“06880” is “where Westport meets the world.”
On Sunday, the Westport Library is “where Westport meets the World Cup.”
After 102 matches, there’s one left: European champion Spain vs. South American champ Argentina.
It will be a game for the ages. And all ages — from those watching their first World Cup, to those who remember Pele, Beckenbauer (and Maradona) — are invited to share the excitement on Sunday.
The Library opens at 1 p.m., for Panini card trading.
From 1:30 to 2:30, Westport soccer folks — including Dan Woog, Chris O’Dell, Paddy Donovan, Joe Pierce and Clemson coach Mike Noonan (video) — will tell stories about their experiences with The Beautiful Game.
At 3 p.m., the match will be shown on the Trefz Forum’s giant screen. The audience here will join billions of others around the globe.
Oh, yeah: There’s Riko’s pizza too (courtesy of “06880”).
Wear your jersey. Bring your friends. See you Sunday at the Library — where Westport meets the World Cup.
(Graphic courtesy of Isabelle Sareen)
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In early April, 1st Selectman Kevin Christie responded to a flurry of Cribari Bridge meetings and activity by announcing the formation of a Cribari Bridge Advisory Committee.
It would “support the town’s ongoing engagement with the DOT as the state-led process moves forward.”
Christie did not announce names of committee members, or indicate when and how they would be appointed.
Several readers have asked about the committee.
Last week — 3 months later — “06880” emailed the first selectman, asking about the status of the committee: Has it been formed? What’s its status?
And, we wondered, what is happening in terms of conversations between the town and state Department of Transportation?
We did not receive a response. We followed up again Tuesday morning, with the same questions.
We have not yet received a reply. When we do, we will let readers know.
Part of the large Town Hall crowd, at a March Cribari Bridge meeting with state Department of Transportation officials. (Photo/Dan Woog)
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Speaking of politics: Both the Democratic and Republic Town Committees have issued statements about the decision by the registrars of voters to consolidate polling places — and the quick reversal, to return to traditional Representative Town Meeting (RTM) sites.
The RTC says: The Republican Party commends Registrar of Voters Maria Signore and Deborah Greenberg, her Democratic counterpart, along with their dedicated staff and deputies, for their tireless efforts in ensuring smooth, secure and equitable elections in our town. These public servants consistently go above and beyond — working long hours, managing complex logistics, and adapting to expanded voting options like early in-person voting an no-excuse absentee ballots — to protect every voter’s rights and deliver reliable results. Their professionalism and commitment deserve our deep appreciation and gratitude.
We support the registrars’ proposal to consolidate polling for the August 11 primary to a single, central location at Bedford Middle School. This move was thoughtfully designed to enhance voter experience by offering better security, ample parking and lighting, easier navigation for all districts, shorter lines, and more efficient staffing, particularly important given the lower turnout typical of primaries and the growing preference for early and absentee voting.
While we respect the final decision to maintain the traditional polling locations for this election, we believe the consolidation concept reflects sound planning for future elections. Centralized operations can reduce burdens on poll workers, improve resource allocation, and provide a more consistent, high-quality experience for Westporters.
We remain fully committed to working collaboratively with the Registrars of Votes, town officials and stakeholders to support secure, efficient and accessible elections that reflect the best of our town’s civic spirit. We encourage all registered Republicans, Democrats, Unaffiliated and independent votes to take advantage of the multiple option available, and exercise their fundamental right to vote.
The Democratic Town Committee says:
The officers of the Westport Democratic Town Committee would like to take a moment to express our gratitude and appreciation for our Registrar of Voters, Deborah Greenberg, and the tremendous work she does in collaboration with Westport Town Clerk Jeff Dunkerton and her Republican counterpart, Maria Signiore. Deb works seamlessly with her office and the many members of the public whom she assists and greets daily. She is profoundly respected by Westport’s poll workers, and deeply valued by the DTC Officers and fellow members.
Deb has worked tirelessly through the implementation of new procedures like early voting and no-excuse absentee ballots without a hiccup, and we celebrated her for taking on these changes. Recently, a proposal for a new change was not received well by all members of the public and was subsequently overturned. DTC leadership finds it essential to note that any change proposed by our registrar was done with nothing but the best intentions for our community and respect for democracy.
Serving as a registrar of voters is an incredibly difficult public service role involving a heavy workload that should not be overlooked. Deb — we see you. We see how hard you work for our town and our party. We are blessed to have you as our registrar, and we are proud to have you as a member of the DTC family.
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Last week, Carolyn Doan reported on activity in the Fresh Market osprey nest.
This week, the word is not good.
“06880”‘s intrepid osprey watcher writes: “Unfortunately, I think the nest has been abandoned. Since last week, I haven’t seen them.
“Up and down the east coast, osprey are struggling with a shortage of menhaden (bunker fish) due to over-fishing. Parents can’t feed their chicks, and many nests are failing.
“I’m not sure what happened with this nest. It felt a bit off from the beginning. The pair arrived late, and then weren’t seen that often around the nest as they usually are.
“It’s possible it is a different pair altogether. The nest sits quiet at the moment. I’m checking it daily, hoping for some activity.
Click here for a Hartford Courant story on ospreys across Connecticut.
Instead of the osprey pair, this red shouldered hawk sat in the tree on Sunday. (Photo/Carolyn Doan)
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Speaking of the environment: Smoke from Canadian wildfires continued over Westport yesterday, producing this eerie scene at Compo Beach …
(Photo/Cat Malkin)
… and this equally grotty sunset, over downtown …
(Photo/Miggs Burroughs)
… along with this one, over Longshore:
(Photo/Phil Schaefer)
The haze and acrid smoke are expected to persist today.
The (only) good news: If the smoke thickens, temperatures may not climb as high as expected (mid-80s today). The reason: Smoke could filter out some of the sun’s rays,
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Speaking of the beach: This is the scene at the Old Mill guardhouse:
(Photo/Karen Como)
We’re not sure what’s going on here.
Is this lost footwear, waiting to be claimed?
If so, we understand forgetting both shoes. But only one …?!
Or perhaps this is just a bit of artwork, greeting beach-goers. Who, hopefully, will leave with everyting they brought.
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Another mystery, this one on Turkey Hill Road South:
(Photo/Chris Grimm)
We understand the frustration of residents with speeders, and the urge to plea for safety with a homemade sign.
But why Audrey? Why now?
If you know the back story — or want to guess — click “Comments” below.
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MoCA\CT’s 2026-27 concert series promises an exciting combination: international artists in the contemporary art galleries.
Among the featured performers in the coming year, ranging from jazz and R&B to classical and cross-genre music: Dee Dee Bridgewater, Bill Charlap, Morgan James and Time for Three.
Click here and below for the full schedule of 7 concerts, and more information.
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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo is not poorly exposed by photographer Richard Fogel.
It’s an all-too-accurate image of the scene on Whitney Street, during yesterday’s wildfire-induced haze.
(Photo/Richard Fogel)
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And finally … of course today’s song is:
(So long as you’re staying safe indoors … why not spend a few seconds clicking here? You’ll be supporting your hyper-local blog — ensuring we’ll keep reporting news, events, and (of course) weather.
But that assumption belongs to an earlier era.
Public comment on the Cribari Bridge project is open through April 17. Submitted comments make a difference and must be counted under FHWA regulations. Comments can be submitted here or by voicemail: (860) 594-2020. (reference State Project No. 0158-0214). Written comments can be mailed to: James Barrows, 2800 Berlin Turnpike, P.O. Box 317546, Newington CT 06131-7546.
