A couple of weeks ago a young Westport resident was planning his trip back home from Louisiana, for the holiday break.
He packed his bags — and a litter of puppies.
He had learned about them when they popped up on his social media feed. They were being kept outside, and needed homes.
He and a friend picked up them up. He contacted friends and family here. Driving to Westport, he was happy. Adopters had been found for all 8 pups.
But rescues are never easy. Two adopters flaked out. Suddenly, 2 puppies needed homes. His own house was not an option.
Rennie …
He called many individuals and organizations, even for a temporary home. No one could help.
The young man found his way to Earth Animal. They suggested he reach out to Westport Animal Shelter Advocates.
All their slots were full, with locally abandoned or surrendered dogs.
But Westport animal control officer Joe Saponare approved their transport to Westport Animal Control. They are safe, loved, and receiving WASA-funded veterinary care at Schulhof Animal Hospital.
… and Rusty.
The pups — named Rusty and Rennie — now need forever homes. They are sweet, cuddly and well-socialized.
They’re about 10 weeks old, and believed to be collie-yellow lab mixes.
Only a few spots remain for one of the greatest offers of the new (or any) year: Scout Troops 39 and 139’s pick-up and (sustainable) removal of your once-beautiful, now dried-out Christmas tree.
It’s a win-win-win: convenient and affordable pick-up for residents; free mulch and conservation material for the town — and the only fundraiser of the year for the Scouts.
The event is all day, on January 10. Troops will pick up over 800 trees, in every neighborhood.
The suggested donation of $25 per tree — less than most services — helps fund a full year of Scout meetings, experiences and gear.
Sure, it’s New Year’s Day. There’s snow on the ground. We’ve got 79 days left till spring arrives.
But it’s not too early to think about golf.
The waitlist for the Longshore Ladies 9 Hole Golf Association opens tomorrow (Friday, January 2).
Membership offers access to league play, tournaments and skill‑building opportunities. This year, the League expands from 130 members to 135. Information for the waitlist and the forms can be found on the League’s website
Actress/dancer/choreographer/Kennedy Center Honors winner for lifetime achievement and contributions to American culture Carmen de Lavallade died Monday in New Jersey. She was 94.
For many years, she was associated with and married to Tony Award-winning actor/dancer/director Geoffrey Holder.
Yesterday, “06880” reader Karen Brailsford learned that the couple were married on June 26, 1955 at Christ & Holy Trinity Episcopal Church. A reception followed at the Westport estate of actress/producer Lucille Lortel.
Geoffrey Holder and Carmen de Lavallade, after their wedding at Christ & Holy Trinity Church. (Photos/Saul Mauriber via the Beinecke digital collection /Yale University)
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Westport Police made 3 custodial arrests between December 23 and 30.
A 30-year-old Norwalk man was charged with larceny, attempt to commit larceny, payment of less than $500 using a revoked/stolen credit card, and failure to appear, following an investigation into a March credit card fraud report, with multiple purchases made at Home Depots in multiple states. The suspect was someone the victim previously employed as a contractor. He was unable to post bonds of $240,000.
A 29-year-old New York City man was charged with failure to appear, after being arrested on an unrelated matter in New York. He was unable to post bond of $150,000.
A 21-year-old Westport man was charged with disorderly conduct and threatening, after a verbal disturbance. He was unable to post $5,000 bond.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Disorderly conduct: 1 citation
Breach of peace: 1
Texting while driving: 1
Traveling unreasonably fast: 1
Failure to obey stop sign: 1
Failure to drive in the proper lane: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1.
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Canada geese often act like they own our beach.
Not in the summer, guys.
But in winter — when no one is watching, except “Westport … Naturally” photographer David Cross — well, maybe they do.
And finally … January is named after Janus. The Roman god of beginnings is often depicted with two faces. One looks back to the past; the other, forward to the future.
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.
Three years ago, I went intergalactic.
In the years 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. Right now though, 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.
Two-time Tony Award winner Judith Ivey highlights the next Westport Country Playhouse Script in Hand play reading.
“The Pancake Club” — a new comedy directed by Playhouse artistic director Mark Shanahan — is set for January 12 (7 p.m.).
Ivey plays Brenda, a waitress at a small-town diner where a group of senior men regularly meet. As Brenda struggles with the sudden death of her oldest friend, members squabble over the eulogy, the widow refuses to grieve, a mysterious stranger threatens the town’s equilibrium, and Brenda’s only daughter teeters on the brink of a meltdown. Brenda wonders: Does anybody ever truly grow up?
The Historic District Commission meets January 13 (7 p.m., Zoom).
The agenda includes a vote on the partial demolition, renovation and addition to the main home, and demolition of a detached garage, with a new garage constructed, at 296 Main Street.
The HDC will also vote on whether to oppose demolition permits, and require the full 180-day delay, for these properties:
19 Turkey Hill Road North
11 Dogwood Lane
10 Mary jane Lane
10 Twin Falls Lane
5 Over Rock Lane
17 Adams Farm Road
9 Berkeley Road.
They will vote too on whether to rescind adoption of the motion to oppose the issuance of a demolition permit for 11 Beachside Commons, which was adopted December 9.
Up | Next Teens — the county-wide teen volunteer organization founded by Addison Moore, when the recently elected Representative Town Meeting member was a Staples High School student (just a few years ago) — partnered with Big Y to host a holiday food drive.
They collected a few hundred pounds of food, pantry staples, and essential items like diapers, laundry detergent, dish soap and personal care products, for Homes with Hope’s Gillespie Center.
Peter “PJ” Boehm Jr. died Saturday at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Bridgeport.
He graduated in May from the University of Miami Herbert Business School, with a double major in finance and economics. He was a 2021 graduate of Fairfield Ludlowe High School.
His obituary describes PJ as “fun-loving, generous, deeply kind and endlessly curious. With confidence and authenticity, he treated everyone with warmth and humility. His boundless energy infected his wide circle of friends.”
He loved boating with his father Peter, traveling with his mother Mary Kate, and his yellow lab Bella.
PJ is also survived by grandmother, Marilyn Klemish; uncles William Klemish Jr. (Lori), John Klemish (partner Dani Fernandez) and Michael Klemish (Sue), and aunts Christine Walker (John), JoAnnBoehm, and Jacquelyn Steedle.
Friends may call Friday (January 2, 4 to 7 p.m., Harding Funeral Home). A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday (January 3, 11 a.m.).
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Connecticut Humane Society.
PJ Boehm
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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” image shows Booler’s Point, in the fog.
I’ve lived in Westport my whole life, and never heard of “Booler’s Point.”
According to photographer Michael Tomashefsky — who found it on Google Maps — that’s the spit of land jutting into the Saugatuck River, between Grace Salmon Park and the Levitt Pavilion.
Here’s what it looks like, in Monday’s fog. And if anyone knows who Booler was, click “Comments” below.
And finally … Diana Ross rings in 2026 tonight, at Times Square. Other performers include Ciara, LE SSERAFIM, Little Big Town and Maren Morris.
Beginning in 1929 though, and continuing for half a century, Guy Lombardo & His Royal Canadians’ “Auld Lang Syne” was the way millions of Americans — live, and first listening to radio, then watching on TV — celebrated New Year’s Eve.
The intro to Lombardo’s 1947 Decca Records version is still played in Times Square, immediately following the ball drop.
So — for auld lang syne’s (time gone by) sake — we present:
(Happy New Year! Whatever your plans, you’ve still got a few hours to donate to “06880” — and take a tax deduction for 2025 too. Please click here. And then celebrate!)
No, “06880” is not turning into The American Poetry Review.
And no, neither I nor Paul Lebowitz claim to be Emily Dickinson, Robert Frost or Rudyard Kipling.
Or even Ogden Nash.
But on the heels of my Monday attempt at rhyme — hey, readers had a good time — the Planning & Zoning Commission chair sent his response.
Planning & Zoning Commission chair Paul Lebowitz.
He speaks not for the entire board But read it; perhaps it strikes a chord:
It was just before New Year’s,
And all through the land,
Developers whispered, “Let’s build something grand.”
“We’ll max out the density,
Go up 6 more floors,
Throw on a big cupola—
Heck, add some more doors!
“Let’s fill in the wetlands,
And dig a big pool
Add some stone walls,
Maybe a patio or two
“No permits, no site plans,
We won’t bother asking,
Why slow down the fun
With all that red-tape tasking?
“Setbacks are suggestions,
The code’s just a guide,
If we squint at the map
It all fits inside.
“Let it be the next buyer’s
Problem, not really ours—
It was like this already,
We just added them towers.”
Then off to the P&Z
With a straight-faced appeal,
Claiming hardship and fairness
And “neighborhood feel.”
And the neighbors all sighed,
As they muttered, “Oh dear…” For it’s always the same,
This time every year.
(“06880” is your hyper-local blog. All voices are welcome. But we rely on reader support. Today is the final day to gain a tax deduction for a 2025 contribution. Please click here. Thank you!)
Posted onDecember 30, 2025|Comments Off on “06880” Podcast: Robin Moyer Chung
This is Robin Moyer Chung’s second time on our “06880” podcast.
I interviewed her a couple of years ago, as editor of Westport Lifestyle magazine.
Now she’s back — as “06880”‘s culture correspondent.
The other day, we chatted on the Westport Library stage about all things cultural. The Westport Country Playhouse, Mo\CA, Staples Players — you name it, Robin knows it.
We talked too about our reputation as an “arts town.” Is it still true? Where do all the new arrivals fit in? What’s ahead?
Click here or below, for our very cultured conversation.
Comments Off on “06880” Podcast: Robin Moyer Chung
In the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine nearly 4 years ago, our friends in Marigny suggested we both aid another town there.
With help from Ukraine Aid International — the boots-on-the-ground non-profit founded by Westporters Brian and Marshall Mayer — we now have a third sister city: Lyman.
Westporters have provided over $300,000 in contributions, which has paid for trash trucks, wood pellet stoves, building supplies, gifts, and much more. We’ve also sent electronic and other much-needed equipment to Lyman, which is very close to the front lines in the Donetsk region.
Meanwhile, for the third Christmas in a row, Marigny residents have sent presents to Lyman’s youngsters.
This year, UAI delivered 288 gifts to the town’s boys and girls. Many are spread across the country, evacuated to safety.
Nikita Shcherinskiy — UAI’s director of logistics) — reports, “their genuine smiles and heartwarming moments are always so touching. A big thank you to everyone who participated in this initiative, and in distributing gifts to children who need them so much today.”
The need for monetary donations to Lyman continues to be great. Just click here; click the “I want to support” box; then select “Support for the City of Lyman.” Scroll down on that page for other donation options (mail, wire transfer and Venmo).
Lyman children with gifts from Marigny-le-Louzon. (Photo courtesy of Ukraine Aid International)
A new year brings new programs to Wakeman Town Farm.
It begins with “Drop-In Little Farmers” sessions (January 7 and 9), where an adult and youngster hang out with alpacas, sheep, ducks and more.
An adaptive music/movement program — “Joyful Jitterbugs” — is designed for kids ages 3-7, with a caregiver.
Elementary schoolers can enjoy a January 19 MLK Day Camp; a Winter Farm Program with authentic farming experiences; a one-day after-school Chinese cooking class, and 2 weekly Kids’ Culinary Class series.
For adults, WTF offers a Winter Seed Sowing class, Whole Foods Healthy Cooking class, Thai Curry class, a romantic Valentine’s dinner with wine pairings, and a Choosing the Best Garden Tools class, before the garden season begins.
Little kids love going outdoors, at Wakeman Town Farm.
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Where Westport Meets the World, random real estate category:
Joseph Deshane lived in central Connecticut for 15 years. He moved away in 1989.
He has no real connection to Westport. But he recently bought a home in Illinois. Possessions were included.
When he moved in, he found a metal cabinet in the cellar. Inside was a commemorative plate:
(Photo/Joseph Deshane)
His curiosity piqued, Joseph read the inscription on the bank. He learned it was part of 2 large murals, painted by local artist Robert Lambdin for the Westport Bank & Trust Company.
For decades they hung inside. When Patagonia took over — after WB&T had been absorbed by a series of larger banks — they retained the twin works.
The clothing store is now gone too. But the new tenants — Compass Real Estate — will keep the murals, when they move in soon. They’re large, historic, interesting, valuable — and a great way for potential home buyers to learn about Westport’s arts heritage.
Nearly a thousand miles away, Joseph learned details of the plate he found in his new cellar.
Much of the information came from “06880.” Which is why he sent us this very cool photo, and the equally intriguing back story.
And finally … today is the birthday of a ton of important musicians: Bo Diddley, Skeeter Davis, Del Shannon, John Hartford, Paul Stookey, Felix Pappalardi, two Monkees (Michael Nesmith and Davy Jones), Patti Smith and Jeff Lynne.
It’s hard to pick just one to showcase. But in the spirit of optimism — at the end of a tough year, and the dawn of a new one — I’ll go with this:
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