Category Archives: Westport life

Style Salons: Westport’s New Fashion Trend

Posted on May 23, 2026 | 7 comments

“06880” culture correspondent Robin Moyer Chung writes:

Hot on the heels of Fashionably Westport and, you know, the Met Gala, Westporters are thinking about an important part of our culture: clothes.

Whether you love clothes or not, you buy them. You look at them. Hopefully, you wear them.

You also spend up for them. Given the current economic kerfuffles, the cost of clothes is skyrocketing. Meanwhile, the quality is nosediving.

Women want unique, well-made clothes for a price that won’t trigger heart palpitations. They’re searching for vintage* and pre-loved items that’ll kick up their wardrobe, with the bonus of better quality clothing at a better price.

This has given rise to a nascent cottage fashion industry in Westport, catering to an expanding crop of shoppers searching for outfits that are interesting and affordable.

I call them “style salons.”

Outfits at a Westport style salon …

A style salon host susses out and snaps up designer label vintage and “pre-loved” clothing and accessories from thrift stores, individuals and consignment venues. From Zara to Chanel, each item is chosen for its style, reasonable price point and quality.

They set up racks in their homes — literally — to display their curated collection, hosting shopping parties to sell to friends and acquaintances.

Hosts also organize trunk-shows of their edits at private homes, and offer style-by-appointments.

They throw sip & shops, private parties, and all-out bashes for Instagram followers. Many create inclusive experiences by partnering with local businesses — jewelry, skincare, even mah jong.

… and accessories.

Of the 5 style salon hosts I interviewed for “06880” — all women — only one has a website. None of them advertise. To learn about their sales and availability, you have to follow them on Instagram or get on their guest list.

Call it what you will –passion for the craft, hazard of the job –but my “research” resulted in several purchases: an Aquarius bomber jacket, L’Agence jeans, and Pucci scarf.

I spent $280. But in clothes-lover math, I saved enough money for a few more rounds of style salon shopping.

Here’s what you need to know about each salon: what they’re selling, what they’re doing, and how to get on their lists.

Justine Alexandra Studio

Who: Justine Trudeau
What: Consignment and sourced** pieces
Described as: Ready to wear contemporary
My take: Colorful and well-tailored pieces screaming for a garden party, gala luncheon or date night.
Labels like: Maje, Sandro, La Ligne
Really rough price range: $50-250
Fabulous item: Max Mara cashmere reversible cream coat with matching belt
One more thing: If you love something but it doesn’t fit, Trudeau will source your size.
To get on the guest list: DM @justine_alexandra_studio

Justine Trudeau

Vintage By Virginie
Who: Virginie Bleyaert
What: Consignment and sourced pieces
Described as: Western Ralph Lauren meets chic girl, with a focus on natural fibers.
My take: Thoughtful pieces from designers and stalwart labels for an après skeet shoot luncheon at Bedford Post Tavern.
Labels like: London Fog, Ellen Tracy, Oscar de la Renta
Really rough price range: $20-$400
One more thing: Well, two. She’s going to source in Europe this summer, so get on her list for the windfall. All items are steamed or sprayed organically for cleanliness.
To get on the guest list: DM @VintageByVirginie

Virginie Bleyaert

The Shop Merchant
Who: Gabby Ben-Eli
What:Sourced pieces
Described as: Vintage and pre-loved clothes, jewelry, and accessories curated for a fun shopping experience.
My take: Boho and retro-leaning looks in a party-waiting-to-happen atmosphere.
Labels like: vintage Tibi and Milly, Rabanne, Alexander McQueen
Really rough price range: $50-1,500
Fabulous item: Alix of Bohemia off-white plaid wrap coat (“I’d keep it for myself but it’s too big.”)
One more thing: Stocked with designers less commonly worn in Westport, it attracts those who shop more for looks than labels.
To get on the guest list: Email gabby@TheShopMerchant.com or DM @TheShopMerchantWestport.com

Gabby Ben-Eli

The Exchange Project
Who: Carly Ridloff
What: Consignment only
Described as: Elevated basics
My take: Designer denim and aspirational clothing/accessories for upscale outings and cocktail parties.
Labels like: L’Agence, Ulla Johnson, Jonathan Simkhai
Really rough price range: $25 to $2,500+
One more thing: Piece are divided into Sell/Swap/Donate: Consignment is added to their website. Swap are saved for swap events – you can buy a ticket and pick out an indicated number of pieces (number of items depends on inventory). Donate are sent to the women at Malta House each week, sometimes holding TEP “shopping events” in the evening.
To learn more and shop her website: TheExchangeProject.com

Carly Ridloff (Photo/Emily Rakear)

MCM Designs
Who: Maggie Hawks
What: Overstock from Fairfield County boutiques and consignment
Labels like: Essential Antwerp, Farm Rio, Nili Lotan
Described as: “Current” clothes, offering a full wardrobe and large inventory of shoes, accessories, and apparel.
My take: Walking into a friend’s apartment whose rooms are full of new clothes from my favorite area boutiques, with a handful of consignment in the back bedroom.
Really rough price range: $40-800
Fabulous items: At least once a year, a woman in Stamford consigns “at least $100,000” of clothes with tags still on from Cinq à Sept, Frame, Sea, Theory and more.
One more thing: Maggie offers the same services (private shopping, parties, events, etc.) as others, but is more private.
To get on the guest list: Text Maggie at 646-732-0011

 

Maggie Hawks

* Vintage refers to items 20+ years old
**Sourced refers to clothing the owner finds through thrift stores and consignment.

(From fashion and fun to politics, history, kids and more — if it’s happening in Westport, “06880” will tell you about it. If you enjoy our coverage, please click here to support this blog. Thank you!)

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Posted in Local business, Westport life

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The Memorial Day Parade Is Monday. Here’s Why We Should See You There!

Posted on May 22, 2026 | 3 comments

Memorial Day is Monday.

At 9 a.m. Westport’s annual parade begins, at Saugatuck Elementary School. A couple of thousand folks — from the 101-year-old grand marshal to infants in wraps — ride, walk, march, amble, bike, and otherwise make their way up the Post Road and onto Myrtle Avenue.

A couple of thousand other folks line the streets and bridge. They cheer, take videos, clap, socialize, and have a great time. It’s an annual ritual they wouldn’t miss.

Too many other folks sleep in.

What a shame. They miss one of the best Westport days of the year.

Cub Scouts hold a giant flag, as they round Riverside Avenue onto the Post Road. (Photo/Swapna Podlich)

If you’re a “marcher” (an admittedly loose term) or a spectator, you know what I mean.

If you’ve never been, what might convince you to spend Monday morning doing this very cool community thing? Try:

It’s a parade! That’s obvious — but who doesn’t love a parade? For an hour you watch an ever-changing cast of marching bands, first responders, fifers and drummers, local organizations, politicians, young Little Leaguers and soccer and lacrosse players and gymnasts and Suzuki violinists — and of course, veterans — parade past. They smile, wave, and occasionally toss goodies into the crowd. Seven-year-olds pull the fire truck horn. All you have to do is clap.

(Photo/Lou Weinberg)

People put tons of work into their floats. This is a parade (see above), so there are Memorial Day-themed floats. The Y’s Men will win for Best Overall — that seems to be a town regulation — but there are other categories too. After all that papier-mâché, the least you can do is clap for it.

Y’s Men float. (Photo/Ted Horowitz)

Happy birthday, America! What better time to watch a parade than on our 250th anniversary? And if you don’t have a little flag to wave, no problem. Many of the marchers — and some of the local businesses along the route — are happy to hand you one.

(Photo/Ted Horowitz)

Those World War II veterans aren’t getting any younger. At the end of the day — and especially, that morning — Memorial Day is really about honoring our vets. They gave years of their lives so we could enjoy our lives. The least we can do is clap as they ride or walk by. (NOTE: If your kids are young, this is a great chance for them to see our last World War II heroes. I still remember a Spanish-American war veteran in Westport’s parade. As a child, my father saw Civil War vets.)

2023 grand marshal Ben Pepper, a World War II veteran. (Photo/Ted Horowitz)

The ceremony after the parade is meaningful too. After the last marchers finish at Parker Harding Plaza, there’s a half-hour event at Veterans Green, opposite Town Hall. You’ll hear from the World War II grand marshal, listen to a couple of patriotic songs, watch the honor guard place a wreath, see a 21-gun salute — and reflect for a brief moment, in whatever way you wish, on both our little town, and our vast nation.

(Photo/Harris Falk)

Kids! If you want a look at our town’s future, the Memorial Day parade is it. You’ll be gobsmacked at the number of youngsters in town — and the variety of activities they participate in. It takes a village to raise a child. Our entire village should be downtown on Monday, supporting the boys and girls who will support us in our old age.

Suzuki violinists entertain the crowd (Photo/Doris Ghitelman)

It’s a true community gathering. (The fireworks is another.) Sitting or standing on the sidewalk, you’ll meet random  interesting residents. If you’ve been here a while, the Memorial Day parade is a chance to catch up with old friends. And if you haven’t been here long enough to have old friends, you’ll enjoy seeing new ones, and feeling “hey, this really is my town!”

(Photo/Ted Horowitz)

It’s a uniquely American holiday. Nothing else on our calendar combines history and reverence with fun and spirit. You’ve got the rest of day for cookouts, parties, the beach, whatever. Kick it off in style at 9 a.m. Monday morning. See you downtown — and then on Veterans Green!

(Photo/Ted Horowitz)

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Remembering Dallas: “An Extraordinary Cat”

Posted on May 21, 2026 | 16 comments

Longtime Westport resident Dodie Pettit writes:

While most residents celebrated Mother’s Day, neighbors in the Bayberry area visited 24 Meeker Road to say goodbye to a very special cat.

Though a common Tuxedo, nothing was common about him, as I learned in the 3-plus years he graced our home before passing away at age 15.

During that time, he gained such popularity that he was called “Dallas the Dazzling Ambassador.”

Dallas … (Photo/Larry Silver)

Dallas lived on Bayberry Lane most of his life. One day he showed up at our house, and made himself at home.

His owner Lisa tracked him here with an AirTag. Because he seemed to like here it so much, she asked if we’d like to adopt him.

I’d already fallen in love with him. I said, “Absolutely, yes!,” promising she could visit anytime.

We soon discovered the amazing life and world of Dallas. I’ve had dozens of cats in my life, but Dallas was unique. He made it his life’s work to visit our neighbors, and get to know them all.

… on Florian Court …

This kind of cat rarely happens anymore. People keep their pets at home, fearing loss, injury or worse.

Since I’d adopted him fully grown into his ways, I didn’t think it fair to keep him inside. Taking a leap of faith, I let him out every morning trusting he’d come back. He always did.

Dallas was too smart and savvy to get hurt by an animal or car. He was the most intelligent cat I’ve ever known. He learned the neighborhood completely. He made his rounds every day to visit, and get treats on his trail.

I also followed him on his AirTag. Often, he’d visit his former owner a mile down Bayberry. Lisa would text, “Dallas is here…want me to keep him for the night?” I’d say “Sure, send him home in the morning.”

And he’d come, visiting his many friends along the way. Over time I gathered more and more neighbor’s texts.

Last Christmas I made marmalade for Dallas’s friends. We left them in mailboxes — 21 neighbors, one as far as 1.8 miles away.

Their texts read: “Hi, Dallas is here on our lawn … in my garage … at our front door … I fed him tuna … My daughter loves your cat … Dallas slept in my living room all day, should I tell him to go home? … here’s a pic of Dallas on my front steps with the grand kids … his favorite food is lox with milk.”

… and in a home on Berkeley Road …

Everyone felt like he was their cat. One man expected him every morning on his back porch at coffee time. Others saw him at the bus stop on Meeker Road by the stonewall, watching parents collect their kids.

This spring I noticed that Dallas’s behavior was “off.” Sadly, the vet found tumors. “There’s nothing we can do,” I texted everyone.

I was not prepared for the outpouring of love and prayers. In his last days — even on Mother’s Day — families came to visit. They shared stories, and gave comfort.

How could one common cat touch so many people?

Dallas did, touching the hearts of an entire neighborhood. I have gained friendships because of him.

That’s the gift this amazing cat with a big heart brought to us. He lived larger than life, and we were the lucky beneficiaries.

Rest in peace dear Dallas. We’ll never forget you.

… and in a typical pose.

==========================================

Gary: “His spirit will dance in the gardens of Westport.”

Larry: “He was more than a great cat — more like a person than a cat, very sweet and lovable. We will all miss him.”

Christine: “We would like to bring our cat Spotty to visit Dallas this afternoon”

Jane and Brian: “We were so glad to meet Dallas in our yard… such a special cat”

Stephanie: “Thank you for letting us spend time with him… he is loved by many.”

Lourdes: “So sorry to hear about our friend Dallas!”

Pam, Ainsley: “thank you for sharing him with all of us.”

Monica: “ He can truly say he accomplished his life mission!”

Lisa: “What a legacy he leaves, a free spirit in the truest sense. No cat lived a better life. Chipmunks may rest easier, but the rest of us will miss him always. Cheers to a life well lived!”

8 Bayberry Ridge: “What a wonderful cat. We’ll miss him discovering the gardens.”

Nikki: “Everybody loved him. It was easy to do.”

Namhee: “Black-whiskered, eating where he wished, napping where he pleased, providing that a free life is simply one lived on your own terms.”

Darlene: “Sleep beneath the stars, little wanderer.”

 

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Posted in Environment, Westport life

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Day Of Champions: Westport Honors 3 Of Its Own

Posted on May 16, 2026 | 3 comments

Tomorrow (Sunday), over 400 Westporters will gather at Saugatuck Elementary School. Decked out in wacky costumes, and filled with energy, they’re there for the 7th annual Day of Champions. 

The color-wars-style family fundraiser benefits Experience Camps for Grieving Children. The nonprofit provides free summer camp to children who have experienced the death of a parent, sibling or primary caregiver.

All 20 teams there show up for someone. All honor someone. 

Showing up, having fun, at the Day of Champions. (Photo/Dan Woog)

Here are 3 stories, of Westporters lost just in the psat year.

Team Lucky Stars: Honoring Alyson Luck

Alyson Luck was a joyful, kind, smart, loving mom and wife. To many, she was a confidante, fierce friend and inspiration.

Growing up in Westport she studied art history, earned a graduate degree from Bank Street, and spent over a decade working at New York’s Jewish Museum and Guggenheim.

She came back home, back to the little cape house she grew up in and called her dream.

She became the director of the One River School of Art & Design on the Post Road. It’s a place where people of all ages could make art without pretense, surrounded by community.

Alyson Luck and family.

Alyson was the life of the party and lit up any room she was in. You always knew she was around when you heard her amazing laughter. She loved her family, her kids, her friends, her work and her town. 

I called her the Mayor of Westport, because she knew everyone, and everyone knew her. Anyone who knew her would tell you the same thing: She made them feel happy.  She’d be so proud we are making it possible for other kids to attend Experience Camps. – Michael, Alyson’s husband.

Alyson died last June at home, following a battle with pancreatic cancer. She was 43.

The Day of Champions team formed in her name is made up of the friends and family who loved her, showing up now in the way that matters most.

Alyson and Michael’s two children will attend Experience Camps this summer. It’s a place designed for exactly this kind of loss, where kids who carry grief get to just be kids for a while. The team fundraising in Alyson’s honor is making that possible for them, and so many others like them.

North Star Team: Honoring Nat Brogadir and Slava Leykind

Nat Brogadir was a wonderful husband, dad, brother, son and friend, who filled every room with energy and warmth. He will forever be remembered with a smile on his face, and a beanie on his head.

Beyond his accomplished professional life, he was deeply rooted in his Jewish identity and his community. Friends and family know him as someone who never shied away from standing up for what he believed in, even as he faced a battle with kidney cancer.

Nat was just 40 years old when he died. He was devoted to his wife Jenny, whom he met at sleepaway camp when they were both 12 years old, and an adoring father to his daughters, Hadley and Kira, the lights of his life.

Nat Brogadir and family.

Nat coached their soccer teams, skied alongside them, and sat proudly in the audience at every dance recital. Friends called him “Camp Nat” because he always led groups of kids and adults in fun activities in the backyard. Day of Champions was one of his favorite events each year. 

Nat loved the people in his life fiercely. He had a rare gift for forming deep connections with everyone he met, because of his genuine warmth. As a result, after Nat died his community did not look away.

They showed up. A grassroots campaign — the Beanie Project — was launched in his memory. 1,500 beanies were sold to honor his spirit, give back to a cause important to him, and connect those who were missing him.

We feel Nat’s absence every moment of every day, and the hole left in our family can never truly be filled. But the incredible love and support from our community has carried us through the hardest days and reminded us that we are surrounded by people who continue to honor Nat’s spirit with kindness, laughter, and connection. — Jenny, Nat’s wife 

The Day of Champions team honoring Nat is filled with friends who have become family — “framily,” as they like to say. They will show up in red and navy for his favorite football team, the New England Patriots.

Honoring Slava Leykind

Slava Leykind appreciated life fully, and lived it with remarkable grace. To his wife and 3 kids, “superhuman father” is an understatement.

Born in Minsk in 1982, Slava emigrated to Minneapolis with his family as a child. He attended the University of Michigan Ross School of Business and built a career in investment banking, becoming co-head of US consumer investment banking at Canaccord Genuity.

While his family and friends were impressed by his professional accomplishments, what they loved most was his calm demeanor, quick wit, devotion, and the way he showed up for the people in his life.

Slava died in July 2025 at 43, following a Mount Everest-themed endurance event in Jackson Hole. 

At his funeral, his oldest daughter Charlotte sang. His friends recalled his playful energy, and the depth of his loyalty. His wife and soulmate for 2 decades, Amy, told stories of his devotion to their children: how he brought love and a sense of calm to the wonderful chaos of a full house.

A close friend put it simply: Relationships aren’t measured in years, but in depth. By that measure, Slava Leykind left a very large life behind.

Slava was and always will be the North Star to our family. Given the central place family held in his heart, he would be especially moved to know that we are helping children whose families have experienced profound loss attend Experience Camps. — Amy, Slava’s wife  

The team honoring Slava at the Day of Champions carries that spirit forward, showing up the way he always did: wholeheartedly for the people they love.

What Showing Up Looks Like

Grief has a way of making people feel invisible. The casseroles stop coming. The phone calls taper off. People don’t know what to say, so they say nothing. They mean to reach out, and they don’t.

The friends and families behind all of the Day of Champions teams chose differently. They chose to stay close, to keep saying the names. Saying someone’s name out loud is one of the most powerful things you can do for the people who loved them.

It is how we keep them present. It is how we make clear that just because someone is gone does not mean they are forgotten. They are remembered. They are celebrated. They live on in the people who carry them forward.

Showing up, at the Day of Champions.

Tomorrow, those friends will show up in t-shirts on a field in Westport. They will run relay races and cheer, because that is how you tell someone: We have not forgotten. You are not alone. Your children matter to us.

That is what Experience Camps is built on, too. Founded on the belief that grieving children deserve joy and connection and the chance to be understood, the organization now runs camps across the country. There is one in Kent, Connecticut, opened in part because of fundraising done here in Westport.

How You Can Be Part of It

Tell us about the person who died in your life: Share their name and a favorite memory about them in the comments section.

Spread the word: Childhood grief is more common than many realize. In the United States, 1 in 11 children will lose a parent or sibling before the age of 18. If you know a family that could benefit from Experience Camps, share their website and social media with them.

Donate: The Day of Champions goal is to raise $175,000 for Experience Camps. All 20 teams have fundraising pages, to learn more about who and what they’re honoring. Click here to make a donation that can make life-changing support possible for kids right here in our community.

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Posted in Children, Westport life

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Higgledy Piggledy, Westporters Win Contest …

Posted on May 12, 2026 | 1 comment

Hailing a ride from Wheels2U is easy.

Winning this year’s Westport Transit District poetry contest was not.

But 7 people persevered, penning “double dactyl” poems to earn gift certificates to restaurants of their choice.

For those who skipped English class: Double dactyl is a rhythmic, humorous poetic form consisting of 2 stanzas of 4 lines each.

  • The first 3 lines of each stanza must follow a DUM-da-da DUM-da-da rhythm. The 4th line of each stanza follows a DUM-da-da DUM rhythm.
  • The last line of the 1st stanza must rhyme with the last line of the second stanza.
  • The first line is often a nonsense phrase such as “Higgeldy piggeldy” or “Jiggery pokery.”
  • Extra credit was given for using “Wheels2U” in the poem; an additional bonus if one line in the poem is a single 6-syllable word.

The contest’s goal (besides fun) was to remind Westport residents, employees and visitors that Wheels2U — the on-demand app service for rides to the train, downtown and other spots — is easy, convenient and ($2) cheap.

Wheels2U

First prize goes to Carter Teplica.

The two second-place winners are Melissa Chang and Harris Falk. Finishing third are Trace Burroughs, Elllie Ferraro and Joan Issacson.

Honorable Mention goes to Saniyah R., a student in Homes with Hope’s After School Academic Program. Inspired by local poet Sylvie Middleton, children in ASAP showed their creativity, and entered the contest.

So, without further ado (and minus any clever rhyming introduction), here are the winners.

1st place: Carter Teplica

Higgledy piggledy
Streetcars helped Westporters
Home from the Saugatuck
Station of yore;

Wheels2U Westport now
Hyperconveniently
Takes you direct from the
Train to your door.

2nd place: Melissa Chang

Honkity beepity
What’s with the traffic here?
Post Road is jammed and the
Parking lot too.

Responsibility’s
Not mine this time ‘cause my
Car’s in the garage;  I
Took Wheels2U.

2nd place: Harris Falk

Wiggly wallowing
Hankering halcyon
Easiest exodus
Elsewhere passport

Locally limitless
Speedily shuttleing
Transcendentality
Utmost Westport.

Third place: Trace Burroughs

Easily breezily
Riding low, riding high
Here’s Wheels2U Westport’s
Gift to us all.

Unconditionally
Easy to get on board
Westport Transit has
Answered the call.

Third place: Elyse Ferraro

Hippity hoppity
Wheels2U Westport is
So quick and easy
It wins the top spot.

No hassle, no gas fee,
No warming the car,
Satisfactorily skips
The car parking lot.

Third place: Joan Issacson

Waggity Westport
Wheels 2U riders
Heading to station
Coffee in hand

Unbelievably
So easy to book.
Nine rides completed,
Tenth’s free, it’s grand!

Honorable Mention: Saniyah R.

Jiggery pokery
Runaway spectacular
Spectacular galore
Glitter covered

Wheels2U comes for you
Bringing you to fashion
Automatically
Shimmer covered.

(For more information, and to download the Wheels2U app, click here. For more information about the Westport Transit District’s services for the elderly and people with disabilities, click here.) 

(All day, every day, “06880” brings you news, information, photos and more — all hyper-focused on Westport. We even do poetry contests! We’re reader-supported; please click here to help. Thanks!)

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Westport 250: Let’s Celebrate

Posted on May 12, 2026 | 2 comments

Happy Birthday, USA!

All year long, we’re celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

America250 is a national project. It encompasses events big (collecting personal stories, oral histories and videos for the Library of Congress; a contest inviting students to share what this country means to them; passports featuring a portrait of President Trump on the inside cover. a UFC fight on the White House South Lawn) and small ( community block parties, parades and historical reenactments).

Our town is joining in too.

It hasn’t gotten much publicity. But we’ve got a website — Westport250 — which serves as a central hub.

Town operations director Tom Kiely is helping coordinate the project. Right now, just a few events are listed: a Tavern Cooking Class at Wakeman Town Farm, a Vintage Flag Day, ribbon-cutting at a new home for the Earthplace birds.

But there’s much more.

“06880” emailed Kiely. He sent a preliminary list of events — some confirmed, others possible.

The list includes:

  • Declaring Independence: Why 1776 Matters — Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Edward J. Larson (past event)
  • Team Westport Essay Contest — Theme: “The Declaration of Independence Challenge” (past event)
  • Westport 250 Poem
  • Memorial Day Parade: “250 Years of Honor & Service”
  • Westport Garden Club Summer 2026 Campaign: Red, white and blue pop-up flowers at sites throughout the community
  • Most Patriotic Dog
  • Celebrate America Window Display Contest
  • Fourth of July Community Décor Contest
  • Westport Fireworks
  • 1976 Time Capsule Reveal: 50 years later
  • American Spirit 250 Flower Show
  • Westport Permanent Art Collections Art Exhibit: Home in America
  • A Day in the Life Photography Exhibit
  • Field of Flags

Also in the works: a time capsule burial, to be opened in 2076.

The Westport Garden Club’s red, white and blue flowers on Main Street include the Westport250 logo.

Kiely adds, “Many local organizations are planning programs and activities tied to the 250th anniversary themes. I expect the events calendar to begin filling up quickly as we get closer.”

Organizations and individuals can submit ideas for Westport250 by email: tkiely@westportct.gov.

(Let’s celebrate America, Westport — and “06880”! Reader support keeps this hyper-local blog going. Please click here, and help us celebrate for the next 250 years. Or close to it. Thank you!)

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Posted in History, Westport life

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Mental Health Matters

Posted on May 5, 2026 | 6 comments

Timothy Schmutte is a clinical psychologist and assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the Yale School of Medicine. In his private practice he focuses on children and teens with a variety of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression and OCD, and the challenges of people over 50 like grief, job loss, and coping with severe illness. 

Tim often works with his wife, Elenee Argentinis, to create mental health content. Elenee has a law degree, and has worked in the life sciences industry for more than 20 years. Together, they are raising 2 high school-aged boys in Westport.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Tim and Elenee are helping “06880” readers understand mental health, from several angles. This is their first piece.

Most of us think of Westport as one of the most idyllic communities in the country. With picturesque beaches, downtown boutiques and winding tree-lined roads, Westport seems like the perfect place to live.

When it comes to mental health, at first blush it seems to be true.

In “The State of Mental Health in America,” created by the organization Mental Health America, Connecticut ranks as the state with the lowest rates of mental illness and substance abuse in youth and adults. 

Dr. Timothy Schmutte

Local data is hard to come by. But the 2024 Westport Youth Survey conducted by Positive Directions also reports some good news. Rates of teen substance abuse in Westport have decreased since the pandemic. Use of tobacco, alcohol, vaping, marijuana and abuse of prescription drugs have all declined since 2021.

But as with most things, the devil is in the details. The last Westport 2025 Equity Report published by DataHaven raised several key issues related to mental health.

For example, 1/3 of all Westport families are cost-burdened by home ownership; economic stress can contribute to mental illness.

In the western Connecticut community of municipalities that includes Westport, rates of anxiety and depression are highest in adults 18-34 (20% and 18%).

Westport high school seniors’ use of alcohol (38%) is much higher than the national average (24%), and 23% of all Westport High schoolers reported gambling. 

Data at the state level suggests that up to 30% of high school students have felt sad or hopeless daily for more than 2 weeks within the last year. 12% have considered attempting suicide, and about 6% tried.

Elenee Argentinis

What does all this mean? Mental illness, from addiction (e.g., drugs, alcohol, vaping, gambling and screen time) to mood disorders (anxiety, anger and depression) and other unhealthy behaviors are still problems for our community.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. To emphasize the importance of mental health in Westport we writing “Mental Health Matters,” a short series exploring mental health in our community by looking at teens, parents and older adults.

Our goal is to raise awareness about the unique mental health challenges each group faces, as well as how to recognize them and get help.

Mental Health Awareness month was established in 1949 by the National Association for Mental Health (now called Mental Health America), after passage of the 1946 Mental Health Act and the end of World War II, with a wave of soldiers affected by the war.

Before these milestones, mental illness came with shame, stigma and often maltreatment of patients in mental institutions.

Connecticut played an important role in destigmatizing mental illness, and in mental health care reform.

Clifford Beers, born in New Haven in 1876, led mental health care reform here. A Yale graduate, he suffered maltreatment and abuse in Connecticut mental institutions during episodes of depression and paranoia.

He published “A Mind That Found Itself,” recounting his abuse. He founded the Connecticut Society for Mental Hygiene (renamed Mental Health Connecticut) and the National Committee for Mental Hygiene (now Mental Health America). He founded the first outpatient mental health clinic the United States, the Clifford Beers Clinic, in 1913.

Here in Westport, we had 2 mental health facilities. The Westport Sanitorium was located at the corner of Post Road East and Compo Road North (now Winslow Park), in the former mansion of State Senator Richard Henry Winslow. beginning in 1891.

Westport Sanitarium, at the corner of Post Road East and Compo Road North.

Nine years later, McFarland’s Sanitorium was opened on Long Lots Road. It become Hall-Brooke Hospital, and absorbed into St. Vincent’s Medical Center. It was acquired by Hartford Healthcare in 2019.

Part of Hall-Brooke Hospital, on Long Lots Road.

It’s difficult to get a precise read on the number of mental health care providers in Westport. But Healthgrades notes upwards of 600 practitioners and over 200 psychiatrists in Fairfield County.

Yet many practices are booked, and waitlists are months long.

Cost is another issue. Many practitioners in our area take “private pay” only, because insurance companies reimburse too little, and limit the number of sessions they cover.

So thank goodness for Mental Health Awareness Month. We’ve come a long way in recognizing and caring for mental illness.

But we’ve still got a long way to go.

In our next article, we’ll talk about teen mental health. Until then: Be well.

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Here Comes The Sun

Posted on March 17, 2026 | 6 comments

Maybe not today, or the rest of the week.

But soon.

It’s been a long, cold, lonely winter …

Maybe not “lonely.” But — as they so often did — the Beatles nailed the past few months.

We’ve had a classic New England winter.

Big snowfalls. Frigid temperatures. Gray days, one after another after another.

Pretty gross. (Photo/Dan Woog)

Yet — as it always does — spring beckons.

It arrives Friday, meteorologically.

It comes early next month, religiously. Once again, Passover and Easter share the same week.

The holidays — one celebrating freedom and redemption, the other renewal and resurrection — are annual reminders that life goes on, stronger than ever, as the world reawakens with colors and warmth.

Spring is a glorious time, whatever God you follow. Or none.

So — as Westporters spend more time outdoors, in the garden, at the beach, on playing fields, and everywhere else in town — what’s ahead?

The Cribari Bridge will continue to dominate many discussions. The road upon which the can has been kicked down for decades may finally reach a fork.

There’s still no clear direction for the future of the 143-year-old span, whose impact on the town is far broader than its 2 narrow lanes might seem.

We may know a lot more after Thursday’s 6 p.m. Town Hall meeting, when the state Department of Transportation meets the public.

Whatever follows will be the first big test of 1st Selectman Kevin Christie’s tenure. He’s been quiet so far. Let’s hope he’s assessed his options, spoken behind the scenes with all the players, and is ready to lead.

Springtime at the Cribari Bridge. (Photo/Fred Cantor)

Soon, the budget — actually 2; the town’s, and the larger Board of Education’s — heads to the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) for approval.

Last week, the Board of Finance voted unanimously in favor of the BOE’s $157.9 million request. But they vowed to keep a “sharper eye” on next year’s request.

That’s nothing like the situation in the 1970s and early ’80s, when budget battles were annual affairs. Sides were clearly drawn: one claiming every penny was necessary for education, the other (including an actual “Taxwatchers Party”) demanding deep cuts.

There has been great cooperation recently between the BOF and BOE. Several drivers of the budget increase — especially healthcare costs — are largely out of the town’s control.

Renovation of Coleytown Elementary School will be an upcoming budget item.

But events both local (like the recent revaluation) and national (the war in Iran, gas prices, inflation) may impact Westport in the year to come.

We’re not yet talking much about those issues (though the Board of Assessment Appeals is plowing through a number of re-revaluation requests).

We soon may be.

I feel that ice is slowly melting …

We’re all ready to head outdoors.

Al fresco dining returns soon, all over town. Once again, Church Lane will be closed to cars. A tradition begun 6 years ago, in the very dark days of the pandemic, will continue, bringing the community together around food and music.

A new concessionaire may take over at Compo Beach and Longshore (if not, there will be food trucks).

At Longshore too, work continues on the Inn. The renovation is on schedule; it will reopen soon, as a wonderful, newly improved sparkle in one of our town’s true jewels.

Artist’s rendering of the renovated Inn at Longshore.

Old Mill Grocery will pulse with energy too. A couple of NIMBY neighbors are trying to stop the sale of alcohol, and the use of outdoor tables and a gelato cart. The existence of the 107-year-old beloved neighborhood spot remains in doubt. But for now, it’s lived to serve us for another season.

Spring returns soon to Westport.

All is not right with our town, or the world.

But after a long, cold, lonely winter, we’ll take what we can get.

Here comes the sun … it’s all right.

(“06880” covers everything under the Westport sun. If you enjoy stories like this — or anything else on our hyper-local blog — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Beach, Economy, Education, Local business, Longshore, religion, Restaurants, Weather, Westport life

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Roundup: Dog Adoption, P&Z Pre-Application, Heroic Distinction …

Posted on March 15, 2026 | 2 comments

Looking to adopt a pet — very, very soon?

Fetch Rescue — the local non-profit — is sponsoring a special event, with “adoptable dogs looking for their forever homes.”

It’s from 12 to 2 p.m. today (Sunday), at Choice Pet (Compo Acres Shopping Center).

2 dogs available now, on the Fetch Rescue website.

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Among the items on tomorrow’s Planning & Zoning Commission meeting (Monday, March 16, 6 p.m., Zoom): a pre-application submitted by Richard Redniss, to “discuss some of the ways for Westport to positively respond to the requirements of 8002 prior to 7/1/2026.”

“8022” is the legislation that — among other things —  incentivizes towns to take steps to allow more housing, requires towns to create housing growth plans, and eliminates most off-street parking requirements for developments of less than 12 units.

Redniss — principal of Redniss & Mead land use consultants — tells “06880” that the new regulation gives towns .25 of a moratorium point (toward meeting the 10% threshold for affordable housing units) for any new multi-family housing of between 2 and 9 units.

“It’s a carrot by the state” to help solve the broader housing crisis, regardless of cost.

At the P&Z session, Redniss will describe 3 projects he’s working on now. One involves either 17 units (3 of them deemed “affordable,” by state formula), or 9 (with none affordable).

Another — in a “beautiful downtown location” — could have 15 units; by current regulations to earn moratorium points, 2 would have to be affordable. However, Redniss says, because of the cost of land on the river, and with floodplain and slope issues, the economics with 2 affordable units would be “very difficult.”

8002 is “a big learning curve for everyone” — developers and town officials alike, Redniss notes. “How do we deal with this in a practical way?”

The bill — whose initial provisions take effect July 1 — is “very complicated. It’s 100 pages long.”

He and the P&Z begin discussing the implications — for only those projects with between 2 and 9 units — on Monday.

Rick Redniss

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The Westport Fire Department is filled with heroes.

But 5 are official “Hero to Heroes.”

They’re graduates of “Hero to Hero,” a non-profit that help highly qualified military members transition to first responder careers. It’s a win-win-win — for the servicemembers, their employers, and the entire community.

On March 28 (5:30 p.m., Saugatuck Rowing Club), a special event will raise awareness of “Hero to Hero” — and raise funds for an independent film, which will raise even more funds for the organization.

The “Blue Bunny” film project is led by Rita Marcocci, a Westport resident and award-winning producer.

It’s a moving story of sacrifice and friendship, weaving between Operation Iraqi Freedom, and the present-day bond between a former commander and his soldier.

Tickets to the benefit include food, beer, wine, a specialty Hero cocktail, an auction and more. Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Speaking of heroes: Congratulations to Dave Farrell!

Westport’s police chief was inducted Thursday into Notre Dame Prep’s Alumni Hall of Fame.

The recognition highlights his leadership, dedication to service, and lasting impact within the Westport Police Department, and the broader community too.

Westport Police Chief Dave Farrell

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Brubeck comes to Mo\CT.

Not Dave — but close.

The Brubeck Brothers Quartet — led by brothers Chris and Dan — headline “A Speakeasy Jazz Night” April 12 (6 p.m.).

Concert-goers will be surrounded by the art of MoCA’s current exhibition, Art, Jazz + The Blues.”

VIP tickets ($150 per person; tables and lounges for 4 and 6) include a meet-and-greet with the musicians; a special edition t-shirt by Westport artist Miggs Burroughs; preferred seating; personal bar service. and signature cocktails and light bites by A&S Westport.

General admission ($50) includes drinks and light bites.

Click here to purchase, and for more information.

Brubeck Brothers Quartet

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As St. Patrick’s Day looms — with Passover and Easter not far behind — Dave Briggs spent yesterday taking down his Christmas lights.

But he has neighbors whose lights are still up. And every night, they’re on.

The TV journalist/social media master asks: “What’s the latest date you’ve taken your holiday decorations down? At some point, is it okay just to leave them up for next year?”

Click here or below to see his Instagram on these important questions — and to answer them.

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Much of March is usually pretty gross, weather-wise.

It’s windy. The skies are often gray. There are a couple of tantalizingly nice spring days, then we snap back to a reminder that it’s still a few weeks away.

But this March, things are even grosser.

Enormous piles of snow — calcified into a hard, brown mass by tons of sand that froze in January, and shows no signs of thawing any time soon — loom in parking lots and on roadsides all around town.

They’re ugly. They’re depressing. And — not for nothing — they take up valuable parking spots.

This is the scene at a medical office complex on Riverside:

(Photo/Dan Woog)

Others — at the YMCA and Staples, on Imperial Avenue and nearly everywhere else — are bigger, darker, even uglier.

So what’s ahead?

Today’s high will be 44. Tomorrow it will reach 58 — with a chance of thunderstorms.

The rest of the week, look for 30s and 40s.

With partly cloudy skies, every day.

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Speaking of which: Is this (below) just a pile of all sand?

Or sand covering snow?

Whatever. Today’s “Westport … Naturally” image is a reminder that — whatever is going on in the rest of town, and no matter what the season — this place is always there for us.

(Photo/Mary Lou Roels)

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And finally … in honor of Dave Brubeck, whose sons will be playing soon at MoCA\CT (story above):

(Time to take 5. And while you’re relaxing, please take 30 seconds to click here, and support “06880” with a tax-deductible contribution. We thank you … and all that jazz.)

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Thanks To All Who Donated To “06880”

Posted on March 9, 2026 | 5 comments

A hearty “06880” thank you to all who donated to this year’s “pledge drive.” Your support of our online community is greatly appreciated.

I hate to ask for funds. But the NPR/PBS model is the only way to continue to tell stories about the people, places and past of this town; to bring you news and photos, and to do all the back-end stuff no one ever sees but that takes all of my time, 24/7/365.

Someone congratulated me on 17 years of “06880” — then said, “Sorry I missed your contribution day. I’ll send a check next year.”

Great news! Your money is good any time!

You can donate by PayPal or credit card: click here. It’s easy, safe — and you don’t even need a PayPal account. 

Checks can be mailed to “06880”: PO Box 744, Westport, CT 06881.

I’m also on Venmo: @blog06880

You can even scan this QR code:

If you already donated: thanks again.

If you forgot: thanks in advance!

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