Longtime Westporter and former town operations director Dewey Loselle nominates this week’s Unsung Heroes. It’s especially timely, during this holiday shopping season. He writes:
Three women have run the Westport Woman’s Club Curio Cottage thrift shop tirelessly for years: Susan Murphy, Carol Brezovec and Susan Loselle.
They are publicity-shy — they only care about the shop and its wares. But they (and it) deserve a wide audience.
The Curio Cottage trio (from left): Susan Murphy, Carol Brezovec and Susan Loselle, with Susan Loselle’s grandson Owen.
The Curio Cottage has been around for 25 years, next to the Woman’s Club at 44 Imperial Avenue. It’s a major fundraising source for the Woman’s Club (after the Yankee Doodle Fair, held on its grounds).
All funds raised by the Cottage support the Westport Woman’s Club‘s many philanthropic endeavors.
(Each year, the non-profit WWC gives grants to various organizations in the area. It also runs a food pantry, and provides the Department of Human Services with grocery store gift cards for people in need. It also provides annual college scholarships to Westport students in financial need.)
The Curio Cottage looks small. But wait till you see what’s inside.
The Curio Cottage is the oldest and best-kept “secret store” in Westport. It is not a typical thrift shop (don’t think Salvation Army/Goodwill-type store, or a profit-making consignment shop).
All goods are donated, from some of Westport’s finest homes. The 2 Susans and Carol are very discerning in what they accept for sale.
Everything must be high quality, and in good condition and interesting. There is no room for junk.
Curio Cottage shoppers never know what they will find, among the jewelry, antiques, art, crystal, collectibles and one-of-a-kind items.
Items galore, at the Curio Cottage store.
Inventory constantly changes. The Curio Cottage wants to move merchandise quickly, so all items are at bargain prices.
Dealers, resellers, collectors and those in the know come every week. Some are lined up when it opens, buying for their businesses, collections and homes.
This is a busy time for the Curio Cottage. It’s packed with decorations, tree ornaments and Hanukkah items. And everything Christmas-oriented is half price.
NOTE: The shop is only open on Thursdays and Fridays, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Click here for more information. It’s worth a visit!
Yes! Stop in to shop — and to congratulate Susan Murphy, Carol Brezovec and Susan Loselle: our Unsung Heroes of the week.
(“06880” is proud to honor Unsung Heroes — and tell many other tales of town too. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog.)
Sustainable Westport takes their mission seriously.
And means much more than just composting, recycling and electric vehicles.
Next month, the non-profit teams up with the Senior Center and Westport woman’s Club to collect lightly used durable medical equipment, to support Wheel It Forward. Click here for a full list of items (there are many!).
Crutches, canes, wheelchairs and similar items can be dropped off at the Woman’s Club (44 Imperial Avenue), on Saturday, November 15 (8 to 10 a.m. and 2 to 4 p.m.) and Sunday, November 16 (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.).
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In 2022 Westport Writers’ Workshop lost longtime instructor Jessica Speart to breast cancer.
To honor her life, and so many others affected by the disease, they’re hosting a fundraiser this Thursday (October 16, 6:30 p.m.).
This is not your usual gala. It’s not even a party.
For $50, participants can join instructor and breast cancer survivor Christine Pakkala in writing to prompts.
In a Heartbeat — the life-saving organization that offers free screenings for children, teens and young adults, to prevent death from sudden cardiac arrest — celebrates 10 years of saving lives this Thursday (October 16).
From 6 to 9 p.m. (Aitoro Appliances, 401 Westport Avenue, Norwalk), guests will enjoy great food from restaurants like Kawa Ni and Gruel Britannia, raffles and a live auction.
Nearly 80,000 people are living with Alzheimer’s in Connecticut.
Many more family members and friends are affected by the disease, as caregivers.
On October 26 (10 a.m.), the annual Fairfield County Walk to End Alzheimer’s steps off at a new location: Sherwood Island State Park. Dave Briggs is the MC.
Angela Buchdahl is one of the most influential rabbis in America — and a longtime colleague and mentor of Temple Israel’s Rabbi Michael Friedman and Cantor Julia Cadrain.
On October 28 (7 p.m.) she’ll be at Temple Israel, discussing her new book. “Heart of a Stranger” is a stirring account of her journey from feeling like an outsider to becoming an internationally admired religious leader. Click here to register, and for more information.
Posted onOctober 11, 2025|Comments Off on Roundup: Sunday Walk Postponed; $10,000 Grant; Pink Aid …
With uncertain weather forecast for tomorrow (Sunday), Bike Westport is postponing its Bridge-to-Bridge Walk. The new date is Sunday, October 19.
Organizers say, “While we don’t think weather should ever keep us from being outside, we want this to be a fun, safe, and memorable walk for everyone — families, neighbors and candidates alike.”
The event feature candidates for First Selectman, RTM and other local offices walking from Jesup Green along Riverside Avenue to Kneads, one of the town’s busiest and most important walking and biking routes.
The 45-minute walk highlights Westport’s opportunities to improve walkability, bikeability, and safety along this key connection between downtown and Saugatuck.
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Does your non-profit want $10,000?
The Westport Woman’s Club seeks applications from local organizations for their annual Ruegg Grants. Over $200,000 have been awarded since 1995.
Proposed initiatives should be projects that benefit the Westport community, focusing on areas like social services, health, safety, arts, or education.
The non-profit providing emergency financial aid to breast cancer patients is celebrating 15 years of monetary and emotional support. Thousands of patients have not had to choose between treatment, or food and rent.
Founded in 2011 by area residents, Amy Katz, Andrew Mitchell-Namdar, Renee Mandis and Amy Gross, its needs remain great. Breast cancer is the most expensive cancer to treat — and the burden extends far beyond medical bills.
In just a decade and a half, Pink Aid has distributed over $13.7 million to more than 60,000 people, throughout the nation.
The non-profit’s “Evening of Glitterati” Gala on October 16 at Mitchells of Westport is — as always — sold out.
The very popular Staples High School resource officer has been named Westport Police Department’s Officer of the Year!
Wooldridge joined the WPD in 2017, following a 23-year career with the Connecticut State Police.
He was named the town’s first-ever school resource officer the next year.
The WPD says: “Through his hard work and solid relationships within the school community, what began as a trial position has grown into an integral part of the Westport Police Department.
“Today the Department’s School Security Unit includes officers in nearly every school in town, providing not only security, but mentorship, trust and accessibility to students and families. The success of this program can be traced directly to Corporal Wooldridge’s leadership. and the example he set as the first to wear that role.”
It’s a time of pumpkins. Apple cider. Crisp air. Beautiful leaves. Falling leaves.
And removing leaves.
It’s a longtime suburban ritual. Minus the when-I was-a-kid option of burning them. (If you don’t know that smell, you haven’t really experienced autumn.)
But is raking/blowing/bagging/hauling those leaves away the best solution?
Alert “06880” reader Jon Rosenoer sent an intriguing New York Times story.
Headlined “Why Leaving the Leaves is Better for Your Yard,” it begins:
Coming soon to a backyard near you: leaf drop. What’s your aftercare plan?
This fall, gardeners can turn to new research to inform their decisions on how to manage the cleanup — whether or not to “leave the leaves,” as the ecologically focused rallying cry has been in recent years.
That campaign has spread awareness that fallen leaves provide overwintering habitat for many ecologically critical organisms. But that’s not all they do. Now, we can look at theconsequences of leaf removal by the numbers, data that makes a more nuanced case for a gentler approach that supports plants and soil, and also offers insights into the most effective how-to practices to employ.
The effects of leaf removal were the subject of a two-year study published in March by Max Ferlauto, state entomologist for the Maryland Natural Heritage Program, and Karin T. Burghardt, an ecologist and associate professor at the University of Maryland.
Speaking of fall: Upcoming this month at Earthplace …
“Kids’ Night Out: Spooky Creatures” (October 17, 6 to 9 p.m.; ages 4-13; members $50, non-members $60): Costumes encouraged!
“Murder Mystery Campfire” (October 18, 7 to 9 p.m.; ages 21+; members $45, non-members $50): Spooky tales and thrills under a starry night: a live-action “whodunnit” around the fire. Solve a murder before it happens again. Light refreshments.
“Owl-ween Campfire” (October 24, 6:30 to 8 p.m.; $25 members, $35 non-members): Meet an owl up close; hear a spooky tale at the campfire; roast marshmallows and make s’mores.
“Pumpkin Carving and Painting” (October 26, noon to 2 p.m.; $30 for 1 pumpkin, and 1 table for up to 5): Earthplace provides all the supplies (and takes care of clean-up). Leftover pumpkins are composted, or fed to the animals.
No, you’re not hearing things. And your car is fine.
Last night, the Public Works Highway Department was scheduled to install “safety rumble strips” on 3 road.
Rumble strips are the slightly raised portions of a road designed to alert inattentive or drowsy drivers that they’re about to do something seriously wrong. (You’ll notice them on Wilton Road, near the Westport Weston Family YMCA).
The 3 streets are Roseville Road (Colony Road to Post Road East), Kings Highway North (Edge Hill Road to Wilton Road), and Old Hill Road (Jennifer Lane to Partrick Road).
Congratulations to Westport’s Department of Human Services!
The Southwestern Connecticut Agency on Aging has named them a “Community Focal Point.” The honor specifically recognizes Westport’s Center for Senior Activities — a Human Services program — as “a trusted hub where residents of all ages and abilities can find support, resources, and connection.”
The award highlights the dedication of Westport’s Human Services and Senior Center staff, who every day treat seniors and people with disabilities with kindness, respect and empathy. From daily programming to 1-on-1 support, the staff consistently go above and beyond to ensure every resident feels valued.
And finally … John Lodge, who the New York Times says “brought supple bass lines, soaring falsetto harmonies and deft songwriting to the British rock group the Moody Blues as it moved from its R&B roots toward a lush, symphonic sound as pioneers of progressive rock,” died recently. He was 82.
(Another day, another Roundup filled with shout-outs, upcoming events, news about rumble strips, and tons more stuff you never knew you needed to know. Please click here to support us. Thanks!)
Comments Off on Roundup: Sunday Walk Postponed; $10,000 Grant; Pink Aid …
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!)
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!)
For nearly a century, the Yankee Doodle Fair has marked the beginning of summer.
Every June as the school year ends, the Westport Woman’s Club fundraiser has thrilled and entertained generations of kids.
Young ones go for the rides, the food, the chance to win (possibly rigged) games.
Teenagers go to strut, to flirt, to see and be seen.
Older folks enjoy the Yankee Doodle Fair too, for its raffles, bake sales, and chance to relive their childhoods with their children (until middle school, when they scoot off with friends).
“06880”‘s rock star photographer, Staples High junior Ryan Allen, was at the Imperial Avenue fairground, capturing the colorful sights.
He nailed it, as these great photos show.
To enjoy the sounds and smells though, you have to go yourself. It’s on today (Saturday) from 1 to 10 p.m., and tomorrow (Sunday) from 1 to 5 p.m.
The Staples High School senior received the school’s highest honor — the Staples Key — at Wednesday’s awards ceremony.
Alexis — a Learning Center and middle school tutor; LinkCrew member for freshmen; member of the National, Science, Math and Chinese Honor Socieites; organizer of the Staples Tuition Grants Fun Run; ski team captain and soccer player — also took first place in the state STEM fair for her cancer research.
Alexis will study chemistry and math at Northwestern University.
The other 2 finalists for the Staples Key were Abe Lobsenz and Sam Rossoni.
Over 90 awards were given out. Among the other big ones:
Lily Rimm won the James Bacharach Award Service to the Community Award. It’s been presented for over 35 years by the Westport Youth Commission, in honoro of the founder and president of the Youth Adult Council, and a founder of what is now Homes with Hope.
Principal’s Awards for Outstanding Service went to William Boberski, Nina Bowens, Luca Caniato, Mia Ferrigno, Derek Hafiz, Christina Kavanah, Kensley Laguerre, Annam Olasawere, Molly Oliver, Andrew Rebello, Madeleine Saounatsos, Zelie Saounatsos, Danielle Schwartz and Jackson Tracey.
Staples Awards for Character were given to Kody Goldman and Kylie Kirkham (Class of 2025), Taylor Serotta and Eva Slossberg (Class of ’26), Nicolas Reyna and Vanii Punia (Class of ’27), and Kai Massicott and Azita Vazhayil (Class of ’28).
Alexis Krenzer
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More awards!
On Thursday, the Westport Police Benevolent Association Scholarship Foundation handed grants of $2,500 each to 17 students.
The Scholarship Foundation was founded and principally funded by Dr. Joan Poster and her late husband, Dennis Poster.
From left: Joseph Sabin, Reese Aliberti, Jaden Aliberti, Meghan Velky, Sgt. Sharon Russo, Sara Sabin, Samantha Sabin, Gabrielle Hayes, Lily Rimm. Not pictured: Zachary Benson, Grace Biagiotti, Olivia Biagiotti, Jacqueline Kelley, April Nowinski, Edward Nowinski, Brandon Smith, Connor Woods, Ava Wooldridge. (Photo: Harry Rimm)
The dream of Staples Players actors is to be on Broadway.
Jamie Mann is.
Just a few days after graduating from the University of Michigan, the 2021 Staples High School alum has a featured role — and some very funny moments — in the new hit “Stranger Things.”
The other day, 26 current Players (and aspiring Great White Way stars) headed to New York. Jamie, they and directors David Roth and Kerry Long had dinner before the show.
After the curtain, Jamie posed for photos and autographs.
Jamie Mann (front row, 2nd from left) with Staples Players. (Photo/Kerry Long)
The dedades-old tradition returns next weekend. Dates are Thursday and Friday, June 12 and 13 (6 to 10 p.m.); Saturday, June 14 (1 to 10 p.m.), and Sunday, June 15 (1 to 5 p.m.). The site is (of course) the Westport Woman’s Club (44 Imperial Avenue)
As always, there are carnival rides, games, food trucks and baked goods, raffles — you name it. Sand art is back too.
The “Take a Chance” tent makes a comeback, with prizes donated by local merchants and restaurants. Winners do not have to be present at the drawings.
A pay-one-price, unlimited ride wristband option is available.
Proceeds help benefit a variety of local charities, provide scholarships to Staples students, and support the Woman’s Club’s 50-year-old food closet.
This year, the organization awarded $124,200 in grants and scholarships.
Yankee Doodle comes to town!
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“Egrets” — the new 7 1/2-foot stainless steel sculpture by Redding artist Babette Bloch — will be dedicated tomorrow (May 31, 4 p.m., Canal Park, Canal Street at Kings Highway North).
It’s the latest in a series of local outdoor art, courtesy of the Westport Arts Advisory Committee and our Parks & Recreation Department.
Westport poet laureate Donna Disch will speak, and refreshments will be served.
A Parks & Rec employee lays grass, so “Egrets” is in its element.
Former Westporter Rev. Dr. Peter Haile died May 16. He was 100.
He moved into The Saugatuck on Bridge Street when he was 80 to be closer to his daughter, Rebecca Swanson. He created, wrote and published a very popular newsletter for residents, “The Saugatalk.”
He was born at a school run by the London Missionary Society for the education of Black South Africans, where his father was principal for 40 years. The school, which refused to compromise its mission, was closed by the apartheid government in 1962. It reopened in 1995.
At 10, Peter was sent to live with an aunt in London, until the Blitz forced him, and many other children, to evacuate. At his new school he excelled in academics and competed in rugby, field hockey and cross country.
He spent 3 years in the Royal Navy. Discharged in South Africa, he was reunited with his parents for the first time in 12 years.
Peter earned his teaching certificate at Oxford, where he ran cross country with Roger Bannister. On a mission year in the US he met and married Jane Hollingsworth. They moved to Boston, where Peter ministered to college students.
In 1961 he began a 29-year stint at the Stony Brook School on Long Island, as an English teacher, chaplain and assistant headmaster. After retiring, he spent 10 years as assistant pastor at the Three Village Church in Setauket, New York.
Peter was was predeceased by his wife. He is survived by his son John (Susan), daughter Rebecca Swanson (David); grandchildren CMDR David Haile (Michelle), Andrew Haile (René), Sarah Haile, Dr. David Swanson III (Katharine), and Peter Swanson (Marissa);,and great-grandchildren Nora, James, Christopher, Brandon, Alethea and Naomi.
And finally … Rick Derringer, who hit Number 1 as a 17-year-old guitarist with “Hang On Sloopy,” had a smash several years later as a solo artist with “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo,” then became a producer with artists ranging from Peter Frampton, Barbra Streisand and Kiss to Bette Midler, Cyndi Lauper and Weird Al Yankovic — died Monday in Florida. He was 77.
(Sloopy lives in a very bad part of town. But you’re in Westport — or you’ve got some connection to it. If you enjoy this “06880” community, please click here to support our work. Thanks!)
The British came, 248 years ago. We sent ’em packing.
They came again — this time with guitars — 187 years later. We loved ’em.
Now it looks like the British are coming again. This sign now flies at the former Porch deli, on Cross Highway:
(Photo/Diane Johnson)
It certainly seems as if Gruel Brittania — the Fairfield restaurant beloved for its shepherd’s pie, fish and chips, bangers and mash, Yorkshire pudding, mushy peas, scones and more, founded by Westporter Karen Hubrich — is moving in.
And it sounds as if the target for opening is next month.
Jolly good!
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Several dozen protesters gathered on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge yesterday.
As they have every Saturday for weeks, they carried signs decrying a variety of actions by President Trump and his administration.
As with past demonstrations, there were honks and thumb’s-up signs from passing drivers.
Organizer Bean Corcoran says protests will continue every Saturday, from 11 a.m. to noon.
Among the protest targets: funding cuts to PBS. (Photo/Rowene Weems)
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Mothers Day is around the corner. (Next Sunday — get on it!)
Which means Fathers Day is not far. And that means the Yankee Doodle Fair.
The dedades-old tradition returns that weekend. Dates are Thursday and Friday, June 12 and 13 (6 to 10 p.m.); Saturday, June 14 (1 to 10 p.m.), and Sunday, June 15 (1 to 5 p.m.).
As always, there are carnival rides, games, food — you name it. Sand art is back too.
And as always, it’s a major fundraiser for the Westport Woman’s Club, where the whole shebang takes place.
Speaking of the Westport Woman’s Club: There’s a Red Cross blood drive there (44 Imperial Avenue) on May 12 (8 a.m. to 1 p.m.). They provide baked goods, too.
Click here or call 800-733-2767 for an appointment.
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Westport has Winslow Park.
Tomorrow — after 9 years of effort — Weston will have its own dog park.
Weston Dog Park opens at 22 Lords Highway East, on part of the Moore property — land purchased by the town more than 2 decades ago for $2.3 million, specifically for municipal use.
Construction, design and the first years of maintenance are funded through grants like ARPA, gifts from private individuals, and a contribution in memory of late 2nd Selectman Brian Gordon.
It will be open 9 a.m. to sunset. Click here for more information.
Plenty of Staples High School’s athletic teams do great community service work.
Few do it better than the boys lacrosse program.
Every year, they try to raise $50,000 for Sticks for Soldiers. Every year, 100% of their funds help combat-wounded veterans and their families.
This year, they’re selling custom Sticks for Soldiers shirts and hats. Orders are being taken online (click here) through May 7. (Under “team,” select “Staples HS Sticks for Soldiers 2025”; the password is Sticks2025).
The annual Sticks for Soldiers game is May 19. Hats and shirts can be picked up there.
Mary Scott Himes is this month’s gueste exhibitor, at the Westport Book Shop.
Her prints explore questions of identity and the female body.
She says, “I started making things again during my treatments for breast cancer in 2021. Cancer has taken many things from me, but my art practice is what I took from it.
“In the public realm, married to Representative Jim Himes, I play a role. I am a person whom people think they know. This leads to questions about how we create identity: how the different layers of history and mass culture and personal experience bond together to make us who we are.
“My nascent art practice focuses mostly on printmaking because I love the spatial thinking, the variety of techniques, and the collaborative creative process it offers.”
Himes co-founded and was executive director of The Unload Foundation. The Connecticut arts initiative developed educational and cultural events to raise awareness around issues relating to gun rights and gun violence.
The opening of the new Finalmente Restaurant on Post Road East — across from Design Within Reach and next to Jeera Thai — “has exceeded our expectations,” says owner Giuseppe Cinque.
He asked “06880” to pass along this message: “We are deeply grateful for the warm congratulations and heartfelt welcome we’ve received from the Westport community. It’s been truly moving, and more meaningful than we could have imagined.”
And finally … in honor of the (probable) new operator of The Porch (story above):
(From the UK to the Ruth Steinkraus Bridge — and everywhere in between — “06880” brings you Westport-oriented news you can use. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Yesterday’s Roundup item on upcoming town meetings about the Hamlet at Saugatuck project confused some readers. Here’s some clarity:
This Monday’s Planning & Zoning Commission meeting (April 28, 6 p.m., Town Hall auditorium) begins with a discussion on developer ROAN Ventures’ amended presentation. Public comment will follow.
Also ahead: the Conservation Commission on Wednesday (April 30, 7 p.m., Town Hall auditorium) and Flood & Erosion Control Board (May 6, 7 p.m., Zoom).
To view documents, drawings and other material related to The Hamlet, click here, then scroll down.
Artist’s rendering of the Hamlet project, looking toward the Saugatuck River.
The #SpeakYourMind ice bucket challenge reached new heights on Thursday.
After I got soaked — thanks, Dave Briggs, for nominating me to help raise funds and awareness for youth mental health issues! — I dared Jen Tooker and Andrea Moore to do the same.
The 1st and 2nd Selectwomen quickly responded. Like me, they had a blast getting wet — and passing along the challenge.
They named the staff at Positive Directions. It’s an inspired choice. The Westport organization provides counseling and support to people and families struggling with mental health and substance abuse disorders.
So how did our town leaders do? Click here, or click on the link below.
Speaking of the weather: It postponed today’s scheduled Westport Clean-up Day until next Saturday (May 3).
Sustainable Westport is one group taking part. They’ll meet at the Longshore pavilion, and clean up the waterfront from 2 to 4 p.m. Trash bags will be provided. Click here to sign up.
Of course, residents are free to pick up trash and other debris today, too.
It’s time for another “Westport … Naturally” tulip shot.
Sure, we’ve shown them before. But they don’t last forever. And a photo like Mark Yurkiw’s — showing his Cross Highway bounty — is too good to pass up.
(It’s another busy weekend in Westport. If you’ve got a free minute — and that’s all it takes — please click here to support the hyper-local blog that helps make this, and every other weekend, great. Thanks!)
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