Tag Archives: The Sandbar

Roundup: Compo Beach, Catch A Lift, Right Of Way Signs …

Posted on July 12, 2026 | 1 comment

A century-old Westport institution (the Westport Weston Family YMCA) and one not yet 2 months old (The Sandbar concession stand at Compo Beach) join forces July 27.

Owner Nikki Glekas is supporting the Y’s 47th annual Point to Point Charity Swim, by providing breakfast for participants after the event.

For information on the Point to Point Swim, click here.  Click here, for the Y’s story on the new concessionaire.

Thanks, Nikki — and thanks to the Y, for once again raising funds to give back to the community.

Nikki Glekas, at The Sandbar.

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Speaking of the beach: Westport’s lifeguards held an Olympic-style competition yesterday morning, before work.

The yearly event — organized by lifeguard head Danilo Sierra — is a highlight of the summer. There are not many other events that can get young people up early on a Saturday morning.

Waiting for the results. Then it was off to work: another day keeping Compo Beach safe for all. (Photo/Karen Como)

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For more than a decade, Westport has had a special relationship with Catch A Lift Fund. The national non-profit provides gym memberships and home gym equipment to help wounded post-9/11 service members heal physically and mentally, through physical fitness.

Westporters have donated funds, welcomed veterans, and joined in workouts at venues like the police station, VFW, beach and Birchwood Country Club. The vets give plenty back in return — as inspiration, and  serving as “angels” for children, teens and adults with disabilities through myTeamTriumph.

The 25th anniversary of 9/11 — and 250th birthday of the United States — is a great time for Westporters to continue supporting Catch a Lift.

On September 9 (6:30 p.m., Inn at Longshore), a special fundraiser will benefit the noon-profit.

Save the date — and click here for information on how to purchase tickets or sponsorships, and donate raffle items.

Catch a Lift veterans, at a Birchwood Country Club event.

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Stephanie Retcho writes: “For many months, we have had a sign from a builder in front of our house. More recently, another was put up. They are for houses on properties near ours.

“Both are in the right of way — the strip of land that is publicly owned by roadways.

“That goes against town ordinances. It’s an eyesore, and the regulations regarding signs are intended to keep the town looking beautiful.

“I naively thought the signs would eventually come down. But I finally complaimed out to the Planning & Zoning Department.

“Within the same day of my first email, both signs were gone.

“Huge thanks to Hannah, Mike and everyone at P&Z who made that happen. It’s not lost on me that everyone is busy. It happened faster than I ever imagined, and anyone driving by our house is the better for them being gone. (One sign in particular kept breaking. and looked quite derelict).

“For anyone with the same issue: contact P&Z. The ordinances are clear regarding signage, and clearly this team is on it.

“If you take the sign down yourself, you could be fined for theft or vandalism. In the immortal words of Ren & Stimpy: ‘happy happy, joy joy.'”

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Speaking of houses: America’s 250th birthday is in the rear view mirror.

But red, white and blue still decorates homes all around town.

Here’s the very visible view, on Compo Beach Road:

(Photo/John Maloney)

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It was quite a term for the Supreme Court.

On July 27 (6:30 p.m., Westport Library), New York Times reporter Ann Marimow will explore the impact of recent decisions (via livestream), with (live) CT Mirror host John Dankosky.

Click here to register for the free event.

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We’ve run plenty of photos of wildlife and flowers recently, in our “Westport … Naturally” series.

Today we feature something that’s often overlooked, but an integral part of our natural Westport life: a tree.

This one stands proudly — and tall — on Post Road West, at Sylvan Road.

(Photo/John Maloney)

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And finally … this is the birthday of Van Cliburn. The pianist earned international acclaim in 1958, at just 23 years old. He died in 2013, age 78.

(A lot always goes on at the beach, as today’s Roundup shows. Before you head over though, please take a quick minute to click here, and support your hyper-local blog. Thanks — see you there!)

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Posted in Beach, Local politics, Politics, Real estate, YMCA

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Unsung Heroes #439

Posted on July 8, 2026 | Leave a comment

Before the fireworks fade too far into memory, let’s light up the sky for all those who made Westport’s best party in town possible. Jonathan Alloy offers thanks to: 

The teens and traffic pros who made arriving and departing Compo so smooth. They nailed it.

The team at The Sandbar who were fast and tasty, especially with their outdoor grill. The days of waiting 40 minutes for a burger are over. Now it’s 40 seconds.

The Sandbar added an outdoor grill for the fireworks.

The residents and guests of Westport who were a delight to celebrate with all across the beach.

Hanging out, with 10,000 friends. 

We’ll add a few more:

The entire Parks & Recreation Department, led by director Erik Barbieri. It was all hands on deck — and we hand it to them, for their hard work, energy, enthusiasm, and all-around smiles. The entire beach staff,, lifeguards, maintenance crew — all were on top of everythng.

A special shout-out to everyone who worked all night. By dawn, there was no sign that just a few hours earlier, 10,000 people packed the place.

Our Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Service departments. There were officers, motorcycles, firefighters, fire trucks, EMTs, ambulances everywhere. Thankfully, they were not called upon. But seeing them on the scene — along with a SWAT team, mutual aid forces aid more — was both impressive and comforting.

1st Selectman Kevin Christie, with Emergency Medical Services crew. (Photo/Jonathan Alloy)

Every other town department that helped. Public Works was involved, and I’m sure others too. You rock!

And of course the couple who made it happen, with their generous sponsorship: Melissa and Doug Bernstein. They helped Westport PAL raise much-needed funds, for programs and scholarships that impact thousands of kids.

(From right): Doug and Melissa Bernstein, with fellow longtime Westporter Miggs Burroughs. (All photos/Dan Woog unless noted)

You are all Unsung Heroes. And if Jonathan or I have missed anyone (or any group), please click “Comments” below.

(Do you know an Unsung Hero? Email 06880blog@gmail.com. “06880” is proud to honor them — and tell many other tales of town too. Please click here to help us do that, by supporting this hyper-local blog.)

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Posted in Beach, Police, Unsung Heroes, Westport life

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Pic Of The Day #3347

Posted on June 18, 2026 | Leave a comment

Luke Bernier’s new mural, on the side of The Sandbar concession stand at Compo Beach (Photo/Larry Silver)

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Roundup: Wexler, Wet, World Cup …

Posted on May 25, 2026 | 4 comments

Lisa Wexler has been endorsed unanimously by the Democratic Party to serve as the probate judge for Westport and Weston for another 4-year term. She was elected previously as both a Democrat and Republican.

After being chosen in a special 2013 election, Wexler has been re-elected 3 times since. A graduate of Johns Hopkins University and the New York University School of Law, she has lived in Westport with her husband Bill and family since 1989.

Lisa Wexler

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The final day of the 53rd annual Fine Arts Festival began wet yesterday.

Fortunately, the rain eased around noon, before starting again. It was not a total washout for the 160 artists, from around the country.

Before the crowds arrived, photographer Tom Kretsch — one of 6 Westporters in the show — helped make the area presentable.

The things artists do, that most of us never see …

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The weather was blustery yesterday.

But after church, longtime Westporters Janine and Pietro Scotti (former owner of Da Pietro’s) and their daughter Lucia headed to Compo Beach. She reports:

“The poor lifeguards were in the pavilion, and hanging out.

“I thought I’d eat lunch from the new Sandbar concession stand there, but would up on one of the side counters.

“We had the chicken souvlaki, and a side of fries. Really good tzatziki, and the fries were delicious. Great quality.

“I felt for them, because they really hustled to get open for this weekend. I’m glad Nikki Glekas has other businesses. I’ve heard a lot of good things about her. A friend from Stamford said her restaurant is phenomenal.

“We’re really lucky they’ve come in.”

From left: Lucia, Janine and Pietro Scotti, and The Sandbar staff.

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The rain also postponed last night’s 2026 Levitt Pavilion kickoff concert.

Charlie Hall’s “Get Up With It” — a Miles Davis centennial celebration — is rescheduled to August 24.

All original tickets will be honored. To purchase tickets for the new date, click here. 

Looking ahead: The West Point Concert Band takes the stage June 9. They’ll honor America’s 250th anniversary with everything from Broadway classics and bluegrass to marches. Clck here for free tickets, or go to the box office.

Click here for a Levitt Pavilion calendar, and more news.

Charlie Hall’s Get Up With It.

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Congratulations to Ryan Smith!

The 2019 Staples High School graduate, and 2-time defending Pequot Turkey Trot winner, won the M&T Bank Vermont City Marathon yesterday morning.

He shattered the course record — and his time of 2:15.52 qualifies him for the 2028 Olympic trials.

Amazingly, it was his very first marathon.

At Bates College, Smith competed in 2 NCAA cross country championships. He now lives and works in Boston.

The Burlington event is Vermont’s biggest single-day sporting event.

Screenshot from yesterday’s finish.

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Club203 gets into the World Cup spirit, at their final gathering of the year (June 9, 6:30 p.m., Ned Dimes Marina).

Westport’s social organization for adults with disabilities promises soccer-inspired art led by MoCA\CT, along with food from the Super Duper Weenie Truck, and more. Wear a team jersey, and enjoy the fun. For more information, click here.

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It’s been a gray holiday weekend in Westport.

But today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo, from Terra Nova Circle near the Norwalk line, offers a burst of much-needed color.

(Photo/John Maloney)

The rest of the week will be partly cloudy. Temperatures will be in the 70s — and, on Wednesday, the 80s.

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And finally … on this date in 1961, President Kennedy told a joint session of Congress that the US “should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the Moon and returning him safely to the Earth.”

Eight years later, it happened.

(We’d be over the moon if you click here, to make a tax-deductible donation supporting our work. Hey, a boy can dream …)

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Posted in Beach, Entertainment, Local politics

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The Sandbar: Compo Concession Is Ready!

Posted on May 24, 2026 | 8 comments

After a whirlwind couple of weeks, Nikki Glekas was ready.

Town officials approved the new Compo Beach and Longshore concessionaire in mid-May.

But by yesterday, the owner of Westport-based NG Entertainment already had a name (The Sandbar — a play on both the beach, and the roving golf cart that will sell drinks at the Longshore golf course).

She had a logo (gentle waves). She had food, staff, cash registers and freezers. She’d cleaned the Compo space left vacant a few months ago, when previous concessionaire Hook’d got the hook.

She’d installed new lights, and given the interior a fresh, nautical/ Mediterranean look. The staff had Sandbar logowear.

Nikki Glekas, in front of a new design at The Sandbar.

Nikki was ready for beach customers, on the holiday weekend that ushers in summer.

The weather, though, was not ready.

A steady rain and cold temperatures kept everyone away.

Nikki was undaunted. She will be there, as soon as the sun breaks through.

Nikki Glekas has already installed new lights. (Photo courtesy of Instagram)

It will be a breakthrough for beachgoers, too.

Yesterday, Nikki showed The Sandbar to “06880.”

She described the full, fresh menu: sandwiches, quesadillas, single and double smashburgers, crab burgers, chicken tenders, wraps, lobster rolls, pitas, gyros, salads and tacos.

Plus all the usual sides (and some Greek ones), baskets, fresh grab-and-go selections, soft-serve ice cream, and a full line of Coke products. There are gluten-free options too. (Click here for the full menu.)

Customers can order ahead online, via QR code. (Or click here.)

Nikki will introduce catering, with small and large trays and platters. She expects big business for the fireworks.

Old door, new sign … and a fresh vibe. (Photo/Matt Murray)

A side wall will be filled soon with Westport-themed merchandise.

This is not Nikki’s first rodeo. She scaled up quickly thanks in part to her decade of experience running food services at Chelsea Piers. Chefs will come from those locations.

Applications for other positions have poured in. Many came from Staples students. Nikki is impressed by the “professionalism” of their emails.

Staples sophomore Nicholas Glekas (left) and junior Alex Kovics are ready for customers.

Two experienced bartenders will work at Longshore. (The pavilion there opens next week. The roving golf cart is set for a June 10 delivery.)

“Our goal is to be here a long time,” Nikki says.

Pointing to Compo — wet, cold, but filled with possibilities just a few days away — she adds, “This is supposed to be where everyone comes. We want it to be where everyone hangs out, and has fun.”

Whenever customers come, Nikki — and The Sandbar — will be ready.

(The Instagram is @TheSandbar068880. It already has over 400 followers. She hopes users will offer feedback there. Hours are 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., 7 days a week. During peak times, The Sandbar will open earlier and close later.)

(“06880” covers the waterfront — in every way possible. If you enjoy our reporting on all things Compo, Longshore, Burying Hill and Old Mill-related, please click here to support us. Thank you!)

Beach snacks galore. (All photos/Dan Woog unless otherwise noted)

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P&Z Okays Concessionaire; Field Lights Conversation To Continue

Posted on May 14, 2026 | 3 comments

The Planning & Zoning Commission does not often debate recreation.

But they do weigh in on issues involving town property. So 2 items of interest to many Westporters — the concession stand operator at Compo Beach and Longshore, and lights on 2 athletic fields — were on their agenda last night.

Nearly 100 people logged on to the virtual meeting. Over the course of 4 hours the P&Z unanimously endorsed Nikki Glekas to run “The Sandbar,” and heard the pros and cons of 4 70-foot poles at the Wakeman and PJ Romano synthetic turf fields.

Glekas — owner of Westport-based NG Entertainment — was enthusiastically recommended by Parks & Recreation director Erik Barbieri.

She said that her beach menu would be both “family friendly” and “a bit upscale,” ranging from smashburgers, chicken tenders and french fries to fresh salads, gyros and souvlaki.

The Compo Beach concession opens soon. (Photo/JD Dworkow)

She would offer catering too — for fireworks parties, for example — and make The Sandbar a “destination.”

With little discussion, the P&Z voted unanimously in favor of Glekas, for Compo, the Longshore pavilion and golf course halfway house.

With Barbieri and Glekas hoping to be operational by Memorial Day weekend, and Board of Finance approval coming 48 hours earlier, the contract now goes to the Board of Selectpersons on May 21 for final approval.

The field lighting proposal drew much more comment, from commissioners and the public.

Citing increased participant numbers, gender equity, the effects on Staples sports and the need to maintain the quality of grass fields by limiting play there, Barbieri, Parks & Rec superintendent Carm Roda and Staples High School athletic director VJ Sarullo called the need for lit fields “urgent.”

Wakeman B, near Bedford Middle School, is currently unlit. PJ Romano, behind Saugatuck Elementary, utilizes temporary lights. The third lit field in town, at Greens Farms Elementary, is used for softball.

Wakeman B field.

The town officials, and Mike Mahoney of Musco Sports Lighting, who has worked with Westport previously, emphasized LED technology, which eliminates the “spillover” of previous generation lights; automatic turnoff, to prevent not-permitted use, and noise restrictions. The lights would comply with Connecticut Dark Sky standards.

Roda promised to pull the permits of any organizations abusing the system.

Dozens of residents emailed public comments before the meeting. But the majority of public speakers — while emphasizing their support for youth sports — questioned certain aspects of the proposal.

Many live near Wakeman Field. the focus of most of the speakers.

Concerns included the effects of lights and noise on neighboring properties; the proposed 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. cutoffs; the effects of night games and practices on youngsters’ bedtimes, and use by adult teams and for-profit organizations.

The tone of the discussion was respectful. Many of the neighbors asked for revisions or “a better solution,” and requested a meeting at the Wakeman site.

The P&Z took no vote. Discussion, including public comment, will continue May 18 (6 p.m., Zoom), and again on June 1.

(“06880” reports regularly on Compo Beach, sports, local politics — and, like today, their intersection. We rely on reader support. Please click here to help us continue our coverage. Thank you!)

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Posted in Beach, Local politics, Longshore, Sports

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