As Balducci’s prepares to close, it’s already said goodbye to Charlotte.
Yesterday, some of her many friends also said goodbye.
The longtime, much-loved cashier — now 94 years old, whose tenure goes to back half a century to its Hay Day days — received a surprise retirement gift: over $3,100.
The money — raised online — was the brainchild of Dan Frank. He too started out as a customer, and became a close friend. (You can still contribute, through Sunday; click here.)
Charlotte (with flowers), and grateful customers. Dan Frank is in the center.
Dan says, “Charlotte and I had a wonderful trip. It was filled with a lot of emotion from friends and especially co-workers, who are sad to see Balducci’s coming to an end.
“Charlotte put a smile on everyone’s faces. It warmed my heart to see how happy everyone was to see her. She is blown away by all the love she’s received from all of you.”
After Dan brought Charlotte home, she taped this message of thanks:
================================================
Sure, the first day of 2026 was cold and windy. It’s January 1 in New England.
And yeah, the folks who ventured to Compo Beach yesterday stayed (largely) in their cars. The few who went out walking were bundled up well.
Except for a very small group, who gathered for the annual “Polar Bear Plunge” at 10 a.m., when the sun was not even directly overhead.
And among that tiny crew, most “plunged” quickly into Long Island Sound, then raced back to their vehicles.
Except for these dudes. They frolicked in the water for a full 10 minutes.
They’re probably still warming up.
(Photo/Larry Bartimer)
==================================================
Among their many other activities, the Senior Center offers an intriguing meeting this month.
On January 12, Westport Police Detective Erin Shaw will chat informally about scams, police matters and ID theft, and address members’ questions and concerns.
Meetings are by appointment only. Call 203-341-5099 to reserve a spot.
Detective Erin Shaw
===============================================
Club203 is not wasting any time kicking off the new year.
The first social event of Westport’s organization for adults with disabilities is Tuesday (January 6, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Westport Country Playhouse barn).
It’s an interactive experience with Sensei Palardy, including face painting and mask making with friends from MoCA\CT. Calise’s Deli caters, so the food will be great.
Click here to reserve a spot, and learn more about Club203.
=============================================
You can almost taste the frigid air in today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature photo.
Tomoko Meth captured the wintry scene, at Longshore’s ER Strait Marina.
(Photo/Tomoko Meth)
==================================================
And finally … Roger Miller was born on this date in 1936. The country music singer/songwriter died in 1992, at 56, from lung and throat cancer.
(Did we mention it’s a new year? And that means you can make a 2026 contribution to support “06880”? Just click here — and thank you!)
