A reminder: Tonight is the night you turn back your clocks — and get back that hour you lost in March. Enjoy!
“DAY IN THE LIFE OF WESTPORT” debuts at y
On Sunday, September 6, 241 photographers submitted 510 photos for the “Day in the Life of Westport” project.
They showed — vividly, colorfully, artistically, prosaically — the enormous variety of things that happened, large and small, that typical day.
Donuts at Coffee An’. A rainbow over Old Mill Beach. A Staples soccer team car wash. Volunteers at Homes with Hope. Kids jumping off a bridge (next to a “No Jumping” sign).
Yesterday, 80 of those images were unveiled at the Westport Weston Family YMCA. They hang handsomely on a wall, just inside the entrance.
A crowd of photographers, residents, Y officials, volunteers from the Artists’ Collective of Westport and League of Women Voters (the project’s sponsors), and 1st Selectman Kevin Christie admired the photos, and the 430 others that played on a screen nearby.
Miggs Burroughs — the Collective’s co-founder — hung the exhibit. The Collective and LWV paid for the printing and framing.
The exhibit is open to the public. Visitors must check in at the front desk.
Of course, this is not the end. Future possibilities include a book and mosaic.
From left: Christina Scherwin, Westport Y COO; committee members Joan Gillman, James Delorey, Miggs Burroughs; 1st Selectman Kevin Christie; committee member Velma Heller. Missing: member Andrea Moore. (Photo/Dan Woog)
CRIBARI BRIDGE HOLIDAY LIGHTS: SPONSORS SOUGHT
Today is Halloween. So of course our thoughts turn to … the Cribari Bridge holiday lights.
Three years ago, Westport PAL took over the beloved tradition. They ensure the lights are strung and maintained.
They do it thanks to sponsors. During this drive, additional proceeds support the PAL Scholarship Fund.
There are 4 levels:
Presenting Sponsor — $2,500+
Community Sponsor — $1,000
Holiday Sponsor — $500
Friends of the Bridge — Contributions of any amount are welcome.
Businesses contributing $500 or more have their name or logo displayed on a sign next to the bridge, throughout the holidays.
Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. To sponsor, or learn more, email emmarenglehart@gmail.com.
That’s a big deal for the organizers: the NY Road Runners.
Their CEO, Westport resident Rob Simmelkjaer, will be in the spotlight (until the winners cross the finish line).
On Friday, he was center stage too, at the pre-race gala next to Tavern on the Green. He had the honor of announcing the organization has raised $100,000,000 — that’s $100 million — for charity this year.
He was joined in the photo below by (left) fellow Westporters Jonathan Alloy and marathoner/running coach Jody Bell.
RTM TRANSIT COMMITTEE TO MEET ON BRIDGE
The Representative Town Committee (RTM) Transit Committee meets Monday (November 2, 6 p.m., Zoom).
They’ll continue their discussion of the establishment of a working group or subcommittee to review the proposed Cribari Bridge project; identify key areas of concern, including traffic, public safety, and community impacts, and discuss the RTM’s potential role, organizational structure and next steps.
A GREAT BET: ROWAN CENTER FUNDRAISER
Many Westporters volunteer for, and serve, the Rowan Center. The nonprofit protects children, helps prevent sexual abuse and supports survivors throughout Fairfield County.
On December 3 (6:30 p.m., The Inn at Longshore), the Center’s “Casino and Cocktails for a Cause” will raise both funds and awareness.
183 Wilton Road. The 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom house was built in 1946.
STAPLES HONORS 7 STUDENTS OF THE MONTH
Staples High School’s October Students of the Month are seniors Jace Darby and Shea Root, juniors Grant Theisinger and Elle Worobec, and sophomores Sid Kumar, Chase Landgraf and Anna Setten.
The program recognizes students who “help make Staples a welcoming place for their peers and teachers. They are the ‘glue’ of the Staples community: the type of creative, thoughtful, conscientious students who enable the school to grow and thrive.”
Honorees are nominated by their teachers as students who always work
hard, are friendly to the staff and fellow students, and make positive contributions in class and the Staples community.
From left: Grant Theisinger, Sid Kumar, Jace Darby, Anna Setten, Shea Root, Elle Worobec, Sofia Mutescu.
FOLLOW-UP: REAL ESTATE AND THE ARTS
Yesterday’s “06880” story on the November 17 (8 a.m., SoNo Collection, Norwalk) panel on “Second Acts: Real Estate and the Arts in Fairfield County noted that it was co-sponsored by the Westport and Norwalk Chambers of Commerce.
The link for tickets that was provided to us was to the Norwalk Chamber. But both organizations are registering participants — and each gets proceeds for its registrants.
The Saugatuck Church’s concert season kicks off Friday (November 6, 7 p.m.).
Singer/songwriter Spencer LaJoye offers music and stories. A classically trained violinist, their music blends indie folk, Americana, and deeply personal storytelling. Admission is free.
Spencer LaJoye
obituary: david burgess
David Burgess — a well-respected Westport handyman and caretaker — died September 15, after a 2-year struggle with health problems. He was 72.
David’s family moved to Westport when he was 12. He traveled widely, but always returned here.
David was born in Dobbs Ferry, NY, on March 21, 1954, to Julian Ayres Burgess and Virginia McIntyre Burgess. In 1966, the family moved to Westport; and although as a young man David would travel widely, it was always Westport he returned to, eventually making it his permanent home.
An avid fiction reader, he especially enjoyed science fiction and mysteries. When in his 60s he converted a delivery van into a motor home, he installed a small library.
David’s first workshop was in the basement of the family house on Burritts Landing North, where he learned the basics of repairing and tuning outboard motors. As he grew older he graduated to motorcycles and cars.
David traveled widely, and enjoyed being on the water. In 2008 he inherited the last boat his father ever made.
David’s greatest pleasure was working with his hands. As a young man he did tree work and plowed snow. Later he settled into being a caretaker and handyman for homeowners in Westport and surrounding towns, as well as VFW Post 399.
He had a large clientele, many of whom were elderly. He served as an unofficial health care aide, helping persons with mobility issues get around the house.
In 2024 he fell from a high ladder. This past April he developed trouble walking. Tests found a broken sacrum and severe spinal stenosis. Spinal surgery seemed to help, but while in rehab two more vertebrae fractured.
David is survived by his mother Virginia, brother Randy, aunt and uncle Marie and John McIntyre, step-uncle Ernie Cotrill, and cousins Jennifer Cole, David McIntyre, Anne-Marie McIntyre, Richard Waggoner, Mary Waggoner Moritz, Julie Waggoner, and William Waggoner.
A memorial service will be held on a date and place to be announced later.
David Burgess
“westport … naturally” & song of the day
John Kantor contributes today’s “Westport … Naturally” image.
He writes: “Maybe this is something only tide geeks like me would appreciate. But the king tides this time of year are always impressive. Big highs and big lows.
“This is New Creek, between Sherwood Island and Burying Hill.”
And finally … today’s song — based on the photo above — is of course:
(Through high tide and low — and Daylight Saving and Standard Time — “06880” is here for you. But we can’t do it without your support. Please click here — and thank you!)
Today is Halloween. Surprisingly, there is not one jack o’lantern, ghost or witch in our online art gallery. Boo!
There are however several compelling autumn scenes. One is from a first-time artist — her initial appearance here, at any rate.
Welcome! And remember: No matter your age; the style or subject you choose — and whether you’re a first-timer or old-timer — we want your submissions. Watercolors, oils, charcoal, pen-and-ink, acrylics, mixed media, digital, lithographs, collages, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage, needlepoint — we want whatever you’ve got.
Just email a JPG to 06880blog@gmail.com. And please include the medium you’re working in.
Untitled — New Hartford, Connecticut (Scott Brodie)
“The Radiant Path at Fall Equinox” — acrylic, 16 x 20 (Angelina Wu — Available for purchase; click here)
Untitled (Duane Cohen — Available for purchase; click here)
“Four Crabs, One Direction, One Colorful Adventure!” — polyurethaned, mounted onto wood, with painted wood frame (Eric Bosch; Available for purchase; click here)
“She Sells Seashells” (June Rose Whittaker; Available for purchase; click here)
“Q Ball” — abstract collage (Dorothy Robertshaw — Available for purchase; click here)
“Espresso Marble” — acrylic pour (Amy Schneider — Available for purchase; click here)
“I’ll Be a Monkey’s Uncle” (Martin Ripchick)
“Point St. Michel Looking East Toward Notre Dame” (Lawrence Weisman)
“Hope Everyone Will Still Be Talking” — watercolor (Steve Stein)
(Entrance is free to our online art gallery –as it has been for 6 years. But please consider an anniversary donation! Just click here — and thank you!)
Clarence Hayes is a former Representative Town Meeting member, and an ardent environmentalist. He says:
At school pickup and shopping center parking lots, oversized SUVs are hard to miss.
Many owners buy them to protect their families. But what if they offer little extra protection to the people inside, while endangering everyone outside?
And what if their emissions overwhelm the reductions from the more than 1,000 Westport households who have switched to electric cars?
My third annual analysis of Westport’s motor vehicles has the answers.
SUVs are not safer for your family. But they are much deadlier for your neighbor.
When a vehicle is heavy, extra bulk adds little protection. The latest Insurance Institute for Highway Safety data show that moving from a midsize SUV to a very large one lowers its driver’s death rate by just 4 per million registered vehicle years.
But it raises the death rate of drivers it hits by 18 to 24.
The 4ppm decrease is not statistically significant. But the 18-24ppm increase is. That means real danger to others, for no personal safety benefit.
IIHS President David Harkey says, “The conventional wisdom is that if bigger
is safer, even bigger must be safer still. These results show that isn’t true today. Not for people in other cars. And … not for the occupants of the large vehicles themselves.”
An Audi Q5 — one of Westport’s most common midsize luxury SUVs — weighs about 4,000 pounds; an Escalade, Suburban or Yukon, well over 5,500. The benefit of increased weight largely disappears above 4,000 lbs.
Their towering front ends also endanger pedestrians. Vehicles with hood edges above 40 inches are 44% more likely to kill a pedestrian than those with low, sloped fronts.
A 2-ton SUV is a net-negative safety choice, significantly raising the risk to everyone else on the road – driving, walking or cycling.
The average EV in Westport emits 82 grams per mile – the power plant emissions to charge it. The average large SUV emits nearly 700.
Westport has 917 of these behemoths. At 12,500 miles a year, each emits nearly 9 tons of CO₂ — almost 2 tons more than the annual footprint of the average European from all sources.
Just 162 of these SUVs emit as much as all 1,665 EVs in Westport combined. A small number of drivers can undo the efforts of many.
On a per-person basis, Westport is among the worst climate polluters on the planet.
Westport’s footprint reflects everyday choices, including the vehicles we drive.
EV and plug-in hybrid registrations grew by an average of only 450 a year over the past two years – a mere 2% of the town’s 22,000-plus vehicles.
Last year, only 1 in 9 people acquiring a car in Westport chose an EV, even though there are comparably priced options for every common type of car driven here.
Meanwhile, our vehicles keep getting bigger. Average emissions of our gas, diesel and non-plug-in hybrid fleet fell only 4.5% in seven years, even as hybrids grew from 4% to 14% of all vehicles.
Had our Priuses not grown into Lexus RX450Hs, the drop would have been closer to 7%.
The planet keeps heating. 2023, 2024 and 2025 were the three hottest years ever recorded, and atmospheric CO2 hit an all-time high of 432 parts per million in May.
We cannot solve climate change in one town, but we can stop making it unnecessarily worse.
If you drive an Escalade, Suburban, Tahoe, Yukon, Range Rover or similar, consider a different choice next time. These vehicles combine enormous weight, high front ends and very high emissions.
And let’s be honest: these vehicles are big, conspicuous and expensive. I doubt safety research is why most Westporters choose them. I
f safety and family practicality are your priorities, there are cleaner alternatives that don’t endanger your neighbors.
Nor should we simply swap gas status symbols for electric ones. The Rivian R1S cuts emissions, but it is heavier than an Escalade and has a blunt high hood.
Electrification is not a free pass on size, weight or pedestrian safety.
Choose the lightest vehicle that genuinely meets your family’s needs – and go electric where practical. You can have space, comfort and lower emissions without buying the biggest vehicle you can afford.
Need 7 seats for long road trips? Consider the Mercedes EQS SUV, Tesla Model X, Volkswagen ID Buzz, Volvo EX90 or Lucid Gravity.
Can live with 5 seats? There are many lighter SUV EVs: Hyundai Ioniq 5, VW ID 4, Kia EV6, Nissan Ariya.
Westport’s choices add up. Our neighbors, and their children, share the roads with us. They deserve to be part of the calculation, too.
(Questions, or interested in the data? Email emissions@westportct.town)
(“06880” regularly covers environmental issues, transportation topics, and everything else related to Westport life. If you enjoy our coverage, please support us by clicking here. Thanks!)
1st Selectman Kevin Christie’s administration will seek “upwards of $5 million” in federal tax credits for the geothermal energy system being installed at the new Long Lots Elementary School.
On Wednesday, the Board of Selectmen unanimously approved hiring a consulting firm to help obtain “the geothermal investment tax credit under the Inflation Reduction Act.” The credit would be requested through the town’s tax filings “to offset the cost of geothermal and ancillary energy related construction,” according to the request submitted by Westport finance director Gary Conrad. The request was presented at the meeting by LLS project manager Susan Chipouras.
The town is currently building a new elementary school at the site of the existing school. The total appropriation as approved in June 2025 is $110 million, plus interest costs. The new consulting contract with CliftonAllenLarson LLP would be paid under the original appropriation; no new funds were requested.
Construction is underway on the new Long Lots Elementary School. (Drone photo/Brandon Malin)
A state grant totaling about $12 million has been approved, and is included in the current state budget. The town says more state funding may also be on its way because the state legislature approved a space standards waiver, allowing for a greater proportion of the total cost to be reimbursed.
The total cost of the consulting contract was not known, and is dependent on the firm’s hours spent to research and develop the tax credit application. The multi-tiered agreement includes a $65,000 base fee, plus $10,000 in other fees for memo preparation and the like, and “ongoing project services” to be billed at variable professional hourly rates.
1st Selectman Kevin Christie questioned how the firm’s billed hours will be managed. Chipouras said she and the construction management firm would monitor the hours billed.
Chipouras said “all costs” related to the geothermal system would be included in the calculation, and that “30 percent of all these costs … could be substantial.” She declined to provide a more specific estimate.
The total amount of eligible costs was not provided to the Board of Selectmen and will be calculated by the consultants. Costs are eligible if they meet various wage, domestic content, function and timing criteria, among others.
In the publicly available cost documents for the Long Lots project, the HVAC systems total cost estimate is $12.74 million. A 30 percent tax credit would be $3.7 million if all those costs are eligible. In order to reach a $5 million or more credit, about $16.7 million in eligible costs, all at a 30 percent credit rate, would have to be submitted.
Third Selectman Don O’Day, who is also a member of the Long Lots Building Committee, stated that hiring the consultant at $75,000-plus “was an easy decision.”
“These substantial reimbursements … will go back into taxpayers’ pockets,” he said.
A response to a question regarding use of the tax credit funds is pending regarding whether proceeds received would go to the general fund or be used for an earmarked purpose.
“06880” journalist John H. Palmer was involved for many years with the Westport Weston YMCA aquatics program. Today, he reflects on the life and legacy of former lifeguard, swim teacher and coach Martin Slattery. John writes:
If you’re one of the thousands who have learned to swim at the Westport Weston Family YMCA over the past 40 years, there’s a good chance you’ve known Martin Slattery.
A former lifeguard, swim teacher and coach of the Y’s Water Rats swim team since the 1990’s, he passed away in Texas on October 1. He was 53.
In recent years he endured significant health challenges, including stage 4 melanoma, congestive heart failure and end-stage renal failure, battles he shared openly with his friends on social media with his signature grit and optimism right to the end, when he died of heart failure during a dialysis treatment.
A celebration of his life was held last Thursday in Plano, Texas. He leaves behind his wife Deborah, sons Cadyn and Meryk, parents Martin and Margaret Slattery, sister Maureen and brother Michael.
Martin Slattery (right), with his family.
“Martin illuminated every space he occupied with his humor and exuberant spirit,” says Bob Knoebel, who served as the Y’s aquatics director from 1978- to 2005, before retiring to Idaho to work as a fly-fishing guide and at Sun Valley aki area.
“He carried that with him into the Brophy Pool at the old downtown Y, where he was everyone’s favorite swimming teacher. He taught thousands of Westport children to swim.”
Born in Stamford, he lived in several places, including Virginia, Colorado and New Hampshire besides Westport, before eventually laying down roots in Texas.
Martin’s journey in aquatics began in the ’90s as a lifeguard and swim instructor at the Fairfield YMCA. He later joined the Westport Y where his aquatics background lent him well, becoming a longtime and beloved member of the aquatics community there.
“When I think of Martin I remember the person he was, the laughter he brought, his kindness, and the way he embraced what he did,” says Randee Ganser Bok, who as a young lead teacher in the Fairfield KinderCare program worked alongside him, and then again later when she was director of Camp Mahackeno.
“As senior directors at the Westport Y, we once again collaborated and utilized each other’s experience and knowledge. Today, I remember Martin with
affection and gratitude for the part he played in my life.”
As a swim instructor and coach for the Water Rats, he was known for his ability to connect with young swimmers and their families. He was never afraid to act silly to get a laugh out of a child.
To end his classes he lined up his young students and, using only his arms, created a 5-minute deluge that would leave the deck of the Brophy Pool drenched and his students laughing uncontrollably.
“He had an energetic zest for life,” says Ellen Johnston, a Water Rats coach for 40 years who worked closely with Martin.
“He was a tremendous swim instructor, and had the magic touch when it came to teaching young children of so many varying abilities.”
Martin Slattery (top right), Bob Knoebel (top left), and Water Rats.
Martin met his wife Deborah as co-workers at the Westport Y. They later moved to Texas, where they raised their young family. Always the tinkerer, he had a lifelong passion for automobiles and went to car shows whenever he could.
He often worked on his own vehicles in his garage, always refining his car detailing skills.
In Texas he translated his love of autos into a second career, working as automotive service manager for Subaru and Lexus dealerships.
“If you saw Martin today, you might not know the battles he’s fighting,” wrote his Park Place Lexus co-worker Taylor Mackenzie Haubrich in November.
“He continues to come to work every day, moving through the dealership with quiet strength, greeting his peers, helping clients, and slipping out only when it’s time for another treatment. His resilience isn’t loud — it’s steady, humble, and deeply inspiring.”
Current Westport Y aquatics director Brian Ference, who began his career as a lifeguard at the Y and served later as aquatics director at Camp Mahackeno, remembered his tutelage fondly.
“Martin, who was in charge of hiring and training lifeguards for the Stauffer and Brophy (downtown Y) pools, taught me responsibility and discipline when I began working as a lifeguard in 2002,” he recalls.
Martin was a familiar face at Westport’s aquatic events, including the Polar Plunge and Swim Across the Sound. He traveled with the Water Rats to their swim meets, and celebrated their frequent victories.
Many Westport families with whom Martin worked expressed condolences on social media.
Westporter Joanne Quinlan Heller, whose daughter Bonnie swam with the Water Rats, said, “Martin was so wonderful with Bonnie, teaching her how to dive from the blocks. He was so kind. May he rest in peace.”
“I am so sad and so sorry to hear that Martin passed,” said Felicia Berardi Watson, another Water Rats parent. “He was a wonderful, fun-loving young man, always with a smile on his face. My prayers to his family.”
“06880” culture correspondent Robin Moyer Chung writes:
“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.” — Jane Austen, “Pride and Prejudice”
Once wed, the fun begins.
And so it does in Westport Country Playhouse’s world premiere of Ken Ludwig’s “Pride and Prejudice, Part Two: Napoleon at Pemberley.”
Ludwig, who has written numerous plays including “Lend Me a Tenor” and “Moon Over Buffalo,” crafted a clever, zippy script, elevated by an outstanding cast, splendid sets and costumes — and a promise from Playhouse executive director Mark Shanahan that “a theater exists only to entertain its audience.”
It’s the spring of 1814, shortly after their marriage, when Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy receive notice that Napoleon Bonaparte wishes for a respite at Darcy’s estate, Pemberley, before his exile to Elba.
While the Darcys bicker about the wisdom of hosting the disgraced emperor and enemy of the Mother Country — Elizabeth thinks it’ll be a lark; Darcy thinks they’ll be stabbed in their sleep — a disheveled Bonaparte skulks in, hands deep in his pockets.
Reg Rogers as Napoleon Bonaparte.
Lady Catherine de Bourgh arrives at Pemberley with her timorous daughter, Anne. Anne promptly takes up with Lieutenant Melville who, along with Major Hudson Lowe, is charged with overseeing Bonaparte’s exile after his holiday.
Though tousled and brooding, Bonaparte promptly charms everyone in his orbit (except Major Lowe), convinces an obstinate Darcy to throw a ball, and overhauls the estate’s daily menus.
With that clever and tricky premise the show maintains credibility, never devolving into satire or social commentary.
An impressively credentialed cast, beautifully directed by Emily Mann, deftly delivers Ludwig’s smart ripostes, including Bonaparte’s quip about Major Hudson Lowe: “You perceive the problem. He is living proof that the brain is not a necessary organ to support life.”
Lowe retorts, “but you never know with the French, you know they eat snails.”
Costume designer Jennifer von Mayrhauser’s colorful Regency-era gowns, with an appropriately restrained buoyancy, and tailored suits with waistcoats and cravats, froth against Beowulf Boritt’s set, anchored by stunning ornamental panels.
(I wonder: Are they for sale after the show? They’d look fantastic in someone’s home.)
Delphi Borich and Tony Roach. (Photos/Carol Rosegg)
The only stone in the fruit is the final part of Act 1. The show unexpectedly takes a serious turn, and the comedy dries up. The turn is so abrupt, in fact, that a few disappointed audience members left at intermission.
Yes, comedy needs a core, and a tonal shift can create welcome tension. But I think this shift comes too late in the show; inserting gravitas into comedy is less palatable than vice versa.
Don’t worry — the comedy bounces back in Act 2.
Was it “Bridgerton” that sparked a wave of period pieces? In a little over a year, 3 of the Playhouse’s productions are set more than 100 years ago.
I’m happy to see that contemporary shows are on the schedule for the rest of the season.
One more thing: An informal focus group suggests moving evening showtimes to 7 p.m. instead of 8 p.m. Thoughts?
(“06880” regularly covers the Westport Country Playhouse — and all of our town’s art scene. If you enjoy stories like this, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
My wife Brie and I have been living in (and loving) Westport since 1987. It’s a wonderful town, and we’re incredibly grateful to call it home.
Over the years, I’ve noticed the town’s enthusiastic promotion and celebration of the Halloween Parade. Now it’s sponsored by Westport Parks & Recreation, the Westport Downtown Association and Police Athletic League.
Each year, I reflect on the origins of this beloved tradition. (The 2026 event was held Wednesday.)
The 2025 parade. (Photo/Gabriela Hayes)
The idea for the Halloween parade originated in the fall of 1993. Brie Garrison and Gwen Tutun (then Gwen Campbell) envisioned an event that would provide an activity for toddlers and preschoolers, and involve parents and the entire community.
Remarkably, the parade transformed from a mere concept into a reality in just three weeks. Brie and Gwen secured approval from the town, the Westport Police, and the Health Department.
The Westport News advertised the event. Julie Whamond (then Julie Uman) of Applewoods generously provided funding for cookies and apple cider.
Naturally, there were skeptics who doubted the turnout, and worried about the impact on Main Street shopping on parade day.
The first annual Halloween Parade was a resounding success. Brie and Gwen, the visionary mothers behind this parade, ran it for 3 more years before handing it over to the Westport Young Women’s League.
First Halloween parade, in the Westport News.
Thanks to their and others’ unwavering determination and desire to do something special for their children and the community, this year marks the 33rd annual Halloween Parade.
It is a delightful experience that brings joy, and evokes fond memories of Halloween adventures.
As in many aspects of life, it’s remarkable what can be accomplished with a touch of imagination, perseverance and compassion.
(Friday Flashback is one of “06880”‘s many regular features. If you enjoy this — or anything else on our website — please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here. Thank you!)
Homeowners bordering the northern property line are not pleased.
Edith and Samuel Anderson have filed a lawsuit against the town, in Bridgeport Superior Court.
As reported by CT Insider, they allege that excavation work “resulted in the repeated and continuing alteration of the natural flow, volume, direction and concentration of surface stormwater and ground water.”
Soil, mud and silt have been deposited on their Hyde Lane property, including wetlands.
The Andersons call this a violation of the Connecticut Environmental Protection Act. They are also suing for trespassing, and public and private nuisance.
The Andersons’ property is just to the right (north) of the construction. (Drone photo/Brandon Malin)
the arts and real estate in fairfield county
Non-profit arts and culture generates nearly $1 billion in economic activity in Connecticut: $600 million spent by organizations, and another $350 million by audiences on dining, parking
and lodging.
On November 17 (8 a.m., SoNo Collection in Norwalk), FLB Law’s 9th annual Real Estate Outlook explores how the arts give Fairfield County properties a second life, while enriching community culture, attracting foot traffic and increasing real estate values.
Panelists for “Second Acts: Real Estate and the Arts in Fairfield County” — including Carleigh Walsh (Levitt Pavilion), Darcy Hicks (Norwalk Art Space), Eric Bernheim (FLB Law), Danny Loftus George (Norwalk Conservatory of the Arts), Jessica Vonashek (Manresa Island — will discuss the artistic uses of these properties, and why they matter to the real estate market, local businesses and community members.
The Levitt Pavilion is more than an entertainment venue. It’s also an economic engine. (Photo/Susan Garment)
KARAOKE TONIGHT AT THE CLUBHOUSE
Karaoke is alive and well at The Clubhouse.
So far though, it’s been confined to 2 special, dedicated rooms.
Tonight (Friday, 9 to 11 p.m.), the event space on the Post Road near Southport brings karaoke into the bar. In addition to song, they promise drinks, food and fun. To learn more about The Clubhouse, click here.
FOOD HISTORIAN LAUNCHES PEQUOT LIBRARY SERIES
The Pequot Library is launching “The Common Table: A Conversation Series on Culture, Place, and Food.” The talks will feature historians. and food and beverage industry leaders.
The first speaker (November 19, 7 p.m.) is Westport culinary historian, author and journalist Ramin Ganeshram.
A press release says her work “traces the hidden histories of American food. A Pequot Library Fellow, she draws on the library’s Special Collections for her research, including her forthcoming biography of Hercules Posey, the enslaved cook of George Washington and one of the most accomplished culinary figures of his era.
“Her writing has appeared in The New York Times, Saveur, and Food & Wine, and her books include ‘Stir It Up!’ and ‘Sweet Hands: Island Cooking from Trinidad & Tobago.'”
Jay Walshon reports: “Last night, just before sunset, 2 guy friends set this up in the sand at Compo Beach, for their friend to surprise his girlfriend with a ring and the question. Then they hid.”
(Photo/Caroline Walshon)
“15 minutes later the couple arrived. He had her stand in the center, and on bended knee presented her with a ring and asked the question. Two hidden friends filmed with their cell phones.”
After that: How could she say no?
jolantha’s halloween
If there’s a holiday, Jolantha celebrates it.
This Halloween, Hans Wilhelm — the popular Weston pig’s keeper — says, “With so much horror, war and suffering in the world and politics, Jolantha does not believe we need more skeletons, skulls, monsters or fear. Rrather, the wisdom of women (witches) and owls.”
(Photo/Hans Wilhelm)
STAPLES GRAD MARKETS WORLDHOTELS
Best Western is bringing more than 4,000 properties, across 18 brands, under one global umbrella: WorldHotels.
The woman telling the story is chief marketing officer — and 1996 Staples High School graduate — Joelle Heise Park
She’s helping oversee a redesigned website, new app and unified loyalty program, connecting 70 million members.
“Best Western is not getting replaced, and I want to be really clear about that,” Chief Marketing Officer of WorldHotels Joelle Park told USA TODAY. “It remains a core foundational brand.”
Thomas Dean died on Sunday at Stamford Hospital, after a brief battle with cancer. He was 55, and lived in Old Greenwich.
The youngest of 8 children, he was raised in Westport, Connecticut. As his mother’s last child, Janice doted on Tom. She threw him a grand 50th birthday celebration, unique among her children.
Though quiet by nature, he was the first to answer “I’ll be there” whenever the family came together.
After college Tom worked for Xerox and Chesebrough-Pond’s before joining Glencore, where he spent 27 years on the office services team.
During the pandemic he was one of the few employees considered essential, going into an empty office to keep things running for his colleagues working from home.
Tom met Andrea Orbanowski at Norwalk Community College. They shared 30 years together, 22 as husband and wife.
Their life centered on walks with their 4 dachshunds, time at Old Greenwich Tennis Academy and days at the beach.
The couple set sail on cruises each year. This past summer they traveled to Italy and the Mediterranean.
Tom is survived by his wife, Andrea; siblings Mark (Jaime), Christopher (Carline), Jayne Albani (Gaetano), Eric, Mary Ann Lindwall (Mark) and David (Alison Campbell); 19 nieces and nephews, and his dachshunds.
He was predeceased by his parents, Evan and Janice Dean, and his sister Jennifer Burke.
Funeral services will be held November 3 (9 a.m. Church of the Assumption). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tom’s memory to Lucky Dog Refuge, 36 Pulaski Street, Stamford, CT 06902.
Tom Dean
“westport … naturally” & SONG OF THE DAY
Yesterday morning, Dave Wilson headed to Sherwood Island.
Curious to see 20 or so people — many with telephoto lens cameras — crowded around a tree, he asked what was happening.
A knowledgeable birdwatcher told him: a vermilion flycatcher.
But not just any one. This was the first time such a bird has been seen in Connecticut.
The Connecticut Ornithological Association was on the case, Dave reports.
Dave checked a “Rare Bird Alert” social media page.
Sure enough, they confirmed the sighting.
“Wowzers!” one birdwatcher wrote. “No mistaking that for anything else.”
Vermilion flycatcher at Sherwood Island. (Photo/Jo Fasciolo)
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