Category Archives: Westport life

Roundup: Explorers Club, Snow Shovels, Alice In Webland …

Posted on January 21, 2025 | 1 comment

Congratulations, Richard Wiese!

The renowned explorer and science communicator (and Weston resident) has been elected the 46th president of The Explorers Club.

Wiese was executive producer and host of the mult-Emmy Award-winning ABC and PBS program “Born to Explore.”

In 2002 — after a previous election — he was the youngest Explorers Club president in history.

During his tenure he negotiated partnerships with Rolex, Eddie Bauer and later Discovery Networks.

Headquartered in New York, with chapters around the world, the Explorers Club supports scientific expeditions of all disciplines.

Notable club members include Jane Goodall, Walter Cronkite, Theodore Roosevelt, the Apollo 11 crew, and the Mount Everest summit team of Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary.

Richard Wiese

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Like many Westporters, MaryAnn Meyer admired yesterday’s snowfall.

Then she headed outside, to shovel.

As she worked, she was approached by a pair of Staples High School students.

Emma and Quinn had shovels — and offered to help.

They cleared the bank around MaryAnn’s mailbox. And all they wanted was a thank-you.

MaryAnn watched them walk down the road, near Green’s Farms Church, to help other homeowners.

“I hope other neighborhoods have an Emma and Quinn!” MaryAnn says.

This is not Emma or Quinn. But you get the idea.

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Everyone has heard of Alice in Wonderland.

This weekend (January 25 at 7 p.m., January 26 at 3 p.m., Saugatuck Congregational Church), Triple Threat Academy presents “Alice in Webland.”

The new play “takes a timely, kid-friendly tumble into a whimsical but risky world of web temptations.”

Children growing up in the digital age can relate to the show’s characters, and learn valuable lessons about balancing social media and living in the moment.

The show is written and directed by Georgia Wright. The cast of young actors is overseen by Triple Threat founders Cynthia Gibb and Jill Mann.

Tickets are $5 (free for senior citizens). Click here to purchase, and for more information.

Writer-director Georgia Wright (right), and Triple Threat actors.

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Melissa Newman — Westport’s own, and one of the most popular Jazz at the Post regulars — returns to the VFW this Thursday (January 23; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 7 p.m.).

She’s joined by guitarist Tony Lombardozzi, bassist Phil Bowler and drummer Bobby Leonard. Click here for tickets.

Melissa Newman

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Yesterday’s snow is today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

Claudia Sherwood Servidio captured the seren scene, on Cross Highway.

(Photo/Claudia Sherwood Servidio)

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And finally … we honor our own great explorer, Richard Wiese (story above). Meanwhile, here’s another one:

(Every day, “06880” explores Westport [and Weston]. If you enjoy reading what we unearth, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

1 Comment

Posted in Entertainment, Weather, Westport life

Tagged Jazz at the Post, Richard Wiese, snow shoveling, The Explorers Club, Triple Threat Academy

Charlotte’s Christmas: The Sequel

Posted on January 19, 2025 | 4 comments

The day before Christmas, a crowd gathered at Balducci’s to honor Charlotte.

The 93-year-old Balducci’s cashier — perhaps the most beloved store clerk in Westport — was celebrated by several dozen admirers. They love her warm smile, her kind words, and her long service to generations of shoppers. (She began in the bakery, back in the Hay Day days.)

Charlotte was surprised by the attention and praise.

She was amazed when Dan Frank — an Instacart driver inspired by his near-daily interactions with Charlotte — announced that dozens of her admiers had contributed money for a Christmas gift.

She was even more stunned when Dan told her the amount: $28,950.

He handed her a large, symbolic check.

Dan Frank hands Charlotte her check. (Photo/Ryan Allen)

On Friday, the real funds came through.

It took awhile for GoFundMe to transfer the money, Dan explained. But now she had her Christmas gift, for real.

Click below to see Dan giving Charlotte the good news.

And to watch her genuine joy — along with the smile that has endeared her to generations of customers, during Charlotte’s decades in Westport.

4 Comments

Posted in Local business, Westport life

Tagged Balducci's, Charlotte, Hay Day

Phoning It In

Posted on January 18, 2025 | 21 comments

More than 5 years ago — in November 2019 — our Pic of the Day was not a typical beautiful Westport scene.

It was the abandoned, rusted shell that once held a SNET pay phone, at the Merritt Parkway Exit 42 commuter parking lot.

(Photo/Bill Dedman)

I wrote then: “It’s been a while since anyone used a pay phone. It’s been longer since SNET removed the phone from this commuter booth.

“In fact, who even remembers SNET? It’s now part of Frontier.

“So Frontier, if you’re listening: You bought this eyesore. Please be a good neighbor, and haul it away.”

That was not the phone booth’s first appearance on “06880.” As far back as April 2009 — one month after this blog began — I ran this photo:

They eyesore is still there. It’s not getting better with age.

The other day, Charmian Hall sent another view:

(Photo/Charmian Hall)

She wrote, “It would be great if we might find a reader who knows how to go about requesting its removal.”

Indeed it would. Barack Obama had been president for less than 3 months the first time I ran a shot of the phone booth. And it looked then like a relic from the Ford administration.

SNET ceased to exist in 2005 — nearly 20 years ago. Frontier’s MO for phone booth removal seems the same as for their obsolete utility cables: We can’t be bothered. We don’t care. Not our problem.

Is it a major issue?

No. Climate change, the Mideast and the price of eggs are all more important.

But is it a quality of life issue?

Yes. There’s no good reason Westporters need to see this every day.

Nor should it be the first impressions visitors have of our town, when they pull off the parkway.

So I’ll repeat Charmian’s request. If anyone knows how to get rid of this eyesore, please click “Comments” below.

Or do it yourself, with an acetylene torch.

Westport will thank you.

Frontier probably will, too.

21 Comments

Posted in Transportation, Westport life

Tagged Frontier Communications, Merritt Parkway Exit 42, SNET

Westport Moms/UPS LA Donation Drive Smashes Goal

Posted on January 16, 2025 | 3 comments

The good news: This week’s donation drive to help victims of the Los Angeles fires is a huge success.

The bad news: It was so successful, it had to end early.

WestportMoms — the multi-platform community resource guide — reports:

In just one day, our incredible community — supported by the amazing UPS 606 Post Road team — came together to collect and fill eight pallets of donations to help those in LA.

That’s double our original goal of four.

A huge shoutout to Don, the generous owner of the UPS store, who stepped up and covered thousands of dollars in shipping costs for the additional pallets. We couldn’t have done this without his support and the kindness of everyone involved.

WestportMoms screenshot.

Unfortunately, due to limited funds, we have no choice but to pause collections for now. We know this will upset those who planned to drop off today (Thursday).

But we are completely overwhelmed (in the best way) by the outpouring of generosity.

If you’d still like to help, consider making a monetary donation to cover further shipping costs. Or click here to contact us to explore other ways to send your donations.

Thank you all for stepping up in such an extraordinary way. This initiative has already made such an impact. Together, we’re bringing light and hope to those who need it most.

Westport, you’ve done it again. Your compassion and generosity are unmatched. 💚

3 Comments

Posted in Local business, Westport life

Tagged California wildfires, UPS Store, WestportMoms

A Westporter’s Pacific Palisades — And A Special Girl There

Posted on January 12, 2025 | 2 comments

The Los Angeles fires have affected people far from California. A Westport woman who grew up there writes:

As third-generation Angelenos, my brother, sister and I were raised in Pacific Palisades during the 1970s, ’80s and ’90s.

The Palisades is such a special place that you never really want to leave — and if you do, you dream of returning one day.

Much like Westport, the Palisades is a close-knit coastal community. Stunning ocean views blend with a deep sense of connection and shared history among its residents.

Westport and the Palisades share many similarities: a comparable population size, a handful of public schools, one main high school, and a library cherished by the community.

The Palisades’ central park, recreation center and charming downtown shopping area form the heart of the neighborhood, just as Westport has its own vibrant hubs of activity.

On Tuesday morning, with little to no warning, an apocalyptic nightmare unfolded. In less than 24 hours, everything changed. Our hometown, the place where we grew up and built so many memories, was wiped off the map.

Miraculously our parents’ home, where we grew up and they’ve lived for over 50 years, was spared. It is unclear though whether they will be able to return.

My brother Doug and his family were not as fortunate. Their home, along with all their belongings, was destroyed.

What makes their situation even more challenging is their 17-year-old daughter Ciaran.

Ciaran and her family, before the fire.

When she was 2, she incurred a series of life-changing strokes from a deadly E. coli infection. Despite her positive attitude, she lost most of her motor skills (walking, talking, hand coordination). She requires full-time care and specialized medical equipment, as she is confined to a wheelchair.

When Doug returned to their property to see what remained, the only thing left in the ashes was Ciaran’s burned wheelchair frame. All her medical equipment –including a lift, bathing chair, and custom orthotics — was completely destroyed.

All that is left of Ciaran’s house.

When they were forced to evacuate, Doug, Shannon, Ciaran and Kellan (12) left with only the clothes on their backs. Ciaran, a senior at Palisades High School, was preparing to graduate this spring. But her school burned down, and her dedicated teachers and aides have scattered. The road ahead is overwhelming.

While life will never be the same, we are holding onto hope. With your support, we can help Doug, Shannon and their kids rebuild their lives and replace critical items — especially Ciaran’s medical equipment, which is essential for her care.

If you’d like to help, please consider donating through our GoFundMe page. Your contributions will make an enormous difference to my brother’s family, as they begin to navigate their new reality.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your compassion and generosity during this unimaginably difficult time.

2 Comments

Posted in Westport life

Tagged California wildfires

“06880” Readers: 800 Ways To Help Fire Victims

Posted on January 12, 2025 | 7 comments

It’s hard to grasp the extent of the Los Angeles fires. But try this.

“06880” reader Sara Jordan’s sister Katie lives in Altadena — one of the towns most devastated so far. Many residents had no insurance.

Altadena is a vibrant, diverse community with a population of about 42,000. Over 7,000 structures — homes, buildings, historic sites — were destroyed.

At least 2,000 children are without a school.

Altadena residents are hardworking, middle-class people who lived there for generations. Many inherited their homes from parents and grandparents. They stayed for hours, trying to houses with garden hoses.

Some of the scenes from Altadena, California.

Though Katie lost her home, she sprang into action to help those less fortunate. She sent Sara a spreadsheet of GoFundMe pages.

There are about 800 for Altadena alone. They’re raising money for everything: temporary housing, clothes, transportation, funeral services.

Many are for individual families. Some are for businesses, like restaurants and coffee shops. Others are for schools, museums and faith centers.

The list is heartbreaking, and unfathomable.

“Westporters are some of the most generous people I know,” Sara says.

Wouldn’t it be great if every “06880”reader clicked here, selected just one GoFundMe campaign from the list, and donated what they can?

How about if every civic organization and school in Westport did the same?

(The list is in order, from the least funded one to the most.)

Questions? Email Sara directly: sarajordankornfeld@me.com.

The remains of Katie Jordan’s neighborhood.

7 Comments

Posted in Westport life

Tagged Altadena fire, GoFundMe, Sara Jordan

“06880” In 2025: Help Us Help You!

Posted on January 4, 2025 | 49 comments

“I really like ‘06880,’” a woman said. “But you write too many stories.”

You don’t have to read them all! I thought. That’s what the “Delete” button is for!

“06880” is nearing its 16th birthday. Over the years, I’ve heard all kinds of complaints.

This man does not always smile at the feedback he receives.

Sometimes, people ask why I did not cover something I wrote about the day before. Or the previous week. Or month.

“I know it’s your blog,” many of them begin. “But …”

Then comes a comment, about something. Anything. Or everything.

They say I should ban certain commenters.

I should let commenters use aliases, or comment anonymously.

I should write more about some topic. Or less.

Yes, it is my blog.

But it’s also yours.

“06880” belongs to its readers. On any given day, there are up to 20,000 of you.

Many live in Westport. Some have been here all their lives: 15, 30, 50, 60 years. Others moved in during COVID. Or yesterday.

Many other readers do not live here. Some are in Weston. Some are much further away — across the US, and beyond.

“06880” has readers in Westport, New Zealand. They’re not lost … just interested in our town.

Some grew up here, then moved away. Some have other connections, like parents whose adult children live here. They want to know what their “kids” and grandkids are up to.

As one year ends, and a new one begins, this is a good time to take a look at where “06880” is, and where it should be going.

So: What do you like about “06880”?

What don’t you like?

What should I cover more? What should I cover less?

What new features would you like to see? Are there any I should dump?

“06880” also has a mission to build community. Last year we introduced a Summer Soundview Stroll. With the help of the Westport Downtown Association, we kicked up the Holiday Stroll several notches.

A small part of the large Soundview Stroll crowd. (Photo/Benji Porosoff)

We continue to raise funds — over $300,000 so far — for Lyman, our Ukrainian sister city, and for other worthy causes.

We were a sponsor of the holiday lights on the Cribari Bridge, and have organized 2 “Historic Homes of Westport” tours.

What other projects would you like us to undertake?

Is there anything else I (and my board of directors) need to know?

Just email 06880blog@gmail. com.

Or click “Comments” below. If you do, of course use your full, real name.

That’s one thing that’s not gonna change.

49 Comments

Posted in Beach, Media, Westport life

Tagged "06880" blog, "06880" Holiday Stroll, "Historic Homes of 06880", Lyman Ukraine, Soundview Summer Stroll

Happy New Year!

Posted on January 1, 2025 | 10 comments

For several years, “06880” rang in the new year with an iconic photo: The “blue marble” image of Earth, suspended in space.

Taken by Apollo 17 astronauts in December 1972, for half a century it symbolized the beauty and fragility of our planet, and the interconnectedness of us all.

Two years ago, I went intergalactic.

In the months since the James Webb Space Telescope beamed its first pictures back to us, the world has been mesmerized.

We thought we knew how vast and amazing the universe is.

Now, we realize, we don’t know the half — or the hundredth, or squintillionth — of it.

Gazing at photos like the one above, we realize how insignificant we truly are. Our planet is just one grain of sand, on an obscure beach, in an out-of-the-way location.

We really don’t matter at all.

Except to us.

Take a look at that photo again.

That landscape of “mountains” and “valleys” speckled with glittering stars is actually the edge of a nearby, young, star-forming region in the Carina Nebula. For the first time, we see stars being born.

We look billions of light years into the past. That’s crazy stuff.

So — back here on Earth, in our tiny ZIP code in our small state in our big country in our average-sized planet — we have to wonder: What actually matters?

Is it whether our new athletic field is grass or turf? Is it whether we build a parking deck downtown? Is it the inconvenience of traffic on our roads, or a neighbor who chops down most of his trees?

The answer is: Yes.

These things matter.

They matter because they are part of our lives here in Westport. Sure, the universe seems endless; we still can’t really conceive of the fourth dimension, and our universe itself may be part of another, “living” life form.

In other words, the Westport — and the world — we know may just be atoms in an infinitely more complex something-or-other.

But all that’s for another day (or time).

Meanwhile, we look for the answers to life out there. But right now, it’s our own lives to lead, right here in “06880.”

Let’s lead them well.

And so … bringing us back to what we know best … here’s that beautiful blue marble, once more.

10 Comments

Posted in Westport life

Tagged New Year's 2025

Be It Resolved …

Posted on December 31, 2024 | 22 comments

The other day, I resolved not to write a post about New Year’s resolutions.

Like most resolutions, it did not last long.

So — with apologies for my inabiity to stick to my guns — here is my New Year’s resolution story.

In 2025, Westporters should resolve to:

Not go to the gym. Instead, leave it for people who actually want to work out. Even during the 3 weeks in January that all you resolution-makers crowd the gym, before slipping back into your slothful ways.

Park in the back of the CVS and Trader Joe’s parking lots. There is much more space. The risk of accidents is far less. And you can pretend you’re getting all the exercise you would have had, if you went to the gym.

Plenty of room here. Even if one guy created his own space.

Make your kids ride the bus to and from school. Unless there is an absolutely, positively, honestly, really damn good reason to drop them off early, or pick them up.

Not pretend not to notice when your dog poops. Sure, it’s easy to be “deep in conversation” with a friend (or an imaginary one via Bluetooth), while Spot does his business at Winslow Park or the beach. But if there is any karma in the world, you’ll eventually step in someone else’s Fido’s business, somewhere.

Another resolution: Don’t leave your bag for someone else to toss.

Ask your lawn crew to park in the driveway, not on the road. Yeah, it may be inconvenient to ask them to move, if you’ve got to leave. But our roads are crowded enough, without having to maneuver around trucks and trailers that take up half the lane.

Ask them to use electric blowers between May 15 and October 15 (and maybe pay for them yourself). After all, it’s the law. A toothless one, right. But the law nonetheless.

Patronize the places you don’t want to close. When The Porch at Christie’s announced it was shutting down, a commenter wrote, “I didn’t go there much, but I really liked it.” Business owners like it when people who like them actually go there. It helps keep them, you know, in business.

If you love a restaurant, dine there. Or at least order out!

Walk or jog facing traffic. This is one of the first life lessons my parents taught me, after not to stick my fingers in the fan. And while we’re at it …

Wear light clothes when you walk or jog at night. And if there’s a sidewalk, use that instead of the road. Duh.

Those are my resolution suggestions. What are yours?

Click “Comments” below. And please: Resolve to use your full, real name.

(Here’s one more: If you enjoy this hyper-local blog, please resolve to support it this year. We rely on our readers to keep us going. Just click here. We resolve to thank you profusely.)

22 Comments

Posted in Local business, Restaurants, Westport life

Tagged CVS, electric leaf blowers, sidewalks, Trader Joe's, Westport school bus

Lighting Up The Town

Posted on December 29, 2024 | 3 comments

Christmas is over.

Our annual display of lights and decorations is not.

Long Lots Road

Traditionally, residents leave their displays up past New Year’s. Many remain through the 12th day of Christmas (January 5th), and then the Epiphany (Three Kings Day, January 6).

Buena Vista Drive

Most come down soon thereafter. I’ve seen wreaths remain beyond Memorial Day, for better or worse.

Meeker Road

So the good news is: There is still lots of time to enjoy the hard work that homeowners (or their hired hands) have put in to delight, inspire, sometimes amuse and occasionally even awe us.

Richmondville Avenue

The better news is: Westport is filled with holiday decorations. On and around houses from the 1700s, and those built year; from Compo Beach to Sturges Highway, and Bulkley Avenue to Kings Highway, our nights are brighter, thanks to our neighbors.