OMG: Old Mill Grocery and Deli Open for 103rd Season with New Crew at Helm
WestportLocal.com photos. Click to enlarge. The shoreline corner store opened today for its 103rd season under a new, yet familiar name with a team of intrepid neighbors at the helm. The Old Mill Grocery & Deli brings the history of the property back to the forefront of everyone’s minds as its community connections will be propelled into 2022 with renowned food service by The Granola Bar Hospitality Group and ownership that’s dedicated to the community’s future.
From bacon/egg/cheeses to pasta bolognese, the shop will crank out old and new favorites in addition to the stock of snacks, drinks, clothing, and other shoreline sundries seven days each week from 7 AM until 9 PM. From teenagers on bicycles to parents walking in the early morning: OMG&D is back and here to stay with every french fry sold and with every moment spent chatting on its picnic benches.
The new lease on life for 222 Hills Point Road came just as it was at risk of development and demolition for residential housing. Through philanthropy and quick action by neighbors who formed the Soundview Empowerment Alliance, “in a few short months, the team raised nearly $1.3 million dollars from more than 500 donors, secured a mortgage from Fairfield County Bank, and in May of 2022 closed on the purchase of the property.” With a mission to save the property, preserve and evolve the business, and then to support the training and employment of individuals with disabilities - the SEA and TGB Hospitality Group have made the store a community landmark both physically and emotionally for all who cross over its threshold.
The Remarkable Bookcycle hits the Beach
The Remarkable Bookcycle, modeled after Westport’s famous Remarkable Book Shop, allows even the youngest Westporters to have their own memory of a bright pink shop filled with good books as the mobile free library allows all who pass by to donate or grab a book to enjoy. The bookcycle travels around the community to help connect readers with their perfect match, and is now located on Soundview Drive. The Remarkable Book Shop closed it’s Main Street doors in 1994 with an outpouring of love and sadness by the thousands who cherished the store and its owners, both Westport treasures. WestportLocal.com photo
High 90s: High Occupancy at Compo Beach
With temperatures stretching towards one hundred degrees, Compo Beach was packed as hundreds took their chances at sweltering in the sun before jumping into the Sound to cool off. A typical day for Westport as the usual hot sand and sharp rock dancing could be noticed up and down the shoreline as beachgoers through their hands up to the heat and Summer continues for the community. WestportLocal.com photo
Westport’s 11U Heads to States, Continuing Success as a Team
Westport’s 11U Baseball Team won their sectionals this past weekend, continuing their success from last season into this year as they head to Newington this weekend for the State Championships. The team of boys is familiar with the progression - they conquered the State Championships last year. Contributed photo with players Dylan Burdeshaw, Miles Delorier, Henry Ellis, Justin Goldshore, Wyatt Johnson, Christopher Lambert, Chase Landgraf, Jack McGrath, Luke Moneyhon, Torrey Rossetter, Toby Slavin, Grant Theisinger and Nolan Walters, manager Justin Walters, Coaches Marc Theisinger and Jon Ellis.