It’s almost here: StoryFest, the Westport Library’s genre-spanning literary festival (and the largest one in the state). Plus: It’s free!
StoryFest celebrates all forms of stories, and storytellers from across all media.
Among the highlights:
- StoryFest Kick-Off: Isaac Fitzgerald in Conversation with Saeed Jones (Friday, September 9, 6 p.m. — click here to register)
- Tessa Smith McGovern and Patricia Dunn launch their new podcast, “Go Ahead, Write Something” with bestselling author Naomi Novik (Saturday, September 10, 4:30 p.m. — click here to register)
- Raise a glass to StoryFest weekend with specialty cocktails. Mallory O’Meara (James Beard Book Award-winning author) and Brea Grant (filmmaker/actress) bring their podcast “Reading Glasses” to the Library stage, with guest stars: Paul Tremblay, Stephen Graham Jones, Alexis Henderson and Clay McLeod Chapman (Saturday, September 10, 6 p.m. — click here to register).
Several authors authors are releasing new books early, for StoryFest. They include:
- Alive at the End of the World (Saeed Jones)
- Ghost Eaters (Clay McLeod Chapman)
- The Witch and the Tsar (Olesya Salnikova Gilmore),
For the full StoryFest schedule, and more details, click here.
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It’s been nearly 30 months since the pandemic struck.
Westport — a town of commuters — changed immediately. Anyone who could work from home, did.
Metro-North slashed service. The railroad parking lots stayed empty. People who had waited for years for parking permits suddenly had them.
Offices re-opened slowly, often only 2 or 3 days a week. But many men and women — unwilling to sit next to others on trains where conductors did not enforce mask mandates — traded trains for cars.
Yesterday though, “06880” reader Ellen Bowen noticed something: The Westport train station’s eastbound lot was once again full. From Donut Crazy to the lower spots by Saugatuck Avenue, every spot was taken.
A sign that things are pretty much back to normal? A cause for celebration? Concern that the great experiment in working from home is ending?
Click “Comments,” to offer your take.

No spots — not even by Saugatuck Avenue. (Photo/Ellen Bowen)
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Aquarion has requested a revenue increase of $49.9 million — a 25% increase. If approved by the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority, it would add about $4.25 per month to the bill of a typical residential water customer using 72,000 gallons of water annually.
Public hearings will be held today (Thursday, September 8, 5:30 p.m., Town Hall), and Thursday, October 6 (via Zoom; click here) and Tuesday, October 25 (via Zoom; click here).
For more information, click here. (Hat tip: Mark Lemcke)
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The Porch @ Christie’s is going to the dogs.
This Sunday (September 11, 10 a.m. to noon), the popular Cross Highway spot will be overrun by puppies.
Westport animal Shelter Advocates will bring a litter of 11, and other furry friends, including older dogs — all available for adoption.
There is no on-site adoption. But for those who follow up through WASA, Earth Animal is donating pup packs. (They’ve already provided nutritious puppy food.)
WASA will also hold a silent auction at the Porch, to raise funds to assist and advocate for neglected and homeless dogs. Featured items include a certified signed Aaron Judge baseball, and four VIP Yankee Stadium Legends seats for the September 24 Yankees-Red Sox game.
For more information, call 203-557-0361. or email wasa1@optonline.net.
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It’s a paradox: There are so many utility wires, we often don’t really notice them.
But Michael Brennecke does.
The native Westporter thinks there are too many. He cites this “particularly egregious example of wire pollution,” where Hillspoint Road and Prospect Road meet:

(Photo/Michael Brennecke)
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As the weather cools, the Joggers Club heats up.
The all-runners-welcome group once again sponsors Saturday morning events, starting at the Greens Farms train station at 8 a.m. The $50 yearly fee includes all paces, 2 new routes each week, free Brooks Endurance running shirts for all new members, unlimited post-run coffee, along with track nights and the Joggers Club Jr., for youngsters in grades kindergarten through 8th.
For more information, click here, or go to Instagram (@TheJoggersClub.CT),
Facebook or Strava for weekly courses and local running chatter.
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Speaking of sports:
First Selectwoman Jen Tooker honored Westport’s 11U Little League district all-star state champion team yesterday. Each player received a commendation for their “hard work and perseverance.”

Rear (from left):1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, Nolan Walters, Wyatt Johnson, Justin Goldshore, Henry Ellis, Toby Slavin Jack McGrath, coach Jon Ellis, Dylan Burdeshaw, coach Marc Theisinger, manager Justin Walters Front: Torrey Rossetter, Chase Landgraf, Luke Moneyhon, Grant Theisinger, Miles Delorier, Christopher Lambert.
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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo is a bit different than most.
Maggie Boroujerdi writes: “Tuesday’s much-needed rain revived our dry stream along Morningside Drive North and Keenes Road.
“We’re relatively new to the neighborhood. At the bus stop the other morning, neighbors said this is the first year they’ve seen the little stream dry up completely, for weeks. I took this photo:

(Photo/Maggie Boroujerdi)
“I’m grateful to have the water running again.”
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And finally … in honor of Sunday’s dog adoption event at The Porch @ Christie’s:
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(How much is that doggie in the window? No clue. But you can click here to support “06880.” Any amount is appreciated!)