“I really like ‘06880,’” a woman said. “But you write too many stories.”
You don’t have to read them all! I thought. That’s what the “Delete” button is for!
“06880” is nearing its 16th birthday. Over the years, I’ve heard all kinds of complaints.
This man does not always smile at the feedback he receives.
Sometimes, people ask why I did not cover something I wrote about the day before. Or the previous week. Or month.
“I know it’s your blog,” many of them begin. “But …”
Then comes a comment, about something. Anything. Or everything.
They say I should ban certain commenters.
I should let commenters use aliases, or comment anonymously.
I should write more about some topic. Or less.
Yes, it is my blog.
But it’s also yours.
“06880” belongs to its readers. On any given day, there are up to 20,000 of you.
Many live in Westport. Some have been here all their lives: 15, 30, 50, 60 years. Others moved in during COVID. Or yesterday.
Many other readers do not live here. Some are in Weston. Some are much further away — across the US, and beyond.
“06880” has readers in Westport, New Zealand. They’re not lost … just interested in our town.
Some grew up here, then moved away. Some have other connections, like parents whose adult children live here. They want to know what their “kids” and grandkids are up to.
As one year ends, and a new one begins, this is a good time to take a look at where “06880” is, and where it should be going.
So: What do you like about “06880”?
What don’t you like?
What should I cover more? What should I cover less?
What new features would you like to see? Are there any I should dump?
“06880” also has a mission to build community. Last year we introduced a Summer Soundview Stroll. With the help of the Westport Downtown Association, we kicked up the Holiday Stroll several notches.
A small part of the large Soundview Stroll crowd. (Photo/Benji Porosoff)
We continue to raise funds — over $300,000 so far — for Lyman, our Ukrainian sister city, and for other worthy causes.
We were a sponsor of the holiday lights on the Cribari Bridge, and have organized 2 “Historic Homes of Westport” tours.
What other projects would you like us to undertake?
Is there anything else I (and my board of directors) need to know?
Just email 06880blog@gmail. com.
Or click “Comments” below. If you do, of course use your full, real name.
Observant drivers* have noticed that lights have been removed from the Cribari Bridge.
For 25 years, they were lit the day after Thanksgiving. Then, every night through New Year’s, hundreds of colorful holiday bulbs brightened everyone’s passage across the 135-year-old span.
(Photo/Andrew Colabella)
A couple of weeks ago, they were removed. It’s unclear by whom — probably the state Department of Transportation — but recently several came loose, and hit at least one vehicle.
For a quarter century the lights were provided by Al’s Angels. Al DiGuido’s non-profit supports children and families battling cancer, rare blood diseases, natural disasters and severe financial hardship.
This year, Al’s Angels can no longer provide and maintain the lights.
(Photo/Joel Treisman)
Is this the end of a beloved 25-year tradition?
No!
Second Selectwoman Andrea Moore, Police Chief Foti Koskinas, Police Corporal Craig Bergamo, Representative Town Meeting members Kristin Mott Purcell and Andrew Colabella, and a few other Westporters began working on a solution.
It’s not as easy as buying new lights, finding volunteers to string and test them, and throwing a switch.
The bridge must be closed for several hours to do the work. Questions about power sources loomed.
(Photo/Patti Brill)
But within 2 days the community came together. Every problem was solved.
The Bridge at Saugatuck — the new, instantly popular restaurant a few yards from the Cribari Bridge — plus Saugatuck Financial and Neat Lending quickly became lead sponsors.
Other sponsors include LandTech, Westport PAL, the Colabella family, and our very own “06880” blog.
A source was located. The lights are being shipped overnight from Georgia.
Late Sunday night, they’ll be strung on the bridge. Saugatuck-based AJ Penna & Son Construction will help make it happen.
The final piece will be an official lighting ceremony. When it’s set, “06880” will let everyone know.
In the space of a few days, the sad prospect of a dark Cribari Bridge turned very, very bright.
I hate to ask for funds. But the NPR/PBS model is the only way to continue to tell stories about the people, places and past of this town; to bring you news and photos, and to do all the back-end stuff no one ever sees but that takes all of my time, 24/7/365.
Someone congratulated me on 15 years of “06880” — then said, “Sorry I missed your contribution day. I’ll send a check next year.”
Great news! Your money is good any time!
You can donate by PayPal or credit card: click here. It’s easy, safe — and you don’t even need a PayPal account.
Checks can be mailed to “06880”: PO Box 744, Westport, CT 06881.
If “06880” were a girl, this would be our quinceañera.
We’re not, of course. We’re Westport’s hyper-local blog.
But today we’re 15 years old.
And though a blog is not a human being*, this one is as close to a living, breathing part of our town as any pixels can be.
Every day since early March of 2009, we’ve provided you with stories and photos about Westport.
Breaking news, upcoming events, history, features, opinions, personalities, organizations, arts, sports, businesses, restaurants, real estate, trends — it’s all here.
Every day. Multiple times a day.
Plus the opportunity to comment on anything and everything we post.
“06880” is truly a town-wide project. But everyone everywhere — former Westporters, future residents, folks with only a casual connection — is welcome in our online community.
This space is truly “Where Westport meets the world.”
But this would not be “06880” without your support.
We need your photos. Your story ideas. Your comments.
And of course, your financial commitment.
For 15 years, production of “06880” has been pretty much a one-man band.
Since that first post, back in the 2nd month of the 1st Obama administration, I have not missed a day.
I’m 15! Well, at least my blog is .. (Photo/Pam Einarsen)
I spend 8 or so hours, every day, on every aspect of this blog.
I conduct interviews and research. I take and edit photos. I moderate the comments (165,000-plus, and counting), which is almost a full-time job itself.
I answer every email.
And of course, I write or edit every story.
This is my full-time job. But in addition to my salary, “06880” has other expenses: our app, web hosting, software, writing help, the Holiday Stroll, the summer party, and a few new ideas we’ll roll out this year.
Which brings us to our annual appeal.
As a 501 (c)(3) non-profit, we offer tax-deductibility to the extent allowed by law. In addition to individual contributions, we can accept corporate matching funds, and foundation grants.
You can donate by PayPal or credit card: click here. It’s easy, safe — and you don’t even need a PayPal account.
Checks can be mailed to “06880”: PO Box 744, Westport, CT 06881.
We’re also on Venmo: @blog06880
You can even scan this QR code:
Some 15-year-olds forget to write thank-you notes after their quinceañeras. We promise we won’t.
Thank you!
*Neither are frozen embryos. But let’s not go there today.
Moving forward, the maximum number of comments allowed for each reader on a thread will be raised from 3 to 5.
Thanks for commenting. And, as always: Please use your full, real name. Deleting anonymous comments is really, really annoying.
===============================================
Starting last night, and running every Sunday this winter, La Plage offers a Locals Night Menu.
The prix fixe offering includes a family-style chef’s selection appetizer, entrée (a pinsa. Scottish salmon, fish and chips, homemade squid ink fettuccine, fried chicken or burger) and drink for $39.
The Sunday night kids’ menu has also been upgraded. For details, click here.
Westport resident David Meth’s play, “To the Death of My Own Family,” has won another grant from Artists Respond from the Connecticut Office of the Arts for Equity and Racial Justice.
Meth calls it “an intensely dramatic nonlinear play about an Afghan-American woman who returns to Afghanistan to help her father escape, only to witness the carnage of her entire family. Upon her return to the US she is detained, interrogated, and forced to justify her journey in order to reclaim her citizenship.
“We then learn about a deeper, darker secret that has shadowed the family for many years, but which they do not want to confront until they are forced to confront each other in the face of death.
With the grant, Meth will seek an opportunity to create a playwriting workshop for high school and college students. Click here for more information.
Mary Weiss, the leader of the “Leader of the Pack” bad-girl group The Shangri-Las, died last week. She was 75.
Her Los Angeles Times obituary says: “They were poor white teens from New York City, occasionally singing with pronounced Queens accents and always performing with a stylish swagger….
“Though their time in the spotlight lasted a little under two years, the Shangri-Las created an enduring rock ‘n’ roll archetype: Girls who were every bit as strong and sexy as their doomed boyfriends, boys who were ‘good bad’ but ‘not evil,’ as Weiss said on ‘Give Him a Great Big Kiss.’
“This attitude and the group’s heightened music — equal parts operatic pop and exuberant R&B — proved influential, particularly on the punks of New York City in the 1970s.
“Blondie covered their ‘Out in the Streets’; the New York Dolls swiped the spoken intro from ‘Give Him a Great Big Kiss’ for their ‘Looking for a Kiss,’ then hired Morton as the producer for their second album, setting the stage for Aerosmith covering ‘Remember (Walking in the Sand) during the height of punk.”
In 2019, “Leader of the Pack” was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
LOCAL ANGLE: In the mid-’60s, the Shangri-Las performed downstairs at the Terpsichore — the Ice Cream Parlor’s (very) short-lived discotheque. I was about 13 years old, but somehow I managed to see them there.
(Click here for the full obituary. Hat tip: Michael Taylor)
(If you’re an “06880” commenter, you’ll like today’s lead item. And whether you comment yourself, or just read them, please click here to support this blog’s commitment to conversation. Thank you!)
If you’re reading this story on a smartphone, you know our “06880” interface sucks.
The font size is too small. You have to tap on the headline to get to a readable version (a trick some users don’t know). Some of the features from the laptop/ desktop version are missing.
By the end of this story, all that will change dramatically.
Today, “06880” announces a new app. Designed specifically for smartphones, with many great features, it will make your mobile experience much easier, more enjoyable, and just plain cool.
The “06880” app — available in both iPhone and Android versions — was created by 2 young geniuses. Georgetown University sophomore Matthew Jordan and his Staples High School senior brother Joshua took a very vague concept, and soon developed a very usable, clever and handsome product.
They understood exactly what “06880” is, what our virtual community is about, and what our readers want. They made it all happen, with creativity, grace and good humor. A feature story on these very sharp and fun teenagers is coming soon.
Meanwhile, here’s what you’ll find when you download the app (just search, of course, for “06880”).
A splash screen (below) …
… makes way for the most recent stories (below). Tap one to read it.
Tap on any photo to enlarge it. At the end of a story you can easily comment, reply to a previous comment, or share the story, in a variety of ways.
There are 5 buttons on the bottom (see photo above). The one on the left is the least important; it brings up information about me.
The balloon-like map icon next to it means “Westport.” There’s a photo gallery from our “Pic of the Picks” book that changes every day, along with details about all the restaurants that support “06880.”
The restaurant list is randomized; it too changes daily. Clicking on any restaurant brings up more information, plus its menu and social media.
The middle icon is the “home” button. It brings you back to the “Stories” page.
The headphones are for podcasts. One click takes users to dozens of “06880” podcasts — a partnership with the Westport Library.
The dollar sign on the far right is a “donate” button. Contributing to “06880” has never been easier 🙂
At the top left of the app is a magnifying glass. Click on to search the entire “06880” archives. (Stories with the keyword in the title appear first; then come stories where the keyword is only in the text.)
A “bookmark” icon on the right allows you to save any story for future reference.
Clicking the “gear” icon at the far right gives the option to have notifications sent directly to your phone. You can choose “immediately” (whenever a new post is published), once every morning (10:30 a.m.) or once every night (9:10 p.m.). It’s possible to enable both morning and nightly recaps.
There you have it: our new app. Just search for “06880” in either the iPhone or Android stores.
Now, thanks to Matthew and Joshua Jordan, you will never squint again.
PS: Don’t want the app? Prefer to continue receiving email notifications about new posts? No problem! That’s not changing. The app is just one more way now to access “06880.”
Yesterday’s meeting of the Planning & Zoning Commission’s Zoning Regulation Revision/Sustainability Subcommittee marked a small step on a long journey.
The subcommittee discussed the possibility of using town-owned residential properties on Baron’s South for affordable housing.
The preliminary concept includes creating a new zone where existing structures are located.
That would enable their adaptive re-use (interior changes only), for conversion to affordable multifamily units.
The late Baron Walter Langer von Langendorff’s “Golden Shadows” home is currently unoccupied. Two structures are currently used for workforce housing.
The P&Z Affordable Housing subcommittee will now create a draft text change, reflecting the concept.
First Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Planning & Zoning director Mary Young joined in the discussion. Public comment was favorable.
1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Planning & Zoning Commission chair Danielle Dobin (shown in this file photo from a previous meeting) are exploring the use of existing structures on Baron’s South for affordable housing.
I’m not sure why the qualities of a workplace are different for millennials than the rest of us (older or younger).
But Fortune magazine recently used 500,000 survey results, with 60 statements and 2 open-ended questions, to publish a “Best Workplaces for Millennials” report.
Fortune broke down the rankings into two lists: the top 100 large companies with more than 1,000 employees, and the top 100 small-to-medium sized companies with between 50 and 999 employees.
In the large (1,000 or more employees) category, Westport’s own Bridgewater Associates ranked 60th out of 100.
The world’s largest hedge fund was lauded for fully paid healthcare, a good 401(k) match, and inclusive culture.
In the small-to-medium (50 to 999) category, Daversa Partners in Westport was rated #22.
The Greens Farms Road executive recruiting firm was cited for a “culture that makes employment feel rewarding.” (Hat tip: Allan Siegert)
Westport Police made 3 custodial arrests between July 19 and 26.
A man who took a person’s cell phone during a domestic argument, preventing a 911 call, was charged with assault, disorderly conduct, and interfering with an emergency call.
A man was arrested for driving under the influence, and failure to stop at a stop sign, following an accident on Greens Farms Road at Nyala Farm Road.
A third man was arrested for failure to appear, during an active warrant for his re-arrest.
Police also issued these citations:
Traveling unreasonably fast: 6 citations
Failure to renew registration: 2
Disorderly conduct: 1
Evading responsibility: 1
Reckless driving: 1
Failure to yield right of way: 1
Failure to drive in the proper lane: 1
Failure to obey stop sign: 1
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
Failure to register a commercial vehicle: 1
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 1
Residents turn to the Westport Library for information, inspiration and entertainment.
And — in emergencies — for heat, air conditioning, electricity and WiFi.
Now — thanks to a post-COVID $57,462 American Rescue Plan Act grant enhancing its technological infrastructure and wireless connectivity — the Library will serve the community even better when disaster strikes.
When extreme storms like Irene and Isais disruption many lives, more than 12,000 patrons utilized the Library’s internet.
Often, service could not meet demand. The ARPA grant extends the wireless signal beyond Jesup Green and Levitt Pavilion, with 4 more wireless access points installed.
In addition, the Library’s firewall was updated for added safety and security.
That’s great to know.
Let’s hope we never have to use it.
When the power went out during Tropical Storm Isais, Westporters took advantage of the library’s WiFi — masked and socially distanced, of course. (Photo/Miggs Burroughs)
John Richers makes his Church Lane Summer Music Series debut this Saturday (July 29). He starts strumming his guitar at 6 p.m., next to Spotted Horse.
A Westport resident since 2017, he emerged from the COVID shutdown with over 75 songs in his rock/folk/country repertoire. Since venturing back on stage, John has performed at a variety of Fairfield County venues.
Audiences sing along to favorites from the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Grateful Dead, Byrds, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, John Mellencamp and Van Morrison, while savoring deeper cuts from the likes of Steve Earle, John Prine, the Wallflowers and Decemberists.
John Richers
=================================================
Doughnuttery — the sugared mini-doughnut company founded by Westporter Evan Feldman, with 4 New York City locations, 1 on Long Island and 1 in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin (!) — has just gone international.
The newest shop is on Avenida Presidente Kennedy, in Santiago, Chile.
Can Westport be far behind?
=================================================
Staples High School Class of 1972 graduate Brian McGeady died peacefully last Thursday, with his family by his side. He was 69.
He grew up in a tight-knit family with 5 siblings across from Longshore, where his love of golf began. While at Staples he worked at Manero’s and Ye Olde Bridge Grille, which allowed him to buy a prized red ‘Cuda.
He graduated from Boston College in 1976 with a degree in accounting. and worked for Kahan Steiger and Co. in Stamford. Upon passing his CPA exam he was offered a partnership, and remained there until he retired.
He also earned his master’s degree from the University of New Haven. In 1981 Brian married Diane Grosso.
He loved golf, paddleball, the New York Yankees, and spending holidays and vacations with his family.
In addition to his wife Diane, Brian is survived by his children Sean, Kyle and Megan; granddaughter Harper; his faithful companion Rudy; siblings, Meg (Bradley) Sagendorf, Richard (Mary), Elizabeth O’Brien (Chris), Kieran, Lee Yin, (Dan(; his brother-in-law David Grosso, and mother-in-law Eleanor Grosso, and several nieces and nephews. Brian was predeceased by his sister Katherine.
Calling hours are today (Thursday, July 27, 4-7 p.m., Lesko & Polke Funeral Home, Fairfield). A Mass of Christian Burial will take place tomorrow (Friday, July 28, 10:30 a.m., St. Pius X Church, Fairfield(. Interment will follow at Assumption Greens Farms Cemetery.
Longtime Weston resident Frances Manere died Friday at home, surrounded by her family. She was 85.
The Norwalk native was an excellent cook and baker, who enjoyed traveling the world with her late husband Bob.
Survivors include her sons Robert (Robyn) of Bethel, Michael (Lisa) of Hudson, Massachusetts, and Brian of Weston; her brother James Buchta (Connie) of Norwalk; sister in law Rosemary Buchta of Norwalk; 7 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. She was pre-deceased by her brother, Jack Buchta.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday (July 31, 12:30 p.m., St. Francis of Assisi Church, Weston). Interment will follow in Assumption Cemetery, 73 Greens Farms Road Westport. Click here to leave online condolences.
And finally … Sinead O’Connor died yesterday, at 56.
The New York Times called her an “outspoken Irish singer-songwriter known for her powerful, evocative voice, as showcased on her biggest hit, a breathtaking rendition of Prince’s “Nothing Compares 2 U,” and for her political provocations onstage and off.” Click here for a full obituary.
(Whether you get “06880” on a phone, tablet, laptop or desktop — see story above — we are glad you’re part of our online community. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
After 4 years of a very free-wheeling “Comments” section, I pulled the plug on anonymous posts.
It was a while coming. A place where readers could share thoughts and insights had degenerated into a toxic free-for-all.
The flame-throwers — hiding behind the “free speech” veil — had turned off the vast majority of readers who wanted to hear what others were thinking and saying, and had the courage to say who they actually were.
So I added a new rule: no more anonymous comments. Everyone had to use full, real names.
No more trolls!
That announcement (click here) drew nearly 100 comments.
Almost all were positive. A few people predicted the end of “06880.”
The number of comments went down a bit, but soon rebounded. But instead of 2 or 3 bozos shouting at each other, “06880” became a spot for (mostly) civil conversations.
The dark spirits vanished. “06880” became lighter, freer.
Ten years later, some people are again taking advantage of the privilege of commenting. Sometimes, they feel the need to comment on everything — incessantly.
Other times, they make ad hominem attacks.
Or they hijack the narrative, adding side or irrelevant issues having nothing to do with the original post.
The “Comments” section should be illuminating, not aggravating.
A few days ago, David Loffredo commented: “The trolls will end this blog. Go outside, find a hobby, do something useful. Eventually Dan will give up – more and more these threads have become embarrassing.”
He’s right. It’s time for another change.
Starting right now, all comments must be germane to the topic.
If a post is about downtown parking, there’s no reason to bring in a town body or official who has absolutely nothing to do with it.
Unless the story is about Donald Trump or Hunter Biden, please don’t mention them.
You get the idea.
i spend an inordinate amount of time monitoring the Comments section.
Now it’s time for you to monitor yourselves. Before dashing off an inane or incendiary reply, ask yourself:
“Is what I want to say meaningful? Does it enlighten and inform the conversation in town? Or am I just trying to be cute, ‘funny’ or obnoxious?”
“Do I know what I’m talking about? Or am I just firing blindly from the hip?”
“Have I said enough about this? Is what I’m saying advancing the discussion, or am I just repeating myself?”
What’s “germane”? As Supreme Court Justice Lewis Powell Potter Stewart said about obscenity: “I know it when I see it.”
Offenders will be banned quickly.
And, while we’re speaking about comments: I’ve had it with the few (but persistent) readers who try to evade the “use full, real names” rule.
I stand behind everything I write. Nearly every commenter does too.
Have the decency to respect the rules.
Have the courage of your convictions.
Don’t ruin the Comments section for everyone. It’s a privilege, not a right.
And it might not be around forever.
Back in the day, people had to think before they wrote. That’s not a bad idea.
I hate to ask for funds. But the NPR/PBS model is the only way I can continue to tell stories about the people, places and past of this town; to bring you news and photos, and to do all the back-end stuff no one ever sees but that takes all of my time, 24/7/365.
Someone congratulated me this weekend on 14 years of “06880” — then said, “Sorry I missed your contribution day. I’ll send a check next year.”
Great news! Your money is good any time!
You can donate by PayPal or credit card: click here. It’s easy, safe — and you don’t even need a PayPal account.
Checks can be mailed to “06880”: PO Box 744, Westport, CT 06881.
Yesterday’s “06880” was devoted to gratitude from our readers. You gave thanks for family, friends, health, the beauty and community of Westport, and the opportunity to live in the United States of America.
Today it’s my turn.
I am truly grateful for each and every reader. You make our community — online and off — one of the liveliest, most robust, most fulfilling and fun on earth.
We may not always agree. We may have different views on everything from trees to Trump.
But whatever we talk about — the downtown of yesterday, the homes of today, the Saugatuck of tomorrow — we do so with the common bond of community.
We are all Westporters, of some type. Something brought us here: to this town, and this corner of cyberspace. Both are places that mean something to us. Something keeps us tied to this town, and this site.
As we look around the planet — the only one we’ve got — we realize we’ve got it pretty damn good.
Thank you for being part of “06880.” Enjoy the day, wherever in town or the world you happen to be.
Click here to help support “06880” via credit card or PayPal. Any amount is welcome, appreciated — and tax-deductible! Reader contributions keep this blog going. (Alternate methods: Please send a check to “06880”: PO Box 744, Westport, CT 06881. Or use Venmo: @blog06880. Or Zelle: danwoog@gmail.com. Thanks!)
GET THE “06880” APP
The “06880” app (search for it on the Apple or Android store) is the easiest way to get “06880.” Choose notifications: whenever a new post is published, or once or twice a day. Click here for details.
Breaking news, upcoming events, history, features, opinions, personalities, organizations, arts, sports, businesses, restaurants, real estate, trends — it’s all here.
