Category Archives: Saugatuck

Roundup: Safe Streets, Sculptures, Skating …

Posted on October 9, 2026 | 1 comment

On Wednesday, the Board of Finance unanimously voted to accept nearly $900,000 in federal funding, through a Safe Streets for All grant.

On November 10, the RTM will be asked to give final approval.

Walk Bike Westport — which has championed the grant — says, “board members asked thoughtful, challenging questions of the town’s Department of Public Works and consultant Tighe & Bond, emphasizing something we wholeheartedly agree with: Securing this funding is only the beginning. Making sure it’s spent wisely and leads to meaningful improvements is what matters most.”

Walk Bike Westport thanks 1st Selectman Kevin Christie, Public Works director Larry Roberts and town engineer Keith Wilberg for their presentations, and work on the proposal.

“We are proud to be part of this community and optimistic about the incredible potential Westport has to become a safer, more walkable and bikeable town,” organizers say.

Some of the participants in last year’s Bridge to Bridge walk.

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For a few weeks, residents have admired the town’s newest outdoor sculpture.

On Tuesday (October 13, 5 p.m.), Westport will formally welcome “The Couple,” with a reception at Riverside Park.

The sculpture was donated to the Westport Public Arts Collection by philanthropist and long-time Westporter Susan Malloy.

In 1991, she and her husband Edwin commissioned William King to create an aluminum 12-foot high 2-person grouping for their Dogwood Lane property.

After her death in 2015, “The Couple” was installed at Earthplace. When the Westport Arts Advisory Committee sought a more accessible and visible home for the work, they recommended Riverside Park.

The move was possible with the help of Susan’s family: granddaughter Meredith, son Timon and niece Ann Sheffer.

With support from Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department, the installation was completed in August.

WAAC oversees the installation and care of Westport’s sculptures and monuments. In addition to The Minuteman monument and Doughboy statue on Veterans Green, Westport maintains 15 sculptures on town and school property.

In 2024, WAAC initiated  a “loan program” with area artists. For an annual stipend, sculptors loan their sculptures to Westport for 5 years.

Since 2024, WAAC has overseen the installation of 5 “borrowed” sculptures: “Passages” by Westporter Niki Ketchman (Pasacreta Park); “Tulip Bulb” by Emily Teal (Grace Salmon Park); “Egrets” by Babette Bloch (Canal Park); “Enso” by Mark Zaref (Eloise Ray Park), and “Queen of Hearts” by Carole Eisner (Westport Center for Senior Activities.) Click here for more information.


“The Couple,” at Riverside Park

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The weather is getting chillier. The Westport PAL Rink at Longshore is nearly ready to reopen.

And Mar Jennings is preparing to return as head coach and program director for the popular Learn to Skate program.

Jennings – a lifestyle expert, TV host and real estate agent — is also a world champion gold medalist. Under his leadership, the US Figure Skating-sanctioned program offers a welcoming, confidence-building environment for toddlers taking their first steps, youth developing competitive skills, and adults rediscovering their love of the ice.

The 10-week Learn to Skate curriculum provides progressive instruction, merit badge evaluations, and a supportive environment to nurture personal growth.

For more information and to register, click here.

Mar Jennings, at the Longshore rink.

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Westporter Sara Kempner is director of creative campaigns and collaborations at the US Vote Foundation. The nonpartisan non-profit helps millions of American citizens around the world cast ballots.

They get their message out in fun, creative ways. A recent campaign involved placing a QR code linked to voter registration on pizza boxes.

With flowers blooming behind Town Hall, and Connecticut’s new no-excuse absentee voting policy rolling out, Sara figured she’d feature her hometown in a national spot.

Click here or below for the result — starring local ballerina Isabella Corridon.

But that’s not all. Another reel will feature local yoga and Pilates teacher Vicki Lopez. She’ll show how breathing techniques can quell anxiety about voting (and how to use your time in the voting line well).

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Three years after the October 7 attacks, Chabad of Westport will host Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, former chief of the IDF General Staff, for an important community conversation.

This will be one of his first public speaking engagements since stepping down as chief of staff a year and a half ago.

The event is November 2 (7:30 p.m.; sponsor reception at 6:45).

Halevi served as Israel’s top military commander for 515 days following October 7, leading the IDF through one of the most consequential periods in Israel’s history.

Advance registration is required; space is limited. Due to security considerations, the location will be shared with registered guests prior to the event. For information, registration and sponsorship opportunities, click here.

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A few times a year, a few lucky folks get to share a private Saturday morning of movement, breakfast, conversation and community, on a rooftop overlooking the Saugatuck River.

Jennifer Ruspini offers a chance to “step away from the noise. Say hello to the neighbor you have not had time to meet. Move gently. Enjoy the morning without pressure, a sales pitch, or a crowded room.” It’s complimentary, too — with gifts from Southern Tide.

The next one is October 17 (10 a.m.). Katy Ingulli of Strong by Katy will lead the yoga. Click here for more information, and to snag a spot.

Yoga on the rooftop.

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Yesterday was moving day for the Sherwood Mill Pond crane.

After many months — many more months than expected — repairing the tidal gates, the project seems to be nearing an end.

This scene in the Old Mill Beach parking lot was no doubt welcomed by many nearby residents — so long as the machinery is finally gone.

(Photo/Matt Murray) 

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Jude Siegel grew up in Westport. Her father owned Westport Pharmacy downtown, across from the Library on Post Road East. Jude is a 1964 Staples High School graduate.

Since 1973, she has lived in Oregon — first on farms in the Willamette Valley, now in Portland.

She has long taught nature and bird journaling — a combination of drawing, watercolor and writing — to children and adults.

“This time of year,” she says, “I get homesick for the land, beaches and beauty of Connecticut.”

Of course, it is beautiful in Oregon too. Jude captures that beauty every year, in a watercolor and pen bird calendar she draws and produces.

“Birds bring such joy to our daily lives,” she notes. “It gives me peace to draw and paint them. I like the idea that they then go out on the calendar pages to people all over, and grace their lives as well.

This year’s calendar is now available for purchase. They’re $35 each, plus $5 per calendar for shipping. Email colorfuljude@gmail.com. (Originals are available for purchase. Just ask!)

One month, in Jude Siegel’s 2027 calendar.

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From nature to music: The next Christ & Holy Trinity Church “Music & Arts” event is New York Polyphony. The 4-part choral ensemble  — called “larger and more complex than the sum of its parts” by NPR — performs on October 17 (5 p.m.). A reception follows.

Tickets are available at the door, or by clicking here.

New York Polyphony.

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Some of the businesses and non-profits that “adopt” a traffic island don’t follow through much, once their name is on the sign.

Others take their stewardship role much more seriously.

One of the most conscientious is the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston. They’re in charge of the Long Lots Road/Maple Avenue North intersection.

Paul Liistro makes sure it always looks great — and is season-appropriate.

Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo offers the latest look.

(Photo/Paul Liistro)

PS: Here’s an idea: An annual award for the “best traffic island.” Any group — without any skin in the game — want to take this on?

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And finally … on this date in 1701, the Collegiate School of Connecticut was chartered in Old Saybrook. Today we know it as Yale University, in New Haven.

(Happy 325th anniversary, Yale! You’re just 308 years older than “06880.” And while they have a $44.1 billion endowment, we don’t. To help us close the gap, please click here. Thank you!)

 

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Posted in Arts, Beach, Local business, Politics, religion, Saugatuck, Transportation

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Saugatuck Slice, Westoberfest: Just Another “06880” Saturday :)

Posted on October 3, 2026 | 5 comments

Timing is everything.

The Westport Downtown Association picked the perfect fall Saturday for their 9th annual Westoberfest. A large crowd enjoyed beer, food, beer, music, beer, kids’ activities, beer, non-profit giveaways and much more, all around Elm Street downtown.

On the other hand, the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce picked the wrong Saturday — last week — for their 14th annual Slice of Saugatuck.

It was rained out. But they pivoted to today. A similarly large crowd enjoyed food, music, food, bounce houses, food and merchant giveaways, in the “slice” of Saugatuck from Riverside Avenue and Railroad Place to Saugatuck Avenue.

Here are a few scenes. First, the Slice of Saugatuck:

Little guy with a big smile, and an even bigger fire truck.

Serving up samples at Tutti’s.

Beer and wine on Railroad Place, served up by local notables.

Patty Kondub passes out sliders — with a smile — at the VFW.

Who doesn’t love a bounce house?

And now, Westoberfest:

What’s a Westoberfest without lederhosen?

Dozens of beers, from a variety of brewers.

Unleashing her creativity, in the kids’ zone.

The stage is set for an afternoon of music.

Sure, Westoberfest is all about beer. But don’t forget pumpkins!

If you move fast, there’s still time to enjoy these great community events. Both run until 5 p.m.

Ahead tonight: the Westport Country Playhouse gala. It starts at 5:30. See you there!

PS: The Slice and Westoberfest were not all that’s going on.

Compass realtors showed off their new offices. They’ve reimagined the old Patagonia store.

For decades before that, it was Westport Bank & Trust. The huge vault and historic WPA murals are still there.

Meanwhile, this is the 2nd floor view from what was once the bank president’s office.

(All photos/Dan Woog)

(If something is happening in Westport, you’ll read about it — before, during and/or afterward — on “06880.” But we can’t do it without readers’ help. Please click here to support us. Thank you!)

5 Comments

Posted in Downtown, Local business, Saugatuck

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[OPINION] Mr. Christie: Westport Needs A Plan

Posted on October 2, 2026 | 18 comments

Werner Liepolt is a longtime Bridge Street resident, and a Section 106 consulting party for the Cribari Bridge project. He writes:

Last Sunday, the League of Women Voters brought District 9 residents together with our 4 Representative Town Meeting members

It was a welcome opportunity to talk about flooding, traffic, development and the Cribari Bridge.

The bridge discussion raised a question that reaches far beyond District 9: When will 1st Selectman Kevin Christie organize Westport’s participation in a project that could reshape Saugatuck for generations?

RTM member Nancy Kail had asked him for an update on the bridge, and the formation of an advisory committee. His September 27 response promised “more on the Cribari and Downtown committees soon.”

Residents need more than “soon.” We need a timetable, a public process, and a clear account of what the town intends to accomplish.

1st Selectman Kevin Christie (Photo/Dave Matlow)

That expectation follows Mr. Christie’s own statement. On April 9 he announced a Cribari Bridge Advisory Committee, saying, “Westport has a real stake in this project for our neighborhoods, our infrastructure, and our fiscal future.”

He said the committee would ground decisions in facts, incorporate community input, and identify solutions that work for Westport.

Four days later, at an appearance at the Westport Library, Governor Ned Lamont responded to RTM member Kristin Schneeman’s question about the bridge. He acknowledged residents’ concerns, and said he would bring Mr. Christie and the state transportation commissioner together to work toward a solution.

Those statements offered a promising beginning.

Nearly 6 months later, residents deserve to know what has followed: Has the committee been appointed? Have those discussions taken place? What work is underway, and when will the public participate?

Cribari Bridge. (Photo/Fred Cantor)

I live on Bridge Street, and have participated in the federal review as a Section 106 consulting party since 2017. The February 2026 Environmental Assessment identifies replacement on the existing alignment as the preferred alternative.

The federal Permitting Dashboard currently lists May 31, 2027 as the estimated completion date for environmental review and permitting. That date gives Westport a reason to act now.

The 1st Selectman’s office and the RTM should use the remaining time to assemble the evidence, document local concerns, and establish what the town wants the agencies to address.

The risk of delay is practical: The agencies’ review can advance while Westport’s concerns remain scattered among individual residents, departments and organizations.

A coordinated town submission would make those concerns explicit, and give residents a basis for checking whether they have been answered.

The 1st selectman is in a position to bring that work together. Residents deserve to know what discussions he has had with the state Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration, what he has requested, and what commitments he has obtained.

If those discussions have occurred, he should report on them. If they have not, he should initiate them.

The questions requiring attention are substantial, but understandable. What traffic would each bridge alternative accommodate or attract? Could changes in capacity or clearance alter heavytruck routes? What would that mean for noise, vibration, air quality, and pedestrian safety? Whether truck traffic would increase—and by how much—deserves analysis.

The review should also account for commuter traffic, school buses, children walking or biking, and parent drop-offs, alongside foreseeable development.

The proposed 250 apartments at 55 Greens Farms Road, including 75 affordable units, make it particularly important to examine future travel needs. For residents who do not drive or have limited transportation options, these questions are especially consequential.

The town should hear directly from residents of The Saugatuck senior cooperative, and nearby Homes with Hope housing.

Each alternative, including its construction period, should be evaluated for safe access to shopping, medical care, work, buses and the railroad station.

Safety concerns in this neighborhood already have concrete examples. In 2022, a jury returned a verdict against the state in a case involving a teenager seriously injured after CTDOT inadequately removed a Bridge Street crosswalk. More recently, a police pursuit involved collisions on Bridge Street near Imperial Avenue.

Bridge Street traffic, headed to the Cribari Bridge. (Photo/Susan Garment)

These incidents underscore the need to examine crossings, intersections and pedestrian protection throughout the bridge’s approaches. Alongside traffic and safety, Westport needs clear answers about design flexibility, rehabilitation and replacement costs, service lives, construction disruption, emergency access, historic-district impacts, and ownership of the bridge and its approaches.

Mr. Christie, 3 actions would demonstrate leadership now.

First, announce the Cribari committee’s membership, mandate, and timetable. Give it clear responsibility for examining neighborhood impacts and bridge alternatives, with meaningful public participation. Convene a working session with residents, housing representatives, town staff and the Historic District Commission, and invite CTDOT and FHWA.

Second, designate a town coordinator to assemble transportation, housing, land-use, property, emergency-access and preservation information into a written submission to the agencies.

Third, publish the town’s questions and the agencies’ responses. Confirm whether a revised Environmental Assessment is planned, its anticipated publication date, and the opportunities for further public comment. Set dates for the working session and town submission so residents can follow progress.

The town cannot control every state or federal decision. However, its leadership can ensure that Westport’s concerns are documented, presented, and pursued.

Please give residents a public plan and dates for action. The opportunity to influence this review is too important to leave at “soon.”

(“06880” Opinion pages are open to all. Email submissions to 06880blog@gmail.com. To support this hyper-local blog, please click here. Thank you!)

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Posted in Local politics, Saugatuck, Transportation

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Roundup: Beach Resiliency, Slice Of Saugatuck, Halloween Painting …

Posted on October 1, 2026 | 3 comments

There’s been a change to tonight’s (Thursday) Parks & Recreation Department forum on beach resiliency.

The 6:30 p.m. event — to discuss existing site conditions, potential beach profiles, and anticipated regulatory requirements — had been scheduled for Town Hall.

It’s now been changed to a Zoom meeting. Click here to log on. 

Burying Hill Beach is rapidly eroding. (Photo/Seth Schachter)

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Sunny weather is predicted for this Saturday’s Slice of Saugatuck.

The event — postponed by last weekend’s nor’easter — runs from 2 to 5 p.m.

The family friendly event features food tastings, retail experiences, 7 bands, 4 bouncy houses, a balloon bender, face painter, antique fire truck as well 2 beer/wine gardens and more.

The price is $15 per adult, kids under 13 remains $5, with age 5 and under free. Only credit card or electronic payment will be accepted. All tickets are sold on site.

For more information on the Slice of Saugatuck, click here.

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If it’s October, it’s time for a … Halloween story.

The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce’s annual Halloween Window Painting Contest is set for Saturday, October 24 (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

Merchants offer their windows for painting. Kids paint them. There are prizes (gift certificates), and everyone enjoys the kids’ work. There’s no trick — what a treat!

Youngsters can request a window, or have one assigned to them. Painters supply their own water-based paint, drop clothes and brushes (and clean up when they’re done).

There are different age groups, for elementary and middle schoolers. Prizes are awarded for:

  •  Scariest art work
  • Best Halloween theme
  • Most original

Click here to register, and for more information. 

Halloween window art work.

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This amphibious vehicle sprayed for invasive plants yesterday, on behalf of Aspetuck Land Trust.

How they got there is interesting.

They came from north of the Post Road. They traveled down the east shoreline, past the Library and Levitt Pavilion, before making land at the park.

It must have been a very low tide, to get under the Ruth Steinkraus Coehn Bridge.

We’re not sure where they headed next — or how they got there.

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Two more great entertainers have been added to the lineup for Saturday’s Westport Country Playhouse gala.

Tamar Greene — Broadway’s longest-running George Washington in “Hamilton” — and Patty McCormack (“The Bad Seed”) join Santino Fontana, Dan Lauria, Wendie Malick, Javier Muñoz, James Naughton, Kelli O’Hara, and NaTasha Yvette Williams.

All will salute productions that have gone “from the page to the stage” at the Playhouse, since its founding in 1931.

There’s a 5:30 p.m. pre-show reception; 7 p.m. curtain with live auction, and a 9 p.m. after-party. Click here for tickets, and more information.

Tamar Greene

A free “PopShop Market” pops up Saturday (October 3, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Westport Museum for History & Culture).

Independent boutiques, makers, designers and artisans offer women’s fashion, jewelry, accessories, vintage finds, home goods, gifts and more. See below for a full vendors’ list.

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Westport Police made 1 custodial arrest between September 23 and 29.

A 38-year-old Brooklyn man was charged with larceny and identity theft, following an investigation into a 2025 complaint of a fraudulent wire transfer of $89,000.He was held on a $100,000 bond.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 9 citations
  • Failure to obey state traffic commission regulations: 6
  • Failure to renew registration: 5
  • Texting while driving: 3
  • Unreadable plates: 1
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 1

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There was plenty of food in the bird feeder.

But this guy couldn’t get it. So he’s looking elsewhere for a meal. Or to stock up for winter.

We’re impressed with 2 things, in today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature: His agility.

And his tail.

(Photo/Ellen Wentworth)

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And finally … we made it to October!

Either that, or we got here way too fast.

(There’s an old “06880” tradition every October 1: Readers click here to donate to their hyper-local blog. Okay, maybe we just started it today. But why not?! Thanks in advance to all …)

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Posted in Beach, Environment, Police, Saugatuck, Westport Country Playhouse

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Slice Of Saugatuck Postponed

Posted on September 24, 2026 | 3 comments

Another weekend. Another prediction of rain.

One casualty: The Slice of Saugatuck.

Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce officials announced this morning that the 14th annual event will be postponed.

The new date is Saturday, October 3 (2 to 5 p.m.).

The Chamber says, “After consultations with the Fire Department and the National Weather Service, the potential for rain, high winds and flooding has made it clear that postponing the event is the safest and most responsible decision for our attendees, vendors, performers, and volunteers.

“After 10 straight Slice events without rain, this is the 4th year in a row the festival will be rescheduled.

The family friendly event features food tastings, retail experiences, 7 bands, 4 bouncy houses, a balloon bender, face painter, antique fire truck as well 2 beer/wine gardens and more.

The price will again be $15 per adult, kids under 13 remains $5, with age 5 and under free. Only credit card or electronic payment will be accepted. All tickets are sold on site.

The Chamber has donated $60,000 to the Gillespie Center’s food pantry from proceeds from the prior events. This year will push towards the $65,000 mark.

For more information on the Slice of Saugatuck, click here.

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Posted in Saugatuck, Westport life

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A Day In The Life: Photo Gallery

Posted on September 20, 2026 | 3 comments

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tunnel of Love (Miggs Burroughs)

Greens Farms Church (Emily Jennings)

Last Days of Summer (Lisa Gold)

Staples Soccer Car Wash (Lisa Bautista)

Challenger Baseball Winners (Beth Cody)

Low Tide Gymnastics (Danielle Harrison)

Aqua Fitness at the YMCA (Patty Kondub)

Jumping in the Water (Sophie Montagnon)

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

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

Last Swim of Summer (Debbie McGinley)

Soccer and Squishies (Maria Mulvehill)

A Sandbar Party at Old Mill Beach (Totney Benson)

Oslo Enjoying Saugatuck Island Beach (Gail Coykendall)

Cribari Bridge (Alison Wachstein)

Old Mill Sandbar Beach Party (James Delorey)

So Many Books, So Little Time (Lisa Tantillo)

Longshore Golf Course Clouds (Marion Pietrowski)

Kids Walking Across the Bridge (Gregory Lessans)

Leaping From Lifeguard Chair (Lynn Untermeyer Miller)

Pop a Wheelie (Eric W. Sydor)

Sunset Swim at Compo Beach (Ryan Ehlers)

Saugatuck Sunsets (Brittany Landan)

Skateboard Silhouette (Herm Freeman)

A Day in the Life (Liz Fye)

Untittled (Ellie Archer)

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

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

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Pics Of The Day #3439

Posted on September 18, 2026 | 2 comments

I-95 bridge … 

,,, and nearby, Railroad Place (Photos/John Maloney)

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Posted in Pic of the Day, Saugatuck, Transportation

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Friday Flashback #519

Posted on September 4, 2026 | 18 comments

As Westport’s dining scene explodes, we enjoy more options than ever.

Of course, prices are rising too.

Comparisons with days past is a bit like apples and oranges (though they were not on the menu). Much has changed since the time when appetizers at one of Westport’s favorite dining spots included a half grapefruit, tomato juice and chopped chicken livers, steaks were $3.50, and a side salad set you back a whopping 25 cents.

Still, it’s fun to see not only what we paid, but also what we could choose from. This menu below is from Manero’s, the long-lived, much loved Saugatuck ancestor of what is now Rizzuto’s.

The date is uncertain. But the “CA” phone number offers a clue. CApital 7 became 227 in the mid 1960s.

Click on or hover over to enlarge.

Here are the drinks. A bottle of beer was 50 cents. Nothing cost more than $1, except wine.

(Menus courtesy of Seth Van Beever)

Speaking of Saugatuck restaurants: A bit later, across Riverside Avenue and a few yards south, De Rosa’s had great run.

It was razed to make way for what is now Momu and Sea Kayak Connecticut.

We don’t have their menu. But prices were higher than Manero’s.

And lower than Rizzuto’s. And The Whelk.

(Photo/Rose Colletti)

(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, Restaurants, Saugatuck

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Pic Of The Day #3424

Posted on September 3, 2026 | Leave a comment

Saugatuck River (Photo/Michael Chait)

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Roundup: Coming Attractions, Clay Singer, Cops …

Posted on September 3, 2026 | Leave a comment

Two big, traditional fall events were announced this week.

The 14th annual Slice of Saugatuck returns Saturday, September 26 (2 to 5 p.m.).

The food tasting/retail experience includes over 40 businesses and restaurants, spread from Riverside Avenue and Railroad Place to Saugatuck Avenue.

Over 2,000 people eat and drink their way through the neighborhood, listening to live music at 7 venues while kids enjoy bouncy houses, balloon artists and face painters.

A local non-profits will highlight their work. (Like the restaurants, they’ll offer tasty samples too.)

Two beer gardens (with wine) are located outdoors. Many restaurants offer specialty drinks inside (and/or continue the fun with happy hour specials after the Slice ends).

Tickets ($15 adults, $5 kids under 13; children under 5 are free) are available on site only (credit or electronic payment only).

The Slice of Saugatuck is sponsored by the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce. Since its inception, they’ve donated $60,000 to the Homes with Hope food pantry, from the proceeds.

For more information, and to see participants and a map, click here. 

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Meanwhile: Craft beer, live music, food and fun return to downtown October 3.

The 9th annual Westoberfest takes place from 1 to 5 p.m. — and this year’s event is bigger than ever.

Over 50 local and regional beers, from 20+ breweries are on tap (ho ho), from crisp lagers and bold IPAs to rich stouts. There are plenty of non-alcoholic options too. The event is sponsored by the Westport Downtown Association.

Beyond the beer: food from local favorites, music from One Bad Oyster, other entertainment for all ages, and vendors offering a variety of products and services.

A competitive stein-holding contest is hosted by CBS News weather anchor (and Westport resident Lonnie Quinn.

The festival footprint will be expanded throughout downtown Westport. Click here for tickets, and more information.

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The first-ever Town-wide Tag Sale last spring was such a success, the Nolan Team at Compass is doing it again.

The date is Saturday, October 17. Everyone is invited to participate — as a shopper, and/or a seller.

A website (click here) includes information, categories, and a link to host a sale (including choosing your hours, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.).

The Nolan Team handles all promotion and social media. A map on the website helps shoppers plan their route.

Questions? Email TheNolanTeam@compass.com.

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A dozen talented and varied artists star in the next Artists Collective of Westport pop-up show.

Lynne Arovas, Nina Bentley, Jeanine Esposito, Kat Evans, Herm Freeman, MaryEllen Hendricks, Julie Leff, Kerstin Rao, Dolores R. Santoliquido, Gay Schempp, Gregg Ziebell and Virginia Zimmerman show their work September 10 through 13 (12 to 4 p.m., Westport Country Playhouse barn).

An opening reception September 9 (6 to 8 p.m.). features Rock & Roll Hall of famer Mark Naftalin on piano. The show ends with an artists’ talk at 4 p.m. on September 13. Click here or below to learn more about the Artists Collective.

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Fresh off his role in “Masquerade” — the innovative, immersive staging of “Phantom of the Opera” — Staples High School graduate Clay Singer is immersed in 2 intriguing projects.

“Late Fame” was released last month, to strong reviews. The indie film stars Willem Dafoe as a legendary New York poet, whose forgotten works captivate the minds of an eccentric group of young artists (including Singer), who attempt to reignite his passion for writing.

The New York Times says the “group of aspirationally literary young men” are portrayed with “charming authenticity.”

Other critics say they “effectively capture the pretentious yet earnest vibe of modern trust fund creatives, striking the perfect balance between sneering at media influencers and earnestly fangirling over an old poet.”

Clay Singer

The Staples Players alum is also in “Rhinoceros.” The Eugene Ionesco play is being performed at the American Repertory Theatre in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Starring Paul Giamatti, its theme of herd mentality is particularly timely today.

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Speaking of performing: High school sports teams around the country play the national anthem before games.

Some use live singers. Few have as talented a corps as Staples.

Football and basketball fans have been awed at some of the renditions by high school (and middle school!) singers.

Serena Diamond is one of those performers. Now the Staples junior is giving back in another way.

She has created a directory of a dozen Westport student singers available for games. And not just athletics — what about Eagle Scout ceremonies, town Veterans Day ceremonies, etc.?

Click here for the list, or email serenabelladiamond@gmail.com.

And if you’re a singer, and want your name on the list: let her know!

Demeil Betfarhad took his act on the road last winter. The Staples student sang the national anthem before the state boys basketball championship game, at Mohegan Sun. (Photo/Ryan Allen)

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There has been no news lately — from the state or the town — about the status of plans for replacement or renovation of the Cribari Bridge.

Meanwhile, routine maintenance continues. This was the scene yesterday:

(Photo/Ben Meyer)

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Other work was going on, elsewhere in Westport.

This was the scene on Evergreen Parkway. A new water main will be installed soon.

(Photo/Mark Mathias)

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Westport Police made 1 custodial arrest between August 26 and September 1.

A 19-year-old Westport man was charged with assault and disorderly conduct, following a verbal and physical argument at a local residence. The man became angry when the victim spilled a glass of water.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 11 citations
  • Texting while driving: 8
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 8
  • Distracted driving: 5
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 4
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 4
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 2
  • Failure to drive in the proper lane: 2
  • Improper use of markers: 2
  • Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 2
  • Evading responsibility: 1
  • Passing a standing school bus: 1
  • School zone violation: 1
  • Traveling too fast for conditions: 1
  • Following too closely: 1
  • Negligent pedestrian: 1
  • Failure to carry license: 1
  • Failure to carry insurance card: 1
  • Failure to stop on the right side of the road: 1
  • Unsafe movement of a stopped vehicle: 1
  • Disobeying the signal of an officer: 1
  • Possession of a controlled substance: 1
  • Truancy: 1

Drivers are not the only ones who get tickets. Police can cite a “negligent pedestrian” too.

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo is a scene we never get tired of: Cockenoe Island, from Compo Beach.

(Photo/Sharon Fiarman)

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And finally … in honor of Serena Diamond’s national anthem singers’ registry (story above), here’s one of the most famous renditions in history.

José Feliciano’s slow, Latin-influenced version — performed before game 5 of the 1968 World Series — was hugely controversial. It was non-traditional; and called
“disrespectful,” “disgraceful” and “unpatriotic.”

It came at a time of deep social and political divisions in the US. The criticism stalled the Puerto-Rico born singer’s career, for several years.

But it also paved the way for many more imitators. Today, a “traditional” performance of the difficult-to-sing song is seen as “different.”

And Feliciano — a longtime Weston resident — went on to earn 9 Grammy Awards, sing for presidents and popes, and enjoy international acclaim.

O say, can you sing …?

(“06880” is your hyper-local blog. Where else can you find the Cribari Bridge, cops, José Feliciano — and much more — in one place, 24/7/365? Please click here to support our work. Thanks!)

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