Tag Archives: Lobsterfest

Roundup: Accident Update, LobsterFest Tickets, Club203 Parties …

Posted on August 10, 2024 | 4 comments

As of yesterday, the 2 pedestrians struck by a car Wednesday evening on Imperial Avenue are still in Norwalk Hospital.

The 33-year old Easton man is improving, and in stable condition. The 29-year- old Fairfield woman remains in critical condition.

The driver was released from the hospital, and is cooperating with police.  The cause of the crash is still under investigation.

Spray paint marks part of the police investigation into Wednesday’s accident. Two pedestrians were struck on Imperial Avenue, near Post Road East. (Screenshot courtesy of News 12).

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If it’s mid-August, it’s time to be alert for LobsterFest tickets.

Very alert. The Westport Rotary Club’s 13th annual fundraiser always sells out in just a couple of days.

So make a note: LobsterFest sales begin at noon on August 15, at westportrotary.org.

The event is Saturday, September 21 (3 to 7 p.m.). As usual, it’s more than just lobster.

There’s steak, a raw bar, children’s meals, ice cream, free drinks, music, and kids’ entertainment.

Plus, of course, a community-wide vibe. Everyone smiles, all afternoon long.

All net proceeds go to charitable causes. Last year, the club gave $275,000 to local non-profits, and several international development projects.

Get your bibs on! (Photo/Dan Woog)

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“06880” was flooded (ho ho) with photos of yesterday’s Compo Beach surf yesterday — the remnants of Hurricane Debby.

These 3 say it all:

(Photo/Sunil Hirani)

(Photo/JD Dworkow)

Owenoke house, as seen from Compo’s South Beach (Photo/Nathan Greenbaum)

Today’s forecast is for plenty of sunshine, with a high around 85. Winds will die down too.

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The Levitt Pavilion is one of a handful of dates on Ollabelle’s 20th anniversary tour. An extra cache of free tickets has just been released for tonight’s show (Saturday, August 10, 7:30 p.m.).

The early American gospel/folk/mountain music band was just at the Kennedy Center (see video below) and Caramoor. Click here for free tickets.

Tomorrow, the Levitt welcomes back the Grammy Award-winning American Patchwork Quartet.

They’re known for American folk songs infused with jazz, country twang, West African hypnotics and East Asian ornamentation.

Click here for free tickets.

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Year 1 was great. Year 2 was even better. Now, Club203 gets ready for the best one yet.

Westport’s social group for adults with disabilities kicks off fall on September 4 (6:30 p.m., Sherwood Island State Park pavilion) with a Hawaiian-themed evening. There’s music by DJ Rob, dancing, and tropical treats.

Then comes Halloween bingo (October 16), Turkey bowling at Nutmeg Bowl (November 21), a holiday party at the VFW (December 11), a new year’s specail at the Westport Academy of Dance (January 3), Valentine’s Day mini-golf (February 4), karaoke at the Westport Library (March 18), “Spring Into Fitness” at the Westport Weston Family Y (April 26), a springtime gathering at Earthplace (May 14), and a June celebration at Compo Beach.

For just $100, members can attend all 10 events (and get a Club203 magnet). Non-members pay $20 per event.

Click here to become a member. Click here for the Club203 website.

Club203’s Thanksgiving party.

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B3 — the non-profit that engages middle schoolers in local community service, and offers nearby and international projects to high school students — is hosting a pair of informational open houses.

They’re August 22 and September 11, 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the BC office (66 Fort Point Street, Norwalk).

This year’s high school trips are to Costa Rica, over February, March and April breaks.

Click here to RSVP. Questions? Email b3news@buildersbeyondborders.org.

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In 1986, Bette Davis spent a month at the Weston home of writers John and Elizabeth Fuller.

The actress and a young Chris Fuller had a putting contest. She won, but graciously autographed a kiddy putter for him.

She was the first person ever to give him a golf lesson.

Plenty of pros followed. Chris was hooked (though his drives were true).

His dream was to play on the PGA Tour — despite living with bipolar disorder.

A gifted performer as well, he developed a one-man show. “Cheese Fries & Chili Dips” details the difficulties of competing in tournaments while his mind raced out of control with sudden mood swings. He tells his tale with insights, clarity, and plenty of humor.

The show is at the Westport Country Playhouse Sheffer Barn on August 22 and 23 (7:30 p.m.). Fittingly, it’s a benefit for the International Mental Health Foundation.

All tickets are $25. The include a pre-show party (6:30 p.m.) with music, complimentary margaritas and nachos, and tips from Golf Performance Center pros. Click here to purchase, and for more information.

Oh, yeah: Fuller will give a copy of his book (“Goodnight, Golf!”) to an audience participant, after an onstage putting contest during the show.

And guess which putter they’ll use?!

Chris Fuller’s Bette Davis-autographed putter.

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Speaking of sports: Play pickleball. Help make it, and tennis, greener. Win $150.

That’s what’s on tap next Saturday (August 17, noon to 2 p.m., Intensity Racquet Club, 490 Westport Avenue, Norwalk).

Serve2Sustain is running a pickleball tournament. The cost is $20 per person. There’s a maximum of 32 teams (64 players); each team is guaranteed 3 games. Click here to register.

All proceeds go to Serve2Sustain. They’ll add tennis ball and pickleball recycling bins to public courts in Westport. Additional donations to Serve2Sustain can be made here, by Venmo (@serve2sustain), or in cash the day of the event.

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Ever wish you could do something good for kids?

Make-A-Wish Connecticut — the non-profit that brightens the lives of children with critical illnesses — has asked some of the area’s best chefs to create a great evening.

“Taste of Wishes” (September 26, Aitoro Appliance, 401 Westport Avenue, Norwalk) includes fantastic food appetizers, main dishes and desserts, prepared and served by local celebrity chefs. And their “wish kid sous chefs.”

The lineup includes Jes Bengtson (Terrain Garden Café), Matt Storch (Match restaurant, Match Burger Lobster), Adam Goldberg (Pop-up Bagels), a featured chef from The Whelk, Robin Selden (Marcia Selden Catering), Dan Kardos (Café Melba), and John Nealon (Crust Issues).

It’s a very tasty event, plus a chance to meet youngsters and families who have been impacted by Make-A-Wish.

Early bird pricing is available until August 22. Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Startup Westport — the public/private tech and innovation networking group — starts the fall with a pair of intriguing events

“Sustainable Success: B Corps & Impact Driven Investing” (September 24) focuses on how the world’s best companies lead by example to help foster a socially conscious approach to business. Click here to register, and for more information.

On November 25, Startup Westport celebrate recent Staples High School graduates who have created game-changing technologies and startup businesses that are altering the competitive landscape.

A panel will be led by 2014 alum Molly O’Shea, a leading ventures capitalist and reporter. Registration will open next month.

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The Westport Book Shop’s featured August artist is Rachel Waldman.

Her anime-inspired drawings will be on display all month, at the Jesup Road store.

A reception is set for Tuesday, August 20 (6 to 7:30 p.m.). The public is invited.

Rachel Waldman, with her work.

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What do yellow finches and baseball players have in common?

Both love sunflower seeds.

But only the bird gets its photo in “Westport … Naturally” while eating them.

(Photo/Wendy Levy)

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And finally … Bette Davis was a great neighbor, for many years.

Chris Fuller remembers her golf lesson (story above). And some of us remember this 1981 hit:

Bette Davis said that when the song came out, suddenly her grandson looked up to her.

After it won Grammy Awards for Song and Record of the Year (don’t ask me the difference), singer Kim Carnes gave gold and platinum records to Bette Davis. She hung them proudly on the wall of her Crooked Mile Road home.

(It’s a summer weekend, but “06880” is — as always — on the job. If you appreciate our work, please click here to support us with a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)

 

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Posted in Arts, Beach, Entertainment, Local business, Police, Restaurants, Weather, Westport Country Playhouse

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It Was A Real Nice LobsterFest

Posted on September 24, 2023 | 2 comments

It was not the smoothest LobsterFest ever.

A truck bringing a couple of tons of lobsters broke down on the way, necessitating a mid-highway transfer to an alternate vehicle.

The weather — usually late summer/early-fall gorgeous — was wet. But the predicted downpour and gusty winds stayed away.

And no one complained.

A big tent came in handy.

It was another hugely successful crustacean-filled afternoon, with the traditional beer and wine, live band, kids’ activities and more.

Mr. Bungles is a traditional favorite.

As usual, the event — which sold out in 4 days this summer — raised about $250,000 for the Westport Rotary Club.

Which they will soon distribute to worthy non-profits and causes, locally and abroad.

It wasn’t Westport’s finest weather. But it was Westport at its finest.

Longtime Rotary official Rick Benson is Westport’s favorite lobsterman.

LobsterFest has many elements: unloading …

… selecting …

… cooking …

… preparing …

… serving …

… and recycling.

Kids enjoyed the “touch-a-tank,” staffed by Maritime Center volunteers …

… while the band played on.

(All photos/Benji Porosoff)

 

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Roundup: “06880” App Update, Patty Haberstroh, LobsterFest …

Posted on September 19, 2023 | 1 comment

The “06880” app continues to improve.

A couple of readers thought the type size on the new app was difficult to read.

So developer Joshua Jordan went to work. He added the ability to increase type size — and/or the spacing between lines — in the easiest possible way.

There’s now an “eyeball” icon on the top right of any story you read (see image below). Just click it, and adjust the type size and spacing. It stays there automatically, every time you visit.

The eyeball icon.

If you’ve got the app, it should have automatically updated to include the new feature. If it did not, click “Updates” in your app store. The “06880” app is available for both iOS and Android phones.

Thanks again to Joshua, for taking time out of his busy schedule as a Staples High School senior to add this feature.

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It was standing room only yesterday afternoon, for Patty Haberstroh‘s memorial service at The Inn at Longshore.

The longtime Department of Human Services social worker/former PTA Council president/Staples Building Committee member/beloved wife, mother, grandmother, friend, confidante was remember warmly, personally, insightfully and laughingly by her husband Charlie, 3 sons, daughter, grandchildren, neurologist and minister.

Videos of Patty accepting an award from a national ALS organization — midway through the disease that ultimately took her life this summer — and of the Haberstroh family’s “ALS Pepper Challenge” that raised over $1 million for research added extra spice to the afternoon.

People of all ages came from near and far to honor Patty. She got a sendoff worthy of her wonderfulness.

Patty Haberstroh’s children address the SRO crowd at yesterday’s Inn at Longshore memorial service. (Photo/Mark Mathias)

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The Westport Rotary Club’s LobsterFest is always a highlight of late summer/early fall.

This year’s event — set for Saturday (September 23, 3 to 7 p.m.) — is even more highlight-y than most.

It’s also the kickoff for Rotary’s Centennial Project: a rehab of the Compo Beach playground, in partnership with the Westport Young Woman’s League and town of Westport.

The ginormous fundraiser — the biggest 1-day Rotary event in New England — sold out just 4 days after tickets went on sale, in July.

It’s an enormous effort. Volunteers — Westport Rotary members, and others — feed 2,000 people, in 4 hours.

This year’s LobsterFest includes many new activities for the 400-plus youngsters who will attend. For the first time, a “kids’ meal” food truck will be on site.

Over the last 12 years, the event has raised $1.5 million. Over $1 million has been reinvested in local and regional program, while $350,000 has supported international humanitarian projects, mostly in Central America and Africa.

This year, $100,000 will go toward the playground project.

Planning has already begun. The organizing committee is looking for volunteers (click here to help).

LobsterFest also kicks off 2 weeks in which the public can provide input on features they love and want to keep, those that are not great and could be replaced, and new elements they’d like to see.

The data will then be analyzed and sent to Play By Design. They’ll generate a preliminary design, which will be revealed to Westport at the end of October. Click here to provide input on the redesign.

 Everyone loves the Westport Rotary Club’s LobsterFest.

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This is fall gala season.

One of the best — and most underrated — is Saturday, September 30  (7 to 10 p.m.). Earthplace’s “Woodside Bash” includes an open bar, harvest dinner, fire pit, music by Pimpinella, and a mechanical bull (with a prize for the longest time on it). It’s all under the stars (with, of course, a tent).

This year’s signature cocktail is a spiced apple cider margarita.

Click here for tickets.

A small part of the large crowd at the Earthplace Harvest Fest.

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Tickets are going fast for Westoberfest.

They include beer tasting from dozens of craft breweries; live music; food by Walrus Alley, Kneads Bakery, Lobstercraft and Little Pub; a children’s area run by the Artists’ Collective of Westport and MoCA; a street magician, bubbles and face painting; pumpkin and apple giveaways; food trucks, and vendors like Savvy + Grace.

Take-home tasting glasses with koozies are courtesy of Lux Bond & Green.

It all takes place October 14 (2 to 5 p.m.), off Elm Street. Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Westport is chockablock with organizations that change lives. “06880” reports often on them.

But we’ve never mentioned PEO. That’s because until yesterday, we’d never heard of it.

That’s amazing. It’s been around for over 150 years.

Philanthropic Educational Organization was created in 1869 in Iowa to offer more educational opportunities to women. There are now 225,000 members in 6,000 chapters in the US and Canada.

Over the years, PEO has provided over $398 million in financial assistance through direct scholarships and special projects to more than 110,00 women worldwide.

The local chapter – Chapter B CT — created its own scholarship fund last year in honor of the chapter’s 80th anniversary. They’ll award a scholarship to a female high school senior beginning next spring.

Young women with a successful academic record and financial need can apply here. Click here for the Chapter B CT website — designed by Miggs Burroughs — which includes donation information and details on other scholarships.

For more information, email chapter president Angela Wormser at aworm@aol.com, or scholarship chair Priscilla Long at pal9948@aol.com.

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Her Time is a Bridgeport-based social justice program that serves women and children impacted by incarceration.

The women were either formerly incarcerated, or work multiple jobs and carry the loads their spouses, boyfriends, girlfriends and children left behind during incarceration.

On September 30, 2 powerful contemporary folk artists — Abbie Gardner and Tracy Grammer — will bring their energy and positive vibes to Voices Café (Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport, 8 p.m.). All proceeds benefit Her Time.

Voices Café offers tables and individual seats. Bring your own beverages and snacks, or buy a snack from their sweet treats table. Groups of 4 or more can reserve table space. General admission: $25 per person.

Click here for tickets and information.

Abbie Gardner (Photo/Jeff Fasano)

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Drummer Joe Farnsworth wowed the crowd at his first Westport appearance.

He returns this Thursday to Jazz at the Post (VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399; shows at 7:30 p.m. and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 7 p.m.). He’ll be joined by bassist Brandi Disterheft, pianist Caelan Cardello, and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall.

Reservations are strongly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.

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Goldfinches and woodpeckers love sunflowers.

They find plenty at the Westport Community Gardens — more even than at an MLB dugout.

It’s all part of a great ecosystem — and just right for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Lou Weinberg)

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And finally … happy birthday to Westport’s own Nile Rodgers.

The Chic front man/3-time Grammy Award-winning/Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee/ “We Are Family” songwriter-producer has played at the Levitt Pavilion, helped out the Library, and contributed to the Saugatuck Shores vibe.

He’s 71 today. Here’s to many, many more!

(Nile Rodgers is a local guy. And “06880” is Westport’s favorite source for local news. Thanks for clicking here, and supporting your hyper-local blog.)

 

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Pic Of The Day #1980

Posted on September 18, 2022 | Comments Off on Pic Of The Day #1980

One more look at Saturday’s Rotary club LobsterFest: inside the cracking tent (Photo/Dave Matlow)

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LobsterFest!

Posted on September 18, 2022 | Comments Off on LobsterFest!

It took years for the Memorial Day parade and 4th of July fireworks to become Westport institutions.

It’s taken LobsterFest just about 10.

The Westport Rotary Club’s mega-fundraiser has become one of the hottest tickets (on an always-perfect mid-September Saturday).

There’s something (lobsters, oysters, steak, burgers, beer, wine, soda, music, kids’ stuff) for everyone. What began as an event for Rotarians and their friends has become a party for folks of all ages. This year’s LobsterFest drew more families, with more young kids, than ever.

The goal was to raise $200,000 — for the Rotary Club to distribute to many worthy causes, in Fairfield County and around the globe.

If the lines of cars and crowds are any indication, they made it.

And if the smiles and full stomachs are any indication of what the event means to Westport — well, mark your calendars now for Lobsterfest 2023!

The money shot.

Quick service, with big smiles.

You can’t have lobster without clams.

1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker helped pour some cold ones …

… as did this bipartisan crew of Planning & Zoning chair Danielle Dobin, and 2nd Selectwoman Andrea Moore.

There were plenty of non-alcoholic drinks. (“Liquid Death” is of course sparkling water.)

LobsterFest drew older Westporters …

… and several generations …

… and members of Norwalk Rotary too.

The band played on …

… and Mr. Bumbles played to the kids’ crowd.

Volunteers from Sustainable Westport made sure that nearly every bit of trash was recycled properly.

Hook’d provided the ice cream. Their sign, though, was a bit of wishful thinking.

This sign covered all the bases …

… while this one was great for the Westport Rotary Club, not so great for anyone without a ticket. (All photos/Dan Woog)

(Like LobsterFest, “06880” serves the entire community. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog.)

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Roundup: Suicide Support Group, Sustainable Westport, Savvy + Grace …

Posted on September 17, 2022 | 6 comments

A new (and free) support group — “Alternatives to Suicide: Navigating the Darkness Together” — launches October 4. The group meets Tuesdays (7 p.m., 90 Post Road West).

Sponsored by Positive Directions, it’s a safe, non-clinical and peer-led space where people 18 and older can talk openly and non-judgmentally. about suicide thoughts, attempts or experiences like self-harm.

Positive Directions says, “We do not assume suicidal thoughts are connected to mental illness, and you do not need to be experiencing a current crisis to attend. No referrals or connection to mental health services is needed.

People are welcome to show up to a meeting, or call 203-227-7644 or email akernan@positivedirections.org for more information.

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Today’s LobsterFest will draw 1,500 people to Compo Beach. There are lobsters, steaks, beer, wine — and plenty of waste.

The sponsoring Westport Rotary Club is on it. Lobster shells will be recycled (after de-banding); bottles are recyclable, and there’s plenty of composting.

An added element: Sustainable Westport will host informational stations throughout the event. Attendees can learn all about our town’s Zero Weaste and Net Zero initiatives, and how they can help.

Lobsterfest is always a good time. Today, it’s educational too.

Sustainable Westport’s waste stations, at last week’s Slice of Saugatuck.

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Last month, “06880” reported on the kerfuffle involving outdoor tables at Nômade (the new Main Street restaurant replacing Tavern on Main) and Savvy + Grace (the gifts-and-more store on the street level, underneath the eatery).

Shoppers have had a narrow path to the store – until yesterday.

In 13 years of publishing “06880,” I’ve posted dozens of photos of entitled drivers. This is the first one of an entitled bicyclist:

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Yesterday’s “Westport … Naturally” photo showed a beautiful caterpillar, about to become an even more beautiful butterfly.

Today’s illustrates nature in action: a monarch butterfly being devoured by a praying mantis.

It’s a gorgeous world out there. But it’s a jungle, too.

(Photo/Melissa Crouch Chang)

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And finally … It took 62 years. But on this day in 1983, Vanessa Williams became the first Black Miss America.

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(“06880” is Westport’s hyper-local blog. Please click here to support our work.)

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Posted in Beach, Downtown, Environment, Local business, Restaurants

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Roundup: LobsterFest, Woodside Bash, Ride + Walk …

Posted on September 15, 2022 | 1 comment

Tickets for Westport Rotary Club’s LobsterFest (this Saturday, September 17, Compo Beach, 3 to 7 p.m.). are all sold out.

But individual donations are still welcome to help fund the Rotarians’ many great projects.

And volunteers are still needed, to help throw Westport’s greatest crustacean-focused event.

Click here to donate; then click “Please Donate or Sponsor.”

Use the same link to volunteer; then click on “Sign up As a Volunteer. Volunteers will be offered a hamburger and unlimited drinks at no charge.

LobsterFest volunteers

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There’s still time to sign up for Sunday’s William Raveis Ride + Walk (September 18, Calf Pasture Park, Norwalk, 8 a.m.).

The event includes 2 bike rides (12 and 24 miles), a 5K walk (or run), and a 100-yard dash for kids.

Sign up as part of the “Way to Go Westport” (as a Westport office participant), or form your own team. Click here to register, and for more details.

All proceeds go directly to the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation and Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

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Tickets are going fast for Earthplace’s party under the stars.

Woodside Bash is set for Saturday, October 1 (7 to 10 p.m.). The night includes enjoy a harvest dinner, an open bar, signature cocktails, live music  (Pimpinella returns for the 4th year in a row), and (of course) a mechanical bull.

Click here for tickets and more information.

The next day (Sunday, October 2, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.), Earthplace hosts a family-friendly Fall Festival. Among the attractions: apple slingshot, donut on a string, climbing wall, animal encounters, food trucks and more. Tickets can be bought that day, or in advance here.

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Eating disorder specialist Erica Adler joins with registered dieticians Alyssa Lavy and Amy Schwarz have created a special group for teenagers who struggle with self-esteem as it relates to body image. It meets weekly, starting September 22 at 4:30 p.m.

For more information, email hellonorthstarwellness@gmail.com, or call 203-246-7615.

Erica Adler

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There were smiles all around at yesterday’s ribbon-cutting for Bridgewater Chocolates. The new business — Westport’s 3rd chocolate shop — is located in Parker Harding Plaza, near GG & Joe’s.

And why wouldn’t everyone be smiling? As soon as the ribbon was cut, there were samples for all.

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Not far from Bridgewater Chocolates, magic of another kind took place.

A crew from Terrain got down and dirty, making sure the planters outside Mrs. London’s Bakery look autumnally great.

(Photo/Dan Woog)

Those planters are parts of Westport we take for granted. But they don’t just happen.

They take real work — the kind that’s seldom seen. Unless you’re in the right place, at the right time.

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Happy Panda Mandarin School opened 12 years ago, in the basement of a Weston home. It grew quickly, and relocated to Wilton.

Now it’s moved again: to 2nd floor space in Westport’s Nash’s Plaza (179 Post Road West).

Classes include Chinese HSK (1-6 levels), Chinese Made Easy (1-4 levels), Writing and Homework Help.

For more information click here, email info@hpmandarinschool.org, or call 203-291-9228. (Hat tip: Felicia Catale)

Happy student at Happy Panda.

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The Black Feathers make a rare local appearance October 1 (8 p.m.). They’ll be a Voices Café, at the Unitarian Church.

Both the UK duo and the church share a strong commitment to social justice. A portion of the proceeds of the concert benefit community organizations including anti-racism, identity and equity, and immigration and refugee efforts, plus local programs that serve under-resourced communities.

Click here for in-person or livestream tickets.

The Black Feathers

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Seen on this port-a-potty on Caccamo Lane:

The handmade sign says: “NO dog poop bags in portable toilet or dumpsters.”

The bottom line adds: “Are you kidding?”

The potty is on a private work site, in a residential neighborhood. It shouldn’t be too much to ask area residents to 1) clean up after your dog, and then 2) dispose of your dog poop at your own home.

No s—.

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Leaves are not the only things that awe us with their fall (well, almost) colors.

Danielle Dobin spotted this beautiful “Westport … Naturally” sight yesterday, on Compo Beach Road:

(Photo/Danielle Dobin)

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And finally … famed saxophonist and bandleader Cannonball Adderley was born on this day in 1928. He died in 1975, just 46, after a stroke.

(“06880” is your hyper-local blog. Please click here to support our work.)

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LobsterFest: Huge Town Party Needs Cooks, Crackers And More

Posted on August 28, 2022 | 3 comments

It may be the biggest party in town.*

Tickets are going fast LobsterFest — the September 17 lobster/steak/ drinks/music/kids’ activities blowout at Compo Beach.

In fact, by the time this is posted it may already be sold out.

But you can still go. Just sign up to volunteer!

It takes many hands to put on the massive fundraiser. (Which raises massive funds. This year’s goal is $200,000, to help dozens of charitable projects in Fairfield County and around the world.)

Besides all those hard-working Rotarians, folks of all ages are needed to greet the 1,500 guests, crack lobsters, prep other food, cook, pour beer and wine, carry trays for seniors, sell raffle tickets, etc. etc., etc. haul trash

And of course, help set up and clean up.

LobsterFest volunteers

It’s a true community-wide event. And besides giving much-needed aid, volunteers can enjoy it too. They get a burger or hot dog, a drink ticket, a cool t-shirt — and share in the camaraderie of a fun, truly feel-good day.

The Rotary Club has thought of everything, to make LobsterFest sizzle. The mid-September date ensures that the lobsters have finished shedding their old shells, so they’re especially big.

Texas Roadhouse returns to cook the steaks, to perfection. There are several great beer vendors, and non-alcoholic drinks.

The Rotary Club takes sustainability seriously. Lobster shells are recycled (after de-banding); bottles are recyclable, and there’s plenty of composting.

There are more tents than ever, and — for those worried about COVID — a drive-thru option, to pick up your surf-and-turf.

The band HRMB will play its popular classic rock. Youngsters will love Daisy Mae and Mr. Bumbles — noted entertainers on the kids’ circuit.

Chowing down at last year’s LobsterFest.

But, Rotary officials emphasize: It can’t happen without volunteer help.

Many hands make light work.

And 3,000 lobsters broil.

(LobsterFest is Saturday, September 17, from 3 to 7 p.m. Click here to volunteer. Click here for tickets, if available. There are still spots for sponsors, too. Email ganderson24@optonline.net for more information.)

*Besides the June 30th fireworks.

(Like LobsterFest, “06880” relies on community support. Please click here to help.)

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Pics Of The Day #1614

Posted on September 18, 2021 | 2 comments

1,500 starved people packed Compo Beach yesterday for the Rotary Club’s annual Lobsterfest. They were hungry for lobsters, steaks — and the fantastic party atmosphere they’d missed when last September’s event was canceled (and, in many other ways, since the pandemic began. Great food, wonderful people, fantastic weather, an excellent cause — what’s not to like? (Photo/Dan Woog)

Earlier yesterday, Yogi Bear and friends enjoyed the Japanese Festival at Jesup Green. (Photo/Cathy Malkin)

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Roundup: Bill Clinton, LobsterFest, Rugby …

Posted on August 8, 2021 | 2 comments

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Last month, the Milwaukee Bucks won the NBA championship.

This weekend, the trophy came to Westport.

Billionaire owner Marc Lasry — he also dabbles in hedge funds — hosted a party at his Greens Farms home.

Former Fox News, NBC Sports and CNN TV personality — a fellow Westporter — was there.

From right: Dave Briggs, Marc Lasry and Briggs’ son Will pose with the NBA trophy.

So was a non-Westporter, from just over the New York border in Chappaqua.

Former President Bill Clinton is a longtime friend of Lasry’s. And — presumably — the Milwaukee Bucks.

Former President Bill Clinton and Dave Briggs, at Marc Lasry’s Westport home.

PS: Other big names in attendance: NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, players Bobby Portis and Pat Connaughton, head coach Mike Budenholzer, and CNBC’s Scott Wapner.

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Westport civic organizations sponsor many good fundraisers. A lot of them are fun.

But for money raised and good times, it’s hard to beat Westport Rotary‘s LobsterFest.

The early fall feast-and-more returns to Compo Beach for its 10th year on Saturday, September 18 (3 p.m. to 7 p.m.), following last year’s COVID cancellation.

LobsterFest is a townwide event. Food and entertainment from the Hot Rubber Monkey Band bring old friends together. It’s a great chance to meet (and welcome) newcomers too.

Children’s activities include a magician, glitter tattoos and face painting.

In past years, LobsterFest volunteers served 2,400 lobsters, 300 steaks and 1,600 ears of corn, and countless raw oysters.

In addition to the usual waterside dining option, there’s a new drive-through option for anyone wishing to eat their delicious Maine lobsters (and/or large steaks) at home, or at a less crowded part of the beach.

Funds support dozens of Rotary grants to local non-profits like Mercy Learning and Child Guidance of Mid-Fairfield County, plus humanitarian projects worldwide.

It’s a great value: $70 per person for 2 large lobsters or a 14-ounce New York strip steak — and corn, cole slaw, bread and butter, potato salad, Peppermint Patties, and all the beer or wine you can drink.

Tickets are available only in advance, online at www.westportrotary.org and directly from Westport Rotary Club members.

In 2016, not much remained of the 3,000 lobsters.

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For one day yesterday, Westport was the center of the rugby universe.

A special pre-draft event drew Major League Rugby scouts, coaches and star players, including Ben Foden to Staples High School’s Paul Lane Field. 

There was physical testing, professional coaching, laser timing and live scrimmaging. It was just like the NFL Combine, without the NFL Network cameras.

It was broadcast on the Rugby Network, however. And TV personality/ Westporter Dave Briggs was there. (It was not the biggest event of his weekend, though. See story above.)

He reports: “I was blown away by the strength (29 reps x 225 pounds), speed and toughness of these dudes. If I wasn’t so damn old and broken, I’d love to try.”

Click below for his interview with international star Ben Foden, and more.

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Everyone loves the Westport Farmers’ Market.

Here’s your chance to put your (well, someone else’s) money where your (well-satisfied) mouth is.

The WFM has made it to the final round of the American Farmland Trust’s 13th annual contest, ranking the best farmers’ markets in the country. The winner gets $2,500; 2nd and 3rd prizes are $1,500 and $1,000.

Click here to vote. The deadline is September 19.

And don’t forget to visit the Westport Farmers’ Market, every Thursday (10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Imperial Avenue parking lot) through November.

The Westport Farmers’ Market appeals to all ages. Let’s make it #1 in the country! (Photo/Margaret Kraus)

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From rugby to rockin’ the Levitt. Chicago native Isaiah Sharkey brought his gospel, jazz, R&B, blues, rock and funk music to the riverside pavilion last night.

A Grammy winner, he’s recorded and toured with John Mayer, Patti LaBelle, Paul Simon, Keith Urban, Boyz II Men, the Winans and many others.

Isaiah Sharkey

It did not take long for the crowd to dance.

(Photos/JC Martin)

This week’s Levitt lineup:

  • Tonight (Sunday, August 8): Mimi & the Podd Brothers
  • Tuesday, August 10: Tony Trischka, Banjo Master
  • Wednesday, August 11: Elena Moon Park & Friends
  • Thursday, August 12: The Sweet Remains
  • Friday, August 13: Baskin & Batteau, and Jesse Terry
  • Saturday, August 14: The Simple Radicals
  • Sunday, August 15: Dan Levinson’s Palomar Jazz Band

Click here for times and (free) tickets.

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From tomorrow (Monday, August 9) through Sunday, August 15, the Westport Domestic Violence Task Force is collecting back-to-school supplies. They’ll go to residents of the 2 Domestic Violence Crisis Center safe houses in the area.

Items needed include new and unused backpacks and lunch boxes, notebooks, pens, pencils, highlighters, crayons, graphing calculators, and diapers.

Donations can be left in the collection bin in the lobby of the Westport Police station, 50 Jesup Road.

For information on Westport Domestic Violence Task Force initiatives, click here.

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Work continues on what is rumored to be an Amazon Go store. That’s the new grab-and-go technology. There are no checkout lines; you pay via an app.

The old Barnes & Noble — and Marshalls shoe store next door — has been gutted.

Meanwhile, the adjacent former Mobil Self-Serve has finally been leveled.

(Photos/Dan Woog)

On Wednesday, the Board of Selectmen were slated to vote on a temporary exit from the construction site, onto Morningside Drive South. Neighbors objected, citing safety issues with nearby Greens Farms Elementary School. The item has been withdrawn from the agenda.

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Local to Market continues to offer fresh, locally grown produce on Saturdays, on its patio at the former Talbots by the Main Street entrance to Parker Harding Plaza.

Shoppers enjoyed these selections yesterday:

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Time again for “Westport … Naturally” to feature a deer.

Hey — we’ve got plenty of deer. Not to mention, deer photos.

(Photo/Karen Weingarten)

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And finally … today is August 8. You know: 8/8. So of course this is our song of the day.

PS: It’s one of many that have been called “the first rock ‘n’ roll record ever.” I’m not going to wade into that swamp.

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