While Westport’s attention is focused on the Cribari Bridge — and the traffic issues that already plague Saugatuck — an “06880” reader urges us not to forget about the “worst intersection” in town (and perhaps the state).
That is, of course, the cluster**** that is Riverside Avenue, Wilton Road and Post Road West. The reader writes:
Below is a 5 p.m. Google Maps screenshot of “live” traffic on the Tuesday of school vacation last week.
Wilton Road at top; Riverside Avenue at bottom; Post Road West cutting through.
I can only imagine how red the lines will be now that schools are back in session, and everyone rushes to get home from school, work and play.
A quick AI search on “06880” turns up several suggestions, offered in the past:
Traffic Officers: Some suggest assigning police officers or traffic agents to direct traffic, especially during peak hours. This has been noted to significantly improve traffic flow at similar problematic intersections, such as the Cribari Bridge. (Click here for a previous “06880” story.)
Traffic Light Timing and Configuration: Many readers suggest altering the timing of traffic lights to allow for better flow. One idea is to have green lights for only one direction at a time (e.g., green for northbound Wilton Road traffic only, then green for Post Road West traffic only; then green only for the other 3 streets, moving counter-clockwise one at a time. That would prevent backups caused by cars waiting to turn while opposing traffic is also trying to move. (Click here for a previous “06880” story.)
Road Widening and Lane Adjustments: Past opportunities were missed to widen the road or create turning lanes by acquiring properties at the intersection corners. While difficult now, widening the road, particularly at the intersection of Wilton Road and the Post Road, could create a much-needed right turning lane. (Click here for a previous “06880” story.)
Many of these suggestions involve state roads, which means changes require the Connecticut Department of Transportation’s planning, funding, and approval. (Click here for a previous “06880” story.)
In the mid-2010s, David Waldman proposed a creative solution: move the building at the corner northwest corner of Wilton Road and the Post Road — at that point, it was a liquor store — to create a turning lane.
Town officials turned him down.
Now, in 2026, the state is looking to acquire 77 square feet with eminent domain at the same location, according to recent media reports.
The Department of Transportation would install Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant sidewalks ramps, and a pedestrian push button there.
Aerial view of the intersection — without, remarkably, any traffic.
But instead of incremental tweaks to lights and sidewalks, why don’t we take time — and perhaps one of the Cribari Bridge Committees — to engage with DOT and the town, for a holistic look at the intersection for more permanent solutions?
It may be expensive to buy and/or move buildings (including, perhaps, the one at the foot of Post Road West on the eastbound side, where traffic turns sharply onto Riverside Avenue). That’s another solution proposed in the past.
But unless we build another bridge, in addition to the Cribari Bridge changes or bore a tunnel under the Saugatuck River, the traffic problems will continue to get worse in Westport.
Who is interested in shaping another solution to make Westport safer and faster?
(“06880” regularly covers transportation, local politics, real estate — and, like today, their “intersection.” If you appreciate stories like this, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
As Westport prepares to celebrate the 249th anniversary of the Battle of Compo Hill — well, at least Sunday’s Minute Man road race gives a nod to our heroic effort during the Revolutionary War — let’s remember a time when our town remembered (and honored) that historic event.
The other day, Morley Boyd sent along photos of a commemorative coin. He believes it was struck in 1935, to honor the centennial of Westport’s incorporation as a town.
One side shows the Minute Man monument, with the date “Apr. 25, 1777.”
That’s the day 26 ships carrying 1,850 British troops under the direction of General William Tryon — a force larger than at Lexington or Concord — landed at Compo Beach at dusk.
Tory loyalists planned to guide them up Compo Road to Cross Highway, across to Redding Road, then north through Redding and Bethel to Danbury, where they would burn a major supply depot. It contained much-needed tents, clothing, bedding — things necessary for a long military campaign.
Patriots fired a few shots at the corner of the Post Road and Compo, but the British marched on. In Danbury they destroyed the Continental Army’s munitions, then headed back toward their waiting ships at Compo.
Hastily assembled patriot forces fought them in the fierce Battle of Ridgefield. Led by Brigadier General Benedict Arnold — not yet a traitor — and outnumbered 3 to 1, the patriots deployed a strategy of selective engagement.
British forces landed at Compo Beach, marched to Danbury, returned south and — after the Battle of Compo Hill — retreated to Long Island.
The next day — April 28, 1777 — patriots tried to capture the Redcoats at a bridge across the Saugatuck River. That forced the soldiers to march 2 miles north, and swim across.
Meanwhile, marksmen waited on Compo Hill (the current site of Minuteman Hill road).
Twenty colonials were killed, and between 40 and 80 wounded when the British made a shoulder to shoulder charge with fixed bayonets — but, wearing everyday work clothes and using hunting guns or pistols, they gave them a fight.
It was reported that resistance here was more severe than at Lexington and Concord.
Graves of some of the patriots who fell that day lie along Compo Beach Road, just past the Minuteman statue. British soldiers are buried across Gray’s Creek, by the Longshore golf course.
Though Tryon returned to burn Norwalk and Fairfield, never again during the American Revolution did British troops venture inland in Connecticut.
The other side of the coin shows a stylized view of the Saugatuck bridge, and nearby homes.
The scene was similar to that of Westport’s original town seal.
Morley says, “I don’t think I have ever seen one of these centennial coins.”
And if one of Westport’s leading amateur historians is surprised, that’s impressive.
Do any “06880” readers know anything about that commemorative coin? If so — or if you just want to commemorate the Battle of Compo Hill — click “Comments” below.
PS: Next year is the 250th anniversary. We should not let that date pass without an, um, bang.
(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!)
Last night, the Board of Education began a review of the special education program.
It included a discussion of how to evaluate it, who should do the evaluation, and whether to have a community conversation for special education families.
It was the beginning of what may be an extended discussion — with the BOE, Westport Public Schools officials, and the public — about special education in Westport.
Several residents spoke too. Among them was Rosa Balestrino. She said:
I am the parent of a student who received special education services in our district, from kindergarten through 6th grade. I am here tonight because, like you, I want Westport to be a leader in educational excellence — not just for some students, but for all students, especially those with disabilities.
I recently sent you an email outlining systemic issues for consideration in the upcoming district-wide special education program audit. I want to highlight why those proposed recommendations, such as a file-by-file review and a 3-year look-back, are so critical to me.
For my family, this isn’t just academic. It is a matter of safety and survival.
My son, a student with ADHD (attention deficit) and learning disabilities, reached a point during 6th grade where he was regularly speaking about self-harm.
He felt stupid, and didn’t see a way out of his situation as the academic demands increased and he was falling further and further behind his peers.
He told me he didn’t want to live because he didn’t want to have a learning disability and be different from his peers. As a parent, that is a devastating reality to face.
What made it worse was the breakdown in communication with the district. When I reported these cries for help to the school psychologist in a recent meeting, I was flatly told I never reported them.
When I followed up on a bullying report, I was told it didn’t exist — despite having written proof of both.
I forwarded proof of both things the district denied in a PPT (planning and placement team) meeting, and have yet to get an acknowledgment they were wrong.
I am concerned the district never knew or understood my son, which is why an appropriate program was not put into place.
Screenshot, from the Westport Public Schools’ special education page.
With my son speaking out and suffering, I didn’t wait for a tragedy to happen. To protect my son’s life and his education, I moved him to a private school where individualized instruction is a reality, not just a line on a form.
He is thriving in his new school. He knows he can learn, and is smart. This change has been life altering to him. I have my son back.
I should not have had to outplace him. The district should have provided what he required. But they did not, and instead became aggressive towards me for advocating. This is unconscionable.
I share this to illustrate why “business as usual” is failing our most vulnerable children. We need this audit as soon as possible, so Westport can once again become a premier town for educating students, with and without disabilities.
Specifically, I urge the Board to:
Form an Oversight Committee that includes parents of students with disabilities to ensure the scope of work proposed captures systemic issues, such as “Child Find” and IEP fidelity.
Conduct a File-by-File Audit to verify that the services taxpayers are paying for are actually being delivered to the students, and that they are appropriate.
We have a chance to move from a culture of denial, to a culture of accountability and acceptance. Let’s make sure this audit provides the clear roadmap we need to keep our children safe and learning.
STAR’s annual Walk & Roll is a great community event. Hundreds of people gather for an energetic celebration, to raise funds for the non-profit that for nearly 75 years has supported children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
This year’s 21st annual Walk & Roll (Sunday, May 3, 10 a.m. to noon) has a new — and very appropriate — location: STAR’s center (182 Wolfpit Avenue, Norwalk).
Some people walk. Others roll in chairs. Some cheer. All have a great time.
Click here to find a team, create your own, and/or donate.
And note: The team leader in donations so far is Laura Blair. The long-time, well-known Westporter — who is always near the top of the board — is raising funds this year in honor Jenna Herbst. Laura worked with Jenna — a STAR client and Westport native — for many years, before her death this winter.
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Earth Day was Wednesday.
But we can — and should — celebrate sustainability every day.
A great chance comes Sunday, May 3 (11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Lachat Town Farm, Weston).
Ecofest features student performers, food, kids’ activities, eco-demos, and more.
Plus: For every 25 bottles or cans you bring, you get 1 entry in a chance to win $250.
Ecofest is sponsored by Lachat Town Farm, the town of Weston, Sustainable Weston, and the Weston Public School Green Teams.
Craig Melvin’s 12-year-old son got up early — very early — and left Westport, to join his dad on the “Today” show. (Spoiler alert: It was Take Your Kids to Work Day.)
But Delano did not just sit in the wings.
He got his own star turn.
And we do mean “turn.”
Click here, or watch below. (Hat tip: Sal Liccione)
A large crowd gathered Wednesday at the Saugatuck Rowing Club, for the Center for Children’s Advocacy’s “Giving Children a Voice” event.
Chris Mattei — a trial attorney and longtime advocate for the state’s most vulnerable youth — gave the keynote address.
In just the last year, CCA:
Provided 942 children and youth with legal consultation and representation
Advocated for 421 children to address educational barriers; 99% stayed in school or graduated
Provided 157 families with help to prevent utility shut-offs, access safe housing and ensure other basic supports
Helped 64 children access medical or behavioral health care
Represented 94 children involved in immigration proceedings, through a statewide team of pro bono lawyers.
Speakers described some of the work done with children — as young as 5 — swept up by immigration officials, separated from families, and (until CCA intervened) without access to legal help.
“This Is Your Life” — the person-to-person interview program at the Westport Senior Center — offers 2 intriguing upcoming events.
Former “60 Minutes” writer/producer Tom Anderson visits on May 7. State Senator Ceci Maher follows on June 4. Both are from 2 to 3 p.m. Rozanne Gates moderates.
Since 2023, the Senior Center and Legacy Project USA have collaborated on “This Is Your Life.” The series gives residents a chance to learn about the lives of friends and neighbors. Click here for previous interviews
The public is invited to both events. To register, call 203-341-5099.
State Senator Ceci Maher.
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Westport Police made 6 custodial arrests between April 15 and 21.
A 30-year-old Stamford man was arrested for larceny of a motor vehicle, after officers using a license plate reader at 4 a.m. noticed a BMW X4 that had been stolen a day earlier from a residence in New Jersey. Officers used a stop stick tire deflation device on the Sherwood Island Connector, but the driver drove southbound on I-95. When the vehicle became disabled near Exit 6, 3 individuals fled. A Westport officer located a suspect nearby. He was held on a $25,000 bond.
A 75-year-old Newtown woman was charged with larceny, conspiracy to commit larceny and identity theft, following a 2021 complaint by the conservator of a Westport estate alleging impropriety in the handling of assets. The woman – a former business associate of the man — had held power of attorney. An extensive investigation revealed she had authorized expenditures, and credit and identity usages, exceeding $300,000, made in her and her family’s self-interests. She was held on a $300,000 bond.
A 33-year-old Westport woman was charged with assault, threatenin and disorderly conduct, after a verbal argument escalated to an attempted stabbing with a kitchen knife. The victim sustained minor injuries. The assailant was released on a $2,500 non-surety bond.
A 50-year-old Bridgeport man was charged with failure to appear, after a license plate reader detected a canceled plate that did not match the vehicle. The driver could not produce valid registration or insurance. Computer checks showed he was the subject of an active court warrant for failure to appear, in New Haven. He was released on a $2,500 bond.
A 26-year-old New York City man was charged with failure to appear, after being incarcerated at the Bergen (New Jersey) County Jail on a different charge. He was held on a $100,000 bond.
A 54-year-old New York City man was charged with 2 counts of failure to appear, after being incarcerated at Rikers Island for a different charge. He was held on a $30,000 bond.
Meanwhile, the month-long statewide crackdown on texting while driving continues. Westport Police issued these citations:
Texting while driving: 48 citations
Distracted driving: 6
Failure to renew registration: 5
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulation: 5
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 2
Failure to obey stop sign: 2
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 2
Speeding in a school zone: 1
Traveling unreasonably fast: 1
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
Failure to display license plates: 1
Failure to appear: 1
We keep saying it: Don’t text and drive! It’s illegal even when stopped at a light or stop sign.
And finally … Alan Osmond, the oldest member of the family singing group, though overshadowed by siblings Donny and Marie — died Monday in Salt Lake City. He was 76, and suffered from multiple sclerosis. He was 76.
Onyx dedicated her life to the Westport Police Department.
As a member of the K-9 unit, she helped officers sniff out drugs and track bad guys. She was faithful, energetic, and very good.
Now, the retired police dog faces a potentially serious medical challenge. A tumor is affecting her eye.
Surgery can remove it. Though difficult, it will prevent further pain and help stem the spread of disease.
Onyx is strong, resilient, and surrounded by people who are committed to fighting for her every step of the way.
Onyx
But this is just the start of Onyx’s medical journey. Surgery will cost a few thousand dollars. If a biopsy confirms malignancy, total care will be much higher.
Harlow’s Heroes is a non-profit that provides medical care, critical services and support for active and retired K-9s.
They’ve already covered all pre-operation expenses. Now they’re looking for help through surgery, and after.
Funds would cover surgical removal of Onyx’s eye; biopsy and diagnostic testing; post-operative care and medications, and follow-up treatment.
“06880” culture correspondent Robin Moyer Chung reports:
Over the past few days, “06880” has posted several readers’ praises of Westport Country Playhouse’s latest production, the Pulitzer Prize-winning “Primary Trust.”
I’ll add mine.
Eboni Booth wrote the play during the pandemic, while a student at Juilliard. It premiered Off-Broadway in May 2023.
Touching on isolation, neurodiversity and self-worth, “Primary Trust” illuminates the “invisible” people who float in the margins of our lives.
The characters are rich. The powerful script is tender and charming, with unexpected turns — a quiet uncoiling of the long, relentless tentacles of childhood trauma.
Alphonso Walker Jr., and Lance Coadie Williams.
The show follows Kenneth (Alphonso Walker Jr.), a lonely and unobtrusive 38-year old Black man. Kenneth has worked in the same small bookshop for 20 years. He wanders to Wally’s Tiki Bar every night for the 2-for-1 mai tai special, which he drinks with his only friend, Bert.
Bert, played brilliantly by Lance Coadie Williams, is a jovial and committed companion.
Jasminn Johnson, who effortlessly plays a carousel of entertaining Wally’s waitresses, also plays Corinna, Kenneth’s favorite waitress.
When the small bookstore closes, Kenneth follows a tip from Corinna and applies for a teller position at a local bank.
I don’t want to reveal much else.
Alphonso Walker Jr. and Jasminn Johnson. (Photos/Carolyn Rosegg)
For me, there was one small nag. The 3 main characters — Kenneth, Bert and Corinna — are Black (in accordance with the script). One actor is white: Kenneth’s boss at the bookstore, then the bank, played by the comical Greg Stuhr.
Though not denoted in the script, this casting choice was also in its original smash success off-Broadway.
An antagonistic relationship between older white men and younger Black men is a strong thread throughout modern theatrical and cinematic history, and it threw me off-course. Throughout the show I anticipated a clash or misunderstanding to be its climax, which never happened.
This expectation distracted me from the important themes of the play. Perhaps the casting was intended to disrupt this thread, and alter our preconceptions. I’m all for that.
Lighting designer Jonah Bobilin and sound designer Andrea Allmond deserve a special shout-out for their mastery of some tricky and impactful effects.
(“06880” covers Westport’s vibrant arts scene — and much, much more. If you appreciate any features on your hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Next Monday’s Planning & Zoning Commission meeting (April 27, 6 p.m.; Zoom) will begin with the consideration of a pre-application that’s been discussed for a while.
Representative Town Meeting member Andrew Colabella will initiate discussion of a fenced dog area at Winslow Park. It would be located near the end of the asphalt walkway, in the area where construction equipment was staged a couple of years ago.
There would be one section for small dogs, another for large ones.
A pre-app is an informal, preliminary review process for a proposed project. It’s a way to present a conceptual plan and receive early feedback, before formally filing a special permit or site plan application.
There are currently on- and off-leash sections of Winslow Park — but no special fenced-in area. (Photo/Mark Mathias)
Speaking of the great outdoors: Yesterday was Earth Day.
As she has done for over 20 years, longtime Westporter and environmental advocate Rindy Higgins cleaned up garbage at Canal Beach (after a full day of substitute teaching at Coleytown Middle School).
She reports: “Finding mostly paper scraps, tar chunks, an odd large jar full of dirt topped with a lid like a terrarium, and some plastic bits and bobs, I’m glad to announce there is much less this year than in the past!”
Next year, let’s put Rindy out of a job. (Clean-up, that is — not teaching.)
An update on an ongoing accessory dwelling unit (ADA) case:
In January, the Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously denied an appeal of a previous Planning & Zoning Commission decision, to allow construction of an ADU at 21 Norwalk Avenue.
Adjacent Compo Beach neighborhood property owners David Johnson and Holly Jaffe had objected to the ADU, based on its 26-foot height and location 10 feet from the existing house. (Click here for a previous “06880” story on this issue.)
James Ezzes, ZBA chair, wrote that zoning regulations in effect at the time of the application allow construct of accessory dwelling units as of right; the proposed plans conform to the definite of an ADU and all applicable standards; regulations allow a 350-square foot coverage exemption for lots of 1.5 acres or less; and the zoning enforcement officer does not have discretion in the review of permits.
With a suit pending in Superior Court (set to be heard in August), alleging that the Zoning Board of Appeals erroneously approved the permit, Johnson and Jaffe requested an injunction to prevent construction. A judge will rule on that motion on April 29.
This week, however, work began on the new structure.
Construction begins at 21 Norwalk Avenue.
Meanwhile, the P&Z has already revised regulations for ADUs in small lots. They removed a 350-foot exemption on lots of 1.5 acres and less. The lot in question (above) is .11 acre.
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“Affordability” — a hot topic nationally these days — is the theme of this year’s 10th annual Westport Woman’s Club Art Show.
Sixteen local artists — with works curated by Miggs Burroughs — kicks off with an opening reception today (Thursday, 4 to 7 p.m.). The exhibit continues Saturday and Sunday, April 25-26 (2 to 5 p.m.).
Artists include Robin Babbin, John Bygott, Bonnie Edelman, Susan Fehlinger, Hernan Garcia, Rachel Hall, Elisa Keogh, Shelley Lowenstein, Paula Morgan, Larry Morse, Jon Puzzuoli, Butch Quick, Jodi Rabinowitz, Cindy Wagner and Tammy Winser.
Guest artist Sean Keating will show work in the drawing room, where small works donated by the participating artists as chance prizes will be on display.
This year’s show honors the memory of Jo Fuchs Luscombe. The former WWC president — who also served as state representative, 3rd selectwoman and Zoning Board of Appeals chair — died last year.
Net proceeds benefit local community service organizations, and need-based scholarships.
The Westport Weston Family YMCA is all about health for all — especially youth.
So it’s a no-brainer for them to invite everyone to Healthy Kids Day (April 25, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.).
Part of a national Y program, Healthy Kids Day highlights the importance of nutritious eating, physical activity, mental resilience, and developing lifelong healthy habits.
The event includes mini-classes, food trucks with healthy options, a bounce house, water safety demonstrations, and community vendors and partners.
“Art, Jazz + the Blues” — MoCA\CT’s current exhibition — is open through June 7. It’s visually expansive, and the music it evokes is equally broad and inspiring.
But that’s far from the only reason to visit the Newtown Turnpike gallery.
A host of activities complements, draws upon and adds to the exhibit. For example:
East Coast Contemporary Ballet Salon Series (tonight, Thursday, 7:30 p.m.).
Teen Open Mic Night (April 30, 6 p.m.)
Inside Art & Jazz with WPKN’s Richard Epstein and Jim Motavalli (May 2, 6 p.m.)
Intuitive Painting: Analyzing Your Creative Flow with Melissa Benedek (May 3, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.)
1 Degree of Separation: Jazz in Connecticut — A Conversation with Yale School of Music’s Tom Duffy & Wayne Escoffery (May 7, 6 p.m.)
Mother’s Day at MoCA\CT (May 10, 12 to 5 p.m.)
Sound Bath Meditation with Hummingbird Healing Arts’ Lisa Pak (May 12, June 30, July 14, 6 to 7 p.m.)
Westport Writers’ Workshop at MoCA\CT (May 14, 6 p.m.)
Camp MoCA Open House (May 16, 9:30 to 11 a.m.)
Karisa Chiu, Violin, and Frederic Chiu, Piano (May 16, 7 p.m.)
Lewis Black is an upcoming Westport Country Playhouse attraction.
Well, he won’t be on stage. But the comedian has written a lively, insightful comedy — “One Slight Hitch” — that is the next Script in Hand reading.
It’s set for Monday, May 4 (7 p.m.).
His inspiration was a wedding invitation from a woman he had dated years earlier.
“That really blew my mind,” Black says. “I thought, ‘What if I did go?’ That was the beginning of the idea: What would happen if someone from the past suddenly showed up on a day that’s supposed to be completely planned out?”
“Everyone loves Lewis Black for his razor-sharp stand-up, his incredibly funny books, and his unforgettable appearances on ‘The Daily Showm’” says Mark Shanahan, Script in Hand series curator and Playhouse artistic director.
“But he’s also a remarkably funny playwright, and ‘One Slight Hitch’ proves it.”
The face “feels both wildly entertaining and all too familiar to anyone who’s ever navigated family, love, or the chaos of a wedding day.”
Born 16 weeks prematurely, doctors said he would be blind, and never walk.
He proved them very, very wrong.
Buoyed by support from his parents and sister, and many others — including eye doctors and occupational, speech and physical therapists — he survived.
At Staples High he ran cross country, and competed in indoor and outdoor track. He graduated in 2017.
But that was just the start.
Daniel ran 4 marathons. He got his undergraduate degree in human services from Beacon College, and pursued a master’s through the University of Vermont. in physical activity and wellness science.
The other day, Daniel provided this update:
“I believe that in our digitally connected world, we might be missing out on human support and contact.
“I saw the challenges my fellow neurodiverse individuals and I face in that digital world. My solution is developing a local neurodiverse mentoring community.
“Because resources are commonly developed and brought about from a neurotypical perspective, while well-intentioned they unfortunately often fail to support individual goals of people they are meant to serve.
“I offer personalized coaching for teen and young adult neurodivergents. Across several levels of functioning. my support from an empathetic perspective helps people achieve their goals and navigate their lives, from daily routines and indepedence to fitness and school.
“My background as a neurodiverse individual, and my professional experience as a paraeducator and fitness coach allow me to help. But my most important credential is my lived experience.”
For more information, email danielimaya@gmail.com; call 203-644-6877, or click here.
Daniel Maya
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Pop Shop Market offers a special pre-Mother’s Day event, with local vendors showcasing fashion, accessories, home goods and more.
It’s May 2 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Westport Museum for History & Culture).
Other gift ideas include graduations and teacher appreciation.
David Aasen — a 1974 Staples graduate whose interest in foreign affairs led him to a long career as a field manager, policy analyst and representative of international organizations in the Middle East, Africa and Europe — died of natural causes on April 7, in Dubai. He was 69.
A resident of Mombasa, Kenya, David had expertise in governance,
democratization, and relations between non-governmental organizations and the
media. He worked to make the world better and safer, in places many would have thought too broken to fix.
David worked for the United Nations, US State Department, Organization of African Unity, and Organization of American States.
Previously, he served as a long-time program officer for Amnesty International USA. Field assignments included reporting on civil conflict in Sudan, coordinating electoral assistance in Haiti and relief aid in Somalia, monitoring elections in the Republics of the Congo and Angola, and overseeing refugee repatriation projects in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
David spoke French, Spanish, Portuguese and Arabic.
After Staples High School, David earned a BA in international affairs from George Washington University. He also received certificates in mass media from Stanford University, and international peacekeeping from the Inter-American Defense College.
He was predeceased by his parents, Martha and Lawrence Aasen. He is
survived by his sister Susan Aasen (David), of Rockland, Maine.
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The Longshore golf course is up and running … and ready to shine, as the featured photo in today’s “Westport … Naturally” daily series.
And finally … Dave Mason, who had success both with Traffic and as a solo artist, died Sunday. He was 79.
Mason — inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, with Traffic — headlined more than once at the Levitt Pavilion. His most recent appearance there was a 2017 fundraiser.
In his long career, he played with Paul McCartney, George Harrison, the Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Michael Jackson, David Crosby, Graham Nash, Steve Winwood, Fleetwood Mac, Delaney & Bonnie and Cass Elliott.
Click here for a full obituary. (Hat tip: Amy Schneider)
(“06880” is where Westport meets the world. From local news and upcoming events to a connection you forgot or never knew, we’re here for you, 24/7/365. Please click here to support us. Thanks!)
Jonathan Dobin-Smith is a Staples High School senior, and regional director for Circle of Friends. The non-profit involves children, teenagers and adults with autism and disabilities in a full array of inclusive social experiences.
In the fall, Jonny — who received Circle of Friends’ Mildred H. Schwartz Scholarship for Outstanding Volunteering and Leadership — heads to the University of Chicago. He writes:
No place epitomizes the meaning of “community” quite like Circle of Friends, on a Sunday afternoon. Volunteers, instructors and neurodivergent participants burst through the door in a torrent of excitement.
Neurodivergent kids often find themselves feeling left out. They aren’t invited to birthday parties or playdates, and have a hard time creating lasting friendships.
At COF, teen volunteers spend time with our friends one Sunday per month. We schedule weekly 1-on-1 playdates separately with our neurodivergent buddies.
Walking in the door for the first time as an 8th grader, I was nervous. I had no experience working with kids with special needs. My brother had been the president of Staples’ COF chapter, and I was anxious about filling his shoes.
However, the fantastic community of volunteers and organizers make everyone feel like they belong. What was once anxiety quickly turned to excitement.
Jonny Dobin-Smith (right) and fellow volunteer Aiden Lapatine, with their friend Shai during a baking activity.
Being a part of this year’s senior class of volunteers has been a huge honor. But as our senior class heads off to Emory, Michigan, Vanderbilt, Chicago and other great schools, we leave behind a group of amazing buddies looking for new friends.
COF only works when teens in our area step up to help. I hope that everyone reading this will consider volunteering, or encouraging a middle or high school student they know to volunteer.
Getting involved with COF isn’t just a chance to positively change someone else’s world a little. It’s an opportunity to change your own, in a meaningful way.
Volunteering with COF is super flexible. There’s an opportunity to participate in group events one Sunday per month. That’s enough for plenty of volunteers. Many others also participate in my favorite program, Home with Friends, where volunteers are paired with a buddy who they visit each week, in a way that works for the volunteer’s schedule.
Volunteers easily balance activities like rowing, lacrosse, football, Players and academics with this discrete time commitment.
In 9th grade I began visiting my buddy, G. A highlight of my time with G was Halloween, when I got to relive all the best parts of trick-or-treating.
G had a buddy to go out with that night, and I had the greatest time showing him “the best streets” for candy. We had a blast.
Volunteering with COF is truly impactful. Showing up to befriend someone who feels disconnected or lonely changes their world. Being present to go for a walk, play video games, grab ice cream or play a little basketball provides an opportunity for connection and engagement. Seeing your buddy’s face light up when you knock on their front door feels amazing.
Getting to know them, and their families, is even better. Whether you volunteer for 1 year or 4, you’ll become a part of the family in the best way.
Mischpacha is a Yiddish word that means “extended family.” As part of COF, you become a part of the mischpacha.
Circle of Friends volunteers (from left) Sammi Dreizen, Juliet Jannes, Elijah Falkenstein and Jonny Dobin-Smith.
Volunteering with COF requires no previous experience — and everyone is welcome.You don’t need any special education training or past involvement with special needs or disabilities to get involved. Just an interest in being friendly and making a difference.
The program is run out of a synagogue, but people of all different religions participate as friends and volunteers. During the recent Purim holiday, some of my friends from Staples who are Christian and Muslim helped pack gift boxes.
Volunteering with COF allows students to be creative. From creating science workshops to an entire baking program, if you have an interest that will work for the group, Freida Hecht, COF’s executive director, will encourage you to pursue it.
This is such a fun way to provide engagement during Sunday Circle events and lean into your own interests. There’s even a new leadership program next year that will award college credit to volunteers.
Working with an organization so dedicated to changing lives has been an honor. I encourage you and your families get to experience it, too!
COF wants to meet the needs of every family that contacts them for help. But that only happens when enough people show up.
Our annual Evening of Recognition, which raises programming funds for the entire year, is coming up Sunday, May 3. I very much hope to see you there.
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I recently sent you an email outlining systemic issues for consideration in the upcoming district-wide special education program audit. I want to highlight why those proposed recommendations, such as a file-by-file review and a 3-year look-back, are so critical to me.
This is such a fun way to provide engagement during Sunday Circle events and lean into your own interests. There’s even a new leadership program next year that will award college credit to volunteers.