Now, a Westport writer has created a way for young readers to find authors who interest them — all over the country.
Karlin Gray is a 20-year resident. She writes fiction and non-fiction picture books (and credits fellow Westporter Victoria Sherrow with helping transform her manuscripts into publications).
Gray’s subjects include tennis star Serena Williams, Olympic gymnast Nadia Comaneci and giraffologist Dr. Anne Dagg.
Each time, Gray heard from young readers who related to a book — perhaps for the first time — because it was about a subject they loved.
So — in an effort to promote picture-book biographies that young kids can relate to — Gray has launched True Story Bookshop.
The online resource helps parents and educators find true stories that match youngsters’ interests.
As a children’s author and mom, Gray has read hundreds of narrative nonfiction books for kids.
True Story Bookshop highlights her favorites. All are searchable by interest.
“Do you know kids who love soccer, space or singing?” she asks. “Dogs, drawing or dance? Food or fashion?”
Recommendations for all those subjects — and many more — are available for students from kindergarten through grade 5.
It’s searchable too by theme — for example, Black History Month, LGBTQ+ Pride, and Contributions of Immigrants.
The goal, Gray says, is to help find “true stories that celebrate diversity, promote understanding, and initiate important conversations about culture and society.”
While each book has links to buy from Amazon and Bookshop (where she earns a small affiliate commission), Gray also includes a link to WorldCat, enabling users to find the book at a nearby library.
“Whether you buy or borrow, these books encourage kids to pursue their passions, and help them build their nonfiction literacy skills. Win-win!” Gray says.
(“06880” regularly covers interesting Westporters doing important things. If you enjoy stories like this, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
The old mantra about real estate — “location, location, location” — is true.
And when that location is Westport, this is also true: All real estate news is hyper-local.
Whatever else goes on in the rest of the country matters less — real estate-wise — than what happens in our 20 square miles.
Which is why — despite rising gas prices, increasing inflation and an uncertain economy — Westport’s real estate market is great.
If you’re selling.
Demand is sky-high. Supply is super-low. The result is exactly what you’d expect: The few homes that are for sale go very quickly.
And over the asking price.
This historic 7-bedroom home on Greens Farms Road is under contract for $3.75 million.
Karen Scott — a partner with KMS Team at Compass — puts it this way: “No inventory. Pent-up demand. Crazy prices.”
The reasons stretch as far back as COVID — when many New Yorkers and others “discovered” Westport, and commuting patterns changed.
And they’re as recent as this past long winter, which kept residents indoors and away from selling mode.
Continued limited inventory means that a new cohort has joined those who looked for homes last year, could not find them, but continue to search. That larger group is “competing ferociously,” Scott says. Often, it means homes sell for more than the asking price.
As of early April, there were just 48 homes for sale. Asking prices range from $1.035 million to $22.825 million.
The median sales price of single-family homes for the year so far is $2.345 million.
That’s up astronomically from the 12 months ending March 31, 2021 — $1.399,500 — which included the initial COVID frenzy.
There have been 59 sales, up 31% from last year. But new listings are still well below the previous year. The 102 homes that have hit the market in 2026 are 20 fewer than the same time in ’25.
Median days on market — 26 for this year — is not a true indicator of supply-and-demand, Scott notes. Many of those homes are new construction, and are not yet completed.
New construction — like this home at 16 Westport Avenue, a few steps from Compo Beach — is not yet finished. But realtors are ready to market it.
A more indicative statistic, she says, is how quickly homes go under contract. When buyers are ready (with financing in place), and eager (waiving inspections, or having them for informational purposes only), a contract can be signed within days.
What drives all this?
“Westport has always been in demand, for all the amenities and features — the schools, beaches, arts, recreation, culture,” Scott says.
“And the town is run very efficiently. Taxes are not astronomical.”
However, she says, “people are now putting higher values” on those factors. And the word is getting out.
Those who have moved here in the last few years are telling their friends — and inviting them to see for themselves.
As prospective buyers drive and walk around town, and sit at restaurants, they strike up conversations with residents. They get a very positive, community-minded vibe.
“People who are already here are the best marketers” for Westport, Scott says. “It’s organic. It’s no one thing. It’s just a vibe that people feel when they visit. They hear that people love living here. And they enjoy sharing what they love about it.”
Casual conversations at the Black Duck (above), Nômade, Dandelion, Spotted Horse — and many other restaurants in town — help sell Westport to potential homebuyers.
Meanwhile, some traditional sellers — empty nesters looking to downsize or “right size” — are not leaving. They may spend time in second homes, but they’re keeping this one, to enjoy their friends, the Library and many other activities.
Some invite their adult children — who are having a tough time entering the market — in.
And others who do list their houses are seeking even larger ones elsewhere in Westport, for multi-generational living with their children and grandchildren.
Adding to the tight supply: They don’t sell until they know where they’re going.
Before the pandemic, Scott says, sellers who were moving elsewhere in town listed their home. They waited months for a contract, and had “several hundred” properties on the market to choose from.
Now, it’s “buy first, then sell.”
So, in addition to “location, location, location,” add this to the current Westport housing mantra: supply and demand.
“It’s Economics 101,” Scott says. “It doesn’t get much simpler than that.”
Governor Ned Lamont spoke to over 150 people at the Westport Library yesterday.
It was the 4th “Your State, Your Business” event, sponsored by the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce.
Lamont covered a lot of ground, from the stability of Connecticut’s economy and energy costs, to affordable healthcare and housing.
But the audience was interested in local issues too.
The first question — from Representative Town Meeting member Kristin Schneeman — concerned the future of the Cribari Bridge.
The governor said he was getting up to speed on the subject. He said he understands that residents are concerned, and will look to put people — including 1st Selectman Kevin Christie, and the state Department of Transportation commissioner — together to figure out a solution.
A video of the event will be available later today.
After lunch at Nômade, Governor Lamont spoke to a smaller group at the Senior Center.
Governor Lamont answers a question from moderator Matthew Mandell, director of the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce. (Photo/Lindsay Katz)
At Nômade, Governor Lamont posed with Chef Zoli Kovacs. (Photo/Sal Liccione)
One more restaurant item: Hey Taco! has opened on Post Road East, between the Shell station and ASF.
It replaces Border Grille, which itself replace another mostly-takeout Mexican place, Tacos or What?
Chris Dobransky — aka FairfieldFoodDude — recently visited. He loved it.
He wrote about the “authentic, made-with-love tacos done right. Between the bold flavors, generous portions, and obvious passion behind the food, this place is already making a name for itself.”
Book lovers, take note: The Westport Library’s big spring book sale takes place May 15-18.
There is something for everyone — toddlers through adults — with thousands of gently used books in over 50 categories of non-fiction and fiction, including antiquarian, comic books, and vintage children’s books.
Plus a huge assortment of DVDs, CDs, vintage vinyl, jigsaw puzzles, ephemera, and framed artwork, from small desktop pieces to large wall pictures.
A small part of the large Westport Library book sale.
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Yesterday was the first day of the Westport schools’ spring break.
Many families have already skedaddled out of town.
But bright and early, Andrew Colabella spotted these 2 boys, at Riverside and Treadwell Avenue.
(Photo/Andrew Colabella)
“It’s 7 a.m. School is off for the week,” Andrew writes.
“Your buddy meets you at your house, fishing pole and gear ready to go. Take the long haul across the bridge to the fishing spot.
“Two kids, living in the moment. Reminded me of when I was a kid. I love this town!”
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Atla DeChamplain — a jazz vocalist, lyricist and educator known for her expressive phrasing, vocal control and authenticity — headlines this Thursday’s Jazz at the Post (April 16, VFW Post 399; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner at 7).
She’ll be joined by her husband, pianist Matt DeChamplain, plus bassist Sameer Shankar, drummer Ben Bilello and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall.
Speaking of the VFW: Rock star/soul singer/multi-instrumentalist Eliot Lewis — a longtime member of the Average White Band and Hall & Oates’ band, and who has performed with legends like Joe Walsh and Todd Rundgren — brings his many talents to the VFW this Friday (April 17). He’s joined by special guest artist, Weston’s own Owen Daniel.
The doors open at 6 p.m., for an opening set by Ecoustic Rock Monster.
Tickets are $15 online, $20 at the door. Light bar food and drink specials are available.
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The daffodils — and the daffodil photos — keep on coming.
Today’s “Westport … Naturally” image shows the colorful scene, from the lower Imperial Avenue parking lot up the steps to the back of the Westport Woman’s Club.
And finally … on this date in 1912, Titanic hit an iceberg in the North Atlantic. It sank a few hours later.
1,501 passengers and crew members died; 707 were saved.
(Was there room for Jack on the door frame? Why didn’t Rose beg him to try? Who knows? But here’s one thing we know for sure: You can click here, and support “06880.” Our hearts will go on. Thanks!)
Got drugs you no longer need (or want)? Or those that have expired?
On Saturday, April 25 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Senior Center) the Westport Police Department takes part in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.
Residents can bring tablets, capsules, patches and other solid forms of prescription drugs to the Senior Center. Liquid products, such as cough syrup, should remain sealed in their original container.
Do not bring syringes, sharps and illicit drugs. The cap must be tightly sealed to prevent leakage.
Drop-offs are free, and anonymous.
Westport Police also offer a year-round collection bin in the lobby of the headquarters building on Jesup Road. There is a supply of medication disposal bags in the lobby, to dispose of liquid and pill medications in your regular garbage.
The founder and CEO of Westport-based ThoughtPartnr has just been named to MSN’s “Top 10 AI Leaders to Follow” list.
His writeup calls Norris “a serial entrepreneur, author and strategic advisor known for helping leaders scale businesses and influence markets through innovation, technology and high-performance leadership.
“As an AI strategist, he is focused n helping small and medium-sized businesses succeed in the age of artificial intelligence.
Norris chairs the Technology and Innovation Council of the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce.
But he’s well-known locally too.
A co-founder of StartUp Westport, board member of several organizations, and founder of Westport 10, Norris’ ThoughtPartnr firm helped develop our “06880” widget.
Available at the top right of every 06880.org page (and through the far-left bottom at the bottom of our “06880” app), it enables users to do a deep dive into 17 years of our blog’s content. It’s more than a search engine — it’s a way to use AI in a hyper-local way.
Helping small and medium-sized businesses is one of Norris’ passions.
“The Savannah Sipping Society” — Westport Community Theatre’s 4th production of the season — opened last night.
The warm, witty comedy about friendship, second chances and the occasional happy hour continues weekends through April 26.
Co-written by Jamie Wooten (“Designing Women,” “The Golden Girls”), it
stars Dandy Barrett, Heather Delude, Gillian Holt and Ellen Krinick Porto.
Performances are Fridays and Saturdays (7:30 p.m.), and Sundays (2 p.m.)., at the WCT in the lower level of Town Hall. A special Thursday show is set for April 16 (7:30 p.m.).
Identical twins, Juilliard graduates and clarinet and saxophone virtuosos Peter and Will Anderson (and Companions) perform American songbook standards by George Gershwin at Christ & Holy Trinity Episcopal Church.
Speaking of entertainment: Lachat Town Farm — Weston’s multi-purpose entertainment and educational venue — has announced its 2026 Music in the Meadow lineup.
There’s something for everyone.
The season kicks off June 13 with indie rock standouts Morningside — recently named one of Connecticut’s Top 12 Up‑and‑Coming Bands — with a supporting set from Charlotte Roth.
On July 11 they welcome Quinn Sullivan. The Massachusetts guitar star has shared the stage with Buddy Guy and BB King.
August 15 brings Black Rock indie‑folk favorites The Moonrise Cartel. Brian Dolzani opens, featuring the music of Neil Young.
Stella Blue’s Band closes the season September 19, with Grateful Dead tunes.
Next Friday (April 17, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.), an emergency preparedness drill will take place at Bedford Middle School.
It’s during April recess, when schools are closed. The public may notice emergency vehicles and personnel — but it is only a drill. It is not open to the public.
This drill, in partnership with regional and state agencies, is part of an effort to test preparedness plans and strengthen collaboration among local and regional partners, in response to a public health emergency scenario.
Participating agencies include the Westport Police Department and Fire Departments, Westport Emergency Medical Services, the Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, and the state Department of Public Health.
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It never gets old.
Once again, Ken Bernhard, Ted Freedman ad Rick Jaffe are asking Westporters to check their closets, and donate new or slightly worn shoes to Soles4Souls.
Collection boxes are in place at Town Hall and the Senior Center. Donations can be made through the first week of May.
Soles4Souls keeps shoes out of landfills, provides footwear for people in need, and creates micro-business opportunities in places of poverty.
Since 2006, the organization has salvaged over nearly 100 million pairs of shoes. They’ve been distributed in 129 countries, and all 50 states.
Westport does its part. Ken, Ted and Rich have collected over 4,000 pairs of shoes, helping people around the world who lack access to proper footwear.
Ken Bernhard and friend, with the Soles4Souls collection box at Town Hall.
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Bees are back!
And even though it looks like this guy is still wearing a winter coat, today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo is one more sign that spring is on its way.
And finally … in honor of the shoe collection drive, through the organization Soles4Souls (item above):
(Hold on! Don’t leave yet! If you enjoy these daily Roundups — or any other “06880” feature — please click here. Your tax-deductible contribution supports our work. Thank you!)
In high school Gofman was involved in WWPT radio, and played on the state champion volleyball team.
He studied media production, and played and coached club volleyball, at Ithaca College, then earned a master’s in sport and performance psychology at the University of Denver.
Gofman spent 5 years at a Westport mental health group, helping young men struggling to navigate life. During COVID he and his wife Danielle moved to Roanoke, Virginia, where he was interim CEO of a community health center.
Last summer they returned to Westport. He established his practice on Sylvan Road South. In addition to life coaching, he specializes in patients with chronic pain.
Danielle is also a therapist; she works virtually.
David and Danielle Gofman, with their children.
Gofman empathizes with his young adult and early professional clients. Some are on the cusp of graduating; others are a few years into the careers, but don’t always like where they are.
They feel both the general anxieties of young people, and uncertainty about the future of work itself.
Meanwhile, the impersonal — and negative, no-reply, non-feedback elements of the application process — saps confidence, and reinforces doubts about what lies ahead.
Gofman tries to help clients align their job search around their personal values and interests.
Despite doomsday predictions, he says, “AI is not taking over a lot of jobs.”
As for algorithms that seem to rule the resume process, Gofman advises, “Control what you can control. Establish a network. Build relationships. Rely on those people.” That’s especially true, he says, when searching locally for work.
“Print out a resume. Knock on doors. You don’t always have to apply online,” he says.
And, he adds, “work on your interpersonal skills. Practice them, so you feel confident.”
David Gofman (Photo/Kristyn Miller)
Though Gofman was in much the same place less than 20 years ago — with plenty of college and career pressure — a lot has changed.
“I was in high school at the threshold of technological change,” he says. “Smartphones and social media were just coming in.” AI was still the stuff of science fiction.
Job applications were read by human beings, not software.
Now, David Gofman is one human being trying to help others navigate a new, and very difficult, world.
(“06880” reports regularly on Staples High School graduates, of all ages. If you enjoy stories like this, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Cooper Shapiro is a 4th grader at Long Lots Elementary School.
He’s also the founder of Coop’s Canteen. The pop-up snack stand is quickly becoming a fan favorite among hungry players, parents and siblings.
What started as a simple question —what happened to the snack stand? —turned into a full-fledged business idea.
With the old concession building sitting idle, Cooper saw an opportunity.
He stepped right up to the plate.
This is not, however, your average kid’s lemonade stand. Cooper brought in a very modern business partner: AI.
He used ChatGPT to work through pricing strategy, build a simple inventory tracker, and design an eye-catching logo.
Cooper Shapiro with his sign …
Of course, there’s a Venmo QR code for easy payment.
Yet the setup is more “Leave it to Beaver” than 21st century: a folding table, a lineup of snacks, and a young entrepreneur ready to serve.
The vibe is equal parts baseball, business and community.
You can usually find Coop’s Canteen on Saturdays at the Town Farm fields — somewhere between Kowalsky and White — or at Coleytown Elementary.
(It depends on where his younger brother Asher is playing.)
… and at his table, with his younger brother Asher.
Parents appreciate the convenience. Kids love the independence.
Cooper, meanwhile, is always thinking about his next restock.
What makes Coop’s Canteen special is more than the snacks. It’s the spirit behind it.
Cooper saw a problem. Then he figured out how to fix it.
He smashed this one out of the park.
(Young Westporters are doing remarkable things — and “06880” is your place to discover them. If you appreciate stories like this, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
When Westport’s new assistant town attorney begins work in June, she won’t need a lesson in local government.
Candice Savin is a familiar face. From 2021-25, she was our 3rd selectwoman. Before that she served on the Board of Education, including 2 years as chair.
Savin is a graduate of Johns Hopkins University, and earned a law degree at Duke University.
She has been a board member at The Conservative Synagogue and the Westport chapter of Hadassah. Since 2012, she has co-chaired the Westport Library’s “Booked for the Evening” fundraiser.
“Affordability” — a hot topic nationally these days — is the theme of this year’s 10th annual Westport Woman’s Club Art Show.
Sixteen local artists — with works curated by Miggs Burroughs — are on display Thursday, April 23 (4 to 7 p.m.), and Saturday and Sunday, April 25-26 (2 to 5 p.m.).
Burroughs says that by featuring smaller, original works across an array of styles and media, the show offers buyers affordable, local pieces.
Artists include Robin Babbin, John Bygott, Bonnie Edelman, Susan Fehlinger, Hernan Garcia, Rachel Hall, Elisa Keogh, Shelley Lowenstein, Paula Morgan, Larry Morse, Jon Puzzuoli, Butch Quick, Jodi Rabinowitz, Cindy Wagner and Tammy Winser.
Guest artist Sean Keating will show work in the drawing room, where small works donated by the participating artists as chance prizes will be on display.
This year’s show honors the memory of Jo Fuchs Luscombe. The former WWC president — who also served as state representative, 3rd selectwoman and Zoning Board of Appeals chair — died last year.
The opening reception (April 23) features Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member Mark Naftalin, playing on the Woman’s Club piano.
Net proceeds benefit local community service organizations, and need-based scholarships.
To see a PDF catalogue (including measurements, media and prices) before the show, email DorothyECurran@aol.com; put “Art Show Catalogue” in the header.
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The “Career Coach” will be in the Westport Library parking lot this Thursday (April 9), for a session on “Computer Basics.”
It returns May 21, covering “Tips for Resume & Cover Letter,” and June 19 (Intro to Excel).
There are 2 sessions ( 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.) each day; both are 2 hours long. Registrants can choose one.
The service is available to people who are exploring career opportunities, actively looking for a job, or seeking additional part-time employment. Click here to reserve a spot.
Speaking of the Library: Staples Players’ first-ever collaboration with that institution — a staged reading of the whimsical, funny and poignant show “Almost, Maine” — drew a large crowd last night.
And because this was both Players and the Library — neither of whom do things halfway — it ended with a Q-and-A led by playwright John Cariani.
Playwright John Cariani (standing), Staples Players co-director David Roth, and the cast of “Almost, Maine.” (Photo/Susan Garment)
Uni K Wax is opening its first Connecticut location in Playhouse Square tomorrow (Wednesday) — and “06880” readers can snag a deal.
The studio — with all-natural ingredients and “elevated hygiene practices, including individual wax warmers for every service” — offers 50% off their first wax, to anyone using the code 06880Blog.
Click here or follow on Instagram for information about services, opening offers, and memberships.
Wax treat.
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Jazz vocalist Alma Micic first came to Jazz at the Post as part of her guitarist husband Rale Micic’s ensemble. She rocked it.
This Thursday (April 9, VFW Post 399; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 7), she returns — and shares the stage with him.
The life of Adé Van Duyn — the artist, educator and longtime Westporter who died in October at 98 –will be celebrated this Saturday (April 11, 11 a.m., Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport).
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Amnesty International.
Adé Van Duyn.
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Tidal flats are ready to burst out with spring colors, in today’s brown-but-not-for-long “Westport … Naturally” photo.
And finally … on this date in 1862, the Union Army defeated the Confederates near Shiloh, Tennessee.
(“06880” is your hyper-local blog. We depend on donations from readers like you. If you enjoy our 24/7/365 coverage of all things Westport, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Corky Laing’s clanging introduction to “Mississippi Queen” — Mountain’s biggest hit — still resonates, 56 years later.
The band — which included legendary musicians Leslie West and Felix Pappalardi — broke up in 1972. They reunited periodically over the years, for projects and tours.
Corky Laing (2nd from left), and the band.
Laing continued to play percussion. He’s recorded with Ian Hunter (Mott the Hoople), Eric Schenkman (Spin Doctors), Noel Redding (Jimi Hendrix Experience), even Bo Diddley. (In fact, he got his start as a pre-teen, when the famed Ink Spots needed a drummer during a musicians’ strike.)
But he has never forgotten his Mountain days. This Saturday (April 11, 7 p.m.), “Mississippi Queen” — and other hits, including “Long Red” and “Nantucket Sleighride” — will ring out at the VFW.
Gary Shure’s 10$GrandBand offers a tribute to the band.
And Corky Laing himself will sit in, as a guest drummer.
Corky Laing (Photo copyright Joachim Jüttner)
It is far from his first time in Westport.
He lived here for a decade, from 1982 to ’92.
While here he invited Levon Helm, Felix Cavaliere, the Chambers Brothers and fellow Westporter Meat Loaf to play with him at the Levitt Pavilion. He jammed with bands at local clubs and bars.
He hung out often at the Compo Beach home of music executive Terry Coen, and his music-loving wife Gail.
Laing also befriended Harvey Skolnick, owner of the Liquor Locker. During the busy holidays Laing delivered wine for him, to customers like Paul Newman and Diana Ross.
The Liquor Locker. Corky Laing was a famous “employee.”
The other day, Laing recalled his years here with joy. He first came during a snowstorm, when the town was a “winter wonderland.”
He needed a check cashed. Skolnick did it, no questions asked. Laing thought this must be quite a town.
Not long after, he moved to Crescent Road.
This is nothing like Canada, where Laing grew up thinking he’d be a teacher. But playing with the Ink Spots — watching people looking up at “this little Jewish kid behind 4 beautiful Black guys, and smiling” — hooked him on performing.
He began playing loud — including timbales, which are now back in vogue, thanks to Bad Bunny — because he wanted to have a good time.
As for the cowbells to “Mississippi Queen”: that was just the way Laing counted the band in, when Mountain recorded it.
As engineers mixed the music, they decided to leave it — “for now.”
Meanwhile, Jimi Hendrix’s Band of Gypsies were recording next door. Laing had met him through the Montreal music scene, so he invited him to hear the tape.
Hendrix sat behind the board. At the end he just said, “Cool. Love the cowbell.”
The rest is history.
Corky Laing today, Mountain, Jimi Hendrix and an image of the era.
And the history continues Saturday.
The gig came about through Matt Zako, the local music promoter who has a mutual friend of Laing’s.
When Zako explained the venue, Laing was all in.
“Veterans are great guys,” he says. Back in his Mountain days, they worked in a VFW hall on Nantucket.
One of Westport’s best concert venues.
He’s excited to play with Shure, and the 10$Grand Band. “They sound great, and the set list is really good,” Laing says.
He no longer lives in Westport. But life continues to be good.
“Every day, I wake up. And every day, I play the drums,” Laing says.
On Saturday, he’ll do it again, back in his former town.
And with the most famous cowbells in music history.
FUN FACT:In 1969 — shortly after Mountain played at Woodstock — drummer N.D. Smart was replaced by Corky Laing. Three years earlier, Smart had replaced Chip Damiani as drummer for the Remains — the band with Westporters Barry Tashian and Bill Briggs — on their US tour with the Beatles.
(“06880” often covers Westport’s entertainment scene. And the town’s history — plus much, much more. If you like stories like this, please click here to support our work. Rock on!)
You never know where a conversation with Lloyd Allen will go.
The other day I stopped in at Double L Market, to pick up their trademark box of fruit.
The longtime owner of the beloved Post Road East fruit stand-and-much-more was in an expansive mood. He had a strong case of spring fever — exactly what someone whose life revolves around the seasons should have.
Lloyd Allen, at Double L Market.
Lloyd talked nostalgically of his original farm stand, where Kings Highway North runs into the Post Road.
He told me that Paul Newman loved loved LOVED Double L’s honeydews.
Of course, Lloyd is much more than just a fruit and vegetable vendor. He is pursuing multiple avenues on stage and through the media. The Westport Library has been a great partner throughout, he said.
Lloyd has always felt close to the people of Westport. He thrives on the town’s vitality, energy and charm. To give back, he hopes to build a stage of giant iPhones — the theme of a play he’s written — on the side of Double L Market, so he can workshop scenes. (Michael Calise, his landlord, is okay with it, Lloyd said.)
Then he showed me early signs of spring: fiddlehead ferns, spring garlic
and early onions. (All are from the West Coast, alas.)
Double L bounty, spring 2021.
Today — April 6 — Lloyd turns 75. He is filled with gratitude for Gianna. They love each other’s company; they collaborate, and respect each other greatly.
Then Lloyd backtracked 40 years. He talked about how the seasonality of his early roadside stand gave him time with his kids, in their early years.
He might soon take a few days with Gianna, just the two of them, to get away and ponder next moves.
Lloyd still has a whole lot to get done.
But for now: Happy 75th birthday, Lloyd.
May the road rise to meet you, May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face. And may the rains fall soft upon your fields.
We all love — and need — all that you offer all of us!
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True Story Bookshop highlights her favorites. All are searchable by interest.
