We are seeing a return to more warmth emerging over the last 1 1/2 to 2 years. People want peace and quality, in a place that invites them to settle in and get comfortable.
Real estate staging can often look the same over time. Something more personal or unique stands out.
Now, in a sea of sameness — at almost every price point – more interesting interiors and exteriors have emerged. People want homes and furnishings with a story or personality.
New construction, with old-fashioned front porch and shutters. (Photo/Michael Mombello)
There is a new leaning toward collecting over time with an eye toward enduring quality, not a price tag.
People seek out homes that do not feel similar or mass marketed. They want their residences to be more curated, like their travel and vacations.
New net-zero construction on Westport Avenue. It just came on the market.
There is always a mix. If we had to summarize, it feels a bit like Modern Farmhouse is giving way to a warmer, more earthy Modern Cottage vibe.
Things are moving away from stark minimalism. More natural materials and textures are being employed: natural stone, plaster, mixed woods and linen.
Natural look, with plenty of light.
Defined rooms are coming back in favor. There is a preference for fewer, better things, collected over time. Enduring quality and design integrity stand the test of time.
Exterior
Shutters are back, and can offer “from the curb” distinction
Dormers and shed dormers add roofline interest, and provide additional light on upper floors
Patios and crushed stone areas are favored over decks
Patio on Katydid Lane, Weston (Photo/Estative Media)
Outbuildings: for both work and play, they add “compound cool” to a parcel of property
Porches: front, back or side, they are appreciated. Covered and open, they grant shade and protection from the sun or a summer storm.
Ceiling fans keep the air moving, and the bugs away
Raised, protected garden and vegetable beds
Raised bed and organic garden. (Photo/Borgatta Photography)
Flower choices and gardens that respect the natural landscape
Garden antiques: Well-worn pieces that appear to have been there forever give the yard a sense of history and timelessness
Interior
Natural materials and textures
Beams
Wooden, unpainted casement openings in walnut and oak
Mid-tone flooring, not too white or bleached, or too dark and lifeless
Butcher block-topped islands and counters
More color, but strategically used
Family room; darker shade on walls, planked wood ceiling. (Photo/Christian Vinan for 360 Virtual Photography)
Vintage, tribal type oriental carpets and rugs
Warm and earthy palettes, and more lived-in interiors.
Softer whites — restaurant tones like butter yellow or light cream
Small, behind-the-scenes service kitchens or butler’s pantries
Dining rooms
Antique finishes on contemporary forms, and the return of silver accents
Free-standing showers that feel spa-like
Natural wood kitchens, and wood in general
New kitchen. (Photo/Estative Media)
Additional tile details in kitchens, bathrooms, mudrooms and entry halls
Cast iron enameled sinks and tubs
One other trend to note: The first-time home-buying age has steadily increased over the last few years — dramatically. Depending upon what you read, the median age is now 40.
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But when Spinnaker Real Estate bought 2 of the properties that had been slated for development — the rectangle anchored by Minute Man Cleaners, and the private parking lot now filled with boats above Luciano Park — Westporters knew that new ideas would be proposed.
Today, we have our first look at Spinnaker’s plans.
The Norwalk-based firm has filed a pre-application with the Planning & Zoning Commission. It includes 157 units of rental apartments, with a mixed-use component, on the 1.5-acre parcel at the corner of Riverside Avenue and Charles Street (the current dry cleaners, locksmith and parking lot). Eighteen — a bit over 10% — of the units would be affordable, based on state definitions.
The view from Riverside Avenue. Charles Street is on the right.
Working with Beinfield Architecture — a firm that has designed many multi-family buildings (including The Mill on Richmondville Avenue), residential homes, restaurants and offices in the area — Spinnaker envisions buildings of varying heights.
Those facing Riverside Avenue would be 3 1/2 stories. Buildings behind it would be taller.
Two levels of screened parking would accommodate 283 vehicles.
The view looking at Railroad Place. The train station is at far left.
Spinnaker’ traffic engineers, AKRF, say that an initial review suggests the plan would generate “substantially fewer vehicle trips than earlier submittals.” A full analysis is underway now.
Construction staging would be done at Spinnaker’s other property, the lot on Franklin Street currently used for boat storage.
The plan also includes environmental remediation of the site (before its current use as a dry cleaners, it was a car dealership), along with right-of-way and pedestrian improvements.
Along with the P&Z pre-app, a preliminary presentation to the Architectural Review Board is planned for later this month.
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All across Westport, new construction is replacing old.
Almost everywhere, that is.
Last night at Town Hall — a repurposed building itself — the Historic District Commission’s Preservation Awards reminded residents that buyers of older properties have options other than demolition.
The ceremony celebrated “homeowners, builders and businesses (who) are dedicated to preserving our shared history for the future.”
2026 Preservation Award winners include:
4 Old Hill Road
Owner: Ann Sisto
Excellence in Ongoing Care and Maintenance
Purchased in 2021 by Ann Sisto, this is a refined Colonial Revival home, built circa 1932 and sensitively renovated in 2022.
Early owner Emil Dennert — a painter involved in the building trades — adds an element of artistic heritage to the property.
The house sits on a level lot on the north side of Old Hill Road, opposite the King’s Highway North Drill Ground. Its main block features a roof ridge parallel to the street, wood shingles, and a tall central brick chimney. A prominent, asymmetrically placed gabled bay defines the south façade, while a 2-story addition extends from the north elevation.
The entrance is sheltered by an integral shed-roof portico incorporating a projecting bay window. The paneled door, framed by sidelights and topped with a pronounced cornice, reflects the elegant characteristic of Colonial Revival architecture.
For her commitment to the preservation and careful stewardship of this historic home, Ann Sisto and her team — Bill Achilles of Achilles Architects; Jill O’Shea of Jill O’Shea Home Design, and Keith Manca of Keith J. Manca Building Company — earned a 2026 Preservation Award for Excellence in Ongoing Care and Maintenance.
6 Oak Street Owner: Eva Kornreich Excellence in Ongoing Care and Maintenance
(Home not pictured)
This is a 1-½ story Colonial Revival Cape. It features a gabled roof set parallel to the street, an exterior end chimney, and a narrow eave overhang. The 5-bay façade includes a central entrance with a modern paneled door and full-height storm door, sheltered by a gabled portico supported by square posts. A small 2-step stoop provides access. Windows are paired with 6-over-1 double-hung sash with molded trim.
Owner Eva Kornreich worked with architect Kevin Huelster on this project.
14 Treadwell Avenue Owners: Nate Collins and Lili Bordan Restoration Preservation Award
Built in 1890, this is a well-preserved example of a popular type of vernacular Victorian dwelling, typically erected from stock builders’ plans and sold through mail order plan books in the late 19th century.
The house is a simply massed rectangular building, oriented with its gables to the north and south and crowned with a pitched roof with deep overhanging eaves. The south gable serves as the façade, where the front entry is offset to the west of 2 parlor windows.
Its dominant architectural feature is a 1-story hip-roofed wraparound porch, mounted on seven turned posts fitted with jig-sawn brackets designed to support the porch cornice. Also notable is the double-arched window lighting the attic gable.
Owners Nate Collins and Lili Bordan have preserved its architectural integrity and Victorian charm.
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24 Morningside Drive South Owners: George Tsahirides and Lillian Fortino Restoration Preservation Award
The c.1852 Charles B. Sherwood House is a well-preserved example of the Italianate villa, a hallmark of the Victorian-era picturesque movement.
This residential style was valued for offering practical, comfortable, and visually appealing homes that could be built economically. Designs for small villas like this one were widely circulated in the period’s architectural pattern books.
Notable Italianate features of the house include its machine-cut roof brackets, tulip-capped colonnettes supporting the porch roof, and tall 6-pane ground-floor casement windows — elements that retain the character of the home’s original design.
George Tsahirdes and Lillian Fortino meticulously restored and stewarded this historic property.
26 Treadwell Avenue Owners:26 Treadwell LLC Rehabilitation Preservation Award
The Henry Patchen House stands on a lot he acquired in 1912. Despite later porch alterations, the property remains a strong example of a Queen Anne–period residence, a style commonly built from builders’ plans sold through mail-order catalogues.
Notable features include its cross-gabled form, designed to maximize natural light; incised brackets made possible by advances in assembly-line production during the Industrial Revolution, and characteristic mix of siding materials that provide visual texture.
The Victorian-era cross-gable house is fronted by a 1-story, 3-sided wraparound porch supported by simple rectangular posts, with the east side now screened. Deep overhanging eaves define the roofline. The intersecting east and west wings feature 3-sided angled window bays with distinctive corner overhangs trimmed with incised console brackets. The main structure is clad in clapboard, while the gables are finished with novelty-pattern shingles.
35 Wright Street Owners: Carl and Cynthia Muller Helen Muller Preservation Award
The Zalman Sanford House was built in 1845. By 1955 the property was occupied by Theodore Muller, and it has remained in the Muller family ever since.
The 2-story, 3-by-2-bay structure was built in the Greek Revival style. A 2-story ell and 1-story attached garage were added in the 1960s. The most recent renovations were completed in 2025.
Owners Carl and Cynthia Muller worked with Jack Franzen and David Woitowitz of J.P. Franzen Associates; Mike Kaesmann of Kaesmann Builders LLC; Gloria Gouveia of Land Use Consultants; Diane Devore of Devore Associates; and Mike Ceci of Ceci Bros, Inc. The Helen Muller Preservation Award honors a property within a local historic district that exemplifies excellence in restoration or preservation.
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44 Compo Mill Cove Owners: Lance and Anne Lonergan Rehabilitation Preservation Award
The much-photographed Gallagher Cottage is one of the oldest remaining homes in the Mill Cove Historic District. The district is composed of cottages and bungalows designed in Colonial Revival and Bungalow-style architecture, all built between 1908 and 1940.
The Gallagher Cottage was constructed circa 1917 as a bungalow, and is noted as one of the best preserved structures in the district. The modest home also had a smaller cottage built circa 1905.
The home exhibits typical Bungalow-style architectural characters, with some details commonly seen in Craftsman architecture dating from 1905 to 1930. It is a 1-1/2 story simple floor plan featuring a large central fireplace with a stone exterior, a deep covered porch tucked beneath the main side-gabled roof, and a large, shed dormer looking out to Long Island Sound. Distinctive roof details typical of the style include exposed rafter ends at the exterior walls, and a subtle break in the roof slope.
The home has changed hands less frequently than usual. Anne and Lance Lonergan purchased the home in 2022. They undertook a significant restoration project to raise the home to meet modern standards for coastal resilience, while preserving its historic character.
Preserved details include the deep porch, shed dormer and described roof, which was further enhanced with the installation of the more historically appropriate cedar roof in place of the asphalt shingles.
64 Wright Street Owners: Kathy Bergsteinsson & David Grimes Restoration Preservation Award
This historic home is named after its original owner, Frederick Morehouse, who earned his living as a shoemaker. Constructed circa 1840, the residence has undergone several additions over time. It was most recently restored in 2024.
This well-preserved vernacular Greek Revival-style home, accented with Colonial Revival details, is distinguished by its gable end facing the street, wide roof overhangs at the eaves and rake, and returns at the gable ends.
The façade is arranged in a 3/3 bay configuration with an offset entrance sheltered by a gabled portico supported by slender columns. The entrance features an arched transom and 3/4 sidelights, with the arch echoed in the portico’s gabled roof.
The house occupies a level lot on the north side of Wright Street, within the King’s Highway North Local and National Historic Districts.
The owners are new to Westport, but have chosen an iconic building as their home. In recognition of their commitment to preservation, they are honored along with Alfred Demarco, owner; Steven Folb, developer and owner’s agent; Deirdre O’Farrelly, architect; Peter Stofa & Company and team, builder; Cuoco Structural Engineers, engineer; Andy Ramage, ARD Builders, restoration contractor, and Maggi Baumbusch & Family, inspiration.
70 Turkey Hill Road South Owners: Rahul Ghai and Priyanka Singh Restoration Preservation Award
The John F. Dingee House stands on a lot purchased in 1892. The owner later assisted in constructing the nearby trotting track (c. 1915) used by E.T. Bedford at his horse and breeding farm on West Parish Road. The two men shared use of the track for many years.
This late-19th-century Queen Anne residence has been extensively restored by current owners Rahul Ghai and Priyanka Singh. Although a previously issued demolition permit would have allowed them to raze the structure, they elected to preserve it, utilizing zoning regulation 32-18, which also permitted construction of an additional building. Their project included rebuilding the front and rear porches, replacing vinyl siding with wood, and installing a new wood roof in place of asphalt shingles.
The house is a distinguished wood-framed structure characterized by its asymmetrical massing and distinctive roofline of hipped and peaked forms. The primary gable-front block faces east toward Turkey Hill Road, while a secondary hip-roofed wing containing the main entrance extends north. A 1-story shed roof porch supported by 3 posts unites the 2 volumes, and frames the northern entry bay. All 2-over-2 window sash are reproductions.
107 Wilton Road Owner: Janet Liston-Reynolds Rehabilitation Preservation Award
The Hurlbutt-Haslam House, constructed circa 1740, is an early Federal-style residence that has undergone substantial alteration through multiple additions over the past two centuries.
The main block is oriented with its gable end facing the street. A 1-1/2 story ell extends from the north elevation, followed by a set-back single-story garage. The ell aligns flush with the main block.
The house features wide eave and rake overhangs, and a modern brick chimney is centrally located along the main-block ridge near its junction with the ell.
The property, referred to as the “Old Mansion House” at Old Hill in an April 5, 1790, deed, was likely built by Captain Phineas Hanford sometime after 1737.
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At a time of rising antisemitism worldwide, Temple Israel is growing.
The 1,100-family congregation — the largest Jewish one in the state — has grown more than 60% over the past 5 years. They’ve tripled their pre-school, and doubled the Hebrew school. Next month, they welcome their 6th clergy member.
Between youth and adult programs, rites like bar and bat mitzvahs and baby namings, and Shabbat and holiday services, the building teems with activities.
Now Temple Israel is growing in another way.
On Tuesday, they closed on the property next door. Purchasing 6 Coleytown Road — owned by the same family since the 1960s — adds 2 acres to the 6-acre 14 Coleytown Road campus.
It’s a perfect fit physically. The land will fill in the fourth quadrant, just west of the existing land (to the right, driving in).
Temple Israel’s existing property is outlined in blue. The new purchase is in red (lower left).
It’s also a perfect fit dynamically. Rabbi Michael Friedman and the board of directors do not yet know how they’ll utilize the land. But as Temple Israel grows in numbers and activities, there will be no shortage of ideas.
“When we had the opportunity to acquire this, right next door, we realized it’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance,” Rabbi Friedman says. “They’ve been great neighbors, and we hope we’ve been good to them.
“It’s exciting. We recognize the responsibility of planning thoughtfully for a vibrant future.”
Formed in 1949, but without a permanent home for the first 10 years, Temple Israel has over the past years attracted young families, empty nesters and others, beyond its original Westport and Weston base.
The congregation’s footprint has expanded into Wilton, New Canaan. Fairfield, and beyond, Rabbi Friedman notes.
Temple Israel
“Our building and campus gets a lot of use,” he adds. “That’s a feature, not a bug.”
In an email to congregants yesterday, temple officials said: “As we move into the next 75 years of our congregation’s story, we envision a campus that supports the vibrant 21st century Judaism we have created, providing spaces where we can safely and joyfully gather, learn, worship and celebrate.
“There is still important planning work ahead, and we look forward to keeping you informed as conversations continue and next steps unfold. At the same time, we have begun to dream about how this opportunity could take shape — imagining how this space might enhance connection, expand what we are able to offer, and support the evolving needs of our growing community. While it is still early in the process, these initial conversations have been both energizing and inspiring as we consider what is possible.”
As antisemitism rises in the US and around the world, Rabbi Friedman says, “it is particularly meaningful to have hopefulness.”
He sees that hope in the continued growth of Temple Israel — programmatically, spiritually, and now physically too.
(“06880” regular covers religion, real estate, and more. If you appreciate our hyper-local focus, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
A nationally known financier and philanthropist, and a community non-profit serving adults with disabilities, will be honored by StartUp Westport next month.
Longtime Westporter Marc Lasry is the entrepreneurial group’s Innovator of the Year. Club203 will receive the Impact of the Year Award.
The ceremony is set for June 1, 6 p.m.,, Westport Library).
Lasry is chair, CEO and co-founder of Avenue Capital Group. He is also a former owner of the Milwaukee Bucks. He has supported university initiatives; served as a director of the 92nd Street Y and the Big Apple Circus, and was a trustee of the Mount Sinai Hospital in Manhattan.
Lasry and fellow Westporter/”Today” co-anchor Craig Melvin will discuss how leaders navigate high-stakes moments when information is incomplete, pressure is high, and the path forward is not clear.
Club203 will be cited for their work fostering inclusion and connection through innovative, community-driven programming.
Speaking of Club203 : They celebrated Cinco de Mayo a day early — Monday night — at an appropriate venue: Mexica restaurant.
Members of Westport’s social organization for adults with disabilities enjoyed great food, art with MoCA\CT, and dancing a conga line with music by Marca.
Sure, Westport homes are disappearing steadily. “06880” has already posted 44 of them, in our “Then & Now” series — and we’ve just scratched the surface.
But plenty of Westporters are preserving old homes too.
Tomorrow (Thursday, 7 p.m., Town Hall auditorium) the Historic District Commission presents their 2026 Preservation Awards.
Honorees include:
4 Old Hill Road, Emil Dennert House: Excellence in Ongoing Care and Maintenance Preservation Award
6 Oak Street: Excellence in Ongoing Care and Maintenance Preservation Award
14 Treadwell Avenue: Restoration Preservation Award
24 Morningside Drive South, Charles B. Sherwood House: Restoration Preservation Award
26 Treadwell Avenue, Henry Patchen: Rehabilitation Preservation Award
35 Wright Street, Zalman Sanford House: Helen Muller Preservation Award
44 Compo Mill Cove, Gallagher Cottage: Rehabilitation Preservation Award
64 Wright Street, Frederick Morehouse: Restoration Preservation Award
70 Turkey Hill Road South, John F. Dingee House: Restoration Preservation Award
The Westport Rotary Club delivered checks to 47 local nonprofits yesterday, at their annual Community Giving Day lunch at Green’s Farms Church.
The grants marked a record: $309,000. Much of the funds came from September’s hugely successful LobsterFest.
The Rotary Club’s goal is to make this year’s event even bigger — and the grants bigger too.
Westport Rotary Club members and grant recipients yesterday, at Green’s Farms Church. (Hat tip and photo/Dave Matlow)
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More Rotary news: Clubs across Fairfield County are planning an “Epic Day of Service” on Saturday, May 16.
And they urge non-members to join in too.
Service projects in Bridgeport, Fairfield, Norwalk, Westport and Wilton will address urgent community needs and support vulnerable populations. Residents have a hands-on opportunity to give back, while connecting with neighbors and partnering with local non-profit organizations.
Projects last 2-3 hours, and focus on issues like food insecurity, homelessness, public space improvements, and support for military veterans and individuals with special needs.
The first 25 volunteers will receive an “Epic Day of Service” T-shirt.
Residents interested in participating or learning more can click here, or email
After a wildly successful 2025, with 10 teams competing under the lights at the beach, the Parks & Recreation Department program returns next month.
Games will be played Tuesday nights, from June 23 to August 18.
Teams can sign up here. The league will be capped at 12 teams. Each captain must submit an $800 fee at signup. The fee covers jerseys, referees and scorekeepers. Rosters are due May 28.
Questions? Email jordan.schur@gmail.com.
Compo Beach adult basketball action, 2025.
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Last month, the Brubeck Brothers Quartet sold out MoCA\CT for a special “speakeasy” performance, tied to the current “Art, Jazz + the Blues” exhibit.
On May 19 (7 p.m.), Chris Brubeck returns. And he’ll bring his eclectic, virtuosic Triple Play trio along.
The musicians have spent decades refining a unique blend of blues, folk and jazz.
Brubeck is a multi-instrumentalist (piano, electric fretless bass, trombone and vocals). Peter “Madcat” Ruth is a Grammy-winning harmonica virtuoso and protégé of Chicago blues legends, and master of of 40 different harps, ukulele, and percussion. Joel Brown is a noted acoustic guitarist and singer-songwriter, specializing in soaring melodies.
Brubeck says, “I felt tremendously motivated to return to the performance gallery because the artwork — specifically by (Westporter) Eric von Schmidt — so beautifully evokes the American ‘roots’ and blues traditions that are Triple Play’s specialty. The music will totally integrate with the exhibit. It’s going to be an incredible sensory experience.”
The Westport Country Playhouse Script in Hand play reading — a long-running, very popular and inexpensive ($30!) series — continued Monday night with “One Slight Hitch.” The playwright is noted comedian Lewis Black.
Three performers are Juilliard graduates. Nearly all have Broadway experience.
The next Script in Hand is June 8. The title will be announced soon.
“One Slight Hitch” cast and crew (front row, from left: Maggie Scrantom, Gabe Gaston, Cassidy Stoner, Taylor Dunbar, Hannah Bakke (stage directions). Rear: Jater Webb, Kevin O’Rourke (director), Kathleen McNenny, and Daniel Jenkins. (Photo/Kelsey McFarland)
The Whitney Street sidewalk/street widening/repaving project is going well.
And there’s a lot to do.
Check out these boulders:
(Photo/Molly Alger)
Thankfully, the machine on the left can help the guys in the middle.
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Longtime Westport and Weston resident Regina Kendig died Mnday. She was 79.
A Brooklyn native, she graduated from Newton College of the Sacred Heart. She distinguished herself both academically and as a star of the school’s first all-girls touch football club, a great point of pride.
In New York she launched a career in advertising, which she loved deeply. She passed her passion on to her son Ty, who has spent 25 years in the industry.
Moonlighting as a hostess at the executive dining room atop the Pan Am Building, she met Pan Am executive Hal Kendig. They were married at Sleepy Hollow Country Club.
Adventurous years followed. The couple traveled widely before settling in Miami for Hal’s work. When his career brought the family north again, they planted roots in Westport. For more than 40 years, that town and Weston were home.
As her children got older, Regi leveraged her love of beautiful homes into a 40- year career in real estate. She touched hundreds of lives, guided by an unwavering commitment to finding the perfect home for the families she served.
Regi was a devoted book club member, a cherished friend, and a lover of Compo Beach. She was often found, window down, McDonald’s Diet Coke in hand, soaking in the view.
At home as a hostess, her tablescapes were works of art, and her holiday meals legendary.
After Hal died in 2014, Regi found constant companionship in Nikki, her Shih Tzu, and a “coven” of friends. All were by her side in her final days.
Regi is survived by her son Ty (Elizabeth), daughter Paige (Bryan), and brothers Paul (Joelle), Greg (Alden) and Joe (Lori).
She will be laid to rest beside Hal at Christ & Holy Trinity Cemetery. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Earthplace, where Hal served on the board and which she was devoted to as well.
(From historic homes to innovators, and jazz to basketball, “06880” covers it all. If you enjoy these daily Roundups — or any other part of our hyper-local blog — please click here to support us. Thanks!)
In just a couple of months since its debut, our “06880” AI widget has fielded a few thousands queries.
But many readers are not getting nearly as much out of it as they can.
They use it like Google search, rather than the much more robust engine it is.
Queries like “Staples,” “Cribari Bridge,” “library” or “[insert your name here]” are not the best way to interact with our 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 do Staples students think about the cellphone ban?”
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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.
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The mother of all tag sales takes places tomorrow (Saturday).
Over 40 homeowners have signed up for the Nolan Team at Compass’ town-wide event. –
The hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., though individual homes might have different times.
Click here for a map, with all locations. Each site it clickable, so you can see what they offer.
Plan your route — and happy shopping!
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The Westport Library is a special place for everyone, no matter your age.
On the weekend of May 8-9 though, it becomes extra special, for a special age group: young kids.
The children’s staff has planned several events. They include:
Stuffed Animal Slumber Party (May 8, 4 p.m.): Bring a stuffed friend to the Library for fun and crafts — then leave your stuffie at the Library overnight, for a special toys-only sleepover.
Return Saturday morning to pick up your friend. Enjoy a special story time together, and discover what adventures they had at the Library.
For kindergarten and up. Registration required; click here.
Library Insiders(May 9, 10:30 a.m.): Meet the children’s staff members. Get an inside look at upcoming programs for babies, toddlers and young children. Experience activities, story time moments and learning at home ideas. Designed especially for families with young children. RSVP by May 4: rpowell@westportlibrary.org.
Train Room grand opening(May 9, noon, Higgins Room): The train room is back! Children of all ages and their caregivers are welcome, to read, relax, unwind, and “blow off steam” with the train set. Drop-ins welcome.
Reading to Rover (May 9, 4:30 p.m.) Read aloud to a therapy dog. Both early and practiced readers are welcome.
Jonathan Greenfield — a photojournalist, film director, tea importer, athlete, world traveler, environmentalist and devoted husband and father, whose battle with ALS helped and inspired countless people here and around the world — died 5 years ago at his Westport home, surrounded by family and close friends. He was just 50 years old.
He left behind quite a legacy. Breathe4ALS — a charity that he and his wife Iris created — funds research, medical equipment, and essential services for families facing the devastating disease. His children Zach, Skye and Josie have joined in too.
Their work is inspired by approaches like breathwork and cold exposure popularized by Wim Hof.
On Saturday, May 16 (3 p.m., 10 Pine Tree Drive), Skye has organized a community meditation and ice bath event. Instructor Michael Christoforo will help guests focus on mindfulness, resilience, and coming together meaningfully.
No prior experience is needed. Participants can join the guided meditation, ice bath or both, all fully supported and optional based on comfort level.
The donation of $250 per person also includes a photo book of Jonathan’s life.
To register, and for questions, email skyengreenfield@icloud.com. If you can’t attend but want to support Breathe4ALS, click here.
When the Historic District Commission meets May 12 (7 p.m., Zoom), they’ll consider demolition permits for these properties, all at least 50 years old:
Speaking of the Playhouse: In 2020, longtime benefactor Paul Newman’s daughter Melissa and graphic artist Miggs Burroughs — both longtime Westporters — repurposed a 1960s-era photo of the actor, urging “Young Citizens for Johnson” (as in, LBJ) to register and vote.
Westport’s One River School of Art + Design is gearing up for another season of immersive, hands-on summer camps.
Programs spark creativity, while helping students build skills, confidence, and a deeper connection to their artistic voice.
Offerings include Art Explorers, and Storybook Art (grades K-2); How to Draw a Dragon, Pour Painting, and Plushie Pals (grades 3-5), and Character Design, Fashion Design, Cosplay, digital art and portfolio development (grades 6-12).
Morning and afternoon sessions are available. For more information and registration, click here.
Speaking of One River: Staples High School’s Advanced Placement Art & Design students will showcase their work in a special exhibition there, later this month.
The show’s works reflect a wide range of ideas, materials, and personal expression.
During the year-long class students explore a central idea, question or theme.
Featured artists include Cole Cummings, Alexandra Emmert, Dylan Endich, Eliza Greenspan, Piper Grove, Matthew Jahn, Chloe Jordan, Aurelia Laitmon, Isabella Larson, Emersyn Miller, Sydney Minervini, Sally Nathan, Olivia Schiavone, Benjamin Serfaty, Jessie Zhang, Charlotte Booth, Dexter Chadwick, Jonathan Deitch, Natalia Garment, Kaya Halper, Nina Katz, Ava Kindt, Risa Mass, Harry McLaughlin and Penn Videler.
An opening reception is set for next Friday (May 8, 4 to 5:30 p.m.).
Chromatic work, by Matthew Jahn.
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Terrain celebrates the season tomorrow (Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.), with a special “Dig Into Spring” event. It includes:
Kids seed potting, a native plant tour and free potting in the nursery
Make a Mother’s Day card
Bring your garden tool, scissors or knives for sharpening
And finally … David Allan Coe — the country singer whose outlandish exploits, prison tales and obscenity-laden performances earned him notoriety as perhaps the most transgressive exponent of the outlaw country movement of the 1970s and ’80s,” according to the New York Times, died Wednesday. He was 86.
(Unlike David Allan Coe and Johnny Paycheck, we love our “06880” job. But we couldn’t do it without reader support. Thanks for clicking here, and helping us keep working here some more!)
Starting tomorrow (Friday), beach stickers are required for all Westport beach parking lots.
Receipts will not be accepted. Emblems must be displayed on windshields.
If you order online, delivery takes up to 2 weeks. For quicker service, stop by the Parks & Recreation Department office in Longshore weekdays, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Everyone’s got documents to shred. And who doesn’t want to support cancer research?
Both come together on Saturday, May 9 (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.,, William Raveis Real Estate rear parking lot), 47 Riverside Avenue).
Raveis is sponsoring “Shred it for Cancer Research.” Your stuff will be shredded as you watch. You don’t even have to leave your car.
There’s a suggested donation of $5 per shopping bag, $10 per box or shopping bag, $20 for a large garbage bag (cash, check credit card or Venmo.
100% of every donation benefits the William Raveis Charitable Fund, Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
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On May 3, Histoury brings its look at colonial-era homes to Westport and Weston.
The charter bus will highlight many sites. Four will be open for inside looks: the oldest home in Westport, an 18th-century house almost destroyed during the Revolutionary War and retains original Delft Blue tiles, the Rachel Beers dowager home, and the Osborn Dairy farmhouse.
Vernacular farmhouses, Georgian and Federal homes, and the Cape Cod style are some topics of colonial-era architecture that will be seen and discussed, along with stories about the people and history of those places.
Over the past few months, VFW Post 399 has become one of Westport’s premier music venues.
This Saturday (May 2, 7 p.m. doors, 8 p.m. show), the Connecticut Grateful Dead All Stars take the stage.
A great show will be made even greater, thanks to Crispin Cioe. The saxophonist (and longtime Westporter) — a member of the legendary Uptown Horns — has performed with The Rolling Stones. He’s also heard on “Love Shack” and “Living in America.”
A light bar menu (including hot dogs and pizza by the slice) is available. Tickets are $17.85 here, $20 at the door.
Where else can you see the Dead — or Crispin Cioe — for that price?
Speaking of music: Just added, to MoCA\CT’s “Art, Jazz + the Blues” exhibit: a screening of “Jazz on a Summer’s Day” (May 28, 6:30 p.m.).
The 1959 film — captured against the backdrop of the Newport Jazz Festival and America’s Cup — features legends like Louis Armstrong, Thelonious Monk, and Mahalia Jackson. All 3, and others, inspired the works currently hanging in the MoCA galleries
The screening will be followed by a Q-and-A with Yale professor of music and film & media studies Brian Kane. He’ll explore how 20th-century icons continue to shape American culture.
Village Pediatrics’ “Story Walk” — the often-changing displays along the Saugatuck River, outside their Riverside Avenue office — is always worth a look.
The current display sends a particularly important message:
As part of our tribute, we noted that the renowned dancer and longtime Westport resident helped choreograph 2 Staples Players shows (both of which she had starred in): “Alice in Wonderland” in 1964, and “Oklahoma!” 10 years later.
But, Players co-director David Roth notes, there’s another connection.
Her daughter Jennifer DeJesus played Louise — the role Bambi Linn originated on Broadway) in the high school troupe’s 1981 production of “Carousel.”
That Players production is famous for another reason: It featured Michael Hayden as Billy Bigelow.
The Staples star eventually played that role on Broadway, too.
Michael Hayden
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Another “06880” Roundup entertainment follow-up:
Yesterday, we reported that Westport neighbor Nile Rodgers was one of the New York Times’ “30 Greatest Living American Songwriters.”
That item followed directly after an item about Wynton Marsalis’ upcoming show at the Levitt Pavilion. (It’s June 28. Tickets go on sale to the public tomorrow.)
The Levitt’s Carleigh Walsh quickly reminded me that Rodgers — and Chic — played a memorable show at the outdoor venue too. The year was 2016.
The video (click here or below) shows the intro to his “Get Lucky” hit. It’s very personal, and emphasizes his artistic identity as a songwriter on countless hits he has created, produced, recorded and influenced.
The video also includes a stage-side view of Rodgers, playing his signature guitar.
Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between April 22 and 28.
A 34-year-old Bridgeport man was charged with 2 counts of operation of a motor vehicle while under suspension, operating an unregistered motor vehicle, failure to meet minimum insurance requirements and failure to appear, after an officer on Post Road West noticed a vehicle with a suspended and expired registration, unconfirmed insurance coverage and a possible active arrest warrant. He was released on a $7,500 bond.
A 37-year-old Stamford woman was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs and failure to grant right of way, following a motor vehicle accident with injuries on Riverside Avenue. She was released on a $500 bond.
Westport Police continued their month-long crackdown on texting while driving. They issued these citations:
Texting while driving: 48 citations
Distracted driving: 12
Violation in a school zone: 9
Traveling unreasonably fast: 5
Failure to renew registration: 5
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 4
Failure to obey stop sign: 4
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 3
Breach of peace: 1
Failure to move over for an emergency vehicle: 1
Speeding: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
Tinted glass violation: 1
Violation of permit requirements: 1
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 1
If you see these in your rear view mirror — or coming the other direction — pull over!
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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” image is a bleeding heart — the floral, not the political kind!
And finally … the Nile Rodgers item above got us thinking about his mega-monster hit. It definitely deserves another spin, here on his hometown “06880”:
This week’s edition of yesterday and today — Dave Matlow’s photos of Westport homes pre-teardown, and their replacements — continues in the North Avenue/ Long Lots Road neighborhood.
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