Yesterday, “06880” posted a harrowing tale of what can go wrong when someone’s identity is stolen. (Spoiler alert: It was mine.)
Of course, that’s not the only online concern. Fraud prevention is another.
Jeff Schwartz is a longtime Westport resident. He has an engineering degree, and spent his career in software.
Four years ago, a friend lost his life savings. Now, Jeff sounds the alarm about fraud prevention.
He started by warning the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston. Now he’s reaching out further.
He’s developed an easy-to-use app. CYA (Cover Your Assets) looks at the content of a email. It can check a link or a phone number, and help a user determine whether a message is safe or not. It also restarts your phone, to kick out any bad guys.
He’s testing it now, with the Y’s Men and others.
Jeff is not looking to make money. He just wants to do something for so many people, who are so vulnerable to scams.
To learn more — and become a beta tester — click here.
Screenshot from CYA — Cover Your Assets.
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It’s not every water bottle refill station that has a dedication ceremony.
But it’s not every town that had an environmental advocate like Sherry Jagerson.
This Sunday (1 p.m.), Winslow Park’s new station will be dedicated in the memory of the longtime Westport resident and community leader, who died in 2024.
Sherry helped create the Sherwood Mill Pond Preserve, and led one of the nation’s early efforts to ban single-use plastic bags. Click here to read about her remarkable life.
The station is part of UnPlastic Westport. The Sustainable Westport initiative reduces single-use plastic by installing water refill stations in parks and public spaces.
Earth Animal joins the event, bringing earth-themed treats and gifts for dogs. Sustainable Westport and the Westport Parks & Recreation Department will also provide reusable water bottles to attendees.
Westporters — human and canine — are invited to Sunday’s celebration.
Sherry Jagerson, at the Sherwood Mill Pond Preserve.
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Allium — the small restaurant with the devoted following that closed in May, after 4 1/2 years on Railroad Place — will reopen soon, in a new location.
The new site is Bedford Square. The previous tenant was Gogi Korean Steakhouse. Click here for the full story, from CT Insider.
Allium owner Michelle Greenfield.
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“06880” has reported recently on the local (and national) mahjong craze.
Today, we introduce a small Westport company that could grow big.
Verdant Mahjong is a woman-led business creates and sells a mahjong tile design highlighting New England ecology.
“We loved that mahjong created community, but we also wanted to connect the community to their local environment,” says Merritt Juliano.
The flower tiles feature native plants, which build resilience against flooding and other climate issues. Verdant’s first line, Winter Solstice, highlights native plants that thrive in winter here.
They’re open for presales, with delivery expected in early 2027. For details, click here. Their Instagram is @VerdantMahjong.
Verdant Mahjong’s tiles.
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As Breast Cancer Awareness Month continues, here is one more way to make a mark.
Westporters Amanda Meltzer and Kaylee Rutchik have organized an event with Fred and Monarch market. This Thursday (October 15, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.), both will donate 15% of sales to Pink Aid.
The national organization — founded in Westport — offers compassionate support, critical resources and emergency financial assistance to underserved breast cancer patients and their families.
Amanda and Kaylee were both diagnosed in their 30s. They became fast friends, and after receiving support from many friends and strangers, now pay it forward.
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Westport Farmers’ Market recently concluded the first summer of its weekly partnership with the Norwalk Art Space and Art Space Café.
The program continues this fall.
“Fueling Creativity” began with a simple but powerful belief: Every young person deserves access to nourishing food, meaningful education, and a space where their creativity is celebrated.
Each week, the Farmers’ Market purchases and provides fresh, locally sourced ingredients directly from its farmers. Then chef Caitlin McGowan and Café baker and manager Kelly Clement transform them into healthy, delicious meals.
Students gather in an environment built around learning, expression and wellness. They share a meal prepared with real, whole ingredients, while onsite tutors provide academic support and art classes bring their creativity to life.
To learn more about Fueling Creativity or support the Westport Farmers Market’s mission, click here.
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Yesterday’s Roundup noted that the Sunrise Rotary Club’s 35th annual “Westport Uncorked” returns to the newly renovated Inn at Longshore November 5 (6 to 9 p.m.).
The evening — with special wine, great food, and very interesting guests — features 100 sustainable and organic wines, curated by Cory D’Addario of The Fine Wine Company.
We noted that it’s a “fundraiser.” But the proceeds do not stay with the Rotarians.
Funds from the wine tasting — along with Sunrise’s Great Duck Race — are donated to charities and local organizations. Last year, Westport Sunrise Rotary donated $150,000 to charities. The goal this year: even more.
For tickets and more information, click here.
Following the footsteps of historic saxophone duos like Johnny Griffin and Eddie “Lockjaw” Davis, Al Cohn and Zoot Sims, and Dexter Gordon and Wardell Gray, a pair of powerhouse horn players — Andy Farber and Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall will push each other to creative heights at this Thursday’s Jazz at the Post (VFW Post 399; shows at 7 and 8:15 p.m.; dinner begins at 6:15).
Also sitting in: pianist Bob Albanese, bassist Jennifer Vincent and drummer Tony Jefferson. Click here for tickets, and more information.
Greg Wall and Andy Farber.
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Most Westporters have probably never heard of Richard Drive.
I hadn’t — and I’ve lived here my entire life.
But the little road, tucked between Jennie Lane and Mayflower Parkway off Compo Road South, is the site of pond, ringed by trees.
Which means that at this time of year, it’s spectacularly beautiful.
Amy Schneider calls this her “favorite photo spot in the fall.” As proof, she sends along today’ “Westport … Naturally” featured image.
(Photo/Amy Schneider)
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And finally … on this day in 1903, the Boston Red Sox won the first modern World Series. They won the best of 9 event, defeating the Pittsburgh Pirates 5 games to 3.
(You know what else is sweet? Clicking here to support “06880,” your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)
