A lot of people spent a lot of time stuck in yesterday’s fireworks traffic, heading to and from Compo Beach.
Even at non-holiday times, the light at the Compo Road South/Greens Farms Road/Bridge Street intersection can be long. There’s plenty of opportunity to look around.
What we see is the I-95 overpass. It seems like it — and Greens Farms Road — have always been there.
But for decades before the “turnpike” construction in the 1950s, the road came in at a different angle.
There, on the southwest corner, sat Ken Montgomery’s grocery store.
When the state of Connecticut planned the new route, his building was in the way.
He tried to relocate to a lot he owned on Bridge Street, across from what was then Saugatuck Elementary School (now The Saugatuck co-op housing), yet was rebuffed.
So one day in the mid-1950s, Ken’s store was demolished.
(Westport Town Crier photo courtesy of Mary Palmieri Gai)
Ken hoped to return with a new store in the same vicinity, once the highway was completed. In the meantime, he went to work at his mother’s (similar) grocery store, not far away by Old Mill Beach.
He never returned.
Instead, he took over from his mother. For many years, he operated “Ken’s” — aka “Grub’s” (IYKYK).
Today, it’s Old Mill Grocery & Deli by Romanacci.
And there is not a trace of Ken’s original store — or the original Greens Farms Road — underneath the I-95 overpass.
(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!)
The Clubhouse has been Westport’s go-to spot, for many World Cup matches.
For something different for today’s Argentina-Cape Verde game (Friday, 6 p.m.), consider a watch party in Stamford — hosted by Congressman Jim Himes.
The Round of 32 event is at Third Place by Half Full Brewery. Fans of both teams — and the USA — are welcome. So are all Democrats, Republicans, independents — and everyone else.
What do freedom, faith, hope and responsibility mean, as America celebrates its 250th anniversary?
Weston’s Norfield Congregational Church invites everyone to participate in a 4-week sermon series exploring those questions.
“A New Birth of Freedom: America at 250 — Beautiful. Broken. Beloved. Becoming” begins this Sunday (July 5, 10 a.m.). Through scripture, reflection and honest conversation, the series examines how people of faith can engage the nation’s milestone with gratitude, humility, courage and hope.
Senior minister Rev. Dr. Bernard Wilson says, “This is not a partisan series. It is a Gospel series. We are not gathering around a flag, but around Christ’s table. Our goal is to explore what faithful citizenship and Christian hope look like in a complex and changing world.”
The series will be complemented by special musical offerings from American composers and hymn writers. For more information, click here.
Also in the spirit of our semiquincentennial: The Westport Garden Club invites the community to a free “American Spirit 250” event.
The patriotic exhibition — a gift to the the town — showcases the talents of club members through horticulture and floral design, and educational displays.
The National Garden Club Small Standard Flower Show is set for the Westport Library on July 11 (noon to 5 p.m.) and July 12 (1 to 3 p.m.).
The Westport Garden Club began celebrating America 250 in April, placing floral displays placed town. They’ll continue the effort on patriotic dates through the rest of the year.
Westport Garden Club members Louise Demakis, Janet Wolgast and Joanne Heller.
As always, the Parks & Recreation Department did a spectacular job — not just with last night’s fireworks, but the cleanup that followed too.
Working through the night, after 10,000 guests left, they made sure that Compo Beach was pristine for the holiday weekend.
Meanwhile, the dozens of very important port-a-potties were trucked away. They too will be cleaned, and ready for whatever comes next.
(Photo/Amy Schneider)
PS: More props to Parks & Rec, for keeping the bathrooms by the lifeguard shack open. In years past, they were inexplicably closed during the biggest night of the year.
Local artist Tammy Winser is this month’s Westport Book Shop artist exhibitor.
Her whimsical “So They Say” collection combines acrylic and collage, celebrating animals with human expressions and personalities. Winser’s thought-provoking works capture the humor and absurdity of everyday life.
An artist reception is set for July 16 (6 p.m.). The exhibit will be open during business hours throughout July, with all work available for purchase.
Meanwhile, the Book Shop’s Short Story Club meets July 22 (6 p.m.).
This month’s discussion focuses on stories by American writers, about conversations:
“Uncle Wiggly in Connecticut,” by J.D. Salinger
“What We Talk About When We Talk About Love,” by Raymond Carver
“What We Talk About When We Talk About Anne Frank,” by Nathan Englander
Space is limited. To register, call 203-349-5141, or email RSVP@westportbooksaleventures.org.
Tammy Winser
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The Representative Town Meeting (RTM) is seeking candidates to fill the District 7 vacancy created by the death of Jack Klinge.
No political party affiliation is required. as Westport’s RTM is a nonpartisan legislative body. Interested District 7 representatives can submit a resume and brief statement of intent to town clerk Jeffrey Dunkerton (jdunkerton@westportct.gov) by July 20.
Yesterday’s story on Tom Lowrie — Westport’s “Mr. Pickleball,” former YMCA trustee, Y’s Man and Rotarian (and much more) who died Tuesday at 97 — noted that there will be a gathering at 6 p.m. this Friday (July 3, his birthday), at the Compo Beach Lowrie Pickleball Courts.
His daughter Anne says that this is an informal toast. A celebration of Tom’s long life is set for Greens Farms Church on July 31. More details will be available soon.
Tom Lowrie, at his 97th birthday. (Photo/Andrew Colabella)
Attention, sports fans! The Tuesday night Parks & Recreation adult hoops league is in full swing. Eight teams play weekly, from 7 to 9 p.m.
Players include just-graduated Staples High heroes Sam Clachko, Matty Corrigan and Mason Tobias, and recent graduates Adam Udell, Cody Sale, Caleb Tobias, Derek Sale, Justin Honig and Griffin Kass.
This week’s ringer was a Big Name: former NBA star (and Rookie of the Year) Michael Carter-Williams (now a Westport resident), and former overseas pro and current Westport PAL coach Jamill Powell.
Spectators are always welcome. The Staples coaching staff enjoyed the games last week.
Long Lots Elementary School — built in 1953, and renovated 20 years later — is slated for demolition. (Drone photo/Brandon Malin)
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The String Queens are the newest addition to the free Levitt Pavilion calendar.
The August 16 show features the trio, known for blending classical music with jazz, hip-hop, R&B and popular styles. Click here to reserve free tickets.
Meanwhile, this holiday weekend’s schedule includes:
Friday, July 3 (7:30 p.m.): Clay Street Unit (bluegrass, folk, Americana, country)
Saturday, July 4 (7:30 p.m.): Early Clover (former Coasters’ lead singer; tribute to Marvin Gaye, Sam Cooke, Nat King Cole, Otis Redding and more)
Sunday, July 5 (7 p.m.): Back to the Garden 1969: Woodstock Experience (featuring Staples graduate Michelle Pauker)
Speaking of music: Lachat Town Farm’s next “Music in the Meadow” (July 11, 6 p.m.) features singer/guitarist/ songwriter Quinn Sullivan.
He’s appeared on “The Tonight Show,” “Jimmy Kimmel Live” and with Conan O’Brien. Sullivan has also performed at Eric Clapton’s Crossroads Guitar Festival, and toured and recorded with Buddy Guy for nearly a decade.
Sharing the stage with B.B. King, Sullivan became one of the few artists ever to play his iconic guitar, “Lucille.”
But the celebration continues July 16 (4:30 to 6:30 p.m.).
Eleish Van Breems Home opens it doors for a free celebration. Nômade will provide the food; Black Bear Wines & Spirits, the beverages. Everyone — the LGBTQ community, friends, allies — and fans of fun (and the furniture store) — is invited. Please RSVP: events@evbhem.com.
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The Whitney Street improvement project is nearly done.
Resident Molly Alger could not be happier. And not just because the noise and inconvenience will end.
The new curb is a masterpiece,” she reports.
“The old curb, next to the black paved sidewalk, was just a raised bit of asphalt.
“Now they’re constructing a legitimate cement curb — perfectly formed and absolutely beautiful. Of course it will also be much safer!”
Westport Police made 1 custodial arrest between June 24 and 30.
A 38-year-old Shelton man was charged with operating an unregistered motor vehicle, operating under suspension and failure to appear, following a stop on Post Road East.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Distracted driving: 6 citations
Evading responsibility: 1
School zone violation (2nd offense): 1
Traveling unreasonably fast: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 1
Disorderly conduct: 1
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As the weather heats up, residents slow down … and seek shade.
These folks found it yesterday, at Sherwood Island State Park. It’s a nice “Westport … Naturally” reminder of how good we have it — despite the temperature.
And finally … Victor Willis, the lead singer of the Village People who also co-wrote their smash hits “YMCA” and “Macho Man,” died Monday, after a short illness. He was 74.
(Once again, “06880” proves why it is “where Westport meets the world.” Where else can you find all this stuff? If you appreciate our hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
How does he or she react? And what about you, as a parent?
“It’s okay to feel upset,” you could say. “Let’s talk about it.”
Or, “When that tower fell, how did that feel?”
Handling emotions is one of 6 skills that support children’s mental health through everyday play, Brian and Lauren Bernstein note.
Another one is problem-solving. “It won’t work!” your frustrated child says, when things don’t go as planned.
“Hmmm … what else could we try?” you suggest.
Or “What do you think went wrong?”
The Bernsteins are not child psychologists.
But they do know kids.
Brian — a 1984 Staples High School graduate — spent 21 years in the toy industry. He headed up sales for his brother Doug’s Melissa & Doug company, helping grow the department from 14 people (and the firm was called Lights, Camera, Interaction!) to its enormous e-commerce presence.
Lauren knows children too. She’s been a piano teacher for 40 years.
Brian and Lauren Bernstein
Bernstein, and other family members, left Melissa & Doug in 2021. After a couple of years away, he wanted to get back into the business.
“Developmental pre-school toys are not screens. They’re wholesome,” he notes. “They’re so important at a young age.”
Though wooden toys have become more expensive, he wanted to make them accessible and affordable: $29.99 or less.
But he and Lauren had another reason for starting a new company: a way to honor their late son Jason.
Nicknamed Jasey, he was “an amazing, beautiful child,” Brian says.
“He was a great pianist — he could improvise for hours. He composed music. He taught himself oil painting, and made movies.”
But Jasey struggled with mental health challenges for most of his life. They became more prominent in his teens.
The Bernsteins tried everything: therapists, psychiatrists, programs, medications.
Nothing helped. “He didn’t want to be here anymore.” He lost his battle in 2019, age 25.
Jason Bernstein
Behind the company — called Jasey’s Toy Chest — is a mission: to help families struggling with mental health issues.
The founders partnered with the Kids Mental Health Foundation and the Jed Foundation (serving teens and young adults). The non-profits provide expert guidance and advocacy.
Together, the partners — and Jasey’s Toy Chest — are helping destigmatize mental health. They provide prompts, tips, suggestions, resources and solutions for parents and caregivers to talk about it.
And, Brian Bernstein says, “We’ve kept it simple. This is not a big homework project. Fifteen minutes of play a day can make a difference. It’s all about ‘intentional play.'”
The Bernsteins began shipping their toys in March. Already, they’re on Amazon, and in Awesome Toys. In September, they’ll be featured in 600 Barnes & Noble stores.
(“06880” regularly covers interesting Westporters, local businesses, health and wellness — and, like today, their intersection. If you like these stories, please click here to support us. Thank you!)
Jasey’s Toy Chest display, in Awesome Toys’ Westport store.
Artificial intelligence has ushered in a new world. And several Staples students are taking full advantage of it.
They’re using AI to turn innovative ideas into reality … using AI itself. Here are stories of 2 intriguing startups.
Noah Tomasovic is a rising junior. He’s runs track , plays rugby, is a member of Service League of Boys, started a club that monitors water safety, competes nationally with Future Business Leaders of America, and is working this summer at a commercial real estate firm.
Noah is also the founder of Pilotier. The company installs custom AI systems into local Fairfield County businesses. They handle many details a small business owner has no time or talent for, like building a website, organizing and responding to emails, and scheduling. It’s all done through a dashboard he devised.
Some of those tools already exist, of course. But, Noah says, configuring email through, say, Google Cloud can be difficult. His system allows a user to click one button to connect.
Pilotier integrates many functions into one.
One local client, the owner of Alma Mexican Foods, had trouble reaching decision-makers at large outlets like Big Y and Stop & Shop. Noah built a system that personalizes emails, and ensures they reach the right executive.
His agent also reads all emails that come in. It summarizes them, suggests follow-up actions — then handles them.
Pilotier also handles lead follow-ups for every inquiry and quote, so “nothing falls through the cracks”; social media content, drafted in the client’s voice on a pre-determined (yet flexible) schedule, and invoicing.
Every morning, there is a “briefing,” with to-do lists and suggestions.
Noah Tomasovic offers a free AI audit for businesses.
“The whole goal of AI is to automate tasks, and help you scale up,” he notes.
“A lot of businesses don’t know too much about AI — or they’re intimidated by it. They don’t know how to use it, but they’re worried about being surpassed by it.”
Noah charges a set-up fee, and a monthly retainer.
It’s all explained in a comprehensive, clear website. Built by Noah — with, of course, help from AI.
In the financial world, 4 students have spent a year building a tool for wealth management firms.
Right now, they say, advisors spend hours reading Department of Labor filings and data to find companies whose plans are not performing well, then write custom outreach by hand.
The quartet — Mikael Nagy, Ignacy Nieweglowski, Pranav Tamilselvan and Lucas Nilsson, all rising seniors and juniors interested in computer science and finance — make the prospecting process faster. They use AI to scan public data and create full pitches, score plans automatically, and help advisors land more clients.
Their company, Polamin (the name combines their Polish, American and Indian backgrounds), analyzes hundreds of thousands of retirement plan filings to help advisors find underperforming plans, then generates data-backed proposals.
They say all 146,000-plus plan sponsor in the country is profiled and searchable. More than 152,000 plans are scored, 0 to 100, against size, industry and regional benchmarks, using 3 “proprietary layers”: advisory, core and risk.
AI does all the (very) heavy lifting.
The 4 friends talked for a while about starting a company. They considered analyzing crypto, but realized it was complicated and scam-filled.
From left: Mikael Nagy, Pranav Tamilselvan, Ignacy Nieweglowski.
Speaking with a local wealth management analyst, they learned he spent an enormous amount of tedious time prospecting, looking for poorly performing plans, then reaching out to convert clients.
“We didn’t realize how massive the retirement plan industry is,” Ignacy says.
The proposals Polamin creates are tailored to a prospect’s experiences and interests. They use a variety of voices and styles: conservative, modern or data-heavy.
Screenshot from the Polamin website.
They were accepted to present at last month’s Yale Innovation Summit. “There were a lot of adults — really, really smart people,” Mikael reports.
They did not win. But they picked up a ton of tips, and networked well.
Since its March launch, the founders have added new features. It’s being tested by a Westport client now. Other interested users can test it for free, too.
Mikael, Ignacy, Pranav and Lucas are decades away from retirement. They haven’t even been to college, or landed their first full-time jobs.
But thanks to their start-up, retirement may become more affordable for countless older men and women they’ll never meet.
(“06880” reports often on local businesses — and the achievements of Staples students. Sometimes they intersect. If you enjoy stories like these, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
If there’s one thing that unites Westporters today, it’s the past.
From this blog’s “Friday Flashback” and “Then & Now” teardown features, to comments from readers, we think of our town in terms of landmarks that no longer exist.
Relative newcomers do it too. In just the past couple of days, I’ve heard folks lament the loss of Saugatuck Sweets and Carvel. (No one mentioned Savvy Smoker. Go figure.)
(Photo/Jennifer Izzo)
This summer, MoCA\CT examines the past.
And Westporters are invited to play a key, fun — and very interactive — role.
Inspired by the new exhibit “Looking for History,” featuring Ellen Harvey’s “The Disappointed Tourist” — with themes of memory, loss and place — a special program on July 16 will look at our own history.
Harvey created 4 new paintings, based on local submissions: The Remarkable Book Shop, Cedar Brook Café, Bloodroot and Allen’s Clam House. They’ll serve as starting points for a broader community dialogue.
The Remarkable Book Shop
On July 16 (at MoCA\CT, 19 Newtown Turnpike), “06880” founder Dan Woog will chat with Harvey, and Westport preservationist Ed Gerber. We’ll talk about the cultural and emotional significance of lost places. It’s called “The CORA Foundation Community Conversation with Ellen Harvey + Dan Woog.”
And we’ll include your favorites. Or the ones you miss the most.
We want you to submit your choices in any or all of 4 categories:
Gone Too Soon
Place You Thought Would Last Forever
What a Cool Hangout!
Just One More Bite.
Email your choices (and, if you’d like, a story to go with them) to 06880blog@gmail.com.
At the end of the evening the audience will vote, to crown one favorite missed location.
Yesterday, Westport celebrated the annual Great Duck Race.
The Sunrise Rotary Club’s signature fundraiser drew its usual big crowd to Jesup Green.
The weather was not great. But it was perfect for ducks — the actual ones, if not the thousands of plastic guys who poured down a Westport Fire Department chute, then bobbed along to the finish line.
The event raised hundreds of thousands of dollars, for Sunrise Rotary’s charitable projects.
(Photo courtesy of Westport Fire Department)
jUNe Day visitors get in on the fun. (Photo courtesy of James Delorey)
1st Selectman Kevin Christie (lower left, with microphone) narrates the Great Duck Race. (Photo/Joel Treisman)
One of hundreds of ducks. Who knows how he did? (Photo courtesy of James Delorey)
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Also yesterday (as noted above): For the 61st year in a row, Westport welcomed United Nations personnel to Westport.
A welcoming jUNe Day ceremony on Jesup Green was followed by a soccer match; tennis and golf at Longshore; visits to Earthplace and Wakeman Town Farm; the sidewalk sale, and of course the Westport Rotary Club Great Duck Race.
1st Selectman Kevin Christie and United Nations Association of Southwestern Connecticut president Bill Hass (below) greeted the guests.
1st Selectman Kevin Christie and United Nations Association of Southwestern Connecticut’s Bill Hass. (Photo/Sal Liccione)
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A reminder: Kick off the 4th of July/fireworks week — and celebrate America’s 250th birthday with a party today (Sunday) at VFW Post 399.
Together with American Legion Post 63, they’re throwing a picnic from noon to 4 p.m.
There’s (of course) burgers and dogs, music, community spirt — and it’s a chance to support our veterans.
Happy birthday, America! And thanks, VFW and American Legion!
Want to learn more about Westport beaches’ current and future conditions, upcoming regulatory requirements, and an engineering firm’s beach resiliency planning studies?
The Parks & Recreation Department hosts a public forum on July 13 (6:30 p.m., Zoom). Compo, Old Mill, Burying Hill and Canal Beaches are all part of the plan.
Speaking of beaches: Westporter Doug Bowen caught this 40-inch striped bass (below) the other day.
Unfortunately, the Department of Energy & Environmental Protection requires all striped bass be thrown back if smaller than 28 inches — or larger than 31.
So there was no fresh catch dinner at the Bowens’ But there was a great fish tale to tell.
MoCA\CT’s new exhibit, “Looking for History,” opened Thursday to a large, appreciative crowd.
Artists Rick Shaefer and Ellen Harvey — whose works launched the exhibition — spoke with guests about the themes of the show.
On view through November 15, 2026, “Looking for History” invites visitors to move between distinct yet interconnected perspectives.
Rick Shaefer’s “Colossi” anchors the full season. Ellen Harvey’s “The Disappointed Tourist is featured through August 2, followed by Michael Borders’ Connecticut Industry (August 13 toNovember 15).
Throughout the run MoCA\CT will host community conversations, studio visits, film screenings and hands-on workshops.
Enjoying the MoCA exhibit. (Photo/Hanyue Wang for MoCA\CT).
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Speaking of history: Nearly 50 local artists will help the Weston Commission for the Arts celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. Their exhibit is on view at the Weston Library from July 3 through 31.
A reception is set for July 8 (5:30 to 7:30 p.m.).
Meanwhile, artist Cindy Wagner offers 2 free classes next month: July 11 (1:30 to 3:30 p.m.), children 8 and older can learn still life drawing.
On July 18 (10 a.m. to noon) Wagner leads an adult still life calss.
As the curtain gets ready to rise July 14 on “Agatha Christie’s The Murder of Roger Ackroyd,” Westporters may see a life-size, die-cut Hercule Poirot figure around town.
Recently, Christie’s legendary detective visited the Westport Rotary Club’s Sunny the Duck:
Poirot was also spotted downtown:
Channeling Dame Christie, he was especially excited to see the Union Jack outside Stephen Kempson London. Of course, he had to pop in to say hello to the custom tailor:
The other day, the Vartuli|Jabick Team of Keller Williams Luxury
Westport hosted “Where Art Meets Connection,” at Clarendon Fine Art.
But the evening was about more than networking over artwork.
The event helped support Real Food CT. The non-profit connects
farms with food pantries throughout Connecticut, helping provide
fresh, locally grown food to families experiencing food insecurity.
Positive Directions — the Westport non-profit focused on mental health, substance prevention and peer support — is searching for a Building Resilient Youth and Communities program coordinator.
The full-time position is part of a 5-year project that aims to prevent underage alcohol and cannabis use among Westport youth.
Positive Directions is also hiring a part-time youth peer advocate. The position (for someone ages 16 to 24) is for someone to serve as a role model and advocate, providing peer education and awareness.
To apply, submit a cover letter and resume to Margaret Watt: mwatt@positivedirections.org. Questions can be addressed to that email address too.
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Laurie Sorensen offers today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo — and a back story:
“This mourning dove perched on our stone wall Friday afternoon. I’m not sure why. It stayed there for a few hours, then flew away at sundown.”
And finally … on this date in 1838, Victoria was crowned Queen of the United Kingdom. Her reign of 63 years and 216 days is the 2nd longest in history. Queen Elizabeth II served 7 years longer.
(We probably won’t be around as long as Queen Victoria. Or Queen Elizabeth II. But we’re here now — and we have been, every day since 2009. To help keep up going, please click here. Thank you!)
Westport did not go far to find its new director of public works.
Larry Roberts — Weston’s current director of public works and facility management — takes over from Pete Ratkiewich on July 6. The longtime Westport director is retiring.
And he’s a Westport native.
Roberts has over 3 decades of experience, including municipal public works, facilities management, emergency communications and public safety. In Weston he oversees highway operations, facility maintenance, fleet management, municipal solid waste operations, capital projects and long-range infrastructure planning.
Previously, Roberts served as director of the Weston Communications Center. He spent more than 20 years with the Greenwich Fire Department, retiring as deputy chief.
Roberts holds a master of science in fire science/public administration from the University of New Haven, and a bachelor of Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical. He also graduated from the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program.
Dan Donovan writes: “06880 was out in force Thursday night in New York City.
“From local philanthropists Ann Sheffer and Bill Scheffler, to local business owners Bill Mitchell and Annette Norton, to Westport soccer illuminati including Andy Udell, Todd Coleman, Jim Wolf, Mike Carey and Zack Gross, and a group of more recent players, to former Staples High principal John Dodig, former 2nd selectwoman Andrea Moore, and fellow townies Andrew Colabella and Terry Brannigan, along with Dave Briggs, Amy Saperstein, Joan Gillman — and many others — we were all there to celebrate 06880’s own Dan Woog, as he was inducted into the LGBTQ Sports Hall of Fame. Of course Dan’s family and a few of his former Staples teammates were there too.
“Dan was honored, along with several other impressive, decorated, driven, articulate and brave sports world figures, who also happen to be part of the LGBTQ community.
“Kyle Martino, our most decorated Westport soccer success story — National High School Player of the Year, MLS Rookie of the Year, US men’s national team member, now a TV analyst and advocate for soccer in under-served communities — introduced Dan with humor, recalling growing up in Westport and the influence Dan had on him.
“Then Dan got to the podium and knocked it out of the park — or, as we say in soccer, scored a golazo — with his insightful words. It was a great night for Dan, and a great showing for 06880.”
Dan Woog (center, front) with Mike Carey and Zack Gross. Standing (from left): Luke Foreman, Neil Brickley, Jack Foster, Matthew Jordan, Jim Wolf, Emerson Anvari, Vaughan Sealey.
Kyle Martino, introducing Dan Woog
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Also this weekend: the Westport Astronomical Society’s Amateur Radio Field Day.
Local clubs operate as K1WAS. Hams from across North America participate in Field Day by establishing temporary ham radio stations in public locations to demonstrate their skill and service. Here, that’s the Westport Observatory classroom, behind the Aspetuck Health District and yard waste station on Bayberry Lane.
Everyone is invited to get in on the action — and on the air.
Shoppers who brought in 10 canvas bags — or all 15 varieties produced so far — received rewards.
From left: Lauren Kreter, Westport Farmers’ Market Lori Cochran-Dougall and Andrea Debello, with their shopping bags.
Also celebrating: River Hollow Farm and Ox Hollow Farm (representatives in the photo below). Both have been part of the WFM since its inception, 2 decades ago.
In a celebratory ceremony — with a lobster dinner — at the Ned Dimes Marina on Thursday night, Westport Rotary Club outgoing president, Peter Helt (left below) passed the ceremonial gavel to new president Ron Henkoff.
And finally … on this date in 1844, Joseph Smith, founder of the Latter Day Saint movement, and his brother Hyrum Smith were killed by a mob at the Carthage, Illinois jail.
Gaetano’s is one of Westport’s favorite delis. Lee Shufro is a fan. He writes:
While you can chase immortality by putting your name on a building, there is no finer honor than to have a sandwich named after you.
The “sandwich” itself was named for John Montagu, the 12th Earl of Sandwich. The Reuben (pastrami or corned beef with sauerkraut on rye) was supposedly named after Arnold Reuben, owner of NYC’s Reuben’s Deli.
While Westport has many great sandwich purveyors, my favorite is Gaetano’s, off Post Road opposite Stop & Shop.
What makes it a great deli? In my opinion you not only need the finest ingredients, but also some personality.
As important as the homemade mozzarella and aged salami are, is a high degree of banter. “Hey!” “Yo!” Gaetano’s has it all in spades.
Which brings us to my problem. I have followed a plant-based (aka vegan) diet for over 20 years. It prohibits me from eating meat or cheese — their entire menu.
The Food Network used this photo to illustrate Gaetano’s menu. It was not on Lee Shufro’s plate, however.
When I gaze upon Gaetano’s sandwich board, I see sandwiches a carnivore would love — but not one for vegan/vegetarians.
Over the years I ordered bespoke sandwiches, with various veggies.
Finally, after hundreds of experiments, I had hit upon the optimum non-dairy, non-meat concoction. I took a picture of it, to reference it on my next order.
My visits followed a routine. Whenever I got to the front of the line I was greeted with a hearty “How ya doin’?” I always replied, “The King is good.”
I don’t know what goes on in my head, but that was the routine every time I ordered.
To make it easy, I just showed the picture of my veggie sandwich. Affter a while, I began calling my sandwich “The King of Westport.”
Recently I said, “I think there may be other people who want this type of sandwich.”
They said, “Print it up, and we’ll hang it by the sandwich board.”
I was amazed. As far as I can remember, the menu has never changed.
I ran home, worked all day on my sandwich sign, and proudly hung it up. The King of Westport was born!
Lee Shufro (left), with the King of Westport sign.
So if you are in the mood for something a little healthier or different, head over to Gaetano’s, and order my sandwich. J
And be sure to tell them the King sent you.
The King of Westport Sandwich
Broccoli Rabe
Sun-dried peppers
Portabella mushroom
Grilled artichoke
Hot peppers
Pesto
(“06880 covers every inch of Westport — including our delis and restaurants. If stories like this are to your taste, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
An all-ages, high-energy crowd filled the Westport Library’s Trefz Forum last night.
Board of Finance chair Danielle Dobin interviewed President George W. Bush’s former press secretary, and current Fox News star Dana Perino, about her new novel.
“Purple State” explores love across political lines. It’s an apt subject, and the 2 women were well paired. Perino and Dobin were roommates on Capitol Hill 30 years ago, while working for congressmen of different political parties.
They’ve remained friends ever since. Last night, they discussed — and demonstrated — how and why those relationships are important.
Danielle Dobin (left) and Dana Perino, at the Westport Library. They discussed Perino’s new book, “Purple State” — and both wore purple. (Photo/Dave Briggs)
Starting this summer, Aquarion will install a new water main from Hemlocks Reservoir in Fairfield to Coleytown Road.
A community meeting is set for tonight (Wednesday, 6 p.m., Patterson Club, Fairfield)to discuss the impact to traffic flow during construction. Road restoration will be completed by 2028.
Click here to learn more about the project. (Hat tip: Jonathan Steinberg)
Aquarion project.
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This weekend’s Sidewalk Sale will have all the usual goodies on sale, outside: clothes, art, jewelry and much more. (You cannot, however, buy a sidewalk; it’s not for sale.)
Plus Animal Packs.
Kevin Bachman created the family-friendly reimagined deck of cards, based on woodland animals from around Fairfield and Westchester counties.
He’ll have a booth Saturday and Sunday (June 27 and 28), offering quick game play demos, single decks, and discounted 2-pack bundles.
The Westport connection is growing. Animal Packs is being added to the toy collection at the Westport Library. It’s already available at other libraries, including Pequot and Fairfield Public.
The next Veterans Benefits Luncheon is tomorrow (Thursday, June 25, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.), VFW Post 399).
It’s open to all veterans as part of an ongoing effort to check in on all veterans’ welfare, and connect them with the benefits and support they earned.
Representatives will answer questions, and provide information on services and assistance available to veterans.
RSVPs are encouraged (but not required). Email vfw399ct@gmail.com, and include the number of attendees, or call (203) 227-6796.
PS: If you’re not a veteran, but know one: Please pass the word!
Also tomorrow (Thursday): “Planning Today. Peace of Mind Tomorrow.”
The 6 p.m. Westport Library event features a panel of geriatric care specialists. The goal is to help seniors, caregivers and the “Sandwich Generation” understand the continuum of care and the resources available throughout Fairfield County.
Experts in home care, senior living, dementia support, elder law, real estate transitions and care navigation will offer practical guidance on how families can plan ahead, identify early warning signs, and make informed decisions during times of transition.
Also available: refreshments, raffles, complimentary assessments and “savings.” The event is sponsored by Connecticut Nursing Services.
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Poirot was also spotted downtown:
