Dave Stalling is one of many Westporters who worked at Allen’s. The Staples High School graduate now lives in Montana. But he has fond memories of his years at the restaurant. Dave writes:
It’s difficult to imagine that anyone who went to Staples High School in the 1970s didn’t, at one time or another, work for Wayne Uccellini at Allen’s Clam & Lobster House.
Wayne and his family owned Allen’s, a once beloved Westport landmark built in 1890 by Captain Walter Allen. When I was growing up, it was a wonderful restaurant and a central part of the town’s character. (The restaurant closed in the late 1990s, was demolished in 2004, and the site is now the Sherwood Mill Pond Preserve.)
Exterior and interior views of Allen’s Clam House. Today, it’s the Sherwood Mill Pond Preserve.
When I attended Staples High School (Class of 1979), it seemed like almost everyone I knew worked there — washing dishes, bussing tables, prepping food or cooking.
Wayne ran the kitchen. I can still picture him clearly: dressed in his white chef’s uniform, black mustache, always smiling, efficiently moving through the kitchen. He seemed constantly busy, yet never too busy to stop and say hello or, more likely, continuing to work while visiting.
Wayne Uccellini (left) and his brother Ron in Allen’s kitchen, 1978.
We became friends. He took me fishing and grouse hunting. When I was strapped for cash, he paid me to do yard work at his home.
Later, when I came home on leave from the Marine Corps, Wayne was always genuinely happy to see me. He’d invite me into the kitchen, always cooking something up, and say, “Hey Dave, try this.” It might be a bit of scampi, some lobster or a bowl of clam chowder to bring home. He always asked how my mom and dad were doing.
Wayne was kind, generous and compassionate, always eager to help anyone in need.
The Uccellini family.
A lifelong resident of Westport, Wayne was a graduate of Staples High School, Class of 1964, and proudly served in the US Army. He and his wonderful wife Karen raised their 3 children in Westport.
I will always remember Wayne as a cherished friend and mentor — someone who gave countless high school students their very first jobs, and left a lasting, positive influence on the town of Westport.
Westport Police have arrested a 29-year-old Southbury man, in connection with a November threat against Coleytown Elementary School.
On November 3, at 7:34 a.m., the Fairfield County Regional Dispatch Center received a text to 911, saying, “I’ll blow up Coleytown Elementary School.”
The school day was delayed 2 hours. Buses were rerouted to Coleytown Middle School, and people in the building were evacuated to CMS. Everyone in the middle school was advised to shelter in place.
Westport, Fairfield and Norwalk Police Department explosive detection canine units, along with the Stamford Police Department’s Bomb Squad, conducted a systematic search of the premises.
An extensive search yielded no explosives.
Coleytown Elementary School (foreground); Coleytown Middle School (rear). (Drone photo/Brandon Malin)
The cell phone from where the message originated was traced. It was found on the man, who was located by officers a short distance from the school while the search was ongoing.
He initially claimed that his phone had been hacked. Further investigation, including a forensic examination of the device, interviews with the suspect and coordination with other agencies investigating similar incidents, tied the allegation to the man.
An arrest warrant was sought and granted. He was charged with threatening, falsely reporting an incident, misuse of 911, computer crime in furtherance of terroristic purposes, and breach of peace.
He was unable to post $100,000 bond, and was arraigned today.
Homes with Hope president and CEO Helen McAlinden, and board chair Becky Martin, nominate this week’s Unsung Hero. They write:
This honor perfectly reflects Katharine Murray’s extraordinary contributions to Homes with Hope, and the broader Westport community.
Katharine recently earned a well-deserved promotion to chief of staff. This newly updated title and role formally recognizes the leadership, strategic insight and operational excellence she has long brought to our organization.
Katharine Murray (center), with Homes with Hope president and CEO Helen McAlinden (left), and vice president and chief operating officer Paris Looney. (Photo/Dave Matlow)
As chief of staff Katharine plays a pivotal role in overseeing key departments, including Development, Marketing, Grant Writing, Community Relations, and the Food Pantry.
She works in close partnership with the leadership team, as well as the entire staff she collaborates with daily. She builds trust, fosters collaboration, and supports teams across the organization.
Katharine joined Homes with Hope as a marketing and development professional in 2022, but her role quickly evolved as her willingness to step in wherever needed became impossible to overlook. Over the years she quietly and effectively took on responsibilities spanning Marketing, Development, Grants, Operations, Events, Agency Data Management, and Pantry Program Oversight.
Her promotion to chief of staff is a formal acknowledgment of the role she has long fulfilled with grace, intelligence, and tireless dedication.
With Katharine’s steadfast partnership and leadership, Homes with Hope has grown into an agency that serves more than 3,000 individuals annually.
Katharine’s impact is evident across every corner of the organization. She assumed full coordination of recent renovations to the Gillespie Center and Susie’s House. She helped source furniture and décor to ensure residents would experience not just shelter, but a beautiful, welcoming and dignified place to call home. Her thoughtful, creative and cost-effective design choices are apparent when entering either facility.
Katharine Murray (far left), with volunteers and Westport Police officers at the Homes with Hope food pantry, following a donation drive.
Her leadership is especially visible at the Gillespie Center Pantry. Last year the pantry recorded 9,150 visits, served 1,199 registered households, and supported more than 3,000 individuals.
Despite increased demand, the environment feels less like a pantry and more like a thoughtfully curated community market providing choice, quality, and dignity.”
Katharine leads by example. She drives the van, picks up food, carries supplies, stocks shelves, checks inventory, places orders, and steps in wherever help is needed. Bilingual. she regularly supports Spanish-speaking pantry participants.
Behind the scenes, she quietly delivers groceries to elderly or ill neighbors.
Katharine has significantly elevated Homes with Hope’s fundraising and community presence, helping lead events like Gather Round the Table and Stand Up Comedy Night.
Katharine Murray, at a Rotary Club/Police Department food drive.
Katharine is a familiar presence at food drives led by Sunrise Rotary, Westport Rotary Club, the Westport Police Department, and countless community organizations, faith groups and schools. Her warmth, approachability, and genuine care for others embody the spirit of Homes with Hope.
Kathleen arrives early and stays late. She is present, accessible, and deeply committed to both the mission and the people who carry it forward.
We wish Kathleen continued success as she partners with Helen, Paris, Jacque, Katie and the entire Homes with Hope team to move the agency forward—stronger, more resilient, and more impactful than ever.
(“06880” is proud to honor Unsung Heroes — and tell many other tales of town too. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog.)
Thanks to all who have tried our new “06880” AI widget.
We introduced it yesterday. Several hundred readers clicked on the box, to explore 17 years of blog posts.
Missed the story? Click here. And where is the widget? Top right, on the home page. (Sorry, it’s not yet available on the app.)
Some people were excited by the deep-dive results. Some were not.
Remember: Using artificial intelligence is different from clicking on our archive box.
A regular search engine will look for all references to whatever you type in. That’s fine if you want, say, a list of stories that contain, say, “Long Lots Elementary School” or “Kevin Christie.”
Our AI widget does much more. But only if it understands your prompt.
You’re better off saying, “What were the main arguments for and against renovating Long Lots Elementary School?”
Or “What promises did Kevin Christie make during the 2026 first selectman race?”
Think of the AI widget as a conversation partner. You wouldn’t simply ask someone, “Jen Tooker?” would you?
(Unless you thought you were meeting the former 1st selectwoman, but were not sure.)
It takes some getting used to.
And the “06880” widget is getting used to our readers too.
Stick with it. Work with it. Learn from it. The results will be worth it.
PS: The old “archives” box is still there, where it always was: on the right side, halfway down. Just type in general search keywords — “Long Lots Elementary School,” say — and you’ll get all those exact matches.
Here’s where to find our new “06880” widget.
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Sure, the Levitt Pavilion — and everything else here — is covered with snow.
But eventually, we’ll be outdoors, in lawn chairs, listening to …
Matteo Bocelli.
The Italian singer — and son of tenor Andrea Bocelli — will step on the Westport stage July 10. It’s part of his “Falling in Love” world tour.
Member tickets went on sale yesterday. The public sale begins at 10 a.m. Friday (February 13).
As Valentine’s Day approaches, the Levitt reminds everyone: Tickets to Bocelli “are certainly romance-infused.”
As for presents: A Pavilion gift card can be used toward any paid ticket shows, as well as membership.
The season runs from late May to mid-October. It includes several paid-ticket events, along with over 50 free shows. (Hat tip: Karen Como)
Jake Sussman knows something about smart kids, and learning disabilities.
The Westport native — who struggled mightily with ADHD before graduating from the Forman School, then the University of Hartford — ultimately learned to advocate for himself.
Now, as co-founder (with his brother Max) and president of Superpower Mentors, he connects men and women who have gone on the same journey he did, with people who are just learning how to cope with ADHD, dyslexia, autism and other learning differences.
Jake’s advocacy continues on February 28, at Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities Inc.’s 8th annual Parent Conference
He’ll be part of the daylong conference at Fairfield University). It provides parents and educators with hands-on resources to help children
with learning and attention differences succeed.
The schedule includes round-table sessions, panel discussions, exhibitors, and opportunities to speak with private school administrators, tutors, and businesses that focus on assistance for children with learning difficulties.
But the “CBS Sunday Morning” correspondent, “Nova” host, best-selling author– and so much more — still has many friends here.
They’ll be glad to know that — 12 years after he stopped writing his very informative New York Times tech column — he’s back on that beat.
With Substack.
Pogue’s first piece is headlined “Dammit! Tesla’s Self-Driving Has Gotten Amazing. Just kind of wish the tech came from a better company.”
It’s a great look inside recent advances in this aspect of the auto industry. (Spoiler alert: You’re no longer likely to die.)
Near the end, Pogue poses a series of questions I’ve never seen anywhere else:
What happens to car insurance when people aren’t driving? What happens to driver’s ed and driver’s licenses, when even a 12-year-old can hail a self-driving taxi? What happens to car ownership when it no longer makes economic sense?
When only a fraction as many people own cars, will they convert their garages to living space? What happens to parking lots? Will the layout of cities change?
His Substack is free. There are no ads or paywall — just David Pogue, at his best.
A large crowd enjoyed the Westport Country Playhouse’s February Script in Hand offering on Monday.
The 1-person performance of “The Goldsmith” was all about Sharone Sayegh. The Broadway actor wrote the script, and played various family member roles in the sentimentally humorous show about her Iraqi/Israeli family, who emigrated to Los Angeles.
Actor Sharone Sayegh (front, center) with (from left) director Zachary Prince, Playhouse artistic director Mark Shanahan and stage manager Jinghong Zhu. (Photo/Dave Matlow)
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Speaking of theater: The Y’s Women went “backstage” on Monday.
Kevin Connors — executive artistic director of Music Theater of Connecticut — described the power of lighting and projection to touch an audience, change a mood and impact a play.
“Theater is not just observed” at MTC, he said. “You are right in the middle of it.”
Kevin Connors, at the Y’s Women meeting. (Photo/Vera DeStefano)
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Westport Museum of History & Culture executive director Ramin Ganeshram is also a food writer. Her book The General’s Cook: A Novel is about Hercules Posey, the African-American chef enslaved by George Washington who self-emancipated in 1797.
On Monday the New York Times published her piece about cherry bounce, titled “This George Washington Story Is Actually True.”
The subhead says: “While tales of his copping to chopping a cherry tree were just lore, the nation’s first president did partake of this cherry drink.” Click here to read the story (with a link to the recipe.)(Hat tip: Tom Prince)
(Graphic/Luke Wohlgemuth for the New York Times)
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We’ve featured plenty of fine feathered friends, in our “Westport … Naturally” daily post.
But we may never have seen as close a close-up as this:
The question is: How can the DOT go to bid if the Environmental Study is not complete, as well as the Section 106 Federal Historic Study also being incomplete?
Maybe they can, but it seems out of order. It certainly catches us all by surprise. (For a previous”06880″story on Section 106, click here.)
There is also a DOT meeting set for Westport on March 19. I surely had not heard about this one either, but there it was on the site. Click here to see the flyer.
Here is the whole DOT site to read about all aspects of the bridge and project.
This is a bit befuddling for sure.
Timing is everything. In the last few days, hearing from concerned residents regarding the bridge, RTM Districts 1, 4 and 9, as the closest districts to the bridge, were planning to have a public meeting to discuss the bridge.
We wanted to also hear from the public as well. in a different venue than that of a DOT meeting. There has not be something close to a resident discussion since the PAC in 2018.
While there are different views on what should be done, the idea of large trucks seems to be a common thread. We are working on a date toward the end of the month. It will be via Zoom.
(Other RTM districts, hold tight. I spoke with the moderator. Let’s get this one going and have it not be a meeting of the body. Attend if you want of course, and it can expand if needed as we move forward.)
I always say we need to remain vigilant. Thanks to a diligent ally who went to the site to simply take a look at what might be up.
This year, America celebrates 250 years of the Declaration of Independence.
It’s a lot older than TEAM Westport. But it’s a perfect topic for the town commission’s 13th Annual Teen Diversity Essay Contest.
This year’s prompt is:
This year, the United States will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, a document which Abraham Lincoln called “a rebuke and a stumbling-block to tyranny and oppression.”
The Declaration of Independence was a product of its time, drafted to rally the colonists to defy Great Britain, support the creation of an autonomous and independent nation and attract allies to its cause.
Nonetheless, its claims have been universalized and imbued with fresh meaning by people here and around the world who have regarded it as an enduring beacon of hope in their own work to seek equal rights, freedom and self-determination.
The famous words in the Declaration’s preamble proclaiming as a self-evident truth that all men are created equal and have inalienable rights endowed by their Creator, including life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness have been widely employed to assert the inherent dignity and fundamental human rights of each person.
The Declaration of Independence is a foundational document in American political and social life that also inspires TEAM Westport’s mission: to build a community where diversity is welcomed, and inclusion, respect, and belonging are actively extended to all who live, work, attend school, or visit in Westport — regardless of ethnicity, gender identity, race, religion, and sexual orientation.
In 1,000 words or less please comment on the following:
1) The relevance and value of the Declaration of Independence in your everyday life and your duties or obligations, if any, to uphold its principles for all people living within our democratic society;
AND…
2) Opportunities, if any, you believe town leaders (including fellow students, school officials, community members, and TEAM Westport) could create to act differently or additionally to reinforce the principles of the Declaration of Independence.
For the past 23 years, TEAM Westport has been a town-appointed committee focused on making Westport a welcoming community with respect to race, ethnicity, religion and LGBTQ+.
“With this contest every year, we seek student input on important topics,” said TEAM Westport chair Harold Bailey. “However, at this time and on this subject, nothing could be more relevant for contemplation.”
The contest is open to all students in grades 9-12 who are Westport residents, or attend a Westport school (public or private).
Up to 3 cash prizes will be awarded. The first prize is $1,000; second prize is $750; third prize is $500.
The deadline is March 16. Winners will be honored in a Westport Library ceremony on April 28.
2025 essay winners (from left): then-1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, Westport Library director Bill Harmer, Annam Olasewere, Aanya Gandhi, Sienna Tzou, Souleye Kebe, Staples High principal Stafford Thomas, TEAM Westport chair Harold Bailey. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Last week, “06880” introduced a new feature: a video look back at Staples Players’ productions.
Staples High School media teacher Jim Honeycutt started taping shows when David Roth became director, in 2000. His first — and Honeycutt’s first “nutshell” highlight video — was “Guys & Dolls.”
Today we rewind back to Roth’s second musical: Rupert Holmes’ “The Mystery of Edwin Drood,” the show-within-a-show based on Charles Dickens’ unfinished novel.
Click here or below, to see 9 minutes from the spring 2001 show.
Marina Drasnin is a different kind of “06880” podcast guest.
She’s not in town government. She does not lead an interesting business, non-profit or organization.
What Marina is is a very excited new resident of Westport. She’s been here just a year, but she loves everything about this town.
She sees it through fresh eyes, and offers an intriguing perspective. The other day we chatted about Westport — what brought her here (spoiler alert: It involved the LA wildfires), what she expected, what she found, and much more.
Click here or below to see this place through very special eyes: Marina Drasnin’s.
HB 8002 is law. What does it mean for affordable housing in Westport?
Homes with Hope’s Affordable Housing Advisory Council took a deep dive into that topic yesterday, at Christ & Holy Trinity Church’s Branson Hall.
The legislation — signed last year by Governor Lamont — expands fair rent commissions, eliminates most off-street parking requirements for developments of less than 12 units, and requires towns to create housing growth plans,
State Senator Ceci Maher and Representatives Dominique Johnson and Jonathan Steinberg provided insights into policy and practical implications for municipalities and housing advocates alike.
Other participants included 1st Selectman Kevin Christie, Planning & Zoning Commissioner Craig Schiavone, Planning & Zoning director Michelle Perillie, Human Services director Elaine Daignault, and Board of Education members Lee Goldstein and Abby Tolan.
Also in attendance: Amanda Sayegh of the Westport Housing Authority, Ralph Yearwood and Kate Weber from the Affordable Housing Committee, and Homes with Hope’s emeritus board chair John Walsh and board chair Becky Martin.
The Advisory Council plans a follow-up session to support Westport, as it approaches deadlines, and works to expand affordable housing.
Listening and learning, at yesterday’s Homes with Hope affordable housing event.
New York Times readers are familiar with Lynsey Addario’s photos of wars, famines and other humanitarian crises in troubled places like the Middle East and Africa.
The 1991 Staples high School graduate has earned a Pulitzer Prize and MacArthur Fellowship for her work.
She turns her camera less frequently on the US.
But when she does, the results are equally compelling.
Addario’s latest photos accompany Nicholas Kristof’s long story on how 3 states that traditionally lag in education ratings — Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi — have found success in elementary schools, raising reading scores and reversing chronic absenteeism. (It’s a multi-pronged approach, emphasizing human support and minimizing technology.)
Click here for the story, and Addario’s photos of American students, working hard to succeed. (Hat tip: Jonathan Berg)
Learning to read. (Photo/Lynsey Addario for the New York Times)
Speaking of elementary schools (but closer to home): The Long Lots Building Committee meets tonight (Tuesday, February 10, 6 p.m., Town Hall room 201).
The agenda includes a project update, public comment, and a work session to review interior finishes and details.
Tonight’s discussion focuses on what’s inside the new school.
The Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport has long been at the forefront of social justice issues.
This Saturday (February 14, 4 p.m.), they invited “all who need and want to be together to share songs of spirit and freedom during this trying time in our nation’s history” to a sing-along.
The “guides” are singer/songwriter Bethany Yarrow (daughter of Peter Yarrow, Peter, Paul & Mary), and musicians Francine Wheeler and Gordon Titcomb.
UU Westport says: “Many members have been inspired by the resistance singing coming out of Minneapolis. We open our sanctuary to offer the same opportunity to share our collective strength and commitment together.
“Many people are searching for ways to channel their feelings, and build connections and hope through music and song. This community gathering shares the collective message of sadness and vulnerability, and, importantly, of solidarity, strength, courage, resistance, and purpose.”
All ages and faith traditions are welcome. No music experience is necessary. For more information, click here.
Everyone needs a blowout. (Well, my hair would not qualify. But you get the idea.)
Here’s a blowout bonanza: now through February 28, Bianca Bazante — The Artist Loft’s owner and creative director Bianca Bazante offers $100 off her signature Brazilian Blowouts.
Bianca — whose mother operated a salon in Westport — learned her trade in New York. In 2020, after giving birth to twin boys Jagger and Bryceson, she moved back and opened The Artist Loft.
Bianca is also the author of “The Curly Hair Crew,” which teaches children to embrace curls with no boundaries.
For more information, and to book appointments, click here. For her Instagram page, click here.
Pianist David Morgan headlines Thursday’s Jazz at the Post (February 12, VFW; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner at 7).
An area resident, he has performed and recorded with Wynton Marsalis and Wes Anderson, and written music for CBS Sports, Discovery, A&E, MTV, and TV shows.
Readers have sent in plenty of photos of frozen beaches, for our “Westport … Naturally” feature.
Here’s one from often-overlooked Canal Beach. Sprite Island is in the distance.
(Photo/Lynn Flint)
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And finally … in honor of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport’s upcoming sing-along, may we suggest:
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Timing is everything. In the last few days, hearing from concerned residents regarding the bridge, RTM Districts 1, 4 and 9, as the closest districts to the bridge, were planning to have a public meeting to discuss the bridge.
