesting animals in our “Westport … Naturally” feature.
But we’re hard pressed to find any as intriguing as barred owls.
This one posed willingly for Lee Bollert. In fact, she says, it stared right at her — through a window — for 10 minutes.
(Photo/Lee Bollert)
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And finally … in honor of the items currently for sale on Facebook, from right here in Westport (story above):
(From downtown parking to caskets, and barred owls to 50 Cent: If there’s a Westport connection, we’ll find it. If you enjoy this hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Westport’s newest dock could be a game-changer for downtown.
Arezzo Restaurant’s owners have applied to the state Department of Energy & Environmental Protection to build a dock at the northern end of their outdoor patio, just below the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge.
The 56-foot long structure would allow boaters to tie up, step ashore and dine. Two slips would be open to the non-patron public.
And, the application says, a tour boat could offer diners a special course: a trip along the river.
The new dock would be constructed at the northern end (right) of Arezzo’s outdoor dining area. (Photo/Sarathi Roy)
According to plans filed with DEEP, the 2-pile dock will have “minimal impact to the sediment.” It will connect to an existing seawall. There are no tidal wetlands in the area.
After DEEP and the Army Corps of Engineers review and sign off on the plan, it would go to agencies overseeing fish and wildlife.
Town permitting would follow. It’s in the the coastal area management zone, but Westport officials have jurisdiction only from the mean high water line to the land.
Aerial view, with dock plans. (Image courtesy of LandTech)
LandTech — the planners and engineers for the project — says that once necessary permits have been granted, construction would probably be done in the winter.
The dock would add new activity and life to that section of the west bank of the Saugatuck.
But it would not be the first time such a structure was there.
A century and a half ago, wharves — including those owned by Horace Staples, who lived diagonally across the street — carried onions, ax handles and other products down the river, and on to New York and Boston.
(“06880” keeps its eye on downtown, restaurants, the river, and everything else in town. If you enjoy our 24/7/365 coverage, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Posted onJune 1, 2025|Comments Off on Pic Of The Day #2965
There were pigeons today at the Levitt Pavilion — well, at least the band Pigeons Playing Ping Pong are kicking off the 2025 season. Meanwhile, despite the music a few yards away, these ducks rested quietly. (Photo/Janine Scotti)
Two of Westport’s most popular spots — downtown and Compo Beach — were where the action was yesterday.
Between the 52nd annual Fine Arts Festival and the 2nd-ever Kickoff to Summer, there was something for everyone. First, the Fest:
Watercolors, oil paintings, woodworking, sculptures, photos — all those mediums and more are on display this weekend, on Main and Elm Streets, and nearby Church Lane.
In its half century, the Westport Downtown Association event has become one of the top shows in the nation. This year, it drew 165 artists. Over 40 are first-timers here. Seven are from Westport.
Popular local photographer John Videler is a first-time Fine Arts Festival exhibitor. He’s selling scenes of Westport, and much more.
The Fine Arts Festival includes family activities like face painting, crafts, games, and dancing and photo ops.
Crafts for kids.
It’s a real festival, with wine and beer for adults, food vendors, and music. The show continues today (Sunday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) More information is available here.
The School of Rock rocks.
Here come (2 of) the judges: Miggs Burroughs and Sandy Pelletier.
Staples High School students show their work.
Dylan Curran and Captain Jillian Cabana keep everyone safe.
Westport photographer Nancy Breakstone, at her traditional spot near Anthropologie.
Music on the Main and Elm Streets corner. (All photos/Dan Woog)
The first arrivals: The view from Brooks Corner. (Photo/Andrew Colabella)
Best in Show award winner: Kathryn Maher. She’s in Booth 18. (Photo/Brian Spurr)
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At the same time, dozens of families flocked to Compo Beach. “06880” intern Katherine Phelps reports:
Westport officially opened its brand-new, fully inclusive Compo Beach playground this week, in a very appropriate way: with children’s laughter.
The new play space’s inauguration was part of a day-long celebration sponsored by the Parks & Recreation Department, complete with bouncy houses, food trucks and games.
The new playground replaces the popular structure first built in 1989, then refurbished in 2006.
It has been reimagined with inclusivity, safety and community spirit in mind. It features modern equipment designed for children of all abilities, including sensory elements, accessible play zones, and “mommy-and-me” swings that promote connection and bonding.
2nd Selectwoman Andrea Moore noted the intergenerational nature of the project as “a coordination of a lot of different groups.
“It wasn’t just the town. It was such a great community project. I worked on this 18 years ago, the last time it was rebuilt. Now it’s incredible to see a new generation of young Westporters volunteering.”
From classic swings and towering play structures to a pretend ice cream truck that kids could not get enough of, the new Compo playground is designed for everyone.
Courtney Kornblum, at the opening with her young daughter, was excited about the new playground.
“It’s pretty remarkable,” Kornblum said. “There’s a lot more for younger ages now. The mommy-and-me swings and the drums — it really brings people together. You look around, and everyone’s smiling.”
Beyond the equipment itself, the event was a celebration of the teamwork that went into the renovation. Volunteers of all ages participated in the build. Former 1st Selectman Jim Marpe, who was involved in the previous playground updates, was also part of this renovation.
“This playground has a lot of history for me,” he said. “I helped out when it was first built, and again in 2006. Last year, the Westport Rotary Club decided to make a major donation to the reconstruction. It was the perfect fit.”
Marpe noted that when he took his grandchildren to the previous structure, he felt as though something was just slightly off.
“I can’t wait to bring them now,” Marpe said. “There is just so much to do, and something for everyone. We wanted it to be as accessible as possible for every child to enjoy.”
Kids began enjoying it the moment the celebration ended.
And they will keep doing so until the next rebuild, a couple of decades from now.
After the playground celebration, kids headed over to the Kickoff to Summer, near the basketball courts.
Lifeguards (from left) Olivia Kuliga, Molly Whittle and Ella Harrington keep a close (and smiling) watch.
(All photos/Katherine Phelps)
Volunteers and kids say “cheese!” (Photo/David Klee)
Westport’s Fine Arts Festival is just 2 days away.
On Saturday and Sunday (May 24 and 25, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.), the national Top 20 show draws 165 fine artists from 19 states to Main Street and Elm Street. As always, there are returning faces. This year, 41 artists are new.
The Westport Downtown Association event includes plenty of family activities. They include Elmo and friends, facepainting, crafts, games, dancing and photo ops.
The new Long Lots Elementary School is on the agenda for a joint Conservation Commission, and Flood & Erosion Control Board, meeting June 4 (7 p.m., Zoom; meeting ID 864 1571 7675; passcode 407757).
Later in the meeting, the Flood & Erosion Control Board, meeting separately, will consider the wetlands aspects of the application for the Hamlet at Saugatuck project.
Muddy Brook, near Long Lots Elementary School. (Photo/Peter Swift)
Westport Police made no custodial arrests between May 14 and 21.
They issued these citations:
Traveling unreasonably fast: 11 citations
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 10
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 3
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 3
Driving while texting: 2
Failure to renew registration: 2
Speeding: 1
Texting, 2nd offense: 1
Distracted driving: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
No passing zone violation: 1
Failure to grant right of way: 1
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 1
Disorderly conduct: 1
Disobeying the signal of an officer: 1
Do not disobey a police officer!
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Eleish Van Breens Home celebrates “Glorious Gardens and Styled Interiors,” with a meet-and-greet and book signing with author Dara Caponigro and interior stylist Mieke Ten Have on June 4 (June 4, 4 p.m., 177 Main Street).
“Botanical beverages” and lite bites are provided by Allium. A portion of the proceeds will benefit local garden clubs.
Dara Caponigro’s book.
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Everyone has heard of the Lindy, twist and electric slide.
But the grizzly bear? Maxixe? Lulu fado?
Susan de Gardiola has. And the social dance historian brings her knowledge to the Weston History & Culture Center on May 31 (2 p.m.). Her “May I Have This Dance?” celebrates the openng of an exhibit on the changes in dance and music in the years from the sinking of the Titanic through World War I.
She’ll talk about fads, and the musicians of that era too. Free for members; $10 for non-members.
The companion exhibit — from her private collection — includes original early 20th century dance manuals, rare sheet music, and dance cards.
The next day (June 1, 2 p.m.), the Weston History & Culture Center hosts a Ragtime Tea Dance. De Guardiola will teach the 1-step, 2-step, foxtrot, tango and other dances from the ragtime era. No partner or experience needed! Tickets are $25 for members, $35 non-members. Only 25 spots are available.
Irene and Vernon Castle.
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Spring is finally — and fully — here.
Greenery is everywhere. Including today’s “Westport … Naturally” view, in the Old Hill neighborhood.
His real name is George Wendt. But everybody knows his name.
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