As Westport continues to debate the future over the lot behind Main Street stores — created on landfill, near the start of the post-war suburban boom — it’s instructive to look back at what has changed over the years.
And what hasn’t.
(Photo courtesy of Christopher Maroc)
The design has been tweaked a bit — but not much.
Cars no longer park directly along the river. The phone booth is gone. So is the house on Gorham Island (replaced by an office building).
What else do you notice?
Here’s another view:
(Photo courtesy of Jean Whitehead)
Besides the outfits and cars, you hardly see a difference today.
And even back then, the lot was pretty full.
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Old Mill Grocery & Deli thrives in the spring, summer and early fall. Its location across from one beach, and on the way to another, draws a throng of folks — families, kids, walkers, joggers, bicyclists, and many others.
Winter is tougher. And OMG — the Romanaccis, who operate it, and the Soundview Empowerment Alliance, which owns the property — are battling lawsuits, from a couple of neighbors who object to the gelato card and liquor license.
This week, the deli hosted a couple of events. They welcomed neighbors and friends for light bites, to keep OMG front of mind, and hear ideas on how to make this community (beach and beyond) gem even better.
So, “06880” readers: Don’t forget Old Mill Grocery & Deli. They’ve got a great big table to eat at, and a great, varied menu for takeout.
Online registration for Westport Parks & Recreation Department spring and summer programs begins March 10 (9 a.m.; Camp Compo and RECing Crew only) and March 11 (9 a.m.; all others). Click here to see all activities.
To update your profile, select “Manage Family Member.” Be sure each child’s grade is correct (as of September 2025).
Questions? Email recreation@westportct.gov, or call 203-341-5152.
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The Westport Library is a town gem. The only 5-star library in the state offers an astonishing array of events, programs, services — even a state-of-the-art recording studio.
But it doesn’t just happen. A board of trustees provides guidance and oversight.
As upcoming vacancies loom, they’re looking for qualified, eager candidates.
Responsibilities include governance and fiduciary duties, strategic oversight, collaboration with leadership, financial stewardship and support, and more.
Candidates must be Westport residents. Fundraising experience and strong community connections are key. Skills in strategic planning, finance, law, nonprofit operations or areas supporting innovation and digital strategy are valued but not required.
Trustee appointments are for 4 years, this year beginning July 1. Interested candidates should email a resume and letter of interest to spresutto@westportlibrary.org by March 20.
Speaking of the Library: The “Career Coach” returns February 19 and March 19. There are 2 sessions ( 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.) each day; both are 2 hours long.
The service is available to people who are exploring career opportunities, actively looking for a job, or seeking additional part-time employment.
Executive director Amee Borys and staff members gave the 1st selectman a tour of the nature center, and explained the work of each department.
Christie got a good look at the preschool classrooms, the Animal Hall (including renovation of the birds of prey area), Eco Lab, and Harbor Watch lab.
From left: Earthplace preschool director Amanda Ciardi, Harbor Watch director Nikki Spiller, nature education and conservation director Veronica Swain, 1st Selectman Kevin Christie, executive director Amee Borys.
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For more than 72 years, STAR Lighting the Way has provided critical services and support to people of all ages impacted by intellectual and developmental disabilities across Fairfield County.
For many years too, their annual Speaker’s Luncheon has welcomed great guests, and provided inspiration to attendees, including Mia Farrow, Barbara Bush, Jenna Bush Hager, Norah O’Donnell and Brandi Chastain.
This year’s event is April 9. The “star” is Stacy Waldman Bass. A native Westporter, her work celebrates beauty, connection, and shared humanity.
Her new book, “Lightkeeper: A Memoir Through the Lens of Love and Loss,” is a powerful reflection on family, grief and healing. told through evocative images and heartfelt words.
The afternoon includes a gourmet lunch, curated shopping boutique, special guest experiences, and a Q&A.
When Gunnar Eklund and Graysen Peters headed to the Senior Center last Friday to meet with members, they figured there would be a generation gap.
After all, they’re a very different type of senior: 12th graders.
But instead of trying to explain their lives to a bunch of older people, they settled into an easy conversation. Amid banter and laughter, both sides asked questions, and offered honest responses.
The Senior Center seniors surprised the Staples seniors with their knowledge of AI. The teenagers surprised the Baby Boomers and Silent Generation by not reflexively opposing the high school cellphone ban.
And when their time was up, they all stayed for another hour, chatting and listening and learning from each other.
Gunnar Eklund and Graysen Peters (standing), at the Senior Center.
The “Seniors Meet Seniors” event began with an invitation from the Center, to Steven Greenberg’s Friday morning chat group. Staples assistant principal Christine Cincotta recommended Gunnar and Graysen.
Through their activities — he’s on the debate team; she’s in Model UN; both competed nationally with Staples’ We the People class — they know how to communicate.
Still, they wondered how well they could connect with a much older group.
Yet barriers quickly fell. What they thought would be a “presentation” turned into, Gunnar says, “a Socratic seminar.”
Gunnar Eklund
The Senior Center attendees wanted to know, for example, the best way to communicate with their grandchildren. Together, they agreed that phone calls — scheduled consistently, if possible — have much more impact than texts. Actual written letters are important too.
That resonated with the teens, They knew their own grandparents enjoyed connecting with them. But the conversation reinforced how important that is.
The men and women had heard about Staples’ cellphone ban. They were surprised — and pleased — to hear Gunnar and Graysen say they both feel more connected to others now, at lunch.
The older seniors were curious whether cursive writing is still taught. Graysen feels fortunate that her parents taught her how to sign her name; she and her friends struggle though to read cursive. Gunnar, meanwhile, learned it in a previous private school.
The Stapleites were surprised — and impressed — that the Senior Center members know a lot about artificial intelligence. Many use it.
Graysen Peters
When asked whether AI affects critical thinking, the teens offered personal perspectives.
Graysen said her teachers have taught her to use it in a good way. She knows how to fact-check. She does see some students use it as a shortcut.
Gunnar and his friends don’t really want to use it, he said; it takes away from critical thinking. He thinks many Staples teachers are too lenient about AI use.
Both explained about the technology to supposedly detect if students use artificial intelligence to write papers — and the harm that has come from false accusations.
Near the end, Gunnar asked what advice the seniors had for young people.
The main idea was simple: “Be kind!” (“Be kind on the road, too!” one joked.)
They’ve learned that being kind pays off in the long run, they told the teens.
“They said being kind makes you feel better,” Gunnar noted. “It gives you more positive experiences in life.”
Like, say, the experience of chatting about the world as it was, is, and will be one day, when today’s high school seniors are senior citizens.
Gunnar Eklund and Graysen Peters (middle row, 2nd and 4th from left), and the 2025 We the People team in Washington, DC.
(“06880” regularly covers Staples High School, the Senior Center — and everyone of every other age in Westport too. If you enjoy stories like this, please click here to support our work. Thanks!)
Last year’s first-ever Jackie Robinson Essay Contest drew a less-than-sold-out-stadium number of entries.
This year, the sponsors — the Westport Library, Westport Center for Senior Activities, BookTrib and Meryl Moss Media — hope for many more.
Organizers say: “Jackie Robinson didn’t just break baseball’s color barrier. He broke barriers in hearts and minds, paving the way for generations to dream bigger, stand taller, and speak louder. Now, you can honor his legacy.”
This year, the contest asks community members to write — or co-write — “a heartfelt letter addressed to Jackie Robinson. Reflect on how his courage, dignity and perseverance have impacted your lives and your relationship with each other.”
Submissions are “highly encouraged” in teams of 2. Ideally, that’s one senior (60 and up) and one younger person (ages 6–21).
Individual responses, or teams of 2 of any age, are also accepted. “This is more than a writing contest — it’s a chance to build connection across generations, celebrate social progress, and share powerful stories,” organizers say.
If you haven’t already bought a gift — heck, even if you have — here’s a heart-warming idea.
For just $5.50, you can send a 1-minute digital “Singing Gram” — a heartfelt musical message celebrating love, friendship or (sorry, babe) “moving on” — to your partner (or soon-to-be-ex).
They’re courtesy of Staples Orphenians, who will sing — and deliver — your personalized message tomorrow.
Click here to order, and for more information. That’s amore!
Staples’ Orphenians performed at the Holiday Stroll. Now they’ll “perform” at the next holiday: Valentine’s Day. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Speaking of Staples: Seniors Zander Bauer and Elijah Falkenstein — founders of the first Connecticut chapter of the national non-profit Make Our Schools Safe –were in Washington on Thursday.
They advocated for the passage of Alyssa’s Act, which would set national standards for emergency response systems.
Zander and Elijah participated in a press conference, gave interviews, and met with Congressmen, including Connecticut’s Jim Himes and Jahana Hayes.
Zander Bauer and Elijah Falkenstein, with Congressman Jim Himes.
Speaking still of Staples: On Monday, STORMAC — the school’s co-op boys hockey team (with Norwalk and Brien McMahon Highs) — hosted “Hockey Fights Cancer Night.”
Players honored family and friends who are currently battling the disease, who fought and survived, or who are remembered and missed.
Each player took the ice holding a sign with the name of someone special, followed by a moment of silence.
The evening was as a fundraiser. 100% of the proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society.
For 25 years, Read To Grow has provided books to new mothers, in hospitals and through a Bookmobile.
By promoting language skills and or children from the day they’re born, the non-profit gives an early boost to families that may not be able to afford books.
Read To Grow is partnering with the Westport Rotary Club and Westport Library, in an outreach program.
On Tuesday Suzannah Holsenbeck — Read to Grow’s executive director — spoke to Rotarians.
Suzannah Holsenbeck, Executive Director of Read To Grow, a not-for-profit group based in Branford, addressed the Westport Rotary Club at its Feb 10 luncheon via Zoom.
She described the importance of having books in a home, and of parents reading daily to young children.
Suzannah Holsenbeck addresses the Rotary Club, via Zoom. (Hat tip and photo/Dave Matlow)
The small mostly-takeout Mexican restaurant on Post Road East — sandwiched between ASF and the Shell station — posted a sign in the window saying “Sorry.”
But it adds “Hey Taco! Coming soon.”
We assume that means another Mexican spot.
It would be the third on that site. Border Grill replaced “Tacos or What,” owned by the legendary Dodie Perez.
The “We’re closed” sign, next to the front door. (Hat tip and photo/Jennifer Kobetitsch)
It’s been well over 2 weeks since a snowstorm deposited a foot of snow here.
Since then — with the temperature well below freezing — the beautifully plowed piles have congealed, frozen over, and proved almost impossible to remove.
The result: treacherous going on sidewalks. And, where are forced off of them, dangerous conditions on the road.
Yesterday’s temperature — a tropical 43 — may begin the melting process. (Though when the temperature dips at night, it re-freezes.)
The high today will be 36. Who knows what that will do?
Here are some scenes from Post Road East, on Tuesday. Be careful out there!
In front of Webster Bank, at Colonial Green.
Mobil gas station, across from Playhouse Square …
… and next door, the Mobil station.
M&T bank, at Compo Road North. The manager says this is an issue for the state Department of Transportation. (Photos/Molly Alger)
Westport Police made 1 custodial arrest between February 4 and 10.
A 38-year-old Wilton man was charged with operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol/drugs, failure to drive in the proper lane, operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance, and improper use of marker plates, following a single vehicle accident on Riverside Avenue, at 12:25 a.m. Sunday.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Texting while driving: 9 citations
Failure to stop at a stop sign: 7
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
Failure to renew registration: 3
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 2
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 2
Operating a motor vehicle without tint inspection: 2
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 2
Improper use of markers: 2
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
Speeding in a school zone (2nd offense): 1
Speeding: 1
Distracted driving: 1
Failure to drive in the proper lane: 1
Driving with an obstructed windshield: 1
Failure to reinstate license within 60 days: 1
Unreadable license plate: 1
It is illegal to drive with an unreadable license plate.
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Andrew Ippolito died peacefully at his Westport home, surrounded by family, on Monday. He was 95.
The Korean War veteran graduated from Georgetown University in international affairs, and earned a master’s in library sciences from Pratt University. He spent most of his career at Newsday, where he led the research and library department, and later founded Library Directory Associates.
Andrew was very involved in politics, and attended the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago.
His wife Constance died 2020. He is survived by his children Jenette, Paul (Lisa) and Michael (Caroline); grandchildren Vanessa (Steve), Andraya (Keenan), Andrew, Dimitra, Michael, Sofia, Paul, Christofer and Lucas, and great-granchildren continues through his great-grandchildren Cosette, Charlotte, Daniel, Keenan, Jaxon and Josephine.
A wake will be held at Harding Funeral Home this Sunday (February 15, 2 to 6 p.m.). The funeral service takes place Monday (February 16, 10 a.m., St. Luke Church).
Condolences may be left online at www.hardingfuneral.com. Contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Westporters woke up yesterday to fresh ice. It covered driveways, sidewalks, trees — and this holly bush. Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo comes from Burritts Landing, near Saugatuck Shores.
And finally … on this date in 1809, Abraham Lincoln was born. Happy 217th, to our 16th president!
(People often wonder how to celebrate Lincoln’s birthday. We always recommending clicking here to donate to “06880” — your hyper-local blog that celebrates all things Westport, and America!)
In response, DOT communications director Josh Morgan says: “CTDOT has made no decision whether to perform a major rehabilitation or full replacement of the Cribari Bridge.
“Given the complexities of performing work on this historic structure, it was important to have firms lined up for either potential option to ensure construction schedules are met.
“As noted numerous times in the Request for Letters-of-Interest, CTDOT was seeking prequalified firms for both major rehabilitation and replacement options of the bridge.
“If design firms were solicitated after the public hearing and after a formal decision was made, there would have been a significant impact to the construction schedule,” he explains.
Cribari Bridge (Photo/Nancy Lally)
In related news, the state DOT will hold a public hearing on March 19 (6 p.m., Town Hall), on “Rehabilitation/Replacement of the Cribari Memorial Bridge.”
The session will “provide the community with an opportunity to learn about the proposed project, and allow a place to provide feedback concerning the proposed improvements.”
The project involves “a resilient structure that addresses the structural and functional deficiencies of the the existing Cribari Memorial Bridge, which carries Route 136 over the Saugatuck River, while accommodating safe vehicular, bicycle, pedestrian and marine traffic,” the announcement adds.
DOT spokesman Morgan notes that the flyer includes both potential options: rehabilitation and replacement.
Morgan says, “We know there is interest in this project, which is why we created that Save the Date flyer so people could mark their calendars before legal notices ran in the local papers. These public notices will be published over the next several weeks inviting the public to attend the March 19 hearing. We encourage residents, businesses, and those interested in the future of the Cribari Bridge to attend the public hearing, ask questions, and give feedback.”
After last year’s property revaluation, Westport homeowners received letter with their new figures.
The 2025 Grand List — the sum of the net assessed value of all taxable property (real estate, motor vehicles, and personal property) — was released too. Driven by the revaluation, residential properties soared 60% from 2024.
Some Westporters — assuming their local taxes would rise by a similar amount — freaked out.
Andy Bangser is a lifelong Westporter and 1972 Staples High School graduate, who moved back in 1989. He is a founder of Foundation Source. More recently he has built AI-powered websites, including The Ledge — a site that decodes Congressional bills into plain English. He offers this help, understanding the revaluation and taxes:
Property revaluation letters landed recently. The natural response is: what happens to my tax bill?
Property revaluation does not mean taxes will rise the same amount.
While I’m not an expert in this area, and do not speak for the town, I can do the math.
The mill rate will drop — but not enough to offset higher values.
Westport’s total property value (the Grand List) jumped 50.6% since Covid. If town spending stayed flat, the mill rate would fall from 18.86 to about 12.52.
But that’s not the end of the story:
Spending won’t stay flat. Each 1% increase in the town budget adds roughly 0.125 to the mill rate. If the 2026-27 budget rises 4% — a reasonable estimate — the mill rate would be about 13.02.
Home values rose 61% while commercial values increased only 16%. That means our homes will shoulder a larger share of the cost of town services. I estimate commercial property taxes will go down more than 20%.
Commercial properties like Bridgewater Associates’ Nyala Farm headquarters did not rise nearly as much as residential ones.
How your tax is calculated:
Mill rate × assessed value ÷ 1,000
(Assessed value is 70% of estimated market value.)
Most homeowners will pay more.
If your home’s assessment rose near the town average (about 61%), your tax bill would increase roughly 11%, even with the lower mill rate. That’s 1.61 times 13.02, divided by 18.86.
Location matters.
These are just averages, but according to town assessor Paul Friia, as reported in Westport Journal:
North of I-95, home values rose about 66% on average.
South of I-95, values rose 57%.
Your actual increase depends on how much your assessment increased relative to the rest of the town.
Still unknown:
The final town budget is not set. Appeals could also change the Grand List. Those 2 factors will determine where the mill rate ultimately lands — and how much we will pay.
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Dave Stalling is one of many Westporters who worked at Allen’s. The Staples High School graduate now lives in Montana. But he has fond memories of his years at the restaurant. Dave writes:
It’s difficult to imagine that anyone who went to Staples High School in the 1970s didn’t, at one time or another, work for Wayne Uccellini at Allen’s Clam & Lobster House.
Wayne and his family owned Allen’s, a once beloved Westport landmark built in 1890 by Captain Walter Allen. When I was growing up, it was a wonderful restaurant and a central part of the town’s character. (The restaurant closed in the late 1990s, was demolished in 2004, and the site is now the Sherwood Mill Pond Preserve.)
Exterior and interior views of Allen’s Clam House. Today, it’s the Sherwood Mill Pond Preserve.
When I attended Staples High School (Class of 1979), it seemed like almost everyone I knew worked there — washing dishes, bussing tables, prepping food or cooking.
Wayne ran the kitchen. I can still picture him clearly: dressed in his white chef’s uniform, black mustache, always smiling, efficiently moving through the kitchen. He seemed constantly busy, yet never too busy to stop and say hello or, more likely, continuing to work while visiting.
Wayne Uccellini (left) and his brother Ron in Allen’s kitchen, 1978.
We became friends. He took me fishing and grouse hunting. When I was strapped for cash, he paid me to do yard work at his home.
Later, when I came home on leave from the Marine Corps, Wayne was always genuinely happy to see me. He’d invite me into the kitchen, always cooking something up, and say, “Hey Dave, try this.” It might be a bit of scampi, some lobster or a bowl of clam chowder to bring home. He always asked how my mom and dad were doing.
Wayne was kind, generous and compassionate, always eager to help anyone in need.
The Uccellini family.
A lifelong resident of Westport, Wayne was a graduate of Staples High School, Class of 1964, and proudly served in the US Army. He and his wonderful wife Karen raised their 3 children in Westport.
I will always remember Wayne as a cherished friend and mentor — someone who gave countless high school students their very first jobs, and left a lasting, positive influence on the town of Westport.
Westport Police have arrested a 29-year-old Southbury man, in connection with a November threat against Coleytown Elementary School.
On November 3, at 7:34 a.m., the Fairfield County Regional Dispatch Center received a text to 911, saying, “I’ll blow up Coleytown Elementary School.”
The school day was delayed 2 hours. Buses were rerouted to Coleytown Middle School, and people in the building were evacuated to CMS. Everyone in the middle school was advised to shelter in place.
Westport, Fairfield and Norwalk Police Department explosive detection canine units, along with the Stamford Police Department’s Bomb Squad, conducted a systematic search of the premises.
An extensive search yielded no explosives.
Coleytown Elementary School (foreground); Coleytown Middle School (rear). (Drone photo/Brandon Malin)
The cell phone from where the message originated was traced. It was found on the man, who was located by officers a short distance from the school while the search was ongoing.
He initially claimed that his phone had been hacked. Further investigation, including a forensic examination of the device, interviews with the suspect and coordination with other agencies investigating similar incidents, tied the allegation to the man.
An arrest warrant was sought and granted. He was charged with threatening, falsely reporting an incident, misuse of 911, computer crime in furtherance of terroristic purposes, and breach of peace.
He was unable to post $100,000 bond, and was arraigned today.
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DOT spokesman Morgan notes that the flyer includes both potential options: rehabilitation and replacement.
