
Cross Highway (Photo/Claudia Sherwood Servidio)

Cross Highway (Photo/Claudia Sherwood Servidio)
Stocking up on bread and milk before a big snowstorm is not just a myth.
Westporters flocked to grocery stores all over town yesterday, preparing 48 hours early for whatever Mother Nature hurls our way. (The latest prediction is for a foot or more, beginning Sunday morning and continuing into Monday.)
These were scenes at Trader Joe’s:

(Photo/Jennifer Johnson)

(Photo/Jennifer Johnson)

(Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)
The store usually restocks every night.
If they didn’t get a shipment of your favorite item, they’ll be out today.
And you’ll be s— out of luck.
=================================================
In other Big Snow news, Ciara Webster sends along a reminder: When you dig out, don’t forget your vents.
Carbon monoxide can build up — and kill.
Thanks, Ciara!

==================================================
Meanwhile, this was the temperature this morning — after the sun rose — on Saugatuck Shores:

(Photo/DinkinESH Fotografix)
Stay warm!
And of course, once the snow flies: Send your photos to 06880blog@gmail.com.
We live for this stuff.
=================================================
There will no doubt be many cancellations on Sunday (and, over 5,000 Westport students hope, on Monday too).
Here’s one for today: New York Polyphony, scheduled for 5 p.m. at Christ & Holy Trinity Church. Organizers are concerned that the musicians would have problems returning home.
In addition, Monday’s “Pie & Politics” League of Women Voters event, set for Lyfe Café, has already been postponed.
New dates will be announced for both.

New York Polyphony
==================================================
Residents who subscribe to town meeting notices grew concerned yesterday, when they read the agenda for the Historic District Commission’s February 10 session (7 p.m., Zoom).
Among the items: “To take such action as the meeting may determine to oppose the issuance of the demolition permit for 50 Post Road West and require the full 180-day delay.”
That’s the Greek Revival structure — once owned by the Sherwood family — that for nearly 2 centuries has stood halfway up the hill, near the downtown bridge.
In July, “06880” reported that Westporter Tomás Botero would be renovating it, creating 13 apartments.
Had plans changed?
Fortunately, no.
The demolition permit is for the building in back. The Cape-style structure is in bad structural shape, and will be demolished. Four more apartments will be added there, in a new barn-style building.
Twenty percent of the 17 units will be affordable, according to state guidelines.
Other demolition requests on the HDC agenda include:
Click here for links to all related materials.
PS: Want to get on the mailing list for town meetings and agendas? Click here, and follow the prompts.

50 Post Road West will not be torn down. It will be renovated, for 13 apartments.
=================================================
Nearly every day, it seems, VersoFest adds another great session.
The latest: a conversation with Bangles co-founder Susanna Hoffs and Alisyn Camerota. Hoffs will also perform. The event is March 6 (7 p.m., Westport Library).
After her work with that best-selling band, Hoffs has recorded solo albums,a nd collaborated with (among others) Elvis Costello and Rufus Wainwright.
She also published a novel, “The Bird Has Flown,” which NPR called “a valentine to music.”
Camerota — a Westport resident — is a veteran journalist, and rock memoirist.
Click here for tickets, and more information. Click here for full details on VersoFest — the Library’s celebration of music, media and creativity.

Susanna Hoffs
================================================
The Westport Country Playhouse continues to add a variety of programs to its winter schedule.
“Laura & Linda Benanti: Mothers Know Best” (February 28, 8 p.m.) features Tony Award-winner Laura with her mother Linda, in a humorous show about mother-daughter relationships.
Isaac Mizrahi and his jazz band return (March 7, 8 p.m.), with comedy, commentary, and music from Sondheim and Blondie to Comden and Madonna.
“2motherpluckers” are back too, with their musical about motherhood (March 10, 7 p.m.).
Tickets go on sale Tuesday (January 27, 1 p.m.). Click here to purchase, and for more information
==================================================
An adaptation of “America’s Lost Band” — a film about the Remains, the great group with Staples High School graduates Barry Tashian and Bill Briggs, who toured with the Beatles in 1966 but broke up on the brink of stardom — was one of CPTV’s 5 most-watched programs in 2025.
The film was produced by 1971 Staples grad Fred Cantor.
“Lost Band” was the only standalone documentary short in the top 5. Two were CPTV-produced episodic shows; the others were feature-length documentaries that premiered on CPTV.
Missed it — or want to see it again? Click here.

==================================================
Jerry Kuyper captured this intriguing “Westport … Naturally” scene at dawn yesterday, near Rayfield Road:

(Photo/Jerry Kuyper)
==================================================
And finally … the announcement that Bangles co-founder will be part of this year’s VersoFest (story above) brings to mind:
(Just another wintry weekend. Whether you’re leisurely sipping coffee, or panicking about the weather, here’s one way to pass the time: Click here to support “06880.” Thank you — and stay warm!)
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.

=================================================
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.
==================================================
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:
==================================================
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.
==================================================
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)

=================================================
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)
================================================
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)
==================================================
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)
==================================================
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!)
Posted in Arts, Longshore, Restaurants, Saugatuck, Sports, Staples HS, Weather
Tagged "Shark Tank", Aquarion, Felice restaurant, Green's Farms Academy, Kyle Martino, Longshore golf course, Stop & Shop
Town officials are closely monitoring the major winter storm forecast.
It’s expected to begin Sunday morning (January 25), with hazardous conditions to continue into Monday.
Models indicate 12 to 18 inches of snowfall across southern New England. Wind gusts of 20 to 30 miles an hour may result in blowing snow and periods of near-zero visibility. The snow is expected to be light and powdery, so widespread power outages are not anticipated at this time.

Fire Chief Nick Marsan says, “This storm has the potential to significantly impact travel and daily activities. Now is the time for residents to prepare, complete errands early, and plan to stay off the roads once snowfall begins so emergency and public works crews can operate safely.”
Department of Human Resources director Elaine Daignault adds, “Extreme cold can be dangerous, especially for seniors, residents without reliable heat, and those facing hardship.
“Our team is ready to help connect residents with warming centers and other critical resources. Please check your furnaces now, and schedule fuel deliveries ahead of the storm. If you or someone you know needs assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out.”

Westport residents experiencing hardship due to cold weather can contact Human Services at 203-341-1050 now and tomorrow, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Westport warming centers include:
For shelter needs outside of warming center hours, or for overnight accommodations, call 211.
Public safety recommendations include:

Nighttime snow, on Bittersweet Lane … (Photo/Ellen Patafio)

… and the Kendigs’ back yard (Photo/Regi Kendig)

Just another wintry Westport day (Photo/Andrew Colabella)
… here are a few more!

(Photo/Molly Alger)

Reichert Circle (Photo/Lisa Price)

(Photo/Molly Alger)

Earthplace (Photo/Zoe Browne)
One “06880” reader calls this “the most beautiful winter ever.”
Bingo!
We’ve had several wonderful (and non-overwhelming) snowfalls.
Yesterday’s was the most gorgeous of all.
And today it’s even prettier.
The snow still clings to trees and bushes. It glistens in the bright sunlight. It reminds us of how much beauty there is in the world.
I can’t recall a “day after” when readers continued to send such lovely images. But they keep coming. Here are a few more:

(Photo/Claudia Sherwood Servidio)

Paul Lane Field, behind Staples High School (Photo/Jeff Schwartz)

Willowbrook Cemetery (Photo/Claudia Sherwood Servidio)</p

(Photo/Diane Lowman)

(Photo/Robert Augustyn)

(Photo/Leigh Gage)

Weston (Photo/Dick Wingate)
And the photos just keep comin’!
Here’s another batch, showcasing the beauty of Westport on a wintry Sunday afternoon. (If you missed the first set, click here. Enjoy!)

Greens Farms Road (Photo/Jacqui O’Brien)

Rayfield Road (Photo/Jerry Kuyper)

Greens Farms Road (Photo/Jacqui O’Brien)

Bedford Middle School parking lot (Photo/Anne Bernier)

Saugatuck River (Photo/William Webster)

Burr Farms Road (Photo/Jay Babina)