Category Archives: Local business

Roundup: Connecticut Primary, Flash Flood, Fire Department …

Posted on August 4, 2026 | 3 comments

Early voting for Connecticut’s primary began yesterday.

Connecticut’s primary will be held a week from today: Tuesday,  August 11.

Registered Democrats are choosing between Governor Ned Lamont and his challenger, Josh Elliott.

Registered Republicans are voting for a 4th Congressional candidate, to challenge Jim Himes. The candidates are Michael Ted Goldstein and Daniel Miressi.

There are 3 ways to cast ballots.

Early voting at Town Hall takes place:

  • August 5, 7, 8 and 9: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • August 4 (today) and 6: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Voting on Primary Day, at your regular polling place:

  • August 11, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

To file an absentee ballot, you must click here for an application. You will receive a ballot in the mail. Completed ballots can be dropped off at the town clerk’s office in Town Hall, in the drop box located behind Town Hall, or mailed back. Click here to learn more. For more information, click on the Secretary of the State’s website here.

If you have any questions, please visit the Secretary of the State’s website.

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The good news: In the 6 months since its debut, our new “06880” AI widget has gotten plenty of use.

The less-than-good news: Many readers still treat it like Google search, rather than the much more robust engine it is.

Queries like “Kevin Christie,” “downtown plan” and “Westport library” are not the best way to interact with our AI widget.

To get a much deeper answer — one that scrapes all 17 years of “06880” content, as designed by Westport-based Thought Partnr — you should ask things like:

  • “What is Kevin Christie’s plan for downtown?”
  • “Who is speaking this week at the Westport Library”
  • “Why was the Hamlet at Saugatuck plan rejected?”

Here’s a great example of a query: “I’m thinking of moving to Westport with a young family. What are the pros and cons I should consider?”

Think of it as a conversation starter. The widget will respond; you can then continue the conversation, refine it, or simply walk away more knowledgeable about a local subject.

We’re all used to typing in a word or two in a search engine. We get a list of links that we then plow through.

But that’s not our AI widget. It responds in complete paragraphs, and invites an ongoing dialogue.

Bottom line: Take a few extra seconds to frame your question — just as you would with a friend. Give your AI buddy enough information to offer a complete, detailed response.

The more you use it, the better you’ll get. And the smarter our AI widget will become too.

The arrow points to our AI widget.

PS: If you’re just searching for stories on a specific topic — “High Point Road,” say, or “Library director Bill Harmer” — then use the traditional “Search the 06880 archives” button.

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Yesterday morning’s downpour created a familiar sight: a swollen Deadman Brook, and flooding on Myrtle Avenue.

Deadman Brook, between Violet Lane and the Frontier building.

It doesn’t take much to make them happen.

Fortunately — at least for now – the high waters recede quickly.

Myrtle Avenue, near Post Road East. (Photos/Sal Liccione)

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The Westport Fire Department has hired 2 new recruits.

Welcome to Westport, Isaiah Walker and Gianni Perrotti!

Isaiah Walker and Gianni Perrotti.

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The Westport Book Shop kicks off the dog days of August with a mouse.

This Sunday (August 9, noon to 3 p.m.), former resident Amy Lamb brings Cooper — her curious and adventurous little mouse, the namesake of her new children’s book “Uh-oh, Cooper” — to the Jesup Road store. She’ll sign copies, near a special craft station.

The next session of the Book Shop’s Short Story Club is August 26 (6 p.m.). The 3 stories are “Eyes of a Blue Dog” (Gabriel Garcia Marquez), “Woman Hollering Creek” (Sandra Cisneros) and “The Sun, the Moon, the Stars” (Junot Diaz).

Registration is required: call 203-349-5141, or email RSVP@westportbooksaleventures.org.

Meanwhile, all month long the Drew Friedman Art Place features contemporary impressionist paintings of local artist Gregg Ziebell. The longtime member of The Artists Collective of Westport blends light, color and emotion to create original oil landscapes, seascapes, and still lifes. A reception is set for August 13 (6 to 7 p.m.).

Gregg Ziebell, with his Westport Book Shop exhibit.

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The August Guitar Festival gets underway Thursday at VFW Post 399.

Headliner John Basile — known for his soulful melodic playing, sophisticated harmonic sense, and conversational approach to improvisation — has worked with Peggy Lee, Rosemary Clooney and Tony Bennett, among many others.

He’s joined by bassist Dan Falzone, drummer Eric Halvorson and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall.

Shows are 7:30 and 8:45 p.m. Dinner service starts at 6:45. Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Sure, today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo looks like a shot of boats at the Ned Dimes Marina.

(Photo/Pippa Bell Ader)

But look closely. Those are cormorants, resting atop the twin structures.

Nature is all around. We just have to know where to find it.

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And finally … happy 65th birthday, Barack Obama!

(You never know what you’ll find on “06880,” right? But whatever it is, we need reader support to keep it coming. Please click here to support our work — and thank you!)

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Posted in Entertainment, Local business, Politics, Weather

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Stew’s Brand: The Kid And The Cow Evolve

Posted on August 2, 2026 | 1 comment

In a career spanning 40 years, John Nunziato has helped shape and evolve brands like Coca-Cola, Burger King, Chicken of the Sea, Jolly Rancher, Gillette, Campbell’s, Unilever and Johnson & Johnson. He’s won major design awards, and speaks at industry conferences.

Locally, the longtime Westport resident has lent his talents to the Library’s VersoFest, school theater programs, and other organizations.

Nunziato just launched @TheBrandvertisist. On Instagram and TikTok he shares behind-the-scenes stories about branding, advertising, creativity, happy accidents, lessons learned, and the occasional “beautiful mistake” that helped shape his career.

He’ll report soon on Chef Boyardee, a recent client. Nunziato will explain how he and his firm, Little Big Brands, modernized a household name without losing its soul. You’ll never look at the “new” — yet still iconic — chef the same way again.

John Nunziato

On TheBrandvertisist the other day, Nunziato explored his work a few years ago with a locally based, well-loved and longtime family-owned business.

It was complicated and challenging: refreshing and updating the brand, making it work across hundreds of products (and trucks, etc.), without losing the playful essence that endeared it to generations. (And which the 3rd generation of family owners remain strongly attached to.)

You may not even notice it. But look closely, the next time you buy a Stew Leonard’s product.

The freshened look, working with a variety of colors — while retaining the “farm” and “fun” feel.

As the Norwalk location grew into what it calls (with incorrect punctuation) “The Worlds Largest Dairy Store,” and moved far beyond its glass milk bottle roots, the very familiar “kid milking a cow” had not kept up with the times.

The casual shopper does not realize what goes on behind the scenes. Stew’s prints nearly all their own labels. Their logo goes on wax-coated cartons, glass jars, paper boxes, aluminum cans and all kinds of other packages. It has to work in a variety of shapes and sizes.

The pre-digital age “kid” (now probably a grandparent) and cow (long ago perhaps someone’s dinner) could no longer do that.

Nunziato and his team may have won the job during the pitch phase. They dressed as cows for a meeting with Stew Leonard Jr., and his top executives — and decorated the way to their office with cow prints.

Stew and his crew liked what they saw. But they were also clear: They were not going to change much, whether it was the funky typography or the farm-friendly feel.

A natural fit, across product lines.

Do shoppers even notice?

That’s not the point. “The objective was to evolve the Stew Leonard’s brand, without disrupting it,” Nunziato explains.

“It’s friendlier and more shoppable for the consumer now — without someone saying, ‘This looks different.”

Nunziato recognizes how important the company — and its brand — is to all generations.

“They trusted us, beginning with the dairy items — what this company was built on,” the brand expert says.

“Working with Stew Leonard’s family is one of the great highlights of my career.”

(“06880” reports regularly on interesting Westporters, local businesses — and, like today, their intersection. If you enjoy stories like this, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Indoor Sports Space Coming To Town?

Posted on July 27, 2026 | 17 comments

Westport is a kids and sports town.

And few Westporters know kids and sports better than Jon Deren and Michael Maurillo.

Deren and his wife Sara are raising 3 children here. He’s coached PAL football, Little League baseball and youth basketball. As owner of Camp Manitou, the developer of other camps and programs (including for underserved youths), he’s impacted tens of thousands of children and families. He and Sara also co-founded Experience Camps, a national non-profit that provides programs to boys and girls who have lost a parent or caregiver.

Maurillo and his wife Jen raised 2 boys here. He’s coached youth lacrosse, basketball and flag football, and served on the PAL Lacrosse board. As co-owner and director of Academy Camps, he offers quality instruction and leadership skills to hundreds of young athletes — many of them from Westport — each year.

Both men know how much our town provides its youngsters.

And how much it lacks.

Jon Deren (left) and Michael Maurillo

With space tight, parents haul their kids to Fairfield, Norwalk, Stamford — and beyond — for chances to train, or just play sports indoors with friends.

For several years, Deren and Maurillo have tried to create an indoor facility — a “modern Boys & Girls Club” that is a third space, beyond home and school, where kids can be active and have fun.

Finally, they’ve found their spot.

1431 Post Road East is a non-conforming 1.74-acre parcel, with a restaurant (Bar Lupa), greenhouses and consignment shop. Cars back right onto the road; there are ,multiple entrances and exits.

1431 Post Road East today … 

Deren and Maurillo hope to convert the lot into a 2-story space with an all-purpose court for basketball, volleyball and pickleball; a turf field for soccer, lacrosse and football (big enough for training, but not full games), and a fitness area with strength and conditioning coaches.

The facility would not be for high-level athletes only, the planners note. Any boy or girl who wants to play, train and improve would be welcome.

The aim is for “camp-like activities,” camp owners Deren and Maurillo say. It is not a place for tournaments with teams, and there are no outdoor activities.

There would be locker rooms, and a lounge where youngsters could socialize, do homework and meet with tutors.

… and aerial views showing the present site (left), and planned facility (right, with building and drop-off outlined in beige).

Though the primary users would be ages 10 to 18, Deren and Maurillo would welcome adults when school is is session. There could be toddler programs too.

Tonight (Monday, July 27, 6 p.m.; Zoom), the Planning & Zoning Commission hears a pre-application for the facility. They’ll provide feedback to the applicants on the plan, including parking, a dedicated lane for drop-off and pickup, and landscaping to buffer residential neighbors. (Click here, then scroll down to 1431 Post Road East, for materials provided with the pre-application.)

Game on!

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That’s not the only pre-application the P&Z will hear tonight.

There’s also a preliminary plan for redevelopment of 34 Imperial Avenue, into 2 residential buildings with 9 units. It’s just north of the Westport Woman’s Club, on the west side of the street.

It was constructed around 1890, as a private home. Since 1970, it’s been an office building, with 6 units. The conversion came when town officials created a transition zone, between downtown retail and residences, with offices for doctors, lawyers and small businesses.

34 Imperial Avenue today …

Its location — close to the Library, Levitt Pavilion and downtown — would appeal to empty nesters looking to downsize, and others seeking in-town housing. (Click here, then scroll down to 34 Imperial Avenue, for materials provided with the pr-application.)

… and an artist’s rendering of the 9-unit proposal.

(“06880” regularly covers zoning issues — and every other hot Westport topic. If you appreciate stories like this, please click here to support your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)

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Posted in Children, Local business, Local politics, Real estate, Sports, Teenagers

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Photo Challenge #604

Posted on July 26, 2026 | 24 comments

In the dog days of summer, last week’s Photo Challenge featured a close-up of a painting with 2 dogs (click here to see).

Appropriately, they decorate the back of the bus shelter in front of Schulhof Animal Hospital.

Steven Engel, Andrew Colabella, Robert Mitchell, Nancy Diamond, Lesley O’Connell, Carmela Kaufman and the semi-appropriately named Cat Malkin all slowed down enough on Post Road West to correctly identify the image.

This week’s Photo Challenge looks almost like a painting. If you know where in Westport Tom Kretsch captured this shot, click “Comments” below.

(Photo/Tom Kretsch)

(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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Posted in Local business, Photo Challenge

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Roundup: Young Shoots Photo Contest, Clubhouse Social, Natural Disasters …

Posted on July 24, 2026 | 1 comment

Every Thursday, the Westport Farmers’ Market is packed.

But yesterday’s superb weather helped draw one of the biggest crowds ever, to the Imperial Avenue parking lot.

A couple of thousand shoppers enjoyed all the usual attractions: fresh produce, meats, fish, breads and baked goods, herbs, mushrooms, empanadas, Thai food pizzas, ice cream, dog treats, knife sharpening, live music, kids’ activities, and more.

As always, there were people of all ages. Including kids with cameras.

They were taking images for the Young Shoots photo contest.

For a decade, photographers ages 5 to 18 have captured the energy and beauty of the Thursday market — and shared great images of food, farmers and shoppers.

There are prizes in 3 age groups, and an exhibit and reception for all the young entrants.

The deadline is July 31 — so there is one more week to take photos. Click here for details, and submission guidelines.

Farmers’ Market volunteers remind youngsters that the Young Shoots photo contest deadline is July 31. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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This weekend’s weather will be the best of the summer.

After your fun Sunday morning and afternoon, keep the vibe going.

The Clubhouse — the great event space on the Post Road, near Stop & Shop — is hosting a “Sunday Sunset Social,” on their versatile rooftop.

It’s 5 to 8 p.m. A $30 ticket includes one beer, wine or soft drink, and food. It’s a casual way to wind down the weekend with friends (or make new ones).

The Clubhouse rooftop

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Westport has been relatively free of tropical storm damage recently. But storms Elsa, Fred, Henri and Ida in 2021, and severe flooding in August 2024 — not to mention Tuesday’s torrential downpour — remind us we’re never out of harm’s way.

For 2 decades, area communities have adopted “natural hazard mitigation plans,” with updates every 5 years. The Western Connecticut Council of Governments is again performing resilience planning to reduce losses of property and life due to floods, severe wind events, winter storms, wildfires, droughts, extreme heat events and earthquakes.

Residents can help. Click here to take a quick 5-question survey. 


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Thank you for helping build a safer, more resilient Westport.

The Westport Swim Club is a low-key, but very effective introduction to swimming for 1st through 8th graders. Their values are “fun, friends and fundamentals.”

Many youngsters go on to swim for Staples High School teams.

Tryouts — also low-pressure — will be held next week (July 27-30), from 4:45 to 5:30 p.m. at the Staples pool. Another sessions is set for August 26 (5:30 to 6 p.m.). The fall season begins September 18.

There are 4 registrations each year: fall, winter, spring and summer. There are 4 practices a week (not mandatory). Flexibility is key, for young swimmers and their families.

Click here to sign up for tryouts, Questions? Email ktfdolphin@gmail.com.

Fun with the Westport Swim Club.

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I’m used to being the writer (and podcaster), about all things 06880.

The other day, the tables turned.

I was the interviewee, on a podcast — in 06883.

Jaclyn Jeffrey — the woman behind the great Weston Today website — wrangled me for an “On Point” session.

She calls it “a thoughtful, heartfelt conversation about storytelling, belonging, and why the strongest communities are built one story at a time.”

Jaclyn is a superb interviewer. She helped me articulate a lot of ideas about Westport (and Weston) — and about the work that I do — I hadn’t really thought of before.

Click here for the Weston Today story about the podcast, and a link to it.

Podcast screenshot: Dan Woog and Jaclyn Jeffrey.

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Speaking of “06880”: To celebrate their move to a new, larger space, Indigo Wellness is offering our readers $20 off any service, through August 31.

Just mention “06880” when booking an appointment or checking out. (New clients only!)

The women-led group at 212 Post Road West offers acupuncture, massage therapy, functional medicine, holistic skincare, pelvic floor physical therapy, nutrition counseling and other wellness services.

The welcome area, at Indigo Wellness.

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Westport native Adam Bernard’s new book,” One Hit Wondering: The Stories of 40 One Hit Wonders + Other Tales From The Crates,” was published on Tuesday.

It explores not only those flash-in-the-pan songs, but the stories behind the artists’ lives. There is more to each than just one tune.

Bernard knows them all. He’s been writing about music for over 25 years. The focus, the author says, is more on the “wondering” than on the “one hit.”

Chumbuwamba, A’me Lorain. The artist who sued both Janet Jackson and Beyoncé — successfully. They’re all part of the book.

Click here to purchase, and for more information.

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Longtime Westport resident Lucy Sallick is part of the Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum’s decennial exhibit, “I Am What is Around Me.” The show includes 40 artists living and working in Connecticut. It runs through January 10.

Click here for full details.

The Aldrich Contemporary show.

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Longtime Staples High School Spanish teacher Jannette Atkins Louth died on July 15. She was 101.

The Massachusetts native served as an air raid warden during World War II. She graduated as a Spanish major from Middlebury College in 1947, then earned a master’s degree there. She took graduate courses at Trinity College, Georgetown Summer School in Mexico, and the University of Bridgeport.

She began teaching at Staples on Riverside Avenue in 1947, and retired from the North Avenue campus 35 years later. Each year, she invited her 5 classes to dinner at her home.

She served on the Connecticut Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages. She was active in the United Methodist Church of Westport & Weston, including as a lay reader, board member, choir member, fundraiser and secretary of the building committee.

Atkins was an excellent seamstress too. She sewed wedding dresses for her 3 nieces.

After retiring, she moved to West Harwich, Massachusetts, in the house where her grandmother raised her children after her husband was lost at sea.

In 1992  Atkins married William Louth, a friend of many years. They traveled often, and were active in the Brewster Baptist Church.

She was an active Middlebury alumna, including as secretary of her class. In 2022 she attended her 75th reunion.

Atkins was predeceased by her husband, sister Emily, and brothers Donald and Harold. She is survived by her sister-in-law and great friend Peg Atkins of Middleborough, Massachusetts; stepsons Bradley Louth (Nancy) of Harrington, New Hampshire and Thomas (Jessie) of Naugatuck; 6 step-grandchildren; 5 step-greatgranchildren, and many nieces, nephews and their children and grandchildren.

A memorial service is set for September 12 (11:30 a.m., Brewster Baptist Church. Contributions in her name may be made to Brewster Baptist Church, 1848 Main Street, Brewster, MA 02631, Lower Cape Outreach (19 Brewster Cross Road, Orleans, MA 02653), or a charity of choice.

 Jeanette Atkins Louth

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The jetties at Compo are not “natural.”

And this “Lamb Chop” (as Pam Kesselman calls it) is even more “man-made” (though probably by a woman).

Still, they’re outdoors. And they look nice enough to be featured as today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo.

Hey, it’s our blog. We make the rules!

(Photo/Pam Kesselman)

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And finally … speaking of one-hit wonders (story above): There are so many to choose from.

We’ll go with this one, straight from Adam Bernard’s book:

(“06880” is hardly a one-hit wonder. We’ve been around since 2009 — and have never missed a day. If you appreciate any part of this hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Arts, Entertainment, Environment, Local business, Obituaries, Sports, Staples HS, Weather

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Roundup: Stanley Cup Sequel, Ballot Security, WTF Farm Stand …

Posted on July 23, 2026 | 2 comments

Yesterday’s Roundup included a photo of the Stanley Cup. In Westport.

Traditionally, each member of the winning National Hockey League team gets it for a day. But, we asked, what was the connection between  the Carolina Hurricanes’ Shayne Gostisbehere and Westport?

There was, we noted, a rumor that he lives here.

Turns out: It’s true.

Gina Gostibehere — presumably his wife — posted on our Instagram: “We live here in Westport!!”

We look forward to learning more — like, how (and why) a Stanley Cup champ ends up here. And how he flies (or skates) completely under the radar.

In the meantime: here’s a link to Gina’s Instagram. Looks like she’s got her own great business.

Welcome to Westport, Shayne and Gina.

Unless you’ve been here for a decade, and we never knew.

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With ballot security in the national spotlight, CT Mirror shined a light on Westport.

A story yesterday in the Pulitzer Prize-winning independent online site examined the many steps and procedures Westport’s Democratic and Republican registrars of voters take to ensure security and accuracy, from before the election, to the voting process and afterward.

Click here for the full story.

From left: Yesterday, Democratic deputy registrar of voters Sharon Fiarman, Democratic registrar of voters Deborah Greenberg and Republican deputy registrar of voters Francesca Signore tested a tabulator machine at Town Hall. (Photo/Eddy Martinez for Connecticut Public)

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It’s one of the best-kept secrets in town. (Of course, IYKYK).

The Wakeman Town Farm farm stand is open every Saturday (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.). Farm-fresh produce — plus coffee, flowers, local products, even animal visits and more — make it a family-friendly event.

o

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When Tuesday’s intense but quick storm passed, Rachel Precious assessed the damge.

The rowboat she’d owned for 30 years disappeared from its spot on Evergreen Avenue.

Rachel searched all along Deadman Brook and its banks into town that day, but found nothing.

Finally, yesterday — 24 hours later — a neighbor found it. It had flipped over and was wedged between rocks downstream, underwater and covered up.

That’s one rowboat that did not go “gently down the stream.”

Rachel Precious’ rowboat, downstream …

and in calmer times.

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Nefaire — the facial and aesthetic service spot next to Il Pastaficio at 141 Post Road — is gone.

Its replacement sounds somewhat similar.

Skincare business Osphere’s website says it “brings together 2 things that rarely share a roof: the safety and accountability of medicine directed by our medical director, and the sensibility of Japanese and East-Asian beauty culture — where less is more, details matter, and the goal is harmony rather than exaggeration. A clinic where the price is on the menu before you book, and subtle is the standard.”

This is the 4th Osphere studio. Others are in Stamford, Greenwich and Florham Park, New Jersey. For more information, click here. 

(Photo/Sal Liccione)

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Next up for First Folk Sunday: a tribute concert to Cheryl Wheeler.

Singer Suzanne Sheridan, keyboardist Bob Cooper and percussionist Howard Kesten offers an homage on August 2 (Saugatuck Rowing Club; 12:30 p.m.). Click here for tickets, and more information. 

Clockwise from upper left: Cheryl Wheeler, Suzanne Sheridan, Howard Kesten, Bob Cooper.

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Writing stand-up comedy is no laughing matter.

Well, actually — as hard as it is — it is all about the laughs.

And from August 3-6 (3:30 to 5:30 p.m.), the Westport Country Playhouse offers a “Stand Up & Learn” comedy writing workshop, for ages 12 through 16.

The payoff: a performance for family and friends, at 5 p.m. August 6.

The program engages students in creative writing, communication, critical thinking, and team and confidence building.

The fee is $295. Scholarships are available.

“Stand Up & Learn” founder and director Kevin Flynn is an award-winning actor, writer, producer, host, and comedian. After a professional soccer career, he transitioned to stand-up comedy and won the Boston Comedy Riot.

Click here for more information. Questions? Email  mmeath@westportplayhouse.org.

Kevin Flynn

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Westport Police made 3 custodial arrests between July 15 and 21.

A 28-year-old Stamford man was charged with assault, strangulation and disorderly conduct, following an investigation into a 2025 domestic incident. Medical treatment was sought, after the man allegedly placed his hands around the victim’s neck. He was held on a $50,000 bond.

A 22-year-old New Haven man was charged with larceny and conspiracy to commit larceny, following an investigation into a 2025 shoplifting incident at Ulta Beauty. He was held on a $5,000 bond.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 7 citations
  • Failure to obey state traffic commission regulations: 6
  • Failure to renew registration: 4
  • Distracted driving: 3
  • Speeding: 2
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 2
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle while under suspension 1
  • Texting while driving: 1
  • Failure to comply with handicap parking regulations: 1
  • Failure to drive in the proper lane: 1
  • Failure to display plates: 1

Handicap parking regulations must be followed.

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Among the many effects of Tuesday’s storm (besides Rachel Precious’ missing rowboat): the mulch that Mark Mathias had spread nearby.

Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo shows what happens when Mother Nature meets a modern garden.

(Photo/Mark Mathias)

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And finally … in honor of Rachel Precious’ lost-and-found rowboat:

(Come on down to my blog, baby. And then click here, to support our 24/7/365 work. Ahoy!)

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Posted in Entertainment, Environment, Local business, Police, Politics, Sports, Weather, Westport Country Playhouse

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Hayes Bauer: Young Entrepreneur Lights Up Local Landscape

Posted on July 23, 2026 | 3 comments

When Hayes Bauer’s family moved into a new Westport home 2 years ago, his parents wanted landscape lighting.

Electricians’ quotes were very expensive. So Hayes and his father Ross decided to do it themselves.

They researched online, watched YouTube videos, then started with their front path. It was so rewarding — and looked so good — that they continued with the front and back yards, then added lighting to a stone wall that encircles their property.

Friends were impressed, and asked for the name of their contractor. When Hayes and his father said they did it themselves, those friends asked them to light their yards too.

Upscape was born. The company — with the tagline “Luxury lighting, without the luxury markup” — is earning raves, with their creative, decorative work.

What makes this story even more impressive is that Hayes is not a homeowner, who enlisted his own father to help.

This fall, Hayes will be a Staples High School sophomore.

Hayes Bauer

Not only does he design and install low-voltage landscape lighting all over town — making a house and yard look completely different once the sun goes down.

He’s also the brains behind Upscape. It’s an actual company — a Connecticut LLC, and a registered state home improvement contractor (#0706288, to be exact).

Upscape is fully insured. A licensed electrician handles transformers, and pulls permits. Hayes works alongside him on every job.

This is absolutely Hayes’ company. It’s a year-round commitment, not a summer gig.

(And he is no slacker. Hayes also plays Staples soccer, is a member of Service League of Boys and the Make Our Schools Safe Club, and is on the board of Staples’ DECA, the national business and marketing organization.)

One of Hayes Bauer’s jobs …

The young entrepreneur takes care of everything, from helping a homeowner create a lighting plan to offering quotes, installation and fine-tuning.

“Good landscape lighting shouldn’t shout,” Hayes says. “It should make your home feel warm, layered, and effortless after dark.”

Along the way, Hayes says, he’s learned how to communicate well, and look the part of a teenage business owner.

… and a second …

Customers are quite complimentary.

A Southport homeowner says, “The tree uplighting they installed, especially on our Japanese maple, looks incredible every night. Hayes was professional, fast, and really cares about the details. Couldn’t recommend Upscale more.”

A Westport resident calls it a “great experience. … He provided feedback on what would look best (and) worked quickly to procure the lights and install them. He checked back to ensure they were positioned correctly and that I was happy. Overall a 5-star white glove experience. I couldn’t ask for anything more and the lights look great.”

… and a third.

“When adults trust a 16-year-old with their home, and then write things like that, it means a lot. It’s satisfying to see people so happy,” Hayes says.

His face lights up as he says it.

(Click here for the Upscape website. To contact Hayes Bauer, email hayes@getupscaped.com.)

(“06880” often highlights local businesses, and impressive Westport teenagers — and, as today, their intersection. If you enjoy stories like this, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Local business, Staples HS, Teenagers

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Unsung Heroes #441

Posted on July 22, 2026 | Leave a comment

The Westport Garden Club nominates Sajjad Gul, and the team at Interstate and Lakeland Lumber, as this week’s Unsung Heroes of the Week. The club says:

Earlier this month the Westport Garden Club held a juried Flower Show at the Westport Library, part of the America 250 celebration.

Because of a communication breakdown, the setup team picked up the wrong pedestals from the Wilton Garden Club.

Pedestal size is critical in a juried flower show, as designers build their arrangements to fit assigned dimensions. With the designers’ set-up window about to begin, club chair Kelle Ruden contacted Interstate Lumber, and explained the situation. Within 30 minutes, Sajjad Gul and the Interstate team had cut 4 boards to the required dimensions.

We picked up the boards and installed them on top of the existing pedestals in time for the start of the designers’ set-up window.

A pedestal, courtesy of Interstate Lumber …

The team at Interstate Lumber not only responded immediately and cut the boards to the correct dimensions, but they also charged us only for the materials — and not for their labor.

The Westport Garden Club is deeply grateful for their generosity, responsiveness, and willingness to help on such short notice. Their quick action truly saved our Flower Show set-up.

… holding up a design by Westport Garden Club member Andrea Cross.

(Do you know an Unsung Hero? Email 06880blog@gmail.com. “06880” is proud to honor them — and tell many other tales of town too. Please click here to help us do that, by supporting this hyper-local blog.)

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Remembering Rita Englebardt

Posted on July 22, 2026 | 18 comments

Rita Englebardt — a longtime local journalist, former manager of the iconic Remarkable Book Shop and valued employee at Max’s Art Supplies, and a Westport resident for nearly 70 years — died peacefully at home on Monday. She was 101.

Rita was one of the steady, unsung presences who helped define the character of mid‑century Westport. As a columnist for The Minuteman and The Westport News under the pen name Rita Ross, she wrote dozens of articles, including an award-winning series on historic Westport homes and their notable residents.

Rita Englebardt

She continued working into her late 90’s, using trusted vintage typewriters.

Rita also spent decades working in several of the town’s most noted independent businesses. In addition to managing the Remarkable Book Shop and working at Max’s, she managed Fillow Flowers and Daybreak Nursery.

Rita was a familiar face, recalling “old Westport” and its creative spirit.

Rita Englebardt (far right) at Max’s Art Supplies with (from left) manager Nina Royce, owner Shirley Mellor and Jay Cimbak.

The New York City native worked at the telephone company after high school, selling war bonds. She later moved into public relations, and was one of the first female managers in the male-dominated Madison Avenue advertising world.

She met Stanley Englebardt on a Florida beach in 1948. They married a year later and moved to Westport in 1957, and spent the next 7 decades building a life, family, and community.

Rita and Stan raised their children Leland and Lynn, along with many dogs and cats, in homes on Webb Road and Bayberry Lane.  The latter home, which they designed and built in collaboration with their Westport friend and architect Larry Michaels, was featured in Westport Historical Society exhibit on local mid-century modern architecture.

Rita’s love for Westport was matched by a deep affinity for Paris, where she lived and traveled extensively throughout her life. Her family says, “She is remembered for her passion for all things French, her signature style, and the joie de vivre she brought to her prolific hosting and dinner parties, rallying fellow volunteers to count ballots all evening, and her support for local creators and artisans.

“She was especially dedicated to causes around animal welfare, upholding democratic principles, and preserving a warm, eccentric, community‑centered identity in Westport.

Rita Englebardt and friend.

Rita Englebardt is survived by her children Leland (Jane) and Lynn Riegler (Dr. Nitai Riegler), and grandchildren Daniel, Alexander (Sarah Clark) and Adam Riegler (Mireille Owens).

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Rita’s name can be made to the Ridgefield Operation for Animal Rescue. Friends are invited to celebrate a beautiful moment or toast with friends and family, as she would have loved.

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Roundup: World Cup, Cribari Bridge, Dick Fincher,

Posted on July 19, 2026 | 3 comments

The only thing better than watching a World Cup final in person is being part of a watch party, joined by tons of other soccer fans.

Most of us have not shelled out our mortgage for a seat (plus parking!) at MetLife Stadium, for today’s Spain-Argentina clash.

Instead, we can head to the Westport Library. They host a (free!) afternoon of “Where Westport Meets the World Cup”: the final match, and more.

The Library opens at 1 p.m., for Panini card trading.

From 1:30 to 2:30, Westport soccer folks — including Dan Woog, Chris O’Dell, Paddy Donovan, Joe Pierce and Clemson coach Mike Noonan (video) — will tell stories about their experiences with The Beautiful Game.

At 3 p.m., the match will be shown on the Trefz Forum’s giant screen (the pre-game show will begin at 2:30). The audience here will join billions of others around the globe.

Oh, yeah: There’s Riko’s pizza too (courtesy of “06880”).

Wear your jersey. Bring your friends. See you today at the Library!

(Graphic courtesy of Isabelle Sareen)

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On Friday, “06880” noted that in April, 1st Selectman Kevin Christie said he’d appoint a Cribari Bridge Advisory Committee.

He responded yesterday to our query about its status: “The Cribari Bridge Advisory Committee has not yet been formed. I am continuing to work on its composition and charge, and will provide an update when those details are finalized.

“There have not been any significant recent developments in conversations between the Town and state Department of Transportation. DOT is aware of Westport’s collective focus on safety in the area of the bridge and beyond.”

Cribari Bridge (Photo/Ferdinand Jahnel)

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Dick Fincher’s family, friends and neighbors remembered the former Tree Board chair and Lillian Wadsworth Arboretum visionary yesterday.

A plaque honoring Fincher — a longtime Westporter who died in 2024, at 86 — was unveiled near the entrance to the 12-acre park, at the corner of Stony Brook Road and Woodside Lane. It contains one of his favorite quotes about trees.

Fincher lived across the street. Representative Town Meeting member Lou Mall, who worked with Fincher to turn the overgrown property into a beautiful area with woods and hiking areas, spoke about Fincher’s contributions to the neighborhood and town.

Mall hailed Dick Stein, several RTM colleagues, the Tree Board, former 1st selectpersons Jim Marpe and Jen Tooker, and tree warden Bruce Lindsay, for all they did to carry out Fincher’s vision.

Lou Mall (far right) speaks at the Dick Fincher plaque dedication.

Mall recalled the history of the Woodside Lane land. Wadsworth donated much of it to Earthplace, along with 12 acres to the town, for a new school. But there was not enough room for that building, so it lay forgotten, unused and unmaintained, until Fincher prodded the town to act.

Fincher’s son Doug and wife Dottie also spoke about Fincher’s legacy. The Lillian Wadsworth Arboretum is open sunrise to sunset. Click here for more information.

Town officials, at the new plaque honoring Dick Fincher: From left: RTM members Jay Keenan and Chris Tait, Parks & Recreation Commission chair David Floyd, RTM members Jimmy Izzo and Lou Mall, former 1st Selectman Jim Marpe, former Earthplace director Tony McDowell, former 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker.

Dottie Fincher, with her sons and grandsons. (All photos/Dan Woog)

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Players from Staples High School’s state championship soccer teams of 1981 and ’82 have remained close.

Many still live in the area. And — more than 4 decades later — they still work out together.

Seen Saturday at TAP Strength in downtown Westport, with (at bottom, in photo below) owner EJ Zebro (a former soccer player himself) were (from left) Mike Brown, Guy Claveloux, Dan Donovan and Todd Coleman.

They look like they could still play. And win.

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Speaking of sports: Westport has a new non-operative musculoskeletal care facility.

CT Sports Recovery at 215 Main Street calls itself “the only clinic in Fairfield County offering focused shockwave technology, Unlike traditional radial shockwave systems, focused shockwave delivers energy to precise tissue depths, making it a valuable option for chronic tendon injuries, calcific tendinopathy, plantar fasciitis, joint pain, and other musculoskeletal conditions.”

Founders Dr. Michael Betler and his wife Dr. Anupama Kurra urge clients to “support the body’s natural healing processes through evidence-based, non-invasive therapies before considering more invasive interventions whenever appropriate.”

Their goal is to complement traditional medical care. They serve athletes, active adults, post-operative patients, people with chronic orthopedic conditions, and anyone seeking non-surgical solutions to improve function and reduce pain. Click here for more information.

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The #1 cause of a preventable death after an injury is … bleeding.

A free Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service “Stop the Bleed” class can help save lives.

It’s August 10 (7 to 8:45 p.m., EMS headquarters, 50 Jesup Road). Click here for more information, and to register.

The next class after that is September 24 (same time and site). Click here to register.

And while you’re at it, consider a donation to WVEMS. Many residents don’t realize they pay for everything — from ambulances to Band-Aids — themselves.

There are many worthy causes and organizations in Westport. Few are as life-changing — and life-saving — as this.

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured photo shows what Ed Simek believes is a yellow crowned night heron. He spotted this handsome bird — which he had not seen before — at Burying Hill Beach.

(Photo/Ed Simek)

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And finally … who will win today’s World Cup final?

We have no idea. That’s why they play the game.

In the meantime:

(And finally … no matter what happens today in New Jersey, you’re always a winner when you check out “06880.” And you’re a true champion if you click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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