Tag Archives: Dogs

Roundup: Saugatuck Church Card, Woman’s Club Grant, A&S Gift …

Posted on December 20, 2025 | 11 comments

Saugatuck Congregational Church is bringing back its greeting card.

So what, you say?

But this is not any greeting card, sent by mail (or, ugh, email).

It a short video message, projected (weather permitting) on the front of the church, now through Tuesday.

There’s audio too. Just tune your car radio to 89.3 FM as you drive past.

The public is invited to 2 more traditional church events too. Both are Christmas Eve: a pageant at 5 p.m., and a candlelight service at 9 p.m.

Saugatuck Church, and its “greeting card.” (Hat tip and photo/Mark Mathias)

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The Westport Woman’s Club Ruegg Grants are generous gifts, to non-profits that (like the WWC itself) provide important community services.

On Thursday, they honored VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399, with a $10,000 check.

The VFW will use the funds for its monthly free Veteran Benefits and Welfare Check luncheon program.

It reaches veterans facing challenges like PTSD, aging concerns or financial hardship. Many veterans are unaware of the benefits and support services available to them.

In addition to this outreach, Post 399 recently hosted its 66th consecutive monthly American Red Cross Blood Drive, and the Wreaths Across America program that placed American flags on the graves of over 1,200 local veterans.

Other VFW projects include Veterans Day and Memorial Day ceremonies. The post is also helping plan 250th birthday events for the USA.

VFW quartermaster Phil Delgado (2nd from left), and VFW and Westport Woman’s Club representatives, with the $10,000 “check.”

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Building on its Thanksgiving meals for students at Capital Prep Harbor School, A&S Westport and Conlon Amendola did the same for Christmas.

Twenty families received a full meal, each serving 6 people: ham with glaze, macaroni and cheese, lasagna, chocolate and red velvet bûches de Noë

Many Westporters helped with donations. Once again, Dr. John Corino of Norwalk Dental Arts gave a significant gift.

Dr. Joan Miller of Capital Prep Harbor School (center), with honor students who helped distribute the meals.

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Sunrise Rotary Club’s Friday morning speakers are always interesting.

But Rachel Precious — well, aw, shucks.

The 2006 Staples High School graduate, and conservation biology major at the University of Massachusetts, now owns Precious Oysters (I know, right?).

She told the Rotarians (nearly) everything there is to know about oysters.

Then she gave a shucking demonstration. And — at a time when most Westporters are drinking coffee and eating breakfast — the members sampled some.

Rachel spent 5 years farming oysters in the area, including Sherwood Mill Pond.

Today she runs her own oyster catering business, and is building her own oyster restaurant. She also serves as chair of the Connecticut chapter of the Surfrider Foundation, sits on Senator Murphy’s Long Island Sound Advisory Council, and leads an adaptive climbing club at a rock climbing gym.

Rachel Precious, and an oyster. (Photo/Katie Augustyn)

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The other day, I posted an item about the new trend of bringing large dogs into stores. (Barnes & Noble, to be specific.)

They’re in other places too. Charles Rosoff says, “I would love it if I had a nickel for every time I saw a dog in a grocery store, ice cream store and restaurant. What is wrong with people?”

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Last summer, “06880” gave a shout-out to a unique new business. Kiin Sauna is mobile — it comes to you.

That story showed owner Ginger Richardson, with her portable sauna at the beach.

It’s no longer beach weather. But Kiin Sauna is still a hot ticket. Check out Dave Briggs’ sizzle reel, here or below:

View this post on Instagram

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The water is very shallow — or these guys are walking on it.

Either way, it’s an interesting Saugatuck River photo, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo.

(Photo/JD Dworkow)

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And finally … on this date in 1915, he last Australian troops were evacuated from Gallipoli. It was one of the most significant — and consequential — battles of World War I.

(As you plan your year-end giving, please consider “06880.” Your hyper-local blog relies on reader support, for our 24/7/365 work. Please click here to make a tax-deductible donation. Thank you!)

11 Comments

Posted in Local business, religion

Tagged A&S Fine Foods, Dave Briggs, Dogs, Kiin Sauna, Rachel Precious, Saugatuck Congregational Church, VFW Post 399, Westport Rotary Club, Westport Woman's Club

“Students Speak”: Dogs — And Owners — Deserve A Fence

Posted on December 14, 2025 | 36 comments

“Students Speak” offers Westport teenagers a chance to share their thoughts and insights with the broader “06880” community.

Emme Dorfman is a junior at Staples High School. She is a member of the varsity soccer, ski and lacrosse teams. While working on a speech for her Rhetoric and Persuasion class, she realized she could actually make this idea happen.

She’s launched a survey (link at the bottom of this story). Emme writes:

I technically only have one sibling. But in my heart, I have three.

One is a freshman. The other two have 4 legs. They spend their days chasing tennis balls and begging for food. Their names are Bode and Ozzie.

Emme Dorfman, and “siblings.”

As much as I love my dog Bode, if he sees a squirrel, I’m done for. In fact, I almost broke my arm while chasing after him at Winslow Park because there was no fence to stop him.

While I did get some good cardio in, it was one of the scariest days of my life. Ever since, I’ve been very distrustful of letting Bode off leash anywhere in Westport.

According to the Animal Humane Society, about 10 million pets run away from their owners each year. That’s millions of families facing horrible moments that could be prevented.

If there were more places for dogs to safely run around and play, this number would drop drastically. For a town that prides itself on being safe, family friendly and community-oriented, it’s bizarre that Westport doesn’t have a single fenced-in dog park.

Although we have public areas for dogs to run around, like Winslow Park, Sherwood Island and Compo Beach, there isn’t one secure, fenced-in dog park, which almost every town around us has.

Dogs love Compo Beach. But they can’t be fenced in there. (Photo/JC Martin)

Weston has one, New Canaan has one, Trumbull has one. It’s time Westport has one too.

Just like humans, dogs love their social time. They need to be able to run around freely to get the mental and physical stimulation they need to stay happy.

Without it they can develop bad behavioral patterns like barking, leash-pulling or anxiety. Not only would this space be amazing for dogs, but it would also be creating a place for residents to connect and bond with one another.

So today, I’m asking that our town representatives consider my proposal to build a fenced-in dog park in Westport.

The average size for a fenced-in dog park is about ¼ of an acre. Winslow Park is 29 acres. With all that space, doesn’t it make sense to dedicate just a small portion to something that would bring so much value to our community?

Winslow Park has fences. But not the kind that keep dogs from running wherever they want. (Photo/Mark Mathias)

To see how a project like this would move forward, I talked to Planning & Zoning commissioner Michael Cammeyer, who expressed his full support for the idea.

While you might argue that constructing it would cost the town a lot of money, the reality is that a dog park doesn’t have to be a financial burden on the town. With all the money our residents spend on dog walkers, doggy care, let alone just toys, we would be able to come up with the funds through a combination of grants from the town and community donations.

This proposal is very realistic, and it fits directly into Westport’s community goals. Two primary objectives of our town’s Plan of Conservation and Development are to enhance the development of our town, while also encouraging sustainable patterns of land use.

To add to that, part of the Parks & Recreation mission statement is to achieve the standards that Westport residents expect of parks. By building a fenced-in dog-park, Westport would be fulfilling both of these missions and prioritizing the desires of its residents.

I understand the feeling of having to stare down your dog anytime you let them off leash, and that’s why I know how relieved dog-owners would be to have a place their dogs can socialize safely.

I’m hopeful we can build Dog-Port, a place where dogs can finally play freely and owners can actually relax. It’s time that Westport takes this idea off-leash, and makes it a reality for our four-legged siblings!

What do you think? To respond to Emme’s survey, click here.

(To submit a “Student Speaks” — or for questions about this feature — email 06880blog@gmail.com. We will work with students — at Staples, private schools or home-schooled — to help craft their story. Anonymity, if requested, is assured.)

36 Comments

Posted in Beach, Environment

Tagged Dogs, Winslow Park

Roundup: Dogs And Wheels …

Posted on November 30, 2025 | 25 comments

A number of social norms have been broken lately.

Public language is coarser. Dress codes for Broadway shows are looser.

And dogs are having their day.

We see them everywhere: Stores. Supermarkets. Even restaurants.

(And no — they are not all service animals.)

Most are on the small side.

Some are not.

This was the scene yesterday, at Barnes & Noble:

Let’s crowd source this.

What’s the appropriate etiquette for dogs in public indoor spaces? Does it vary by size, or type of establishment? Why do owners want to bring their dogs everywhere? Why would others object? And who should make the call?

Click “Comments” below. Please use your full, real name — and let us know whether you own a dog, or not.

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Speaking of dogs: Cat Malkin writes, “Yogi Bear enjoyed seeing Santa and eating delicious treats at Earth Animal yesterday. He (Yogi) supported supported their holiday wreath sale — with 100% of the proceeds going to CT Foodshare.

“Yogi wants all pet-loving Westporters know they can bring pet food — and old towels and blankets — to Earth Animal. They’ll make sure it goes to pets in need.

“You can also bring dog and cat food to the Homes with Hope food pantry (Gillespie Center on Jesup Road, behind Barnes & Noble) and the Connecticut Humane Society (now at 863 Danbury Road, Wilton).

“Yogi says, ‘Woof, woof, woof. Happy Holidays to all!'”

Yogi and Santa. (Photo/Cat Malkin)

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Speaking of Santa: The transition from Thanksgiving to Christmas occurs smoothly.

And everywhere.

This was the scene yesterday, at Compo Beach:

(Photo/Regi Kendig)

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Last month marked the 5th anniversary of Wheels2U service.

From its beginning in 2020 during the early months of the COVID pandemic — serving a handful of riders in a portion of Westport — it has grown to cover the entire town, providing a record 3,069 rides in October alone.

Wheels2U is projected to book over 31,000 rides in the fiscal year ending June 30.

Commuters to and from Westport, seniors and families across Westport rely on it every weekday.

For just $2, the service offers curb-to-curb and curb-to-platform transportation to destinations including the Saugatuck and Greens Farms train stations, Senior Center, Jesup Green and Imperial Avenue Farmers’ Market.

Key features include:

Seamless technology: An app-based booking system allows riders to schedule trips and track vehicles in real time.
Sustainability impact: Transitioned in November to more comfortable and fuel-efficient vehicles, saving an estimated 4,100 gallons of fuel and reducing 80,000 pouds of CO₂ emissions annually (equivalent to the yearly energy use of 5 homes). A switch to electric vehicles this spring will further reduce emissions
Expanded service hours: Extended morning service to and from the 2 train stations to 10:30 a.m., and evening service to 9:30 pm. Added service Tuesday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. to downtown locations.
Exceptional rider satisfaction: Maintains a 4.9/5 average ride rating, with 95% of all reviews at 5 stars. The average wait time for a pickup is under 12 minutes.

Wheels2U

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~~Oyster~~ Turkey tail mushrooms make their first appearance in our “Westport … Naturally” series today.

Nancy Axthelm spotted these edible fungi at Winslow Park.

(Photo/Nancy Axthelm)

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And finally … you may have guessed this was coming:

(Yogi Bear says, “You don’t need to be smarter than the average bear to help ‘06880.’ You just need to click here, to support the hyper-local blog that every person and dog loves. Arf!”

25 Comments

Posted in Beach, Local business, Transportation, Westport life

Tagged Barnes & Noble, Compo Beach, Dogs, Earth Animal, Wheels2U

To The Man Who Killed My Dog

Posted on August 3, 2025 | 6 comments

Nearly every day, “06880” receives emails from residents complaining about reckless, speeding drivers.

But it’s not only a 2025 issue.

Nearly 70 years ago, the Westport Town Crier & Herald — our print predecessor — addressed the problem.

Alert “06880” reader Siobhan Crise subscribes to Shaun Usher’s “Letters of Note.” Each week he emails important, interesting and/or intriguing letters he’s found.

The most recent one caught her eye. It begins:

In 1955, travel editor Richard Joseph and his wife, Morgan, left the intensity of New York behind and settled into the relative calm of Connecticut.

They adapted quickly to the slower pace of life, and before long had welcomed a Basset Hound puppy named Vicky into their home.

One Sunday evening, as Richard took her out for a walk, a speeding car veered off course and struck the 6-month-old dog, killing her almost instantly. The driver didn’t stop.

The following morning, heartbroken and angry, Richard sat down and wrote a letter addressed “to the man who killed my dog” and sent it to the local paper, Westport Town Crier & Herald. To his surprise, it was soon printed on the front page; before long, it had been reprinted across the country. In 1957, it even inspired a book.

The driver was never found.

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To The Man Who Killed My Dog:

I hope you were going some place important when you drove so fast down Cross Highway across Bayberry Lane, Tuesday night.

I hope that when you got there the time you saved by speeding meant something to you or somebody else.

Bayberry Lane at Cross Highway today. The long-dangerous intersection now has several warning signs.

Maybe we’d feel better if we could imagine that you were a doctor rushing somewhere to deliver a baby or ease somebody’s pain. The life of our dog to shorten someone’s suffering — that mightn’t have been so bad.

But even though all we saw of you was your car’s black shadow and its jumping tail lights as you roared down the road, we know too much about you to believe it.

You saw the dog, you stepped on your brakes, you felt a thump, you heard a yelp and then my wife’s scream. Your reflexes are good, we know, because you jumped on the gas again and got out of there fast.

Whoever you are, mister, and whatever you do for a living, we know you are a killer.

And in your hands, driving the way you drove Tuesday night, your car is a murder weapon.

You didn’t bother to look, so I’ll tell you what the thump and the yelp were. They were Vicky, a 6-month-old Basset puppy; white, with brown and black markings. An aristocrat, with 12 champions among her forebears; but she clowned and she chased, and she loved people and kids and other dogs as much as any mongrel on earth.

A basset puppy.

I’m sorry you didn’t stick around to see the job you did, though a dog dying by the side of the road isn’t a very pretty sight. In less than 2 seconds you and that car of yours transformed a living being that had been beautiful, warm, white, clean, soft and loving into something dirty, ugly, broken and bloody. A poor, shocked and mad thing that tried to sink its teeth into the hand it had nuzzled and licked all its life.

I hope to God that when you hit my dog you had for a moment the sick, dead feeling in the throat and down to the stomach that we have known ever since. And that you feel it whenever you think about speeding down a winding country road again.

Because the next time some 8-year-old boy might be wobbling along on his first bicycle. Or a very little one might wander out past the gate and into the road in the moment it takes his father to bend down to pull a weed out of the driveway, the way my puppy got away from me.

Or maybe you’ll be real lucky again, and only kill another dog, and break the heart of another family.

Richard Joseph
Westport, Conn.

(This letter can be found in the book, “Letters of Note: Dogs.” Signed, personalised, gift-wrapped copies can be purchased here.)

6 Comments

Posted in Looking back, Media, Westport life

Tagged Bayberry Lane, Cross Highway, Dogs

Keep Fido Safe During Fireworks

Posted on June 30, 2024 | 3 comments

Cathy Malkin is both a longtime Westport resident, and a lifelong animal lover.

For 30 years, she has given them a “voice,” as an animal communicator. She is also an animal Reiki master teacher and practitioner, pet meditation master teacher, and a pet loss and grief counselor.

As America gets set to celebrate Independence Day — with plenty of fireworks, of course — she worries about pyrotechnics’ effects on animals. Cathy writes:

Animals have much sharper hearing than humans. Sudden loud noises like fireworks can trigger their fight-or-flight response, causing them to run for their lives and hide from the scary noises.

This can happen even if your animal hasn’t reacted to fireworks before. Their fear can come on suddenly.

It’s like someone turned the volume way up on a scary movie they don’t understand.

The worst part is that they might not hear your voice or respond to your usual calming techniques.

That’s why some pets end up chewing through crates, slipping out doors, jumping fences, or even breaking windows in their desperate attempt to escape the noise.

Here are some tips to create a safe, secure environment for your animal family during the 4th of July holiday:

✅ Microchip and ID Checkup:

Make sure your pet’s tag and microchip are current.
Take a picture with your pet for easier identification at animal shelters should they go missing.
For an extra layer of security, consider attaching an AirTag or other GPS tracking device on their collar for real-time tracking.
Make sure your animal is wearing their ID.

✅ Communication is Key: Let your animal family know what is in store for them, and reassure them that you will keep them safe. Talking with your pet during an animal communication session can reduce their fear and anxieties, and help you create a calming strategy together.

✅ Create a Safe Haven: Keep your pet indoors in a quiet, secure room, with windows closed and shades drawn during fireworks displays. To reduce anxiety further, use a thundershirt, play calming music, or give your pet a rescue remedy for added comfort.

✅ Project Calm: Your pet picks up on your emotions, so do your best to stay calm and reassuring. Meditating or sharing Reiki can help both of you stay grounded and present as fireworks explode.

✅ Vet Talk Now: If your pet has noise phobias or you have any concerns, discuss your options with your vet today.

Don’t wait until the fireworks frenzy begins to reduce your pet’s stress and ensure everyone has a safe and, hopefully, enjoyable 4th of July.

Click this American Kennel Club website for more information.

(To learn more about Cathy Malkinn’s work with animals, click on her website, Animal Muse.)

(“06880” is a full-service blog. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

3 Comments

Posted in Environment

Tagged 4th of July fireworks, Animal Muse, Cathy Malkin, Dogs

Pic Of The Day #2521

Posted on March 13, 2024 | 2 comments

Dogs have only a few days left — until March 31 — at Compo Beach. But they’re always welcome at Old Mill Grocery & Deli. (Photo/Karen Como)

2 Comments

Posted in Beach, Local business, Pic of the Day

Tagged Dogs, Old Mill Grocery & Deli

[OPINION] Pet Protections Needed At Winslow Park

Posted on January 6, 2024 | 41 comments

Katerina Medina is the mother of 3 young girls. She writes:

When we moved to Westport in the summer of 2022, I could no longer withstand my daughters’ pressure to get a dog.

Our beloved Mishka is now a 1-year-old German shepherd. He is growing into his name, which means “Little Bear.”

A few short months back though, Mishka looked more like a fluffball who all humans wanted to pet — and some not very friendly dogs aggressively wanted to show him his place in the dogs’ hierarchy.

So with Mishka came not only joy, but also worries and responsibilities. After enjoying the local beaches last winter, we were forced to search for a new venue to walk Mishka in spring.

Mishka enjoys a Compo Beach sunset.

That is how we discovered Winslow Park. From the first glance it struck me as an underdeveloped gem in the middle of Westport.

While some may prefer to see Winslow the way it is now, underutilized and not well maintained, I could not help but think how this park would benefit from having an enclosed dog space where young puppies, small breeds, fragile old dogs with health issues or dogs still learning to come back on recall, would run and play safely.

There would be well-paved roads, and beautifully landscaped native shrubs and flowers; maybe even a playground in a corner field at the Post Road and Compo Road North, while leaving most of the park and its trails to the hikers and responsible dog owners who may stroll the park instead of having their pets play in a confined space.

This vision was reinforced by an aggressive dog, who bit Mishka.

While most dog owners and their pets were friendly and happy to provide dog training advice, a very few did not belong in an open play area.

Having fun at Winslow Park. (Photo/Mark Mathias)

I did not feel safe having curious young Mishka attempting to interact with their aggressive, imposing dogs. After seeing another puppy injured by the same dog that attacked Mishka, we stopped visiting Winslow Park until recently.

And while dog bullies are less likely to pick on Mishka now, I still think an option to separate vulnerable dogs from all others would be a great addition to Winslow Park.

If the above is not a convincing argument, think of public safety. There are no barriers at Winslow Park to prevent dogs from running away. It is not surprising to read about runaway dogs, or those saved from traffic by good Samaritans.

While we are lucky to live in such a caring community, safety measures must be in place.

An accident last month prompted me to share my concerns with the community.

My mother was visiting. She was driving home from Trader Joe’s when a dog running away from Winslow jumped on Compo Road North, right in front of her.

She swerved to avoid hitting the dog. She hit the curb instead, getting a flat tire.

While she was shaken by the experience, I thought of how this event ended in the least bad scenario of all possible ones.

What if she jumped a curb and hurt someone else, or damaged someone’s property? What if she ended up injured? What if a dog was killed?

Winslow Park (Photo/Laura Robinson)

It is my opinion that the town should apply all efforts to prevent these sorts of situations in the future. With the growing human population, the dog population grows too. While most dog owners are responsible and caring, we as a public cannot count on their pets always acting as directed.

Local authorities should consider putting an enclosed dog play area at Winslow Park, or redeveloping it altogether to accommodate a wider public while still allowing our beloved pets their space.

41 Comments

Posted in Environment, Local politics

Tagged Dogs, Katerina Medina, Winslow Park

The Dog Days Of Spring

Posted on June 4, 2023 | 9 comments

Sure, the Dog Festival was just a few days ago.

But “06880” always has room for man’s best friend.

Westport photographer Rowene Weems loves capturing Fido (and Fifi) (and Spot) (and …) as they are chauffeured around town.

Here are a few of her favorite shots, for this holiday weekend:

(Photos and collage/Rowene Weems)

PRO TIP: Hot weather is coming. Never leave your pet in a car while you’re shopping — not even if the window is cracked, and not for “just a few minutes.”

(To prevent “06880” from going to the dogs, please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Click here — and thank you!)

9 Comments

Posted in Environment

Tagged Dogs

Roundup: StoryFest, Train Station, Puppies …

Posted on September 8, 2022 | 2 comments

It’s almost here: StoryFest, the Westport Library’s genre-spanning literary festival (and the largest one in the state). Plus: It’s free!

StoryFest celebrates all forms of stories, and storytellers from across all media.

Among the highlights:

StoryFest Kick-Off: Isaac Fitzgerald in Conversation with Saeed Jones (Friday, September 9, 6 p.m. — click here to register)
Tessa Smith McGovern and Patricia Dunn launch their new podcast, “Go Ahead, Write Something” with bestselling author Naomi Novik (Saturday, September 10, 4:30 p.m. — click here to register)
Raise a glass to StoryFest weekend with specialty cocktails. Mallory O’Meara (James Beard Book Award-winning author) and Brea Grant (filmmaker/actress) bring their podcast “Reading Glasses” to the Library stage, with guest stars: Paul Tremblay, Stephen Graham Jones, Alexis Henderson and Clay McLeod Chapman (Saturday, September 10, 6 p.m. — click here to register).

Several authors authors are releasing new books early, for StoryFest. They include:

Alive at the End of the World (Saeed Jones)
Ghost Eaters (Clay McLeod Chapman)
The Witch and the Tsar (Olesya Salnikova Gilmore),

For the full StoryFest schedule, and more details, click here.

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It’s been nearly 30 months since the pandemic struck.

Westport — a town of commuters — changed immediately. Anyone who could work from home, did.

Metro-North slashed service. The railroad parking lots stayed empty. People who had waited for years for parking permits suddenly had them.

Offices re-opened slowly, often only 2 or 3 days a week. But many men and women — unwilling to sit next to others on trains where conductors did not enforce mask mandates — traded trains for cars.

Yesterday though, “06880” reader Ellen Bowen noticed something: The Westport train station’s eastbound lot was once again full. From Donut Crazy to the lower spots by Saugatuck Avenue, every spot was taken.

A sign that things are pretty much back to normal? A cause for celebration? Concern that the great experiment in working from home is ending?

Click “Comments,” to offer your take.

No spots — not even by Saugatuck Avenue. (Photo/Ellen Bowen)

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Aquarion has requested a revenue increase of $49.9 million — a 25% increase. If approved by the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority, it would add about $4.25 per month to the bill of a typical residential water customer using 72,000 gallons of water annually.

Public hearings will be held today (Thursday, September 8, 5:30 p.m., Town Hall), and Thursday, October 6 (via Zoom; click here) and Tuesday, October 25 (via Zoom; click here).

For more information, click here. (Hat tip: Mark Lemcke)

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The Porch @ Christie’s is going to the dogs.

This Sunday (September 11, 10 a.m. to noon), the popular Cross Highway spot will be overrun by puppies.

Westport animal Shelter Advocates will bring a litter of 11, and other furry friends, including older dogs — all available for adoption.

There is no on-site adoption. But for those who follow up through WASA, Earth Animal is donating pup packs. (They’ve already provided nutritious puppy food.)

WASA will also hold a silent auction at the Porch, to raise funds to assist and advocate for neglected and homeless dogs. Featured items include a certified signed Aaron Judge baseball, and four VIP Yankee Stadium Legends seats for the September 24 Yankees-Red Sox game.

For more information, call 203-557-0361. or email wasa1@optonline.net.

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It’s a paradox: There are so many utility wires, we often don’t really notice them.

But Michael Brennecke does.

The native Westporter thinks there are too many. He cites this “particularly egregious example of wire pollution,” where Hillspoint Road and Prospect Road meet:

(Photo/Michael Brennecke)

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As the weather cools, the Joggers Club heats up.

The all-runners-welcome group once again sponsors Saturday morning events, starting at the Greens Farms train station at 8 a.m. The $50 yearly fee includes all paces, 2 new routes each week, free Brooks Endurance running shirts for all new members, unlimited post-run coffee, along with track nights and the Joggers Club Jr., for youngsters in grades kindergarten through 8th.

For more information, click here, or go to Instagram (@TheJoggersClub.CT),
Facebook or Strava for weekly courses and local running chatter.

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Speaking of sports:

First Selectwoman Jen Tooker honored Westport’s 11U Little League district all-star state champion team yesterday. Each player received a commendation for their “hard work and perseverance.”

Rear (from left):1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, Nolan Walters, Wyatt Johnson, Justin Goldshore, Henry Ellis, Toby Slavin Jack McGrath, coach Jon Ellis, Dylan Burdeshaw, coach Marc Theisinger, manager Justin Walters Front: Torrey Rossetter, Chase Landgraf, Luke Moneyhon, Grant Theisinger, Miles Delorier, Christopher Lambert.

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo is a bit different than most.

Maggie Boroujerdi writes: “Tuesday’s much-needed rain revived our dry stream along Morningside Drive North and Keenes Road.

“We’re relatively new to the neighborhood. At the bus stop the other morning, neighbors said this is the first year they’ve seen the little stream dry up completely, for weeks. I took this photo: