Roundup: Paris Looney, Mad Dog Russo, Miggs Burroughs …

Posted on October 17, 2026 | 3 comments

LONGTIME HOMES WITH HOPE HELPER NEEDS HELP 

For more than 20 years, Paris Looney has helped the most vulnerable people in our community.

As vice president and chief operating officer of Homes with Hope, every day Paris  helps people in crisis find a safe place to sleep.

Now her own family needs help.

Six years ago, Paris’ son Don was diagnosed with stage 5 kidney disease. He has relied on life-sustaining dialysis for many years.

Paris’ youngest daughter Tausha was found to be a 100% compatible match for her brother. A mother of 4 who tutors 2nd-grade children with learning disabilities who come from military families, she lives in Massachusetts.

One day earlier this month, Don and Tausha had surgery at Hartford Hospital. The transplant was successful. Both went home 6 days later, and are doing well.

But the road ahead is long, and expensive. Don will need lifelong medications and ongoing follow-up care. Tausha, still recovering from major surgery, will be out of work and away from her family routine while she heals.

A GoFundMe campaign has set a goal of $20,000. All funds go directly to Paris, and will help cover:

  • Medical bills, equipment and follow-up care
  • Income lost by Don and Tausha during recovery
  • Rent, groceries, utilities and transportation
  • Repairs to Don’s car, which he needs to drive himself to appointments
  • A reclining chair and bed wedge for Tausha
  • Movers and cleaners, since Don must leave his apartment this month and move in with Paris.

Every gift, of any amount, helps. Click here to support the Looney family.

Tausha and Don Looney, recovering.

early voting starts monday

The 2026 election is here.

Early voting starts Monday (October 19) and continues through Sunday, November 1.

Early voting locations are open 7 days a week throughout the state, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Extended hours (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.) are set for Tuesday, October 27 and Thursday, October 29.

Westport’s early voting site is the Town Hall auditorium.

On Election Day (Tuesday, November 3), all regular polling places will be open.

(Photo/Mark Yurkiw)

mad dog russo MEETS THE Y’S MEN

The Y’s Men of Westport and Weston have a robust speakers series.

Most are at their regular meeting place: Saugatuck Church.

This past Thursday, they moved to the Westport Library. They knew this one would draw a huge crowd.

Chris “Mad Dog” Russo did not disappoint.

After 40 years in sports broadcasting, he knows his stuff.

Well, maybe not all of it.

Mad Dog predicted that the Dodgers would win the World Series, likely over Cleveland. That won’t happen.

He also said that Major League Baseball would lose at least a month next season to a labor dispute, and that the NBA is headed for an especially strong year, fueled by major-market rivalries and rising young stars.

Chris “Mad Dog” Russo, at the Westport Library. (Photo/Allan Siegert)

MIGGS BURROUGHS, AT (AND ON) 80

With many Americans living longer*, the New York Times recently asked readers who are getting close to their sell-by date about longevity.

Several hundred responded. One was our own Miggs Burroughs. He is, after all, 80 years old. Though no one (least of all him) can believe it.

The very energetic, creative, talented, still-working-hard, always-willing-to-volunteer artist made the cut.

On Thursday, the Times printed his response:

No matter our age, health or station in life, we are all passengers on the same planet and live through the same 24 hours each day. My father who died at 80, the age I am now, used to say that there is no shame in being the best passenger you can be during the ride.

My mother who lived to 102 held grudges to the day she died. A friend said that her behavior was like setting her own hair on fire, hoping the people who had done her wrong would choke on the smoke. Longevity is no guarantee of enlightenment, but enlightenment never grows old.

Well said, Miggs! To read the many other interesting responses. click here.

*The jury is still out on whether this is something good.

Miggs Burroughs, at 80. (Photo/Tony Cenicola for The New York Times)

RTM MEMBERS CELEBRATE RESTAURANT WEEK

Nearly a dozen former and current Representative Town Meeting (RTM) members gathered at La Plage yesterday, for their annual Restaurant Week lunch.

They looked forward to a tour of the newly renovated were all invited back to take a tour of the all new renovated Inn at Longshore.

But there was a wedding party there. The group was offered a rain check — and promised to return.

Lunch at La Plage.

SEA BAGS SUPPORTS BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

Sea Bags — the new popup shop in Bedford Square — is honoring Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

20% of gross sales from the 2026 Hope In Bloom Collection will be donated directly to National Breast Cancer Foundation to support early detection, education, and patient support services for those affected by breast cancer.

obituary: peter maloney

Peter Maloney died at his Westport home on Tuesday. He was 77.

Peter fought a long battle with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, but was determined to live his life to the fullest until the very end. He worked at Bloomberg for 28 years, retiring this past July.

He enjoyed spending time outside: on a golf course, swimming at Compo Beach, or hiking anywhere from Redding, CT to the Catalonia Coast of Spain. 

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Carol, and children Tim, John and Kate; brothers Edward and Jeffrey Maloney; sisters Maureen Bowen, Mari Maloney and Tara Parsley; 15 in-laws, and 21 nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother James Maloney and sister Barbara Maloney.

A mass will be held at St. Luke Church on Monday (October 19, 11 a.m., with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the Bronchiectasis Research and Education Fund at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, or West Haven Community House.

Peter Maloney

“westport … naturally,” & song of the day

Fall continues to inspire, with ever-changing colors. Today’s “Westport … Naturally” images comes from the Lansdowne condos.

(Photo/Lauri Weiser)

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And finally … in honor of Miggs Burroughs, and the New York Times’ celebration of longevity (item above):

NOTE: Neil Young was 26 when he wrote this.

(“06880” readers are old, young, and everything in between. And — no matter what age — all are welcome to click here, to support this 17-year-old, young-at-heart hyper-local blog.) 

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Online Art Gallery #340

Posted on October 17, 2026 | 1 comment

As they do every week, familiar scenes, abstract ones, and everything in between greet visitors to our online art gallery.

As always, we hope they inspire, entertain and engage every guest.

This is, after all, your gallery. 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.

“The Remarkable Book Shop 1968” (Eric Bosch)

Untitled (Duane Cohen — Available for purchase; click here)

“Otis” — pencil on paper (Bill Fellah)

“Return of the Sun” — Playhouse Square — photograph (Jerry Kuyper)

“Encaustics” (June Rose Whittaker — Available for purchase; click here)

“August Awakening” (Dorothy Robertshaw — Available for purchase; click here)

“Distorted Path” (Patricia McMahon — Available for purchase; click here)

“Blue Landscape” (Amy Schneider)

“5 Shells” — oil on panel, 10 x 10 (Werner Liepolt)

Photographer Mike Hibbard says, “This African Baobab tree was a seedling 2,500 years ago about the time the mammoth went extinct and StoneHenge was being built. The main trunk is hollow and there are openings to get in – a good place to get in out of the heat or rain, if you don’t mind sharing with snakes and stinging insects.”

“My Uncle Sam at the Rail at Hialeah” (Lawrence Weisman)

Untitled (Martin Ripchick)

“Everything is Just Peachy” — graphite and 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!)

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Scott Elliott Documents Non-Profits

Posted on October 17, 2026 | Leave a comment

Last month, Christ & Holy Trinity Church honored the memory of 9/11 with a screening of “The Trees: Growing a Forest at Ground Zero.”

The documentary — filmed over 5 years, telling the story of life returning to Ground Zero through the men and women who designed, grew, built and maintain living examples of New York’s resiliency — was followed by a conversation with the producer and director, Scott Elliott.

He did not have far to travel. He’s a Westport resident. Until a recent move from Compo Shopping Center to Norwalk, he worked here too.

On September 11, 2001, Elliott — an Amherst College English and history graduate –was editing his first documentary 20 blocks from the World Trade Center. “The Trees” brought together his interests in gardening, architecture and urban design.

Scott Elliott

He had already worked on his first feature length documentary, “Slumming It: Myth and Culture on the Bowery,” about the history of that neighborhood. It aired on PBS 3 years later, in 2003.

Elliott founded, and serves as creative director, of 590films. Their tagline is “Helping Good People Tell Great Stories.”

His documentary “Into the Gyre,” about plastic pollution in the Atlantic Ocean, won international film festival awards.

In 2019, married and with their second child on the way, Elliott and his wife started looking at suburbs.

After searching all over the tri-state region, they fell in love with Compo Bach — and everything else about Westport. They knew no one here, but quickly made friends.

Elliott is one of many Westporters doing creative film work, outside of New York. He applies his documentary style to 20 or so corporate clients — many of them non-profits.

He’s worked with the Biden Foundation, The Floating Hospital, Harlem Children’s Zone and New York City public schools. (His roster includes private schools too, like Greens Farms Academy, Hotchkiss and Deerfield.)

He has turned down work from clients whose positions he does not agree with — anti-LGBTQ and anti-choice, for example.

“I questioned whether non-profits would be a good business move,” he says. “They don’t pay like corporate videos do.

“But if you can be successful doing what you love; if your mission aligns; if you’re happy and proud, that sets a good example for your kids.”

Click here or below for a clip from “The Trees.”

(“06880” often profiles interesting Westporters, doing intriguing things. If you enjoy stories like this, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Pic Of The Day #3467

Posted on October 16, 2026 | 1 comment

Seabury Center (Photo/Rachel Halperin)

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Scam Alert: P&Z Email Is NOT Legit!

Posted on October 16, 2026 | Leave a comment

Today, many Westporters received an email purported to be from an employee at the Planning & Zoning Department.

The subject line is “Following up on invoice GHTF654123, now over 30 days overdue, and requesting prompt payment confirmation or notification of any outstanding issues.‌”

It reads:

Good morning,

We’re reaching out regarding the invoice below, which is now over 30 days past due. We have not received a response to our previous reminder.

Then comes a link, to “View Document.” It continues:

We kindly ask that this be given prompt attention. Please provide a confirmed payment date at your earliest convenience, or let us know if there are any issues we can help resolve. Thank you.

This is a scam! Do not clink the link! Do not respond!

The Town of Westport will never request payments via calls, texts, emails or apps (Venmo, Zelle, CashApp, etc.). Do not share personal info or send payment.

Questions? Verify with P&Z: 203-341-1030. Report scams to the Westport Police non-emergency line: 203-341-6000.

And remember: Whenever you get a message that sounds a bit suspicious, strange or otherwise off, DO NOT CLICK ANY LINKS. DO NOT RESPOND.

Instead, call or email the sender using a method you KNOW is correct.

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Friday Flashback #524

Posted on October 16, 2026 | 11 comments

Today is Staples High School’s Homecoming football game.

At 5 p.m., the Wreckers host Darien. Even with the threat of rain — and an earlier-than-usual start time — the stands will be packed. That’s the allure of “Friday Night Lights.”

Back in the day — the pre-lights day — Homecoming was a Saturday afternoon affair.

Seniors, juniors and sophomores worked for days, creating paper-mâché floats. Companies like Kowalsky lent their tractor trailers, to haul them around the track.

(The track, of course, was cinder. Today’s more expensive one would be ruined by those behemoths.)

Senior (left) and junior class floats, at the 1969 Homecoming.

Also at halftime: the crowning of Homecoming Queen.

In 1969, students chose Carol Luciano over 5 other seniors: Karen Appy, Patty Crangle, Gay Heirtzler, Jill Manning and Marilyn Briggs.

All the nominees went on to lead notable lives. Carol — the daughter of well-respected police chief Sam Luciano — still lives here.

As for Marilyn Briggs: She modeled while still at Staples, most famously as the Ivory Snow girl. She then earned fame — as Marilyn Chambers — in hardcore films like “Behind the Green Door.”

Some of the Homecoming Queen nominees were Staples cheerleaders. But they were well prepared.

From the 1950s, until 9th graders moved to the high school in 1983, junior high sports were a very big deal.

Bedford, Coleytown and Long Lots Junior Highs fielded teams. Starting with football, basketball and baseball — and then soccer, field hockey, girls basketball, wrestling, softball and track — they competed against each other, and junior highs in towns like Darien and Greenwich. There were cheerleading squads too (even for a time, spectator buses to away games).

For some young teenagers, it was a chance at competition and camaraderie they’d never achieve at Staples. For others, it was an early step on the road to athletic success, and personal fulfillment.

As for Marilyn Briggs: She may not have been Staples’ Homecoming Queen.

But among many other things, in 1966 she was a Long Lots cheerleader.

Long Lots Junior High School cheerleader Marilyn Briggs, and football captain Dave Roodhuyzen.

(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!)

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Roundup: History Museum Collection, Cribari Bridge, Drugs …

Posted on October 16, 2026 | 10 comments

READER wonders ABOUT WESTPORT MUSEUM DONATION

The Westport Museum for History & Culture’s announcement on Wednesday that they need $750,000 by January raises important questions:

  • How did this happen?
  • What’s next?
  • Why is a historical society — or “museum for history and culture” — important?

Those are big issues. But there are many smaller, more personal ones too.

A longtime resident called “06880” yesterday, in a panic. Back when it was the Westport Historical Society, she had donated several kewpie dolls. (Fun fact: Westport illustrator Rose O’Neill created the characters, in 1909.)

The woman had heard that the Museum will hold a tag sale, to raise money. She was terrified the kewpie dolls — with both historical and emotional value — would be sold for a couple of dollars.

The woman spent all morning calling; no one answered, she said. When she went to the Myrtle Avenue building, she said, it was locked. No one was there.

I assured her the Museum would not be holding a tag sale — at least, not soon.

I said that one idea under consideration is moving their collections and archives to another, less expensive location. Perhaps, I said, Museum officials would contact donors to see if they wanted their items returned.

This woman is not the only one with concerns. Over the years, other Westporters have donated things — military uniforms, furnishings, memorabilia. There have been rumors from time to time that some of them have been “de-accessioned” — sold or discarded.

The woman who called “06880” sounded relieved that her kewpie dolls would not be sold immediately.

If anyone from the Museum for History & Culture can address the status of donated items, now and in the future — including the kewpie dolls — please email 06880blog@gmail.com.

Wheeler House — formerly the Westport Historical Society, now the Westport Museum for History & Culture.

CRIBARI BRIDGE MEETING SET

There has been little action on the Cribari Bridge in Westport.

But in Hartford, work continues.

The state Department of Transportation (CTDOT) has scheduled a project update meeting for November 12 (7 p.m., Town Hall auditorium).

It will include an update on the status of responses to comments received previously; progress to date, and an overview of upcoming steps and timelines.

Project manager James Barrows says, “Following publication of the Environmental Assessment/Environmental Impact Evaluation this past February, we were glad to see such a high level of public engagement, with 833 comments.

“CTDOT is grateful for the strong public engagement and the thoughtful input shared by community members, agencies, and other stakeholders.

“We value stakeholder feedback throughout this project and look forward to sharing updates.”

Click here for more information on the Cribari Bridge project. 

Questions? Contact Barrows: james.barrows@ct.gov, (860) 594-3192, or project engineer Ashley Heredia: Ashley.Heredia@ct.gov, (860) 594-3488. (Hat tip: Andrew Colabella)

Cribari Bridge (Drone photo/Alex O’Brien)

cops want your drugs: takeback day is October 24

Got unneeded medications — old, expired and/or unwanted — cluttering your medicine cabinet?

The Westport Police want them.

On Saturday, October 24 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Westport Center for Senior Activities), they’ll take part in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. They’ll collect tablets, capsules, patches and other forms of prescription drugs. 

Syringes, sharps and illicit drugs are not accepted.

Don’t forget: A year-round bin located in the lobby of police headquarters allows drugs to be disposed of at any time. You can pick up medication disposal bags there too, to get rid of liquid and pill medications in your regular trash.

Click here for more information.

OVERDOSE AWARENESS, NARCAN TRAINING SET

Speaking of drugs: You’ve heard about fentanyl. What about the new designer drug, cychlorphine?

Do you know how to recognize and overdose? Or how to get — and use — Narcan, to treat it?

Positive Directions is sponsoring a virtual overdose awareness and Narcan training for Westport and Norwalk residents. It’s 1 p.m. on Thursday, October 29. Email positivedirections.org/events for the Zoom link.

PS: Free Narcan kits are available for Westporters and Norwalkers who attend the training. They can be picked up at Positive Directions, across from Whole Foods.

CRASH CLOSES TURKEY HILL NORTH

A 1-car rollover crash closed Turkey Hill Road North for several hours yesterday.

One person was extricated from the vehicle.

A broken utility pole necessitated the road closure.

Westport Fire Department personnel assist at the scene. (Photo courtesy of WFD)

 

$25 TICKETS FOR PLAYHOUSE WORLD PREMIERE

The world premiere of “Ken Ludwig’s Pride & Prejudice, Part 2: Napoleon at Pemberley” is near.

And the Westport Country Playhouse is offering special $25 preview tickets.

Shows are Tuesday and Wednesday, October 20-21 (7 p.m.), and Friday, October 23 (8 p.m.). The deadline to order is Sunday. Click here to purchase.

looking ahead: snow and ice removal 🙂 

Do you have a plow? A shovel?

Westport seeks proposals for emergency snow and ice removal.

Bids will be received until 11 a.m. October 29, at the Town Hall finance office (Room 313). To see the RFP, click here

Questions? Email bwatson@westportct.gov.

Sure, it’s still mid-October. But town officials want to be ready.

STAPLES HOMECOMING KICKOFF: NEW TIME

The start time for tonight’s Homecoming football game against Darien at Paul Lane Field has been moved to 5 p.m. Thunderstorms are predicted later in hte evening.

The celebration of all Staples sports captains has been moved to November 13 (Senior Night, vs. Fairfield Ludlowe).

Go Wreckers!

 

KNEADS EXPANDS

Kneads is rising — and we don’t mean their yeast.

Last weekend, popular Saugatuck bakery opened a café at 1916 Post Road in Fairfield.

That site will handle all bread production for both Kneadses. The original location will focus exclusively on pastry production.

In the works: a 3rd locale, at 32 Railroad Avenue in Greenwich.

 

 

MOTHERS WITH ADHD: INCORRECT DATE GIVEN

Incorrect information was provided to “06880” about the upcoming “Sharing the Invisible Load: ADHD, Motherhood & Identity” event. The correct date is  November 8 (9 a.m., Beyond Yoga, 136 Main Street).

The morning combines movement, conversation, support, and connection with other women who understand the experience. In addition to coffee and light bites, Beyond Yoga will offer attendees 20% off in-store shopping after the event.

Click here to register, and for more information.

jonathan steinberg: how state government works

This week, retiring State Representative Jonathan Steinberg kicked off his 4-part series on how Connecticut’s state government works.

The sessions continue October 27, November 17 and December 8, at the Westport Center for Senior Activities.

It is not a political discussion; it’s about the nuts-and-bolts of Hartford. For information on the series, call 203-341-5099.

State Representative Jonathan Steinberg, at the Senior Center. (Photo/Diane Lowman)

sTELLAR OCCULATIONS ON PLUTO AND TRITON

If you’ve always wondered how to use stellar occultations to monitor the tenuous atmospheres of Pluto and Triton, you’re in luck!

The Westport Astronomical Society hosts Dr. Michael Person of MIT for an in-person lecture (October 20, 8 p.m.). The talk will also be livestreamed on YouTube and Zoom, and posted to the WAS YouTube channel afterward.

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 November 5 (6 p.m.)  and 6 (7 p.m.). Click here for tickets.

 

“WESTPORT … NATURALLY,” & SONG OF THE DAY

We’ve featured a lot of different plants in our “Westport … Naturally” series.

But this is our first panicled wood aster. Clarence Hayes spotted, photographed — and identified it.

(Photo/Clarence Hayes)

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And finally … in honor of the Westport Police Drug Takeback Day:

(Speaking of helpers: “06880” relies on the generosity of readers like you. If you value what we do, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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[OPINION] Westport’s History Deserves Preservation — Not An Ultimatum

Posted on October 16, 2026 | 29 comments

Andrew Colabella is a native Westporter, a Staples High School graduate, and a Representative Town Meeting member. He writes: 

On Wednesday, the Westport Museum for History & Culture announced that it must raise $750,000 by January or face potentially drastic changes, including selling the historic Bradley Wheeler House, relocating its collections, and significantly reducing operations.

I am not surprised.

The announcement should concern every Westport resident. But the greater concern is not simply the financial shortfall. It is how an institution entrusted with preserving our town’s history arrived at this point.

Before asking the community for another $750,000, the museum owes that same community transparency, accountability, and an explanation of what went wrong.

In 2020, I publicly expressed concerns about the direction of the former Westport Historical Society. I questioned the removal of historic displays, the treatment of longtime donors and volunteers, and the growing practice of charging residents to access their own community’s history.

More than 6 years later, those concerns have not disappeared. They have become increasingly relevant.

The museum’s transformation was accompanied by controversy. The Sheffer family’s name was removed from the main exhibition gallery, despite generations of financial and civic contributions.

Period rooms were eliminated or repurposed. Historic collections were reorganized, and longtime supporters felt increasingly unwelcome.

After the Westport Historical Society became the Westport Museum for History & Culture, questions arose over the fate of the “Miss Liberty” and “Uncle Sam” kinetic sculptures, created by Westport artists Walter and Naiad Einsel. (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)

People such as Ann Sheffer, Dorothy Curran, Morley Boyd, Miggs Burroughs, Betsy Pollak, John Suggs, Joanne Woodward, Bill Scheffler and countless others represent something money cannot replace: institutional knowledge, volunteerism, community relationships, and historical continuity.

These individuals and families helped build, support and preserve the institution long before its rebranding.

You cannot alienate the people who helped build an institution, and then express surprise when community support becomes difficult to sustain.

To be fair, the museum has accomplished worthwhile projects, including restoring its historic barn, improving archival management, and expanding educational programming. Those achievements deserve recognition.

But accomplishments do not eliminate the responsibility to demonstrate financial sustainability.

The comments following the “06880” article raise important questions.

Fred Roberts questioned how a $750,000 emergency could emerge with such little public notice. Morley Boyd acknowledged the museum’s improvements while calling for fresh leadership. Ken Stamm described encountering membership requirements when attempting to research historical documents.

These are not unreasonable criticisms. They reflect a fundamental breakdown of confidence between a community institution and some of the people it exists to serve.

And now, with January approaching, residents are being asked to provide an extraordinary amount of money to preserve the museum’s current operating structure.

Three quarters of a million dollars in 80 days? Their problem lies in expenditures. A director’s salary almost doubled in 6 years. The board is just as culpable as the director, to allow such blown out spending to put their mission at risk, history being wiped out and removed, and a town born from the revolutionary war with nothing to show or share.

The Westport Historical Society was a popular spot for educational field trips, to give physical evidentiary proof and exercise to feel, see, and live what and how humanity and society existed in different times. Those rooms are now offices.

For many years, the Jennings Trail guide was available at the Westport Historical Society. Each spring, the WHS sponsored tours of town landmarks for elementary school students. 

I believe Westport’s history deserves to be protected. I believe its archives, artifacts, photographs and historic properties must remain accessible to future generations. If donors feel uncomfortable about their artifacts being in the museum’s possession, they have a right to have them back.

The museum would benefit from rebuilding relationships with the families, volunteers, historians and donors who helped sustain it for decades. Preserving the museum and preserving its current management structure are not necessarily the same thing.

Before people donate, the board should provide a complete financial accounting, present a realistic recovery strategy, and engage the community in an open discussion about the institution’s future.

The museum belongs to a historical legacy much larger than any one executive director, board or organizational rebranding. Its mission should be preservation, education, accessibility and public trust.

Choosing between history and demanding accountability from those entrusted with protecting it is not appropriate.

(“06880” Opinion pages are open to all. Email submissions to 06880blog@gmail.com.)

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Pics Of The Day #3466

Posted on October 15, 2026 | Leave a comment

Weekday lunch on Church Lane …

… and the scene nearby, at the Seabury Center. (Photos/Jonathan Alloy)

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Roundup: New Road Rules, Mental Health Facility, Closet Factory …

Posted on October 15, 2026 | 2 comments

NEW RULES OF THE rOAD

New state motor vehicle laws went into effect October 1.

And breaking them could cost you.

According to Asia Rutledge of On the Marc media, “Connecticut’s new distracted driving law goes beyond texting. Drivers can be ticketed for holding or supporting a phone, using it outside hands-free mode, reading or typing messages, or having videos visible while driving — even while stopped at a red light.”

There are exceptions for navigation and driver-assisted systems.

NOTE: Distracted driving violations can increase insurance rates by 64% — that’s $1,083 a year.

The first violation for passing a stopped school bus brings a $450 fine. Subsequent violations can cost up to $1,000, and result after a third time in loss of license. Our “06880” Police Reports routinely note these violations — including multiple offenders.

Texting — even while stopped — is illegal.

 

THE SHORES: official welcome

The Shores — the new name for what was once St. Vincent’s Behavioral Health, and for decades before that, Hall-Brooke Hospital — has been operating quietly, but effectively, in Westport since Hartford HealthCare took over St. Vincent’s.

This week, 1st Selectman Kevin Christie joined company officials, including CEO Jeffrey Flaks, for a ceremonial ribbon-cutting.

Welcoming The Shores to Westport. CEO Jeffrey Flaks (7th from left), 1st Selectman Kevin Christie (9th from left), and others. (Photo/Dave Briggs)

“06880” reporter Dave Briggs was at the ceremony. Click here or below for his interviews.

The Shores offers 76 beds, for acute adult cases, children and adolescents, and a mood and anxiety program.

A new Welcome Center — open 6 days a week, including evenings — allows people to talk with clinicians. If admission is appropriate, it happens quickly. If not, they may be referred to one of the outpatient facilities.

CLOSET FACTORY OPENS DOORS

Last year, Westport residents Dan and Melanie bought the local Closet Factory, across from Stop & Shop.

She is an interior designer, with a background in residential and commercial work. His background is in entrepreneurship and investing.

Their goal was to create a welcoming space where people could possibilities for their homes, from an organizational upgrade to a larger custom project.

Their new showroom includes a wide range of displays, styles and finishes, going far beyond closets. The staff handles everything from design consultation through installation, with all cabinetry manufactured in Bethel.

They work closely with local interior designers, builders and architects. A grand opening is set for this Saturday (October 17, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.).

 

BINGO! CLUB203 SCORES

Club203’s Halloween Bingo Party filled the Westport Center for Senior Activities last night with dozens of people in creatives costumes.

Members of the social club for adults with disabilities enjoy laughter, games, and plenty of Halloween fun.

Volunteers led by Holly and Paul Betts, along with caller Doug Brill and cookie decorating ace Avery Horne, made the evening extra special.

Bingo! (Hat tip and photo/Stacie Curran)

jane austen at 250

A free Sunday Symposium on October 25 (after the 3 p.m. Westport Country Playhouse performance of the world premiere of “Ken Ludwig’s Pride and Prejudice, Part 2: Napoleon at Pemberley”) explores “Pride and Prejudice” author Jane Austen’s legacy, 2 1/2 centuries after her birth.

Moderator Kelle Ruden is a member of the Jane Austen Society North America.

The show runs from October 20 through November 7. Celebrating Austen’s 250th anniversary year, it is a lively ensemble comedy about marriage, ambition, and the thrill of changing one’s destiny. For more information and tickets, click here.

 

SPEED KILLS

This Coleytown area family manages to, um, kill 2 birds with one stone.

They send an important message — with a Halloween twist.

(Photo/Julie Whamond)

 

BE CAREFUL OUT THERE!

We’re not sure what happened here yesterday.

But this is not something you want to see when you come back to your car at the Westport train station.

(Photo/Dave Briggs)

OBITUARY: MARTIN SLATTERY

Former Westport YMCA aquatics director, swim instructor, lifeguard and Water Rats coach Martin Slattery died October 1, after a long illness. He was 53. 

In addition to his Y work, he was an automotive service manager with Subaru and Park Place Lexus. In every role he enjoyed working with people, solving problems, and helping others succeed.

Martin enjoyed attending car shows, refining his automotive detailing skills, and working on projects in his garage. His other interests included music, exploring the outdoors, discovering a great bargain, and enjoying a good meal or cup of coffee.

In his later years Martin faced significant health challenges, including end-stage renal failure. He always maintained a positive attitude. He died of heart failure during a dialysis treatment.

Martin is survived by his wife Deborah; sons Cadyn and Meryk; parents Martin and Margaret Slattery; sister Maureen, and brother Michael.

There will be a celebration of Martin’s life on October 22 (10 a.m., Allen Family Funeral Options, Plano, Texas).

POLICE REPORTS

Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between October 7 and 13.

A 41-year-old Westport Man was charged with disorderly conduct and threatening, after a complaint about a 2-day period in which the man made repeated threats of physical harm, while brandishing a knife. He was held on a $100,000 bond.

A 42-year-old Westport man was charged with disorderly conduct, following an investigation into 3 incidents in August in which the man was allegedly under the influence of alcohol, and was verbally aggressive and threatening. He was released on a $500 bond.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

Failure to obey state traffic commission regulations: 5 citations

Traveling unreasonably fast: 4

Texting while driving: 4

  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 4
  • Failure to renew registration: 4
  • School zone violation, 2nd offense: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 2
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 2
  • Transporting a child under 5 without restraints: 1
  • Failure to drive in the proper lane: 1
  • Failure to grant right of way: 1
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 1
  • Following too closely: 1
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
  • Improper rear lights: 1

Children need car seats!

“WESTPORT … NATURALLY” & SONG OF THE daY

Wendy Levy spotted today’s interesting “Westport … Naturally” image on Old Road.

(Photo/Wendy Levy)

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And finally … we missed this yesterday: the 100th anniversary of the publication of “Winnie-the-Pooh.” So, as the classic tale begins its 2nd century:

(“06880” has several decades to go, to reach the 100-year mark. You can help us get there. Please donate, by clicking here. Thank you!)

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