Category Archives: Saugatuck

Roundup: Saugatuck Water, Longshore Beer, Sporting Toasts …

Posted on January 23, 2026 | 1 comment

Saugatuck residents have coped with several hassles — road closures, delays and heavy traffic; noise and more — in the months since the Aquarion/Dave Tinker Construction water main project began on and around Riverside Avenue several months ago.

Yesterday may have been the worst. Hundreds of residents had no water for much of the morning.

The good news: The water is back on.

The bad news: The project is not yet over.

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Beer and other canned alcoholic beverages might be available at the Longshore golf course this summer.

The Recreation Commission voted 3-0 on Wednesday to approve their sale. Two seats on the 5-person board are vacant.

The proposal now goes to the Select Board, for a final okay.

Thirsty Longshore golfers may be able to buy beer this year.

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On Wednesday, we reported that Kyle Martino — the 1999 Staples High School graduate/Gatorade National Player of the Year/US men’s national team player would pitch his Street FC app on “Shark Tank” that night.

The competition was stiff. But Martino is an athlete. He knows how to win.

And he did. His app — which connects soccer players with pick-up games — was the night’s winner.

Click here or below, to watch the reveal:

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Speaking of sports: Congratulations to Sarah VonDohlen!

The Greens Farms Academy senior basketball star set what is almost certainly a state — and may be a New England record last Saturday.

Play at home in the Coyle Gym against Cheshire, she drained 11 3-point shots in the Dragons’ 76-30 romp.

With 33 points, Sarah outscored the entire opposition.

Her 11 3s were appropriate: That’s her jersey number.

PS: Want to see Sarah and her teammates in action? GFA hosts Kent this afternoon, at 5:15 p.m.

Sarah VonDohlen (#11), with teammates.

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When Mexicue closed over a year ago — after only 2 years — it left a lot of space to fill.

Beginning the first week in February, Felice will fill it.

The restaurant — next to Sushi Jin, and across Main Street from the similarly named, but also now closed, La Fenice gelato shop — is part of a New York-based chain. There are 16 locations, in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Port Chester and Florida. (Hat tip: Sal Liccione)

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Stop & Shop was calm this morning, as the sun rose shortly after its 6 a.m. opening.

It won’t be for long. Westporters are probably already descending on it — and grocery stores everywhere — in preparation for this weekend’s weather.

It will be fine today, with a high of 36. But the temperature plunges to 7 degrees tonight.

Tomorrow will be mostly sunny too, with the thermometer reaching only 17.

Snow begins Sunday morning. We could get 15 inches, with a high temperature of 18.

Light snow will continue Monday morning.

Stay warm! Stay dry! And kids … the odds are good for a snow day Monday.

(Photo/John Richers)

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Bruce Brodie’s one-man art show borrows from Walt Whitman.

But it could not be more timely.

The 1972 Staples graduate is exhibiting 18 paintings at Craven Contemporary gallery in Kent, Connecticut.

The titles of the 18 paintings — all completed in 2025 — use words from the 19th century poet to invoke the seasons, sunlight, weather, heaven and earth, love, ardor and longing.

“The work was started in anticipation of changing times,” Brodie says. “It took shape amidst the persistent drumbeat aimed at consolidating power and curtailing freedoms. I looked to the skies to express my feelings, and find hope.”

The show opens this week, and runs weekends through March 15. Brodie will be at the gallery February 14 and 15. For more information, click here.

“He That Walks With the Tender and Growing Night” (Bruce Brodie)

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The other day, a bobcat wandered right up to Mark Laclair’s mudroom door.

Then he posed, for this “Westport … Naturally” photo:

(Photo/Mark Laclair)

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And finally … yesterday’s water situation in Saugatuck reminds us of:

(Want to ensure that “06880”‘s well does not run dry? Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)

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Posted in Arts, Longshore, Restaurants, Saugatuck, Sports, Staples HS, Weather

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Roundup: MLK Day, ACA, Cribari Bridge …

Posted on January 19, 2026 | 1 comment

Today is Martin Luther King Day.

Last week, the Westport Senior Center posted 2 of his quotes, on a bulletin board in his honor:

(Hat tip and photo: Laurie Sorensen)

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Fran Hoyte had the perfect spot for a Pilates studio.

Her space on the lower level of Bridge Square offered a peaceful view of the Saugatuck River. It was comfortable, inviting, and — with no advertising or social media, just word of mouth — clients flocked to Saugatuck Studios.

There was just one problem: floods.

The space was inundated by storms like Sandy and irene. Sometimes, it was swamped by high tides.

After 15 years, Fran has found a location guaranteed not to flood.

And it’s just as funky as her previous spot.

Sound Pilates has relocated to 21 Jesup Road. They’re on the 2nd and 3rd floors above the Westport Book Shop. The 200-year-old building — most recently Pause + Purpose wellness center; before that an architect’s office, and earlier a home — offers sweeping (and soothing) views of Jesup Green and the Saugatuck River.

“This is so quiet. But it’s still downtown,” Fran says. “It really feels like home for us.”

Fran has also added a physical therapist. Dr. Victoria Chiappetta has trained with Fran, developing an appreciation for traditional Pilates, alignment, and intelligent movement.

Fran now offers small group classes, in addition to individual sessions. She also teaches Pilates instructors — including many now working throughout Fairfield County.

“We’re not about working until you feel pain,” Fran says of her and Victoria’s partnership. “This is always about joyful movement.”

To learn more about Sound Pilates & Physical Therapy, click here.

Fran Hoyte and Dr. Victoria Chiappetta on Sound Pilates’ 2nd floor, overlooking Jesup Green and the Saugatuck River. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Werner Liepolt — a longtime Westporter whose home is near the Cribari Bridge — is closely watching state Department of Transportation decisions involving the 145-year-old span.

Last week, he was a guest on Lisa Wexler’s WICC radio show. Click here to listen to their discussion about the bridge’s past, present and future. 

The Cribari Bridge, painted by Werner Liepolt.

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Congress did not extend Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits. But a Connecticut state subsidy program will replace some or all of the federal tax credits that lapsed on January 1, depending on enrollee eligibility for Access Health CT insurance plans.

Congressman Jim Himes’ office can help with questions: (203) 333-6600.

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Yesterday’s snowfall was a great chance for kids to go outside, and have some traditional (aka “non-screen”) fun.

Peter Salwin’s children did just that — with dad.

Here’s the result, on Greens Farms’ Rustic Lane:

(Photo/Peter Salwin)

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Despite yesterday’s snow and cold, Deadman Brook is not frozen over.

That was good news for these guys — the subject of today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature photo:

(Photo/Greg Rosen)

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And finally … we opened today’s Roundup with a tribute to Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. And we’ll close it another.

The message of this simple, stirring song is as important to heed today, as it was when Sam Cooke wrote it over 60 years ago, in 1963.

Unfortunately.

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Posted in Local business, Media, Saugatuck, Transportation, Weather

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Friday Flashback #483

Posted on January 2, 2026 | 18 comments

Every Westporter knows the William F. Cribari Bridge.

Plans to renovate or replace the historic 142-year-old swing span over the Saugatuck River ensure it will be one of the top news stories of 2026.

And — for a few more days — no matter what you think about its future, you can marvel at its festive, special holiday lights when you drive over it at night.

But who was William F. Cribari?

“Crobar” — as he was universally known in his native Saugatuck — was quite a guy.

He was a World War II vet. Serving under General George S. Patton, he took part in the invasions of Normandy, Sicily and North Africa. He also served in the Battle of the Bulge.

But that’s not why the bridge is named after him.

For more than 30 years, Cribari was a special police officer. He walked the beat on Main Street, and directed traffic at both the pre-light Riverside/Saugatuck Avenue intersection, and the Post Road by Kings Highway Elementary.

But that’s not why the bridge is named after him either.

His greatest fame came when he was shifted to Riverside Avenue, at the entrance to the Manero’s (now Rizzuto’s) parking lot.

William F. Cribari

There — with a smile, a theatrical wave and more than a few dance steps — he masterminded rush hour traffic through the heart of Saugatuck. Much of it went over the Bridge Street — now William F. Cribari — Bridge.

He was much more than a traffic cop, of course. Cribari’s full-time job was tool crib operator for Nash Engineering. He was a longtime Westport PAL volunteer, and a Knight of Columbus. He attended every Army-Navy football game from 1946 on.

At 12 years old he joined the Saugatuck Volunteer Fire Department as a snare drummer. He remained a life member.

More than 30 years later, he became drum major for both the Nash Engineering Band — marching every year in the Memorial Day parade — and the Port Chester American Legion Band.

In 2003, Cribari and his wife Olga were honored as grand marshals of Festival Italiano. That annual event was held in Luciano Park — not far from where he was born at home in 1918, and just around the corner from where generations of commuters learned to love Westport’s greatest traffic cop.

And where stands perhaps the only bridge in the world named for one.

William F. Cribari was honored with this Westport News photo feature.

Cribari died on January 30, 2007, at 88.

Nearly 2 decades later his name lives on, through his namesake bridge.

Let’s all make sure his legend does too.

(Friday Flashback is one of “06880”‘s many regular features. If you enjoy this — or anything else on our website — please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here. Thank you!)

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Posted in Friday Flashback, Police, Saugatuck

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[OPINION] No Notice. No Hearing. No Say: The Cribari Bridge Story

Posted on January 2, 2026 | 18 comments

Longtime Bridge Street resident Werner Liepolt keeps a close eye on the Cribari Bridge project. Today he describes 3 meetings, over the past 2 years.

February 15, 2024

At a meeting of the Western Connecticut Council of Governments, former 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker released Statewide Transportation Improvement Program funds of $4.1 million previously withheld by former 1st Selectman Jim Marpe, to the Connecticut Department of Transportation to start the Cribari Bridge Project.

May 15, 2025

At an “invitational” meeting in the Town Hall Auditorium, CTDOT, with Tooker in attendance, announced they were replacing the bridge with “a preferred option,” one that can accommodate all vehicles.

Invitations were based on the inactive-since-2018 Planning Advisory Committee list of stakeholders. This meeting was neither publicly noticed by Westport’s town clerk nor on the CTDOT Project page for the William F. Cribari Bridge. The few Westporters who learned of it had to request an invitation.

Cribari Bridge (Painting by Werner Liepolt)

December 18, 2025

At another “invitational” meeting held at 6 p.m. in Room 201 of Town Hall, Mandy Ranslow, supervisor, Cultural Resources CTDOT, confirmed their “preferred option” is to demolish the William F. Cribari Bridge. As CTDOT had determined this was an “adverse effect,” they offered to move it wherever the town wanted.

CTDOT officials said that tractor-trailer trucks would not be restricted by structural limits on the preferred option replacement bridge, and that it was up to Westport to deal with it.

Invitations to this meeting were sent to only a few consultants; several did not receive them. Attendance by elected officials depended on forwarded emails and word of mouth.

My published opinion piece in the Westport Journal and a sentence introducing Wendy Crowther’s tribute to the bridge in “06880” were perhaps the only publicity for the meeting.

The public hearing that didn’t happen

Curious as to how all this happened without any attempt to inform the public  —you — and elicit your views, which is required on federally funded projects that involve nationally registered historic properties (there are 24 on the east bank of the Saugatuck, and more across the river), I researched whether the “invitational” meetings were publicly noticed.

The 1877 Hotchkiss-Wheeler House on Bridge Street is on the National Register …

Questions and answers

Regarding the May 15 meeting, the town clerk replied: “This was not an official meeting of the Town, which is why it does not appear on the Town calendar. It appears that the State simply used the Auditorium to host the event. Any questions regarding the publication or notice of this event should be directed to the State DOT.”

I directed my question to James Barrows, the project manager. and got an answer: “Thank you for your inquiry and for your interest in the State Project 0158-0214.

“To ensure your request is handled efficiently and in compliance with the Connecticut Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), we kindly ask that you submit a formal FOI request through the CTDOT website. This process helps us track, process, and respond to all FOIA requests in a consistent and timely manner.”

Under federal law (Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act), the public must be informed and meaningfully involved before historic resources are evaluated, impacts determined, and alternatives narrowed.

In this case, those steps occurred out of public view. The community is now being presented with an offer of mitigation — a stage that only follows a formal finding of adverse effect — without having had the required opportunity to help identify historic resources, evaluate impacts, or advocate for avoidance and minimization.

… as is the 1932 Anna E. Dolan House. It’s the first one on the right, after crossing the river on the Cribari Bridge from Saugatuck.

Your right to be heard

I have posted a petition, which I will forward to the Federal Highway Administration, Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, and our Congressional representatives, asking for oversight to ensure that our rights to be heard are honored. Please sign it.

I have also filed the Freedom of Information request as suggested by the CTDOT project manager, asking for all records pertaining to the William F. Cribari Bridge Project.

Next steps

What you should do: Submit written comments to the Federal Highway Administration, the Connecticut Department of Transportation, the Connecticut State Historic Preservation Office, and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation requesting the complete Section 106 and NEPA administrative records.

Ask how and when the public was consulted prior to the adverse effect finding, and formally request that alternatives and avoidance options be reopened for transparent public review.

Contact all our local elected representatives and the Select Board, with your need to have your voice be heard.

(“06880″‘s Opinion pages are open to all. Email submissions to 06880blog@gmail.com)

(“06880” is your hyper-local blog. We rely on reader support to bring you news, features, photos and much more. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)

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Posted in Politics, Saugatuck

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Pic Of The Day #3170

Posted on December 23, 2025 | 3 comments

Horse and buggy, Monday night on the Cribari Bridge. If a new span is built, will it be safe for this type of transportation? (Photo/Mary Beth Stirling)

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Posted in Pic of the Day, Saugatuck, Transportation

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Pic Of The Day #3167

Posted on December 20, 2025 | 2 comments

I-95 Saugatuck River bridge (Photo/JD Dworkow)

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Posted in Pic of the Day, Saugatuck, Transportation

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9 (And 141) Years Later: It’s Still A Wonderful Bridge

Posted on December 16, 2025 | 12 comments

Almost exactly 9 years ago — on December 14, 2016 — “06880” published a story by “historic-minded” Wendy Crowther. The subject was the William F. Cribari Bridge.

I called it a “perfect holiday/Westport piece.”  It still is.

And — with a Connecticut Department of Transportation “consulting meeting” set for this Thursday (December 18, 6 p.m., Town Hall) — this is a perfect time to re-post her thoughts.

The span over the Saugatuck River is now 141 years old. But little has changed in the near-decade since Wendy first wrote:

A few days ago, my TV remote dropped me into the last half of the 1946 holiday classic, “It’s a Wonderful Life.” I entered the story just as George Bailey ran onto the Bedford Falls Bridge and contemplated suicide. Luckily George’s guardian angel, Clarence, showed up just in time to help George see the value of his life, and its impact on his town and loved ones.

Though I’ve seen the movie a bazillion times, this time I noticed something I hadn’t seen before. George Bailey’s bridge was very similar to our own Saugatuck swing bridge (the William F. Cribari Bridge).

George Bailey on the Bedford Falls bridge (1946).

George Bailey on the Bedford Falls bridge (1946).

Due to my involvement over the last year and a half in efforts to not only document the history of our 132-year old span, but also save it from the impending doom of the state Department of Transportation’s scrap heap, I’ve become  sensitized to old bridges in general — particularly truss bridges like ours (and George’s).

Seeing the movie from this new perspective, I became intrigued by the film’s use of the bridge as a symbol. Sixty years ago, when “It’s a Wonderful Life” was first released, plenty of small truss bridges still existed. Clearly, it was one of many elements used by the filmmakers to convey the quaint, homey feel of a small, American town — towns like Westport, and thousands of others across the country.

George Bailey’s bridge, set in fictional Bedford Falls, plays a pivotal role in the story. The 2 most transformative moments occur as George stands upon it:  the first as he prepares to jump from it, the second when he returns to the bridge and desperately pleads, “I want to live.”

It’s believed that the town of Seneca Falls, New York was director Frank Capra’s inspiration for “It’s a Wonderful Life.” He supposedly visited Seneca Falls during the time the screenplay was being developed. Seneca Falls has a real bridge that looks much like the one depicted in the movie.

It also looks a lot like our Saugatuck swing bridge.

George Bailey on the Bedford Falls bridge (left); the actual Seneca Falls bridge (right). (Photos/Ottawarewind.com)

George Bailey on the Bedford Falls bridge (left); the actual Seneca Falls bridge (right). (Photos/Ottawarewind.com)

Though the Seneca Falls bridge and Westport’s are similar in many ways, Seneca’s can’t hold a candle to our own.

Our bridge, built in 1884, is 132 years old — the oldest active bridge of its type in the nation. Seneca’s, built in 1915, is a mere 101. Both are truss bridges, though ours is longer and made of iron; theirs is made of steel. Our bridge swings open for boat traffic; theirs doesn’t. The roads over both bridges are known as Bridge Street — but ours has the additional honor of being designated a State Scenic Road.

Our bridge crosses the Saugatuck River; theirs crosses the Seneca. Both bridges are still in use and open to traffic. Neither is tall enough to allow semi-tractor trailers to cross.

But here’s where Seneca’s bridge has it over ours. It was rehabilitated in 1997.  Ours may meet the wrecking ball within the next few years — if the state has its druthers. DOT wants to make room for big rigs.

Original plans for the 1884 Saugatuck River bridge. (Image courtesy of Westport Historical Society)

Original plans for the 1884 Saugatuck River bridge. (Image courtesy of Westport Historical Society)

In the fictional town of Bedford Falls, and in the real-life towns of Seneca Falls and Westport, bridges are iconic symbols that tell a story, provide a sense of place, and teach us about our history. They span rivers and time. They connect what separates us, and they can deter what we prefer to fend off.

In “It’s a Wonderful Life,” the critical moment occurs as George stands for the 2nd time on the Bedford Falls Bridge and begs to have his old life back again. Suddenly, snow begins to fall. He is transported from his alternate reality and returned to the present. His gratitude sends him jubilantly running through the streets of Bedford Falls, shouting greetings to all the buildings and friends he cherishes.

As the film ends, all is well in Bedford Falls. Goodness triumphs over selfishness and greed, bells ring and the angel Clarence gets his wings.

The William Cribari (Saugatuck River) Bridge, Christmas Eve 2015. (Photo/Wendy Crowther)

The William Cribari (Saugatuck River) Bridge, Christmas Eve 2015. (Photo/Wendy Crowther)

Having newly seen “It’s a Wonderful Life” from the bridge’s perspective, I realize that it offers Westporters valuable insights and inspiration.

Will we fight hard to keep what many of us cherish — our Saugatuck swing bridge? What powerful forces will try to overcome valiant efforts to keep it just the way it is? What changes to the bridge could transform (or devastate) portions of our community forever? If we lose it, will we wish we had better understood the wisdom of its ways?

The film ends with 4 important words. The entire cast sings “Auld Lang Syne.”  Loosely translated from Scottish, the phrase means “for the sake of old times.”  Let’s remember those words.

(Wendy is a founding member of the Westport Preservation Alliance. For more information about the history of the Saugatuck Swing Bridge and the efforts to save it, click here.)

(“06880” was founded in 2009. We’re not as old as the Cribari Bridge, but we humbly think we play a nice role in this town too. If you enjoy our work, please click here to help. Thank you!)

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Posted in Saugatuck, Transportation

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Pics Of The Day #3142

Posted on November 25, 2025 | 1 comment

One view of the Cribari Bridge, 6:30 am … (Photo/Tom Cook)

… and another sunrise, a few days later (Photo/Ferdinand Jahnel)

 

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Posted in Pic of the Day, Saugatuck

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Roundup: Election Follow-Ups, Cribari Bridge, Legacy Project …

Posted on November 8, 2025 | 2 comments

Westport was just a few voters shy of 50% turnout, in this year’s local election.

49.8% of eligible voters went to the polls, or returned absentee ballots. That’s higher than both the 36% average for the state, and the 43% of Westporters who voted in the last selectperson election, in 2021.

In this “blue wave” election, Westport was one of 29 Connecticut municipalities whose Town or City Hall flipped from Republican to Democratic control.

Turnout was lowest in the 2 biggest cities: less than 7% in Hartford, and less than 5% in Bridgeport. Neither had a major race on the ballot.

Turnout was steady on Tuesday in Westport. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Speaking of the election: Westport 10 — the networking and social club for Black men — has grown to many more members from its founders.

Yesterday’s monthly “First Friday” lunch at Sushi Jin was extra special.

Nearly 3 dozen Westport 10 members celebrated with Kevin Christie and Addison Moore.

Christie is the newly elected 1st selectman, and was an original member. Moore — the youngest person ever elected to Westport’s Representative Town Meeting – is the son of another Westport 10 member, Adam Moore.

Westport 10 members (from left): Frank Wood, Craig Melvin, Alexander Mejia, Kevin Christie, Anil Nair (kneeling), Jay Norris, Rob Simmelkjaer, Harold Bailey Jr.

Westport 10 at Sushi Jin. In the center of the front row (arms crossed, tan pants) is Addison Moore. On the right next to him is his father, Adam Moore.

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Speaking still of the election: When a local one is determined by less than 0.5% — or 20 votes or less — state statutes allow for a recount (officially, a “recanvass”).

The Board of Education candidate declined the offer. But losing candidates in 3 Representative Town Meeting districts — 1, 2 and 9 — accepted it.

The recanvass takes place Monday (November 10, 1 p.m., Town Hall Room 201).

All ballots will be rerun through the town’s new “mega-tabulator.” On Election Day, the new machine counted all 3,000-plus early votes in 1 hour.

RTM District 9 candidates on Tuesday, outside the Westport Library polling place. That district is one of 3 whose votes will be “recanvassed” on Monday.

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Less than a year ago, it looked like the Cribari Bridge lights — a beloved tradition for 25 years — would be dark that holiday season.

But thanks to the Westport PAL, and a group of determined residents, businesses and organizations, new lights were bought and strung.

And then, in a joyful ceremony, they were lit.

They’ll be back again this year. Provided, that is, that PAL covers the cost of a substantial number of replacement lights.

The organization is seeking donations to defray the costs of lighting the bridge, and to continue funding scholarships for deserving students.

Businesses and family names will be featured on a large sign near the span. To help, call PAL trustee Emma Rojas at 203-571-7505, or email emmacrojas83@gmail.com.

Let there be lights. And there were! (Photo/Andrea Moore)

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There are plenty of young people in Westport. Many older ones too.

But there have been few opportunities for real interaction between the 2 group.

Now there is.

The Legacy Project connects high school students with older adults, to build one-on-one relationships across generations.

Each student will meet individually with a participating adult to listen, learn, and help document their unique life story.

The stories will be compiled and published in a book that celebrates the wisdom, experiences and legacies of Westporters.

Meetings will take place in one of the participant’s homes, the Westport Library, or another agreed-upon spot, every 2 weeks this fall.

Interested? Contact Stella DiGeronimo, who is heading up the project at Staples High School (stella.digeronimo@icloud.com), or Rozanne Gates (contact@thelegacyprojectusa.com).

Everyone has a story to share.

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As “Love+War” — the new documentary about Lynsey Addario’s career and life — streams on Hulu, The Guardian has just posted an in-depth, interactive and photo-filled interview with the Pulitzer Prize- and MacArthur “genius grant”-winning (and 1991 Staples High School graduate).

Click here to read. (Hat tip: Bonnie Erickson)

Ukrainian soldiers trying to save the father of a family of 4 — the only one at that moment who still had a pulse — moments after being hit by a mortar while trying to flee Irpin, near Kyiv, Ukraine. (Photo/Lynsey Addario for the New York Times)

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Longtime Westport resident Stefanina Carusone died peacefully on Tuesday, surrounded by her family. She was 78.

Born in Formicola, Italy, and a seamstress by trade, Stefana worked at Pepperidge Farm for 20 years. She was known for her home-cooked meals, and her crocheted blankets, hats and scarves.

She and her husband Fausto raised 3 sons: Salvatore, Fausto Jr. and Steven. She had 3 daughters-in-law — Sarah, Rachel and Athena, and 5 grandchildren: Madeline, Eugenio (Gino), Lia, Isa and Christian, who she enjoyed spoiling.

A funeral is set for November 12 (10 a.m., Assumption Church). Entombment will follow in Willowbrook Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Harding Funeral Home on November 11 (5 to 8 p.m.).

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Melanoma Research Foundation in her memory. Condolences for the Carusone family may be left online at www.hardingfuneral.com.

Stefana Carusone

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured photo is an a stunning, painting-like scene from Winslow Park, from the very talented Rowene Weems:

(Photo/Rowene Weems)

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And finally … on this date in 1889, Montana was admitted as the 41st state.

(Whether you live in Westport or Montana — or Weston or Manhattan, or anywhere else: Thanks for being part of our “06880” community. And thanks for clicking here, to support our work!)

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Posted in Local politics, Obituaries, Politics, Saugatuck, Staples HS

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Photo Challenge #565

Posted on October 26, 2025 | 9 comments

From one end of town (Tacombi) to the other (Mexica), Westport has several Mexican restaurants.

But only one has a sombrero on its roof.

That’s Cuatro Hermanos (not “Quatro,” as most readers spelled it). (Click here to see the photo.)

Our much smaller version of the infamous South of the Border restaurant (aka “tourist trap”) on I-95 is located near our own stretch of 95: on Saugatuck Avenue, at the foot of Sunrise Road.

(I have not driven through South Carolina in a while. I don’t know if Pedro, their culturally offensive mascot, is still there. Or their borderline racist billboards.)

Alert, well-fed readers who correctly identified Pedro — er, 4 Brothers — are Andrew Colabella, Bryan Schwartz, Dan Vener, Regina Kiska, Seth Schachter, Sal Liccione, Martha Witte, Michael Szeto, Dave Eason, Seth Braunstein, Sean Liberty and Tom Olson.

¡Felicidades!

This week’s Photo Challenge is below. If you know where in Westport you’d see this, click “Comments” below.

(Photo/JD Dworkow)

(Every Sunday, “06880” hosts this Photo Challenge. We challenge you too to support your hyper-local blog. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!) 

 

 

 

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Posted in Photo Challenge, Restaurants, Saugatuck

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