The Westport Police Department, Police Athletic League and Westport Police Benevolent Association are once again collecting new, unopened and unwrapped toys for all ages and genders — along with cash donations — in the ASF Sports parking lot.
It began this weekend. The next dates are Saturday and Sunday (December 13-14, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
There are also collection boxes at ASF, Westport Police headquarters on Jesup Road, Awesome Toys and Gifts, and the Toy Post.
The police, PAL — and hundreds of youngsters — thank you!
Westport Police, PAL — and Yogi Bear — collected toys for underprivileged youngsters last year, at ASF. (Photo/Cat Malkin)
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The Aspetuck Land Trust has preserved another link in their 750-acre Weston Wilton Forest Reserve assemblage project.
A 16-acre property acquired from the estate of Christopher Plummer — including a significant donation of land by his widow Elaine — will now be open space, benefiting wildlife and the public forever.
For more information on the Aspetuck Land Trust — which includes 8 preserves in Westport, and 21 in Weston — click here.
But he still has plenty of friends here. That’s a good enough reason to link to his annual “CBS Sunday Morning” Techno Claus gig.
Taped for years at his Woody Lane home — and now in his new Bedford, New York digs — it’s a very clever look at some very cool tech-type holiday gifts.
But they’re not the only Westporters with a connection to the famed venue.
yesterday, the Camp Broadway Ensemble a cappella group — 50 singers ages 10-17, from 18 states, Canada and England — performed.
Their “Let’s Hear it for the Holidays!” medley was written by former resident Doug McCormick. It’s available on all music streaming platforms. (Hat tip: Barry Kresch)
And finally … today is the birthdate of Jerry Butler. The National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Famer was born in 1939. He died earlier this year.
(Another week — and another start to our daily Roundups. If you enjoy this — or any other “06880” feature — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Produced by Westporter Jeremy Schaap, it tells the story of the man who was born without a right hand yet rose to Major League Baseball stardom. Most impressively, he threw a no-hitter with the New York Yankees.
After the film, Abbott will be on our stage and in conversation with Schaap, ESPN senior feature producer Mike Farrell, and Westporter Dave Briggs. They’ll talk about life, overcoming adversity, and baseball.
Speaking of the election: Through the first 2 days of early voting, 423 votes have been cast in-person and absentee. That’s 2.22% of all eligible voters.
The breakdown:
Democrats: 251 of 7,955 eligible voters (3.16%)
Republicans: 57 of 3,338 eligible voters (1.71%)
Unaffiliated: 114 of 7,580 eligible voters (1.50%).
To subscribe to the Voter Checklist website, click here.
That’s the question Sustainable Westport asked of residents. Their responses — sharing hopes, values and ideas for a Westport that leads in sustainability, resilience and community engagement — are part of a new video.
From protecting natural spaces to electing officials who invest in and prioritize sustainability, the video highlights the town’s natural beauty, and captures a vision of not just a greener Westport, but a trailblazing leader in sustainability.
StartUp Westport’s First Thursday networking events have become one of the hottest (free) tickets in town.
The next one — sponsored by the public/private partnership for entrepreneurs and innovators — is November 6 (6 to 8 p.m., Nômade restaurant). Click here to reserve a spot.
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The final event at the Inn at Longshore’s ballroom is tomorrow (Thursday).
The long-awaited renovation project begins next week.
But first — this weekend (Saturday and Sunday, October 25-26, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.). everything that was in The Inn is on sale.
The giant tag sale includes most items from the rooms, along with some furniture from the first floor. That includes bedroom suites, lounge sets, TVs, mini-fridges, outdoor furniture, sofas, love seats, mirrors, art, lamps, shades, curtains and more.
A portion of the proceeds will be donated to CLASP Homes.
Meanwhile, the Inn at Longshore is booking weddings for fall of 2026, and winter 2027. In late November they’ll open the books for spring and summer 2027 weddings.
Contents of an Inn at Longshore room.
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“The Importance of Being Earnest” opens at the Westport Country Playhouse on October 28.
A number of special events are scheduled throughout its 3-week run. They include:
Taste of Tuesday(October 28, 6 p.m.): A reception pairing food from Gruel Brittania and wine. Exclusive for “Taste of Tuesday” season ticket holders.
Together at the Table (October 29, 5:30 p.m.): For $15 per person, your family or group can enjoy a communal pizza dinner and casual conversation before the 7 p.m. performance. Must attend as a family group with student-age children or school group. Call 203-227-4177 to make your reservation.
Pride Night(October 30, 6 p.m.): A pre-show cocktail party for the LGBTQ+ community and friends, including a limited open bar and appetizers from Aux Délices. Use code EARNESTPRIDE online to receive $40 tickets, or call the box office at 203-227-4177.
Opening Night Post-Show Reception (November 1): Celebrate with the cast, crew and creative team.
Sunday Symposium (after the November 2nd 3 p.m. performance): No ticket necessary.
Backstage Pass (after the November 5th 2 p.m. performance): No ticket necessary.
Open Caption (November 9, 3 p.m.): Deaf and hard of hearing audiences can enjoy the performance while watching an easy-to-read digital screen with the actors’ dialogue.
Thursday Talkback (after the November 13th 7 p.m. performance):Q&A with cast members. No ticket necessary.
Staples senior Natalie Chudowsky came on as a substitute in the 64th minute. She played the final 26 minutes.
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The Glass House has selected the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport to host this Saturday’s American Modern Opera Company concert (October 25, 4 p.m.).
Pianist Matthew Aucoin and tenor Paul Appleby will perform works by John Adams, Aucoin, Benjamin Britten, and Franz Schubert.
It’s presented by The Glass House, which offers a series of talks, performances and other live events. Click here for more information.
As La Plage reopens this week — and the adjacent Inn at Longshore gets ready for its renovation, and the entire park gears up for summer — let’s look back to an earlier incarnation.
Long before the town of Westport bought a failing private country club in 1960, all 180 acres were owned by Frederick E. Lewis.
He was a multimillionaire, back when the term meant something.
The Texas oilman had quite an estate. Here’s a view — taken, presumably, by a still-new-fangled aeroplane — in the 1920s.
(Photo courtesy of Christopher Maroc)
There was no golf course or pool. There was, however, a (decorative) lighthouse — the conical structure near the top of the photo, next to what appears to be a boathouse for Lewis’ yacht.
The lighthouse survived through the 1960s.
(Photo courtesy of Peter Barlow)
What is now the Inn is shown at the lower right.
It was something to see. Here’s a close-up:
(Photo/courtesy of Alden Bryan)
What went on at that property, we can only guess.
We do know one thing, though: Harry Houdini performed an escape trick in the water by the dock.
The date was June 30, 1917. The event was a Red Cross And Allied War charities drive. Click here for that very cool story, from the “06880” archives. It includes details of a rare video taken then (below).
It purports to show his escape. According to a YouTube commenter though, that footage was spliced in from Houdini’s film “The Master Mystery.”
After today’s Friday Flashback, you’ll never look at Longshore the same way again. (Hat tip: Scott Smith)
(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!)
Renovations to the Inn at Longshore — long awaited, and much needed — will be presented to the Planning & Zoning Commission on Monday (April 8, 7 p.m., Zoom).
Interior work includes a new HVAC system, replacement of windows and doors, more guest rooms (and renovation of current rooms), updated ballroom and drawing rooms, updated lobby, completely remodeled kitchen, plumbing and electrical upgrades, and ADA compliance updates.
Architect Ken Nadler has proposed a new entrance with a porte cochère.
Other exterior renovations include a series of patios extending across the length of the building with access to the lawn and shoreline, new landscaping, upgraded exterior lighting and signage, and replacement of siding and roofing.
Site improvements also include a new drive entrance, enhanced parking, and a robust landscaping plan.
The estimated cost is $5 million.
Click here for the Zoom link to the P&Z meeting. It will also be livestreamed on www.westportct.gov, and shown on Optimum Channel 79.
To see all P&Z materials, click here; then scroll down to 260 Compo Road South.
Inn at Longshore plan, prepared by LandTech. Click on or hover over to enlarge.
A little rain failed to dampen the VersoFest crowd last night.
Five days of panels, workshops, performances and more kicked off with Chuck D — the front man of Public Enemy — in conversation with Johnny Temple of Akashic Books.
His talk ranged from music, TV and film to politics and his new book.
VersoFest continues tonight with the Lemon Twigs and DJ Hysterica. Click here for a full schedule of VersoFest ’24, and more information.
Chuck D with Johnny Temple, last night at the Westport Library … (Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)
… and the sold-out crowd. Most VersoFest events are free.
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The last few days of rain and wind have brought down trees, all around town.
This was the scene (below) early today on Hillandale Road.
It was quite a welcome to the neighborhood. The new owners moved in a month ago.
(Photo/Bob Weingarten)
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Accidental overdoses kill 2.5 times more Americans than car crashes.
On April 10 (7 to 8 p.m., Toquet Hall), you can learn how to recognize an opioid overdose, and use Narcan to save a life.
Margaret Watt, Westport Prevention Coalition (WPC) co-chair and prevention director at Positive Directions, provides the training. 30 Narcan kits will be available to participants. Click here to register.
In addition, from now through June the WPI is making the documentary “If They Had Known” available for streaming.
The 35-minute film was created by the college friends and family of a college student who died after mixing alcohol and Xanax. It shows the dangers of drinking while taking drugs like antidepressants or ADHD meds.
Both events are offered in conjunction with Staples High School’s annual “Invest in Yourself Day,” which prepares seniors for life after high school and recognizes Alcohol Awareness Month.
As the Westport Country Playhouse transitions to a year-round performing arts center, they need a permanent, on-stage piano — not a rental.
They’re hoping someone can donate a piano, for upcoming concerts on their historic stage. As a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization, the Playhouse will provide a letter acknowledging the piano donation for tax purposes,
To comply with artist contracts, they’re seeking one of these:
Soap opera fans, hold back your tears: Today is Jamie Martin Mann’s last day on “Days of Our Lives.”
The 2021 Staples High School graduate had split his time between Los Angeles — where the TV show is filmed — and Ann Arbor, where he is a junior at the University of Michigan.
Mann — who starred in Staples Players productions before graduation — is a musical theater major. Balancing academics and acting became increasingly difficult.
According to Soap Opera Digest, the 2021 Staples High School graduate “wraps up his brief but memorable run as tortured teen Tate Black on a high note …
“After 6 months of angst and drama, including being arrested for a crime he didn’t commit and sent to rehab, his ‘Days of Our Lives’ character was finally exonerated, much to the actor’s delight.
“I felt a lot of gratitude that I had the chance to close the storyline,” says Mann.
As Big Y prepares to take over the former Barnes & Noble space, Westporters continue to wonder: WTF happened to Amazon Fresh?
After much hoopla and a few months of renovation (plus some back-and-forth with town officials over the size of their sign), the mammoth company abandoned plans to open their cutting-edge grocery store in Westport (and other places).
The high-tech idea had been that shoppers’ purchases would automatically register without the need for a checkout counter. Customers could just pick up their items, walk out, and be charged electronically.
Not so fast.
According to The Byte: “Instead of closing the technological loop with pure automation and AI, the company also had to rely on an army of over 1,000 workers in India, who were acting as remote cashiers.”
They called it “a highly invasive marketing ploy to get more customers to shop at its stores, while actively undercutting the local job market.”
Click here for the full story. (Hat tip: Mark Lassoff)
The Connecticut Humane Society urgently needs donations of dry dog food.
Its pet food pantry provides nutrition for pets of families facing financial hardships. It’s looking for dry dog food, specifically Purina One, Pedigree, Blue Buffalo, and any other grain-free brands.
Donations of dry dog food (and other pet-related items) can be dropped off at the Humane Society, 455 Post Road East.
Cash donations can be made online at CThumane.org/Donate, or by check to the address above.
Every dog deserves to eat.
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Westporter Alison Ziering Walmark is a longtime Fairfield Theatre Company board member — and chair of this Friday’s disco party fundraiser.
At 8 p.m. on April 5, the FTC Warehouse will transform into Studio 54. The night incudes specialty drinks, music, dancing, disco balls, lights and memorable beats.
Awards will be presented for Best Costume, Best Dancer(s), Best Group, and more. Festive attire is encouraged.
Proceeds support Fairfield Theatre Company’s music, art, film, theatre, education and culture programs.
See you Friday at the Fairfield Theatre Company Warehouse!
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Coleytown Company’s production of “Footloose” debuts this weekend.
Friday’s opening night performance at Coleytown Middle School is sold out. But some excellent seats remain for Saturday (April 6, 1 and 7 p.m.) and Sunday (April 7, 1 p.m.).
The high-energy dancing and music are great for all ages. Click here for tickets.
Ariel (Ella Grove) and Ren (Lucas Soares van Keulen), in “Footloose.”
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Westport Police made no custodial arrests between March 27 and April 3.
They issued these citations:
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 3 citations
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 2
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 2
School zone violation: 1
Larceny: 1
Disorderly conduct: 1
Failure to display lights: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 1
We all know the relationship between cats and mice.
So today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo should come as no surprise: A cat — looking quite fat and satisfied — guarding “The Mouse House” on Compo Road South.
And finally … in honor of Friday’s disco party fundraiser at Fairfield Theatre Company (story above), how about something with a Saturday theme?
(Put on your bell bottoms, crop tops and silky shirts. But before hitting the disco floor, please consider a contribution to “06880.” We never go out of style. Just click here — and thank you!)
The statue of a man looking down at the ground could have been anywhere in Westport.
A church, cemetery, nursery, Levitt Pavilion, Linxweiler House, Haskins Preserve, MoCA, Saugatuck, Town Hall, Community Gardens, Library, Earthplace, Parker-Harding Plaza … all were guesses, in last week’s Photo Challenge.
All were wrong.
It took nearly 3 days — and a hint from me (“town-owned property”) — for Andrew Colabella (of course!) to nail the location.
It’s hidden at Longshore, behind La Plage restaurant and the Inn.
Sure, Pat Saviano’s shot was obscure. (Click here to see.) But I’m surprised — with all the time people spend at the patio bar (and at weddings on the grass) that no one else knew the answer.
So it’s on to the this week’s challenge. If you think you know where in Westport you’d see this, click “Comments” below.
(Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)
(Here’s another challenge: Please support “06880.” Click here to donate. And thank you!)
Michael Ryan has spent his career in hospitality. He’s opened restaurants around the world.
But as a longtime Westporter, he’s always been fascinated by Longshore. The Inn — beautifully situated, now a bit long in the tooth — has enormous potential. The restaurant — now closed — also has the chance to be something special.
For the past several months, Ryan has worked on both properties.
He’s partnered with Greenwich Hospitality Group — owner of the Delamar Hotels, and the new operator of the Inn at Longshore.
Renovating the Inn is a long-term project. Fortunately for a few dozen brides, their weddings have gone on without a hitch (so to speak).
The big news is that a pop-up restaurant will appear soon, in the old Pearl space.
The restaurant at the Inn at Longshore is a spectacular location.
“La Plage” — French for “the beach” (though the menu will be “coastal,” rather than French) — hopes to be open by the end of July.
Work was underway this week. Floors have been stripped; the interior is lighter; the deck and patio are as inviting as ever.
Meanwhile, he is looking for help. The labor shortage is real. He’s put out a call for everyone: kitchen help, front of the house, bartenders, servers, hosts. If interested, email mryan@innatlongshore.com.
And keep checking “06880” for news. The moment La Plage opens, you’ll know.
Two town-owned buildings with important tenants are getting upgrades.
Tomorrow (Thursday, June 10, 5 p.m., livestream) the Public Site and Building Commission considers renovations to the Longshore restaurant, and Homes with Hope.
Greenwich Hospitality Group — owner of the Delamar Hotels, and the new operator of the Inn at Longshore — will be making improvements to the restaurant, which is currently closed. The Inn remains open.
The town has received a $500,000 grant for work on the Gillespie Center. The shelter behind Barnes & Noble will undergo ADA improvements, and air quality systems will be upgraded.
The PS&BC meeting is available on Zoom (868 1556 4709; passcode: 266287).
There’s nothing funny about the Westport Country Playhouse’s productions being pushed back from this summer to next.
But there will plenty to laugh about onstage soon. From June 18-25, there’s live, stand-up comedy, on the fabled stage.
In partnership with Fairfield Comedy Club’s 3rd annual festival, comedians Mike Birbiglia, Boomer Funny Ladies, Harrison Greenbaum, Jessica Kirson, Dan Soder and others will bring smiles (and belly laughs) to real, live faces. (“Content is appropriate for age 18 and up,” the WCP says.)
Audience members must be fully vaccinated, or receive a negative COVID test with 72 hours of the performance. Concession stands are open. Click here for tickets, and more information.
Westport’s National Charity League chapter has donated $3,750 to 3 Bridgeport charities serving people hit hard by the pandemic. Grants include $1,250 each to Homes for the Brave, Mercy Learning Center and Caroline House.
While NCL normally only donates time and talent, they made an exception in these critical times.
And finally … in 1968, President Johnson declared this a national day of mourning. Presidential candidate Bobby Kennedy died 3 days earlier, from an assassin’s bullet. Two months earlier, Martin Luther King was similarly slain.
The Inn at Longshore — a gorgeous, historic (and tired and underutilized) property — may soon get a new “lease on life.”
The Boards of Finance and Selectmen will consider an intriguing proposal foro the town-owned property.
Long-time tenant Longshore Associates of Westport — headed by Rory Tagert — seeks permission to assign their lease to a new group of experienced hotel and restaurant operators.
Tagert has been involved with the Inn for 35 years. He will retire soon.
The Inn at Longshore
Known officially as Longshore Hospitality LLC, the partnership is led by the Greenwich Hospitality Group.
Founded by Charles Mallory of Greenwich, they operate boutique hotels in many states, including the Delamar hotels in Greenwich, Southport and West Hartford, along with the L’Escale and Artisan restaurants in those locations.
Principal Michael Ryan is a Westport resident. Longshore Hospitality was represented by Westport attorney Jim Randel during negotiations.
The current Inn at Longshore lease has 8 years to run. It allows the tenant to assign the lease, with town approval. Those approvals are on the agendas of special online meetings of the Board of Finance (Thursday, October 22, 5 p.m.) and Selectmen (Friday, October 23, 12:30 p.m.).
The ballroom at the Inn.
1st Selectman Jim Marpe says:
I feel comfortable and gratified that the Inn at Longshore will be in the hands of experienced, local and reputable businesspeople who will represent the Town well in the years ahead.
The Longshore Hospitality LLC proposes to continue operating the Inn and the banquet facility as they have been under the proprietorship of Longshore Associates. Hotel and event staff are proposed to remain in place and all scheduled events will be unaffected. The Pearl at Longshore restaurant will continue to stay open.
Christmastime at the Inn at Longshore.(Photo/Katherine Bruan)
Yesterday’s “06880” highlighted the role that Westport’s Rotary clubs play, helping bring democratic values to Ukraine.
The Westport Rotary and Sunrise Rotary are 2 of the more than 35,000 Rotaries worldwide. The couple of hundred members are part of a global organization of 1.6 million. Their projects are international — like Ukraine — but much of their work takes place right here at home.
Westport Rotary was founded 100 years ago, in 1919. Its Sunrise sister is newer — it’s just 31 years old. Sunrise accommodates people who want to give back, but prefer breakfast meetings to midday.
Meetings include sharing of good news, guest speakers, and project plans. Recently, a member mentioned a wheelchair-bound World War II veteran whose home and yard needed major work. A dozen Rotarians spent 2 Saturdays getting it done. Their breaks were enriched by amazing stories of his D-Day landing at Normandy.
Many meetings include presentations by executives of non-profits. They share their organizations’ missions, accomplishments and needs. Club members are often inspired to help.
For example, Homes with Hope — which provides services and housing options to families and individuals seeking their way out of homelessness — is the recipient of monthly meal servings by Sunrise Rotary members. They also sponsor a July 4th barbecue, and food drive the day before the Super Bowl.
Rotary speakers have included the executive director of the Syria Fund, which provides education and assistance to refugees; the CEO of Norwalk’s Carver Foundation, who talked about the “opportunity gap” in education, and the headmaster of the Southport School, which educates students with dyslexia, and tied together the twin issues of incarceration and undiagnosed learning disabilities.
Of course, all of the Rotary Clubs’ charitable efforts cost money. Westporters are familiar with fundraisers like the Great Duck Race and LobsterFest.
Up next: Sunrise Rotary’s Uncorked Wine Tasting Gala.
Good times at last year’s Uncorked wine tasting, at the Inn at Longshore.
The event — set for this Friday (November 22, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m., the Inn at Longshore) features 100 wines, craft beers and non-alcoholic drinks, all curated by Cory D’Addario of The Wine Company Westport (the new name for the old Liquor Locker). A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, she is an expert at the synergy between wine and food.
On tap too: excellent hors d’oeuvres, authentic French breads, desserts and amazing chocolates. Full case beverages can be purchased for discounts.
Westport’s Rotary Clubs often operate under the radar. On Friday, you can get a great “taste” of their wonderful work.
(For tickets to the Uncorked Wine Tasting Gala, click here.)
Fairfield’s Isabelle et Vincent will provide authentic French baked goods.
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