Category Archives: Local business

Roundup: Paris Looney, Mad Dog Russo, Miggs Burroughs …

Posted on October 17, 2026 | 8 comments

LONGTIME HOMES WITH HOPE HELPER NEEDS HELP 

For more than 20 years, Paris Looney has helped the most vulnerable people in our community.

As vice president and chief operating officer of Homes with Hope, every day Paris  helps people in crisis find a safe place to sleep.

Now her own family needs help.

Six years ago, Paris’ son Don was diagnosed with stage 5 kidney disease. He has relied on life-sustaining dialysis for many years.

Paris’ youngest daughter Tausha was found to be a 100% compatible match for her brother. A mother of 4 who tutors 2nd-grade children with learning disabilities who come from military families, she lives in Massachusetts.

One day earlier this month, Don and Tausha had surgery at Hartford Hospital. The transplant was successful. Both went home 6 days later, and are doing well.

But the road ahead is long, and expensive. Don will need lifelong medications and ongoing follow-up care. Tausha, still recovering from major surgery, will be out of work and away from her family routine while she heals.

A GoFundMe campaign has set a goal of $20,000. All funds go directly to Paris, and will help cover:

  • Medical bills, equipment and follow-up care
  • Income lost by Don and Tausha during recovery
  • Rent, groceries, utilities and transportation
  • Repairs to Don’s car, which he needs to drive himself to appointments
  • A reclining chair and bed wedge for Tausha
  • Movers and cleaners, since Don must leave his apartment this month and move in with Paris.

Every gift, of any amount, helps. Click here to support the Looney family.

Tausha and Don Looney, recovering.

early voting starts monday

The 2026 election is here.

Early voting starts Monday (October 19) and continues through Sunday, November 1.

Early voting locations are open 7 days a week throughout the state, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Extended hours (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.) are set for Tuesday, October 27 and Thursday, October 29.

Westport’s early voting site is the Town Hall auditorium.

On Election Day (Tuesday, November 3), all regular polling places will be open.

(Photo/Mark Yurkiw)

mad dog russo MEETS THE Y’S MEN

The Y’s Men of Westport and Weston have a robust speakers series.

Most are at their regular meeting place: Saugatuck Church.

This past Thursday, they moved to the Westport Library. They knew this one would draw a huge crowd.

Chris “Mad Dog” Russo did not disappoint.

After 40 years in sports broadcasting, he knows his stuff.

Well, maybe not all of it.

Mad Dog predicted that the Dodgers would win the World Series, likely over Cleveland. That won’t happen.

He also said that Major League Baseball would lose at least a month next season to a labor dispute, and that the NBA is headed for an especially strong year, fueled by major-market rivalries and rising young stars.

Chris “Mad Dog” Russo, at the Westport Library. (Photo/Allan Siegert)

MIGGS BURROUGHS, AT (AND ON) 80

With many Americans living longer*, the New York Times recently asked readers who are getting close to their sell-by date about longevity.

Several hundred responded. One was our own Miggs Burroughs. He is, after all, 80 years old. Though no one (least of all him) can believe it.

The very energetic, creative, talented, still-working-hard, always-willing-to-volunteer artist made the cut.

On Thursday, the Times printed his response:

No matter our age, health or station in life, we are all passengers on the same planet and live through the same 24 hours each day. My father who died at 80, the age I am now, used to say that there is no shame in being the best passenger you can be during the ride.

My mother who lived to 102 held grudges to the day she died. A friend said that her behavior was like setting her own hair on fire, hoping the people who had done her wrong would choke on the smoke. Longevity is no guarantee of enlightenment, but enlightenment never grows old.

Well said, Miggs! To read the many other interesting responses. click here.

*The jury is still out on whether this is something good.

Miggs Burroughs, at 80. (Photo/Tony Cenicola for The New York Times)

RTM MEMBERS CELEBRATE RESTAURANT WEEK

Nearly a dozen former and current Representative Town Meeting (RTM) members gathered at La Plage yesterday, for their annual Restaurant Week lunch.

They looked forward to a tour of the newly renovated were all invited back to take a tour of the all new renovated Inn at Longshore.

But there was a wedding party there. The group was offered a rain check — and promised to return.

Lunch at La Plage.

SEA BAGS SUPPORTS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

Sea Bags — the new popup shop in Bedford Square — is honoring Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

20% of gross sales from the 2026 Hope In Bloom Collection will be donated directly to National Breast Cancer Foundation to support early detection, education, and patient support services for those affected by breast cancer.

obituary: peter maloney

Peter Maloney died at his Westport home on Tuesday. He was 77.

Peter fought a long battle with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, but was determined to live his life to the fullest until the very end. He worked at Bloomberg for 28 years, retiring this past July.

He enjoyed spending time outside: on a golf course, swimming at Compo Beach, or hiking anywhere from Redding, CT to the Catalonia Coast of Spain. 

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Carol, and children Tim, John and Kate; brothers Edward and Jeffrey Maloney; sisters Maureen Bowen, Mari Maloney and Tara Parsley; 15 in-laws, and 21 nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother James Maloney and sister Barbara Maloney.

A mass will be held at St. Luke Church on Monday (October 19, 11 a.m., with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the Bronchiectasis Research and Education Fund at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, or West Haven Community House.

Peter Maloney

“westport … naturally,” & song of the day

Fall continues to inspire, with ever-changing colors. Today’s “Westport … Naturally” images comes from the Lansdowne condos.

(Photo/Lauri Weiser)

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And finally … in honor of Miggs Burroughs, and the New York Times’ celebration of longevity (item above):

NOTE: Neil Young was 26 when he wrote this.

(“06880” readers are old, young, and everything in between. And — no matter what age — all are welcome to click here, to support this 17-year-old, young-at-heart hyper-local blog.) 

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Posted in Local business, Longshore, Media, Obituaries, Politics, Restaurants

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Scott Elliott Documents Non-Profits

Posted on October 17, 2026 | Leave a comment

Last month, Christ & Holy Trinity Church honored the memory of 9/11 with a screening of “The Trees: Growing a Forest at Ground Zero.”

The documentary — filmed over 5 years, telling the story of life returning to Ground Zero through the men and women who designed, grew, built and maintain living examples of New York’s resiliency — was followed by a conversation with the producer and director, Scott Elliott.

He did not have far to travel. He’s a Westport resident. Until a recent move from Compo Shopping Center to Norwalk, he worked here too.

On September 11, 2001, Elliott — an Amherst College English and history graduate –was editing his first documentary 20 blocks from the World Trade Center. “The Trees” brought together his interests in gardening, architecture and urban design.

Scott Elliott

He had already worked on his first feature length documentary, “Slumming It: Myth and Culture on the Bowery,” about the history of that neighborhood. It aired on PBS 3 years later, in 2003.

Elliott founded, and serves as creative director, of 590films. Their tagline is “Helping Good People Tell Great Stories.”

His documentary “Into the Gyre,” about plastic pollution in the Atlantic Ocean, won international film festival awards.

In 2019, married and with their second child on the way, Elliott and his wife started looking at suburbs.

After searching all over the tri-state region, they fell in love with Compo Bach — and everything else about Westport. They knew no one here, but quickly made friends.

Elliott is one of many Westporters doing creative film work, outside of New York. He applies his documentary style to 20 or so corporate clients — many of them non-profits.

He’s worked with the Biden Foundation, The Floating Hospital, Harlem Children’s Zone and New York City public schools. (His roster includes private schools too, like Greens Farms Academy, Hotchkiss and Deerfield.)

He has turned down work from clients whose positions he does not agree with — anti-LGBTQ and anti-choice, for example.

“I questioned whether non-profits would be a good business move,” he says. “They don’t pay like corporate videos do.

“But if you can be successful doing what you love; if your mission aligns; if you’re happy and proud, that sets a good example for your kids.”

Click here or below for a clip from “The Trees.”

(“06880” often profiles interesting Westporters, doing intriguing things. If you enjoy stories like this, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Roundup: History Museum Collection, Cribari Bridge, Drugs …

Posted on October 16, 2026 | 10 comments

READER wonders ABOUT WESTPORT MUSEUM DONATION

The Westport Museum for History & Culture’s announcement on Wednesday that they need $750,000 by January raises important questions:

  • How did this happen?
  • What’s next?
  • Why is a historical society — or “museum for history and culture” — important?

Those are big issues. But there are many smaller, more personal ones too.

A longtime resident called “06880” yesterday, in a panic. Back when it was the Westport Historical Society, she had donated several kewpie dolls. (Fun fact: Westport illustrator Rose O’Neill created the characters, in 1909.)

The woman had heard that the Museum will hold a tag sale, to raise money. She was terrified the kewpie dolls — with both historical and emotional value — would be sold for a couple of dollars.

The woman spent all morning calling; no one answered, she said. When she went to the Myrtle Avenue building, she said, it was locked. No one was there.

I assured her the Museum would not be holding a tag sale — at least, not soon.

I said that one idea under consideration is moving their collections and archives to another, less expensive location. Perhaps, I said, Museum officials would contact donors to see if they wanted their items returned.

This woman is not the only one with concerns. Over the years, other Westporters have donated things — military uniforms, furnishings, memorabilia. There have been rumors from time to time that some of them have been “de-accessioned” — sold or discarded.

The woman who called “06880” sounded relieved that her kewpie dolls would not be sold immediately.

If anyone from the Museum for History & Culture can address the status of donated items, now and in the future — including the kewpie dolls — please email 06880blog@gmail.com.

Wheeler House — formerly the Westport Historical Society, now the Westport Museum for History & Culture.

CRIBARI BRIDGE MEETING SET

There has been little action on the Cribari Bridge in Westport.

But in Hartford, work continues.

The state Department of Transportation (CTDOT) has scheduled a project update meeting for November 12 (7 p.m., Town Hall auditorium).

It will include an update on the status of responses to comments received previously; progress to date, and an overview of upcoming steps and timelines.

Project manager James Barrows says, “Following publication of the Environmental Assessment/Environmental Impact Evaluation this past February, we were glad to see such a high level of public engagement, with 833 comments.

“CTDOT is grateful for the strong public engagement and the thoughtful input shared by community members, agencies, and other stakeholders.

“We value stakeholder feedback throughout this project and look forward to sharing updates.”

Click here for more information on the Cribari Bridge project. 

Questions? Contact Barrows: james.barrows@ct.gov, (860) 594-3192, or project engineer Ashley Heredia: Ashley.Heredia@ct.gov, (860) 594-3488. (Hat tip: Andrew Colabella)

Cribari Bridge (Drone photo/Alex O’Brien)

cops want your drugs: takeback day is October 24

Got unneeded medications — old, expired and/or unwanted — cluttering your medicine cabinet?

The Westport Police want them.

On Saturday, October 24 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Westport Center for Senior Activities), they’ll take part in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. They’ll collect tablets, capsules, patches and other forms of prescription drugs. 

Syringes, sharps and illicit drugs are not accepted.

Don’t forget: A year-round bin located in the lobby of police headquarters allows drugs to be disposed of at any time. You can pick up medication disposal bags there too, to get rid of liquid and pill medications in your regular trash.

Click here for more information.

OVERDOSE AWARENESS, NARCAN TRAINING SET

Speaking of drugs: You’ve heard about fentanyl. What about the new designer drug, cychlorphine?

Do you know how to recognize and overdose? Or how to get — and use — Narcan, to treat it?

Positive Directions is sponsoring a virtual overdose awareness and Narcan training for Westport and Norwalk residents. It’s 1 p.m. on Thursday, October 29. Email positivedirections.org/events for the Zoom link.

PS: Free Narcan kits are available for Westporters and Norwalkers who attend the training. They can be picked up at Positive Directions, across from Whole Foods.

CRASH CLOSES TURKEY HILL NORTH

A 1-car rollover crash closed Turkey Hill Road North for several hours yesterday.

One person was extricated from the vehicle.

A broken utility pole necessitated the road closure.

Westport Fire Department personnel assist at the scene. (Photo courtesy of WFD)

 

$25 TICKETS FOR PLAYHOUSE WORLD PREMIERE

The world premiere of “Ken Ludwig’s Pride & Prejudice, Part 2: Napoleon at Pemberley” is near.

And the Westport Country Playhouse is offering special $25 preview tickets.

Shows are Tuesday and Wednesday, October 20-21 (7 p.m.), and Friday, October 23 (8 p.m.). The deadline to order is Sunday. Click here to purchase.

looking ahead: snow and ice removal 🙂 

Do you have a plow? A shovel?

Westport seeks proposals for emergency snow and ice removal.

Bids will be received until 11 a.m. October 29, at the Town Hall finance office (Room 313). To see the RFP, click here

Questions? Email bwatson@westportct.gov.

Sure, it’s still mid-October. But town officials want to be ready.

STAPLES HOMECOMING KICKOFF: NEW TIME

The start time for tonight’s Homecoming football game against Darien at Paul Lane Field has been moved to 5 p.m. Thunderstorms are predicted later in hte evening.

The celebration of all Staples sports captains has been moved to November 13 (Senior Night, vs. Fairfield Ludlowe).

Go Wreckers!

 

KNEADS EXPANDS

Kneads is rising — and we don’t mean their yeast.

Last weekend, popular Saugatuck bakery opened a café at 1916 Post Road in Fairfield.

That site will handle all bread production for both Kneadses. The original location will focus exclusively on pastry production.

In the works: a 3rd locale, at 32 Railroad Avenue in Greenwich.

 

 

MOTHERS WITH ADHD: INCORRECT DATE GIVEN

Incorrect information was provided to “06880” about the upcoming “Sharing the Invisible Load: ADHD, Motherhood & Identity” event. The correct date is  November 8 (9 a.m., Beyond Yoga, 136 Main Street).

The morning combines movement, conversation, support, and connection with other women who understand the experience. In addition to coffee and light bites, Beyond Yoga will offer attendees 20% off in-store shopping after the event.

Click here to register, and for more information.

jonathan steinberg: how state government works

This week, retiring State Representative Jonathan Steinberg kicked off his 4-part series on how Connecticut’s state government works.

The sessions continue October 27, November 17 and December 8, at the Westport Center for Senior Activities.

It is not a political discussion; it’s about the nuts-and-bolts of Hartford. For information on the series, call 203-341-5099.

State Representative Jonathan Steinberg, at the Senior Center. (Photo/Diane Lowman)

sTELLAR OCCULATIONS ON PLUTO AND TRITON

If you’ve always wondered how to use stellar occultations to monitor the tenuous atmospheres of Pluto and Triton, you’re in luck!

The Westport Astronomical Society hosts Dr. Michael Person of MIT for an in-person lecture (October 20, 8 p.m.). The talk will also be livestreamed on YouTube and Zoom, and posted to the WAS YouTube channel afterward.

COLEYTOWN COMPANY’S “PURE IMAGINATION”

Katie Bloom’s first show as director of Coleytown Company is a “Pure Imagination.”

The 14 numbers in the musical revue include selections from “Willy Wonka,” “Frozen,” “Shrek” and more.

Show dates are November 5 (6 p.m.)  and 6 (7 p.m.). Click here for tickets.

 

“WESTPORT … NATURALLY,” & SONG OF THE DAY

We’ve featured a lot of different plants in our “Westport … Naturally” series.

But this is our first panicled wood aster. Clarence Hayes spotted, photographed — and identified it.

(Photo/Clarence Hayes)

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And finally … in honor of the Westport Police Drug Takeback Day:

(Speaking of helpers: “06880” relies on the generosity of readers like you. If you value what we do, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Entertainment, Local business, Local politics, Police, Sports, Westport Country Playhouse

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Roundup: New Road Rules, Mental Health Facility, Closet Factory …

Posted on October 15, 2026 | 2 comments

NEW RULES OF THE rOAD

New state motor vehicle laws went into effect October 1.

And breaking them could cost you.

According to Asia Rutledge of On the Marc media, “Connecticut’s new distracted driving law goes beyond texting. Drivers can be ticketed for holding or supporting a phone, using it outside hands-free mode, reading or typing messages, or having videos visible while driving — even while stopped at a red light.”

There are exceptions for navigation and driver-assisted systems.

NOTE: Distracted driving violations can increase insurance rates by 64% — that’s $1,083 a year.

The first violation for passing a stopped school bus brings a $450 fine. Subsequent violations can cost up to $1,000, and result after a third time in loss of license. Our “06880” Police Reports routinely note these violations — including multiple offenders.

Texting — even while stopped — is illegal.

 

THE SHORES: official welcome

The Shores — the new name for what was once St. Vincent’s Behavioral Health, and for decades before that, Hall-Brooke Hospital — has been operating quietly, but effectively, in Westport since Hartford HealthCare took over St. Vincent’s.

This week, 1st Selectman Kevin Christie joined company officials, including CEO Jeffrey Flaks, for a ceremonial ribbon-cutting.

Welcoming The Shores to Westport. CEO Jeffrey Flaks (7th from left), 1st Selectman Kevin Christie (9th from left), and others. (Photo/Dave Briggs)

“06880” reporter Dave Briggs was at the ceremony. Click here or below for his interviews.

The Shores offers 76 beds, for acute adult cases, children and adolescents, and a mood and anxiety program.

A new Welcome Center — open 6 days a week, including evenings — allows people to talk with clinicians. If admission is appropriate, it happens quickly. If not, they may be referred to one of the outpatient facilities.

CLOSET FACTORY OPENS DOORS

Last year, Westport residents Dan and Melanie bought the local Closet Factory, across from Stop & Shop.

She is an interior designer, with a background in residential and commercial work. His background is in entrepreneurship and investing.

Their goal was to create a welcoming space where people could possibilities for their homes, from an organizational upgrade to a larger custom project.

Their new showroom includes a wide range of displays, styles and finishes, going far beyond closets. The staff handles everything from design consultation through installation, with all cabinetry manufactured in Bethel.

They work closely with local interior designers, builders and architects. A grand opening is set for this Saturday (October 17, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.).

 

BINGO! CLUB203 SCORES

Club203’s Halloween Bingo Party filled the Westport Center for Senior Activities last night with dozens of people in creatives costumes.

Members of the social club for adults with disabilities enjoy laughter, games, and plenty of Halloween fun.

Volunteers led by Holly and Paul Betts, along with caller Doug Brill and cookie decorating ace Avery Horne, made the evening extra special.

Bingo! (Hat tip and photo/Stacie Curran)

jane austen at 250

A free Sunday Symposium on October 25 (after the 3 p.m. Westport Country Playhouse performance of the world premiere of “Ken Ludwig’s Pride and Prejudice, Part 2: Napoleon at Pemberley”) explores “Pride and Prejudice” author Jane Austen’s legacy, 2 1/2 centuries after her birth.

Moderator Kelle Ruden is a member of the Jane Austen Society North America.

The show runs from October 20 through November 7. Celebrating Austen’s 250th anniversary year, it is a lively ensemble comedy about marriage, ambition, and the thrill of changing one’s destiny. For more information and tickets, click here.

 

SPEED KILLS

This Coleytown area family manages to, um, kill 2 birds with one stone.

They send an important message — with a Halloween twist.

(Photo/Julie Whamond)

 

BE CAREFUL OUT THERE!

We’re not sure what happened here yesterday.

But this is not something you want to see when you come back to your car at the Westport train station.

(Photo/Dave Briggs)

OBITUARY: MARTIN SLATTERY

Former Westport YMCA aquatics director, swim instructor, lifeguard and Water Rats coach Martin Slattery died October 1, after a long illness. He was 53. 

In addition to his Y work, he was an automotive service manager with Subaru and Park Place Lexus. In every role he enjoyed working with people, solving problems, and helping others succeed.

Martin enjoyed attending car shows, refining his automotive detailing skills, and working on projects in his garage. His other interests included music, exploring the outdoors, discovering a great bargain, and enjoying a good meal or cup of coffee.

In his later years Martin faced significant health challenges, including end-stage renal failure. He always maintained a positive attitude. He died of heart failure during a dialysis treatment.

Martin is survived by his wife Deborah; sons Cadyn and Meryk; parents Martin and Margaret Slattery; sister Maureen, and brother Michael.

There will be a celebration of Martin’s life on October 22 (10 a.m., Allen Family Funeral Options, Plano, Texas).

POLICE REPORTS

Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between October 7 and 13.

A 41-year-old Westport Man was charged with disorderly conduct and threatening, after a complaint about a 2-day period in which the man made repeated threats of physical harm, while brandishing a knife. He was held on a $100,000 bond.

A 42-year-old Westport man was charged with disorderly conduct, following an investigation into 3 incidents in August in which the man was allegedly under the influence of alcohol, and was verbally aggressive and threatening. He was released on a $500 bond.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

Failure to obey state traffic commission regulations: 5 citations

Traveling unreasonably fast: 4

Texting while driving: 4

  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 4
  • Failure to renew registration: 4
  • School zone violation, 2nd offense: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 2
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 2
  • Transporting a child under 5 without restraints: 1
  • Failure to drive in the proper lane: 1
  • Failure to grant right of way: 1
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 1
  • Following too closely: 1
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
  • Improper rear lights: 1

Children need car seats!

“WESTPORT … NATURALLY” & SONG OF THE daY

Wendy Levy spotted today’s interesting “Westport … Naturally” image on Old Road.

(Photo/Wendy Levy)

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And finally … we missed this yesterday: the 100th anniversary of the publication of “Winnie-the-Pooh.” So, as the classic tale begins its 2nd century:

(“06880” has several decades to go, to reach the 100-year mark. You can help us get there. Please donate, by clicking here. Thank you!)

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Posted in Local business, Obituaries, Police, Westport Country Playhouse

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You Can Go Home Again. Here’s What You’ll Find.

Posted on October 15, 2026 | 13 comments

The renovation of The Inn at Longshore has been good news for brides. The venue is even more picturesque than ever, and the staff goes out of their way to make the Big Day even more special.

It’s good news too for businesses. They’re filling the Inn during the week, with meetings and events.

A third group is former Westporters returning “home.” They come for a variety of reasons — reunions, work, visiting family, nostalgia — but staying at a place they fondly remember is a common thread.

The other day, a pair of 1963 Staples High School graduates — Peter Eckle and John Keate — returned “home.”

They’ve known each other since 3rd grade, in Greens Farms Elementary School. Peter swam, played tennis and sang in the choir. John played football and basketball.

They left Westport long ago, and now call North and South Carolina home. They kept in touch over the years — and Peter’s youngest son and John’s youngest daughter married each other. The old friends are now in-laws, and share 2 grandsons.

John Keate and Peter Eckle.

They remember their growing-up years here fondly — including Longshore summers. John worked maintenance on the golf course; Peter was head life guard at the pool.

Both caddied too, and one of Peter’s first jobs was shagging balls on the driving range.

They were not sure what to expect. But over the course of a couple of days, they reconnected with the town, and each other.

Golf pro Jon Janic hosted Peter and John. In return, Peter — who has an FAA drone license, and has done several golf course flyovers — did one of the Longshore course. He hopes Jon will add it to the Longshore website.

“The course was in great shape, and fun to play,” Peter says. They arrived just after heavy rain, but it stood up well.

With their wives, the 81-year-olds visited their old homes, and the streets where they grew up. Click here or below for Peter’s highlight reel.

They saw the “new” Staples High School — a far cry from the 9 separate buildings on North Avenue they remembered — and admired the pool. It’s a far cry from the cramped one Peter swam in at the old YMCA on Church Lane.

Compo Beach had not changed much (except that Chubby Lane’s, the old wooden concession stand, has been replaced by volleyball courts).

The transition from locally owned shops on Main Street to “the full range of high end retail outlets you can find in most major cities” was remarkable.

Specific landmarks like the Y becoming Anthropologie, the movie theaters now a Barnes & Noble, and the demise of nearby Ship’s Lantern bar brought back many memories. So did the search for restaurants that no longer exist, like the Pepper Mill (now a Goodwill outlet), Clam Box (Pizza Lyfe), the Arrow (Riko’s Pizza), Mario’s (Harvest Wine Bar), Allen’s Clam House (Sherwood Mill Pond Preserve), and Café de la Plage (the unfinished “blue house” on Hillspoint Road).

The renovation of the Inn itself earned raves.

It was a fun, nostalgic trip.

So when will the old friends be back?

“Good question,” Peter says. “Maybe another 10 years?”

A decade from now, much will have changed again.

But it’s a good bet that the Inn at Longshore — and the golf course — will be right where Peter and John left them.

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Posted in Local business, Longshore, Looking back, Restaurants

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Roundup: Cover Your Assets, Sherry Jagerson Honor, Mahjong Tiles …

Posted on October 13, 2026 | 2 comments

Yesterday, “06880” posted a harrowing tale of what can go wrong when someone’s identity is stolen. (Spoiler alert: It was mine.)

Of course, that’s not the only online concern. Fraud prevention is another.

Jeff Schwartz is a longtime Westport resident. He has an engineering degree, and spent his career in software.

Four years ago, a friend lost his life savings. Now, Jeff sounds the alarm about fraud prevention.

He started by warning the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston. Now he’s reaching out further.

He’s developed an easy-to-use app. CYA (Cover Your Assets) looks at the content of a email. It can check a link or a phone number, and help a user determine whether a message is safe or not. It also restarts your phone, to kick out any bad guys.

He’s testing it now, with the Y’s Men and others.

Jeff is not looking to make money. He just wants to do something for so many people, who are so vulnerable to scams.

To learn more — and become a beta tester — click here.

Screenshot from CYA — Cover Your Assets.

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It’s not every water bottle refill station that has a dedication ceremony.

But it’s not every town that had an environmental advocate like Sherry Jagerson.

This Sunday (1 p.m.), Winslow Park’s new station will be dedicated in the memory of the longtime Westport resident and community leader, who died in 2024.

Sherry helped create the Sherwood Mill Pond Preserve, and led one of the nation’s early efforts to ban single-use plastic bags. Click here to read about her remarkable life.

The station is part of UnPlastic Westport. The Sustainable Westport initiative reduces single-use plastic by installing water refill stations in parks and public spaces.

Earth Animal joins the event, bringing earth-themed treats and gifts for dogs. Sustainable Westport and the Westport Parks & Recreation Department will also provide reusable water bottles to attendees.

Westporters — human and canine — are invited to Sunday’s celebration.

Sherry Jagerson, at the Sherwood Mill Pond Preserve.

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Allium — the small restaurant with the devoted following that closed in May, after 4 1/2 years on Railroad Place — will reopen soon, in a new location.

The new site is Bedford Square. The previous tenant was Gogi Korean Steakhouse. Click here for the full story, from CT Insider.

Allium owner Michelle Greenfield.

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“06880” has reported recently on the local (and national) mahjong craze.

Today, we introduce a small Westport company that could grow big.

Verdant Mahjong is a woman-led business creates and sells a mahjong tile design highlighting New England ecology.

“We loved that mahjong created community, but we also wanted to connect the community to their local environment,” says Merritt Juliano.

The flower tiles feature native plants, which build resilience against flooding and other climate issues. Verdant’s first line, Winter Solstice, highlights native plants that thrive in winter here.

They’re open for presales, with delivery expected in early 2027. For details, click here. Their Instagram is @VerdantMahjong.

Verdant Mahjong’s tiles.

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As Breast Cancer Awareness Month continues, here is one more way to make a mark.

Westporters Amanda Meltzer and Kaylee Rutchik have organized an event with Fred and Monarch market. This Thursday (October 15, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.), both will donate 15% of sales to Pink Aid.

The national organization — founded in Westport — offers compassionate support, critical resources and emergency financial assistance to underserved breast cancer patients and their families.

Amanda and Kaylee were both diagnosed in their 30s. They became fast friends, and after receiving support from many friends and strangers, now pay it forward.


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Westport Farmers’ Market recently concluded the first summer of its weekly partnership with the Norwalk Art Space and Art Space Café.

The program continues this fall.

“Fueling Creativity” began with a simple but powerful belief: Every young person deserves access to nourishing food, meaningful education, and a space where their creativity is celebrated.

Each week, the Farmers’ Market purchases and provides fresh, locally sourced ingredients directly from its farmers. Then chef Caitlin McGowan and Café baker and manager Kelly Clement transform them into healthy, delicious meals.

Students gather in an environment built around learning, expression and wellness. They share a meal prepared with real, whole ingredients, while onsite tutors provide academic support and art classes bring their creativity to life.

To learn more about Fueling Creativity or support the Westport Farmers Market’s mission, click here.

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Yesterday’s Roundup noted that the Sunrise Rotary Club’s 35th annual “Westport Uncorked” returns to the newly renovated Inn at Longshore November 5 (6 to 9 p.m.).

The evening — with special wine, great food, and very interesting guests — features 100 sustainable and organic wines, curated by Cory D’Addario of The Fine Wine Company.

We noted that it’s a “fundraiser.” But the proceeds do not stay with the Rotarians.

Funds from the wine tasting — along with Sunrise’s Great Duck Race — are donated to charities and local organizations. Last year, Westport Sunrise Rotary donated $150,000 to charities. The goal this year: even more.

For tickets and more information, click here. 

Following the footsteps of historic saxophone duos like Johnny Griffin and Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis, Al Cohn and Zoot Sims, and Dexter Gordon and Wardell Gray, a pair of powerhouse horn players — Andy Farber and Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall will push each other to creative heights at this Thursday’s Jazz at the Post (VFW Post 399; shows at 7 and 8:15 p.m.; dinner begins at 6:15).

Also sitting in: pianist Bob Albanese, bassist Jennifer Vincent and drummer Tony Jefferson. Click here for tickets, and more information.

Greg Wall and Andy Farber.

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Most Westporters have probably never heard of Richard Drive.

I hadn’t — and I’ve lived here my entire life.

But the little road, tucked between Jennie Lane and Mayflower Parkway off Compo Road South, is the site of pond, ringed by trees.

Which means that at this time of year, it’s spectacularly beautiful.

Amy Schneider calls this her “favorite photo spot in the fall.” As proof, she sends along today’ “Westport … Naturally” featured image.

(Photo/Amy Schneider)

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And finally … on this day in 1903, the Boston Red Sox won the first modern World Series. They won the best of 9 event, defeating the Pittsburgh Pirates 5 games to 3.

(You know what else is sweet? Clicking here to support “06880,” your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)

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Voonza: Never Leave Your Kid Stranded Again!

Posted on October 13, 2026 | 2 comments

Raul Mihali is a very organized man.

But — like many Westport parents — he finds it hard keeping up with the flood of emails, texts, notifications and more about his children’s activities.

The schools do an admirable job of communicating, he says. But there’s a lot.

“On the bottom of page 6” of one of dozens of emails, he says, “there’s a form to sign so your kid can go on a rollercoaster the next day. If you don’t see it, and don’t sign it, he’s crushed.”

Raul Milani 

That’s a hypothetical. These 2 examples — involving his 12-year-old twins — are true.

Once, Raul forgot to pick up a child at a tennis lesson. A different time, he did not send a lunch for an activity. Another family fed his kid.

“This is just not working,” Raul thought.

So he decided to find a way.

Raul is not some random parent. The Romanian native earned a scholarship to study technology and robotics in the US.

He’s been an entrepreneur ever since. He’s had “some successes, some hard lessons,” he notes. “A lot of learning, not just earning.”

Raul and his family: With Voonza, their lives are much more organized.

Those experiences stood him in good stead when he started Voonza.com. The site does many things to make a parent’s — both parents’ — lives easier. For example:

  • It reads school emails; pulls out dates, forms and deadlines, then puts them on one family calendar both parents can see.
  • If you snap a photo of a flyer, or just say “soccer moved to Thursdays.” Voonza recognizes or records it, and adds it in.
  • Did you schedule 2 pickups at different spots, at nearly the same time? Voonza lets you know it won’t work.
  • It sends reminders about invoices due — tutors, camps, everything else — along with expiration alerts.
  • It even reminds you to “leave now” (a gentle reminder to not leave your child stranded at a tennis lesson).

Voonza shows you your week at a glance …

Voonza looks further ahead than you might. It notices your kid’s birthday is 6 weeks away. It asks about your plans, then can generate a few party ideas at nearby venues — including costs, and how many youngsters could attend.

Ask Voonza a question — “What does Theo need for school this week?” “What activities are we paying for this month?” “Is there a swim class nearby for a 7-year-old” — and it will answer.

There’s very little typing (“no one has time anymore,” Raul notes). It scrapes information from your phone, email and other accounts, and responds to voice prompts.

… and daily reminders too.

Ovviously, Voonza utilizes AI. So did Raul, as he created the site. “It made the development really fast,” he notes. “This wouldn’t have happened without it.”

He rolled out the site this spring. Users provide feedback. Raul is quick to respond. Someone asked whether it can manage pet care.

Now it does.

The first 3 months are free. Then it’s $9.99 a month. Users can cancel any time.

But who knows what happens then to their kids?

(To learn more about Voonza, click here. Questions? Email rmihali137@gmail.com.) 

(And what about the name? Raul wanted one that did not sound like another calendar app, and whose .com was not taken. Plus, it sounds like “zooming out the door,” which describes every school morning.) 

(“06880” often highlights Westporters doing interesting things — and always tries to make life easier for everyone. If you enjoy our work, please support us by clicking here. Thank you!)

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Posted in Children, Local business, technology, Westport life

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Roundup: Historic Homes Tour, Homes With Hope, Wine & Beer …

Posted on October 12, 2026 | Leave a comment

Tickets are going fast for the 4th annual “Historic Homes of 06880” house tour.

The Sunday, November 1 event — produced in collaboration with the great KMS Team at Compass crew — is our biggest yet.

There are 5 homes — one more than usual — and we’ve added an extra hour (12 to 4 p.m.).

This year’s homes are spectacular. Each is historic, and retains its original look and feel; all have been adapted thoughtfully and beautifully, for today’s lifestyle.

They include:

  • The 100-year-old stone residence, with renovated gardens, ponds and fountains, at 50 Sylvan Road North (former home of actor Frank Gorshin, The Riddler on “Batman”)
  • “9 Hearths” (actually 11), owned by former 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker nearby, at 56 Sylvan Road North
  • 50 Turkey Hill North, the much-admired former inn and tavern across from St. Luke Church, owned for over a century by the Burr and Banks families
  • 311 Greens Farms Road, one of the oldest homes in Westport; featuring original flooring and beams, with a complementary addition
  • 217 Compo Road South, an 1855 Victorian farmhouse and carriage house that epitomize thoughtful renovation, with history at the forefront.

To order tickets, click here. For more information on each home, click here.

50 Sylvan Road South

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Kevin Nealon headlined Friday night’s Stand Up for Homes with Hope benefit.

Another highlight: a video, shown before the comedian took the stage.

Livio Sanchez captured every aspect of the non-profit’s great work addressing homelessness, food insecurity and more.

It’s well worth watching. Click here or below to see.

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One of the town’s tastiest and most fun fundraisers is set for next month.

Sunrise Rotary’s 35th annual “Westport Uncorked” returns to the newly renovated Inn at Longshore November 5 (6 to 9 p.m.).

The evening — with special wine, great food, and very interesting guests — features 100 sustainable and organic wines, curated by Cory D’Addario of The Fine Wine Company. Distributors are on hand too, to describe the back story of each.

Guests also enjoy hors d’oeuvres, a creative charcuterie and carving station, all complementing the many wines. Knipschildt will also provide samples of their  handmade chocolate.

All wines and chocolate can be ordered in time for the holidays. For tickets and more information, click here. 

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Speaking of spirits: Wakeman Town Farm’s annual Beer Garden is on tap (ho ho) next Sunday (October 18, noon to 4 p.m.).

And — because it’s a family-friendly event — everyone is invited.

Highlights include live music, lawn games, bubbles, animal encounters and seasonal crafts.

There are tons of lunch options and goodies for purchase, including Pizza by Tony Napolitano, the Food Truck Refinery and baked treats.

Greens Farms Spirit Shop is providing the suds, from nearly a dozen local breweries.

Tickets are $15 for adults; kids go free. Food, beverage and craft purchases are a la carte. Proceeds benefit WTF educational programs. Click here for tickets, and more information.

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A host of Boldface Names were on hand Friday at the Natural History Museum in London, for the 5th annual awards ceremony and benefit for the Clooney Foundation for Justice.

The New York Times says, “The Albies, as the black-tie gala is known, focus on ‘brave individuals and groups from around the globe who, at great personal risk, have devoted their lives to fighting for justice.'”

Among the honorees: Lynsey Addario. The 1991 Staples High School graduate is a Pulitzer Prize- and MacArthur Fellow-winning photojournalist and author.

“The need for pointing out people who are justice warriors just never seems to subside,” George Clooney — whose father was a journalist — said.
“We’re under a huge amount of pressure,” Christiane Amanpour added. “There’s a whole scope of dangers.”

Click here for the full story. (Hat tip: Susan Iseman)

Lynsey Addario (2nd from left) with George Clooney and other honorees, in London. (Photo courtesy of New York Times)

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Speaking of notable Westporters: At the end of Dennis House’s interview with Governor Ned Lamont, the WTNH host asked, “Who plays Ryan Fazio in your debate prep?”

After first not providing a name, Lamont singled out Will Haskell as offering “youthful energy” while playing the Republican state senator from Greenwich, who hopes to unseat the 2-term incumbent.

House mistakenly identified Haskell as being from Greenwich. As Westporters know, he is the 2014 Staples High School graduate who served 2 terms as a very young state senator (2019-2023).

After writing a book about his experience, Haskell headed to law school. He has now graduated. He remains active in politics — much to Governor Lamont’s debate prep delight. (Hat tip: Neil Brickley)

Governor Ned Lamont and Dennis House, discussing Will Haskell.

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With Halloween near, Westporters are getting in the ghostly spirit.

This house on Bradley Street is a particularly creative example. If you’d like to show off your home — or a neighbor’s, or stranger’s — email 06880blog@gmail. com.

(Photo/Ed Simek)

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After 20 years, Stitch Haven is moving.

The business — originally Knitting Central, then Westport Yarns, now since 2025 under Beth Berkowitz’s ownership — will relocate from 582 Post Road East, to 420 Post Road West. It’s just 2 miles away, across from Whole Foods.

It’s a popular spot, with knowledgeable staff and loyal customers who love to crochet and knit.

Movin day is October 19. Beth says she’ll be up and running October 21. A grand opening is set for October 30. Click here for information on classes, and more.

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A reader writes: “I’m not normally one of ‘those people,’ but I guess for this one I will be.

“This lost dog was found on September 7. Yet the lost dog posters are still everywhere on Post Road near Stop & Shop. Almost every other pole has a sign taped to it — the bus stop too.

“I’m really happy she was found. But come on: Clean up after yourself!”

That’s a great reminder — and not just for lost dogs.

Hey, Westport: If you put up a flyer, poster — or (especially) a yard sign on a traffic island or sidewalk advertising an upcoming tag sale, sports tryout or other event– take it down as soon as it’s over. (NOTE: Election Day is November 3!)

And if your sign is advertising a business: Take it down now. It’s illegal.

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Let’s start the week off with this colorful “Westport … Naturally” image from Compo Beach:

(Photo/Celia Campbell-Mohn)

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And finally … Happy Indigenous Peoples’ Day!

(Whether you celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Columbus Day — or both, or neither — we hope you’ll click here to honor “06880” with a tax-deductible contribution. We rely on readers’ support. Thanks!)

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From “You’ve Got Mail!” To “You Got Hacked!”: An Optimum Odyssey

Posted on October 12, 2026 | 8 comments

I’ve been a Cablevision customer since the early 1980s, when they rolled out that new-fangled “cable TV” contraption.

A decade later they demonstrated another technological marvel — a cable modem, connecting to the internet — at Klein’s department store. I signed up on the spot, one of the first dozen or so here in Westport.

Whenever I had to call what is now Optimum support — not a lot, but more than I should have — I would tell the representative, “Look at my account. I’ve been a customer since before you were born.”

Invariably, he or she would remark — in a difficult-to-understand accent, over a bad connection (not the best look for a phone company) — “Thank you for being a loyal customer.” That’s the script, and they were sticking to it.

In August I posted an Opinion piece by Sam Disraelly: “Beware! Your Optonline Address May Not Be Safe!”

In it, the Westport cybersecurity expert warned that because Optonline had 3 known security flaws — including no 2- or multi-factor authentication — every user was at risk.

Sam noted: “An email address isn’t just an address. It’s the recovery point for your bank, your medical portal, your retirement accounts, your kids’ school logins — nearly everything password-protected online gets reset through email. If someone controls your inbox undetected, they control the keys to reset almost anything else you own.”

He advised: “Set up another email address. I recommend buying a domain. Use it to host your own email on a trusted service, so you can control your own digital identity.  If you need to use a free account, there are other providers like Gmail, Outlook, or a similar provider.”

Sam Disraelly

I edited Sam’s piece. I published it.

If only I’d acted on it.

I thought my long relationship with Optimum — filled with many minor hassles, but no major ones — made me immune.

Hubris, thy name is Dan.

Three Mondays ago, I could not log in to my email.

That’s happened before. I usually perform some variation of internet voodoo to get in.

This time: nothing.

I called tech support. The offshore representative with the bad connection advised changing my password.

I did. I got in. Some — but not all — of my email was there.

A few minutes later, I went to check it again. This time, I was again logged out.

I’ll spare you the 3 hours of back and forth with “tech support,” much of which consisted of variations of “change your password.”

I kept changing it. The intruder who had gotten into my account kept changing it back.

Suddenly I began getting strange notifications, from financial institutions and merchants I had relationships with, and those I did not.

Why was I getting messages from institutions I did not do business with?

When I called them to dispute changes to my account — or to deny I’d ever set up an account — they asked me for my email. I gave it to them.

Then they asked for my phone number and address.

Nope, they said. That’s not you.

The intruder was using my email — and his own (probably fake) identification. Everyone I spoke with thought I was the hacker.

Panicked, I did the only thing I could think of.

I called Sam Disraelly.

He talked me off the ledge. He explained exactly what had happened — and how he could fix it. He’s done this before; he knew all their tricks, and he had plenty of his own.

He communicated clearly. He did not make me feel like the idiot I was.

And — this is key — Sam is ex-military. He loves going after bad guys.

He took over my computer, remotely. Then he went to work.

Again, I will spare you the details. Suffice it to say, it was — exactly as Sam predicted — a 2-phase game: first cat-and-mouse, then whack-a-mole.

It took 8 to 10 hours a day, for several days, for me to convince customer service representatives — with hard-to-understand accents, on bad connections, unwilling to deviate from their scripts — that (to use one PayPal example), no, I did not just order hundreds of dollars of Instacart items in Phoenix.

Look at the IP address! Have I ever used Instacart? Have I ever done anything in Arizona?

“Well, sir, it is on your account …”

Throughout the ordeal, Sam Disraelly was there for me. He was a godsend. (One of the passwords I changed — before Sam got me to use a password manager, another thing I had stupidly never considered before — was “SamIsGod.”)

It’s been 3 weeks.

I’m 98% back to where I should have been before this whole cluster****. I haven’t had an odd notification in several days. (Knock wood — the intruder is probably still in my Optonline account, because they don’t seem to be able to kick him out.)

I started using 2 Gmail accounts I’d always had, but seldom checked. I’d always found Gmail confusing; now I’m a convert. An added bonus: Their spam filter is vastly better than Optimum’s. (Note my 2 email addresses: danwoog@gmail.com, and 06880blog@gmail.com.)

I’m using my password manager too.

And though 2- or multi-factor authentication — the “authorization code” sent to your phone or email — is a pain, it’s worth the hassle.

If Optimum had only sent me a notification asking if I’d requested a password change 3 weeks ago, all that could have been avoided.

For the entire time I was a customer, they did not offer that option — despite knowing how important it is.

Then Sam Disraelly wrote his Opinion piece for “06880.” And I got my identity stolen.

As of October 6, Optimum now offers multi-factor authentication.

Woo hoo.

(NOTE: You can contact Sam Disraelly directly here. To see an “06880” podcast featuring Sam, click here. Another superb tech wizard, who I’ve used often, is Jamie Berger Katz: 203-984-3834; jbkatz@gmail.com. Put both in your Contacts today!)

(Thankfully, we did not lose any “06880” funds to the intruder. But we still look forward to readers’ support. To make a tax-deductible contribution, click here. Thank you!)

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Photo Challenge #615

Posted on October 11, 2026 | 24 comments

Amid the welter of signs polluting the Post Road, a few stand out for their originality.

The best may be the hand-painted wooden ones, near the Double L Market.

That’s the beloved fresh fruit-vegetable-and-more store next to Calise’s Market (yay!) and diagonally across from McDonald’s (ugh).

It’s the 3rd location for Lloyd Allen (“double L” — get it?), and the signs are completely in character with both him and his business.

They were last week’s Photo Challenge. Many of Lloyd’s customers and friends (actually, they’re the same thing) nailed the answer. Congratulations to Sally Kleinman, Rob Hauck, John McKinney, Robin Jaffee Frank, Suzanne Zarrilli, Martha Witte, Jan Carpenter, Craig Thiemann, Lynn Abramson, Lynn Untermeyer Miller, David Loffredo, Beth Berkowitz, Todd Ehrlich, Werner Liepolt and Betsey Lebow.

You sure know your onions!

Today’s Photo Challenge is clearly from Green’s Farms (duh). But where exactly in that neighborhood?

If you know, click “Comments” below.

(Photo/Diane Lowman)

(Every Sunday, “06880” hosts this Photo Challenge. We challenge you too to support your hyper-local blog. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)

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