Category Archives: Weather

Roundup: Beaches Close, Stanley Cup Comes Here, La Plage Opens …

Posted on July 22, 2026 | 3 comments

Yesterday’s heavy rainfall — more than 3.5 inches — has closed Westport beaches, for 24 hours from when the rain ended. 

Yesterday’s heavy rain pours off a Stony Point roof. (Photo/Rick Jaffe)

Fox 5 New York posted a video of downtown flooding on their Instagram. Click here to see. 

Screenshot from Fox 5 New York.

For Mark Mathias’ video of flooding on Myrtle Avenue near Post Road East, click here or below:

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The Planning & Zoning Commission’s Zoning Revision Subcommittee meets today (July 22, 12 noon; Zoom).

The first agenda item is a potential text change in Saugatuck, related to the proposed development by Spinnaker on Riverside Avenue. Click here for all related materials.

The other items involve Dark Sky compliance, modifying mobile park regulations, and discussing accessory buildings.

The Zoning Regulation Revision Subcommittee discusses Saugatuck today.

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There is one agenda item on tomorrow’s Board of Education agenda (Thursday, June 23, 9:30 a.m., Staples High School cafeteria): discussion, and possible action, on “Special Education Program Review: Review RFQ Responses and RFP.”

The meeting will be livestreamed on www.westportct.gov, and Optimum Channel 78.

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It’s a great National Hockey League tradition: Each player on the Stanley Cup-winning team gets to keep it for a day.

Which is how the famed trophy came to Westport yesterday.

Jeff Looby sent this photo, from social media:

A bit of context: Twitter user Phil Pritchard is the guy who shepherds the Stanley Cup from player to player, and town to town. (Much safer than FedEx.)

Shayne Gostisbehere is … well, you can read about him above. His only connections to Connecticut seem to be that he played prep school hockey at South Kent, and the Carolina Hurricanes started out as the Hartford Whalers, before fleeing to Raleigh in 1997.

Jeff thought Shayne might have a summer place in Westport. That can’t be confirmed. But it led to another social media post by Pritchard:

What is Eric Robinson’s connection with Westport?

AI says he is a “native” of our town. But he was raised in Bellmawr, New Jersey, and played at Gloucester Catholic High there. There are no other references to Westport anywhere for him.

So here are our questions:

  • Does Shayne Gostisbehere actually live here in the summer?
  • Is Eric Robinson actually a Westport native? And if so …
  • … why didn’t that get any publicity during the Hurricanes’ Stanley Cup run?
  • If none of that is true, how did the Stanley Cup wind up here yesterday?

And finally: Which is cooler: Having the Stanley Cup here in 2026, or the World Cup in Weston in 1991?

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La Plage has been closed for a while, as part of the Inn at Longshore renovation.

But — just in time for mid-summer — the popular waterside restaurant is back open today (Wednesday).

For the first week or so, they’ll serve dinner only (5 to 10 p.m.), with reservations required (click here).

The patio bar will be open every day too, from 4 to 10 p.m. for drinks.

Lunch, brunch and full service at the patio bar will roll out in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, the Inn is slated to open the second week of August. Rooms are available for booking (click here). More details coming soon.

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A memorial service celebrating the life of Scott Bryce — the beloved actor, Staples High School graduate and Weston resident who died July 12 — is set for this Saturday (July 25, 10 a.m., Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport.).

The event will be livestreamed; click here.

Scott Bryce

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The other day, Sandy Rothenberg emailed “06880.” She said: “The intersection of Bayberry Lane Extension & Easton Road (Route 136) is a major accident waiting to happen.

“At the stop sign on Bayberry Extension, the sight line is very poor. Cars fly around the corner on Easton Road, or turn in 2 other directions at the same time. School buses use this intersection too.

“I have contacted Westport Police and Public Works. They said that since Easton Road is a state road and the bushes are not on public property, they can’t do anything about it.” They suggested writing a letter to the property owner at 300 Bayberry Lane Extension.

Town operations manager Tom Kiely told Sandy that the house was recently sold. New owners will move in next month. Kiely contacted them, and said they were receptive to meeting with town officials.

Rothenberg adds, “The state Department of Transportation needs to attend to the curve on Easton Road!”

Dangerous sightline: Easton Road (right) at Bayberry Lane Extension. Bayberry Lane is at far right. (Photo/Sandy Rothenberg)

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Only a few days — and 2 Westport Farmers’ Markets — remain in the Young Shoots photo contest.

For a decade, photographers ages 5 to 18 have captured the energy and beauty of the Thursday market — and shared great images of food, farmers and shopper.

The contest — with prizes in 3 age groups, and an exhibit and reception for all the young entrants — is sponsored by The Artists Collective of Westport and the Drew Friedman Community Arts Center.

The deadline is July 31. Click here for details, and submission guidelines.

Lila Boyd’s winning photo, in the 10-14-year-old age group.

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Speaking of the outdoors: Flick the leopard gecko, Pearl the chinchilla and Chatty the bald eagle are 3 of the more than 50 animals that call Earthplace home.

Unable to survive in the wild due to permanent injuries, they now serve as ambassadors, connecting the community with nature.

But Earthplace can’t do it alone. Facing rising food, veterinary and enrichment costs, they need to raise $25,000 this month to ensure the animals receive the resources they need!

A generous matching challenge will double every gift, through July 31. Click here to donate.

How can you not support this guy?

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Westport is filled with experienced professionals — and many other young men and women, just beginning their careers.

A networking mixer, bringing them all together, is set for next Tuesday (July 28, 7 to 8:15 p.m., Compo Beach brick pavilion).

The free event — organized by Westport Professionals Network co-founders Lisa Cukier and Katie Gervasio — is open to post-high school, and current and graduated college students. Plus, of course, anyone interested in offering advice and mentorship.

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Roz Chast and Lisa Donnelly had a packed Westport Library crowd laughing loudly Monday night.

That’s appropriate. They spoke following a screening of “Women Laughing,” Donnelly’s documentary about a diverse and remarkable group of New Yorker female cartoonists. Chast and Donnelly are 2 of its most noted members.

From left: Roz Chast and Lisa Donnelly, with former New Yorker editor Anne Hall Elser. (Photo/Susan Garment)

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Lauri Weiser sent this “Westport … Naturally” photo yesterday, with a note: “On icky days like this, these beautiful flowers remind me why I love my garden.”

(Photo/Lauri Weiser)

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And finally … in honor of the Stanley Cup coming to Westport (story above):

(You may never drive a Zamboni. But you can always contribute to “06880.” Just click here to help. It’s even better than winning the Stanley Cup! Thank you all …)

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Pics Of The Day #3380

Posted on July 21, 2026 | Leave a comment

Today’s rain, on Bayberry Lane … (Photo/Jonathan Alloy) 

,,, and Deadman Brook downtown … (Screenshot/Mark Mathias)

  … and Myrtle Avenue nearby … (Photo/Mark Mathias)

… and Old Mill Beach, after the storm (Photo/Tracy Porosoff)

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Roundup: WPD, AQI, DST, AI, WCP …

Posted on July 16, 2026 | Leave a comment

National Night Out is coming to Westport.

The event — part of a US-wide community-building campaign to promote police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie, in all 50 states — is set for Tuesday, August 4. It’s sponsored by the Westport Police Department, from 5 to 8 p.m. on Jesup Green.

There’s plenty of action: live bands, food, K-9 demonstrations, a Dunk-a-Cop tank, smoke trailer, bounce houses, and many other family-friendly activities.

Emergency Medical Services personnel will provide demonstrations on CPR, the LUCAS device, splinting, and other techniques.

Local businesses and organizations are invited to participate. Contact Lt. Sereniti Dobson for more information: sdobson@westportct.gov.

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As smoke from Canadian wildfires settled over Westport yesterday — and state officials issued an air quality alert — some residents said, “Whatever.”

This was the late-afternoon scene at Compo Beach:

(Photo/Pam Kesselman)
Photographer Pam Kesselman reports it was “misty, dusky and dusty. Quiet with soft breeze. Surprisingly pleasant.”
Your description may differ.
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This week, Congress is debating a law that would require states to observe year-round Daylight Savings Time (unless they exempt themselves before it takes effect).

Congressman Jim Himes wants to know what his constituents think. Click here, for his 1-question survey.

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The 3 finalists for the Westport Prize for Literature are “Transcription” by Ben Lerner, “The Children” by Melissa Albert, and “Good People” by Patmeena Sabit.
The award honors original, timeless works of long-form fiction published in the US. The winner is selected by a jury, and administered by Westport volunteers.

This year’s winner will be honored — and awarded a $10,000 prize — at The Westport Library on November 12.

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AI, we are told relentlessly, is the future.

Young people today must master the technical and cognitive skills necessary to live in a world no one can yet predict.

Patrick McCullough takes a different tack.

Next month, the 1981 Staples High School graduate — an award-winning filmmaker who for 22 years has offered film and arts summer education programs — will run a different type of camp experience: “Futures Prep.”

The hands-on week teaches youngsters “the human skills they need to stay ahead of technology, and thrive in a world where AI will do much of the heavy lifting.”

McCullough’s emphasis is on “creativity, presence, collaboration, focus and flow.” There are no computers at all.

Besides McCullough’s filmmaking, he has coached actors, entrepreneurs and executives, from startups to multinational companies.

He knows how to help individuals and teams make creative decisions and communicate clearly, in uncertain, high-pressure situations.

“Futures Prep” will include games, challenges and teamwork missions — “developing skills kids can actually use,” McCullough says.

Run through Westport Continuing Education at Staples August 3-7, there are sessions for ages 8-10 (9 a.m. to 12 p.m.) and 11-14 (12:30 to 3:30 p.m.). The fee is $395.

For more information and to register, click here. Questions? Email  Patrick@Filmmakers-Ink.com.

Patrick McCullough

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Speaking of AI: consultant Peter Farnsworth demystifies the vast topic, for client companies and classes for the general public.

On Tuesday, he did it for the Westport Rotary Club.

Farnsworth warned that even savvy individuals can easily be fooled by AI. It can be used by scammers to clone a loved one’s voice on a phone call, manufacturing a fake crisis and asking for money.

His recommendation is simple: “Slow it down. Don’t ever act quickly.”

Peter Farnsworth, at the Westport Rotary Club. (Photo/Dave Matlow)

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100 years after publication, “The Murder of Roger Ackroyd” is having a moment.

Dame Agatha Christie’s novel was just included in the New York Times’ list of the best mysteries ever.

It’s also the current production at the Westport Country Playhouse. The show runs through August 1.

The Times says:

Our narrator, a country doctor named James Sheppard, is called to the scene when a wealthy widow apparently dies by suicide. Her fiancé, Roger Ackroyd, says she was being blackmailed by someone who knew she had poisoned her first husband. When Ackroyd himself turns up dead, enter Poirot and a vast cast of suspects, including an entitled stepson, a fanciful spinster, a resentful illegitimate son, a by-the-book retired military officer, a secretive personal secretary and a housekeeper who knows far more than she’s saying. It’s a master class in red herrings, misdirection and unreliable narration, and it ends with perhaps the greatest twist of all time.

As our critic wrote in 1926, “There are doubtless many detective stories more exciting and bloodcurdling than ‘The Murder of Roger Ackroyd,’ but this reviewer has recently read very few which provide greater analytical stimulation.”

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Westport Police made 1 custodial arrest between July 8 and 14.

A 67-year-old Weston woman was charged with evading responsibility, following an investigation into a driver who let the scene of an April accident in the HomeGoods parking lot. She was reportedly not cooperative during multiple attempts to follow up on the matter. She was released on a $1,000 bond.

Police also issued these citations:

  • Texting while driving: 18 citations
  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 17
  • Distracted driving: 11
  • Failure to obey state traffic commission regulations: 8
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 6
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 3
  • Speeding: 2
  • Failure to carry driver’s license: 2
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
  • School zone violation: 1
  • Disobeying the signal of an officer: 1
  • Improper passing: 1
  • Following too closely: 1
  • Failure to yield to a pedestrian: 1
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a tint inspection: 1
  • Failure to renew registration: 1

Disobeying the signal of an officer can result in a citation.

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This guy gives off a strong “don’t mess with me” vibe. But June Rose Whittaker got close enough to snap today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature photo.

(Photo/June Rose Whittaker)

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And finally … Joe Melson, the songwriter who collaborated with Roy Orbison to help create some of the singer’s most operatic ballads, died this month at 91.

You may not know his name. But you sure know some of the hits he co-wrote:

(We can’t sing like Roy Orbison. No one can. But we do publish a pretty good hyper-local blog. If you enjoy a decent amount of it, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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It’s Not Just Heat. It’s The Air Quality Too.

Posted on July 15, 2026 | 10 comments

No, your windows or eyeballs are not smudged.

That gross sky is wildfire smoke from Canada.

Many miles from our northern neighbor, the Westport Fire Department urges residents — especially children, older adults and people with heart or lung conditions — to limit prolonged outdoor exertion.

Air quality is at unhealthy levels statewide, according to the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP).

They’ve issued an Air Quality Alert through tomorrow (Thursday), due to elevated levels of fine particulate pollution. Forecasts indicate air quality may worsen Thursday, with conditions ranging from Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups to Unhealthy in Fairfield, New Haven and Litchfield counties.

“Smoke from these wildfires is affecting air quality throughout our region,” says Westport Fire Chief Nick Marsan. “We encourage residents to pay attention to how they feel, reduce outdoor activity if air quality is poor, and take extra precautions.”

Westport Emergency Management will continue monitoring conditions in coordination with the EPA, DEEP, and the National Weather Service, and will provide updates as needed.

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Roundup: Beaches Closed, Bocelli Here, Wires Down …

Posted on July 8, 2026 | 2 comments

Excessive rainfall — more than 1.5 inches — over the past 24 hours has closed Compo, Burying Hill and Old Mill Beaches to swimming.

Swimming can resume tomorrow (Thursday), pending no further weather events.

(Photo/Seth Schachter)

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After many months in the headlines, the Downtown Plan Implementation Committee has gone silent.

And the link on the town website to the Downtown Master Plan no longer works. It is now listed as “Private.”

In January, 1st Selectman Kevin Christie removed Randy Herbertson from his position as chair.

Christie told “06880”: “I have not yet named a new chair for DPIC. Regarding the website, we’re aware of the issue and are looking into it.”

DPIC had spent a long time working on parking plans, including lot renovations, changes to time limits, an app to track open spots, and the possibilities of meters and a deck. Member Matthew Mandell says, “A lot of work has been done. A lot of work is still on the table. We’d like to be able to move forward.”

Part of the DPIC Master Plan, when it was live on the town website.

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Only a few tickets remain — at $108 and $157 — for Matteo Bocelli’s Levitt Pavilion concert Friday night.

But tomorrow afternoon, you can see him for free.

He won’t be in concert. But it will be a very entertaining evening nonetheless.

The internationally acclaimed Italian pop artist will be at the Westport Library’s Trefz Forum (Thursday, July 9, 4 p.m.). He and Connoisseur Medi radio host Jon Kamal will talk about music, the creative process, and the story behind his Falling in Love Tour.

It’s a different stage for the son of tenor Andrea Bocelli. Matteo made his live debut at 18, in Rome’s Colosseum, and has performed all over the world since.

Tomorrow, he receives the inaugural Rock the Walls Award. The non-profit brings musicians and artists together to support survivors and end the silence around domestic abuse.

Click here to register (required).

Matteo Bocelli

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At mid-afternoon yesterday, Bob Weingarten sent this update on Saturday’s powerful storm, which left hundreds of residents without power:

“Our electric came on this morning, along with others on Hillandale Road and Morningside Drive South.

“I’m not sure of Hillandale and Center Street.  The intersection is blocked off because of tree parts with wires (hopefully not electric) — embedded within the logs and branches.”

At 7 a.m. today, Eversource reported only 570 outages in the entire state of Connecticut. Power has been restored to all Westport and Weston customers.

(Photo/Bob Weingarten)

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Wakeman Town Farm’s biggest event of the summer — their annual Family Fun Day — takes place Saturday, July 18 (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.).

The day includes hands-on activities (crafts, story time, hair tinsel, garden planting, bubble show, and more) entertainment, farm fun, and food.

The day is dedicated to longtime WTF supporter Pete Romano. His generosity and enthusiasm were legendary — as was his smile while serving ice cream. In his memory, sponsors Al’s Angels, LandTech, Gault and Saugatuck Sweets will provide free ice cream for all.

Click here for tickets.

Wakeman Town Farm Family Fun Day.

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Curious about polo? And/or about the Fairfield County Hunt Club?

You’re invited to a day-long exhibition on Saturday, July 26 (gates open at 11 a.m.).

In addition to matches, there are vendors, food and drinks. Tickets are $15, at the gate. VIP tickets are available by Venmo: @fchcpolo.

Questions? Email HuntClubPolo@gmail.com.

Polo comes to Westport.

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Local author Lori Miller Kase (“The Accident”) leads a 2-part fiction writing workshop for teens (July 20 and 22, 4 to 5:30 p.m., Westport Library).

The free sessions help both experienced and aspiring writers generate ideas for new work, and offer inspiration to those with short stories or novels in progress.

Click here to register, and for more information.

Lori Miller Kase

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Faded is the Crimson — a Grateful Dead tribute band — takes the stage next, in the Weston History & Cultural Center’s “Music at the Barn” summer concert series.

The show — reprising the Dead’s 1981 live acoustic double album “Reckoning” — is July 26 (5:30 p.m.). Guests are invited to bring a lawn chair, picnic, and bottle of wine,

Tickets ($15 members, $20 non-members; children 12 and under free) are available at the door or online.

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The “Career Coach” will be in the Westport Library parking lot on Thursday, July 16 for a session on “Intro to AI: Job Seeker Strategies.”

It returns August 20, with Tips for Resume and Cover Letter.

There are 2 sessions ( 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.) each day; both are 2 hours long. Registrants can choose one.

The service is available to people who are exploring career opportunities, actively looking for a job, or seeking additional part-time employment. Click here to reserve a spot.

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Westport resident Isabel Moskowitz — a founder and past president of TCS — died Monday. She was 74.

A pioneer in the financial services industry, Isabel built a distinguished career at a time when few women held leadership roles in the field. She led her own brokerage firm, advocated fiercely for her clients, and helped open doors for women who followed.

In addition to her other roles at TCS, she served for decades on the board of directors, chaired many committees, and supported the synagogue in ways both visible and quiet. She also held leadership roles with Federation, ORT and other Jewish organizations, working to strengthen Jewish life locally and beyond.

Her obituary says, “She was happiest when bringing people together, especially around the holiday table, where she welcomed family and friends with extraordinary food, warmth and care. She gave generously of herself through her love, advice, support, guidance, thoughtfulness and steady presence. She had a sharp wit, a beautiful spirit, and a strength and resolve that made her a true force — in her family, her work, and her community.”

Isabel is survived by her husband Steve; her daughter and son-in-law, Alyssa and Josh Gold; her brother Michael Price; her stepchildren Alan (Michelle) Moskowitz and Dana Moskowitz, and her granddaughters Abigail Gold, and Naomi, Zoe, and Dafne Moskowitz.

Funeral services will be held tomorrow (Thursday, July 9, 11 a.m., TCS).

Donations in Isabel’s memory may be made to TCS or the Whittingham Cancer Center at Norwalk Hospital.

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Sherwood Island State Park punches way above its weight, in our daily “Westport … Naturally” series.

Today we feature a sharp-looking black swallowtail butterfly, courtesy of Clarence Hayes:

(Photo/Clarence Hayes)

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And finally … in honor of our “Westport … Naturally” image above:

(“06880” is where Westport meets the world — and where you get the full version of this beautiful song. What a blog! If you enjoy our 24/7/365 service, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Beach, Downtown, Environment, Library, Local politics, Obituaries, Weather

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Roundup: Power Outage Update, Levitt Pavilion, Verso University …

Posted on July 6, 2026 | 2 comments

The good news: Eversource has restored power to more than 90,000 customers since Saturday night’s storms. Almost all the remaining 34,000 — about 2.6% of all Connecticut customers — will have electricity by Tuesday night, “most sooner” the utility says.

The bad news: The percentage out is higher in Westport.

And much higher in Weston.

As of 7:50 a.m. today, 627 Westport customers — 4.9% of the town — remain without power.

In Weston, it’s 1,262 customers: a whopping 32.1% overall.

Click here for Eversource’s interactive map.

Damage on Hazelnut Road, off North Avenue. (Photo/Tommy Greenwald)

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Woodstock came to Westport last night. And man, it was groovy.

Back to the Garden 1969 — a Woodstock tribute band — packed the Levitt Pavilion. Channeling every band from The Band, The Who and Jefferson Airplane to joe Cocker, Santana and Sly & the Family Stone, they had the crowd dancing and flashing peace signs.

Going down to Yasgur’s farm. (Photo/Susan Garment)

But the highlight was Michelle Pauker. The 2013 Staples High School graduate (and Staples Players star) joined the group 6 months ago. Her Grace Slick and Janis Joplin performances were every bit as good as those legends were, nearly 60 years ago.

And … it was her 31st birthday.

She celebrated it in style. With, of course, a little help from her (Westport) friends.

Michelle Pauker, singing Janis Joplin’s “Piece of My Heart.” (Photo/Miggs Burroughs)

As Sly & the Family Stone say: Dance to the music! (Photo/Susan Garment)

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Verso University — the Westport Library’s lifelong learning and education initiative — does not take the summer off.

Their July/August offerings range from vibe coding and songwriting to beer tasting. Here’s the full list:

Mah Jongg Open Play in the Library Café (July and August, Thursdays, 6:30 to 8 p.m.; $5).

Vibe Coding: Build a Website with AI (July 9, 16, 23 & 30, 6:30 to 8 pm; $40).

Fairfield University Art Museum Curator’s Tour (July 15, 1 to 2:30 p.m.; Quick Center for the Arts/Walsh Gallery & Ballarmine Hall Galleries; $5).

History of American Beer/Beer Tasting/America 250 (July 17, 3:30- to 5:30 p.m.; samples from Fox Farm Brewery included; $10).

Women Laughing Film Screening & Panel Discussion with Liza Donnelly & Roz Chast (July 20, 7 to 8:30 p.m.; $5)

Book Event: “A Daring Enterprise,” moderated by Daniel Gross (July 22, 7 to 8 p.m.; free)

GarageBand Music Lab for Tweens (Monday-Thursday, August 3, 4, 5 & 6, 10:30 am to 12:30 p.m.; $25). Need equipment? Email jconnon@westportlibrary.org.

Moss & Mingle Creative Workshop (August 5, 6 to 8 p.m.; all material provided, plus wine and light snacks; $15).

Songwriting: 3-Evening Intensive with Jack O’Neill  (Thursdays, August 6, 13, & 20, 6:30 to 8 p.m.; $25).

Mah Jongg Instruction (Beginner: Tuesdays, July 7, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; July 14 & 21, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m; Advanced Beginner: Tuesdays, July 7, 2 to 5 p.m.; July 14 & 21, 2 to 4 p.m.; $125).

Writing Sprints (Online) (Tuesdays with Tessa Smith McGovern, 12 to 1:30 p.m; Wednesdays with Alexandra Soiseth, 6 to 7:30 p.m.; free).

Click here for details, and registration.

Beer here! Or at least, at the Westport Library …

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In its century of existence as Connecticut’s first state park, Sherwood Island has maintained much of its natural look.

Including — as shown in today’s “Westport … Naturally” image — its weeds.

(Photo/Wendy Levy)

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And finally … in honor of the Westport Library’s Verso University class “GarageBand Music Lab for Tweens” (story above), here are 3 of the best garage bands ever:

PS: “06880” connection: ? and the Mysterians played at the short-lived Nines Club discotheque. We know the former ice skating rink today as the Westport Tennis Club.

(Upcoming events, weather, music — “06880” has it all. We rely on support from readers like you. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you. Now keep on dancing!)

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Lamont: Power Restoration May Take “Several Days”

Posted on July 5, 2026 | 8 comments

Last night’s brief but intense storm caused numerous power outages.

They persist today.

At 4:30 this afternoon, there were still 809 customers — 6.3% of Eversource’s total — without power in Westport.

Weston fared worse. 498 customers remain out (12.6%).

Though Eversource has brought in crews from Canada, Governor Lamont says that full restoration in Connecticut might take “several days.”

His full remarks:

Last night’s severe storms left thousands of homes in the region without power, and while utility crews immediately began working on restoration, they believe that repairs in certain areas may take several days due to the scale of damage across the area.

The utilities have called down additional crews from Canada to help restore power in Connecticut as soon as possible, and our administration will do anything in our ability that can help expedite power restoration.

Additionally, the state’s emergency response team remains in contact with every affected town and stands ready to send additional support the moment a municipality requests it.

Connecticut has been through storms like this before, and we get through them by looking out for one another. Stay safe, and we’ll keep you updated.

Amid the cleanup, Tommy Greenwald sent a photo, from his driveway off North Avenue.

But, he noted — channeling Francis Scott Key — “our flag was still there.”

Here’s another downed limb, this one at Assumption Cemetery on Greens Farms Road:

(Photo/Carrie Kuhn)

The Westport Fire Department offers this advice for generator safety:

  • Always operate generators outdoors, never inside a home or garage.
  • Keep generators at least 20 feet from doors, windows and vents.
  • Never refuel a generator while it is running or still hot.
  • Install working carbon monoxide alarms in your home.

A few additional things residents can do, according to state officials:

  • If you rely on medically necessary equipment and lose power, or if you have an emergency, call 911.
  • Stay clear of any downed power lines. Always assume they are live and dangerous; report them to your utility right away.
  • For real-time updates on state road closures, visit org. Obey all signage when approaching road closures. The Connecticut Department of Transportation and municipalities are coordinating with utilities to clear roads of downed trees and power lines.
  • Check on elderly neighbors, family, and anyone who may need a hand.
  • For non-emergency help, contact your town’s local officials. You can also visit 211ct.org or call 211 for more information.
  • Sign up for emergency alerts at ct.gov/ctalert.
  • Keep monitoring weather alerts over the coming days, as additional rainfall could bring a risk of flash flooding. Never drive through a flooded road.

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Roundup: Power Outages, Staples News, American Flags …

Posted on July 5, 2026 | 4 comments

Last night’s brief but powerful storms brought down tree limbs — and power lines — all over Westport and Weston.

And across the state.

Dramatic lightning at Compo Beach. (Photo/Meredith Holod)

At 7:30 this morning, Eversource reported 778 Westport customers — 11.6% of the town’s total — without service.

Another 455 Weston customers (6.1%) lacked power.

The map did not offer restoration times for most outages.

Statewide, the total number of customers without electricity was 71,965 (5.5%).

Last night, “06880” reader Tracy Porosoff sent this report: “We were at the Levitt Pavilion, and saw the lightning from Norwalk before it got to us and closed down the concert.

“Roads were full of branches and debris. Seems like it’s going to be a messy storm.”

She sent this photo too, of a non-functioning traffic light at the Compo Road South/Greens Farms Road/Bridge Street intersection:

(Photo/Tracy Porosoff)

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The Staples High School Class of 1961 was the first to spend 3 years at the then-sparkling new North Avenue campus.

More than 6 decades later, they’re still trailblazers.

For their 65th reunion, Peter Kelman organized a unique virtual event. In late June, nearly 50 alums gathered via Zoom.

For over 2 hours, they shared stories, memories, insights and more.

To keep things from going off the rails, Peter instituted some simple rules. There was a 2-minute time limit for each speaker (he suggested timing them beforehand), and 6 specific topics:

  • Pre-school and elementary School years
  • Junior high years
  • High School years
  • Post-high School lives
  • Remembrance classmates who died
  • Current lives as octogenarians.

There was even tech help available, for men and women whose Staples days included slide rules and blue book essays, not computers and AI.

For security reasons, the video is unlisted. “06880” readers can view it by emailing Peter (phkelman@gmail.com), with details on why you’re interested.

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Westporters of a certain age remember Linda Blair.

She was a 14-year-old Staples student in 1973 — and had been working as a model and actress for years — when she was chosen from 600 others for the role of Regan in “The Exorcist.”

She earned a Golden Globe Award, was nominated for an Oscar — and received death threats for her “blasphemy.”

What’s she up to now?

For one thing, she’s old enough for AARP. (As are, to their surprise, many other people.)

The June/July issue of AARP magazine has a short update.

At 67, she has survived pneumonia and sepsis. She’s devoted her adult life to the rescue, rehabilitation and “rehoming” of dogs.

She runs the Linda Blair WorldHeart Foundation from Acton, California.

Fun fact: When she made “The Exorcist,” she was too young to watch it in a theater.

Read the full story below. (Hat tip: Douglass Davidoff)

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Several readers have expressed disappointment at the lack of patriotic decorations on Westport homes. Even with a house décor contest underway, flags and bunting is hard to find.

One place to see it: Compo Hill.

Rick and Totney Benson are flying the colors at the exact site where, 249 years ago, colonists and the British battled in one of our town’s most historic events.

The view coming up Compo Hill …

… and at the top, on Buena Vista Drive. Rick participated in the OpSail tall ships event 50 years ago, during America’s bicentennial. (Photos/Rick Benson)

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The 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence — written, of course, with a quill pen — is a great connection to today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo.

Jerry Kuyper collects these feathers on his Rayfield Road property. As the image shows, that’s a self-evident truth.

(Photo/Jerry Kuyper)

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And finally … on this date in 1852, Frederick Douglass delivered his “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?” speech at a meeting organized by the Rochester Ladies’ Anti-Slavery Society in Rochester, New York.

(The Independence Day holiday continues. So does our “06880” blog. We’re here 24/7/365, because that’s what hyper-local blogs do. If you like our work, please click here to support us. Thank you!)

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Posted in Entertainment, Staples HS, Weather

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Westport 250 Will Be A Blast (Furnace)

Posted on June 29, 2026 | 3 comments

Everyone knew America’s 250th birthday celebration would be hot.

And tickets to Westport’s July 4th-ish fireworks are always a hot ticket.

But no one figured they’d both be this hot.

As several days of possible record-breaking heat and humidity cruise head toward town, our Emergency Management team urges residents to prepare.

The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Watch, and Governor Ned Lamont activated Connecticut’s Extreme Hot Weather Protocol effective tomorrow (Tuesday) through at least Sunday.

Heat index values — the “feels like” temperature that combines heat and humidity — could reach the upper 90s Wednesday, and soar to between 100 and 110 degrees Thursday and Friday. “Dangerously hot conditions” could continue through the Independence Day weekend.

Overnight temperatures will remain in the upper 70s and lower 80s, increasing the risk of heat-related illnesses by limiting the body’s ability to recover.

“This prolonged stretch of dangerous heat poses a significant risk, particularly for older adults, young children, individuals with chronic medical conditions, and anyone without access to air conditioning,” says Chief Nicholas Marsan, Westport’s Emergency Management director.

“We encourage residents to stay hydrated, limit outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day, check on family members and neighbors, and take advantage of the Town’s cooling centers if needed.”

Several cooling centers are available:

  • Center for Senior Activities (21 Imperial Avenue): Tuesday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
  • Westport Library (20 Jesup Road): Tuesday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Sunday 1 to 5 p.m.
  • Westport Weston Family YMCA (14 Allen Raymond Lane): Tuesday through Friday, 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. (indoors), 10 a.m. to o4 p.m. (outdoors); Sunday 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Residents needing transportation to a cooling center or additional assistance should call 211, or visit www.211ct.org.

Heat safety tips:

  • Stay in air-conditioned buildings whenever possible.
  • Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you do not feel thirsty.
  • Avoid strenuous outdoor activities between noon and 6 p.m., when temperatures are at their highest.
  • Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
  • Take frequent breaks if working outdoors.
  • Never leave children, older adults or pets inside parked vehicles.
  • Check on elderly neighbors, relatives, and anyone who may be vulnerable to extreme heat.

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Posted in Library, Weather, YMCA

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Unsung Hero #436

Posted on June 17, 2026 | 2 comments

Bob Weingarten writes:

During the severe winds of Saturday morning, May 30, I had just started to drive. Within 500 feet I heard a large crash, which stopped my car on Hillandale Road. Looking out y windshield, I saw nothing but green.

A large part of a tree had fallen on my hood, just missing the windshield.

The tree and car …

I got out of the car and called the police. That’s when Skip Fazio stopped his car and came up to me.

He asked how I was, and suggested we try to remove the fallen tree limbs from the car. He said if the town did this, it would take probably hours.

Within 15 minutes, most of the debris was eliminated.

Skip then told me that his daughter-in-law and her baby were in his car. He would drive them home, 5 minutes away.

After 10 minutes, Skip was back. He waited with me until the police came.  Both Skip and the officer thought I could drive the car, since nothing appeared to be underneath the wheels.

,,, and Skip Fazio. (Photos/Bob Weingarten)

Although Skip lived just a few minutes away, and has been there for 20 years, we had never met.

His act of kindness and assistance was amazing, and greatly appreciated.

I consider myself very lucky. The large tree limb fell only on the hood; it missed the windshield and myself.

And Skip Fazio just happened to be driving behind me and offered considerable help in clearing the tree limb from the car, when there was a chance that another part of the same tree could fall.

Thanks, Skip. for being such a very good and helpful neighbor!

(“06880” regularly covers Westport real estate, history … and much more. If you enjoy features like this, please click here to support our work.)   

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