Roundup: Dandelion Restaurant, Motorcycle Ride, Rosenwaks Interview …

Posted on September 6, 2025 | 1 comment

Dandelion is ready to sprout, as our town’s next hot destination.

The restaurant inside the new Delamar Westport hotel previewed its stuff Thursday and Friday. There’s a private party tonight. Dandelion opens to the public on Tuesday (dinner only, at first).

The public will be very impressed.

From the stunning, ESH-ish design with a soaring ceiling and plenty of color, to the creative and very tasty Mediterranean menu — along with meticulous attention to small details, and an attractive, large bar — Dandelion will fill both a culinary niche, and a social one.

Hotel restaurants are seldom destinations for non-guests. This one will be.

It’s hard to describe the vibe that attendees felt during previews. But word of mouth will spread. Reservations will fill quickly.

Yet unlike dandelions in spring, this place continue to grow — beautifully — a long time.

Dandelion, before the first guests arrive. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Tomorrow’s (Sunday) CT United motorcycle ride will impact travel on Riverside Avenue, Wilton Road — and cross streets — from Exit 17 to the Wilton line.

The event — paying tribute to the victims and first responders of 9/11 — is the largest motorcycle ride in the state.

It begins around 11:30 a.m. at Sherwood Island State Park. Hundreds of riders head south on I-95; take Exit 17, and then proceed to Wilton, and on through 7 towns before ending in Bridgeport.

The route is closed and continuous. With the assistance of a police escort, motorcyclists drive through traffic lights and do not stop at stop signs.

Drivers should expect extended traffic delays along the route — potentially 45 minutes or longer. Alternate routes are recommended.

The start of the CT United ride, at Sherwood Island State Park. (Photo/Penny Pearlman)

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Yesterday’s “06880” Instagram Live interview with 1st selectman candidate David Rosenwaks went off — finally — without a technical hitch.

Nearly 200 followers tuned in, offering questions and comments as I spoke with the Independent Party candidate.

Topics ranged from his backgroudn and Westport activities, to his views on the biggest issues facing the town, and possible solutions.

Click here or below to see the interview.

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Connecticut households pay nearly twice the U.S. average for electricity.

But there’s help. Sustainable Westport offers resources to lower costs, and strengthen energy resilience and efficiency.

They include the new HeatSmart Westport program, and getting a Home Energy Solutions audit to take advantage of 30% federal tax credits for solar and battery storage, or rebates on electric vehicles and chargers.

Click here for a complete guide. Click here to read why Connecticut’s energy bills are so high.

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Speaking of the environment: On Thursday Morgan Veltri — who works in Westport, and is a 2025 graduate of East Stroudsburg University, with a degree in environmental studies — gave a talk at Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center about spotted lanternflies.

She discussed how to recognize the invasive species, their impact, reporting, and prevention and management.

If you missed it — no problem. Just click here for her very informative slide show, and more information.

Morgan Veltri and …

… a spotted lanternfly.

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Speaking still of the environment: Oliver Nurseries hosts an “Autumn Evening in the Garden” (September 20, 5:30 p.m.), featuring Daniel and Brittany Moreno of Kneads Bakery.

Centered around “the intersection of food, nature and community,” the event includes seasonal food and drink, speakers, and a chance to experience the nursery’s grounds during the low light of the change of season.

Suzanne Lenzer will prepare recipes from her new release. Also on hand: James Calcagnini (mushroom farmer, forager and educator), and representatives from nOURish Bridgeport, the first non-profit hydroponic facility in the state.

Tickets are $150. Proceeds help nOURish Bridgeport bring fresh, healthy, local produce to food insecure residents. Email trish@olivernurseries.com to reserve a spot.

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Bigelow Teas — the “Constant Comment” company founded by a Westport family — is headquartered in Fairfield.

But for decades they’ve given back to our town, and the rest of Fairfield County.

The 38th annual Bigelow Tea Community Challenge (September 27, Wakeman Boys & Girls Club, Southport) is a great way for others to give back, too.

The day includes a 5K run and 2-mile walk (10 a.m.), plus a kids’ fun run (9 a.m.). There’s a “virtual run/walk” option too.

Registration includes a goodie bag and raffle ticket.

Last year’s event raised over $182,000 for a variety of local organizations. This year’s list includes the Wakeman Boys & Girls Club, Mercy Learning Center, Cardinal Shehan Center, Neighborhood Studios of Fairfield County, Center for Family Justice, Connecticut Food Bank, Caroline House, Bridgeport Rescue Mission, Norma Pfriem Breast Center, CT Challenge, Horizons at Greens Farms Academy and Pivot Ministries.

Click here to register, and for more information.

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A new school year has begun. So the next meeting of the Westport Book Shop’s Short Story Club (September 25, 6 p.m.) will focus on 3 stories about teachers and students.

  • “Prime” by Caoilinn Hughes
  • “A Way with Bea” by Shanteka Sigers
  • “Biology” by Kevin Wilson.

All are available at the Westport Library for printout, at the Book Shop in hard copy to borrow, or online. “Prime” is at granta.com; “Biology” at thesouthernreview.org; a reading of “A Way with Bea” can be heard on a symphonyspace.org Selected Shorts 2023 podcast.

Registration is required. Call 203-349-5141 or email  RSVP@westportbooksaleventures.org.

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We get a lot of sunset photos, for both our “Pic of the Day” and “Westport … Naturally.”

Sunrises — not so many. (It might have to do with the difference between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m.)

But here’s a nice early morning shot, from Sherwood Island State Park:

(Photo/Todd Ehrlich)

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And finally … on this date in 1997, Elton John sang a new version of his 1973 song, “Candle in the Wind,” at the funeral of his friend, Princess Diana. Originally written to honor Marilyn Monroe, the lyrics were changed in tribute to the Princess of Wales, killed in an automobile accident a week earlier.

After a global audience of 2.5 billion watched the performance live broadcast, Elton released the song just one week later. Proceeds benefited Diana’s charities. He has never performed the Diana version of the song since.

(“06880” is your go-to source for news of traffic delays, invasive species, and much, much more. We could not do it without great support from our readers. Please click here to contribute. Thanks!)

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Online Art Gallery #282

Posted on September 6, 2025 | Comments Off on Online Art Gallery #282

We want to hold on to summer.

Several of our “06880” online gallery artists do that this week. One-third of our submissions focus on green flowers and plants.

That will change soon, just as the seasons do. And we’ll be ready to show those works too.

Remember: No matter how young (or old) you are; what style or subject you choose — and whether you’re a first-timer or old-timer — we welcome your submissions. Watercolors, oils, charcoal, pen-and-ink, acrylics, mixed media, digital, lithographs, collages, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage, needlepoint — we want whatever you’ve got.

Please email a JPG to 06880blog@gmail.com. And please include the medium you’re working in — art lovers want to know.

“Imagine That” — digital composition (Ken Runkel — Available for purchase; click here)

Untitled (Duane Cohen — Available for purchase; click here)

“Growing Young” — digital compound (Tom Doran — Available for purchase; click here)

Untitled (Karen Weingarten)

“The Light Within” (Leigh Gage — Available for purchase; click here)

“About to Bloom” (Dorrie Barlow Thomas)

“Daffodil Flower” — watercolor (Eric Bosch)

“We Spotted Each Other in the Crowd and Have Been Together Ever Since” (Mike Hibbard)

“Regarder Vers la Haut” — New York City (Bruce Borner)

“Just Another Orderly Labor Day Compo Beach Scene” — pencil and watercoloro (Steve Stein)

Untitled (Lawrence Weisman)

“Max” — pencil on paper (Bill Fellah — Available for purchase; click here)

(Entrance is free to our online art gallery. But please consider a donation! Just click here — and thank you!)

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Janine Scotti: Playhouse Show Defines “Community”

Posted on September 6, 2025 | 7 comments

Janine Scotti has lived in Westport since 1998. The former owner of S.C.R.U.B.S Cleaning, and Da Pietro’s Restaurant and Zest Café and Restaurant with her husband, chef Pietro Scotti, she is now a special education paraprofessional in Darien. Her children, Tomaso and Lucia, are Staples High School graduates, and University of Connecticut Huskies. 

On Thursday night Janine was very moved by “Tuesdays with Morrie,” the Westport Country Playhouse production kicking off the 2025-26 season. She writes:

Janine Scotti

My heart broke open, deeply touched and moved by this play. Deeply touched and moved by the 2 men on the naked stage. I don’t think I can use the word actors, because to me it was just Mitch and Morrie — a student and a professor. 

As the final moment arrived and Mitch played the piano, I thought about my own piano — the one I just played again after many, many months.

On top of my piano in the entrance of my home are photos of people who have been very special and dear to me. They are people from my community here in Westport, who have died this past year or so.

Also on the piano are my mother’s and aunt’s ashes, and a photo of the gravestone my mother had made in the last years of her life for a grave where her 5-day old baby Paul, my brother, was laid to rest years before I was born.

Janine Scotti’s piano.

Those people have taught me many things, but a common thread ties them all together.

They were selfless when it came to giving to their community.These photos stay in the center of my home, because their faces bring me joy and inspire me daily. I will share who they are with you. 

Bill Vornkahl: my dear friend from my church. Bill could tease me at the drop of a hat, but we shared a passion: parades and marching bands. Bill shared his talents with us all. For decades he organized our Memorial Day parade — a year-long task he loved.

Bill Vornkahl (Photo/Ted Horowitz)

Betty Lou Cummings: the first person I volunteered with in Westport. She filled my heart with joy every time I had the pleasure to be by her side. Her list of service to Westport is endless. I am grateful to see her smiling face every day as I pass my piano.

Betty Lou Cummings (Photo/Doris Ghitelman)

Carolyn Kramer: my quiet friend, my mentor on the altar guild at my church. I watched her ramp up her service to others every year of her life. Her presence in my life, watching her serve with kindness and gentleness, lives in my heart. 

Carolyn Kramer

Tim Lewis: From the first moment I met him at Kings Highway School, I saw his generosity towards others. When he died I went back to look at texts from him. He showed me how to see other people. He let me use his back yard to throw a surprise party for a 9-year-old missing her mom; he asked me to lead a commission, which blew me away, and he texted me when we closed Da Pietro’s, with kind words of acknowledgement and wishing us good luck in the future. He showed me how to see others in my community.  

Tim Lewis

The piano top is flanked by my parents and grandparents, who also dedicated their lives to their communities.

What are we without community? I feel blessed to be here in Westport, meeting people like you.

Mitch was lucky to meet Morrie. I was blessed that this play came to the Playhouse. It made me think about all of you: my community.

The 2 final performances of “Tuesdays with Morrie” are today (Saturday) at 3 and 8 p.m. Click here for tickets, and more information.

(“06880” regularly covers Westport’s arts and entertainment scene. But we can’t do it without reader support. Please make a tax-deductible contribution by clicking here. Thank you!)

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Pic Of The Day #3061

Posted on September 5, 2025 | Comments Off on Pic Of The Day #3061

Sherwood Mill Pond (Photo/Tomoko Meth)

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Friday Flashback #466

Posted on September 5, 2025 | 8 comments

It’s been a quiet hurricane season so far. Fingers crossed …

Things were a lot different in 1954.

That year, Hurricane Carol struck on August 31. The Category 3 storm had winds of up to 110 miles an hour.

It was the most destructive storm to hit New England in nearly 20 years, and caused significant damage here. But its effects on eastern Connecticut and Rhode Island were much worse.

Just 11 days later, Hurricane Edna walloped Westport. It too was a Category 3, and dumped the heaviest amount of rain in 45 years on New York City.

The photoa below show the flooding on Main Street. The view is familiar. The stores are not.

And let’s hope that — thanks to mitigation efforts — the scene will not be repeated, no matter how powerful a hurricane may be.

(Photo courtesy of Christopher Maroc)

(Photo courtesy of James Gray)

Do you recognize the spot below?

It’s the corner of Hillspoint Road and Compo Hill Road, during Hurricane Carol.

The large building was Joe’s Store. It later became Cafe de la Plage, then Positano restaurant. Today it’s the site of the “blue house” — the still-unfinished home on Old Mill Beach.

(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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Slice Of Saugatuck Postponed

Posted on September 5, 2025 | Comments Off on Slice Of Saugatuck Postponed

A threat of rain — including severe thunderstorms — has postponed the Slice of Saugatuck.

The event — originally scheduled for tomorrow (September 6) — will now be held Saturday, September 13. The time is the same: 2 to 5 p.m.

Hey, we need the rain!

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

The price is $15 per adult, $5 for children under 13, age 5 and under free. They are available onsite.

The sponsoring Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce donates proceeds to the Gillespie Center food pantry. This year will push the total toward $60,000.

For more information on the event, including participants and a map, click here. 

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Roundup: P&Z Debate, Joseph Oyebog Service, Sarah Jessica Parker? …

Posted on September 5, 2025 | 1 comment

The third time will be the charm.

The technical issues that bedeviled our first 2 Instagram Live interviews with 1st selectman candidate David Rosenwaks have been solved.

David and I will be live today (Friday), at 4 p.m. You can catch us @06880danwoog.com. We welcome your questions — and thank you for your patience!

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The Planning and Zoning Commission has a full agenda this Monday (September 8, 6 p.m., Zoom).

Commissioners will discuss, and potentially vote on, a resolution for a future exectuve session to discuss the ROAN Ventures lawsuit against them, regarding the Hamlet at Saugatuck project.

The public notice also includes details about that executive session, including:

  • No votes will be taken in the executive session.
  • The commission may invite other interested persons to present testimony or opinion in future executive sessions relating to this litigation.
  • If a proposed settlement of the pending litigation is reached, a public meeting will be held to discuss the settlement, with public comment allowed. The P&Z will then discuss the settlement and exercise its best judgment in voting on the proposed settlement. The proposed settlement shall be posted on the town website at least three days prior to this public meeting.
  • If the P&Z approves the proposed settlement, it will be submitted to Superior Court for an approval hearing.

A work session will follow that item. It includes pre-application discussion of a draft text change to allow for an 8-unit residential development at 6 East Main Street. The property is between the Connecticut Humane Society and the Whitney Glen condominiums, just off Post Road East.

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A back-to-school food drive to benefit Homes with Hope is set for tomorrow (Saturday), from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at Stop & Shop.

Most-needed items include:

  • Rice
  • Pasta and pasta sauce
  • Mac ‘n’ cheese
  • Canned tuna, soup, veggies, beans, fruit
  • Cold cereal and oatmeal
  • Peanut butter and jelly
  • Personal hygiene items: shampoo, deodorant, toothpaste
  • Household items: dish soap, laundry detergent (small), cleaning supplies, toilet paper.

The evnet is co-sponsored by the Westport Police Department, Sunrise Rotary Club and CTBites.

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The life of Joseph Oyebog will be celebrated on Sunday, September 14 (1 p.m., Sacred Heart University Community Theatre, Fairfield).

The popular local tennis instructor, whose tennis academy in his native Cameroon changed the lives of thousands of youngsters, and was aided by his many friends in the Westport area — died in May. He was 53 years old.

Joseph Oyebog, at his Cameroon Tennis Academy.

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You never know what you’ll see downtown.

Pam Docters happened upon this photo shoot, at the rainbow crosswalk on Jesup Road.

(Photo/Pam Docters)

She’s not sure what was going on.

But, she notes, Sarah Jessica Parker was on the magazine cover. Pam thinks —  baed on the skirt and wig — that it’s a creation of the “Sex and the City” introduction.

Perhaps. But we do know this: On Wednesday (September 10), SJP will be the special guest, at “Booked for the Evening.”

That’s the signature fundraiser for the Westport Library — just a few steps away from the other Sarah Jessica Parker.

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A dozen or so parking spaces at the rear of the Soundview lot at Compo Beach have been blocked off, by a temporary fence.

It will serve as a staging area, for work being done on the tidal gates and wooden bridges at Sherwood Mill Pond, leading to Compo Cove.

Heavy equipment has already arrived. The work will be completed by Memorial Day, 2026 — just in time for the parking lot to be crowded again.

(Photo copyright/DinkinESH Fotografix)

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Speaking of fencing (though of a very different kind):

Youngsters are invited to enjoy the sport this fall.

Westport Continuing Education is offering fencing for middle schoolers (beginners and intermediate). There’s also a first-ever elementary school beginners’ fencing class.

Click here for details, and more information. For Instagram and Facebook, follow @fenceinWestport.  

Staples High School has a fencing team. Now younger students can learn the sport too.

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Congratulations to Bryan Bierman!

Temple Israel’s executive director will be awarded the A.O. Samuels Young Leadership Award, by the Jewish Federation of Greater Fairfield County.

The September 17 event in Fairfield includes cocktails, dinner, and guest speaker Julie Platt. The past chair of the Jewish Federations of North America will offer insights drawn from her leadership at the highest levels of the Jewish community.

Bryan Bierman

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We’re not sure how this happened. But around 11 p.m. on Wednesday night, this driver landed on top of the Cribari Bridge barrier.

(Photo/Randy Christophersen)

All 4 wheels were off the ground.

Sure, Jeeps are supposed to go anywhere. But still …

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Yesterday’s Roundup noted that local organizations — including Emergency Medical Services, the Community Emergency Response Team, American Red Crsos, Westport Astronomical Society’s amateur radio station and the Aspetuck Health District — were preparing for a September 16 large-scale mass casualty drill at Sherwood Island State Park.

The event has been postponed until spring.

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Our “Westport … Naturally” feature gets plenty of deer photos.

But few are as stunning as this shot of 2 bucks, in wetlands next to John Fanuko’s Greens Farms home.

(Photo/John Fanuko)

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And finally … following up on our 2 “fencing” stories above:

(As we prepare for a full fall — starting with tomorrow’s Slice of Saugatuck — remember that “06880” will cover them all. But we can’t do it without your support. Please click here to help.  Thanks!)

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Come To (Tom) Papa: Comedian Headlines Homes With Hope Benefit

Posted on September 5, 2025 | 1 comment

Tom Papa’s debut as a comedian was at a small New York club.

There were 10 people in the 5 p.m. audience. Five were his friends.

He told a few jokes he’d written. The tiny crowd laughed.

Papa was filled with intensity and excitement. He said to himself, “I belong here!”

Recently, he sold out the historic Beacon Theater.

“It was not lost on me that it took 30 years to go 5 blocks, from that first set to the Beacon,” he says.

Next month, Papa — who toured with Jerry Seinfeld, been a frequent guest of Jay Leno and David Letterman, performed on “A Prairie Home Companion” and “Wait, Wait … Don’t Tell Me,” hosts a Sirius XM radio show, and does dozens of live shows a year — brings his prodigious comedic talent to Fairfield University’s Quick Center.

The New Jersey native headlines “Stand Up for Homes with Hope.” The October 17 event — an annual fundraiser for the Westport non-profit that battles homelessness and food insecurity — is always a highlight of the fall calendar.

Tom Papa

More than a decade ago, Papa was one of the first comedians at a “Stand Up for Homes with Hope” show. He’s traveled far since then — metaphorically and literally.

Yesterday, he spoke with “06880” about his career, and next month’s gig. The night before, he’d done a private corporate show. In a couple of hours, he would be in a theater.

“You never know what you’re walking into,” Papa notes. “Every group has its own culture.” Fortunately, he says, “last night the lumber salesmen were great.”

Papa’s route to the stage began in 7th grade. He heard Steve Martin and George Carlin in the same week.

“Wow!” he thought. “Making people laugh can be a grown-up job. You can make money at it!”

From then on, he was “funny with a purpose.” In the cafeteria, he made his friends laugh. In the classroom … well, he learned that being funny sometimes “helped charm me out of situations.”

Of course, being funny takes work. “You have to write a lot, perform a lot, and fail a lot,” Papa says. “There’s a certain repetition in standing up in front of people who say, ‘Make me laugh.'”

He honed his style, which he calls “observational humor. It’s rooted in family and humanity — everyday relationships, the annoyances of being a human being.”

He does not do a lot of political humor. But his routines “brush up against current events.”

(In our interview, he acknowledged the current “kerfuffle” over NPR funding. “The ‘Wait, Wait …’ audiences are such nice people. They wear Birkenstocks and carry tote bags. These people are dangerous?”

(And although being on Joe Rogan was “fun for a while, things got weird.” He no longer appears on the podcast.”)

Looking back on his eventful career — and ahead to the Homes with Hope fundraiser — Papa says, “there is something special about comedy. When you leave a show, you feel a little less alone.

“And when you can connect comedy with a cause, you leave laughing. And you feel like you’re a good person.”

“Stand Up for Homes with Hope — An Evening with Tom Papa” is Friday, October 17 (Quick Center). Tickets are $200 (includes cocktails and supper, 6:30 p.m.) and $50 (performance only). Click here for tickets, and more information.

 

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Pics Of The Day #3060

Posted on September 4, 2025 | Comments Off on Pics Of The Day #3060

Sailing on the Sound … (Photo/Jim Hood)

… and a view from a drone … (Photo/Nathan Greenbaum)

… and a close-up shot (Photo/Jamie Walsh)

 

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Roundup: Get Growing … And Prepare For Disaster

Posted on September 4, 2025 | 3 comments

Just in time for today’s Westport Farmers’ Market (Thursday, Imperial Avenue parking lot, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.), there’s a fresh look and expanded offerings for their very popular “Get Growing” children’s programs.

With more young visitors than ever, the WFM has added new (and sturdy) tables and chairs, creating a welcoming space for creativity and learning.

Since starting on a blanket 7 years ago, the kids’ area has grown steadily. A Drew Friedman Foundation donation has made several upgrades — and the entire program — possible.

Get Growing’s hands-on activities keep children engaged, while helping them connect with local farmers, businesses and the greater community.

Weekly craft sessions help children understand the importance of supporting small, sustainable farms, as they explore and express their creativity.

Programming over the coming weeks includes:

  • Kids’ yoga
  • Create Grow Flow – Sound bath and Reiki
  • Mud & Nature Kitchen – Hands-on outdoor play
  • Earth place activities
  • Apple Blossom and Housatonic Valley Waldorf School programming.

When there is not a guest host, Mae Farrell will continue to lead creative fun, through arts and crafts projects.

For more information about Get Growing, or to learn about hosting a week of activities, click here.

Get Growing, at the Westport Farmers’ Market.

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Several area organizations are preparing for a large-scale mass casualty drill.

The September 16 event (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) will test the ability of local Emergency Medical Services, hospitals  and volunteer organizations — including the Community Emergency Response Team, Medical Reserve Corps, American Red Cross and State Animal Rescue Team — to respond to and manage a simulated disaster scenario.

Members of the Westport Astronomical Society’s amateur radio station K1WAS will join the Connecticut Amateur Radio Emergency Service, Aspetuck and Trumbull Health Districts, and area police, fire and EMS groups in the drill.

Sherwood Island State Park will be part of the “incident command.”

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Congratulations to Scotty Coleman!

The 2022 Staples High School graduate — now a senior, and a star on the Johns Hopkins University soccer team — is one of just 20 student-athletes nationwide chosen for the 2025-26 Fall Allstate NACDA Good Works Team. The honor recognizes exceptional community service.

Scotty is fundraising chair for Baltimore Scores in STEM. The program provides scholarships and mentorships to students pursuing education in science, technology, engineering or math.

Scotty — a dean’s list student majoring in neuroscience — is also a research  assistant at Johns Hopkins’ Department of Pediatrics and Center for Psychedelics and Consciousness Research.

Scotty Coleman

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Speaking of student-athletes: TOPSoccer — the program for youngsters with physical or learning differences — returns for a fall season. It follows a successful reboot last spring.

Blake Serotta — a freshman player at Staples — leads the program, in conjunction with the Weston Soccer Club and Westport Soccer Association.

TOPSoccer is open to boys and girls in grades K-8. High schoolers are welcome as volunteers and buddies.

The program runs Saturdays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Morehouse Farm Park in Weston, from September 13 through October 25. Click here to register, and for more information. Questions? Email blake.serotta@gmail.com.

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After years of searching for a solution to downtown parking, some random person found it.

And it’s so simple, I can’t believe it’s taken this long.

Just park two cars in every spot that’s lined for one!

Check it out:

(Photo/Diane Lowman)

Duh!

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Speaking of vehicles:

The Department of Public Works’ annual roadway crack seal program begins Friday. It will involved up to 10 miles of roads throughout town, and will last 2 weeks.

Traffic will not be detoured, but alternating 1-way flow will be used around the continually moving work zone. The roadways will be open for two-way traffic as the work crew progresses.

Crack sealing

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Singer/songwriter/2007 Staples High School graduate Drew Angus’ first single comes out tomorrow.

Drew says, “‘Patterns’ is self-reflection, an acknowledgement of bad habits and traps I’ve let myself fall into when the going gets tough and sticking through seems impossible.

“I think it’s a pretty universal feeling for a relationship in just beyond the infatuation phase. ‘Patterns’ also takes on another meaning for me: that of the completely independent artist knocked around plenty, but too stubborn to give up.

“Well, I can confirm I’ll be here making art and writing songs until the pen runs out of ink.”

The track includes drummer Fred Eltringham (Sheryl Crow) keyboardist Billy Justineau (Eric Church, Maggie Rose), and Drew on acoustic guitar, and lead and backing vocals.

Click here to download “Patterns,” on a variety of platforms. Click here for Drew’s upcoming tour dates. Click here for Drew Angus’ website.

Drew Angus

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For a decade, Circle of Care has hosted a 5K run/walk in Wilton. The event supports Connecticut families facing childhood cancer, with practical, emotional and financial help.

This year, the event moves to Sherwood Island State Park.

The timed 5K for runners and joggers, untimed walk for all abilities, and other activities for all ages takes place Sunday, September 28 (9 a.m.). To learn more and register, click here. 

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Former Westporter Douglas Moser has just published “James & Jim” — a “darkly comic thriller.”

Set in this area, and Manhattan’s “ruthless corporate towers,” it “plunges readers into the cutthroat world of management consulting in 2007 — just before the financial crash and tech revolution …. it’s a world where ambition turns deadly, success has a body count, and the rules are made to be broken.”

Moser was named artistic director of the Boston Post Road Stage Company in Fairfield and Westport at age 26. His adaptation of “A Christmas Carol” played sold out theaters for 2 years, and won the Connecticut Critics’ Circle Award. He has directed regionally and in New York, including an opera debut at Lincoln Center.

Since then (and COVID), he’s focused on writing, coaching and teaching. For more information, click here.

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MaryEllen Hendricks is this month’s Westport Book Shop guest exhibitor.

The photos on display come from her book “Thin Places Project,” in which she captures “the spiritual dimensions of the physical world.” She uses antique lenses, toy cameras, and other old and new technologies.

A reception is set for September 20 (6 to 7:30 p.m.). All artwork is available for purchase.

MaryEllen Hendricks, at the Westport Book Shop.

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Westport Police made no custodial arrests between August 27 and September 1.

They issued these citations:

  • Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 7 citations
  • Driving while texting: 6
  • Driving over the posted speed limit in a school zone: 3
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 2
  • Failure to drive in the proper lane: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 2
  • Passing a standing school bus: 1
  • Texting, 2nd offense: 1
  • Distracted driving: 1
  • Transporting a child without restraints: 1
  • Motorcycle infraction: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
  • Failure to renew registration: 1.

Passing a standing school bus, and speeding in a school zone, are major infractions.

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For many Westporters, this is the best time of year.

The humidity is gone. The air is slightly cooler, but we still wear shorts (and no jacket). Sunshine is bountiful.

It’s not only people who feel that way. This guy was enjoying early September, at Ned Dimes Marina.

And he was happy to share his pleasant day with “Westport … Naturally” photographer Eric Bosch.

(Photo/Eric Bosch)

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And finally … congratulations to Drew Angus, on his new release “Patterns.”

He’s too young to remember, but:

(Whew! We crammed a ton o’ stuff in again today. But that’s how we roll. A Roundup of everything, every day. If you appreciate our hard work, please click here to support “06880.” Thanks!)

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