In just a couple of months since its debut, our “06880” AI widget has fielded a few thousands queries.
But many readers are not getting nearly as much out of it as they can.
They use it like Google search, rather than the much more robust engine it is.
Queries like “Staples,” “Cribari Bridge,” “library” or “[insert your name here]” are not the best way to interact with our widget.
To get a much deeper answer — one that scrapes all 17 years of “06880” content, as designed by Westport-based Thought Partnr — you should ask things like:
- “What do Staples students think about the cellphone ban?”
- “What is the most recent plan for the Cribari Bridge?”
- “What big events are upcoming at the Westport Library?”
- “What does ‘06880’ say about [insert your name here]?”
Here’s a great example of a query: “I’m thinking of moving to Westport with a young family. What are the pros and cons I should consider?”
Think of it as a conversation starter. The widget will respond; you can then continue the conversation, refine it, or simply walk away more knowledgeable about a local subject.
We’re all used to typing in a word or two in a search engine. We get a list of links that we then plow through.
But that’s not our AI widget. It responds in complete paragraphs, and invites an ongoing dialogue.
Bottom line: Take a few extra seconds to frame your question — just as you would with a friend. Give your AI buddy enough information to offer a complete, detailed response.
The more you use it, the better you’ll get.
And the smarter our AI widget will become too.
The “06880” AI widget can be found on the top right of any page on the desktop and laptop platforms.
It’s on the far left (star icon) at the bottom of the “06880” app.
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The mother of all tag sales takes places tomorrow (Saturday).
Over 40 homeowners have signed up for the Nolan Team at Compass’ town-wide event. –
The hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., though individual homes might have different times.
Click here for a map, with all locations. Each site it clickable, so you can see what they offer.
Plan your route — and happy shopping!
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The Westport Library is a special place for everyone, no matter your age.
On the weekend of May 8-9 though, it becomes extra special, for a special age group: young kids.
The children’s staff has planned several events. They include:
Stuffed Animal Slumber Party (May 8, 4 p.m.): Bring a stuffed friend to the Library for fun and crafts — then leave your stuffie at the Library overnight, for a special toys-only sleepover.
Return Saturday morning to pick up your friend. Enjoy a special story time together, and discover what adventures they had at the Library.
For kindergarten and up. Registration required; click here.
Library Insiders (May 9, 10:30 a.m.): Meet the children’s staff members. Get an inside look at upcoming programs for babies, toddlers and young children. Experience activities, story time moments and learning at home ideas. Designed especially for families with young children. RSVP by May 4: rpowell@westportlibrary.org.
Train Room grand opening (May 9, noon, Higgins Room): The train room is back! Children of all ages and their caregivers are welcome, to read, relax, unwind, and “blow off steam” with the train set. Drop-ins welcome.
Reading to Rover (May 9, 4:30 p.m.) Read aloud to a therapy dog. Both early and practiced readers are welcome.
(Hat tip: Christy Charise)
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Jonathan Greenfield — a photojournalist, film director, tea importer, athlete, world traveler, environmentalist and devoted husband and father, whose battle with ALS helped and inspired countless people here and around the world — died 5 years ago at his Westport home, surrounded by family and close friends. He was just 50 years old.
He left behind quite a legacy. Breathe4ALS — a charity that he and his wife Iris created — funds research, medical equipment, and essential services for families facing the devastating disease. His children Zach, Skye and Josie have joined in too.
Their work is inspired by approaches like breathwork and cold exposure popularized by Wim Hof.
On Saturday, May 16 (3 p.m., 10 Pine Tree Drive), Skye has organized a community meditation and ice bath event. Instructor Michael Christoforo will help guests focus on mindfulness, resilience, and coming together meaningfully.
No prior experience is needed. Participants can join the guided meditation, ice bath or both, all fully supported and optional based on comfort level.
The donation of $250 per person also includes a photo book of Jonathan’s life.
To register, and for questions, email skyengreenfield@icloud.com. If you can’t attend but want to support Breathe4ALS, click here.
Jonathan Greenfield, deep in an ice bath.
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When the Historic District Commission meets May 12 (7 p.m., Zoom), they’ll consider demolition permits for these properties, all at least 50 years old:
- 12 Morningside Lane
- 56 Partrick Road
- 21 Burr Farms Road
- 29 Guyer Road
- 48 Cavalry Road
- 4 Woods Grove Road.
Background material on those homes may be found here.
4 Woods Grove Road
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Westport Country Playhouse audiences have raved about “Primary Trust” — the current production.
Last night’s theater-goers got a special treat: a post-performance talkback.
All 4 cast members gave insights into the Pulitzer Prize-winning show, from their own roles as actors to the impact they have on each audience.
The final 3 performances are tonight (Friday, 8 p.m.) and tomorrow (Saturday, 3 and 8 p.m.). Click here for tickets, and more information.
From left: Actors Jasminn Johnson, Greg Stuhr, Lance Coadie Williams, Alphonso Walker Jr., and moderator Ben Frimmer. (Photo/Dan Woog)
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Speaking of the Playhouse: In 2020, longtime benefactor Paul Newman’s daughter Melissa and graphic artist Miggs Burroughs — both longtime Westporters — repurposed a 1960s-era photo of the actor, urging “Young Citizens for Johnson” (as in, LBJ) to register and vote.
This time, the message was “Research. Register. Vote.” Melissa handed out copies of the poster on Main Street.
Now — with midterm elections around the corner — she’s at it again.
This time, Melissa has created a series of t-shirts. Paul Newman is on the front; one word — “Vote” — is on the back.
Click here for all the styles. The ordering deadline is May 30.
Paul Newman wants you to vote!
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Attention, young artists!
Westport’s One River School of Art + Design is gearing up for another season of immersive, hands-on summer camps.
Programs spark creativity, while helping students build skills, confidence, and a deeper connection to their artistic voice.
Offerings include Art Explorers, and Storybook Art (grades K-2); How to Draw a Dragon, Pour Painting, and Plushie Pals (grades 3-5), and Character Design, Fashion Design, Cosplay, digital art and portfolio development (grades 6-12).
Morning and afternoon sessions are available. For more information and registration, click here.
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Speaking of One River: Staples High School’s Advanced Placement Art & Design students will showcase their work in a special exhibition there, later this month.
The show’s works reflect a wide range of ideas, materials, and personal expression.
During the year-long class students explore a central idea, question or theme.
Featured artists include Cole Cummings, Alexandra Emmert, Dylan Endich, Eliza Greenspan, Piper Grove, Matthew Jahn, Chloe Jordan, Aurelia Laitmon, Isabella Larson, Emersyn Miller, Sydney Minervini, Sally Nathan, Olivia Schiavone, Benjamin Serfaty, Jessie Zhang, Charlotte Booth, Dexter Chadwick, Jonathan Deitch, Natalia Garment, Kaya Halper, Nina Katz, Ava Kindt, Risa Mass, Harry McLaughlin and Penn Videler.
An opening reception is set for next Friday (May 8, 4 to 5:30 p.m.).
Chromatic work, by Matthew Jahn.
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Terrain celebrates the season tomorrow (Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.), with a special “Dig Into Spring” event. It includes:
- Kids seed potting, a native plant tour and free potting in the nursery
- Make a Mother’s Day card
- Bring your garden tool, scissors or knives for sharpening
- Bodhi Bear Apothecary
- Carol Lake Studios fountains
- Terrain Café Aperol spritz bar
- Personal shopping with Terrain’s stylist
- Outdoor planter demonstration.
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Can you spot the robin — star of today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured photo?
He’s camouflaged in a nest, in Richard Fogel’s intriguing image.
(Photo/Richard Fogel)
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And finally … David Allan Coe — the country singer whose outlandish exploits, prison tales and obscenity-laden performances earned him notoriety as perhaps the most transgressive exponent of the outlaw country movement of the 1970s and ’80s,” according to the New York Times, died Wednesday. He was 86.
He is perhaps best known for writing Johnny Paycheck’s hit, “Take This Job and Shove it.” Click here for a full obituary.
(Unlike David Allan Coe and Johnny Paycheck, we love our “06880” job. But we couldn’t do it without reader support. Thanks for clicking here, and helping us keep working here some more!)
