Last week’s Friday Flashback featured Hay Day — Westport’s first “gourmet market.”
This week we travel directly across the Post Road.
And even though this photo is from a few decades earlier than Hay Day, it looks remarkably the same today.
(Photo courtesy of Susan O’Donnell)
Sure, the cars are different. The clothes too.
But the only other changes a time traveler would notice is that — as of last spring — the Carvel brand was replaced by generic “soft serve ice cream.”
And the classic cone on the roof disappeared, years earlier.
What are your Carvel memories? Click “Comments” below.
(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 winter of 2021 was a big one for downtown bookstores.
In February, Barnes & Noble moved into the former Restoration Hardware. The space was closer to other retailers, though smaller than their previous store (now the Big Y supermarket).
No one cares about a big-chain corporate success. But a small, community-minded used book shop, with a special mission — that’s a different story.
Westport Book Shop is a partnership between the Westport Library and Westport Book Sales, the non-profit with 2 important missions: They raise funds for the library by running its book sales, and they hire adults with disabilities.
So it’s fitting that Westport Book Shop is just a few yards from the Library, across Jesup Green.
Westport Book Shop
The 5,000 or so books, in over 40 categories, come from donations to the annual book sales. There’s also a large selection of vinyl records, audio books, CDs and DVDs.
The view from inside Westport Book Shop, across Jesup Green to the library.
Books cover all major categories: fiction, non-fiction, biography, children’s, you name it.
The Book Shop also features the Drew Friedman Art Place. Miggs Burroughs curates rotating exhibits.
On January 28, the 60-plus artists and photographers who have been featured will honored with a special piece, by Burroughs. It remains up through February.
Miggs Burroughs with his own work, at the Westport Book Shop.
To celebrate their 5th anniversary, Westport Book Shop is offering a few specials. They’re fundraisers too — a great way for residents to show their love and support.
One is a raffle. The winner gets a new copy of “The New Yorker in Westport” book. Donated by its authors, Eve Potts and Andrew Bentley, it shows dozens of magazine covers, showing 50 magazine covers created by area artists, inspired by familiar local scenes. Accompanying each image are interesting stories, and facts about our town.
Tickets are $5. They’re available online and at the store, through Wednesday, January 28.
Also available at the store: items created especially for the anniversary.
There’s a snuggly Westport Book Shop logo hat; local artist Jack Geer’s image of the store as a 500-piece jigsaw puzzle, and a decal.
Special 5th-anniversary items.
It’s been a great 5 years for Westport Book Shop.
They’ve provided over 12,250 hours of employment and skills training for adults with disabilities.
And they’ve contributed over $350,000 to the Westport Library.
But that’s just the start.
They’ve got a $50,000 fundraising goal, to help continue their work. Click here to donate.
Speaking of sports: A familiar Westport face popped up on “Shark Tank.” The episode airs tonight (Wednesday) at 10 p.m. (ABC-TV, and streaming on Hulu).
Kyle Martino — the soccer star who won MLS Rookie of the Year honors, and played with the US national team — vied to win $250,000 for his app. Street FC connects players looking for pick-up soccer games, in cities around the country.
Martino — who was 1999 Gatorade National Player of the Year at Staples — was shown in a photo with his brother (and former teammate) Wes.
And though he described his love for pick-up (unstructured) soccer, Martino did not mention that it was honed while growing up in Westport — the town where he once again lives, and directs Street FC (and many more soccer-related projects) from.
Bitter cold did not deter a small crowd from gathering yesterday on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge.
They were part of a nationwide “Free America” protest. It coincided with the first anniversary of President Trump’s second inauguration.
Protest on the Post Road bridge. (Photo/Rowene Weems)
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The Sweet Remains — Greg Naughton’s band, and longtime Fairfield County favorites with their Crosby Stills & Nash/Simon & Garfunkel/Eagles/John Mayer/Jason Mraz-type harmonies and warmth — are this Saturday’s Westport Country Playhouse headliners (January 24, 8 p.m.).
Tickets are selling fast, for the group with over 65 million Spotify streams. Their latest album, “Embers,” was produced by Grammy Award winner Andy Zulla.
Tickets are $40, $45, and $55. To purchase, and for more information, click here.
The new studio celebrates their new 25 Sylvan Road South space with an opening party tomorrow (Thursday, January 22, 5 to 7 p.m.).
The event includes music, cocktails and “good energy.” Children are welcome.
DanceBody “blends functional training with the joy and artistry of dance, to deliver a workout that is as effective as it is empowering.” It focuses on “full-body movement, coordination, strength, and endurance. Classes incorporate aerobic conditioning and resistance training in a “dance-driven, constant progression (that) creates an energizing environment that builds both confidence and community.”
“Community Conversation With Kathryn Turley-Sonne & Rachel Churner” (January 29, 6 p.m.): A panel discussion on the exhibition “Enough Already: Women Artists from the Sara M. + Michelle Vance Waddell Collection,” and the groundbreaking feminist work of Carolee Schneemann featured in it.
“Opening Reception: Art, Jazz & The Blues” (February 26, 6 p.m.; $10). The exhibit explores powerful intersections between visual art and music, drawing from the rich holdings of the Westport Public Art Collections.
The exhibition centers on “Giants of the Blues,” 7 sweepin group portraits by Westport native Eric von Schmidt honoring blues, jazz and folk musicians from the 1920s to the 1960s (currently hung in his alma mater Staples High School’s auditorium foyer).
Complementing von Schmidt’s paintings are 40 works from the WestPAC collection depicting musicians, inspired by musical themes, or exploring the resonances between musical and visual forms.
Among the local and international artists: Ann Chernow, Eric Chiang, James Daugherty, Lisa Daugherty, Stevan Dohanos, Frances Gershwin Godowsky, Joan Miró, Robert Rauschenberg, Barbara Rothenberg, Eric von Schmidt, Larry Silver and Tracy Sugarman.
Not everyone goes out for a romantic dinner on Valentine’s Day.
So Marilyn Zavidow is throwing a Valentine’s Theatre Party, at the Westport Country Playhouse Lucille Lortel Barn.
“Valentines and galentines all” are invited to the February 14 (7 p.m.). “Karma Kabaret.” Chris Coogan plays piano, John Mobilio is on bass, at this :thought-provoking, heart-evoking musical tour de force.”
It’s followed by a “bubbly and chocolate” after-party.
And finally … we welcome DanceBody to Westport (story above) with this similar-sounding song:
(Arts, entertainment, politics, sports: today’s Roundup has it all. It’s what we do at “06880” — and we do it 24/7/365. If you like it, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
No announcement has been made about a new tenant for the 12,230-square foot space.
But if a pre-application meeting request is approved — and that meeting goes well — Westport could welcome a 25,000-square foot Sprouts Farmers Market diagonally across the street.
The Phoenix-based chain — with more than 410 stores in 23 states — is not mentioned specifically, in the pre-app request filed by architect Rick Hoag.
But an artists’ rendering of 1460 Post Road East prominently shows Sprouts’ name.
Artists’ rendering of 1460 Post Road East
Hoag’s letter says that renovations to the existing building would improve the façade, enhance safety within the parking area, and increase landscaping.
BevMax — one of the current anchor tenants — would be relocated to the lower level. The rest of the lower level space would be converted from retail to storage and utility use.
1460 Post Road East, with Julian’s Pizza (left) and BevMax.
If approved, Sprouts would be the third major supermarket in a 1.5-mile stretch of Post Road East. The other 2 are Stop & Shop and Big Y.
A pre-application meeting is a non-binding forum. It allows an applicant to obtain feedback on a proposal from the P&Z, without expending resources associated with filing a formal application. (Hat tip: Peter Gold)
Site plan for 1460 Post Road East, prepared by Langan Engineering.
(“06880” regularly covers business and real estate news — and much, much more. If you appreciate stories like this, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Fran Hoyte had the perfect spot for a Pilates studio.
Her space on the lower level of Bridge Square offered a peaceful view of the Saugatuck River. It was comfortable, inviting, and — with no advertising or social media, just word of mouth — clients flocked to Saugatuck Studios.
There was just one problem: floods.
The space was inundated by storms like Sandy and irene. Sometimes, it was swamped by high tides.
After 15 years, Fran has found a location guaranteed not to flood.
And it’s just as funky as her previous spot.
Sound Pilates has relocated to 21 Jesup Road. They’re on the 2nd and 3rd floors above the Westport Book Shop. The 200-year-old building — most recently Pause + Purpose wellness center; before that an architect’s office, and earlier a home — offers sweeping (and soothing) views of Jesup Green and the Saugatuck River.
“This is so quiet. But it’s still downtown,” Fran says. “It really feels like home for us.”
Fran has also added a physical therapist. Dr. Victoria Chiappetta has trained with Fran, developing an appreciation for traditional Pilates, alignment, and intelligent movement.
Fran now offers small group classes, in addition to individual sessions. She also teaches Pilates instructors — including many now working throughout Fairfield County.
“We’re not about working until you feel pain,” Fran says of her and Victoria’s partnership. “This is always about joyful movement.”
Werner Liepolt — a longtime Westporter whose home is near the Cribari Bridge — is closely watching state Department of Transportation decisions involving the 145-year-old span.
Congress did not extend Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits. But a Connecticut state subsidy program will replace some or all of the federal tax credits that lapsed on January 1, depending on enrollee eligibility for Access Health CT insurance plans.
Congressman Jim Himes’ office can help with questions: (203) 333-6600.
Hardware stores are often the heart of their community.
They’re places to go for supplies of all kinds, sure — for the inside and outside of homes, lawncare and more.
But they’re also places to get advice, chat with knowledgeable owners and staff, and feel — well, at home.
Westport is lucky to have had several that were much more than just “stores.”
Welch’s and Hartmann’s on Main Street were legendary. The Izzos’ Crossroads Ace Hardware next to Coffee An’ (now The Grapevine liquor store) took their place, and served Westport for decades.
The second, nail-shaped “T” in its logo was the subject of last week’s Photo Challenge (click here to see).
I thought many readers would confuse it with the Tesla “T.” But you’re too sharp for that.
Nineteen got the right answer. Not one fell for the Musk trap (which sounds like something Westport Hardware should stock).
A couple of comments included shout-outs to Bear (who is actually a dog, and — when he’s not roaming the store — sits quietly behind the counter).
One reader noted that Westport Hardware shares a strip mall with the unrelated Hammer & Nails Grooming Shop for Guys.
Congratulations to Bill Downey, Brian Taylor, Sal Liccione, Arthur Hayes, Andrew Colabella, Gabby Velez, Jonathan Alloy, Wendy Schaefer, Seth Schachter, Lisa Hayes, Jerry Kuyper, John McKinney, Seth Braunstein, Jeff Loechner, Clark Thiemann, Peter Dennigan Sinnott, Beth Berkowitz, Colleen Williams and Dede McDowell.
You all “nailed” last week’s Photo Challenge.
Will this week’s be as easy? If you know where in Westport you would see this, click “Comments” below.
(Photo/Seth Braunstein)
(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!)
“If you’re a homeowner, the first termite you see is not the first termite that showed up.”
With that analogy, Jelani Cobb wove together 2 strands of his talk — America’s history of slavery and civil rights, and today’s threats to our democracy — yesterday.
The 20th annual Westport Weston Martin Luther King Day celebration at the Westport Library drew a full crowd. Cobb — a noted New Yorker writer, scholar, and dean of the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism — was joined in conversation by novelist, playwright, filmmaker (and Westport resident) Trey Ellis.
Jelani Cobb (left) and Trey Ellis.
Asked by Ellis what King would think of the United States today, Cobb said, “It would be very familiar to him.”
Anti-democratic forces, he added, are “congenital problems that don’t go away by ignoring them.”
“My father had a 3rd grade education. I have a Ph.D.,” Cobb said. He vowed never to forget the democratic rights that enabled his achievement — and to “not tolerate intrusions on them.”
Recalling King’s famous quote — “The arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice” — Cobb noted the “fine print”: “We have to get out and bend it.”
Senator Richard Blumenthal spoke briefly. Referring to recent events, he said, “the totalitarian tactics used to silence non-violent protests are not America. It’s the America Martin Luther King protested against.”
The conversation was bookended by Varrick Nelson Jr. The young Stratford singer wowed the audience with stirring gospel-inflected renditions of “Bridge Over Troubled Water” and “A Change is Gonna Come.”
The audience included over 40 students from the Walter Luckett Foundation. The Bridgeport non-profit provides educational and recreational opportunities for young people. The Westport Library is a longtime partner.
The annual MLK celebration is a collaboration between the Library, TEAM Westport, Westport Country Playhouse, Westport Museum for History & Culture, and the Westport/Weston Clergy Association.
Gabriel Sherman has built a career writing about some of the most powerful people in the world.
His first book, “The Loudest Voice in the Room,” told the story of how Roger Ailes built Fox News.
Sherman wrote the screenplay for “The Apprentice,” the biopic about Donald Trump’s relationship with Roy Cohn.
His latest project: “Bonfire of the Murdochs: How the Epic Fight to Control the Last Great Media Dynasty Broke a Family — and the World.”
Sherman was educated through grade 10 in Westport schools. He’s written for New York and Vanity Fair, and been a regular contributor to NBC News and MSNBC.
Sherman will be interviewed by Tina Brown at the 92nd Street Y in New York on February 5 (8 p.m.). Click here for tickets.
This month, Big Y supermarket is donating $1 to ABC — the non-profit that provides educational opportunities to academically gifted and highly motivated young men of color — for every reusable bag purchased for $2.50.
It’s a no-brainer. Buy more than one. You can never have enough bags!
On Wednesday David Guggenheim — screenwriter, producer and showrunner of Netflix’s “Designated Survivor” (and creator and writer of “Safe House,” “The Union” and “The Christmas Chronicles”) — visited Theater Camp 4 Kids Broadway Academy‘s students and interns.
He provided the young actors and writers with a “behind the camera” look at the reality of the film and TV industry, and inspired them to pursue their dreams.
Guggenheim shared insights about the creative process, including how to turn an idea into a script, and the reality of getting it produced. He also described the complex moving parts of a successful film or TV show, from how to make rainy scenes look real, to shooting on back lots and locations, and which actors he would love to work with in the future.
Youngsters came prepared with plenty of questions, which Guggenheim answered with warmth and charm.
Theater Camp 4 Kids is registering now for the winter/spring semester, and June Summer Day Camp. For information, email curleylaura@hotmail.com.
David Guggenheim (rear, center) with Theater Camp 4 Kids students. (Photo/Emily Jennings)
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Westporters using the Delta Sky Lounge at La Guardia Airport can see a bit of home.
Artist Nina Bentley’s work “He Looked Good on Paper” is on display, in Terminal C.
And finally … English author A.A. Milne was born on this date, in 1882. He died in 1956.
(“06880” is your 24/7/365 hyper-local blog. How do we do it? With support from readers like you. To make a tax-deductible contribution, please click here. Thank you!)
As Balducci’s prepares to close — leaving behind many devoted customers, and other Westporters who think the store just randomly put laughably high prices on every item — it’s time to look back at its predecessor.
Balducci’s began as Hay Day. Westport’s first “gourmet grocery store” was located where the Maserati dealer is now.
The “country farm market” was stocked with fresh produce, baked goods, prepared food and the like. Paul Newman was a regular customer.
Longtime Westporters still have — and use — the very well-done “Hay Day Country Market Cookbook.”
(“250 recipes from the celebrated New England farm stand that helped bring authentic flavorful food back to America’s table,” the cover gushed.)
Hay Day expanded a couple of times, then moved to bigger digs in its present location a few hundred yards east. The site was occupied in the 1980s by Georgie Peorgie’s, Arnie Kaye’s ice cream parlor adjacent to his Arnie’s Place video game arcade.
Balducci’s — a small specialty chain, now owned by the much larger Albertson’s group — eventually bought Hay Day.
There is no word yet on a new tenant.
Let’s hope it’s an interesting one. A bank or nail salon would not do this place justice.
(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!)
Online registration for Westport Parks & Recreation Department spring and summer programs begins March 10 (9 a.m.; Camp Compo and RECing Crew only) and March 11 (9 a.m.; all others). Click here to see all activities.
To update your profile, select “Manage Family Member.” Be sure each child’s grade is correct (as of September 2025).
Questions? Email recreation@westportct.gov, or call 203-341-5152.
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On January 26 (6 p.m., Zoom), the Planning & Zoning Commission hears a request for a special permit/site plan approval for 785 Post Road East. That’s where a commercial building will replace several small apartments, between Splash car wash and New Country Toyota.
The goal is to allow offsite “superior” affordable housing, on George Street.
Redniss & Mead — land use consultants who do extensive work in Westport — are asking the P&Z to allow conversion of the 2nd and 3rd floors of the approved commercial building to house 2 residential units.
Including housing already approved behind the office/retail building fronting the Post Road, that would bring the total count of housing units to 15.
Meanwhile, the owner — 785 Post Road E LLC — would deed restrict one 2-bedroom townhouse onsite to Homes with Hope, for use as affordable housing.
In addition, the developer would donate a 3,500-square foot 2-family home at 3 George Street to Abilis, a non-profit that provides services and support to people with special needs. It would operate as a family home, similar to 136 Riverside Avenue.
785 Post Road East. New Country Toyota is at left; Splash Car wash is directly to the right, next to the new commercial and residential buildings at the foot of Long Lots Road that house, among others, Lyfe Cafe.
Seeing Janine Scotti’s photo of damage to the free bicycle-driven public library, Larry Roberts wondered if he could help.
When no one claimed “ownership” in the Comments section — the unique contraption was commissioned several years ago by author Jane Green, who no longer lives here — he took matters into his own (literal) hands.
Larry hauled it away, to repair himself.
And — this is where the story gets very Twilight Zone-ish — along the way on Taylor Place, he was spotted by none other than Janine (the source of the photo) herself.
The Remarkable Bookcycle, in the back of Larry Roberts’ truck.
“Are you Larry Roberts?” she asked.
“Yes!” he replied, surprised.
Soon, the Remarkable Bookcycle will be back at Compo Beach.
If you take — or donate — a book, you’ll have Janine and Larry to thank.
Larry Roberts (Photos/Janine Scotti)
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Feeling unconfident about how to give your child — or a child you care for — confidence?
Parents and caregivers are invited to a relaxed morning conversation and light breakfast, focused on helping children build lasting confidence.
Jennie Monness — a parenting educator, and co-founder of Union Square Play — will explore the difference between praise and encouragement; how routines and responsibilities support competence, and how to respond when children struggle, feel unsure or doubt themselves.
On Sunday (January 18, 11:15 a.m.), Triple Threat Academy‘s short film “Straight Laced” screens at Dances With Films — the independent film festival — at Regal Cinema in New York’s Union Square.
Like 2 other of Triple Threat’s 6 previous films, this was directed by its founder: Staples High School graduate and “Fame” star Cynthia Gibb.
Triple Threat offers classes in the performing arts for all ages. Cast members — children through adults — come to Westport from as far as Los Angeles and the UK to shoot with a professional crew each summer. Triple Threat co-director Jill Mann writes the scripts.
Speaking of Jill Johnson Mann: Her son — 2021 Staples grad Jamie Mann — goes on as Hopper Jr., a lead role in Broadway’s “Stranger Things: The First Shadow,” tomorrow through Tuesday (January 17 to 20).
Mann — who graduated from the University of Michigan last spring — continues playing airheaded singing-and-dancing jock Ted Wheeler in 8 shows a week, until late March.
Beginning next month, ChaChanna Simpson — past president of Northeast Storytelling — will hosts “Storytelling Sundays” at The Westport Library.
One Sunday afternoon every other month, seasoned and first-time storytellers are invited to share 5-minute tales — preferably without notes — on a selected theme.
The February 15 theme — the day after Valentine’s Day — is (of course) “love.”
It’s a welcoming space for connection and inspiration. Everyone is invited to share or listen — or do both.
“Absolutely no experience is necessary,” ChaChanna says. “We all have stories, and all our stories matter!”
Speaking of the Library: Richard Hurowitz discusses his book “In the Garden of the Righteous” — profiles of the “Righteous Among the Nations,” little-known heroes who saved countless lives during the Holocaust — there on January 22 (7 p.m.).
He’ll chat with Reverend Vanessa Rose. She’s the first female senior pastor at First Church Congregational of Fairfield since its founding in 1639. The open and affirming church is focused on racial, social and environmental justice, and immigration and refugees.
The 2006 Staples High School graduate, now a US Department of Justice fraud unit attorney, was hailed in a DOJ press release for his work on one of the largest whistleblower-related settlements in department history.
Thrope helped negotiate a $556 million payment by Kaiser Permanente affiliates, to resolve allegations of widespread fraud in Medicare billings.
The New York Times explained, “Kaiser overstated how sick its patients were to receive higher government payments.”
CNBC called it “a record-breaking settlement in a Medicare Advantage case.”
Rach’s Hope has an important mission: supporting families with critically ill children
The non-profit honors Rachel Doran. The Staples High School graduate and rising Cornell University senior died after developing a rare reaction to common medications.
Their 7th annual PJ Gala is March 28 (7 to 11 p.m., FTC, Fairfield).
Why “PJ”s? Rachel was a talented Staples Players costume designer, and founded a pajama company.
And finally … in honor of the upcoming “Storytelling Sundays” at the Westport Library (story above):
(Here’s one story you can tell: “I clicked on a link, and donated to ‘06880’! It’s such a great feeling to support the blog we all rely on. You should do it too!” In fact, that’s our favorite story …)
Westport’s favorite — well, organic market — is healthier than ever.
The new owners — longtime chef Talin Bozuklu and her partner Mary Tas — share the same values, and commitment to quality and wellness, as Maggie and Charles Vosgueritchian, who retired after 38 years.
And of the owners before that — Sally Simmons and Beverly Marshall — who founded the Playhouse Square institution nearly half a century ago.
Organic Market owners Talin Bozuklu and Mary Tas.
Yesterday, manager Yeraz Bozuklu — Talin’s daughter — showed off some of the updates.
The front of the market has been opened up. They’ve gotten rid of plastic in the produce section, and are reducing — on the way to eliminating — aluminum in the hot foods section.
The new owners gave the market a deep scrubbing last weekend. They reorganized certain sections. The juice bar board will be updated, to “fit the vibe.” Other small touches are on the way.
But, Yeraz emphasizes, all the food — and the staff — remain the same.
“The Organic Market has been special to customers, and the community, for so long,” Yeraz says. “We know how important that is, and we look forward to seeing everyone soon.”
PS: The Organic Market is the first retail outlet in the country selling House of Yes, the protein bars for youngsters (and everyone else) created by Westporters Sarit and Michael Lewis (profiled earlier this month on “06880”). Until now, all sales have been online only.
Yeraz Bozuklu, with a photo of the 3 sets of Organic Market owners.
The close cooperation between Westport’s Police Department and Department of Human Services is about to get even closer.
A new Community Care Unit has been created. It’s led by Lieutenant Sereniti Dobson and Officer Ruta Pratt.
Since the fall, the pair have tracked the increasing volume and complexity of calls involving people experiencing mental health and behavioral health crises.
The new CCY aligns police responses with established Human Services referrals, follow-up, and care coordination processes.
It enhances the WPD’s ability to identify people who may benefit from additional support, and helps connect them to Human Services and community resources. They include mental health care, addiction services, and other social service interventions.
While Police and Human Services have collaborated for decades, the CCU formalizes and expands this partnership by clarifying roles and strengthening follow-through.
Police officers remain focused on managing immediate safety concerns, while Human Services leads resource navigation, referral and ongoing engagement.
Former 1st Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker has dropped her campaign to become Connecticut’s governor.
But the newest Republican candidate also has Westport ties.
Former New York Lieutenant Governor Betsy McCaughey — now a Greenwich resident — told the Stamford Town Committee last night that she’s in the race, CT Mirror reports. She has not yet registered officially.
McCaughey was born in Pittsburgh but grew up in Westport, Wikipedia says. She is 77 years old.
Her father Albert was “a factory janitor (who) did maintenance and later engineering work at a nail clipper factory.
Wikipedia adds: “McCaughey attended public schools in Westport through the 10th grade. After receiving a scholarship, she transferred to a private Massachusetts boarding school, the Mary A. Burnham School, for her last two years of high school, rarely visiting home, then or during her college years.”
Westporters already know and love Faith Sargent for her high tea parties, her Wreathing for Community (through which donated florals are transformed into wreaths, given away to spread cheer). and Faith’s Cottage Kitchen (a licensed home bakery offering small-batch breads, brownies, marshmallows and seasonal treats).
Now she’s launched “Treat Tuesday”: a community initiative to spread sweetness around town.
Each Tuesday, she brings homemade treats to a town office or local nonprofit. “It’s a simple way to say thank you,” Faith says.
Last week she delivered Neapolitan marshmallow brownies to Town Hall. This week she brought homemade marshmallows to the fire station.
Do you have a place to recommend? Text Faith: 603-219-2773.
She may be overwhelmed with requests. So: Keep the faith!
(And thank you!)
Town Hall treats!
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For more than 4 decades, The Susan Fund has provided college scholarships to Fairfield Country residents who have been diagnosed with cancer at some time in their life, and attend (or plan to) enroll in an institution of higher learning.
The Fund was established in 1980 in memory of her Susan Lloyd, a Staples High School graduate who lost her battle with cancer. Since its founding, the organization has provided over $2 million in scholarships to more than 300 students.
Applications for the 2026 school year are open now, through April 1. To apply or to learn more about the Susan Fund, click here.
The 2025 Susan Fund awardees.
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Westport Police made 3 custodial arrests, between January 7 and 13.
A 25-year-old Brooklyn man was charged with the illegal sale/manufacture of cannabis. His arrest followed multiple complaints about illegal marijuana sales at Savvy Smoker. In April, Westport Police and the state Department of Consumer Protection Drug Control Division executed a search warrant, and seized various types of illegal marijuana and THC-containing products. He was held on a $150,000 bond.
A 51-year-old Stamford man was charged with larceny, following a complaint that he was paid $3,250 as a contractor for work that was never performed. He attempted to make restitution with a check that was returned due to insufficient funds. He was released on a $7,500 bond.
A 25-year-old Bronx man was charged with failure to appear. He was released on a $15,000 bond.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Traveling unreasonably fast: 9 citations
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 6
And finally … in honor of the end of a not-great chapter in beach concession history:
(Another day, another Roundup filled with news you can use. If you enjoy this daily feature — or anything else on “06880” — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
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