Roundup: Cumby’s Gas, Main Street Paving, FEMA Grants …

Posted on October 14, 2022 | 1 comment

On Wednesday, “06880” reported that the Cumberland Farms at Bulkley Avenue South near Stop & Shop — formerly Mercury — was charging customers Super Premium prices for Unleaded gas.

Yesterday at 2 p.m., an “06880” reader was getting gas (hopefully for the correct price). In mid-pump, a woman emerged from the mini-mart and told her — and 4 other customers — that the station was short-staffed, and had to close.

Then the pumps were immediately shut off. The customers could not even finish filling their tanks.

The lights were turned off inside. No gas, no Ring Dings, no processed pizza. Nothing.

“Very strange,” the reader notes.

Yesterday’s sign at Cumberland Farms.

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Earlier this week, parts of Westport were affected by paving projects. Traffic backed up near Saugatuck and Jesup Road.

Here’s the next site. Main Street between Post Road East and Avery Place, plus Avery Place itself, will be milled beginning Monday (October 17.

Main Street will be closed to through traffic and parking starting at 5 a.m. Monday. Avery Place will be closed to through traffic beginning around 10 a.m.

Once milling is done, both roads will be re-opened to traffic until paving begins. It is scheduled for Tuesday, October 18, and follow the same schedule as milling. However,  a weather system may postpone paving until Wednesday, October 19.

You won’t see this early next week. Paving and milling will close Main Street.

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One of the the Westport Library’s most popular technology events — the “Anyone Can Use…” series — returns next month.

The classes offer live tech instruction, for all users. They include:

The sessions run from 11 am to noon, near the checkout desk.

Use your library card to download stuff!

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FEMA grants help property owners make homes and businesses resilient against future floods, or relocate to safer locations.

The Western Connecticut Council of Governments’ Regional Flood Mitigation Assistance Program helps educate property owners about opportunities, determine if they qualify, and aid in applications.

An informational session is set for October 27 (6:30 p.m., Stamford Government Center, 888 Washington Boulevard). The public is welcome. It will be recorded, and available at www.westcog.org afterward.

Questions? Call or email Todd Fontanella: 475-323-2070;  tfontanella@westcog.org. (Hat tip: Sal Liccione)

Flood-proofing, at Old Mill Beach. (Photo/John Videler, Videler Photography)

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The winds picked up yesterday. Not enough for a flood (see story above) — but enough to draw at least one man to Compo Beach:

(Photo/Sunil Hirani)

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The first public reading of “The Incubators” — a new comedy by Madison Fiedler — is set for the Westport Country Playhouse (November 7, 7 p.m.).

It’s an absurdist dark comedy, as the “Pro-Life Generation” is just getting started.

On the first day of California Right To Life Leadership Camp Age Division 15-17, everyone is nervous. But they’re excited to be surrounded by what they believe in, with new strategies of warfare.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

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A few days ago, our “06880” Roundup included a photo of pink ribbons on several trees in Grace Salmon Park.

We figured they honored Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Nope.

Nathalie Fonteyne writes: “They were placed there by Monica Buesser (conservation chair of the Westport Garden Club and chair of the Westport Tree Board) and myself (civics chair of the Westport Garden Club).

“They highlight the prevalence of the invasive Ailanthus altissima — also known as tree of heaven — at the park. We tagged 20 trees there.

“The Westport Garden Club is working with Mike West of Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department to get the trees removed. Removing invasive species can be an arduous process because of their extensive root system, and their ability to re-sprout. The fact that the trees are in a wetland complicates the process.

“However, the Westport Garden Club and the town are committed to removing the invasive species at the park and planting new native species in their place, hopefully very soon.”

Pink ribbons on trees of heaven.

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Just in time — well, a bit ahead of — the shopping season, the “Ugly Westport Holiday” collection has landed in Finding Westport’s e-store.

The design is available as a sweatshirt, bodysuit, fleece, hoodie or blanket. Click here for more information, and to order.

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Speaking of Grace Salmon Park (see story above), Peggy O’Halloran says of today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo: “It looks like this poor tree already has a headstone.”

(Photo/Peggy O’Halloran)

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And finally … speaking of Cumberland Farms (story above):

 

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Posted in Downtown, Environment, Library, Local business, Real estate, Westport Country Playhouse

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Stroller

Posted on October 14, 2022 | 3 comments

When you see a baby stroller, do you think: I’ve got to see that cute baby?

Or: That thing is really in my way!

Perhaps: I can’t believe I have to lug this thing in and out of my car.

Amanda Parrish Morgan saw a stroller and thought: Book idea!

Amanda Parrish Morgan

The 2000 Staples High School graduate earned a history degree from the University of Chicago, and a master’s in English literature from American University.

She taught English first at Fairfield Ludlowe High School, then at Staples from 2011 to ’14. (She was a cross country and track coach at her alma mater too, through 2017.)

Morgan also taught writing through Westport’s Continuing Education program and the Connecticut Writing Project. Her current gigs are at the Westport Writers’ Workshop and Fairfield University.

Writers are readers. Morgan was intrigued by “Object Lessons.” The essay (The Atlantic) and book (Bloomsbury) series explores a single object — a driver’s license, golf ball or shipping container, say — through a variety of approaches, often in unexpected ways.

As the mother of 2 young children, Morgan was very familiar with strollers. She also realized that although there are many parenting books, most are either “how-to or cheesy, isn’t-this-so-wonderful.”

Very few look at parenthood from a “cultural, emotional and societal” lens.

Bloomsbury liked the idea. The book — “Stroller” — will be published October 20.

Morgan runs with the idea of a stroller — literally. A runner herself, she examines society’s twin expectations of female athletes: They should be good mothers (running with their strollers), while also getting back to competition as quickly as possible.

Amanda Parrish Morgan, running with Thea.

Morgan also explores the metaphor of pushing a child away in a stroller, while keeping them close. She examines the consumerism and status symbol role of strollers; their history; even strollers in art and literature (who knew?).

Writing about strollers pushed Morgan to think about other mobility-aid devices, like wheelchairs. She realized the similarities between navigating Grand Central and subways with a stroller and in a wheelchair — and then studied other nations’ approaches.

“The US is child-centric, but not child-friendly,” she says. “Germany is the opposite.”

Amanda Parrish Morgan, her kids and a stroller in Grand Central Terminal.

“Stroller” straddles the line between memoir and a research-based study. “Some people may wish it was more of one, or more of the other,” she admits.

But “Object Lessons” is a wildly popular series.

Reviewers like “Stroller” too. One said it “compellingly depicts the history and taxonomy of this most weighty and unruly device, ally, and antagonist.”

Morgan looks forward to area readings and book signings, including Barnes & Noble in Westport November 12.

Strollers are welcome.

(For more information on “Stroller,” including how to order, click here.)

(“06880” often highlights local authors and the accomplishments of Staples graduates — sometimes like this, one and the same. Please click here to support our work.) 

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Posted in Children, Media, Sports, Staples HS

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Pic Of The Day #2005

Posted on October 13, 2022 | 1 comment

Compo Beach sunset study (Photo/JD Dworkow)

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Roundup: Alex Jones, Henry Kissinger, Kennedy’s Barber …

Posted on October 13, 2022 | 10 comments

In the wake of yesterday’s jury determination that Infowars fabulist/Sandy Hook denier Alex Jones must pay nearly $1 billion to families of victims of that school massacre, “06880” reader Kristan Hamlin lauds the work of Westport attorney Josh Koskoff and his law firm, Koskoff Koskoff & Bieder.

She writes: “Congratulations to the lead counsel in the case, Christopher Mattei, a fine human being and an excellent lawyer — the best of our profession — and to the entire Koskoff law firm.

“As Robbie Parker (a parent of a slaughtered 6-year-old) so eloquently said, you gave back to these re-victimized victims their voices. I am so proud of all of them, and to the Connecticut jury and the Connecticut judge in this case.”

Josh Koskoff

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October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

To make a real difference, Westport’s Department of Human Services and Domestic Violence Task Force are collecting used cell phones and iPads, to benefit the Domestic Violence Crisis Center of Norwalk and Stamford. Clients can use them to ensure their safety, and avoid tracking by their abuser.

The DVCC provides free, confidential services to victims of domestic violence and their children in Westport and surrounding towns.

Donation bins are located at Westport Town Hall and the Senior Center, and available weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Questions? Call 203-341-1050 or email humansrv@westportct.gov. For  information about the Domestic Violence Crisis Center, click here.

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The list of Westport barbers has been shaved by one.

Kennedy’s All-American Barber emailed members yesterday: “Effective immediately, all memberships have been frozen. Due to company wide and market changes we are ceasing operations as it was and starting something new and special.

“We helped rejuvenate a dying industry of men’s grooming 13 years ago. Hundreds of shops opened as a direct result of our brining [sic] high end men’s grooming shops back to its former glory. We lead an industry wide movement to bring back high end men’s grooming.

“We are entering a new economic and business climate and healing from the two years of drastic sales decline due to covid. Men that go to the office instantly became a thing of the past. That was our typical client. So we are adapting once more. We are going mobile. Brining [sic] the barbershop to you. In a high end mobile showpiece packed with all the equipment and luxury you are used to, and many of the same staff you have grown to love.” (Hat tip: MaryLou Roels)

Kennedy’s in Playhouse Square.

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Staples High School Class of 2015 graduate Rachel Doran was just 21 years old when she died. But her memory lives on strongly. And her relatives and friends use it to help other families facing critical illnesses, by providing lodging, food and transportation aid.

Rach’s Hope — the non-profit founded in her name — holds its 2nd annual Family Fun Walk this Sunday at Compo Beach (3 p.m.).

Need extra incentive? Rachel’s grandfather Michael Isenberg has pledged to walk 1,000 miles yearly for Rach’s Hope. All you need to do is walk 1 mile!

Participants will receive special prizes, hear live music, and enjoy gourmet pizza and drinks from Pizza Pie Wagon and Greens Farms Spirit Shop.

To purchase tickets, donate or learn more about Rach’s Hope, click here. You can follow Rach’s Hope on Facebook and Instagram: @rachs.hope.

Rachel Doran

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Margot Liotta debuts tomorrow!

The Staples High School Class of 2019 graduate — now a student at Berklee College of Music — has been working on her EP for over a year. She started it in Westport, during the pandemic.

The producer is Staples classmate Zach Rogers. Her manager — fellow SHS ’19 alum Kevin Ludy — helped make the album cover. It includes a familiar Compo Beach cannon scene:

Click here for the pre-save link. Click here for Margot’s TikTok; click here for her Instagram.

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Most Westport Rotary Club speakers talk about current issues.

Tuesday’s guest – Westport resident Robert Augustyn —  went back in time. The owner of Robert Augustyn Rare Maps & Prints discussed historical maps, including one from 1478 that represents a recovery of knowledge from the Roman Empire.

He also highlighted a 1507 map by Johannes Ruysch that was the one of the first to portray America; an 1878 bird’s-eye view of Westport, and a local business directory poster from 1854 that features the Metropolitan Oyster House restaurant and a “mechanical” dentist who made house calls. 

Robert Augustyn describes a Westport map at Tuesday’s Rotary Club meeting. (Photo and hat tip/Dave Matlow)

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This Sunday’s “Andrew Wilk Presents…” features a special performance by American String Quartet violinist Peter Winograd, and celebrated pianist Rohan De Silva. Wilk himself — the noted executive producer of “Live at Lincoln Center” — will lead a Q-and-A with the artists.

The event is October 16 (2 p.m., Westport Library).

From left: Rohan De Silva, Andrew Wilk, Peter Winograd.

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If you’re a psychic you know this already, but: “celebrity psychic medium” Karyn Reece will be in Westport for a “VIP event” November 12 (7:30 p.m., Amy Simon Fine Arts).

The event features (as you also already know) light bites, wine, and “audience-style readings and messages with Karyn.”

Karyn Reece

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Henry Kissinger is still alive.

At 99 years old, he’s just published a new book: Leadership: Six Studies in World Strategy

On Friday, October 21 (1 p.m.), Staples High School 1972 graduate/lawyer/writer Talmage Boston interviews the former Secretary of State for his “Cross Examining History” podcast. Click here for he Zoom link.

Henry Kissinger

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Purple is the color of epilepsy awareness.

On October 30, the Epilepsy Foundation of Connecticut hosts their annual Purple Pumpkin 5K at Sherwood Island State Park (8:45 p.m.).

While parents and teenagers run, youngsters can paint a pumpkin purple. All attendees are invited to wear something purple too.

Light refreshments are available after the race. The $35 registration fee includes a t-shirt. To register, click here.

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The Fresh Market ospreys get most of Westport’s love. The Sherwood Mill Pond and Burying Hill ones get the rest.

But what about the Nash’s Pond osprey? Tricia Freeman offers this raptor, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature:

(Photo/Tricia Freeman)

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And finally … Anita Kerr died Monday in Switzerland. She was 94.

The session singer and arranger had a long career in both country and pop music. Click here for a full obituary.

Among her accomplishments: singing backup on Roy Orbison’s memorable song:

(The Roundup is a daily “06880” feature. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog.)

 

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Posted in Arts, Library, Local business, Politics, Staples HS

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Jen Berniker Makes Designport “Home”

Posted on October 13, 2022 | 2 comments

Thanks to the internet, anyone can ask any question — and get a quick answer.

Westport Front Porch is Facebook’s source for finding plumbers and airport drivers. Here at “06880,” I field queries like “What’s up with those library steps leading down to the river?”

But let’s say you need to know how to light your dining room. Remove dog poop stains from a rug. Or style the top of an antique icebox.

Those design questions — and many, many more — are asked and answered on the Designport Facebook page.

Launched by Westporter Jen Berniker, it became a judgment-free zone where anyone can discuss any big (or little) issue that homeowners face.

Jen Berniker (Photo/Maya Porrino)

Now she’s expanded. Designport has evolved to include a website, newsletter, video content and Instagram (@my_designport).

Designport (a combination of “design” and “Westport”) began during the pandemic. Berniker — a Brown University graduate, and former producer and writer for lifestyle television shows on HGTV, TLC, PBS and CBS (with a few personal renovations under her belt) — often fielded questions from friends: Where should I shop? What should I choose? Who should I hire?

Staring at paint chips, tables without chairs and dysfunctional work spaces, she had the same questions.

So she launched a Facebook page. It quickly became a place where everyone from do-it-yourselfers to professionals shared advice.

Screenshot from the Designport Facebook page.

Berniker — an expert writer and photographer — began posting stories and tips. Seeking something more permanent than social media, she launched the website.

It’s focused on Fairfield County (and a bit beyond). But it’s attracted interest from far beyond.

Recent stories included tips on gardening in a drought (from Westport Farmers’ Market director Lori Cochran) and a tour of artist Yvonne Claveloux’s home. Landscaping tips come from local pros like Allison Feuer and Maura Cotter.

Berniker has also done “Saturday Snoop” video home tours with Westporters like best-selling author Jane Green (her “secret garden”), CTBites blogger Stephanie Webster (“Eating In”), and photographer Stacy Bass, plus other female entrepreneurs and creative types.

There are before-and-after stories, from homeowners and interior designers.

She partnered with Aitoro and Ring’s End, for “ask the expert” Q-and-As.

Berniker also organized an art drive for paintings to brighten offices at Bridgeport’s Center for Family Justice.

Her goal is to “uplift, discover and promote up-and-coming art and design talent, and lessen the stress of homeownership, while connecting like-mined community members.”

In the works: local resource lists.

You’ll still have to go to Westport Front Porch to find those airport drivers. But interior decorators, landscape professionals — maybe even plumbers — will make Designport an even more valuable destination.

Yvonne Claveloux’s house and artwork, on the Designport website.

 

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Posted in Arts, Local business, Real estate

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Pic Of The Day #2004

Posted on October 12, 2022 | 1 comment

Gray’s Creek from Longshore in autumn (Photo/Claudia Sherwood Servidio)

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Unsung Hero #258

Posted on October 12, 2022 | 16 comments

Nearly 10 years ago — back in the pre-Unsung Hero days — I posted a story about Colonial Druggist and its wonderful owner, Russ Levine.

At that point, he and his ever-alert, always-helpful, constantly-go-the-extra-mile staff had been serving grateful customers for decades. They started in Colonial Green, then moved to the plaza near Fresh Market (and kept the name).

They’re still doing it. And Russ is still at the helm.

Alert “06880” reader John Karrel thinks it’s time to revisit Colonial Druggist — this time for an Unsung Hero award.

I couldn’t agree more.

Russ Levine, at his familiar spot. (Photo/John Karrel)

John writes:

“With the world ever more complex in 2022, there’s no let-up in Russell’s patience, the depth of his knowledge, his ceaseless good cheer and humor (not to mention his natty suspenders).

“Recently, I went in and asked if he could point me toward ear drops. ‘That depends,’ he said. After a dramatic pause: ‘Left ear or right ear?’”

“He and his superb staff seem to handle any kind of inquiry, whether face to face at the counter, or by phone (based on some conversations of which I hear one end).

“When I asked a long-time Westport friend her opinion of Colonial, she said, “‘The best pharmacy in the world.’”

No one who has walked in Colonial’s front door would disagree. So thank you, Russ and all your staff. You are true Unsung Heroes.

Here’s to many more years of helping whatever ails all of us. You never turn a deaf ear.

Left or right.

(Do you know an Unsung Hero? Email 06880blog@gmail.com.)

(“06880” is proud to honor Unsung Heroes — and tell many other tales of town too. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog.)

 

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Roundup: Longshore, Angela Lansbury, Cumby …

Posted on October 12, 2022 | 3 comments

The Longshore Capital Improvement Plan is moving ahead.

The next phase of public input takes place soon.

Stantec — the town’s consultant — will present preliminary concept diagrams at  the October 19 Parks & Recreation Commission public meeting (7:30 p.m.). The Zoom link will be available when the agenda is posted here.

Open houses will follow, at the Westport Library:

  • Wednesday, October 26: (10 to 11:30 a.m.; 3 to 4:30 p.m.; 7 to 8:30 p.m.)
  • Saturday, October 29:  (9:30 to 11 a.m.; 1 to 2:30 p.m.).

At the open houses residents can examine diagrams up close, and ask questions and offer feedback to the consultants.

The presentation will be available on the project website Stantec Longshore Club Park, starting October 20.

A survey will be available on the website beginning October 31.

Public input is sought for the Longshore Capital Improvement Plan.

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Angela Lansbury died yesterday, age 96.

In 2008, in honor of her dedication to the performing arts, she was presented with a special tribute by Bernadette Peters at Westport Country Playhouse.

Lansbury said, “I never played (at the Playhouse). I wasn’t a big enough star! If I don’t perform one small thing on this stage tonight, I’ll feel I’ve missed the opportunity of a lifetime.”

Then she enthralled the audience with “Not While I’m Around,” from Stephen Sondheim’s “Sweeney Todd.”

A legendary shot from the Westport Country Playhouse green room. prior to the 2008 gala performance, From left: Bernadette Peters; Joanne Woodward, Playhouse co-artistic director; Julia Roberts, gala host; Angela Lansbury, honoree; Anne Keefe, Playhouse co-artistic director. (Photo/Kathleen O’Rourke)

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For several years, Staples High School Class of 2021 graduate Brandon Malin has contributed great photos and drone videos to “06880.”

His most recent effort is one of his most intriguing.

The other day — home for a quick break from the University of Michigan, where he is studying lighting design — Brandon headed to the Westport Library.

When he spotted the paving project on Jesup Road, the ever-curious Brandon grabbed his drone. He wanted to see what it looked like above.

It looks very cool.

He saw the road get chewed up by a milling machine, and watched various types of machinery work together.

Brandon send the video along. He recommends watching at 2x speed. “The machines move slowly,” he notes.

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Robbie Guimond lives in Saugatuck. But he battles traffic nearly every to head across town to The Porch @ Christie’s.

They serve “the best bacon egg and cheese in Westport,” he says.

But the vibe is just as great too.

Robbie writes: “The staff has impromptu ‘contests.’ This one in this photo was ‘Pride in Your Culture/Heritage Day.'”

(Photo/Robbie Guimond)

They also have “Best Hat,” “Favorite Sports Team,” etc. Customers vote throughout the day. The winner gets bragging rights — and more importantly, smiles.

“They’re a lovely group, and a wonderful part of Westport,” Robbie says. “I go there for the food. But mostly for the employees, and to support this business model of inclusivity and diversity.

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Everyone wonders about “The Cost of Success: What Pressure is Doing to Our Kids.”

Positive Directions wants to talk about it — positively.

That’s the topic of a program they and the Westport Weston Family Y are sponsoring (October 19, 7 p.m., Westport Library; reception at 6:30).

Panelists include Valerie Babich, Westport Public Schools coordinator of psychological services; Frank Castorina, Positive Directions clinical supervisor; Alicia Briggs, pediatric hospitalist, and students from Staples High School’s Teen Awareness Group.

They’ll discuss what causes pressure; how to recognize signs that your child is struggling; strategies for reducing anxieties, and local resources.

Positive Directions will host a follow-up “Lunch and Learn” series at the Y, on related topics. More information will follow.

For more information, call 203-227-7644.

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Spotted on social media, by MaryLou Roels:

“Please avoid getting gas at the Cumberland Farms near Stop & Shop. I was charged for Super Premium, after clearly choosing the Unleaded button.

“The police reviewed the video, which confirms the Unleaded button being pushed. The manager insisted the video would be backwards when speaking with the officer so would be difficult to determine. The officer assured him it would not, as it would be the furthest button from the nozzle.

“He insisted it is a franchise, and he has no idea who he works for. We are pursuing a refund from Corporate, but it’s really the principle at this point.

“Please let Officer Kelly in Westport know if you have experienced similar there, or any other station.”

She added a PS: “When he printed the receipt inside, it read for Super Premium. Clearly something being manipulated, and was a $25 difference from the Unleaded choice that was made.”

NOTE: This took place at the Cumberland Farms by Stop & Shop — not the one  near McDonald’s and Sakura.

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The Staples boys basketball  program invites all elementary and middle school players to play ball with the Wreckers varsity.

It’s Sunday, October 23, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. There’s a tour of the gym — and, for the parents, a silent auction.

Funds are being raised to revamp the “Players’ Lounge,” improve film and video, and defray the cost of a new varsity preseason training camp.

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Westport Representative Town Meeting District 2 has a new rep.

Michael Perry — a Westporter for over 30 years who recently retired from a career in sales and marketing — was sworn in at last night’s meeting.

He was selected by District 2 members to fill the vacancy of Christine Meier Schatz.

Michael Perry isi sworn in at last night’s RTM meeting. (Photo/Andrew Colabella)

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As traffic rushed past on nearby I-95 yesterday morning, there was this Sherwood Mill Pond congestion of cormorants too.

Matt Murray captured the peaceful-yet-cluttered scene, for “Westport … Naturally.”

(Photo/Matt Murray)

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And finally … on this date in 1810, citizens of Munich hold the first Oktoberfest. It celebrated the marriage of Crown Prince Louis of Bavaria and Princess Therese of Saxe-Hildburghausen. Prost!

(Celebrate Oktoberfest with a donation to “06880.” Please click here!)

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Posted in Children, Local business, Local politics, Longshore, Sports, Staples HS, Teenagers, Westport Country Playhouse

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“Discover Westport” Online

Posted on October 12, 2022 | 3 comments

Businesses thinking of starting in or relocating here can “Choose Westport.” That’s the town-sponsored website, with information on commercial space, demographics, lifestyle and more. The goal is to attract retailers, small firms and financial services.

Now there’s a site for everyone else. “Discover Westport” — www.discoverwestportct.com — has just gone live.

Complementing the commercial-oriented website, this one is aimed at current residents, visitors, and anyone planning a move.

In other words: It’s the first comprehensive spot in cyberspace for anyone to “discover Westport.”

The “Discover Westport” home page. Several rotating images share the spotlight.

“Discover Westport” has been a year in the making. The Visual Brand — Randy Herbertson’s downtown creative agency — won an RFP to design and maintain the new site. (They created Choose Westport too.)

Randy didn’t realize how much goes on here until he tried to include it all in one self-contained place.

Over 200 merchants are listed — and that’s just one item, on one dropdown menu.

“Discover Westport”‘s 12 tabs include:

  • Arts, Culinary & Entertainment (Levitt Pavilion, MoCA, Westport Country Playhouse, Westport Farmers’ Market, etc.)
  • Beaches
  • Community (neighborhoods, downtown, Cockenoe Island …)
  • Food & Drink (over 90 restaurants, markets — and liquor stores)
  • Education (public and private schools, preschools, dance academies)
  • Move to Westport (realtors)
  • Nature & Parks (Winslow, Baron’s South, pocket parks, Earthplace …)
  • Outdoor Activities (Wakeman Town Farm, sports, pools, PAL ice rink, etc.)
  • Places of Worship
  • Salons & Services (several handfuls of nail salons — and Harding Funeral Home)
  • Shopping
  • Sports & Fitness (from A [Age of Reason] to almost Z [Winged Monkey]
  • Sports & Fitness (almost as many gyms as nail salons).

6 eateries, 1 market and 2 liquor stores. on the “Food & Drink” page.

“Discover Westport” also features the “Celebrate Westport Community Calendar.” It’s been available on WestportCT.gov — the town’s official website — but buried deep and hard to find.

Now, the Calendar has its own special tab.

The Community Calendar.

Other tabs include “Plan” (Getting Here, Parking, Stay, “For Businesses”) and “History” (which needs work).

“Discover Westport” had a soft launch recently. It launches officially this Monday (October 17, 5 to 7 p.m., Westport Library), with a special ceremony. Several restaurants will offer tastings.

The public is invited. All are invited too to discover — and then bookmark — “Discover Westport.”

(Like the new website, “06880” is all about Westport. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog.)

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Posted in Local business, Media, Restaurants, Westport life

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Pic Of The Day #2003

Posted on October 11, 2022 | 1 comment

Who knew there was a “rain garden” behind the Levitt Pavilion? And who knew it was so educational too? (Photo/Tracy Porosoff)

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Posted in Downtown, Environment

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