It took only a few seconds for the responses to last week’s Photo Challenge — the “Free Composted Straw/Manure” pile at Wakeman Town Farm — to pour in. (Click here to see.)
Lou Weinberg, India van Voorhees, Shawn Liberty, Andrew Colabella, Rob Hauck, Seth Schachter, Jen Dumonceau, Arthur Hayes, Cat Malkin and Micheal Simso all answered quickly, and correctly.
Today’s Photo Challenge is less natural than a compost heap. Whether it’s easier or tougher — let’s see.
If you know where in Westport you’d find this, click “Comments” below.
(Photo/Nancy Breakstone)
(Every Sunday, “06880” hosts this Photo Challenge. We challenge you too to support your hyper-local blog. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)
“Hot Sauce Hangout” (September 24, 6:30 p.m.). Make your own from fresh farm produce, while enjoying music and a nosh.
“Friday Fun for Kids Grill & Chill Cooking Class with Dinner, Ages 7-12 (new class begins September 26, 5 to 6:30 p.m.).
“Rise and Shine Vinyasa Yoga” (October 11, 8:30 a.m.). Get aligned in a serene setting. All levels welcome.
“Drop In Knitting Circle” (October 14, any time between 9:30 and 11:20 a.m.). Exchange tips, patterns and stories. All skill levels welcome.
“Dyslexia Screening and Panel” (October 27, 6:30 p.m.). “Left Behind” documentary on the first public dyslexic school in New York, followed by a panel discussion.
“Monday After-School Cooking for Grades K-2” (new session starts in October; 4:15 to 5:30 p.m.) Students learn how to prepare recipes, along with knife skills, food science, math through measuring, culinary terms and sensory exploration.
“Sweater Weather Suppers: Cooking Classes for Grades 2-6” (new session starts October).
“Art in Nature Class for Adults” (October 29, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.). All skill levels welcome.
Today’s “Westport … Naturally” Sherwood Island State Park photo shows — up close and personal — a seedpod for a milkweed, bursting and ready to fly. Milkweed is the host plant for the monarch butterfly.
And finally … today is the first day of fall. It’s September 22 this year, not the 21st of September.
No problem. We just had one extra day of summer. Enjoy!
(Another season begins. For 17 years — through winter, spring, summer and fall — “06880” has been here for you. But we rely on reader support to do it. Please click here to contribute. Thanks!)
Years ago, the tenant in one of Westport’s most prominent buildings – most recently leased by Patagonia – was Westport Bank & Trust Company. Their motto was “A hometown bank, in a town of homes.”
The next tenant will sell those homes.
Next spring, Compass Westport will move into the red brick space with 20-foot ceilings (87 Post Road East, at the junction of Church Lane). The real estate firm is currently across the Saugatuck River, at 54 Wilton Road.
Their “new” building was built in 1924 — a year after the Westport YMCA (now Anthropologie), a few yards away. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The bank vault downstairs has been repurposed as space for Pink Sumo restaurant, which will remain.
Two large murals by noted artist Robert Lambdin — a handsome backdrop in the bank, and retained by Patagonia — will continue to be displayed.
The Patagonia building has been vacant since Christmas Eve, 2023. The Westport location opened in 2005.
87 Post Road East recently …
… and as Westport Bank & Trust on Christmas Day, 1975. (Photo/Fred Cantor)
Hollywood — and the world — is mourning the death of Robert Redford.
Westport and Weston residents are remembering him as a neighbor. He lived in this area for a while, and visited frequently with his great friend and frequent co-star, Paul Newman.
Twenty years ago, they settled into the Westport Country Playhouse’s red velvet seats, and were filmed for a Sundance Channel documentary, “Iconoclasts.”
Paul Newman and Robert Redford. (Photo courtesy of Westport Country Playhouse)
If you have a local memory of Redford, click “Comments” below.
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They’re all over the place. You can’t ignore them. And there will be more to come.
No, not spotted lanternflies.
Political signs.
What — if any — are the regulations regarding those ubiquitous placards?
Free speech (including political signs) is protected. It is not regulated by zoning — unlike signs advertising businesses and special events (which are regulated).
These general guidelines apply to all temporary signs (including political ones):
No sign may be placed on any public school property without permission from the superintendent’s office.
No sign may be placed within the interior of Compo Beach or Longshore Club Park.
No sign may be placed on Town Hall property.
No sign may be placed on trees or utility poles.
No sign may interfere with traffic visibility.
PS: Do not steal political signs! You may not agree with another candidate, but that’s not cool.
Political — and non-profit — signs from a past election.
“Hot Sauce Hangout” (September 24, 6:30 p.m.; $40): Learn to make your own from farm fresh produce, with music and a nosh.
“Friday Fun for Kids” (September 26, 5 to 6:30 p.m.; $65): Grill and chill cooking class; ages 7-12. After gathering herbs and veggies from the garden: marinated grilled chicken, corn skewers, baked potato bar, and apple fritters.
“Family Fall Beer Garden (October 12, noon to 4 p.m.; $15 adults, kids free; food beverage, crafts available to purchase; proceeds benefit WTF educational programs). Music, lawn games, bubbles, animal encounters, pumpkin crafts and more. Pizza by Tony Napolitano; Food Truck Refinery; gelato from Fatto a Mano; adult beverages from Greens Farms Spirit Shop.
Rach’s Hope — the non-profit honoring the memory of 2015 Staples High School graduate Rachel Doran, which provides nutritious food, lodging, transportation and encouragement to family members when a child is in intensive care — is as active as Rachel herself was.
On Sunday, October 5 (3 p.m., Ned Dimes Marina at Compo Beach), everyone is invited to join the 5th annual “Walk the Extra Mile … For Rach’s Hope” event.
It’s a fun, community-wide beach walk, with live music, a pizza truck, beer and wine, dessert, and special Rach’s Hope swag.
Need more incentive? In celebration of his 84th birthday, Rachel’s grandfather Michael Isenberg completed his pledge to walk 1,000 miles for Rach’s Hope.
He’ll be there. He invites everyone to “walk the extra mile” with him — or come cheer others on.
And finally … on this date in 1630, the city of Boston was founded.
(Whether Westport’s your home — or Boston, or anywhere else — you’re here because you enjoy “06880.” But publishing this blog every day takes work! Please click here to support us. Thank you!)
Posted onSeptember 14, 2025|Comments Off on Roundup: HarvestFest, Merritt Parkway, StartUp Westport …
Westport is awash in creative, fun fundraisers, for a wide array of wonderful, important local institutions.
But at the top of any list — for good times and great groups — is Wakeman Town Farm’s HarvestFest.
Last night’s annual shindig featured fantastic (and healthy) food, from local restaurants and caterers (and the farm itself), plus of course drinks. There was a country-style band (and dancing), along with auction items and a paddle raise.
But the coolest part of HarvestFest is that it brings so many different parts of the town together.
Including politicians.
Ywrt they’re not politicking. They serve drinks and bites.
And they do it not as political adversaries, but as neighbors and friends.
WTF?!
Taking time out from serving (standing, from left): Kevin Christie, Jimmy Izzo, David Rosenwaks, Bre Injeski, Don O’Day, Andrea Moore. Front: Sal Liccione. Christie, Rosenwaks and O’Day are running for 1st selctman. 2nd selctwoman Moore is up for re-election. Injeski is a Planning & Zoning Commission candidate. Izzo and Liccione seek another term on the RTM.
Democrat Abby Tolan and Republican Dorie Hordon share a moment. Both are Board of Education incumbents, running again.
Liz Milwe (3rd from left), and the Wormser family and friends. Liz is a longtime Wakeman Town Farm advocate and volunteer, including service as co-chair. (All photos/Dan Woog)
Merritt Parkway Exits 41 and 42 are now just memories. (At least, in Westport.)
But they can live on in more than our minds, thanks to Jillian Elder.
She’s designed tees, hoodies, mugs, totes and more — all part of a “Vintage Merritt Parkway Collection — Exits 41& 42.”
The look pays homage to the road’s classic 1930s charm.
She says, “They’re perfect for longtime locals, proud Westporters, and anyone who loves the unique character of Connecticut’s most iconic road. The perfect gift for Westport natives, commuters, and vintage design lovers.
And clean ones, whose drivers want to support the Staples boys soccer program too.
They’ll be washing cars today (Sunday), from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1720 Post Road East (just before Stop & Shop, on the right). The suggested donation is $20.
Even the Westport Police entrust their cars to the Staples boys soccer team.
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HarvestFest ws not the only big event last night (story above).
Comedian Vic DiBitetto headlined, at the Westport Country Playhouse. There was a meet-and-greet with his many fans afterward.
(Photo/Susan Garment)
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Two types of innovators — a UFC and WWE mogul, and a bakery offering opportunities to people with disabilities — will share the stage, at StartUp Westport’s Innovator of the Year Awards.
The October 8 event (6 p.m., Westport Library) honors Mark Shapiro and Sweet P Bakery.
As president and COO of TKO Group Holdngs, and president and managing partner of WME Group, Shapiro has helped shape some of the most infuential names in sports and entertainment.
He’ll talk about bold calls that changed the trajectory of companies, industries — even culture itself — at the StarUp Westport event.
The highlight will be a conversation with CNBC’s Sara Eisen, called “Pivotal Moments: The Risks That Paid Off (and the Ones That Didn’t).”
Sweet P Bakery will share the spotlight, as recipient of StartUp Westport’s Community Impact Innovator Award.
Founders Andrea and Bill Pecoriello will be honored for “their dedication to social good, and sustainable business practices in the local community.” Sweet P’s mission includes job creation, teaching transferable skills, and building independence, confidence and a sense of belonging.
CLASP Homes — the non-profit that provides care, support and services to adults with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities — hosts a “wickedly fun concert” fundraiser on October 30 (6:30 p.m., FTC Stage One, Fairfield).
Band Central — CLASP’s favorite group — plays the best of the ’80s and ’90s. There’s a pre-party too, with light bites.
Staples High School’s Class of 1975 is getting ready for their 50th reunion. (Those who can believe they graduated half a century ago, that is.)
They’ll start Thursday, October 9; continue Friday evening at the Black Duck; enjoy a tour of the “new” Staples or a golf outing Saturday morning; celebrate at a dinner/dance that night at the Westport Woman’s Club, and end with brunch at a private home on Sunday, October 12.
They’ll also raise funds for Staples Tuition Grants — a very “classy” move.
Today’s stunning “Westport … Naturally” photo shows a bit of nature we don’t always get to see close-up. It may give you a new perspective on flowers … and bees.
And finally … you may have guessed this was coming:
(Another Sunday, another work day here at “06880” central. We never stop bringing you news, photos and more. If you enjoy this hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thanks!)
Comments Off on Roundup: HarvestFest, Merritt Parkway, StartUp Westport …
The Sherwood Mill Cove tide gate project — including repair of 2 gates and a spillway, plus reconstruction of a wooden pier and the seawall — begins shortly after Labor Day.
It will continue through Memorial Day.
Ten spaces in the Old Mill parking lot, and 20 spots in the Compo Beach Soundview lot, will be used for staging.
The work is conducted in coordination with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.
Repairs begin soon, at Sherwood Mill Pond. (Photo/Judith Katz)
Speaking of the water: As the weather starts to cool, we won’t have to worry about beach closures due to contaminated water.
But next year, we won’t have to worry about extended closings, either.
Parks & Recreation Department director Erik Barbieri looked at the state testing schedule — which sometimes meant the town had to wait 5 days for a result — and knew there had to be a better way.
He found one. Starting with the most recent closure, and moving forward, re-testing will be done on a much more timely basis, with labs that are closer.
Details will follow next spring. In the meantime: Thank you, Erik!
This sign may be seen less often next year. (Photo/Seth Schachter)
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Want to see all the classes, meetings and special events offered next month at Wakeman Town Farm?
Speaking of fall activities: Westport PAL football is offering a new flag football program, for high school boys and girls.
It’s part of the NFL Flag program, so every participant receives an NFL flag jersey and flag set.
Teams are coached by the players. Games are Saturday afternoons and evenings; practice days will be determined. The sites are Staples High, and PJ Romano Field.
The cost is $275, and includes professional referees. Registration closes September 15. Games begin the week of September 20. Click here to signup. Questions? Email westportpalfootball@gmail.com.
The next Westport Country Playhouse Script in Hand playreading is a darkly funny, deeply moving new play: “The One Good Thing or ‘Are Ya Patrick Swayze?'”
It’s September 8 (7 p.m.).
Script in Hand curator and Playhouse artistic director Mark Shanahan calls it “a beautifully crafted, intimate, 2-character play full of Irish wit, emotional depth, and the kind of quiet revelations that stay with you long after the curtain falls.”
Carlos Capellán writes: “We moved to town a few years ago, and did not know about Richard Scarry’s connection to Westport. (Click here for that back story.)
“I have a very old copy of ‘What Do People Do All Day’ from my childhood. The title page shows the sign for the Remarkable Book Shop.” (The author of the 1968 classic, and many other beloved books, lived here for a while. He was friendly with Esther Kramer, owner of the beloved Main Street book store — now Eleish van Breems — and her husband Sidney, who was the author’s representative.)
Check out the lower right.
Carlos adds: “My children love our beat-up old copy held together with tape, and while reading it to them one night I made one more small Westport discovery. In one story, Betsy Bear mails a birthday letter to her grandma. The bottom right of the page shows the letter being postmarked. Right above it is a letter addressed ‘To Humphfrey Girls, Westport.’
“So, one more Westport easter egg in Scarry’s books. But also a small mystery: The spelling of ‘Humphfrey’ is unusual. Maybe some old-timers remember this family, and maybe even their connection to Richard Scarry?”
“06880” readers often come through. If you’ve got an answer, click “Comments” below.
Check out the letter above the one to “Granda Bear,” also lower right.
Drivers cutting between North Avenue and Roseville Road know there are always interesting signs on Pumpkin Hill Road.
They’re “Signs of Happiness” — that’s what the sign nearby says.
The current array honors the first day of school. All 8 in Westport — plus Stepping Stones Preschool — are included.
(Photo/Ed Simek)
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Speaking of the beginning of school: Since its here, you’ll be seeing lots of cars decorated like this around town:
(Photo/Mary Sikorski)
It’s a decades-long tradition … but only for senior girls.
We’re not sure how or when it started.
But if you see a senior driving this car, honk!
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Speaking of cars: The Board of Assessment Appeals meets September 17 (6 to 7 p.m., Town Hall Room 201), to hear appeals of motor vehicle assessments for the 2024 grand list.
Residents should drive there in the vehicle they are appealing.
Kevin Burke — called “one of the greatest living Celtic fiddlers” by the New York Times — headlines First Folk Sunday on September 7 (12:30 p.m., Saugatuck Rowing Club).
When Staples High School graduate Wendy Newton owned Irish music-focused Green Linnet Records, she released several of his records.
Suzanne Sheridan — the founder of First Folk Sundays — and her wife Rozanne Gates heard one of Kevin’s CDs, while visiting Wendy in Northampton. Wendy helped arrange his appearance here.
“In the realm of Irish fiddle musicians, that’s like saying Yo-Yo Ma will be playing in Westport,” Rozanne says.
He’ll be joined by John Brennan. The rock guitarist has played with Graham Nash, Chris Hillman and Poco.
And finally … if you know “Where Have All the Flowers Gone,” you understand how brilliantly Pete Seeger’s lyrics come full circle.
Turns out, he didn’t actually write all of them.
Joe Hickerson — a singer, songwriter, and the lead archivist for folk music at the Library of Congress for more than 25 years — actually gave Seeger the last 2 (very important) verses.
Hickerson died earlier this month in Oregon, at 89. According to his New York Times obituary:, he is responsible for:
Where have all the soldiers gone?
Long time passing.
Where have all the soldiers gone?
Long time ago.
Where have all the soldiers gone?
Gone to graveyards, every one.
When will they ever learn? When will they ever learn?
and
Where have all the graveyards gone?
Long time passing.
Where have all the graveyards gone?
Long time ago.
Where have all the graveyards gone?
Gone to flowers, every one.
When will they ever learn? When will they ever learn?
For 60 years the handsome metal award, on a sturdy wooden base, was the highest honor given to any Staples High School athlete. Two were given at the end of every season, by each varsity team.
Last year, athletic director VJ Sarullo abruptly replaced the award with an inexpensive plaque — without even room for the honoree’s name.
After a community uproar — including heartfelt comments by past recipients, several of whom said it was the only sports award they cared about or kept — superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice directed Sarullo to find a solution.
Several current and former Westporters offered to find a manufacturer, and/or fund it themselves.
Yesterday, Sarullo emailed the families of last year’s winners:
We are pleased to announce the return of the Block S Award, a longstanding tradition that recognizes and celebrates members from each athletic team for their dedication and meaningful contributions to the athletic program. This award has long held significance in acknowledging student-athletes who represent the spirit and commitment of our Staples High School Athletics Family.
He offered the “original Block S trophy design” to last year’s honorees. Click here for the order form.(Hat tip: Jeff Manchester)
“The Great Gatsby” (100 years old) has been around even longer than the Westport Country Playhouse (94).
The 2 institutions come together on September 27 (7 p.m.). The Playhouse hosts “The Fitzgeralds: A Reading with Music.” The evening offers a look at the lives behind one of the most enduring works of American literature — with readings by acclaimed performers Stephanie Zimbalist and Alec Baldwin. The original live score is by Forrest Gray.
At the heart of the show are letters between F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald. Their words reveal the love and conflict that fueled some of the 20th century’s most iconic writing. (The couple spent a spirited and memorable summer here, in 1920.)
Portions of the proceeds will benefit the Woodward Internship program at The Westport Country Playhouse. Tickets go on sale tomorrow (Friday) at 1 p.m. Click here to purchase, and for more information.
F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald, in front of their Compo Road South home.
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Connecticut faces a waste crisis. With the closure of key waste-to-energy facilities and no landfill capacity, the state increasingly relies on exporting trash — an unsustainable and costly practice.
On September 8 (7 p.m., Wakeman Town Farm), Housatonic Resources Recovery Authority director Jennifer Heaton-Jones explores the state of waste management in Connecticut, including where our trash goes, the environmental and economic impacts of our current system, and why urgent action is needed.
A key focus will be on the importance of “Recycling Right” — understanding what belongs in the recycling bin, what doesn’t, and how contamination undermines the entire recycling process. Attendees will learn how small changes in behavior can lead to big improvements in recycling efficiency and environmental outcomes.
Carl and Jo Ann Miller’s moving sale — with proceeds benefit VFW Post 399 and “06880” — is set for this Saturday (9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Pleasant Valley Lane off North Avenue, opposite the Bedford Middle School entrance).
There are many gems left — including one great outdoor sculpture by Kelley Spearen.
And how about this offer: Buy an item, get a free masterpiece painting by Jo Ann Miller.
Thank you, Carl and Jo Ann, for your generosity!
Kelley Spearen sculpture, at the moving sale.
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The Longshore Women’s Golf Association celebrated their 65th anniversary this week with their annual member/guest tournament.
The day of friendship and competition also raised funds, awareness and food for Filling in the Blanks. The Norwalk non-profit provides weekend meals for underserved Fairfield County children.
The LWGA — open to golfers from Westport and surrounding communities — plays 18-hole competitions every Tuesday, from April through October.
Winners of the memberr/guest, with a gross score of 60, are below (left to right) Leela Benaderet, Anne Palmer, Stina Sternberg and Tracey Narang. Joining them are Longshore head professional Jon Janik and Heidi Nolte, LWGA tournament chair.
(Photo/Sue Roberts)
Net team winners, with a score of 53, were Cindy Scope, Rickie Haas, Jerre Skeats and Jill Hanau.
A few tickets remain for Shorefest — the Friends of Sherwood Island State Park evening of great food (from Westfair Fish & Chips), entertainment (John Lamb), and a silent auction with very cool local items.
The event is September 5 (6 to 9 p.m. at Sherwood Island — of course).
Westport Police made 4 custodial arrests between August 13 and 19.
A 23-year-old Greenwich man was charged with interfering with an officer, assault of a public safety worker, criminal attempt to assault a public safety officer, and breach of peace, following a disturbance at Cedar Point Yacht Club. The man — allegedly intoxicated — initially ran from officers. He then disobeyed verbal commands, and physically resisted efforts to detain him, while trying to harm the officers. He posted $75,000 bond.
A 65-year-old Westport man was charged with disorderly conduct and unlawful restrain, follwoing a domestic disturbance. He allegedly pushed and attempted to restrain the victim.
A 24-year-old Yonkers, New York woman was charged with larceny, after a report of shoplifting at Lululemon. She was found to have multiple bags designed to defeat security measures, and $1,122 worth of stolen merchandise.
A 51-year-old Waterbury man was charged with violation of probation, after officers responding to a disturbance at a Westport home found he was the subject of an active arrest warrant. He could not post $50,000 bond.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Driving while texting: 9 citations
Traveling unreasonably fast: 8
Failure to renew registration: 3
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 3
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 2
Speeding: 1
Distracted driving: 1
Failure to grant right of way: 1
Failure to drive in the proper lane: 1
Failure to obey stop sign: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without tint inspection: 1
Filling in the Blanks does important work. The Norwalk non-profit provides fresh, nutritious meals to more than 10,000 food-insecure children on weekends, in Fairfield, Westchester and Putnam Counties.
Shonda Rhimes does important work too. So it’s fitting that the famed producer, screenwriter, director and author — and Westport resident — will receive the organization’s Philanthropist of the Year award, at their 6th Annual Plates with Purpose Gala, (September 27, Serafresca at the IC, Stamford).
Rhimes has dedicated resources to addressing food insecurity, through her Fresh Food on the Move mobile pantry.
Registration is open for Wakeman Town Farm’s many great fall kids’ programs.
They include “Little Farmer Parent & Me” (ages 0-3); “Curious Sprouts” (ages 3-5, with caregiver); “Fantastic Farmhands” (ages 6-10); “Green Teen Club” (ages 11-14), and an inclusive neurodiverse farmer program (ages 3-11+).
And the Westport Woman’s Club hopes that when you do, you donate new or gently used clothes and acccessories, for their annual sale (October 24-26). All proceeds benefit local charities, and families in need.
Donations can be dropped off at the club (44 Imperial Avenue), weekdays between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., and 2 and 4 p.m
Longtime Westporter Nancy Greenspan Wilson is a local coordinator with Interexchange Au Pair USA, a non-profit agency.
Her job is to support young women and men as they live with American host families, help care for children, and share their language, customs, and culture.
She also helps them feel welcomed in our community. One way is through an annual Exchange Day. Local families, businesses and organizations open their doors to au pairs.
This year’s Exchange Day kayaking event (Sunday, August 17, 3 p.m., Sea Kayak), brings together au pairs, and anyone else who would like to participate. Pizza at Riko’s follows.
RSVP by August 14. Double and single kayaks and paddleboards available at discounted rates. Pizza is also discounted. Email nwilson@lc.interexchange.org, or call 203-286-3495. For information about hosting an au pair, click here.
Au pairs and friends at Sea Kayak.
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The Long Lots School Building Committee meets tonight at 6 p.m. (Town Hall Room 201/201A).
They’ll hear a project update, and review interior and exterior building design elements. Public comment is allowed.
Planning continues tonight for Long Lots Elementary School.
Staples High School Class of 2011 graduate Shannon Moss is a producer on the film “East of Wall.” The film is about a horse trainer wrestling with financial issues and unresolved grief, while hosting a group of wayward teenagers on her ranch.
It premiered at the Sundance Film Festival earlier this year, where it won the Audience Award. It premiered in New York at the Tribeca Festival earlier this summer.
“East of Wall” will show at the Avon Theater in Stamford from August 15-21, then nationwide.
Congratulations to the Fairfield Nationals Little League team.
Our friends to the east defeated Smithtown/St. James, New York 12-1. The huge win sends them to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
A key player — Ben Herbst — is the son of 1992 Staples High School graduate David Herbst, the nephew of Westport phys. ed. teacher Jon Herbst (SHS ’96), and grandson of longtime Westporters Mickey and Candace Herbst.
Ben Herbst (center) celebrates with his Fairfield teammates.
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We get a lot of “Westport … Naturally” photos of individual animals.
We seldom get one like this, where they’re together.
Ray Broady spotted the Hieronymus Bosch-like scene in his Cross Highway back yard, near North Avenue.
And finally … in honor of our “Westport … Naturally” photo (above), here’s a 1970s song by our own 1966 Staples grads, Rob Carlson and Jon Gailmor. Why their record label failed to make it a #1 song shows all that was wrong with the record industry.
(“06880” is the only place in the world now to hear Carlson & Gailmor — and learn all you need to know about Westport. If you enjoy our hyper-local blog, please click here to support us. Thanks!)
The new, wide Hillspoint Road sidewalk between Soundview Drive and Old Mill Beach was finished in time for the summer.
Except for one stretch, near Schlaet’s Point (the Compo jetty). Weeks later, it remains incomplete: an unlevel patch of dirt and gravel.
Several residents reached out to town officials.
The Department of Public Works is waiting for Eversource to set a push pole at the intersection of Hillspoint and Soundview, then adjust the guy wires so they are not a hazard to pedestrians.
They utility company must reset and reconfigure some wires in several places around the corner on Hillspoint.
Once that is done, the paving contractor will return.
In the meantime, a DPW crew was scheduled to add cold patch ramps today, to ease the transition on the sidewalk.
Harvest Fest is one of the best parties of the year.
Tickets are now on sale. But they go fast!
The September 13 food-and-wine event (6 p.m.) is Wakeman Town Farm’s biggest fundraiser.
There’s great seasonal fare by local farmers and chefs, wine and cocktails, live music, an auction (including private chef dinners in WTF’s Tim’s Kitchen, VIP trips, a stay at Watch Hill’s Ocean House resort and a wine wall, and a paddle raise for the new Farm on the Go program.
Speaking of farms: This Friday is the deadline for submission to the Westport Farmers’ Market’s “Young Shoots” photo contest.
So there’s one more day for photographers ages 5-18 to shoot images: this Thursday (August 8, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Imperial Avenue parking lot).
The contest — with cash prizes, in 3 age groups — is a partnership between the Westport Farmers’ Market, the Artists Collective of Westport, and the Drew Friedman Community Arts Center. Click here for details.
What’s the competition? Here are a few of the submissions so far:
Zoe Monschein — the 2024 Greens Farms Academy valedictorian — is a physics and applied math double major at the University of California – Berkeley.
But those are not her only talents.
The other day, at the 17th annual Women’s Major Softball Championship hosted by the fabled Stratford Brakettes, Zoe — a rightfielder for the Junior Brakettes — won the batting title, with a remarkable .636 average. She was also named to the All-Tournament team.
Though Zoe does not play softball for the Cal Bears, the tournament featured a number of NCAA Division I players.
Congratulations, Zoe! (Hat tip: Fred Cantor)
Zoe Monschein
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Last weekend might have been the nicest of the summer in Westport.
Just about everyone headed to beaches, pools, or out on the Sound.
So did many non-humans — including today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured gull, enjoying a dip at Bluff Point.
And finally … on this date in 1962, Marilyn Monroe is found dead at her Los Angeles home, from a drug overdose. She was 36.
(From handicap access and sidewalks to Harvest Fest and the Farmers’ Market, “06880” is here for you: 24/7/365. If you enjoy our coverage, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Amy Schneider warns: “Don’t sit on the Westport Library patio!
“There is a swarm of spotted lanternflies there. Some flew on us.”
Not enough to make you consider taking your café coffee elsewhere?
Check out her photo:
(Photo/Amy Schneider)
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Speaking of creatures: Chris Swan enjoyed Jay Dirnberger’s photo of the Sherwood Island lifeguard chair — painted with a turtle — in yesterday’s Roundup.
Chris loves Westport’s first state park. He’s there nearly every day.
And, he notes, all 3 lifeguard stations are painted.
The eastern side (#1) shows a snail:
The western one (#3) is a starfish.
“I believe these were made a few years ago by kids at the Friends of Sherwood Island’s Nature Center,” Chris says.
“There are terrariums there, with jellyfish, terrapin turtles and starfish on display.”
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Now you see it.
Now you don’t.
In a scene repeated nearly every week in Westport, a demolition crew turned an entire house — bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, garage, roof — into rubble yesterday.
It does not take long.
John Richers watched yesterday on Pond Edge Road, as this home met its end.
Here it was at 7 a.m.:
Then, a couple of hours later:
By 3 p.m., it was all gone:
(Photos/John Richers)
All that was left was loading the remains into the back of a trailer-length dump truck.
And memories.
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John McCarthy sent this photo from the Baldwin parking lot downtown to “06880” …
(Photo/John McCarthy)
… and writes: “These wires have been there, unconnected to any device, since the reconstruction several years ago.
“Looks to me like they could have been intended to connect to surveillance cameras. Maybe. Why wasn’t the job finished?”
I asked town operations director Thomas Kiely. He says: “Correct. The poles were wired to include security cameras in the future.
“I do not have a time frame for installation. That would be coordinated through the Police Department and Department of Public Works.”
Wakeman Town Fam’s final “Pizza on the Patio” event of the summer is set for August 27 (6:30 or 7 p.m.). Anthony K of Tony Pizza Napolitano will do the honors.
Each order includes 2 personal pizzas (select at checkout) and 1 bottle of wine (dtto). plus taxes and service fees. A limited number of single tickets, and additional bottles of wine or pizzas, is also available. Click here to order, and for more details.
Your parties and picnics; you and your friends hanging out; your kids running around — however you celebrate, we hope you’ll share with our online community.
We’re less interested in shots of the actual fireworks — sorry, but they all tend to look the same — than in people. Faces, smiles, flags —email them to 06880blog@gmail.com, by 10 p.m. tonight (the end of the fireworks show).
Enjoy the show! Then share it with all the rest of us. Thank you!
A great shot from last year. (Photo/Jennifer Kobetitsch)
Last night, the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) unanimously approved a proposal by Chris Tait and Andrew Colabella to name the pickleball courts there in honor of Tom Lowrie.
It’s a fitting tribute to the man who has done more to promote the sport in Westport than anyone.
And who turns 97 tomorrow. Happy birthday, and congratulations, Tom!
Tom Lowrie (Photo/Pam Einarsen)
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The Planning & Zoning Commission begins its 65-day deliberation period of The Hamlet at Saugatuck this Monday (July 7, 6 p.m., Zoom).
It’s a work session. The public can observe, but not participate.
Hamlet’s 65-day period begins.
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Alicia Murphy is making the most of her summer internship with Wakeman Town Farm.
A rising senior at the University of Mary Washington, she is majoring in environmental science. Her concentration is in sustainability and soil science.
Growing up in a small town in rural Indiana, Alicia received an extensive agricultural education throughout high school. But she realized how destructive and unsustainable traditional farming practices really are.
At WTF she developed an interest in the newest garden. Recently reclaimed as a part of the farm, the land has suffered a significant degree of soil compaction and topsoil degradation, making it difficult for plants to thrive.
Alicia’s goal is to create a plan for sustainable, long-lasting remediation.
On July 16 (2 p.m., Tim’s Kitchen), she’ll describe her summer work, soil restoration, small-scale sustainable practices, and solutions for compacted and depleted farmland. The public is invited.
Mike Borchetta — a 1961 Staples High School graduate who, in a long music industry career, worked with Glen Campbell, the Beach Boys and Four Seasons, Dusty Springfield and Wayne Newton — died recently. He was 84.
According to Nashville Post, his resume in Los Angeles and Nashville included stints as president of Lofton Creek Records, Broken Bow, Capitol, RCA, Mercury, Philips Records and Rebel Engine.
As vice president of promotion at Curb Records from the late 1980s to the mid-1990s, Borchetta played a key role in signing of Tim McGraw.
Much earlier, as a Staples student, he brought Bo Diddley, Harvey & the Moonglows and Dave “Baby” Cortez to town.
Borchetta and his wife Martha also bred and trained thoroughbred horses. He is survived too by his children Scott, Adelle, Chris and Angela, all of whom are in the music industry. Scott started his own label — and discovered a 16-year-old Taylor Swift.
Details for a service have not yet been announced.
Mike Borchetta
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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” scene comes from hen-pecked Greens Farms:
And finally … in honor of Mike Borchetta (obituary above):
(Today is hump day. And fireworks day. And — as always — a day to support “06880,” your hyper-local, 24/7/365 blog. Please click here — and thank you!)
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