Our “Historic Homes of 06880” tour returns for a third great year!
Save the date: Sunday, November 2 (1 to 4 p.m.).
Once again, we’ll open 4 beautiful — and very different — homes to the public. You’ll see loving restorations, creative touches, and some very cool surprises.
Once again, we’re working with KMS Team at Compass to present this fun (and very popular) event.
The 4 homes will be revealed soon. See you November 2!
This Cross Highway barn was part of our 2023 “Historic Homes of 06880” tour. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Want to help shape the future of Westport’s parks?
As part of the Parks Master Plan process, the Parks & Recreation Department hosts a public workshop on September 30 (6 p.m., Westport Library). All community members are invited. It will be run by the town’s consultants, BL Companies.
The Town’s consultant, BL Companies, will provide residents with the opportunity to engage directly with the consultants, share feedback, and learn more about the planning process.
If you’re between the ages of 6 and 18, and you play music — or want to — or you’re the parent of someone who does, check out the Music Collective’s open house this weekend (September 20-21, 3 to 6 p.m.; 1572 Post Road East).
The Collective (formerly the Gig Center) looks forward to showing off its space. Instructors will be there, attendees can try out some instruments. Or sing into a mic.
Jim Savage plays boogie-woogie piano on Saturday (September 20, 6-9 p.m.).
And a Veterans Benefits Luncheon is set for September 25 (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.). It’s open to all veterans as part of an ongoing effort to check in on all veterans’ welfare, and connect them with the benefits and support they earned.
Representatives will answer questions, and provide information on services and assistance available to veterans.
RSVPs are encouraged (but not required). Email vfw399ct@gmail.com, and include the number of attendees, or call (203) 227-6796.
PS: If you’re not a veteran, but know one: Please pass the word!
Mark Shanahan has earned standing ovations as the Westport Country Playhouse artistic director.
But he works his magic away from the local stage too.
Shanahan is the writer and director of the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp’s annual Fandango Benefit Gala. It’s this Saturday night, at the Ashford camp in northeastern Connecticut. Shanahan took over the role from the Playhouse’s Anne Keefe, several years ago.
The Playhouse is a strong supporter of the event.
The camp — which creates joy and community for seriously ill children and their families — shares a long bond with the WCP.
Westporters Paul Newman and Joanne Woodward supported both institutions generously. Many Playhouse staff members volunteer at Hole in the Wall throughout the year.
The Playhouse also raises funds for the Camp every December, through audience donations at “A Sherlock Carol.”
Club203 kicked off the 2025-26 year in style Tuesday, at Weston’s Lachat Farm.
Members of Westport’s social club for adults with disabilities kicked up their heels, danced with Marca, and enjoyed great food catered by Carmine Cenatiempo of Calise’s Deli.
MOCA offered art projects, Skip’s Good Humor ice cream added dessert, and the volunteers helped everyone make the most of the great Lachat setting.
Art by MoCA, at Club203. (Photo/Stacie Curran)
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Heating season (and heating bills) are near.
Fortunately, beginning October 1 income-eligible Westport residents can apply for the Connecticut Energy Assistance Program.
Those who previously qualified for assistance through Westport’s Department of Human Services will receive application instructions in the mail. Residents wishing to apply for the first time should call 203-341-1050 or email humansrv@westportct.gov.
To qualify, household income must be at or below 60% of the state median income. The maximum income for households is:
Households of one (1) $47,764
Households of two (2) $62,460
Households of three (3) $77,157
Households of four (4) $91,854
Households of Five (5) $106,550.
Applicants must have recent copies of heating, electric, water, lease or mortgage statements, and other proof of income documents.
On Saturday, 1,500 guests will enjoy lobster, steak, veggie burgers, all the trimmings, beer and wine and other beverages — plus music, kids’ activities and much more — at the Westport Rotary Club’s annual LobsterFest.
At Tuesday’s weekly meeting, longtime member and LobsterFest maestro Rick Benson updated members on logistics. All hands will be on deck, raising $400,000 for charitable organizations in Fairfield County and abroad.
Rick Benson, and his map.
Rotarians also heard from Wendy Petty. The Senior Center director said that 25% of Fairfield County residents are over the age of 65. The Center has seen a commensurate increase in membership over the past few years.
The Senior Center hosts over 100 classes each week, along with a tech hub, nutrition program, and a quarterly veterans’ coffee.
Wendy Petty (Photos/Dave Matlow)
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Westport’s other Rotary Club — Sunrise — celebrates International Day of Peace this Sunday (September 21, 2 p.m.), by sharing peace through music and humor.
The event — “Songs and Reflections on Peace, Kindness and Fun” features performances by the Whirled Peas Band, with members from area Rotary clubs and special guests David Friedman, Shawn Moninger, Eric Šebek and Samantha Talora.
There is a great back story to today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo.
But first, marvel at this creature:
(Photo/Seth Schachter)
Seth Schachter encountered this massive reptile yesterday on Maple Lane, near Burying Hill Beach.
A neighbor helped him get it to safety. Otherwise, Seth is sure it would have been struck by a car.
Turtles can live well beyond 100 years. This guy might have been roaming Greens Farms at the dawn of the automobile age.
Seth and his neighbor used a broom and a large blue recycling bin — something that was definitely not around when the turtle was born — to move it along.
And finally … sure, we honored this group just the other day, when Mark Volman died.
But thanks to the item above, they’re worth revisiting, with a different song:
(If you enjoy “06880,” we hope you’ll be part of our November 2 “Historic Homes” tour. We also hope you will click here, to make a tax-deductible contribution supporting our work. Thank you!)
Last Saturday was rainy. The Slice of Saugatuck was postponed.
Yesterday’s late-summer weather was perfect. The sun shone, the air was warm, and a couple of thousand folks ate, drank, danced and ate some more, up and down Riverside and Saugatuck Avenues, and around Railroad Place.
The annual Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce party has become an unofficial kickoff to fall. It’s also a fundraiser: A portion of the proceeds goes to Homes with Hope’s food pantry.
And what better way to celebrate it than by strolling (with or without strollers), enjoying a few dozen restaurants, shops and booths, in one of Westport’s oldest — and coolest — neighborhoods.
Our excellent “06880” photographer Quinn Fitts — a Staples High School junior — was at the Slice, to capture it all.
Like everyone else, she ate it up.
(All photos/Quinn Fitts)
(From Saugatuck to Greens Farms — and downtown to Coleytown — “06880” covers Westport, with news, stories and photos. If you enjoy our work, please click here to support this blog. Thank you!)
Signs are everywhere in Westport — and I’m not even talking about political ones.
Sandwich boards advertising nearby busineses are overrunning our sidewalks, encroaching on doorways and stairs. (Don’t believe me? Check out 180 Post Road East, across from Casa Me.)
Are they legal?
Kind of.
Planning & Zoning director Michelle Perillie notes that all merchants in non-residential districts are permitted one temporary, free-standing portable sign.
But a zoning permit is required, and it must be renewed annually.
In addition:
Signs cannot be permanently installed in the ground.
Signs must be self-supporting/portable, or hung on the façade of the tenant’s building. Signs cannot be attached to an immovable object like a structure, utility or light pole or fence.
Signs must be no larger than 24 inches wide by 40 inches high as measured from the ground — including borders or supports. A sign hanging on a building façade can be no larger than 24 inches wide by 36 inches high, may only be one-sided, and hung flush to the building. Signs on façades must not be more than 7 feet above the ground, as measured to the top of the sign.
Signs may only be displayed during the hours that the business is open. Signs must be removed when the business is not open.
The sign must be a framed chalk board or eraser board. All wording must be hand drawn.
Signs must be located on the property of the business that has put out the sign. The name of the establishment must appear on or be affixed to the sign. Signs may not be located in parking spaces.
Signs must not interfere with pedestrian traffic or block sight lines for drivers.
Signs may not have lights, be lighted, or have any moving parts
To obtain a permit, merchants must set up an account here. Scaled drawings showing the proposed sign, and a survey or site plan of the property are required.
If approved, an assigned number sticker must be attached to the sign. The annual permit cost is $100.
Questions? Email mperillie@westportct.gov.
This sign probably complies with all the rules — except it does not have the business’ name. It was for Bottlerock, which has since closed. And did they apply for a $100 permit?
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There’s a lot going on at Earthplace.
Beginning tonight.
At 7 p.m. today (Thursday), a Zoom lecture with Q-and-A explores “Remarkable Raptors & Their Highways in the Sky.” As hawks, eagles, falcons and vultures migrate soon, learn more about these birds of prey.
Also ahead:
“Sound Bath with Abbey Chase Yoga” (September 18, 6 to 7:15 p.m.; $35, adult+).
“Plein Air Painting on the Trails” (September 20, 10 a.m. to noon; $10 suggested donation).
“Pick Your Own Bouquet” (September 21, 11 a.m. to noon; $25 members, $35 non-members).
“Woodland Harvest: Foraging in Fall” (September 28, 1 to 2:30 p.m.; $10 members, $12 non-members).
“Woodside Bash” (October 4, 7 to 10 p.m.; open bar, harvest dinner, fire pit, mechanical bull, live entertainment; $125)
Speaking of the environment: “Yes, In My Back Yard!”
That’s the name of the next Aspetuck Land Trust Lunch & Learn webinar.
The September 18 Zoom (12 to 1:30 p.m.). features restoration ecologist Meghan Noe Fellows, discussing Miaywaki-style mini-forests at scale. She’s installed over 150 of them.
Mini-forests are dense plantings of native plants, trees, and shrubs. They increase biodiversity, provide bird and insect habitat, and (ahem) block out unsightly neighbors.
Among the interesting agendas for upcoming meetings:
Parks & Recreation Commission (September 17, 7:30 p.m., Zoom). Topics include the Longshore capital improvement plan (maintenance facility update), and an update on the parks master plan.
The Board of Education’s Finance & Facilities Committee meets today (Thursday, September 11, 11 a.m., Town Hall auditorium). They’ll review the capital improvement plan and proposed project, and hear a status report on the Staples High School auditorium and fieldhouse floor renovations, girls team room, pool scoreboard, and the Staples athletic fields master plan.
Westport Parks & Rec will be involved in upcoming improvements at Longshore and Staples High School.
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Congratulations to Owen Goldfarb, Nathaniel Greely, Jay Hari, Isabel Jo, Dylan O’Brien, Julian Saraf, Matthew Tybur!
The 7 Staples High School seniors are semifinalists in the 71st annual National Merit Scholarship Program.
Nationwide, 16,000 semifinalists — fewer than 1% of the over 1.3 million students who took the 2024 PSAT/NMSQT qualifying exam — will compete for 6,930 National Merit Scholarships, worth more than $26 million.
From left: Isabel Jo, Principal Stafford W. Thomas, Matthew Tybur, Owen Goldfarb, Julian Saraf, Dylan O’Brien, Jay Hari, Nathaniel Greeley.
Westport Police made one custodial arrest between September 3 and 9. A 28-year-old Bridgeport man was charged with operating an unregistered motor vehicle, theft of a marker plate, illegal operation of a motor vehicle without minimum insurance and with a suspended driver’s license, illegal window tinting and violation f probation. He was held on a $61,000 bond.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Traveling unreasonably fast: 29 citations
Driving while texting: 6
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 4
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 4
Improper use of markers: 3
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 3
Speeding in a school zone: 2
Speeding: 2
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 2
Improper turns: 2
Failure to halt alcohol possession by a minor: 1
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
Distracted driving: 1
Failure to obey stop sign: 1
Failure to drive in the proper lane:
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 1
Failure to renew registration: 1
Failure to wear seat belt: 1
Failure to halt alcohol possession by a minor is illegal.
Dr. Amanda Posner, a well-known pediatrician, died August 28 in Westport, surrounded by her closest friends and family. She was 43.
She graduated from Dartmouth College in 2004 with a BA in religion and theater. She earned an MD from Columbia University in 2012, and completed her pediatrics residency at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital in 2015. She was admired for her skill, compassion and warmth.
Amanda’ was also a talented performer. She acted and sang in productions at Dartmouth and with the Bard Hall Players at Columbia, after appearing off-Broadway as a teenager and acting in the films “Welcome to the Dollhouse” and “The Door in the Floor.”
Diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer at 33, Amanda defied her illness for more than a decade, living fully and serving as an example to friends and family. She later joined the Board of Directors for the Bay Area Young Survivors (BAYS) in CA and the Norfield Children’s Center in CT.
In 2016, Amanda married Ben Neumann. Their son Andrew was the true love of Amanda’s life.
Amanda is survived by her husband Ben, son Andrew, parents Dr. Amy Newburger and Dr. Lawrence Posner of Westport, and her brother Dr. Russell Posner (Dr. Melissa Posner_ of Darien.
A celebration of Amanda’s life will be held at 1 p.m. on September 14 at Norfield Church in Weston. To honor Amanda’s lasting impact, her family is establishing an endowed professorship in the Division of General Pediatrics at UCSF.
Dr. Amanda Posner
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As summer wanes, Tomoko Meth caught this colorful “Westport … Naturally” scene at Mark Yurkiw and Wendy Van Wie’s beautiful Cross Highway home.
And finally … once you saw the “signs” story, you knew this was coming:
(All the signs point this way: to the donation page for “06880.” Hey, this stuff doesn’t post itself. We need our readers — aka “your” — help. Thanks for tossing a few bucks our way!)
Voters in more than half of Westport’s 9 Representative Town Meeting districts will have an actual choice this November.
But just barely.
Each RTM district elects 4 representatives to the town’s legislative body.
With the filing deadline passed, only 5 of those districts have more than 4 candidates on the ballot. They are Districts 1, 2, 3, 4 and 9. The other 4 have the bare minimum: 4 candidates each.
And of the 5 districts with actual races, 3 have just 5 candidates. Two — Districts 2 and 9 — have 6.
Here’s the breakdown.
District 1: Incumbents: Andrew Bloom, Matthew Mandell, Kristin Mott Purcell, Chris Tait. Petitioning: Gail Coykendall.
District 2: Incumbents: Jay Keenan, Melissa Levy, Louis Mall, Mike Perry. Petitioning: Harris Falk, Jenna Petok.
District 3: Incumbents: Ross Burkhardt, Jimmy Izzo, Pamela Troy-Kopack. Petitioning: Adam Drake, Srikanth Puttagunta.
District 4: Incumbents: Andrew Colabella, Clarence Hayes, Jeff Wieser. Petitioning: Charles Lucas, Victoria Wylie, Charles Lucas.
District 5: Incumbents: Peter Gold, Karen Kramer, Dick Lowenstein, Claudia Shaum.
District 6: Incumbents: Candace Banks, Seth Braunstein, Alma Sarelli. Petitioning: Lauren Karpf.
District 7: Incumbents Brandi Briggs, Jack Klinge, Ellen Lautenberg Hendel. Petitioning: Joseph Carson.
But those crustaceans (and all the steak, cole slaw, beverages — not to mention the band, booths, etc.) don’t fall from the sky. They take a ton of work.
The Westport Rotary Club fundraiser happens every year because of the very hard work of every member. And many more volunteers.
At yesterday’s weekly meeting, LobsterFest volunteer chair Susan Shuck described what all those people do.
Their efforts pay off. Approximately $400,000 will be distributed as grants in May, primarily to Westport and other Fairfield County non-profit organizations.
Representatives from one of those groups — Homes with Hope — spoke to the Rotary Club too. Paris Looney and Katherine Murray joined CEO Helen McAlinden.
She noted that HwH plays a major role in the greater Westport community — not only in the rehabilitation of homeless people, but through an array of programs and strategies that help prevent homelessness at its roots.
Back to LobsterFest: If you don’t yet have tickets, you’re out of luck. It sells out very quickly, when 1,500 tickets become available each summer. Watch this space next year!
Susan Shuck, with a LobsterFest volunteer t-shirt. (Photo/Dave Matlow)
Doris Skutch — a longtime Westporter, business executive, and ardent volunteer in politics and other areas of local life — died peacefully here on Sunday. She was 94.
After leaving Connecticut College in the 1950s, she moved to New York and began her professional journey as a journalist for women’s periodicals.
Her career soon transitioned into textiles, where she found her calling in communications and marketing. Doris spent over 3 decades at Burlington Industries. Starting as a secretary, she rose through the ranks to become vice president – fashion. She loved her twice-yearly trips to shows in Paris and London, bringing back wonderful concepts for fabric buyers.
Following her tenure at Burlington, Doris brought her expertise to a boutique communications firm in Westport. She later dedicating her skills to nonprofit work, as a grant writer for United Way in Bridgeport.
A passionate advocate for civic engagement and community service, Doris was a lifelong Democrat who remained active for over 50 years. She was a life member of the Westport League of Women Voters, and held LWV leadership roles at the local and state levels.
Her commitment to public service included the Y’s Women, and the Connecticut Alliance for Music. She also participated in several book clubs.
Doris was a devoted member of Christ & Holy Trinity Episcopal Church for many years.
Doris is survived by her sons Douglas and Elliot Royce; stepsons David and Christopher Skutch; niece Casey Farley; 4 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren.
Doris Skutch
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Today, elephant ears make their first appearance in our “Westport … Naturally” feature.
And finally … Rick Davies, founder of Supertramp, died Saturday in East Hampton, New York. He was 81, and had been diagnosed with blood cancer over a decade ago. Click here for a full obituary.
(What can be more logical than supporting “06880,” your 24/7/365 hyper-local blog? And what can be easier than clicking here to do it? Thanks for helping us bring news, photos — and music — to you !)
A star-studded bunch of Westporters and friends turned out for Saturday’s family-and-friends preview at Massi Co.
The Neapolitan-style pizzeria and Southern Italian restaurant officially opens tonight. It replaces Don Memo, in Westport’s original Town Hall, across the Post Road from Patagonia.
The newly refreshed space features Naples wood-fired pies, fresh pastas, craft cocktails, and a curated all-Italian wine list.
Guests included actors Marika Domińczyk and Scott Foley, private equity manager Marc Lasry, sports journalist (and Staples High School graduate) Andrew Marchand, ESPN chair Jimmy Pitaro, and New York Road Runners CEO Rob Simmelkjaer.
Owners of the new, highly anticipated restaurant are Massimo Tullio; Mark Shapiro; president and COO TKO Group Holdings, parent company of UFC and WWE; Charlie Collier, president of Roku Media; hospitality entrepreneur Ron Tarsy, and Newmark executive Matt Leon.
The fresh new interior at Massi Co. (Photo/Jenae Weinbrenner)
Also opening tonight: Dandelion. The Mediterranean restaurant in the new Delamar Westport hotel hosted its own high-energy party Saturday night.
Staples High School sophomore Chloe Mitchell, and home-schooled 5th grader Hunter Carleton, are more than just interns at local educational toy company Domino & Juliette. The firm focuses on screen- and sensory-friendly learning tools for young children.
They’re helping the brand — and youngsters in need.
For every order D&J receives, they’ll donate a 24-pack of Crayola crayons to schools in need.
They just conducted their fourth crayon drop: 2,700 packs of crayons, to 7 Bridgeport schools.
Later this month, they’ll deliver their 4,000th pack.
Secret feelings, thoughts and dreams are the centerpiece of the Artists Collective of Westport’s pop-up show September 17, 19, 20 and 21 (noon to 4 p.m., Westport Country Playhouse barn). There is an artists’ talk at 4 p.m. on September 21.
A special wine and hors d’oeuvres reception on September 18 (6 to 8 p.m.) offers a chance to meet the 8 artists in the show: Hernan Garcia, Mary Harold, Holly Hawthorne, Gail Ingis-Cluas, Elisa Keogh, Jean Krasno, Lucy Krupenye, Nancy Lindauer, Jay Petrow, Barbara Ringer and Karen Schlansky.
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Sunday’s running of the myTeam Triumph Triathlon continued a 20+ year tradition, uniting 7 myTeam Triumph’s “captains” (athletes with disabilities) and over “angels” (volunteer helpers).
Despite rain, athletes of all kinds showed up with heart and determination. Triathletes from across the region swam 1/2 mile, biked 5 miles, and ran the 2 1/2-mile super sprint course (½ mile swim, 5-mile bike, 2.5-mile run) as individuals or on relay teams.
Westporters making the highlights reel included captains Jacquie Marumoto (completing her first myTeam Triumph event) and Rohan Stokvis (finishing his first-ever triathlon).
In the overall competition, Westporter Sophie Chevrier placed 2nd among female finishers.
Volunteers made the day possible: individuals, and groups from the National Charity League, Staples Service League of Boys, and Staples High School girls swim and dive team, and boys track and field squad.
myTeam Triumph is part of a nationwide nonprofit, led locally by Westporter Todd Ehrlich. They welcomes donations and volunteers, and encourage individuals with all types of disabilities to participate. Their next event is a 5-Mile race in Darien on September 21.
Hard to believe, but Club203 is about to begin its 4th season!
Westport’s social organization for adults with disabilities welcomes old friends and newcomers at a “Barnyard Bash” (September 16, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Lachat Town Farm, Weston).
Guests are encourage to wear flannel shirts and cowboy hats. Entertainment includes line dancing, games, treats, and (as always) art by MoCA CT.
Also yesterday: Walt Mattison of the Fairfield Museum reminded the Y’s Women about the beginnings of Fairfield and Westport.
Just 19 years after the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock, Fairfield was formed.
Westport was not incorporated until 1835, breaking away from Norwalk, Weston and Fairfield. Greens Farms — part of Fairfield — joined Westport in 1845.
Internationally acclaimed pianist/composer/author Jeb Patton headlines this Thursday’s “Jazz at the Post” (September 11, VFW Post 399; 7:30 and 8:45 p.m. shows; buffet dinner at 7 p.m.).
He’ll be joined by trumpeter/flugelhorn player Michael Mossman, bassist Matt Dwonszyk, drummer David Alvarez, and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall.
Tickets are $20 for the early show ($15 for veterans and students); $10 for the late show. A buffet dinner, including vegetarian options, is $25. Click here for tickets.
Ifeseyi Gayle spotted this handsome bird enjoying itself in Deadman Brook, near the Westport Library. He (or she) was happy to pose for our “Westport … Naturally” feature.
And finally … Tom Shipley, half of the Brewer & Shipley duo whose song about weed became a generational anthem in the 1970s, died recently in Missouri. He was 84.
Click below for 2 great songs. One is their best known. The other is less noted, but brilliant and beautiful.
(From the Playhouse to the VFW — and from young kids to Lawrence Welk — “06880”‘ is your 24/7/365 source of information, news, and random stuff. Please click here to support us. Thanks!)
Posted onSeptember 8, 2025|Comments Off on “06880” Podcast: Brian Lewis
Brian Lewis is the highly respected chef and owner of 2 legendary Westport restaurants: The Cottage and OKO.
He’s also a James Beard Award finalist, and a key figure in the Fairfield County culinary scene.
But he’s also a dad — and much more. The other day, Brian made the short trip to the Westport Library, to chat about his work, his life (and his sons). Click here or below, to enjoy our wide-ranging conversation.
Today’s CT United motorcycle ride — paying tribute to victims and first responders of 9/11, in the largest motorcycle ride in the state — has been canceled. The forecast is for rain this morning. There is no rain date.
The start of the CT United ride, at Sherwood Island State Park. (Photo/Penny Pearlman)
And both hosted large, high-energy private parties last night.
In just 3 weeks, Don Memo has been transformed into Massi Co.
Owner Massimo Tullio has fulfilled his dream, of designing an Italian restaurant that honors his love of food from Naples. He and the team behind Don Memo (and the Whelk) and Don Memo have created a unique (and killer) menu, in a town with many other Italian options.
The space — in what was Westport’s original Town Hall, with a long bar, and broad patio fronting Post Road East — is both bright and fresh. Click here for the Massi Co website.
Massi Co’s pizzas (being served on the right) are Neopolitan specialties. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Meanwhile, at the other end of town, 300 guests enjoyed a special party at Dandelion, the restaurant inside the new Delamar hotel.
Realtor Judy Michaelis organized the benefit, for Westport’s Volunteer Emergency Medical Service.
The Mediterranean menu and large bar will be open for dinner only, for the first weeks. Reservations are required. Click here for the Dandelion website.
The Brussels-based chain offers “a warm, communal dining experience with fresh, organic ingredients and delicious, artisanal baked goods.”
This is the third Fairfield County location. The others are in New Canaan and Greenwich.
Coming soon to the Fresh Market plaza. (Hat tip and photo/Molly Alger)
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A new school year brings a new slate of programs at Wakeman Town Farm.
And they’re not just for kids.
Offerings include farm and culinary experiences for youngsters; parent and child farm classes; cooking classes for toddlers, teens and adults, plus animal care, sustainability, crafts and more for older students.
Speaking of the environment: Aspetuck Land Trust and Norwalk Land Trust have merged.
The resutl: NLT’s 33-property, 110-acre portfolio has been added to ALT’s 2,200 acres, across 8 town.
Aspetuck Land Trust will add a new staff member to manage Norwalk’s preserves, and the Farm Creek Education Program for 4th graders.
Founded in 1966, ALT has over 1,700 members and is one of the state’s leading land trusts. The merger aligns with ALT’s Green Corridor 2030 Initiative, to connect and protect landscapes across Fairfield County.
The 2008 Staples High School graduate (also known as Constance Walsh) wrote and produced “Lodestone.” The play opened last weekend, as part of the Circle Theater Festival off Broadway.
The love story explores loss, dreams, and the innovation of language, uwninding the desire of 2 unsuspecting lovers caught in a living zoetrope. The experimental play stages its tale inside a set that moves and dances, evoking and mirroring the character’s experiences and possible trajectories.
The show runs on 4 Sundays: today (September 7), the 14th and 21st, and October 19. To learn more, click here.
And finally … in honor of the new Le Pain Quotidien restaurant, how about a song by Bread?
(Speaking of bread … “06880” relies on contributions from readers like you. Please click here to support our work. We can’t make it without you. Thank you, thank you, thank you!)
Dandelion is ready to sprout, as our town’s next hot destination.
The restaurant inside the new Delamar Westport hotel previewed its stuff Thursday and Friday. There’s a private party tonight. Dandelion opens to the public on Tuesday (dinner only, at first).
The public will be very impressed.
From the stunning, ESH-ish design with a soaring ceiling and plenty of color, to the creative and very tasty Mediterranean menu — along with meticulous attention to small details, and an attractive, large bar — Dandelion will fill both a culinary niche, and a social one.
Hotel restaurants are seldom destinations for non-guests. This one will be.
It’s hard to describe the vibe that attendees felt during previews. But word of mouth will spread. Reservations will fill quickly.
Yet unlike dandelions in spring, this place continue to grow — beautifully — a long time.
Dandelion, before the first guests arrive. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Tomorrow’s (Sunday) CT United motorcycle ride will impact travel on Riverside Avenue, Wilton Road — and cross streets — from Exit 17 to the Wilton line.
The event — paying tribute to the victims and first responders of 9/11 — is the largest motorcycle ride in the state.
It begins around 11:30 a.m. at Sherwood Island State Park. Hundreds of riders head south on I-95; take Exit 17, and then proceed to Wilton, and on through 7 towns before ending in Bridgeport.
The route is closed and continuous. With the assistance of a police escort, motorcyclists drive through traffic lights and do not stop at stop signs.
Drivers should expect extended traffic delays along the route — potentially 45 minutes or longer. Alternate routes are recommended.
The start of the CT United ride, at Sherwood Island State Park. (Photo/Penny Pearlman)
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Yesterday’s “06880” Instagram Live interview with 1st selectman candidate David Rosenwaks went off — finally — without a technical hitch.
Nearly 200 followers tuned in, offering questions and comments as I spoke with the Independent Party candidate.
Topics ranged from his backgroudn and Westport activities, to his views on the biggest issues facing the town, and possible solutions.
Connecticut households pay nearly twice the U.S. average for electricity.
But there’s help. Sustainable Westport offers resources to lower costs, and strengthen energy resilience and efficiency.
They include the new HeatSmart Westport program, and getting a Home Energy Solutions audit to take advantage of 30% federal tax credits for solar and battery storage, or rebates on electric vehicles and chargers.
Speaking of the environment: On Thursday Morgan Veltri — who works in Westport, and is a 2025 graduate of East Stroudsburg University, with a degree in environmental studies — gave a talk at Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center about spotted lanternflies.
She discussed how to recognize the invasive species, their impact, reporting, and prevention and management.
Speaking still of the environment: Oliver Nurseries hosts an “Autumn Evening in the Garden” (September 20, 5:30 p.m.), featuring Daniel and Brittany Moreno of Kneads Bakery.
Centered around “the intersection of food, nature and community,” the event includes seasonal food and drink, speakers, and a chance to experience the nursery’s grounds during the low light of the change of season.
Suzanne Lenzer will prepare recipes from her new release. Also on hand: James Calcagnini (mushroom farmer, forager and educator), and representatives from nOURish Bridgeport, the first non-profit hydroponic facility in the state.
Tickets are $150. Proceeds help nOURish Bridgeport bring fresh, healthy, local produce to food insecure residents. Email trish@olivernurseries.com to reserve a spot.
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Bigelow Teas — the “Constant Comment” company founded by a Westport family — is headquartered in Fairfield.
But for decades they’ve given back to our town, and the rest of Fairfield County.
The 38th annual Bigelow Tea Community Challenge (September 27, Wakeman Boys & Girls Club, Southport) is a great way for others to give back, too.
The day includes a 5K run and 2-mile walk (10 a.m.), plus a kids’ fun run (9 a.m.). There’s a “virtual run/walk” option too.
Registration includes a goodie bag and raffle ticket.
Last year’s event raised over $182,000 for a variety of local organizations. This year’s list includes the Wakeman Boys & Girls Club, Mercy Learning Center, Cardinal Shehan Center, Neighborhood Studios of Fairfield County, Center for Family Justice, Connecticut Food Bank, Caroline House, Bridgeport Rescue Mission, Norma Pfriem Breast Center, CT Challenge, Horizons at Greens Farms Academy and Pivot Ministries.
A new school year has begun. So the next meeting of the Westport Book Shop’s Short Story Club (September 25, 6 p.m.) will focus on 3 stories about teachers and students.
“Prime” by Caoilinn Hughes
“A Way with Bea” by Shanteka Sigers
“Biology” by Kevin Wilson.
All are available at the Westport Library for printout, at the Book Shop in hard copy to borrow, or online. “Prime” is at granta.com; “Biology” at thesouthernreview.org; a reading of “A Way with Bea” can be heard on a symphonyspace.org Selected Shorts 2023 podcast.
And finally … on this date in 1997, Elton John sang a new version of his 1973 song, “Candle in the Wind,” at the funeral of his friend, Princess Diana. Originally written to honor Marilyn Monroe, the lyrics were changed in tribute to the Princess of Wales, killed in an automobile accident a week earlier.
After a global audience of 2.5 billion watched the performance live broadcast, Elton released the song just one week later. Proceeds benefited Diana’s charities. He has never performed the Diana version of the song since.
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