Tag Archives: Old Mill Beach rainbow

Roundup: Main Street PopUp, “Day In The Life” Photos, Paint The Town Yellow …

Word on the street — Main Street, that is — is that PopUp bagels will move into the space recently vacated by Cold Fusion. An early 2027 opening is planned.

It’s a homecoming of sorts for the business Adam Goldberg began on a whim during COVID.

PopUp Bagels has exploded, with locations nationwide and awards from — it doesn’t get better than this — Brooklyn BagelFest.

We were sorry to see a great gelato place melt away. But when this bagel shop pops up — permanently — it will be the toast of the town.

Adam Goldberg, with his Brooklyn Bagelfest award.

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Organizers rolled the dice for Sunday’s “A Day in the Life of Westport” project.

Would people want to participate? Would they actually upload photos? Would there be a good range and variety of images?

They needn’t have worried. 545 photos were submitted, from midnight to 11:59 p.m. (Actually, the first one came in at 6:13 a.m. — so that’s an average of about 1 every 2 minutes.)

They showed everything: Westport people, places, pets, kids, activities, sports — you name it. Photographers were out there morning, afternoon, and late at night. Thanks to all who participated.

“A Day in the Life” was a collaboration between the Artists Collective of Westport, the League of Women Voters Westport, the David T. Langrock Foundation, and “06880.” We’ll share the photos soon, in a variety of ways.

Meanwhile, here’s one that wasn’t submitted. But it epitomizes the day.

James Delorey says, “My family and many friends spent much of Sunday at Old Mill Beach.

“We went to the sandbar party at low tide, walking to some of the far out ‘islands,’ making sand castles, exploring the jetty, finding clams and crabs, and devouring pizza from Old Mill Grocery. What a day!

“A recurring conversation was how lucky and grateful we are to live in this beautiful town. Then, just before 5 p.m., people started calling out to alert everyone on the beach: a rainbow!

“In this photo, a dad quickly gathers 3 boys for a quick photo. You never know how long a miracle like that will last!”

(Photo/James Delorey)

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Meanwhile, the day after the “Day in the Life” continued sunnily.

And Westporters continued to send in photos.

Here are a few scenes, from Labor Day at Compo Beach:

(All photos copyright DinkinESH Fotografix)

It was also the last day for lifeguards, at the Longshore pool:

(Photo/Susan Garment)

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Looking for some way to participate in “4 Days of Service” — the town-wide initiative from today through Friday that recognizes the courage and sacrifices of so many after 9/11, through service, compassion and generosity?

Paint the town yellow!

Seven years ago, Debra Kandrak had an idea: Every autumn, Westporters should plant daffodils.

Every spring, they bloom.

And — thanks to Debra, and so many volunteer gardeners — every year our town looks more and more beautiful.

This year, Debra is adding a twist: black-eyed Susans. That will keep the yellow theme going from spring to late fall.

“Like daffodils, once you plant black eyed Susans they continue to grow forever with very little effort,” Debra says. “They’ll be here for decades to come.”

Westporters have planted daffodils everywhere: in front yards, on the sides of streets, traffic islands … you name it. Anywhere you can think of: Paint the town even more yellow!

(For more information on Westport’s “4 Days of Service” — including many other ways to help —  click here.)

Daffodils at Willowbrook Cemetery. (Photo/Alina Damian)

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The Schneerson Center for Jewish Life says: “We’ve been blowing the Shofar, a simple hollowed out ram’s horn, for thousands of years in celebration of Rosh Hashana.

“The Shofar is not just a sound. It is a cry. A prayer. A soul-awakening, personal, meditative and rousing experience. Hearing the sound of the Shofar is the main commandment associated with celebrating the Holiday.”

They blow the Shofar this Sunday (September 13, 5 p.m., Riverside Park). The public is invited.

Shofar

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Spotted lanternflies are back — with a vengeance.

They’d look pretty interesting, if they weren’t so gross and obnoxious.

They’re everywhere. Including this one that Pam Docters “spotted” this weekend, on the fountain at Baron’s South:

(Photo/Pam Docters)

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After nearly 4 years, Hummingbird Healing Center is closing.

Lisa Pak — owner of the 2nd floor Main Street “transformation through sound” spot — writes: “As we approach our final days at the Hummingbird Healing Center, I wanted to express how serving this incredible community over the past four years has truly been the privilege and honor of a lifetime.

While this chapter is coming to a close, my healing work as a sound practitioner is gratefully expanding. I will be offering private and corporate sound healing sessions in the area and will keep you all posted.”

They’re open through Sunday (September 13). Lisa hopes to clear out all tables, chairs, shelving, sound healing instruments, meditation cushions, decorations — even plants. (Hat tip: Sal Liccione)

Lisa Pak, with her great river view.

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Hard to believe that the Class of 2006 — the first to graduate from the “new building” — is gearing up for their 20th reunion.

The time-sure-flies event is October 3 (8 to 11 p.m.), at Little Barn. Or, as they remember it, Swanky Frank’s and Woody’s.

Click here to register, and for more information.

This building was brand new, when the Class of 2026 graduated. (Drone photo/Brandon Malin)

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” subject is looking a bit chippy, no?

(Photo/Jamie Walsh)

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And finally … on this date in 1966, “Star Trek” debuted on NBC.

(Space may be the final frontier. But “06880” is your hyper-local blog. Like the starship Enterprise, we take you to unexpected places every day. Please click here to support our journey. Thank you!)

 

Roundup: Dog Licenses, Rainbows, Jim Himes …

June brings many events: graduations. Weddings. Father’s Day. Flag Day.

In Westport, it’s also dog licensing month. Licenses covering July 1 through June 30, 2025 can be obtained online, starting immediately. All dogs over 6 months old must be licensed.

Fees are $8 for neutered males and spayed females, $19 for others. Additional fees apply for online applications. There is a $1 penalty per month for renewal licenses issued after June 30. A $75 infraction will be issued for any non-licensed dog, and for any dog not wearing a current dog tag attached to a collar around its neck or body.

Click here, then scroll down to learn how to apply online.

For paper applications, mail or the drop box at the rear of Town Hall are preferred. Dog licenses can be processed in the Town Clerk’s office for those needing in-person assistance. Click here for the application.

Questions about dog licenses? Call 203-341-1110, or visit click here, then scroll down.

“I only date dogs that are licensed,” she says. (Photo/Charlie Scott)

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Last night’s rainbow-without-rain enchanted many Westporters.

And readers deluged “06880” with photos. Here is a tiny sampling, from all over town:

One view of Saugatuck Shores … (Sunny Leigh)

… and another (Gene Borio)

Longshore’s ER Strait Marina (Photo/Clarence Hayes)

Compo’s South Beach (Photo/Alexandra Gay)

Compo main beach (Photo/Jack Umansky)

Old Mill Beach and Compo Cove (Photo/Judith Katz)

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The Westport Farmers’ Market attracts large crowds every Thursday.

This week, the crowd included Jim Himes.

Our US congressman met shoppers, local farmers and vendors. He asked plenty of questions, and also learned about the  WFM’s community programs.

Congressman Jim Himes meets Rebecca Batchie, co-owner of Fort Hill Farm in New Milford.

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Mia Bomback is the newest addition to the “06880” board of directors.

One of the 7 seats on the non-profit’s board is reserved for a Staples High School Inklings members. Mia — a rising senior — will be paper managing editor for the 2024-25 school year. She replaces Caitlin Jacob on the board.

Mia has lived in Westport for over 10 years. A passionate student and aspiring journalist, she has already been part of the School of the New York Times, Columbia Scholastic Press Association and Yale Daily News summer journalism programs.

She has also worked as an intern for the Westport Journal, and contributed to “06880.”

Outside of journalism, Mia holds leadership roles in Staples’ French Club (which she co-founded), and Model UN, and volunteers at the Westport Book Shop.

She is also involved in the town-led civil discourse initiative Common Ground, and is very active in her religious community.

In her free time Mia listens to music, plays golf, and spends time with friends at family at Compo Beach.

For more information on the “06880” board of directors, click here.

Mia Bomback

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A few tickets remain for tonight’s big Levitt Pavilion show: Keb’ Mo’, with Phillip-Michael Scales (Saturday, June 8, 7 p.m.).

With 5 Grammys and 14 Blues Foundation Awards in a career of nearly 50 years, Keb’ Mo’ is one of America’s most accomplished contemporary roots artists.

Scales’ “dive bar soul” blends indie rock with passionate blues.

There is no outside food or drink. But the Blind Rhino food truck and bar by Rizzuto’s will be open. Children 6 and under are free in the bring-your-own-chair section. Click here for tickets, and more infromation.

Keb’ Mo’

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“Westport … Naturally” uses highlights natural sights, like flowers, birds and (naturally) deer.

But weather is a natural part of our Westport world too.

Paul Einarsen captured Thursday’s storm clouds at Compo Beach beautifully. 

And naturally.

(Photo/Paul Einarsen)

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And finally … Frank Lloyd Wright was born on this day, in 1867. The ground-breaking architect died in 1959, age 91.

(If today’s “06880” Roundup saved you from a fine for not having a dog license, please click here to support our work. You can also click if we didn’t help, but you like us anyway. Thank you!)