Because of the government shutdown, SNAP benefits (food stamps) will be halted or delayed to many local residents, starting today.
In response to this, Westport Rotary Club and Sunrise Rotary Club have organized an emergency food drive for today (Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.), at Stop & Shop.
Rotary volunteers, with help from the Westport Police Department, will be there to collect food for Homes with Hope’s Gillespie Center Food Pantry.
The most needed items are rice, pasta, pasta sauce, canned goods 9tuna, soup, vegetables, beans, fruit), cereal, oatmeal, peanut butter and jelly.
And don’t forget: Homes with Hope’s Community Kitchen is open daily for lunch (12 noon) and dinner (5 p.m.). It’s at the Gillespie Center on Jesup Road (behind Barnes & Noble).
A September food drive stocked Homes with Hopes’ food pantry. With SNAP benefits ended, more donations are needed. The pantry is open Monday, Tuesday and Friday from 1:30-4:30 p.m., and Thursday from 1:30 to 6 p.m.
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For a while, Westport has had 2 different registries for residents in crisis.
One was used by the Department of Human Services to check on seniors living alone with medical needs during storms and other emergencies. The second was managed by the Police Department, to help first responders understand the needs of people with disabilities during 911 calls.
Now they’ve merged. Human Services, and the Police and Fire Departments, have launched “Westport Ready.”
Westport now offers one streamlined service for seniors and people with disabilities during emergencies.
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Meanwhile, on a lighter — by which we mean, Halloween — note: There was one less house this year to trick or treat at, in the Compo Beach neighborhood.
This is the final chance for tickets to tomorrow’s 3rd annual “Historic Homes of 06880” tour.
On Sunday, from 1 to 4 p.m., we’re partnering with our friends at KMS Team at Compass to offer an inside look at 4 historic houses.
They’re at 221 Greens Farms Road, 249 Greens Farms Road, 155 Long Lots Road, and 209 Wilton Road. Click here for details of each.
Tickets are $60 each, $100 for 2. Click here to purchase. Proceeds help fund “06880”‘s work — which, as always, chronicles Westport’s past, present and future.
249 Greens Farms Road — one of 4 historic homes on tomorrow’s “06880” tour.
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Tomorrow (Sunday, November 2, 5 p.m.), Chabad of Westport launches its Film Series.
They’ll show “Blind Spot”: the first documentary exposing campus antisemitism before and after October 7, 2023. After the screening, executive producer Leonard Gold will take part in a conversation about the film. Click here to register.
Westport was the first community to form a sister city partnership with one in the Ukraine, shortly after the Russian invasion. In less than 4 years, our town has provided over $300,000 worth of food, clothing, wood pellet stoves, communications equipment, trash trucks and more, to our war-torn friends.
Ukrainian Aid International — the boots-on-the-ground non-profit founded by Westporters Brian and Marshall Mayer, which has delivered over $2.5 million in aid to the region — is hosting 2 events soon. Both highlight the sister cities program — and the new “Sister State” relationship between Connecticut and Donetsk, the front-line oblast.
UAI’s team and local leaders will over personal stories, and describe first-hand experiences of their partnerships.
The first is November 9, at 2 p.m. (Ferguson Library, Stamford). The second is November 10, at 4 p.m. (Fairfield Public Library; register here).
The next Westport Country Playhouse Script in Hand play reading — “The Machine” — is Monday (November 3, 7 p.m.)
It’s a “smart, fast-moving thriller about a poet, an AI, and the tricky questions that arise when technology starts writing our art for us.” Click here for tickets, and more information.
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Club 203’s next event is “Giving Thanks Together.”
Westport’s social group for adults with disabilities gathers at the Senior Center on November 12 (6:30 to 8 p.m.) for turkey sandwiches and apple pie, laughter, bingo, and a celebration of friendship and connections.
MoCA\CT will be there as usual, with an art activity that’s a creative way to reflect on what everyone is thankful for this year.
As for “06880”: We’re thankful that Club203 offers a space for all Westporters to find those friends, and make those connections, that are so important in life.
WestportMoms is our town’s go-to multi-platform site for all things kid-related.
Megan Rutstein and Melissa Post are on top of every event and trend.
But in addition to informing, they inspire. Their Halloween message last year was particularly note-worthy. A year later, their words are well worth repeating. They said:
This Halloween, a lot of little people will visit your home. Please be accepting!
The child who grabs more than 1 piece of candy may have poor fine motor skills.
The child who takes forever to pick out 1 piece may have motor planning issues.
The child who does not say “trick or treat!” or “thank you” may be non-verbal.
The child who looks disappointed when they see your bowl might have an allergy.
The child who isn’t wearing a costume at all may have a sensory issue or autism.
That “big” boy may appear to be an adult, but may be developmentally delayed.
The good news: The decade-long Post Road project may be coming to end.
The bad news: Starting this weekend, and continuing for a week (or more), US 1 will be more difficult to navigate than ever.
The Connecticut Department of Transportation begins its “final paving and milling phase” tomorrow (Sunday).
Work will start at the Sherwood Island Connector, and continue west through Westport toward Norwalk.
Expect lane closures, alternating traffic and reduced speeds.
Manhole covers and catch basin tops will be temporarily raised. Be alert!
And, DOT says: “Be patient. This long-awaited final phase will deliver smoother roads and improved drainage once complete.” (Hat tip: Andrew Colabella)
A walk in the park, compared to what’s coming down the pike this week. (Photo/Jerri Graham)
It’s late notice, but important: Today (Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.), Westport is participating in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.
Westport Police and the Drug Enforcement Agency are collecting tablets, capsules, patches and other solid forms of old, unwanted and expired prescription drugs. The collection site is the Senior Center.
They will NOT accept syringes, sharps or illicit drugs. Liquid products like cough syrup should remain sealed in original containers. For more information, click here.
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Through the first 5 days of early voting, 4.54 % of eligible Westport voters have cast ballots.
The breakdown:
Democrats: 531 of 7,952 eligible voters (6.68%)
Republicans: 123 of 3,338 eligible voters (3.68%)
Unaffiliated: 204 of 7,581 eligible voters (2.69%)
Early voting continues this weekend, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Town Hall.
The early voting schedule next week, also at Town Hall:
Monday, October 27 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tuesday, October 28 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Wednesday, October 29 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Thursday, October 30 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday, October 31 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday, November 1 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday, November 2 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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Westporters may know Tom Greenwald as a young adult author, and youth sports expert.
But the 1979 Staples High School graduate is also co-founder of SpotCo. The ad agency — specializing in theater clients — has created some of Broadway’s classic (and most successful) campaigns, including “Hamilton,” “Hadestown” and “Rent.”
(You think those shows just sold themselves?!)
Now Greenwald is co-host of a podcast. “The Show Must Go on Sale!” launched yesterday.
The cleverly named podcast (these guys are good!) is the first ever dedicated specifically to Broadway advertising and marketing. Producers, general managers, press agents, ad execs and more will chat about the ups, downs, fun and frustrations of convincing audiences to buy a ticket (+3 = Family Pack!) to a live performance.
“I’ve been doing this for close to 30 years, which makes me somewhat qualified to understand how fantastic and futile, magical and maddening it is to sell Broadway shows for a living,” Greenwald says.
“I can’t wait to talk to all sorts of absurdly optimistic theater people to see if they feel the same way.”
“The Show Must Go on Sale!” is available at all the usual podcast platforms. Click here or below for the first episode.
Speaking of entertainment: George Barrett has lived many lives.
The 1973 Staples High School graduate has been a teacher, athlete and Fortune 100 CEO.
The former Orphenian is also a very talented singer/songwriter, who grew up in a home filled with classical, folk, rock, blues and jazz.
After honing his skills as a session singer and performer in Greenwich Village, Barrett took a detour into the top ranks of the healthcare industry.
But his life took a significant turn in 2022, when he reconnected with musician/ composer/producer/Grammy-winning 1971 Staples grad Brian Keane. They’ve collaborated on 2 albums. The second, “Rearrange Things” (released this fall) was recorded largely in Connecticut, as Barrett reconnected with Westport.
On November 16 (2 p.m.), Barrett and Keane take to the Westport Library stage. They’ll chat about their unique life journeys and unexpected reunion — hosted by “06880”‘s Dan Woog, who has known both for over 50 years — followed by a special performance by Barrett, his band, and Keane.
In the days of voting machines, once we cranked the lever we were pretty sure our ballot was counted.
With the (relatively) new “tabulators,” there’s always a bit of unease. The machine swallowed up my ballot. Did I fill in the circles correctly? Are there any stray marks? How do I know it didn’t get shredded, or fall into the innards?
A steady drumbeat of “election doubters” has sowed distrust nationwide.
This year, Connecticut’s tabulators have a new twist. It should reassure electors that their vote will indeed be counted.
These gizmos have a screen that gives confirmation your vote was registered.
And if you did screw up, the screen tells you that too.
Don’t believe me? Click here, for an instructional video.
In the past couple of decades, adults have adopted it too.
But the gang at the Brook was ahead of the curve.
This was Halloween 1980, at Westport’s famous gay bar. (Before its demolition in 2010, it was the oldest continuously operating gay bar in the country.)
(Photo courtesy of Jill Turner Odice)
Today, the Cedar Brook Café has been replaced by Patio.com.
And these Halloween revelers of yore are now AARP age.
(Friday Flashback is one of “06880”‘s many regular features. If you enjoy this — or anything else on our website — please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here. Thank you!)
Ben Casparius — believed to be the first Staples High School graduate to pitch in the Major Leagues — now has the chance to do even better.
He’s on the Los Angeles’ Dodgers’ World Series roster.
Despite his stellar performances since being called up from the minors in August, the 2017 SHS grad’s Series status was not a grand slam. Two injured pitchers might have returned, leaving him on the bench but unable to play.
But the former University of Connecticut star is on LA’s 26-man roster.
That’s great for Casparius. And not so great for all the “06880” New York Yankee fans, who now have at least one reason to cheer for the Dodgers. (Hat tip: Jeff Mitchell)
Ben Casparius, with the National League Championship Series trophy.
There are many ways to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
One of the biggest is Pink Aid’s “Pink After Dark.”
Thursday’s event — hosted generously, as always, by Mitchells of Westport — raised over $1.4 million.
Thanks to its many supporters, Pink Aid will help thousands of breast cancer patients pay bills, get to treatment, keep the lights on, and put food on the table.
Honorees and others spoke eloquently about their own experiences with breast cancer, and Pink Aid’s importance to them personally.
Civil rights activist Ben Crump discussed health equity, and Pink Aid’s work helping the underserved breast cancer patients get the care they need, and provide for their families.
Shelenna McKissick moved the large crowd when she told how Pink Aid helped her and her family during her most difficult moments.
Motivational fitness guru Stacey Griffith had everyone on their feet, when she described her own breast cancer journey, and urged: Never give up!
Another highlight was the Celebration of Life Warrior Fashion Show, featuring breast cancer Warriors.
That’s less than a week to stock up on pounds of candy for trick-or-treaters.
Or tons, if you live by Compo Beach.
Here’s a sneak preview of that popular area:
(Photo/Sunil Hirani)
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Though we think so at times, Westport is not the center of the universe.
And we are hardly the only Westport in it.
Longtime residents may remember the “Westports of the World” conventions. Every couple of years, a Westport — in Massachusetts, perhaps, or Ireland — would host a celebration for the others.
We haven’t had one in a while.
But Maya Mandell is doing her bit.
The 2014 Staples alumna finished her master’s in film producing at London’s Goldsmiths University. Before graduation ceremonies this January, she set out for Down Under.
She made a special stop in Westport, New Zealand.
It’s the furthest Westport from Westport, Connecticut. But it may have the coolest sign of any Westport in the world.
And finally … Phil Lesh, the legendary Grateful Dead bassist, died yesterday. He was 84. Click here for a full obituary.
(A great weekend begins and ends with “06880.” As always, we rely ono reader support to inform, entertain, inspire and occasionally provoke our readers. Please click here to help. Thank you!)
Some stores stick a pumpkin out front. Others hang a skeleton by the door.
Terrain’s Halloween decorations are a bit more creative.
True to their brand, the home-and-garden shop on Post Road East goes all out with decorations.
Last week’s Photo Challenge showed the exterior wall. (Click here to see.)
In a slow day for responses, only Lynn Untermeyer Miller, Beth Berkowitz, Erica Caldwell and Jonathan McClure answered. All were correct.
Everyone else must have been out, picking pumpkins.
Today’s challenge is a little bit spooky too, in a weird way. If you know where in Westport you’d see this, click “Comments” below.
(Photo/Susan Garment)
(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!)
Jude Siegel grew up in Westport. Her father owned Westport Pharmacy downtown, across from the Library on Post Road East. Jude is a 1964 Staples High School graduate.
Since 1973, she has lived in Oregon — first on farms in the Willamette Valley, now in Portland.
She has long taught nature and bird journaling — a combination of drawing, watercolor and writing — to children and adults.
“This time of year,” she says, “I get homesick for the land, beaches and beauty of Connecticut.”
Of course, it is beautiful in Oregon too. Jude captures that beauty every year, in a bird calendar she draws and produces.
The cover of Jude Siegel’s 2025 calendar …
“Birds bring such joy to our daily lives,” she notes. “It gives me peace to draw and paint them. I like the idea that they then go out on the calendar pages to people all over, and grace their lives as well.
This year’s calendar is now available for purchase. They’re $30 each, plus $4 per calendar for shipping. Send a cash or check to: Jude Siegel, 7900 SW Landau Street #4, Portland, OR 97223.
A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the people and animals in North Carolina affected by Hurricane Helene. The ordering deadline is a week before Thanksgiving.
… and one of the months.
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The weather outdoors was gorgeous. There are always a ton of things happening on Saturday mornings.
But a large crowd filled the Westport Library, for the town’s annual Volunteer Fair.
(Photo/Molly Alger)
A combination this year of adult and youth opportunities, it was a chance for non-profits across a wide range of activities to show what they do, answer questions — and sign up a new crop of volunteers.
Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service booth. (Photo/Jonathan Alloy)
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Speaking of the Library: They’ve got a display of Halloween-themed books and DVDs, on the Riverwalk level.
(Photo/Dick Lowenstein)
No, they’re not horror fiction, or tales of the occult.
They just happen to all have orange covers.
I will refrain from making a joke about “The Art of the Deal.”
Trick or treat!
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A soccer net — this one at Long Lots Elementary School — ensnared another animal this weekend.
A deer was exhausted after an evening of trying to free himself. He dragged the net over 10 feet attempting to dislodge his antlers.
The young buck was lucky: Westport Animal Control Officer Peter Reid and Police Officer Dominique Carr freed him.
If you see the animal, you’ll notice he still has a bit of net entangled in an antler. Deer shed their antlers in December or January, but it may fall off before then. (Hat tip: Julie Loparo)
Animal Control Officer Peter Reid at work. (Photo/Police Officer Dominique Carr)
Amazon One Medical — one of Westport’s newest healthcare providers — hosts an open house this Wednesday (October 9, noon to 1 p.m.), at its Bedford Square office.
Primary care providers will be on hand to answer questions. Tours of the new facility will be available.
We all know the Wild West. It was a couple of thousand miles away, a couple of centuries ago.
But what about the “Galactic Wild West”?
On October 15 (8 p.m., Zoom and livestream), Dr. Cara Battersby — associate professor of physics at the University of Connecticut — saddles up to explore the extreme center of our Milky Way Galaxy.
It’s a chaotic region, filled with dense gas, stars, and a supermassive black hole. She’ll discuss “what we know, some what we don’t, and the questions that drive us forward.”
Dr. Cara Battersby
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Bob Weingarten calls this Center Street tree “the most imaginative Halloween decoration” he’s seen:
It’s a different kind of “Westport … Naturally” image.
Or should we say, “Westport … Supernaturally”?
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And finally … on this date in 1927, “The Jazz Singer” — the first full-length “talkie” (sound) movie premiered. The site was Warner Bros.’ flagship New York City theater.
Wikipedia notes: “In keeping with the film’s theme of a conflict within a Jewish family, the film premiered after sunset on the eve of the Yom Kippur holiday.”
Among the many notable performances in the movie: Al Jolson’s performance of “Mammy.” Though he wore blackface, as other entertainers in the era did, he was known as a strong advocate for racial justice, particularly on Broadway.
(If you think there’s a lot going on in Westport: You’re right. You can read about all of it right here, on “06880.” You can also help us keep covering it, by clicking here to support our work. Thank you!)
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