Category Archives: Longshore

Roundup: Classic Car Show, Real Estate & Arts, Optimum …

Posted on October 25, 2026 | 5 comments

CLASSIC CAR SHOW TODAY AT VFW

Today is Classic Car Day at VFW Post 399.

Whether you know a lot or nothing about old autos, everyone is invited to the Riverside Avenue club, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (Sunday).

Dozens of classic cars will be displayed. There’s a 50/50 raffle too, plus burgers, dogs and other classic fare.

Cuba? No — the VFW!

RTM TRANSIT COMMITTEE TO MEET ON BRIDGE

Speaking of cars (and traffic): The Representative Town Meeting (RTM) Transit Committee meets Tuesday (October 27, 6:30 p.m., Zoom).

There is 1 agenda item: “To discuss the establishment of a working group or subcommittee to review the proposed Cribari Bridge project; identify key areas of concern, including traffic, public safety and community impacts, and discuss the RTM’s potential role, organizational structure, and next steps.”

playhouse wows with “pride & prejudice: Part 2”

The curtain fell last night at the official opening night of “Pride & Prejudice, Part 2: Napoleon at Pemberley.”

It’s a smash.

“06880” photographer Dave Matlow says, “the buzz at the post-performance reception included many variations of ‘the best show I’ve seen at the Playhouse in years.’

“It’s hilarious. It was truly a world premiere, including the presence of playwright Ken Ludwig, one of Broadway’s most successful. This one may be earmarked for Broadway too.”

Click here for tickets, and more information.

The cast of “Pride & Prejudice, Part II.” 

Playwright Ken Ludwig (Photos/Dave Matlow)

real estate and the arts: what’s next?

The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce is a long-time sponsor of a “Real Estate Outlook series.”

This year’s event ties together “Real Estate and the Arts.” It’s an important synergy, but one that’s often overlooked.

Eric Bernheim of FLB Law moderates the November 17 event (8 a.m., the former Pinstripes at SoNo Collection). Click here for tickets, and more information. 

Eric Bernheim

OPTIMUM STORE NOW OFFLINE

Westport Optimum customers hoping to pick up or drop off equipment — or perhaps get some help after their email is hacked — have one less option.

Dave Matlow reports that the store in Compo Shopping Center closed Friday. The nearest locations now are Cross Street in Norwalk, and Main Street in Bridgeport.

In other Optimum news, they are preparing to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. That would hand control to creditors, as billions of dollars in approaching debt matures, news reports say.

PAINTING THE TOWN ORANGE

Dozens of youngsters took to the streets today.

They took part in the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce’s annual Halloween painting contest.

Individually, or in pairs or trios, they transformed store windows all around town into Halloween scenes.

Prizes will be announced this week. But really, every young artist — and every shopper and business owner — is a winner.

Hard at work — looking good! (Photo/Matthew Mandell)

MoCA’s next show: incarceration

With just a few weeks left in their current popular exhibit — if you haven’t seen “Colossi” and “Connecticut Industry,” go! — the Museum of Contemporary Art Connecticut (MoCA\CT) is preparing for their next show.

Inside/Outside offers 3 thematically related exhibitions, all exploring the physical and emotional walls of incarceration: Jesse Krimes: Elegy Quilts, the CPA Prison Arts Annual Show, and Veronica May Clark: Singing Inside a Glass of Water.

On view from December 5 to March 14, the exhibitions reveal how artistic creation preserves memory, asserts identity, and sustains connection in circumstances that restrict personal agency.

An opening reception is set for December 5 (4 to 6 p.m.).

Antoney Drummond’s “The Golden Opportunity” is part of MoCA’s upcoming CPA Prison Arts annual show.

CRAFT WESTPORT PREVIEW

Just 2 weeks remain before one of the unofficial starts of the holiday shopping season: CraftWestport.

Over 165 artists and makers fill the Staples High School fieldhouse November 7 and 8, with some very — and definitely not schlocky — handmade gifts.

This marks the 52nd year for the popular event. It features items not found anywhere else, created by local artists, and independent and small businesses. Nothing is imported.

Attendees can shop for everyone on their list: men, women and children; significant others and colleagues. Every price point is represented.

Items include jewelry, high-end gold, body care, foods, clothing, accessories, handbags, home good, clay, wood, glass, vases, utensils, sculptures, fine arts, photographs, scarves, leather and silk jackets. There’s even a broom maker, and a do-it-yourself silk scarf artist. A hand-stitched embroiderer will demonstrate her work.

For more information, and to purchase advance tickets, click here. 

CraftWestport is one of 2 major fundraisers for the Women’s League of Westport. (The other is April’s Minute Man Race). Proceeds provide financial support to area non-profits. They range from the VFW, EMS and Westport Historical Society to Homes with Hope, A Better Chance of Open Doors.

As for the Women’s League of Westport (formerly the Westport Young Woman’s League): It’s a great way for women to do good for others — and meet and make friends. To learn more, click here. 

CraftWestport returns November 7-8.

PAL ICE RINK LIGHTS UP LONGSHORE

Speaking of the holidays: The Westport PAL Ice Rink at Longshore won’t open until Thanksgiving-ish.

But workers are busy getting it ready.

Rob Jackson reports, “they’re putting lights under the ice this season, as well as hanging them over the ice. A worker said it should be quite a lovely scene.”

(Photo/Rob Jackson) 

ELDERHOUSE: MURDER ON THE DANCE FLOOR

Many Westporters support ElderHouse.

Others appreciate the services of the nonprofit social and medical adult day center.

This Thursday (October 29, 6:30 p.m., 7 Lewis Street, Norwalk), they’ll host a “Murder on the Dance Floor” benefit.

The immersive “1950s sock hop murder mystery event” includes dancing, and a “1950s car hop dinner,” with drinks. Click here for tickets, and more information.

 

“WESTPORT … NATURALLY,” & SONG OF THE DAY

Late October is a time for fall foliage, pumpkins and … mushrooms.

John Maloney spotted today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured photo at Canal Park.

(Photo/John Maloney)

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And finally … in honor of today’s VFW Classic Car Show (item above):

(Whether you have some place to go — or no particular one — please take a moment to click here, to support this hyper-local blog. Now that’s something to toot your horn about. Thank you!

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Posted in Arts, Local business, Local politics, Longshore, Transportation, Westport Country Playhouse

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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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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: Nor’easter Nears …

Posted on September 26, 2026 | Leave a comment

As we begin our nor’easter watch:

High tide last night brought seaweed right up to the Compo Beach parking lot.

(Photo/Jay Petrow)

Low tide was 7:25 a.m.

The forecast calls for continued rain today through tomorrow, with winds of 25-35 miles an hour (and higher guest).

Flooding is likely, particularly along the coast.

Meanwhile, the Parks & Recreation Department has closed all fields, parks, beaches and racquet facilities today.

Boat owners are responsible for securing their vessels. This includes:

  • Use additional lines to secure vessels.
  • Remove canvas, sails, Bimini tops, and enclosures.
  • Remove loose items, valuables, extra fuel tanks, and fishing equipment.
  • Charge batteries and ensure bilge pumps are functioning properly.

Stay dry and safe!

Red flags flying yesterday, at Longshore’s ER Strait Marina. (Photo/Jennifer Johnson)

 

 

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The Westport Weston Family Y Fall Festival has been canceled today. As of 8:30 a.m., the Y was open for all other activities.

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Timing is everything.

This couple chose Friday evening — not Saturday or Sunday — to be married at the Inn at Longshore.

(Photo/Diane Lowman)

Let’s hope the rest of their married life is as lucky!

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Earthplace staff — and the raptors — are ready to greet visitors again!

After extensive renovation, the great Birds of Prey exhibit reopens officially next Saturday.

It takes place during the Fall Festival (October 3, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.). A ribbon-cutting is set for 11:30 a.m.

Enjoying raptors at Earthplace.

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Eleish Van Breems celebrates books, design and “The Rooms with a View Class of 2026” on Monday (6 p.m.). The public is invited.

The authors of 4 new design books will be on hand, to sign books: Cathy Kincaid (“Memorable Rooms”), Douglas Wright (“From Hand to Home”), Isabel Molster (“Beyond Color”) and Patrick Sutton (“Tailored Interiors”).

Got design books to donate? Bring them in!

A portion of the evening’s book sales will be donated to Rooms with a View.

Eleish van Breems

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As we head into a tough weekend, we’ll leave you with a whimsical “Westport … Naturally” image.

We’re not sure what’s going on here, but a brief smile is better than nothing!

(Photo/Rowene Weems)

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And finally … in honor of the happy (and lucky) couple married last night (item above):

(Stay dry! Stay safe! And if you get a chance, take a minute to click here to support “06880.” It will help us continue our coverage of this storm — and everything else we do, 24/7/365. Thank you!)

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Posted in Beach, Environment, Local business, Longshore, Weather, YMCA

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Longshore Inn Renovation Complete: Worth The Wait!

Posted on September 21, 2026 | 5 comments

For decades, the Inn at Longshore was a highly sought after wedding venue.

The ballroom, the lawn out back reaching to the Sound, the chance for the bridal party to stay in a charming New England inn — it was all there.

The Inn was also a popular choice for corporate events, fundraising galas, family celebrations — an all-purpose property.

Yet there was always something a bit off.

You couldn’t quite put your finger on it. But now that the Inn at Longshore has reopened — following a year-long renovation — you can see that relatively small changes are a very big deal.

Newly renovated Inn at K

The waterfront location is a major draw. But standing inside the ballroom before, you wouldn’t know it was there.

A stage — with curtains behind it — blocked it.

Now the stage is off to the side. Walking into the ballroom, the first thing you see is a view all the way out to the water.

Designers even moved a beam near the entrance ramp (now steps). Most people won’t notice that difference. But it is dramatic.

The stage is gone. Now the view is all the way through, to the back. The ballroom holds 400 people for receptions, 300 for banquets. (Photo/Dan Woog)

Out in back, a broad new deck (with portable bars) invites attendees to flow between indoors and out. It’s a common amenity at country clubs — but missing from the Inn at Longshore for forever.

Weddings now take place on the lawn directly behind — not off to the side, near the tennis courts. The bride walks out from the ballroom, across the deck and down a few steps, making a dramatic entrance.

The splendor of an outdoor wedding.

The first wedding at the new Inn was held September 11. In the middle of my tour with Michael Ryan, managing partner of Longshore Hospitality group — the Delamar-affiliated group that has a 30-year lease with the town of Westport — the grateful mother of that bride stopped by with gifts for the staff. The wedding, she said, was “a dream” — even beyond her expectations.

Another wedding was held on Sunday, September 13. That morning, 7 inches of rain devastated Westport. The wedding was delayed by an hour, to 3 p.m. But it was held outside

The ballroom, deck and lawn (plus improved landscaping) are the most visible changes. (And some things have changed only slightly. The façade retains its traditional look. the porte-cochère was scaled back from its original size, and the stately tree at the entrance is still there.)

Rear view of The Inn at Longshore (center). Longshore Sailing School is on the right. (Drone photo/John Videler for Videler Photography)

But guests who stay on the Inn’s 2nd and 3rd floors will notice many differences too. (On weekends, they’re usually wedding parties. Weekday guests include business executives, travelers — and former Westporters, who want to relive the Inn experience when they return to their home town.)

The 11 rooms and 3 suites have been completely redesigned. Each is unique; all match include modern amenities, but with an old-time inn feel. Every 3rd floor room is dormered.

Room numbers were hand painted. And guests don’t have swipe cards — they’re given actual brass keys.

The Compo Suite

The “Lewis Suite” includes framed photos from the Inn’s long-ago start, as Frederick E. Lewis’ private mansion.

The bride’s suite — used by her party on the day of the wedding — was specially decorated by Serena & Lily.

The third floor honeymoon suite is named for Jay Gatsby. It has a particularly striking view — appropriate, because when F. Scott Fitzgerald rented a home on Compo Road South, it is believed his vista of the Lewis estate all the way to the Sound inspired some of his images in “The Great Gatsby.”

Sunlight glittering off the water fills every room facing the Sound. (The bathroom in one offers a particularly killer view.)

Room with a view. (All photos/Longshore Hospitality Group, unless otherwise noted) 

All new state-of-the-art mechanicals ensure smooth operation.

All told, Longshore Hospitality spent $8 million more in capital improvements than they had committed to the town.

The Inn at Longshore is almost completely booked for weddings, through 2027. Bookings for 2028 will begin in November.

La Plage was closed during the renovation. Diners may not see many changes. But the kitchen is completely revamped, easing food prep for both the restaurant and ballroom catering.

Few towns own an inn and restaurant — let alone an entire country club.

For more than 60 years — ever since the town of Westport bought Longshore (paying $1.9 million, for the entire 169 acres) — officials have tried to make the Inn even more special than it is.

Finally, they’ve done it.

Enjoy a fundraiser in the new ballroom. Stay in a very cool room. Have a meal at La Plage.

And — starting soon  — book your 2028 wedding there.

(To learn more about the Inn at Longshore, click here.)

(“06880” regularly covers Longshore, town restaurants, 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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Posted in Longshore, Restaurants

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A Day In The Life: Photo Gallery

Posted on September 20, 2026 | 3 comments

Two weeks ago, residents chronicled “A Day in the Life of Westport.”

It was an ordinary Sunday: September 6. (Timing is everything. The following Sunday saw 7 inches of rain devastate the town.)

Westporters of all kinds — old and young, professional photographers and amateurs, newcomers and old-timers — rose to the challenge.

Using smartphones, actual cameras with expensive lenses, and everything in between, you snapped images. And sent them in.

The final count was 510 submissions. They came from all over town, and showed the wide variety of activities on a late-summer Sunday.

Compo Beach. Soccer. A sandbar party at Old Mil. A car wash. The YMCA. Church. Longshore. The skate park. Saugatuck. Downtown.

All those, and more, are now immortalized in “A Day in the Life of Westport.”

Here are a couple of dozen. Click here to see all 510.  (NOTE: We could have used all 510. But that would break WordPress.)

Next steps for the project — a collaboration between the Artists Collective of Westport, the League of Women Voters Westport, the David T. Langrock Foundation and “06880” — include the possibility of a book with every photo, and other items.

In the meantime: Enjoy these selections. We live in quite a town!

Tunnel of Love (Miggs Burroughs)

Greens Farms Church (Emily Jennings)

Last Days of Summer (Lisa Gold)

Staples Soccer Car Wash (Lisa Bautista)

Challenger Baseball Winners (Beth Cody)

Low Tide Gymnastics (Danielle Harrison)

Aqua Fitness at the YMCA (Patty Kondub)

Jumping in the Water (Sophie Montagnon)

Life at Glendarcy House: Around the Kitchen Island (Tamika Thompson)

Outdoor Lunch at Old Mill Grocery & Deli (Pam Docters)

Last Swim of Summer (Debbie McGinley)

Soccer and Squishies (Maria Mulvehill)

A Sandbar Party at Old Mill Beach (Totney Benson)

Oslo Enjoying Saugatuck Island Beach (Gail Coykendall)

Cribari Bridge (Alison Wachstein)

Old Mill Sandbar Beach Party (James Delorey)

So Many Books, So Little Time (Lisa Tantillo)

Longshore Golf Course Clouds (Marion Pietrowski)

Kids Walking Across the Bridge (Gregory Lessans)

Leaping From Lifeguard Chair (Lynn Untermeyer Miller)

Pop a Wheelie (Eric W. Sydor)

Sunset Swim at Compo Beach (Ryan Ehlers)

Saugatuck Sunsets (Brittany Landan)

Skateboard Silhouette (Herm Freeman)

A Day in the Life (Liz Fye)

Untittled (Ellie Archer)

(“06880” was a proud partner for this project. We’re all about community. And we’re supported by you — our readers. Please click here to make a tax-deductible donation. Thank you!)

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Posted in Beach, Children, Downtown, Longshore, religion, Saugatuck, Westport life, YMCA

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What Do You Love About Westport?

Posted on September 17, 2026 | 10 comments

Cub Scout leader James Delorey writes:

At this year’s Soundview Stroll, Westport Cub Scout Pack 39 asked strollers: “What do you love about Westport?”

If a stroller took a moment to talk with a Cub Scout or Scouter, we asked them to help us discover the places that make Westport special.

We brought them over to a huge map, from the town’s Engineering Department. It includes every road, street, property lot, park, school and geographic feature in town.

Offering 6 different colored markers, we asked people to share: Green for your favorite place to explore nature. Blue for your favorite place to play. Yellow for your favorite place to eat. Purple for a favorite place to walk, bike, or hike. Orange for a place to have fun with your friends. And draw a red heart over “a place that makes you proud of Westport.”

Cub Scouts and strollers at the Soundview Stroll, with their map.

Soundview Strollers of all ages took a moment to orient themselves on the map. In this age of Waze and GPS navigation, we learned that there are many young Westporters who have never looked at a paper map of their town.

Then there were directionally gifted people who thrilled at their fluency with maps, and the chance to help the lost find their way to their favorite places.

Our map came alive with color – dots and red hearts. Runners and bicyclists drew long purple lines for their regular routes. Students drew hearts over their pre-schools and elementary schools, and orange and blue dots over the playgrounds where they play and have fun with their friends.

The Cub Scout map.

Dots for “favorite place” to eat were hungrily drawn for Old Mill Grocery, Bartaco, Casa Me and the Black Duck (one of the most fun spots to find on the map – tracing the Saugatuck River until you’re just under “Interstate 95”).

Longshore, Old Mill Beach (with dots and hearts going all the way out to the sandbar!), Sherwood Island State Park and Burying Hill Beach – Westporters love to get outside.

Intrepid explorers put green dots on the Caryl & Edna Haskins Preserve and the Children’s Natural Playground at Schine Preserve – a couple of Westport’s hidden gems (great places to explore nature).

On our map, Compo Beach is chaotic with color. Multiple blue dots – favorite place to play – were turned into a smiley face by one clever contributor. Red hearts are all over the place (“A place that makes you proud of Westport”).

The Westport Rotary Club’s lobster — aka Rick Benson — chose Compo Beach as his favorite spot, presumably for LobsterFest. The annual event — a favorite of many residents — takes place Saturday.

Our Soundview Stroll map station was really a bit of intelligence gathering. What lights up people’s faces?

Kids love thinking about the places they play, explore nature, and have fun with their friends. Parents loved seeing the places their kids chose, and how they talked about them. The whole exercise was really about starting a conversation.

And we were listening!

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Tomorrow (Friday, September 18) is “Scouting Day in Westport.” Cub Scouts Pack 39 invites all boys and girls from kindergarten to 5th grade (along with parents and siblings) to join us at Compo’s South Beach (the far end), starting at 5 p.m.

Meet new friends, make s’mores, enjoy a campfire, hunt for crabs.

And, if we’re lucky take in a well-earned sunset!

We’ll try to answer any questions you have about Scouting in Westport. But we want to hear about what you’ve discovered too.

Cub Scout Pack 39 makes s’mores at Compo, last year.

We’ll have our giant town map and our markers. Let’s share what we love about Westport, and the wider world.

Cub Scouts explore nature, play, eat, walk, bike, hike, and have fun with friends. We hope you’ll join us.

(Westport Cub Scout Pack 39 is celebrating its 75th year of Scouting. We welcome all boys and girls, kindergarten through 5th grade. To learn more, click here.

(“06880” regularly covers youth activities in Westport — and all the places mentioned here. If you share our love for this town — and this blog — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Beach, Children, Environment, Longshore, Restaurants, Westport life

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“06880” Podcast: David Floyd

Posted on September 14, 2026 | 1 comment

Westport Parks & Recreation Commission chair David Floyd has lived here for over 30 years.

A football, basketball and track athlete at Walter Johnson High School in Bethesda, Maryland, and a University of Maryland graduate, he helps oversee so many local amenities: our beaches, Longshore, athletic fields, parks, and much more.

The other day, David came to the Westport Library, for an “06880” podcast chat. Click here or below, for an inside look at some of the most special places and programs in town.

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Posted in Beach, Local politics, Longshore, Sports

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Roundup: Beaches Erode, Firefighters Climb, Arts Thrive …

Posted on September 12, 2026 | 4 comments

One of the most overlooked (so far) local environmental stories involves erosion and related issues at Westport’s beaches.

The “sandbar” (natural, not food) at Compo Beach, and the continuing disappearance of Burying Hill, are 2 noticeable impacts.

On October 1 (6:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium), RACE Coastal Engineering will present their second Comprehensive Beach Resilience Planning Studies forum.

It covers existing site conditions, potential beach profiles, and anticipated regulatory requirements, among others.

The topic has not been on many residents’ minds. It should be.

Very little actual beach remains at Burying Hill. (Photo/Ed Simek)

In related news, the Parks & Recreation Commission’s September 16 meeting (7:30 p.m., Zoom) includes a couple of interesting items:

  • Parks Master Plan update
  • New parks maintenance facility.

Commissioners will also accept a gift to install dugouts at the Greens Farms Elementary School softball field, dedicated to Nat Brogadir.

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Westport firefighters honored 9/11 yesterday, with their annual memorial service at headquarters. This year’s 25th anniversary carried special meaning.

(Photo/Westport Fire Department)

Then came a visit to the Westport Weston Family YMCA.

Three firefighters climbed aboard a Stairmaster, and completed 110 stories.

That’s the number of floors their New York City colleagues attempted to climb in rescue attempts that awful morning, 25 years ago yesterday.

343 FDNY members lost their lives on September 11, 2001.

Westport firefighters, at the YMCA. The TV on the right shows the New York City 9/11 memorial service. (Photo/Christina Scherwin)

Back at headquarters, Westport firefighters were treated to a nice lunch, by Julie and James Whamond.

The meal was accompanied by a note, thanking the WFD for all they do for our town, and for stepping up for Julie’s family 25 years ago. Her husband, Jonathan Uman, was killed in the World Trade Center attack.

Firefighters, with lunch. (Photo/Westport Fire Department)

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Last night’s New York City lights memorial to 9/11 was visible from Compo Beach. Rick Benson captured this somber moment:

(Photo/Rick Benson)

Rick’s son RB was on a boat. This was the view of Manhattan, from Long Island Sound:

(Photo/RB Benson)

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Also honoring 9/11: this man, spotted by Debra Carson on the Post Road yesterday.

She doesn’t know more about his mission .But we appreciate his journey, and admire his determination.

(Photo/Debra Carson)

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School is back in session.

Parties are in full swing.

And Compo Beach neighbors are not pleased.

For the past 2 weekends, they report, “hundreds” of students — primarily freshmen — have gathered at night on the beach along the Soundview Drive exit road.

Residents report noise and drinking. Police arrive.

One part of the large scene.

Eventually the party ends. “But the seawall and beach are trashed,” one homeowner says.

This morning, Parks & Recreation Department crews cleaned up the mess.

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The Harmonetiks Project is a non-profit fostering recovery and resilient leadership for veterans and first responders. 

It brings community wellness and veteran support together, as public classes and treatments help fund free care for veterans. The project teaches practical self-care skills through programs including Harmonetiks Easy Breath, acupuncture, tai chi, yoga and more.

Owner Mike Williams is an Army veteran and former combat medic.

Harmonetiks opened a training center at 420 Post Road West last month. A grand opening is set for today (Saturday, 12 noon). The public is invited. Click here for more information.

Harmonetiks Project

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Westporters are enjoying the town’s newest outdoor art.

“Circle of Peace” — a bronze sculpture outside the upper entrance to the Westport Library — is a playful work that invites passersby to stop and smile.

It will be officially dedicated on Monday (September 14, 5 p.m.). The public is invited.

Youngsters enjoying “Circle of Peace.” (Photo/Jamie Walsh)

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Speaking of the Library: An extra-special author talk takes places October 2 (7 p.m.). Ocean Vuong discussed his new bestseller, “The Emperor of Gladness.” Oprah Winfrey picked it for her Book Club.

Born in Saigon and raised in a working-class Hartford household, he set his latest story in the fictional town of East Gladness, Connecticut.

The theme is survival. The book tackles the daily weight of caregiving, poverty, addiction, family by choice, and the strange relief that comes when another human being truly notices you when you feel invisible.

Vuong has spoken about Buddhism, the reality of suffering, and how he might have ended up as a monk if writing had not found him first. He’ll be joined on stage by poet, memoirist, and Yale Review editor Meghan O’Rourke.

Tickets include a signed copy of “The Emperor of Gladness.”Click here to register.

Ocean Vuong (Photo/Gioncarlo Valentine)

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Speaking (as before) of art: MoCA\CT celebrated the opening of “Michael Borders: Connecticut Industry” with a public reception Thursday night.

On view through November 15, the exhibition includes 8 monumental painted panels by the Connecticut artist. Individually and collectively, the offer a vivid portrait of our state’s history, industries, landscapes and communities.

For more information, click here.

Michael Borders, at MoCA\CT. (Photo/Mariana Roman)

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Great actors are a Westport Country Playhouse tradition.

But what does it take to get stage — there, or anywhere else?

On Sunday, September 20, Andrew Keenan-Bolger — the original Crutchie in “Newsies” on Broadway — offers 2 master classes for students.

“Building Characters from the Inside Out” gives participants a chance to explore character development through monologue work, script analysis and imaginative storytelling.

The middle school class is 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The high school session follows, from 2 to 4.

The fee is $100. Scholarships are available. For details and registration, click here.

Andrew Keenan-Bolger

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Summer is over. But the Levitt Pavilion keeps rockin’.

A new free show has been added to the calendar. King Stingray brings their unique “Yolŋu surf rock” sound — a blend of ancient Australian indigenous melodies with surf, indie and funk influences — to Westport on September 23 (7:30 p.m.). Click here for tickets, and more information.

Stingray 

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Meanwhile, 5 shows — all free — highlight the coming week, at the outdoor theater.

  • Saturday, September 12, 7:30 p.m.: The always popular Sweet Remains.
  • Sunday, September 13, 7 p.m. Brian López Electric Trio
  • Tuesday, September 15, 7 p.m., Comedy night
  • Wednesday, September 16, 7 p.m., Westport Community Band
  • Thursday, September 17, 7:30 p.m., Barboletta: Tribute to Santana.

Click here for details.

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Avid state park-goer Chris Swan offers this update on work at Sherwood Island:

“Late Thursday afternoon, the contractor finished rough grading a large area on the north side of the newly paved West Beach parking lot.

“I’m guessing they’ll hydro-seed. That will hold this soil from eroding while grass germinates, returning this to an overflow parking lot like what was there pre-project.

“The contractor also painted some lines, and a few remaining crosswalks. Likely some odds and ends remain, but it looks like the paving project is finally approaching the finish line.

“We’ll see how long it takes to tear down and then replace the pavilion roof. I’m not holding my breath on that one.”

Sherwood Island State Park (Photo/Chris Swan)

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Our new header — visible on laptop and desktop versions of “06880” — is a great shot of a Saugatuck Rowing Club crew. Thanks to photographer Bruce McFadden.

Click here or below to see.

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured photo comes from Izzo & Son Country Gardens.

“Always a pleasure seeing these beauties,” she says.

(Photo/Elisabeth Levey)

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And finally … Happy National Video Games Day!

(You may not win every video game. But when you read “06880,” everyone is a winner. And if you like pushing buttons, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Arts, Beach, Library, Longshore, Westport Country Playhouse, YMCA

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Roundup: Main Street PopUp, “Day In The Life” Photos, Paint The Town Yellow …

Posted on September 8, 2026 | 5 comments

Word on the street — Main Street, that is — is that PopUp bagels will move into the space recently vacated by Cold Fusion. An early 2027 opening is planned.

It’s a homecoming of sorts for the business Adam Goldberg began on a whim during COVID.

PopUp Bagels has exploded, with locations nationwide and awards from — it doesn’t get better than this — Brooklyn BagelFest.

We were sorry to see a great gelato place melt away. But when this bagel shop pops up — permanently — it will be the toast of the town.

Adam Goldberg, with his Brooklyn Bagelfest award.

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Organizers rolled the dice for Sunday’s “A Day in the Life of Westport” project.

Would people want to participate? Would they actually upload photos? Would there be a good range and variety of images?

They needn’t have worried. 545 photos were submitted, from midnight to 11:59 p.m. (Actually, the first one came in at 6:13 a.m. — so that’s an average of about 1 every 2 minutes.)

They showed everything: Westport people, places, pets, kids, activities, sports — you name it. Photographers were out there morning, afternoon, and late at night. Thanks to all who participated.

“A Day in the Life” was a collaboration between the Artists Collective of Westport, the League of Women Voters Westport, the David T. Langrock Foundation, and “06880.” We’ll share the photos soon, in a variety of ways.

Meanwhile, here’s one that wasn’t submitted. But it epitomizes the day.

James Delorey says, “My family and many friends spent much of Sunday at Old Mill Beach.

“We went to the sandbar party at low tide, walking to some of the far out ‘islands,’ making sand castles, exploring the jetty, finding clams and crabs, and devouring pizza from Old Mill Grocery. What a day!

“A recurring conversation was how lucky and grateful we are to live in this beautiful town. Then, just before 5 p.m., people started calling out to alert everyone on the beach: a rainbow!

“In this photo, a dad quickly gathers 3 boys for a quick photo. You never know how long a miracle like that will last!”

(Photo/James Delorey)

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Meanwhile, the day after the “Day in the Life” continued sunnily.

And Westporters continued to send in photos.

Here are a few scenes, from Labor Day at Compo Beach:

(All photos copyright DinkinESH Fotografix)

It was also the last day for lifeguards, at the Longshore pool:

(Photo/Susan Garment)

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Looking for some way to participate in “4 Days of Service” — the town-wide initiative from today through Friday that recognizes the courage and sacrifices of so many after 9/11, through service, compassion and generosity?

Paint the town yellow!

Seven years ago, Debra Kandrak had an idea: Every autumn, Westporters should plant daffodils.

Every spring, they bloom.

And — thanks to Debra, and so many volunteer gardeners — every year our town looks more and more beautiful.

This year, Debra is adding a twist: black-eyed Susans. That will keep the yellow theme going from spring to late fall.

“Like daffodils, once you plant black eyed Susans they continue to grow forever with very little effort,” Debra says. “They’ll be here for decades to come.”

Westporters have planted daffodils everywhere: in front yards, on the sides of streets, traffic islands … you name it. Anywhere you can think of: Paint the town even more yellow!

(For more information on Westport’s “4 Days of Service” — including many other ways to help —  click here.)

Daffodils at Willowbrook Cemetery. (Photo/Alina Damian)

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The Schneerson Center for Jewish Life says: “We’ve been blowing the Shofar, a simple hollowed out ram’s horn, for thousands of years in celebration of Rosh Hashana.

“The Shofar is not just a sound. It is a cry. A prayer. A soul-awakening, personal, meditative and rousing experience. Hearing the sound of the Shofar is the main commandment associated with celebrating the Holiday.”

They blow the Shofar this Sunday (September 13, 5 p.m., Riverside Park). The public is invited.

Shofar

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Spotted lanternflies are back — with a vengeance.

They’d look pretty interesting, if they weren’t so gross and obnoxious.

They’re everywhere. Including this one that Pam Docters “spotted” this weekend, on the fountain at Baron’s South:

(Photo/Pam Docters)

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After nearly 4 years, Hummingbird Healing Center is closing.

Lisa Pak — owner of the 2nd floor Main Street “transformation through sound” spot — writes: “As we approach our final days at the Hummingbird Healing Center, I wanted to express how serving this incredible community over the past four years has truly been the privilege and honor of a lifetime.

While this chapter is coming to a close, my healing work as a sound practitioner is gratefully expanding. I will be offering private and corporate sound healing sessions in the area and will keep you all posted.”

They’re open through Sunday (September 13). Lisa hopes to clear out all tables, chairs, shelving, sound healing instruments, meditation cushions, decorations — even plants. (Hat tip: Sal Liccione)

Lisa Pak, with her great river view.

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Hard to believe that the Class of 2006 — the first to graduate from the “new building” — is gearing up for their 20th reunion.

The time-sure-flies event is October 3 (8 to 11 p.m.), at Little Barn. Or, as they remember it, Swanky Frank’s and Woody’s.

Click here to register, and for more information.

This building was brand new, when the Class of 2026 graduated. (Drone photo/Brandon Malin)

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” subject is looking a bit chippy, no?

(Photo/Jamie Walsh)

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And finally … on this date in 1966, “Star Trek” debuted on NBC.

(Space may be the final frontier. But “06880” is your hyper-local blog. Like the starship Enterprise, we take you to unexpected places every day. Please click here to support our journey. Thank you!)

 

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Posted in Beach, Environment, Local business, Longshore, religion

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