Roundup: Rain Survey, Lynsey Addario, Model UN …

Posted on September 14, 2026 | 2 comments

Town officials ask residents affected by yesterday’s weather to report flood-related damage through the Connecticut Division of Emergency Management & Homeland Security Damage Self-Report.

NOTE: This is an information-gathering survey only. Submitting the survey is not a claim or request for assistance, and does not guarantee that disaster relief or other recovery assistance will be available.

Information collected will help state and local emergency management officials document the extent of the damage, and determine whether the State of Connecticut may be eligible for post-disaster programs through FEMA and/or the Small Business Administration.

Residents should also report property damage to their insurance company.

Major damage occurred at the 1177 Post Road East apartments. The first floor — including the community room — were inundated. Cars in the parking lot were ruined.

It was the second major flood there in 5 years.

One view of 1177 Post Road East …

… and another.

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How much rain fell yesterday?

Statistics are one thing. Visual evidence is another.

Jay Petrow sends this photo of a wheelbarrow.

On Saturday, it was empty.

By Sunday afternoon:

(Photo/Jay Petrow)

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Lynsey Addario has added one more prestigious honor, to her sparkling resumé.

The 1991 Staples High School graduate — already a Pulitzer Prize- and MacArthur Fellow-winning photojournalist — recently received the Diane vonFurstenberg Award.

Founded by the fashion designer in 2010, it recognizes women who display exceptional courage, strength and leadership. The award icludes a grant to further the recipient’s humanitarian or non-profit work.

Addario was cited for her fearless career documenting conflict zones, around the world.

Among the 4 other recipients in Venice earlier this month: Jane Fonda. Click here for more information. (Hat tip: Neil Brickley)

Lynsey Addario

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Charlie Capalbo’s battle with lymphoma and leukemia inspired countless people, locally and across the nation.

The 2017 graduate of Fairfield Ludlowe High School — and grandson of noted Westport writer Ina Chadwick — was a 3-time recipient of cells from his brother Will. The procedure helped Charlie live a few extra years, before he died in 2022.

A Bank of America Capalbo Strong Walk (October 4, Jennings Beach, Fairfield), keeps Charlie’s memory and legacy alive, by supporting pediatric cancer research and families facing similar battles.

The 24K walk (15 miles) honors his birth and death days. The walk is 3 loops of 5 miles, weaving through the beach area. Paricipants can do 1, 2 or 3 loops — or anything in between. 250 walkers have already signed up.

There is a post-walk celebration at The Seagrape with Colony Pizza, Super Duper Weenie Trucks and the Stop & Shop trucks.

Roger Sherman Elementary School is organizing a family fun day, with kids’ activities and a DJ. Click here for more information, and registration.

#CapalboStrong

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A new session of the United Nations is beginning.

So is another year of the Staples Model UN. It’s one of the most successful of all the high school’s club.

The student-run organization teaches members the skills needed to participate in Model United Nations conferences. At conferences, students represent countries in UN committees, researching and debating complex international issues from their assigned country’s perspective.

In recent years Staples delegates have attended conferences hosted by Yale, Dartmouth, the Loomis Chaffee School, and the National High School Model United Nations Conference in New York City.

The club meets weekly after school to prepare through public speaking, debate, research, negotiation, and resolution-writing exercises.

While many other schools have significantly more institutional support for Model UN — including dedicated faculty-led programs and even Model UN classes — Staples students teach and prepare one another.

Despite those differences, Staples has been highly successful. In the past 2 years alone, they’ve collected 10 awards at 4 conferences.

Model UN conferences cost hundreds of dollars per student, for registration, transportation and lodging. They hope to fundraise, so that all interested members can participate.

Right now, they’re looking for local businesses and organizations to partner with Staples Model UN. $250 can help cover the conference costs of 1 student; $500 can help support 2. Contributions of any amount are appreciated.

Club members say their goal is not only to raise money, but to “build support within the Westport community for a student-run program that gives Staples students opportunities to develop skills in public speaking, research, diplomacy, negotiation and leadership.

Interested businesses, organizations and individuals can send checks to “Model UN Club,” c/o Staples High School, 70 North Avenue, Westport, CT 06880. Questions? Email jori.altman@gmail.com.

Staples Model UN Club

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There are many stories of neighbors helping neighbors during and after yesterday’s ferocious rain.

And not just people.

Amanda Vitelli spotted these 2 people making sure a large — very large — snapping turtle made its way safely — and very slowly — across Weston Road.

(Photo/Amanda Vitelli)

We don’t know if the 2 knew each other. We don’t know how they spotted the turtle, or how long it took.

We do know that it takes a village to raise a child (and protect wildlife).

And whoever raised these 2 guys sure did a good job.

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After yesterday’s harrowing weather, folks who could make it the Levitt Pavilion were rewarded.

The Brian López Electric Trio offered a magical evening.

(Photo/Susan Garment)

The outdoor theater presents 3 shows this week:

  • Tuesday, September 15, 7 p.m., Comedy night
  • Wednesday, September 16, 7 p.m., Westport Community Band
  • Thursday, September 17, 7:30 p.m., Barboletta: Tribute to Santana.

Click here for details.

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Speaking of the Levitt: Good news! Work is almost complete on the handicap ramp at the Levitt Pavilion.

It’s part of the town’s ongoing efforts to be ADA-compliant everywhere.

(Photo/Amy Schneider)

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Local walkers will join others nationwide this Sunday (September 19, 10 a.m., Sherwood Island State Park, for the Optimism Walk for Parkinson’s.

Funds raised go to local programs and services that help people with Parkinson’s disease live life to the fullest, and to fund research for treatments and a cure. Click here for more information, and registration.

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Yesterday’s weather was, as they say, a nice day for ducks.

Robin Jaffee Frank spotted today’s “Westport … Naturally” scene just a day before, near Temple Israel.

(Photo/Robin Jaffee Frank)

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And finally … the weather has cleared. But let’s not let yesterday pass without:

(We hope you’ve dried out. We also hope you appreciated yesterday’s coverage of that crazy storm. We worked all day — even longer than usual. Please click here to support our work. Thanks!)

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Posted in Environment, Staples HS, Weather

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[OPINION] Careful Review Needed Of Greens Farms Apartment Plan

Posted on September 14, 2026 | 24 comments

Longtime Bridge Street resident Werner Liepolt has watched the Cribari Bridge debate closely.

In the other direction from his home, another story is unfolding. A proposal to demolish the one of the 2 office buildings at 55-57 Greens Farms Road — and replace it with a 250-unit apartment structure — 30 percent of them “affordable” under state statute — is working its way through town bodies.

The Conservation Commission will discuss the plan at a public hearing on Wednesday (September 16, 7 p.m., Town Hall auditorium and livestream).

Liepolt — a recognized consulting party for the Cribari Bridge project — wrote to 1st Selectman Kevin Christie, Representative Town Meeting members and other officials:

TC Greens Farms LLC has proposed demolishing the approximately 60,000-square foot office building at 57 Greens Farms Road and replacing it with a 250-unit multi-family residential building, with 30 percent of the units designated as affordable housing.

The reported development cost is approximately $100 million, and the proposal has now entered Westport’s municipal review process.

55 Greens Farms Road — the building closest to the street — would be demolished, and replaced with a new apartment structure.

This location is directly relevant to Cribari Bridge Project 158-214. Greens Farms Road is part of the residential corridor connecting I-95 exits 18 and 17 by way of Bridge Street, the Cribari Bridge and Riverside Avenue.

Traffic generated or redistributed at 55–57 Greens Farms Road therefore has the potential to affect the traffic baseline, route choices and cumulative conditions surrounding the bridge and the Bridge Street Historic District.

I am not suggesting that all traffic generated by 250 apartments should simply be treated as new traffic. A responsible analysis must compare the proposed residential use with the actual or reasonably anticipated occupancy and traffic generation of the office building being removed. Nor is this an objection to the affordable housing component of the proposal.

Bridge Street traffic. (Photo/Werner Liepolt)

However, a development of this magnitude on a road feeding the bridge corridor cannot reasonably be ignored while the Federal Highway Administration and Connecticut Department of Transportation prepare a revised Environmental Assessment. The traffic analysis should examine:

  • Existing and projected daily and peak-hour traffic from the property
  • The assumptions used for the office building being demolished
  • Anticipated distribution of residential traffic toward I-95 exits 17 and 18 and toward the Cribari Bridge
  • The interaction between this development and each bridge alternative under consideration
  • I-95 diversion and navigation-app routing through Greens Farms Road, Bridge Street and Riverside Avenue
  • Construction traffic, emergency access and pedestrian and bicycle safety
  • The combined effects of foreseeable development and changes in the bridge’s weight, geometry and accessibility to larger vehicles.

This is particularly important because altering the Cribari Bridge could itself change driver behavior and route selection. A development analysis that assumes the present bridge, and a bridge analysis that omits the proposed development, could leave the public with 2 incomplete studies and no examination of their combined consequences.

Those consequences could include additional congestion and cut-through traffic, changes in the volume and composition of vehicles, increased noise and air pollution, pedestrian and cyclist hazards, and effects on the residential character, setting and integrity of the National Register-listed Bridge Street Historic District.

Aerial view of 55-57 Greens Farms Road. The street is at the bottom. It feeds into Bridge Street and the Cribari Bridge (left, off the image).

These matters are relevant to the revised environmental review and, where historic properties may be affected, to the continuing Section 106 consultation.

I respectfully request that:

  1. This development proposal and this correspondence be entered into the Project 158-214 administrative and consultation records
  2. FHWA and CTDOT obtain and review the developer’s traffic-impact study and underlying assumptions
  3. The revised Environmental Assessment disclose whether and how this development is incorporated into its traffic baseline and indirect and cumulative-effects analysis
  4. Connecticut State Historic Preservation Office consider whether resulting traffic conditions associated with the bridge alternatives could affect the character and setting of the Bridge Street Historic District
  5. Consulting parties receive a written response explaining how this new information will be addressed before the revised Environmental Assessment is completed.

No single agency should review only its isolated portion of these projects while overlooking the corridor-wide consequences created by their interaction. The public deserves a current, coordinated analysis before decisions become effectively irreversible.

(“06880” Opinion pages are open to all. Submissions may be sent to 06880blog@gmail.com. To support this hyperlocal blog with a tax-deductible contribution, please click here.)

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Posted in Local politics, Real estate, Transportation

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Pic Of The Day #3434

Posted on September 13, 2026 | 2 comments

Compo Beach lifeguard shack (Photo/Rady Johnson)

2 Comments

Posted in Beach, Pic of the Day

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After The Flood: Assessing Damage [With Video]

Posted on September 13, 2026 | 9 comments

As flood waters abate, and the sun peeks out, Westport businesses and homeowners are assessing the damage wrought by up to 7 inches of rain.

The Norwalk/Westport area was among the hardest hit in Connecticut. Rainfall reached up to 4 inches an hour.

Westport emergency responders conducted 13 rescues of people trapped in vehicles by floodwaters.

Fire, Police, Emergency Medical Services, Public Works and dispatch teams continued to respond to calls throughout the afternoon.

Town departments are coordinating with Eversource to secure or disconnect utilities where necessary.

One of the first reports of destruction comes from Randy Herbertson. The owner of The Visual Brand — an agency located in a historic building off Church Lane — was heavily damaged, when Deadman Brook surged across Myrtle Avenue, and through Sconset Square.

As he sent the photos, Randy was waiting for the Fire Department to check electrical safety.

The Visual Brand studio entrance.

(Photos/Randy Herbertson)

There was a report too of heavy damage in the 1177 Post Road East apartments.

The first floor was under water, while the parking lot also flooded. Some cars were pushed into each other.

1177 Post Road East apartments.

Many Westporters — town officials and residents — responded well today.

Huge kudos to all, in every department. They answered a slew of calls, quickly and efficiently. They assessed damage, blocked roads, and communicated immediately.

As always, there were boneheads.

James Morgan notes: “Somebody saw fit to remove caution tape preventing people from driving into a massive flooded area at Morningside Drive and the Post Road.

“And police barriers blocking the Post Road on either side of the intersection were casually moved aside and dismissed by people who deemed their travel more important than their neighbors’ safety.”

Hopefully their brakes did not fail completely.

Representative Town Meeting member Jennifer Johnson compiled a video of flooding in her District 9 (downtown and beyond).

“We can’t ignore Deadman Brook,” she notes. “This is the worst I’ve seen in 20 years.”

Click here to view. It’s well worth watching.

Here are other scenes, from all across town.

The storm uprooted this tree on Clifford Lane, off Old Hill Road, bringing down power, phone and cable lines. (Photo/Jeff Brill)

State Department of Transportation maintenance lot, behind Walgreens … (Photo/Susie Kowalsky)

… and a close-up view. (Photo/Karen Root)

Hillandale Road, between Chapel Hill Road and Center Street. (Photo/Mary-Kate Smitherman)

Post Road, at Design Within Reach. (Photo/Jennifer Johnson)

Bay Street, opposite Casa Me. (Photo/Sunil Hirani)

One submerged vehicle on Greens Farms Road … (Photo/Stacie Curran)

… and another … (Photo/Stacie Curran)

… and a third on Greens Farms Road, beyond the truck. (Photo/Dave Wilson)

Cross Highway.

By mid-afternoon, the rain had been over for a few hours. But Norwalk Avenue remained flooded. (Photo/Lawrence Zlatkin)

One person tries to navigate flooded Imperial Avenue. The other jogs past. Behind him, a group of neighbors is out for a stroll. (Photo/Greg Naughton)

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Posted in Downtown, Weather

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Photo Challenge #611

Posted on September 13, 2026 | 4 comments

There are several things you can do when you’re stuck on the Kings Highway North hill, waiting for the Wilton Road light.

You can quietly seethe, inching up on the car in front that can’t go anywhere.

You can concentrate on your audiobook, podcast or (hands-free!) phone conversation.

Or you can gaze off to the left, at the Kings Highway Colonial Cemetery

You can’t see the names from your car. They include Henry Moses Judah, who until 2024 was the last Civil War general in the nation with an unmarked grave; the Taylor family, of the eponymous Taylortown Marsh, across the road; and the Marvins, whose tavern not far away once hosted George Washington.

But you can see a stone monument, with 3 words: “Rest. Enjoy. Protect.” (Presumably they refer to visitors; full-time residents can only follow the first suggestion.)

That photo, by Nancy Breakstone, was last week’s Challenge. (Click here to see.) Morley Boyd, Marie Gross, Diane Silfen, Tammy Guarente, Diane Bosch, Karen Como, Lynn Untermeyer Miller, Sal Liccione, Janice Stirzever, Seth Braunstein, Paul Cahill and Wendy Schaefer apparently spend enough time at that light to have correctly identified it.

Congratulations. Now rest, enjoy and protect!

Here is this week’s Photo Challenge. If you know where in Westport you would see it, click “Comments” below.

(Photo/John Maloney)

(Every Sunday, “06880” hosts this Photo Challenge. We challenge you too to support your hyper-local blog. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!) 

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Romanacci’s Leaving Old Mill Grocery; New Operator Sought

Posted on September 13, 2026 | 22 comments

Another chapter is ending for Old Mill Grocery & Deli.

Romanacci — operators of the iconic, 107-year-old beachside market — will not renew their lease.

Graziano and Maurizio Ricci — owners of Romanacci — will turn their attention to the continued growth of their business. They open a new Romanacci restaurant in Darien this fall.

In a heartfelt note to “Friends, Neighbors & Our Amazing Community,” the Riccis say:

After 3 wonderful years at OMG, we’ve decided it’s time for us to begin a new chapter.

Despite some very challenging times, it was still, without a doubt, worth every single minute.

(Photo/Dave Dellinger)

From the very beginning, your support, friendship and loyalty have meant more to us than we can put into words.

You welcomed us into this community, supported us, celebrated with us, and made this place feel like so much more than just a business. It became part of our family.

Saturday morning, at Old Mill Grocery & Deli. 

And because of that, we want to say “thank you” the best way we know how: with a community party. We invite everyone to join us for one last special evening together.

On Tuesday, September 29, starting at 5 p.m. we’ll have food, drinks, and a little gift for each one of you — and for your beloved four-legged friends — as a small way of showing our appreciation for everything you have done for us over these 3 years.

And please remember: This is not goodbye. It’s a see you later.

For everyone who has contributed to the prepaid house account, we want you to know that your support does not disappear with the closing of this chapter. We will honor those accounts at all of our Romanacci locations.

We are also committed to doing everything we can to help Soundview Empowerment Alliance and the next operator make the transition as smoothly as possible. Our hope is that OMG remains open, thriving, and part of this wonderful community for another 100 years.

Thank you for believing in us, supporting us, and making these 3 years truly unforgettable.

We hope to see every one of you on September 29 so we can raise a glass, share some food, and celebrate the memories we created together.

With love and gratitude,
The Romanacci Family

The OMG crew, 2025.

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Soundview Empowerment Alliance — owners of Old Mill Grocery & Deli — say:

Soundview Empowerment Alliance could not have asked for better partners or stewards of this special place.

From the moment they became tenants and stewards of Old Mill Grocery & Deli, they understood and fully embraced SEA’s mission of “preserving history and serving good,” supporting both with their trademark grace and enthusiasm.

They leaned in creatively and did their best to bring the community together, offering great food and drink, friendly service and accessible prices.

Among the Romanacci innovations: special candlelight dinners at the communal table. (Photo/Carol Alexander)

They also worked through some significant and costly challenges along the way, maintaining their composure, commitment and good humor throughout.

Our hats are off to them, and we wish them every success with their next (ad)ventures.

In anticipation of their departure at the end of this month, SEA has been working hard to identify the next operator to carry on OMG&D’s more than 107-year tradition of serving the community with food, beverage, convenience and connection.

Old Mill Grocery & Deli, decades ago.

We are in active discussions with several strong prospective operators, including successful well-known local operators. Each brings considerable experience, energy and an understanding of this community. We are optimistic that one of them will emerge as the right partner to carry the stewardship of OMG&D into its next chapter.

While Romanacci’s chapter at OMG&D is coming to a close, OMG&D itself is very much continuing, and SEA remains committed to preserving this historic gathering place for generations to come.

With enormous gratitude to our wonderful community and supporters,
Jim Hood & Ian Warburg, on behalf of Soundview Empowerment Alliance

(Photo/Ed Simek)

(“06880” reports regularly on the Old Mill Grocery story — as we do with all local news. If you enjoy coverage of business, the beach and Westport life, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Beach, Local business

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Flooding Continues; Warning Extended Through 12:30

Posted on September 13, 2026 | 7 comments

The rain has abated, for now. More may come later.

In the meantime: Stay home!

The flash flood warning has been extended through 12:30 p.m.

Among the many road closures: Post Road East, from Myrtle Avenue through downtown.

The Westport Weston Family YMCA is closed, through at least 1 p.m.

Bradley Street, near Compo Beach (Photo/Chris Tait)

Compo Beach entrance (Photo/Chris Tait)

New channel to Old Mill Beach, from drain (Photo/Chris Tait)

Compo Road South railroad underpass (Photo/Sunil Hirani)

Nyala Farm (Photo/Tammy Barry)

Figuring out next steps, at Turkey Hill Road North. (Photo/Jen Kobetitsch)

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Posted in Beach, Weather

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Stay Off The Roads!

Posted on September 13, 2026 | 2 comments

Officials urged Westporters to stay home, until rain and floods subside.

Firefighters and police officers responded to dozens of calls, as more than 3 inches of rain overwhelmed roads, drains and lawns all over town.

More rain — occasionally heavy — could fall through noon.

Here are some of this morning’s scenes:

Myrtle Avenue (Photo/Sal Liccione)

Sconset Square (Photo/Sal Liccione)

Off Church Lane (Photo/Sal Liccione)

Long Lots Road, at Morningside Drive North (Photo/John Babina III)

Post Road East, at Patio.com (Photo/John Babina III)

Post Road and Morningside Drive South (Vito Pucci)

Deadman Brook overflows at Leslie Lane, off Berndale Drive (Photo/Gary Shure)

Waterfall off tennis court, Pequot Trail (Photo/Susan Garment)

Compo Road South railroad underpass (Photo/Sunil Hirani)

Waterfall on Whitney Street (Photo/Richard Fogel)

Another view of Church Lane (Photo/Sal Liccione)

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Roundup: Flood Alert! And Following Up: Compo Parties, Mill Pond Shellfishing, 9/11 …

Posted on September 13, 2026 | 6 comments

The National Weather Service has extended its flash flood warning for the area until 11 a.m.

About 2 1/2 inches of rain have already fallen. Additional rainfall of 2 more inches could occur. Be safe and smart!

Pumpkin Hill and Colony Roads (Photo/Kimberly Paris)

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A Compo Beach resident who requests anonymity writes:

I want to share what our neighborhood has seen over the past 7 days, in case it isn’t already on the town’s and citizens’ radar.

  • Sustained reckless driving and speeding on Compo Beach Road and Soundview Drive, including late at night.
  • 2 gatherings of 300-plus young people on the beach. Several attendees said they were freshmen at Staples High School. There was open drinking and littering.
  • Each of the following mornings, the beach, seawall and road were covered in bottles, cans and trash.

On Friday night, at least 7 police cars were on the beach. Working alongside a Parks & Recreation Department supervisor, they kept the situation under control, dispersing a crowd of 300 quickly and calmly.

It was genuinely impressive, and they deserve credit for it.

Compo is one of the best things this town gives its kids. A night on that beach with friends is exactly what a place like Westport should want for them.

What gives me pause is the combination — a crowd that size, alcohol, fast cars, and an unlit road with no separation between pedestrians and traffic.

It’s fun — until the night it isn’t.

Friday night’s Compo Beach party.

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Speaking of the beach: The other day, our Roundup linked to a breathless story in the Connecticut Centinal, which charged that hundreds of “illegal aliens” were illegally shellfishing in Westport every night, “until there is nothing left.” And that no one in our town cared.

I noted that Media Bias/Fact Check calls the oddly spelled Centinal “an extreme right-biased imposter website (rated) Questionable based on the promotion of propaganda, conspiracy theories, pseudoscience, poor sourcing, and false claims.”

Bingo!

Westport Animal Control officer Peter Reid spoke to Corporal Brendan Fearon of the Westport Police Department’s Marine Division.

He told Reid the WPD has been monitoring Sherwood Mill Pond. The current activity is for blue crabs only — which is legal.

Fearon said the Mill Pond is closed to shellfishing, and that during inspections they have not seen any shellfish in the buckets. He has also not seen any juvenile terrapins, a concern of Reid’s.

Fearon added that the large groups that were there a couple of summers ago (and were commercial operations) are a thing of the past. Numerous arrests were made. He noted that the current crabbers are mostly families.

This Connecticut Centinal photo purported to show illegal shellfishing.

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Former Y’s Men president Dewey Loselle honored 9/11 last week, with a deeply personal remembrance at the group’s first meeting of the season.

In 2001 Loselle — who later served as Wesport’s town operations director, under 1st Selectman Jim Marpe — was a partner in a consulting firm, with offices near the World Trade Center.

He had gone to the Port Authority for a morning meeting, and narrowly escaped from the 63rd floor of the North Tower after a hijacked plane struck the building at 8:46 a.m.

Loselle described the thunderous impact, the building’s violent swaying, and the immediate decision to leave everything behind and head for the stairs.

In a vivid account, Loselle recalled the extremely narrow, crowded, smoky stairwells; the uncertainty over what had happened, and the courage of fellow evacuees and first responders.

He spoke of encountering a man in a wheelchair and his companion, who later perished while awaiting help, as well as members of Fire Department Rescue Company 1 climbing upward in full gear.

Loselle and his team eventually escaped into the chaos outside, where debris fell, people fled in every direction, and the collapsing towers sent a massive dust cloud through Lower Manhattan.

Loselle described his wife Susan reaching his cell phone in the stairwell before communications failed, and the hours she spent not knowing whether he had survived.

His presentation was both an account of survival, and a plea to preserve the memory of those killed.

Dewey Loselle, speaking to the Y’s Men. (Photo/Ted Horowitz)

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Mia Dillon is a Westport Country Playhouse favorite.

She debuted there in 1979, and has performed often since then. Her nexxt appearance is tomorrow (September 14, 7 p.m.), in the Script in Hand play reading of “The Next Best Thing.”

Dillon plays Jo, an outspoken and wildly inappropriate grandmother who takes issue with the impeccably polite android version of herself created to replace her after she dies. The play asks: Should we embrace what’s difficult about the people we love, or settle for a more acceptable alternative: the next best thing?

Click here for tickets, and more information. 

Mia Dillon

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Cleaning your closet for a new season?

Donate gently used clothing and accessories — and anything new and unworn, too — to the Westport Woman’s Club. They’re gearing up for their annual sale. Proceeds benefit the WWC food closet, need-based student scholarships, and grants awarded to local charitable organizations.

Tax-deductible donations are accepted weekdays (10 a.m. to noon, and 1 to 4 p.m.) in the coat room of the WWC (44 Imperial Avenue), The sale is November 13-15.

Items include women’s and men’s clothing, shoes, boots, handbags, scarves, jewelry, and other accessories. Undergarments, lingerie and bathing suits, are not accepted.

Local retailers are invited to donate surplus inventory too.

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Chili time is near.

A highlight is always the VFW’s Chili Cook-off.

This year’s event — the 4th annual fundraiser, supporting Westport’s first responders and veteran community — is Saturday, October 17 (6 to 8 p.m. VFW Post 399).

Attendees vote for their favorite, among a wide variety of homemade recipes. There’s plenty of other great food, a 50/50 raffle, and a healthy heaping of community spirit. Tickets are $25, at the VFW in advance or at the door.

Questions? Email vfw399ct@gmail.com, or call 203-227-6796.

Dig in! (Photo/Andrew Colabella)

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The Sweet Remains brought their folk-pop harmonic vibe to the Levitt Pavilion last night.

A large crowd packed the outdoor theater for the locally based, broadly loved band.

Last night at the Levitt.

Three special appearances offered a special added bonus: front man Greg Naughton’s wife, Broadway star Kelli O’Hara, and their two talented children, Owen and Charlotte.

Greg Naughton (left), Kelli O’Hara, and the Sweet Remains. (Photos/Susan Garment)

There’s more to come at the Levitt this week:

  • Tonight (Sunday): 7 p.m. Brian López Electric Trio
  • Tuesday, September 15, 7 p.m., Comedy night
  • Wednesday, September 16, 7 p.m., Westport Community Band
  • Thursday, September 17, 7:30 p.m., Barboletta: Tribute to Santana.

Click here for details.

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In a survey of 2,000 Americans, 35% say 2026 is “stressful.” Almost a third call it “challenging.” 37% say life feels out of control.

No surprise. But Westport author Caroline C. Barney’s new book — “Connected: From Stuck to Thriving in the Middle of the Chaos” — arrives at exactly the right time.

She was named to Ad Age’s “40 Under 40,” and worked with organizations ranging from Fortune 500 companies to the White House. That career taught her a lot about strategy, narrative, and what makes people move.

Barney says that feeling connected — to who they really are, to the beauty of life with others, and to a belief bigger than themselves — helps people thrive at home, at work and in their  community. Click here to learn more about her “connections” work.

Caroline C. Barney

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To all in the “06880” who celebrate, we echo the sign on Pumpkin Hill Road: L’shana tova!

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Former Staples High School girls soccer coach Dr. Jesús Zornoza died peacefully last weekend. He was 79, and lived in Ridgefield.

The Madrid native began practicing radiology in 1974 at MD Anderson in Houston. He published extensively on cancer imaging and needle biopsy techniques, as well as authoring and editing a book on percutaneous needle biopsies.

In 1983, Jesús joined the radiology group at Danbury Hospital. After 20 years practicing medicine he retired, and devoted much of his time to soccer.

He coached youth teams, and became president of SCOR (Soccer Club of Ridgefield). From 1991 to 1994 he coached the Staples girls varsity team to a 44-20-4 record.

He then began a second career as a referee and league administrator. In 2005 he was inducted into the Connecticut Girls Soccer Coaches Association Hall of Fame, and in 2010 into the Connecticut Soccer Hall of Fame.

Jesús was also an avid gardener. He was a caretaker of orchids and bonsai trees. He was devoted to his flock of farmyard chickens. ain.

Jesús is survived by his wife of 53 years, Jeanne; their children Andrew Zornoza (Evelyn) and Pippi (Sean Campbell); grandson Rafael Francis Zornoza, and siblings José, Enrique, Maria and Loreto Zornoza. He was predeceased by his sister, Pilar.

Family and friends will be received on Saturday. September 19 (2 to 4 p.m., Kane Funeral Home, Ridgefield). In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Jesús Zornoza Memorial Soccer Referee Scholarship Fund.

Dr. Jesús Zornoza

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature looks like a painting.

But it’s a photo. “Liquid sunshine” is the way Rindy Higgins describes this Saugatuck Shores scene.

“Gorgeous, is our call.

(Photo/Rindy Higgins)

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And finally … on this date in 1814, Francis Scott Key composed the poem “Defence of Fort McHenry” during the War of 1812’s Battle of Baltimore. It later became the American national anthem: “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

(O say can you … click here to support “06880”? It’s a very patriotic — or at least, generous — thing to do. Thank you!)

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Shakespeare And Stony Point: The Stuff Dreams Were (Not) Made Of

Posted on September 13, 2026 | 5 comments

The Westport Country Playhouse recently completed a very successful run of “Agatha Christie’s The Murder of Roger Ackroyd.”

Then, Bruce Miller turned his attention to another mystery.

The Playhouse archivist and cultural associate emailed a painting to “06880.”

Bruce said that Ben Doyle recently brought the artwork, which had belonged to his grandfather, to the Playhouse.

Bruce said “it appears to show the theater by the shore, possibly at Longshore near the marina. Ben thinks his grandfather may have been involved with the early planners at Longshore, and this might have been a concept they were considering.”

Close —  but not quite.

The painting by Peter Dohanos — son of famed illustrator Stevan Dohanos — is actually an artist’s rendition of Stony Point. That’s the land just beyond the high red brick wall on the south side of the Westport train station’s eastbound parking lot. Stony Point is a peninsula bordered by the Saugatuck River, all the way to where it meets Long Island Sound.

Stony Point today (left of the river). The train station and tracks are at top.

Stony Point today (left of the river). The train station and tracks are at top.

Dohanos’ painting says “Westport Country Playhouse.” That’s a mystery, because it was done around the time that Stony Brook property was being considered as the home of a new “American Shakespeare Theatre.”

The idea came from Lawrence Langner. In 1930 — more than 20 years earlier –the Weston resident turned an apple orchard and old tannery into the Westport Country Playhouse.

By the mid-20th century, Stony Point was a shadow of its former elegant self. Decades earlier a New York banker, his wife and 2 daughters lived there, in a handsome Victorian mansion built around 1890. The grounds included an enormous carriage house, gardener’s cottage, barn and hothouse.

After the daughters inherited the home, the New York, New Haven & Hartford railroad purchased some of the land for a new train station. (The original one was on the other side of the river.)

The Stony Point wall today. It separates the peninsula from the train station.

The second daughter bequeathed the estate to the Hospital for the  Crippled and Ruptured (whose name was later changed, mercifully, to the New York Hospital for Special Surgery).

But the property fell into disuse. Eventually the hospital sold Stony Point to real estate developers.

Which brings us to Shakespeare.

Around 1950 Langner, Lincoln Kirstein of Lincoln Center and arts patron Joseph Verner Reed had audacious plans. They wanted to build an American Shakespeare Theatre and Academy.

And they wanted it on Stony Point. Proximity to the train station was a major piece of the plan.

The price for all 21 acres: $200,000.

But according to Westport News writer Shirley Land, “the hand of fate and the town fathers combined to defeat the efforts of the theatre people.” Many residents objected.

There were also concerns that it would draw audiences away from the Westport Country Playhouse. (Others argued that a Shakespeare Theatre would enhance the town’s reputation as an arts community.)

The theater was never built here. It opened a few miles away –in the aptly named town of Stratford — in 1955.

It achieved moderate success. But in 1982 the theater ran out of money (and backers). The state of Connecticut took ownership. It closed in 1985. In 2019, it burned to the ground in an early morning fire.

The entrance to Stony Point.

The entrance to Stony Point.

Meanwhile, in 1956 Westporters Leo Nevas and Nat Greenberg, along with Hartford’s Louis Fox, bought the Stony Point property for residential development.

It’s now considered one of the town’s choicest addresses. Homes have been listed there for $14 million.

That’s quite a story. We can only imagine what might have happened had Westporters decided to support — rather than oppose — the American Shakespeare Festival Theater in Westport.

Then again, as a famous playwright once said: “It is not in the stars to hold our destiny, but in ourselves.”

ENCORE: Bruce Miller’s email included some interesting connections with the Westport Country Playhouse.

Artist Peter Dohanos’ father Stevan designed WCP program covers for many years.

Peter, meanwhile, was a Playhouse apprentice in 1949. He later became a scenic designer, and worked on “The Swimmer,” the movie filmed in Westport starring Burt Lancaster.

It was directed by Frank Perry, who had been an Playhouse apprentice in 1948. Perry also directed “Mommie Dearest,” about Joan Crawford’s abusive relationship with her daughter Christina. Christina — who wrote the book with the same title — was a Playhouse apprentice in 1957.

Frank Perry (front row, left) during his 1950 Playhouse apprenticeship. It was quite a class. Stephen Sondheim is in the top row, crouching. Also in the photo: Richard Rodgers’ daughter Mary (2nd row, 4th from left).

Ben Doyle (the painting’s owner — remember him?) is on the faculty of Blackrock Theater Company. They’ve performed on the Playhouse stage. He  is engaged to Betsabeth Castro, an actress in the WCP production of “Appropriate.”

And Ann Sheffer — a former Stony Point resident, who provided much of the history of the proposed American Shakespeare Theatre described above — is herself a former Westport Country Playhouse apprentice. She was also a longtime board member.

It’s a small theatrical world indeed. And, as a famous playwright once said, “All the world’s a stage.”

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