Roundup: Election Results, Santa Run Sign-ups, Paris Looney Thanks …

Posted on November 4, 2026 | Leave a comment

dems win big in state, town

Connecticut voters mirror much of the nation.

Democrats representing Westport won the 3 races for the state General Assembly. As with statewide races, margins were generally 2-to-1.

Weston 1st selectman Sam Nestor will replace retiring 26th District Senator Ceci Maher. With 99% of the votes counted, she leads Westport resident Alma Sarelli 65.4% to 34.6% (28,572 votes to 15,114).

Board of Education chair Lee Goldstein has a substantial lead over resident Doug Ouellette, in her bid to replace retiring 136th District Representative Jonathan Steinberg, 72.9% to 27.1% (7,309 to 2,722, with 99% of the votes in).

The 143rd District includes the westernmost part of Westport. Incumbent Dominique Johnson returns. With 99% of the returns counted, she leads Greg Helms 6,308 to 3,195 (66.4% to 33.6).

Democrats also swept statewide offices. Governor Ned Lamont, Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz and Congressman Ned Himes all return to office. With Democrats taking control of Congress, Himes is in line to become the chair of the House Intelligence Committee.

The blue wave spelled defeat for 2 Westporters on the statewide ballot.

Former Westport 1st selectwoman Jen Tooker lost her bid for comptroller to Sean Scanlon. With 93% of the votes in, the incumbent led 744,608 to 444,399 (62.5% to 37.5%).

Former Planning & Zoning Commission member John Bolton failed to unseat Attorney General William Tong. With 92% of votes counted, the incumbent was ahead 745,403 votes to 442,975 (62,7% to 37.3%).

Probate judge Lisa Wexler ran unopposed. Westporters also elected Michael Durkin and Maria Signore as Democratic and Republican registrars of voters, respectively. Turnout in Westport was over 57%.

Click here for all Connecticut results.

Candidates Sam Nestor (3rd from left) and Lee Goldstein (5th from left) posed yesterday at Coleytown Middle School’s polling place with (from left) Westport Democratic Town Committee chair Michelle Mechanic, retiring State Senator Ceci Maher, Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz and DTC vice chair Robin Weinberg.

SANTA RUN SIGN-UPS START AT 10 TODAY

The Westport Uniformed Firefighters Charitable Foundation “Santa Run” is one of Westport’s most cherished  — and amazing — traditions.

For a $50 donation to the Foundation, Santa arrives by fire truck to drop off a present at a (limited number of) children’s houses.

(Kids, stop reading here! The gift is dropped off at the firehouse previously, by the parents.)

This year, Santa will be in town December 2-5 and December 9-12, from 5 to 9 p.m.

Signups begin today, at 10 a.m. — first come, first served. Click here to register.

Be quick. Santa’s spots go very quickly!

Santa popped out of his fire truck to delight these youngsters (and one oldster).

PARIS LOONEY SAYS THANKS

Last month, “06880” posted a link to a GoFundMe for Paris Looney — the longtime and much-loved vice president and chief operating officer of Homes with Hope — and her family.

Her daughter Tausha had just donated a kidney to her brother Don, suffering from stage 5 kidney disease. The funds would help pay for medical bills, lost income, rent, groceries, utilities and transportion.

The fund raised $19,465. Paris says:

My son’s follow up appointments are going well, as he continues to heal with the new kidney donated by his sister. Some days bring a bit more pain and discomfort, but he continues to work through it.

My daughter is doing well in her recuperation and with your support, can slow life down to focus on recovery. We are extremely grateful that both are on the path to full and complete recovery.

We have a way to go, and I have no doubt we will get there. Your overwhelming support has been invaluable to me and my family, and we are profoundly grateful to you all. Thank you!

Don and Tausha Looney

westport book shop salutes compo

Sure, it’s November. But all year long, Compo Beach is one of Westport’s favorite spots.

“See You at Compo” is this month’s featured Westport Book Shop art exhibit. Jason Pritchard is showing new original oil paintings of Westport’s shoreline.

He works both en plein air and in the studio to capture its light, weather and quiet moments.  “See You at Compo” follows his 2024 “Westport Skies” exhibition at The Westport Library.

Pritchard began going to Compo as a child. And one of the paintings in the show, “History through Young Eyes,” started with his son looking up at the cannons on the beach where British troops landed in 1777.

He says, “Born in Britain myself, I was struck by how differently history looks to a child. I hope people feel their own connections in these paintings.”

A reception is set for November 12 (6 p.m.). All artwork on display is available for purchase. To see more of Pritchard’s work, click here.

Jason Pritchard

WHAT’S UP DOWN AT LACHAT FARM

December will be a busy month at Weston’s Lachat Farm.

Among the activities:

  • Handcrafted holiday gifts, grades 2-5 (December 1)
  • Wreath-making (December 4)
  • Holiday block printing (December 8)
  • Winter market (December 13)
  • Fireside concert with the Gingersnaps (December 18)
  • Candy cane hunt (December 19)

 

bedford community: “between the lines”

Fantasy and reality collide, when Bedford Theater Community kicks off its season next month

“Between the Lines Jr.” is a musical about “finding your voice, discovering where you belong, and having the courage to rewrite your own story.”

It runs December 11-13 at Bedford Middle School. Tickets go on sale November 16 (click here). This is only the second school staging of the show in Connecticut.

Based on the novel by Jodi Picoult and her daughter Samantha van Leer, the show follows Delilah, a teenager struggling to find her place at a new school
following her parents’ divorce.

Feeling like an outsider, she escapes into the pages of her favorite fairy tale and discovers something extraordinary: Prince Oliver, the story’s handsome hero, can actually speak to her.

“Between the Lines Jr.” resonates with dreamers of all ages — particularly young people navigating friendship, self-discovery, and the challenges of growing up.

Bedford’s young cast gets ready.

medical aesthetics brand comes to town

A national medical aesthetics brand is coming soon to downtown.

JECT — which specializes in “full-face consultations and deeply
individualized treatment plans” — will move into 24 Taylor Place, opposite Green & Tonic.

JECT already operates New York, California, Florida and New Jersey.

Vacancy will soon be filled. 

“westport … naturally” & song of the day

Westporters don’t agree on much.

But we pretty much all think this has been one of the most spectacular falls in years.

Today’s beautiful “Westport … Naturally” image comes from Sherwood Island State Park.

(Photo/Karen Kim)

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And finally … the story about Westport firefighters’ Santa Run (above) got us thinking about our first Christmas song of the year.

There’s no “Santa Run” tune — but this comes very close:

(You don’t have to run — or even walk — to support “06880.” Just click here, to help this hyper-local blog keep chugging along. Thank you all!)

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Water Flows Downhill. Is There Any Way To Stop It?

Posted on November 4, 2026 | Leave a comment

“People move here because they love the country. Then they get rid of everything that’s country.”

That’s Ken Novenstern’s pithy analysis of Westport homeowners.

The attorney speaks from experience. His home off Kings Highway North sits downhill from new construction, and property with far fewer trees than when he moved in 10 years ago.

It’s also a short walk from downtown. There, he’s seen the effect of ever-more-frequent flooding — caused, as his own neighborhood’s is, in part by the ever-more-frequent removal of trees.

A home near the Novensterns’, before teardown …

Novenstern does not think there’s a better way — he knows there is. From 1988 through 2013 he lived in New Castle, New York. He served as a councilman, and on its Conservation Board. on its Conservation Board. He was a member too of the Saw Mill River Audubon board.

Though New Castle is just 34 miles from Westport, right over the border in Westchester County, regulations are far different, he says. There, they prohibit — or at least strongly discourage — clear-cutting and similar actions. “There has to be a good reason to take a tree down, especially in a buffer.”

They also regulate the size of new homes.

“There’s less regulation in New England,” he says. “That translates to little power for planning boards to prevent taking down trees.”

… and after trees were removed, for new construction. 

Near his own home, one uphill property owner removed a number of trees to create a play area. Meanwhile, he says, he can “almost touch” a new nearby home.

A pair of Capes have been replaced by 5,000-6,000 square foot homes. During construction, “they cut down every tree and weed on the property.” When flooding resulted, “the contractor put gravel in a drainage ditch. That was it.”

Last week, “a couple took down a beautiful oak tree. The wife didn’t like acorns falling on their cars.”

Several years ago, Novenstern sought advice from Town Hall. He says an engineer told him simply, “Water flows downhill.”

Water flows downhill, long after the rain ends. 

He learned that in Connecticut, a tree warden can only protect trees on public property and rights of way. “What percentage of town is that?” he asks rhetorically.

“Planning boards need more power to protect and preserve,” Novenstern reiterates. “It’s incredible there is no oversight, planning or thought given to the impact on neighboring properties of removing trees.”

Too many people, he says, “don’t seem to appreciate the significance of trees. ‘We have enough,'” they seem to think. “If take down a few, it won’t matter.”

The problem, Novenstern notes, is not simply this administration’s.

“It probably goes back decades. No one has ever addressed it.

“No one in New England wants to be told what they can do on their own property. I thought our society was premised on the common good.”

Another view near the Novensterns’ home. 

Thirty years ago in Westchester, Novenstern says, he helped pass legislation including building bulk, limiting impervious surfaces, and expanding wetland buffers. He also helped secure an Open Space Preservation Fund.

Later, involved with a community land trust, he helped develop strategies for runoff in open spaces.

“I’ve been here 10 years,” he says. “It seems like there’s no plan at all. It doesn’t seem like the Planning & Zoning Commission does much more than tell people they can do pretty much as they want. Maybe they don’t have the power to do more.

“It’s crazy,” Novenstern concludes. “No one is watching the store. If it’s this bad today, what will it be like 15 or 20 years from today?”

(“06880” often covers the environment, and real estate — and, like today, their intersection. If you appreciate stories like this, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Pic Of The Day #3485

Posted on November 3, 2026 | Leave a comment

Sunset on the Saugatuck (Photo/Becky Keeler)

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Staples Players Rewind: “Back To The ’80s”

Posted on November 3, 2026 | Leave a comment

A jukebox musical is perfect summer entertainment.

In 2019, Staples Players presented “Back to the ’80s.” The show featured pop tunes — and a rap song from the musical’s writer Neil Gooding. It was directed by David Roth and Kerry Long.

Click here or below to enjoy Jim Honeycutt’s highlight reel.

Here’s what some cast members are up to, 6 years later:

Mia Kobylinski (Tiffany Houston) is a designer at Snake River Interiors. Her love of travel and photography help her gather design inspiration from all over the world.

Nick Rossi (Michael Feldman) is a professional singer, actor and musician. He has appeared regionally in “Master Harold … and the Boys,” “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” “Pericles,” “La Cage Aux Folles” and “Jersey Boys.”

Sam Mandelbaum (Billy Arnold) is an actor and writer working in independent films and creative projects, including “Dinner Date,” “The Awakening of Edwin Lorde” and “Pinky.”

Georgia Wright (Debbie Fox) is a non-binary, New York-based emerging playwright, actor and director. They have written and staged several independent and festival plays.

Bridget Looby (Laura Wilde, Ensemble) graduated from Colgate with a degree in political science and government. She is an assistant account executive in New York..

Daisy Brackett (Ms. Sheena Brannigan) earned a master’s degree in advanced classical acting training from the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. Her credits include short films, independent projects, showcases and reels.

Camille Foisie (Cyndi Gibson, Ensemble) graduated from New York University Tisch School of the Arts, with a BFA in drama. She is working professionally as an actor.

Colin Konstanty (Huey Jackson) is an actor and musician. He appeared in the Off-Broadway and Disney+ productions of “Trevor: The Musical.” An alumnus of the NYU Tisch School of the Arts, he has also appeared in projects like “Caravan,” and released original music.

Ryan Porio (“Jitterbug” and “Love Shack” soloist) is an actor, filmmaker and musician. He graduated from the Emerson College School of Film, where he collaborated on short films and experimental media.

Emily Desser (The “Go Go” Trio, Ensemble) is an actress, writer and NYU Tisch Drama student. She worked on “Murder in Maplewood” and “Love’s Labour’s Lost.”

Chloe Manna (The “Go Go” Trio) is a stage and screen actress. Her credits include “Peace, Love and Cupcakes: The Musical” at the New York Musical Festival.

Max Ardrey (Ensemble)) is an actor, writer and media arts production student at Emerson College.

Ellery Bodell (Ensemble) is a singer/songwriter and performing arts student, who has performed in local short films and theater projects. Professionally active under the name Echo Bodell, they studied performing arts at SCAD and trained with Cynthia Gibb’s Triple Threat Academy.

Melody Stanger (Ensemble) is an actress and model based in New York.

Max Evans (Ensemble) is a director, actor, stage manager and administrator. He is playing Roy in “The Odd Couple: at The Legacy Theatre in Branford.

Annabel Kavetas (Ensemble) is an entertainment, production and beauty professional who has worked in digital media, audience coordination and television production. She has been involved with “RuPaul’s Drag Race.”

Juliette Schwebel (Ensemble) graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 2023. After the theater, she transitioned into a career in elementary education.

(If you like these nutshells — or any other “06880” feature — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Roundup: Election Day, 1st Amendment, Halloween Rager …

Posted on November 3, 2026 | Leave a comment

it’s election day! have you voted yet?

After 2 weeks of early voting, the traditional Election Day is here.

Polls are open until 8 p.m. Click here to find your polling place.

Not sure what voting district you’re in? Click here.

Ready for voters, at Greens Farms Elementary School. (Photo/John Karrel)

 

THE FIRST AMENDMENT AND YOU

Speaking of democracy: The First Amendment touches everyone’s lives, in more ways than we may realize.

It’s long been a bedrock of our democracy. But how secure is it?

On November 17 (6:30 p.m.), the Westport Library and CT Mirror — winner of the 2026 Pulitzer Prize for Local Reporting — present a panel exploring the issue.

Connecticut Superior Court Judge Daniel Klau; Emily Bazelon, staff writer at The New York Times, and Justin Silverman, executive director of the New England First Amendment Coalition will discuss challenges faced by local journalists, First Amendment issues on college campusesthe impact of AI and more.

The event is free. For more information, click here.

“westport uncorked”: Now more magical than ever

The other day, Jason Bird astonished 2 sold-out audiences at the Delamar Westport with some gobsmacking magic and mental feats. I was there, and I still can’t believe what I saw.

If you missed it — or were there, and want to see more — you’ll get a chance Thursday.

Jason will join the Sunrise Rotary Club’s 35th annual “Westport Uncorked” (November 5, 6 p.m., the Inn at Longshore).

The evening always features special wine and great food. This year, Jason will ensure it’s even more “magical.”

Proceeds are donated to charities and local organizations. For tickets and more information, click here. 

HALLOWEEN RAGER

“All available” Westport police officers responded to a teenage Halloween party — and needed help from Weston, Norwalk and Wilton too.

According to WTNH-TV, “upwards of 500” teenagers were at a Heron Lake Lane party.

A Westport woman was cited for allowing minors to possess alcohol, while the party’s organizers were cited for alcohol violations. Click here for the full WTNH story.

 

 

This is not a scene from the Westport Halloween party.

special westport art on sale for holidays

As the holidays come into view: Here is perhaps the coolest, most “Westport” gift of the year.

Westport River Gallery has commissioned a special digital work: “Westport USA.”

Several artists have collaborated on a piece that blends iconic locations of yesteryear, with some of our town’s most recognizable names: Paul Newman & Joanne Woodward, Anne Hathaway, Patty Hearst, Martha Stewart, Rodney Dangerfield, Neil Sedaka, Michael Bolton, Norman Rockwell, Liz Taylor (with her home), Don Imus, Christopher Lloyd, Phil Donahue & Marlo Thomas.

The price is just $49, unframed. Email westportrivergallery@gmail.com, or call 203-226-6934 to order.

STAPLES BOYS SOCCER SQUAD INSPIRES BRIDGEPORTERS

The Staples boys soccer team are winners — on and off the field.

On Friday — just hours before their FCIAC semifinal match against Greenwich — the Wreckers traveled to Bridgeport.

They spent quality time with boys and girls in the GZS (Generation Z Soccer) Academy. They high schoolers helped with training, shared a meal, and donated soccer gear — and had just as much fun as the youngsters.

Lucas Alarcon has volunteered with GZS for several years. He and his family helped organize the event.

Perhaps it inspired him. The next day he scored a rare “Olimpico” — a corner kick that goes directly into the goal — that was the game-winner. Tomorrow (Wednesday, 6 p.m., Fairfield Ludlowe High), he and his teammates play for the FCIAC (league) championship.

Staples soccer players, with GZS youngsters. 

POLICE PROMOTE 2

A pair of Westport Police Department officers will be promoted tomorrow (Wednesday, 12 noon). The public is invited to the ceremony, in the classroom at Jesup Road headquarters.

David Scinto will become a sergeant. He joined the WPD in 2013. He has served in leadership roles with the Southwest Regional Emergency Response Team, With Westport’s K-9 unit, he earned the Daniel Wasson Memorial Award for his apprehension of a robbery suspect. He also received a Meritorious Service Award from the Police Commissioners Association of Connecticut for rescuing a woman from the icy Saugatuck River.

In 2025, Sergeant Scinto established the WPD’s Street Crimes Unit, contributing to significant reductions in motor vehicle thefts.

Samuel Sabin will also be promoted to sergeant. He first joined the Westport Police Department in 2001. After moving to the private sector, he rejoined it in 2012. Scinto has been honored for apprehending a vehicle burglar while off-duty. He has also been recognized for his technical proficiency in the use of Stop Stick tire deflation devices, including one that resulted in 2 arrests after the robbery of an armored car driver

In 2018 he was recognized with a Meritorious Service Award by the Police Commissioners Association of Connecticut for his rescue of an individual from a fully involved structure fire.

Sgts. David Scinto (left) and Samuel Sabin.

COLEYTOWN COMPANY’S “PURE IMAGINATION”

Katie Bloom’s first show as director of Coleytown Company is a “Pure Imagination.”

The 14 numbers in the musical revue include selections from “Willy Wonka,” “Frozen,” “Shrek” and more.

Show dates are this Thursday and Friday (November 5, 6 p.m. and 6 (7 p.m.). Click here for tickets.

Coleytown Company gets ready for the curtain to rise.

GRAMMY WINNER TOOTS HIS HORN AT VFW

A Grammy Award-winning trombonist is coming to VFW Post 399.

Steve Davis brings his hard bop to Jazz at the Post this Thursday (November 5, shows at 7 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 6:15).

He’s joined by pianist Maki Nientao, bassist Matt Dwonszyk, drummer Jason Tiemann and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall, in a brassy tribute to J.J. Johnson, Melba Liston, Slide Hampton,and Curtis Fuller. Davis will also perform his own compositions.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

“WESTPORT … NATURALLY” & sONG OF THE DAY

It doesn’t get more autumnal than this.

Today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured photo shows the planter in front of Colonial Druggists in Westport.

Similar scenes can be found all over town.

(Photo/Lauri Weiser)

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And finally … in honor of Jason Bird’s upcoming appearance in Westport (item above):

(There’s another magical moment ahead: when you click here, to make a tax-deductible contribution to this hyper-local blog. There’s no mystery to it — just profound thanks, from “06880”!)

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A Year After Election, Residents Raise Concerns

Posted on November 3, 2026 | 30 comments

One year ago today, Westport elected a new first selectman.

Kevin Christie swept all 9 voting districts. He received over half the votes — 53% — in a 3-way race.

Two weeks later, in a high-energy, bipartisan, optimistic ceremony, a packed Town Hall crowd watched Senator Richard Blumenthal administer the oath of office.

Moments after his swearing in, 1st Selectman Kevin Christie took this selfie at Town Hall. 

A year later, the mood is quite different.

Over the past few months, I’ve heard from a broad range of Westporters. They span the political spectrum: Republicans, unaffiliated, and Democrats too.

Some are active in town government. Others are casual observers.

All want what’s best for Westport. That doesn’t mean they all agree on what that is. Far from it, in fact.

But they do want dialogue. They want communication. They want leadership.

A year after the election, they believe those important elements of government are lacking.

Westporters are fond, personally, of Kevin Christie. He is a bright man, with a warm smile.

Kevin Christie, at his inauguration. 

But frustration is growing, around both his management style and the lack of follow-through on campaign promises.

Last year, “06880” posed a series of questions to the 3 candidates for first selectman. In the first of 5 columns, Christie said:

Our top priority will be Westport’s infrastructure. Whether it’s solving traffic problems, upgrading parking at “Harder Parking” (aka Parker Harding), fixing a fast deteriorating Cribari Bridge, or building a school, Westporters deserve leadership that prioritizes essential projects, and then gets them done.

We will bring the community together to discuss our spending priorities. We are not talking about just “listening.” Reaching consensus on Westport’s infrastructure agenda will make sure taxes don’t have to rise unnecessarily, and will guarantee that the most pressing capital infrastructure projects are pursued with appropriate urgency; while respecting the process and citizen input.

We will weigh in on the most transformative proposed project in modern Westport history: Saugatuck. We will help guide the community conversation to a better answer for development in Saugatuck than The Hamlet. Together, we will find the path to a real solution.

My door will always be open to all Westporters. Only by working together can we fashion a plan that enhances this great town in a responsible way. That’s what we’ll do from Day 1.

In that and subsequent posts, Christie said he would:

  • Seek a comprehensive plan for downtown that leverages the work of the Downtown Plan Implementation Committee, with input from business owners, and hold community discussions with neighbors to consider other options (including a parking deck).
  • Figure out how to maintain the Cribari Bridge’s charm while making it safe; explore creative options to keep large trucks off local roads, and consider local control too.
  • Develop a plan for “appropriately scaled mixed-use development near the train station and I-95, and other development that serves local needs, reflects Saugatuck’s history and identity, protects its fragile waterfront, and keeps it publicly accessible.”
  • Work with state and federal partners to secure funding and move long-delayed projects forward.
  • Create the role of director of economic and community development.
  • Make flood resiliency a town-wide priority.
  • “Turn plans into action through collaboration, transparency and accountability.”

In February, 1st Selectman Kevin Christie delivered his first State of the Town address. 

In calls, texts and emails, Westporters frustrated with a lack of action over the past year cite examples like these:

Cribari Bridge. Christie pledged last April to name a committee to address the thorny, long-running bridge replacement project. Six months later, there is no committee.

Downtown. Early in his administration, Christie dismissed longtime Downtown Plan Implementation Committee chair Randy Herbertson. He has not named a replacement. Meanwhile, the first selectman has canceled DPIC’s last 10 meetings. They have not met since December 2025.

Saugatuck. As Spinnaker begins planning a 142-unit apartment complex, there has been no public follow-up on the campaign promise to keep Saugatuck development appropriately scaled, serving local needs, publicly accessible, and reflective of the neighborhood’s history.

Community gardens. Two seasons after the Long Lots Elementary School building project eliminated the gardens (under a previous administration), there has been no visible action taken on a new site.

Maintenance shed. No decision has been made on relocation. It’s the first step in executing the Longshore Master Plan — but little can happen until a decision is made.  

Other issues that the 1st selectman has not weighed in on include the proposed 250-unit apartment building at 55 Greens Farms Road, and the Westport Museum for History & Culture. Questions swirl about its future — including a possible role for the town in securing its very important archives.

It’s hard to fulfill grand promises on complex problems like the Cribari Bridge, Saugatuck and flooding. Many cannot be solved by executive action; they demand collaboration with town bodies, state officials and others.

Yet such collaboration has not been seen — at least, not publicly.

Local government involves collaboration and meetings. (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)

Residents are concerned not only about the issues Christie can control. There also appears to be a lack of collaboration with many stakeholders.

Westporters say the promise of an open door is especially troublesome. It is one element of local government that is visible, reachable and real.

Christie’s door, they say, is closed.

That comment comes from average citizens and elected officials alike.

It can be tough — even for those in government — to arrange an appointment. Emails and phone calls are not always returned.

The “brown bag luncheons” popularized by former 1st selectwoman Diane Farrell — which he promised to bring back while campaigning — have not materialized.

He has been slow to fill vacancies on town boards. At least 2 Westporters who volunteered to serve never heard back from him.

It’s been a year since Westporters elected Kevin Christie as our first selectman.

It’s a tough, multi-faceted job. I sure wouldn’t want it. Neither would many residents.

But Christie did. He ran for it. Along the way he spoke about his vision for Westport: forward-thinking, action-oriented, inclusive.

As his second year in office begins, residents across the spectrum — Republicans, unaffiliated, Democrats — remain hopeful that vision can be fulfilled.

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Pic Of The Day #3484

Posted on November 2, 2026 | Leave a comment

Saugatuck River fisherman (Photo/Susan Garment)

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Roundup: Handsome Historic Homes, Home Run For Challenger …

Posted on November 2, 2026 | Leave a comment

HISTORIC HOMES TOUR WOWS GUESTS

Yesterday’s “Historic Homes of 06880” house tour had it all.

Over 200 guests toured 5 spectacular, special, and very different homes, framed by brilliant fall foliage.

Three dated from the 1790s, another from 1855. The 1920 house had 2 foot-thick stone walls, 9 bedrooms, Latin carvings and more. Two include remarkable accessory dwelling units.

KMS Team at Compass provided educational brochures, logistical support and gracious welcomes.

There were smiles everywhere. Visitors were excited to see behind the doors of properties they pass by often. They were intrigued to learn the back stories; fascinated by the care with which these homes were loved, preserved and enhanced, and inspired by the importance of preservation.

Yesterday showed Westport at its best, most beautiful and most historic.

The good news is: There are still many stunningly preserved homes we have not yet shown. We’ll offer 5 more in 2027. See you there!

50 Sylvan Road North, and … (Photo/Deb Krayson)

… 50 Turkey Hill Road North. (Photo/Dan Woog)

A COMPTROLLER CANDIDATE’S DAY IS NEVER DONE

We have not reported much on Jen Tooker’s campaign for comptroller. “06880” stays away from state politics (you can get that news elsewhere).

But we found it interesting that while she invited a couple of hundred visitors to tour her Old Hill house yesterday, as part of our “Historic Homes of Westport” event (story above), she was not there.

She spent Sunday in Seymour, knocking on doors with a crew of interns. Here’s what her day looked like:

CHALLENGER BASEBALL KNOCKS IT OUT OF THE PARK

Rocky weather has been a “challenge” for Challenger baseball much of this fall.

But the last 3 weekends were glorious. Yesterday was especially so.

It marked a great finale for Challenger Baseball’s 14th season.

Twenty players, 15 “buddies” and coaches in the Westport program for youngsters with disabilities celebrated with a game, live announcing, a medal presentation and a lunch party.

Everyone got a medal. It was a grand slam, for sure.

Challenger Baseball celebrates. (Photo/Beth Cody)

BEACH YOGA GREETS NOVEMBER

Also yesterday: A small but limber group welcomed November, with an early morning Saltwater Sound yoga session at Compo Beach.

Missed it? Interested in the next session? (Spoiler alert: It may be colder!) Click here for details. 

(Photo/Karen Como) 

GIVING THANKS FOR JERRY GARCIA, VFW-STYLE

Music lovers continue to give thanks for Jerry Garcia.

On November 21 (7 p.m.), the Mystery Train Band returns to VFW Post 399 for a “Thanksgiving Jerry” show.

The Jerry Garcia Band tribute group plays songs the Grateful Dead founder chose for his solo band: Garcia/Hunter originals plus Motown, reggae, Dylan, The Band and other favorites.

Tickets are $10 online, $15 at the door.

EXPERIENCED PROFESSIONALS: NETWORK HERE 

There are many ways to drum up new business.

The Westport chapter of Business Network International is an excellent one.

Meetings include only one person in each category. The next one is
November 12 (7 to 9 a.m., United Methodist church of Westport & Weston).

In addition to coffee and homemade baked goods, attendees can learn how
a structured referral system can generate consistent business.

The chapter is currently seeking professionals in select categories: estate law, family law, payroll service, HVAC, tree service, optician, solar, builder/general contractor, florist, photographer, videographer, restaurant/inn owner and travel agent.

Visitors should register by email (rickc@theashfordgroupllc.com) or phone (203-644-7038). For the full membership list, click here.

young professionals: network here

Every young person knows the importance of networking.

But how do you network? And with whom?

On December 16 (6:30 p.m., Westport Library), the Westport Professionals Network offers another guided networking mixer.

It’s a chance for experienced professionals to mix with younger ones.

All Westport high school graduates, current and recent college grades, and trade and military service students are welcome. Of course, so are seasoned professionals willing to offer networking advice.

To RSVP, click here. Questions? Email WPNmixer@gmail.com.

“westport … naturally” & song of the day

Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo, featuring a fawn and friend, comes from that “other” local beach: Canal. 

(Photo/Gene Borio)

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And finally … speaking of yesterday’s very fun “Historic Homes of 06880” tour:

(We are very proud to be your hometown, hyper-local blog. If you enjoy this community — online, in real life or both — and the role we play in it, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Jake Motyl: Sorority Rush King

Posted on November 2, 2026 | 1 comment

The last time “06880” featured Jake Motyl, the Staples High School Class of 2021 member was teaching seniors — those at the Senior Center, that is — how to use electronic devices, join a Zoom chat, and otherwise cope with the digital world.

He organized a club: SMORES (Social Media Outreach Educators).

Jake Motyl

Now — with a degree from the University of Southern California Marshall School of Business — he’s working with a much younger group.

They’re even younger than he is: college sorority women. But once again, technology ties them together.

As Jake realized that his first job after graduation — consulting — was not for him, his longtime Westport friend Josh Suggs encouraged him to embrace his entrepreneurial spirit.

(Josh dropped out of Syracuse University to start Street Talk, an advertising agency that turns street interviews into viral social media and TV ads for consumer brands.)

Josh connected Jake to a jewelry brand that needed content creators. They’d pay $1,000, if he could find 10.

Jake messaged his friends, and posted on TikTok. Nothing.

Then his brother’s girlfriend texted her sorority group chat, mentioning free jewelry. Jake’s phone blew up.

He delivered dozens of content creators. He made $4,000.

Jake Motyl, at work.

Jake connected with 2 other brands. But managing so many young women was time consuming.

Then he discovered RushTok.

The viral media phenomenon documents sorority recruitment. It’s huge at Southern schools like the University of Alabama.

Potential members post TikToks detailing their outfits. Chapters also put on synchronized dance routines — the more elaborate, the better.

It’s transformed Rush Week into a massive marketing effort. Big brands have jumped in; some sorority members (and hopefuls) have become major social influencers.

Jake realized he could outfit everyone for a dance video, with clothes and accessories. There was much more power in those numbers.

Jake Motyl, organizing a campus dance shoot. (Photo/Madie Huynh for the Wall Street Journal)

His post about his project went viral. BodyArmor called about their sports drinks. Business boomed.

He was still working at his consulting job. On his lunch hour Jake would bike to the gym, and take sales calls.

He realized he had to take a leap, and dive in full time.

“My parents thought I was crazy,” Jake says. “But I knew if I stayed for a year, I wouldn’t leave. I knew I could make this work.”

A year ago, he quit. He started Campus Launch, and hired 2 interns to do cold outreach.

One contacted Nike. The behemoth company signed on. So did Benefit Cosmetics.

In June, Jake hired his first employee: a former sorority chapter president.

August — when many sororities participate in RuskTok — was crazy. Nike’s campaign went viral. Fox Entertainment called.

Work is hard, but Jake Motyl is managing. 

Jake is convinced he made the right move. As he conquers the sorority space, he has a new goal. “I want to be the largest campus marketing agency in the world,” he says.

“I threw myself in the pool,” he notes. “I took business and entrepreneurship courses in college. But I had to jump in and learn.”

In fact, he says, “I learned more in 1 month of work than 4 years of college.” That includes outreach, hiring, building a business.

And everything there is to know about sorority rush.

(“06880” reports often on Staples graduates, interesting business ventures — and, like today, their intersection. If you enjoy stories like this, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Pic Of The Day #3483

Posted on November 1, 2026 | Leave a comment

Welcoming November, at Compo Beach (Photo/Collette Winn)

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