Category Archives: Downtown

Roundup: Downtown Book Shop, Sidewalks, Retail …

Is there any local organization Miggs Burroughs does not help?

The noted Westport artist — whose roots here go back to elementary school, and whose artistic career took off in his 20s with a Time magazine cover and US postage stamp — has created 4 limited edition lenticular artworks, to be auctioned at the Westport Book Shop’s March benefit.

Miggs’ “Icons of Justice, Courage, Innovation, and Style” are on exhibit at the Jesup Road store through the end of February.

Everyone is invited to a reception for Miggs and the exhibit on February 19 (6 p.m.).

As for the benefit: It’s March 13 (6:30 p.m., Westport Library).

Since early 2021, the Westport Book Shop has provided over 8,750 hours of paid employment and job training for more than a dozen people with disabilities.

They learn workplace skills transferable to other retail environments, and enjoy frequent, everyday interactions with the community.

Over that time, thanks to sales, the Book Shop has provided more than $200,000 of support to The Westport Library.

The fundraisers will build on that financial foundation, and help grow the employment program.

The evening includes live music, light bites and beverages, a paddle raise, and live and silents auction of unique books, vinyl, artworks and experiences.

Auction items include 2 copies of “The New Yorker in Westport” by Eve Potts and Andrew Bentley; signed copies of Rod Serling’s book “Patterns,” and Amor Towles’ “Rules of Civility”; tickets and tours of local attractions, and more.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

Miggs Burroughs, at the Westport Book Shop.

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Shame on Shell!

A Westport ordinance says that businesses must clear snow and ice from sidewalks within 24 hours.

Our last snowfall was a week ago.

This was the scene yesterday, on the sidewalk in front of the Shell gas station opposite the Westport Country Playhouse entrance:

Sure, it’s a lot harder to remove now.

But it should have been done the first time.

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Speaking of ice: The Westport Fire Department has been notified of a hydrant issue downtown, near GG & Joe’s.

It is leaking, forming ice on the sidewalk and street. Aquarion is working to fix it.

Leaking hydrant. (Photo courtesy of Westport Fire Department)

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Speaking of downtown: 2nd Street opens February 7..

The second-hand clothes and accessories store moves into space vacated by The Loft, next to Shoe-Inn.

Their first Connecticut location — one of about 50 nationwide — opened last year, in New Haven.

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Meanwhile, across the street Timothy Oulton is closing March 31.

The UK-based furniture and home accessories firm is 2 doors from Oka. That British furniture store closed last summer.

Next door is Mexicue. That 2nd-floor restaurant shut down in December.

 

Timothy Oulton (Photo/Sal Liccione)

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Hunter Peterson — the Staples High School graduate and shellfisherman who was profiled  yesterday on “06880” — has a new Instagram account.

You can follow him @saugatuck_oyster_company.

One of Hunter Peterson’s crabs.

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“Westport … Naturally” has received lots of Sherwood Island photos recently.

Looks like Connecticut’s first state park has been discovered — after nearly a century — but more than a few local residents.

There’s a lot there to explore. And — as Rob Grodman’s image shows — winter is as good a time as any to do it.

(Photo/Rob Grodman)

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And finally … today is the birthday of Lewis Carroll. He was born in 1832, and died in 1898.

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Consultants: Spread Parking From Downtown Core; No Deck Now

The latest parking consultants’ report is in.

The conclusion: Westport has a parking problem.

BFJ Planning + THA Consulting delivered that verdict — and a 9-page document — to the Downtown Plan Implementation Committee on Thursday. The study cost $46,900.

After observing parking occupancies during summer, fall and winter 2024, the consultants observed:

  • Peak occupancy downtown occurs on weekdays around 1 p.m.
  • Occupancies are highest in the “Core Parking Zone.”
  • Demand for all-day spaces in the core is at “practical capacity.”
  • Public lots outside of the core are “generally under-utilized.”

The “core zone” is the area north of the Post Road between Myrtle Avenue and Parker Harding Plaza, and south of the Post Road between the Taylor lot (lower Library parking) and Imperial Avenue.

The core downtown parking zone.

The consultants offered these goals:

Spread long-term parking demand out of the core lots. This could be done by creating all-day permits and permit areas. There would be one permit for a spot in the core zone, and a less expensive alternative for an outlying lot.

Increase hourly parking opportunities in the core. To do this, 3-hour spaces would be converted to 2- and 8-hour spaces; some all-day spaces within the core parking zone would become 2-hour spaces, and “occasional 15-minute parking” would be introduced in the core zone.

(The selectwomen recently changed 2-hour parking limits to 3 hours, at the urging of downtown merchants and restaurant owners.)

A parking management app could manage hourly parking. The consultants noted that there are already 13,000 ParkMobile users in the 06880 ZIP code.

License plate readers would be used for parking enforcement.

The popular Park Mobile app.

Increase the efficiency and security of the Police lot. Used primarily by the Police Department now, this could be expanded, restriped and clarified as a public parking area.

The consultants did not recommend a parking deck — a recent discussion in town for, among other places, Elm Street — due to its cost: estimated at $4.9 to $5.25 million.

Though noting they are “not anti-deck,” Georges Jacquemart, principal of BFJ Planning, said that introducing the parking management strategies outlined above should be the first steps for town officials.

He added that funds collected from parking fees could be used to improve pedestrian access from outlying lots, and perhaps be used for other downtown parking projects.

Perhaps a deck?

(Since 2009, “06880” has covered parking — and everything else that goes on downtown. Plus everywhere else in Westport. If you enjoy this hyper-local blog, please click here to support us. Thanks!)

Roundup: Tom Henske’s Total Cents, Teenagers Without Sense …

Tom Henske makes total cents.

That’s not a typo.

It Makes Total Cents is the name of Tom Henske’s podcast.

Now in its fourth season as a Westport Library Verso Studios production, the dynamic, well-respected and always-on-the-money Westport financial expert — and an impressive array of guests — teach youngsters (and their parents, guardians, and grandparents) everything they need to know about financial literacy.

This year, the podcast will include video. That makes a lot of cents.

The first episode features University of Virginia professor Chuck Howard discussing expense prediction bias. Future episodes will focus on compound interest, borrowing and credit, college savings and more.

Episodes go live biweekly. They’re available on the Total Cents YouTube channel, plus Amazon, Apple and Spotify. All episodes and channels can be accessed through The Westport Library Community Partnership Podcasts page.

The podcast is an extension of the Total Cents blog, which includes conversation guides and e-news updates taken from Henske’s book, “It Makes Total Cents: 12 Conversations to Change Your Child’s Financial Future.”

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Alert, and warm, “06880” reader Jonathan Berg writes:

“This is no longer any of my business, as my last kid graduated from Staples last year.

“But I just drove past the school bus stop. There’s a wind chill of 16 degrees right now.

“I know from my kids that no one uses lockers, and they don’t want to drag a coat around all day.

“So they’re out there waiting for the bus in 16 degrees with no coat on, shivering.

“There’s a lot of sickness going around. I would think kids are going to get sicker out there every morning. I don’t really have a solution here, other than maybe drive your kids to school when it’s this cold if you can.

“Just a thought from a habitually concerned father.”

I don’t have kids, so I’m just a habitually concerned random guy. But here’s another solution: Tell your kid to wear a coat, toss it randomly in the cafeteria along with all the sports equipment and other stuff kids leave there, then pick it up at the end of the day.

Or else jog in place until the bus comes.

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The next Downtown Plan Implementation Committee public meeting is Thursday, January 23 (8:30 a.m., Town Hall Room 201/201A). 1

The agenda includes parking lots reinvention, the downtown design Master Plan, and parking study strategy presentation and review.

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Brand Nu Apparel popped up last summer, on Post Road West. Marcello DeAguero’s temporary shop offered athletic wear and street wear, “designed for creators of all kinds — athletes, artists, entrepreneurs, and dreamers.”

Now Marcello has taken the next step: a long-term retail location in Westport. Brand Nu Apparel is now open at 877 Post Road East (the building between Pizza Lyfe and the Sherwood Diner). Click here for details.

Brand Nu Apparel

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The Westport Business Networking International chapter’s next Visitor’s Day is January 23 (United Methodist Church, 7 a.m.; networking, business meeting, coffee and homemade baked goods).

Westport BNI has 55 members, with only 1 per category. Classifications available now include estate attorney, residential contractor, salon, restaurant, hotel, home security, personal trainer, photographer, caterer or bakery, commercial real estate, florist, event/wedding planner, travel/tour operator, automotive repair, roofer, nutritionist, physical therapy, promotional products and more.

In the past year, the group has passed over $3.3 million in closed business.

All visitors must pre-register. Contact Matthew Cummings of M&T Bank at (mcummings2@mtb.com) to sign up in advance. Click here for the BNI website.

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The holidays are over. But it’s never too late to give a wreath

Wreathing for Community‘s latest gift is Bridgeport’s Thomas Merton Family Center.

The wreath was created by Montira Earley, in collaboration with Neighbors & Newcomers of Westport, with donations from area residents.

The Merton Center is important to Montira, so she nominated it as a recipient.

From left: Amanda Figueroa-Camilo and Montira Earley, with the Merton Center wreath.

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There’s always something new at Compo Beach — and in the sky above it.

Today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature was captured there by Mark Sikorski.

(Photo/Mary Sikorski)

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And finally … in honor of Tom Henske’s “Total Sense” podcast (above):

(Speaking of money … you know the drill. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog. You’ll help the world go ’round. Thank you!)

In The Year 2225

Self-driving boats at the Saugatuck Rowing Club.

Starbucks’ 9th drive-through lane.

CVS’ world record-length receipt.

A “Hunger Games” competition for Westport’s last parking spot.

Possible topics for “06880”‘s April Fools story? But it’s only mid-January….

Nope. They’re the inventions of Addison Moore. A 2023 Staples High School graduate, and the winner of the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce’s 2023 Young Entrepreneur award — now a pre-law student at Lafayette College — he is “a proud Westport resident.”

For the past 8 years, he’s created a positive impact in his home town. From organizing a drive-in movie night as a freshman, to launching Feed Fairfield County (300 teens provided food for more than 10,000 residents) to founding Up | Next (the state’s largest teen-led group), Addiso has focused on community building.

Addison Moore (Photo/Analise Draghi)

But he also has a sense of humor.

Last year — as Westport grappled with political and social divisions, and other challenges — Addison searched for a way to help.

“I love this town with all my heart,” Addison says. “Westport has brought me so much joy and belonging. I felt compelled to give back in a meaningful way.”

He thought abut dropping off cookies in mailboxes, or organizing a collaborative art piece.

They were good ideas. Yet he wanted something more fun and creative.

The result: a satirical newspaper, imagining his home town in the future.

He hoped people would smile, while realizing what an amazing community this is.

(Photo/Jodie Brooke Aujla)

“Westport 2225” was a labor of love. Addison spent weeks writing stories and designing the layout. He printed 1,000 copies on his home printer, along with an explanatory letter (each of which he signed personally).

He and several friends rolled up each newspaper, tied them with bows, and spent one very cold night driving around Westport.

It took till 2 a.m., but they slipped them into mailboxes all over town. (Probably illegal, but shhh...).

His adventure did not stop there. Addison posted an Instagram video about the project, including delivery scenes. Click below to see:

Over the next few months, Addison says, he’ll roll out new initiatives and projects to hopefuly “spark meaningful change, and bring people together in Westport.”

For sneak peeks, more information, and to help, follow his Instagram: @addison._moore. (Note the period before the underscore in the address; without it, you’ll follow a girl with the same name.)

PS: If you were not one of the lucky 1,000 recipients of Addison’s paper — no problem.

He’s got you covered. Just click here to see.

(“06880” reports often on the accomplishments of Westport teens [and others of all ages]. If you enjoy our coverage, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

Friday Flashback #431

Right now, there is no room at the Inn.

The Inn at Longshore has closed for renovations. It will reopen later this year.

Work is moving steadily along at the Delamar Hotel. The plan is to open in the spring, on the site of the former Westport Inn.

Until then, there is not one hotel room to be had in our entire town.

A century ago, there were plenty.

The Westport Hotel — at the corner of State Street (Post Road East) and Main Street — was a handsome building. It included a saloon and pool tables.

Decades earlier, Edward T. Bedford was too young to enter.

After becoming wealthy — as a broker of lubricating oils for railroads, helping chemist Robert Chesebrough sell his new product Vaseline, and a director of Standard Oil, among other things — he wanted the boys of Westport to have a place to gather.

Bedford bought the Westport Hotel, and demolished it. In its place, he built a $150,000 Tudor-style YMCA. It had  reading and writing rooms, a bowling alley — and of course, pool tables.

For 90 years, the Y stood on the site of the old Westport Hotel. Since then — after the YMCA moved to its Mahackeno property on Wilton Road — the building has been leased to Anthropologie.

(Friday Flashback is one of “06880”‘s many regular features. If you enjoy this — or anything else on our website — please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here. Thank you!)

Roundup: Patti Smith, Michael West, Longshore, Trash …

The Westport Library is ready to rock.

VersoFest 2025 has announced its first big names — and they are Very Big.

Singer/songwriter and National Book Award winner Patti Smith kicks off the 4th annual music and media festival on Thursday, April 3.

Henry Rollins, frontman of the seminal hardcore punk band Black Flag and noted writer and spoken word artist, will be in conversation on Saturday, April 5.

Legendary “Saturday Night Live” performer and David Letterman musical director Paul Shaffer appears on Sunday, April 6, with SNL Beehive Queen Christine Ohlman.

Tickets for all 3 events — and much more — go on sale later this month. More guests will be announced soon. Click here for full VersoFest information.

From left: Paul Shaffer, Patti Smith, Henry Rollins. 

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Westport’s loss is Ridgefield’s gain.

Michael West has resigned as Parks & Recreation Department parks superintendent. On January 13, he joins Ridgefield Parks & Recreation as assistant director.

“It has been an honor to serve the town of Westport and its incredible community,” West — who came here nearly 4 years ago — says.

“I’m deeply grateful for the opportunities I’ve had here, and for the relationships I’ve built over the years. While I will miss Westport, I’m excited for this next chapter in Ridgefield and the opportunity to continue growing.”

Among his many projects, he told “06880” he is proudest of being part of the improvements at Riverside Park.

Michael West

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Speaking of Parks & Rec: the long-range plan to upgrade Longshore moves slowly forward.

On Wednesday (January 8, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium), the Board of Finance will be asked to approve — among other items — $222,000 for “architectural study, schematic design, land-use permitting, and preparation of an opinion of probable cost,” for a new maintenance facility there.

The current one — between the golf course, road and tennis courts, near the La Plage parking lot — would be demolished, to allow space for more racquet courts.

Four new courts would replace the maintenance facility, during renovations to Longshore.

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Many people read yesterday’s “06880” story about trash at Parker Harding Plaza.

But not everyone.

The piece noted that a few employees of downtown businesses and restaurants drop garbage bags next to the compactor, rather than lifting the lid and tossing them in. (A sign instructs them to open it up.)

Often, the Westport Downtown Association says, the compactor has plenty of room. Sometimes, it’s empty.

This was the scene again yesterday:

(Photo/Shawn Kapitan)

The WDA’s Shawn Kapitan reports: “I just cleaned up another trash pile. The compactor’s intake hopper was completely empty, and was working fine.

“Whoever dumped this trash didn’t even bother to open the door and simply look inside. All the trash that was just on the ground, fit in the compactor with room to spare.”

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If you haven’t been there yet, you will be.

You or someone in your family needs a wheelchair, for a few days only. Or someone you know had hip surgery, and is looking for a temporary shower chair or portable chair ramp.

As a trained occupational therapist, Pippa Bell Ader appreciates the value of maximizing independence.

And as a longtime environmentalist (she’s a Sustainable Westport leader), she is distressed that so much medical equipment is used for a short time, then thrown out.

Which are 2 reasons she is excited about Wheel It Forward. The local nonprofit lends out equipment.

Just complete this form to arrange a pick-up in Bridgeport or Stamford.

If you have durable medical equipment to donate you can do that too. (Pick-up is available on a case-by-case basis).

Don’t need equipment, or have any to give? Wheel It Forward can always use financial help. Just click here.

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AAPI Westport is bringing author Katie Gee Salisbury to town to discuss her intriguing book, “Not Your China Doll: The Wild and Shimmering Life of Anna May Wong.”

The event is next Wednesday (January 8, 7 p.m., Westport Museum for History & Culture).

Everyone is welcome — even if you have not read the book. Click here to RSVP.

Anna Mae Wong and Vincent Price, at the Westport Country Playhouse.

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Mark Yurkiw knows a thing or two about bringing compasssion to the world.

The Westport artist does that regularly, through his art.

On January 15 (2:30 p.m.), “Bringing Compassion to the World” is the topic of Yurkiw’s Senior Center talk.

He recently returned from 3 weeks in Ukraine. He brought medical supplies to the war-torn nation.

The trip brought an invitation to exhibit in Kyiv in 2026. 

The mission was part of a larger global initiative to bring compassion to the world through art, actions and words.

Yurkiw and Miggs Burroughs recently exhibited “Signs of Compassion” at United Nations headquarters in New York. The exhibit will travel to Taiwan, then throughout Asia.

At the Senior Center, Yurkiw will present a slide show about his efforts in Ukrain, then answer questions from the audience.

Mark Yurkiw, with Ukrainian artwork at his Westport home.

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Fleet Feet is more than just a running store in the Fresh Market plaza.

Among their offerings:

Group training:  Led by New York Road Runners coaches, in partnership with the Westport Weston Family YMCA. A great option for running with others, and working with a variety of coaches. Meet-ups are Tuesday and Thursday mornings at 6:30 a.m. Also ncluded: Wednesday evening strength classes at the Y.

Individual coaching: One-on-one guidance. and someone to hold you accountable for training. Customizable for all levels of runners.

Zoomerangs Kids Running: Returning in April. Youngsters learn the fundamentals of running, from warming up to running form, with creative drills and surprises. 6 weeks; meets Sundays at 3 p.m. at the Staples High School outdoor track.

To learn more about these programs, click here.

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Westport Police made 1 custodial arrest between December 25 and January 1.

A 26-year-old Bronx man was charged with forgery and criminal impersonation, following a report by a resident about a scam where iPhones were scheduled for delivery. The suspect had fraudulent driver’s licenses, one of which was in the name of the complainant.

Police also issued these citations:

  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 2 citations
  • Failure to renew registration: 2
  • Speeding: 1
  • Following too closely: 1
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 1
  • Failure to obey state traffic commissions regulations: 1

Some people wait at the DMV for driver’s licenses. Criminals forge them.

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There is no admission fee at Sherwood Island State Park for vehicles with Connecticut license plates.

Also free: anyone arriving on horseback.

Becky Keeler captured this scene on New Year’s Eve, for our ever-intriguing “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Becky Keeler)

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And finally … in honor of Patti Smith’s upcoming appearance at the Westport Library’s VersoFest (story above):

(Because “06880” relies on reader support, we’re including this donation link. Please click here to show a little love to your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)

 

Trashing Downtown: The Other Side Of The Parker Harding Story

At first glance, the photos are gross.

Bag after plastic bag lie next to the Parker Harding Plaza trash compactor. Most are full. Some spill their contents — food, papers, garbage — onto the pavement.

Reaction is swift: What’s wrong with the Westport Downtown Association (or the town itself)? How can they let that happen?

As is often the case, this is not a black-and-white (trash bag) story. There’s more to it than meets the eye (and nose).

A large reason for the mess lies with a few merchants. Every WDA member who pays to use the refuse service gets a key to the compactor — and instructions on how to use it.

But not every employee follows the rules. Hauling trash from a store or restaurant to the compactor is not a pleasant task. For whatever reason, some don’t open the bins. They just leave the bags next to it.

That has a predictable effect. The next employee — perhaps well-intentioned — sees trash next to the compactor. He or she assumes it is full. Why check? They just leave their bags too.

There is a second predictable effect. All it takes is for one bird or varmint to get into the trash. That’s their nature — especially if it’s not sealed tightly.

Their critter friends quickly gather. They finish dinner, then leave without cleaning up.

Ninety percent of the time when trash piles up, the compactor is only 1/4 full, says WDA president Maxx Crowley.

That’s not only unsightly and smelly — it’s costly. The refuse company charges more whenever they have to pick up the bags (and more) by hand.

(Photo/Sal Liccione)

To stem the abuse, the Downtown Association will soon begin going through trash dumped outside. They’ll determine who the offender is, and fine them.

Repeat offenders will be reported to the Aspetuck Health District. They want to keep downtown clean too.

Merchants are not the only offenders. Residents sometimes use the compactors as their own personal trash cans.

They may not realize the compactors are private. They may know, but not care. Perhaps the transfer station is closed. Perhaps it’s open, but they don’t want to drive there.

Whatever the reason, Westporters (and, probably, out-of-towners) have no problem dumping trash bags — and bicycles, furniture and more — next to the bins.

A Westport Downtown Association contractor cleans up some of the large pieces of trash left by the compactor.

The WDA does not want to be the trash mafia, Crowley notes.

Their goal is to “create a beautiful downtown environment,” the president says.

At their own expense, they put out and water flower baskets in warm months, blow leaves in the fall, and wrap downtown with holiday decor and trees in winter.

The WDA has teamed up with Employment Is For Everyone — the collaboration between the town and its Commission on People with Disabilities — to create an ambassador program that helps keep downtown clean and welcoming.

“Our team will continue to do everything we can to keep the trash area clean,” Crowley says. “We hope everyone will work with us, to help.”

Roundup: CT Bites, VFW New Year’s, Club203 Party …

The editor-in-chief of CTBites, Stephanie Webster, lived in Westport for many years.

But only 2 restaurants make the foodies’ webiste list of “Staff Picks for Top Eats of 2024.”

One is Casa Me. Webster writes:

Casa Me recently launched Sunday Brunch. If you don’t live in and around Westport you could miss this spot, but it’s quietly the hardest rez to get in Fairfield County.

One of my faves is a brunch item, Pane Dorato, made with Pandoro, the sweet Christmas bread from Verona. The sweet bread is perfect for french toast and he pairs this with cannoli creme, frutti di bosco compote and olive oil maple syrup. It’s what everyone needs on a Sunday morning.

Pane Dorato, at Casa Me.

The other is Allium Eatery. Managing editor Andrew Dominick says:

Michelle Greenfield’s French-ish, seasonal, creative menu is not to be missed. After a CRAZIES nomination for Best Chef, you best make a reservation, because the word is out about this once best kept secret.

Click here for the full story.

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Looking to celebrate New Year’s Eve before midnight?

Spacecat Brewing Company is sponsoring a “Beer & Burger Night.” It’s 5 to 8 p.m. tonight, at VFW Post 399.

There are Spacecat swag giveaways too. The perfect thing to bring to your midnight event. (Hat tip: Andrew Colabella)

Happy New Year! (From 5 to 8 p.m., anyway).

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Yesterday’s Roundup reported that J. Crew is moving from 145 Main Street space, to 27 Main Street (former Pottery Barn).

However, the move is temporary. They’ll be there only during the renovation of their current store.

27 Main Street.

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The new year has not yet begun. But Club203 is ready.

Their first event of the season is Friday (January 3, 6:30 to 8 p.m.), at the Westport Dance Academy.

The evening includes martial arts with Sensi Pilardy and Club203 member Bella Rizzi; dancing with Judy Samuels; TikTok moves with Shea and Carly; ballet with XX, and art by MoCA.

Click here for more information on Club203, including registration information.

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Chris Marcocci — the former owner of Local to Market, and a noted and passionate Westporter — died at his home on Sunday.

After a career as a vice president of non-traditional revenue for iHeart (formerly Clear Channel) Radio in Tampa, he embarked on an entrepreneurial journey.

In 2005 Chris founded Streetmarc Advertising and Marketing in South Norwalk. He later moved the office in Westport, and adde branches in Florida and Pennsylvania. Streetmarc helped brands grow market share at the retail level, through consumer promotions and events.

Chris was also an adviser to the Food’N Bev Connect group. That inspired him to launch Local to Market, a concept retail store on Main Street, in the former Talbots and Remarkable Book Shop space.

Local To Market showcased Connecticut farms and food products, and local artisans and local musicians.

Chris enjoyed all that Westport offers, from beaches and sunsets to fishing and hanging out with friends.

His annual trip to Italy with his wife Rita was the highlight of his life.

He was also an avid scuba diver. and enjoyed live music events with his wife and friends.

A celebration of Chris’ life will take place in the next few weeks.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Chris’ name to Mission Iconic Reefs, an underwater reef preservation entity; MoCA CT, or Homes with Hope.

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I know, I know: It’s New Year’s Eve, and there’s no snow on the ground.

But just a week ago was Christmas Eve. Here’s a very cool (and warm) “Westport … Naturally” shot, from outside Rick Benson’s window:

(Photo/Rick Benson)

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And finally … hit it, Guy!

(Our final reminder of 2024: If you’ve enjoyed “06880” all year, there is still time to support our work — and get a tax deduction to boot. Just click here. And, for the last time this year: Thank you!)

Pics Of The Day #2812

Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge, and National Hall … (Photo/Joel Treisman)

… and nearby, tonight’s pink sky over Church Lane (Photo/David Martin)

Roundup: J. Crew, Twilight Zone, New Year’s Day …

J. Crew is moving.

But not far.

The new location will be 27 Main Street — the former Pottery Barn.

The current location is 145 Main Street. That’s 2 doors down from the now-shuttered 159 Main (previously Rye Ridge Deli; before that, Oscar’s).

The new J. Crew store. (Hat tip and photo/Sal Liccione)

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Speaking of the holiday: If it’s New Year’s, it must be SyFy’s annual “Twilight Zone” marathon.

The annual event — an homage to the show and its creator, former Westporter Rod Serling — begins at 1 a.m. tomorrow (Tuesday). It runs through 3:30 a.m. Thursday.

Click here for the full schedule. Looking for “A Stop at Willoughby” — the episode that includes a commuter heading to Westport, who never quite makes it?

It airs at 11:40 p.m. on Wednesday, January 1.

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Experience Camps — the Westport-based national, no-cost program for grieving children who have experienced the death of a parent, sibling or primary caregiver — hosts a New Year’s Day Polar Plunge (January 1, 10 a.m., Compo Beach).

The event ceelbrates the opening of their newest location. It will be at KenMont and KenWood Camp in Kent, Connecticut (August 18-23).

The weather should be much warmer then.

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Friends of Sherwood Island welcome New Year’s with a beach walk.

Everyone — “official” Friends members and not; children, and dogs on short leashes — is invited to meet in front of the Nature Center at 11 a.m. on Wednesday (January 1). Follow signs to East Beach.

Start the new year at Sherwood Island State Park. (Photo/Susan Leone)

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Hungry to learn more about where your food comes from?

The Westport Farmers’ Market co-hosts the Fairfield County premiere of “Food & Country” — Ruth Reichl’s award-winning documentary about our food supply — next Sunday (January 5, 4:30 p.m., FTC Warehouse).

An extra course: Reichl (former New York Times food critic, and editor of Gourmet magazine) will be at the screening. After, she’ll join 2 other culinary icons to talk about the fim, and answer questions from the audience.

Panelists include Michel Nischan and Ed Levine.

Nischan is a 4-time James Beard Award-winning chef, who has spent over 40 years advocating for a more healthful, sustainable food system. He worked with Paul Newman to help low-income families access fresh fruits and vegetables (now a permanent part of the federal farm bill). Nischan and Newman also co-founded The Dressing Room, the popular restaurant next to the Westport Country Playhouse.

Levine is the host and creator of the “Special Sauce” podcast, and a 3-time James Beard Award winner.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

Paul Newman, flanked by Westport Farmers’ Market director Lori Cochran-Dougall and Michel Nischan, proudly sported WFM gear.

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Yesterday’s New York Times Styles section included a story on “Knitting with Dog Hair.”

The popular “lighthearted yet serious instructional book on the quirky craft that shows how to collect dog fuzz and spin, dye and knit with the yarn known as chiengora” has just been reissued in a revised 30th anniversary edition.

What makes this “06880”-worthy is that author Kendall Crolius — now 70 years old — grew up in Westport.

Linda Smith calls her “the favorite child I babysat for 66 years ago.” The Croliuses lived on Cavalry Road, and Linda says that 4-year-old Kendall explained to her the difference between Cavalry and Calvary.”

Click here for the full Times story.

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Earthplace’s winter after-school programs for children and teenagers begin next month.

They include:

  • Eco-Explorers (grades 3-5; 4 to 5 p.m.)
  • Nature Art Club (grades 3-6; 4 to 5 p.m.)
  • Teen Volunteer Club
  • Harbor Watch Student Programs.

Click here for more information.

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There’s no such thing as a free lunch.

But free s’mores — compliments of Nômade — were on the menu yesterday, outside the Main Street restaurant in front of Savvy + Grace.

The marshmallows, graham crackers and chocolate have been one of the most popular items the last 2 years, at the “06880”/Westport Downtown Association Holiday Stroll.

(Photo/Sal Liccione)

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Yesterday’s fog elicited several “Westport … Naturally” photos.

Andrew Fishman captured this scene on Larch Tree Lane, off Cavalry Road.

(Photo/Andrew Fishman)

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And finally … today is the birthday of not 1, but 2 Monkees.

Michael Nesmith was born on this date in 1942. He died in 2021.

Davy Jones was born 3 years later. He died in 2012.

(Cheer up, sleepy Jean! There’s still time to make a 2024 donation to “06880.” Just click here. And thank you!)