Roundup: Candlelight Concert, Taiwan Art, J-E-T-S! …

Posted on November 14, 2026 | 3 comments

CANDLELIGHT CONCERT SET; TICKETS ON SALE DECEMBER 1

We’re a month away from the 86th Candlelight Concert — the Staples High School Music Department’s wonderful, beloved gift to the town.

Mark both the dates (Friday, December 11, 8 p.m.; Saturday, December 12, 3 adn 8 p.m.), and the date and time tickets go on sale at www.wpsarts.org (Tuesday, December 1, 9 a.m.).

More than 200 musicians will offer an inspiring range of choral, orchestral and band works.

They include the processional “Sing We Noel,” “La Morisque,” a Hanukkah overture, Rimsky-Korsakov’s majestic “Procession of the Nobles,” Mozart’s serene “Ave Verum Corpus,” the exuberant Nigerian carol “Betelehemu,” “Jubilate Deo,” self-led ensembles, “The Bells of Christmas,” and the traditional, powerful “Hallelujah Chorus.”

There is no charge for tickets, though donations in support of the music program are welcome.

The Staples Tri-M Music Honor Society runs “CanDelight,” a canned food donation drive to benefit the Homes for Hope food pantry. Collection bins will be in the lobby before each concert.

Candlelight Concert 2025.

NEWEST HOLIDAY SHOPPING STOP: THE LIBRARY

The Westport Library has everything: books, periodicals, reference materials, a Makerspace, state-of-the-art recording studio, art galleries, a stage with a concert piano, and an enormous video screen.

Now, it’s got a Holiday Shop too.

The expanded gift area is on the main level, in the space normally used by the Writing Center.

Items include scarves, hats, gloves, jewelry, candles, wind chimes and artisan-crafted home décor. Writers and list-makers can find journals, notebooks, notepads, sticky notes, sketchbooks, coloring books, pens, markers and watercolors.

Puzzles, games, toys and novelties are available for babies to teens.

The Library Store sources its merchandise from vendors around the world.

Shopping at the Library Store is tax-free — and every purchase supports Library services and programs. To learn more, click here.

A small selection from the Library Holiday Shop.

TAIWAN: WHERE WESTPORT ARTISTS MEET THE WORLD

America could not ask for better international ambassadors than Miggs Burroughs, Eric Chiang and Mark Yurkiw.

The Westport artists are midway through a visit to Taiwan.

Miggs’ “Sings of Compassion” — 30 lenticular photos showing local residents using sign language to recite Emily Dickinson’s poem of the same name — and Mark’s accompanying Braille “prayer wheel” mantra are on display at the Hsinchu City Art Museum. Chiang’s work is also in the exhibit.

“We’ve been covered by the national media, and treated like royalty. A once-in-a-lifetime experience,” reports Miggs.

They met Mayor Ann Kao of Hsinchu City — a metropolis of 476,000 people — and delivered a letter to her from 1st Selectman Kevin Christie of Westport (population 28,000).

From left: Mark Yurkiw, Miggs Burroughs, Mayor Ann Kao, Hsinchu City Art Museum curator Su-Min Yang, Eric Chiang.

it’s no mysterY: “sherlock carol” returns to playhouse stage

One of the Westport Country Playhouse’s newest — but well-loved — traditions returns next month.

“A Sherlock Carol” — playwright/director Mark Shanahan’s holiday mashup of when a grown-up Tiny Tim calls on Sherlock Holmes to investigate the mysterious death of Ebenezer Scrooge, blending mystery and humor — takes the stage for 8 performances. The cast includes members of the original off-Broadway production.

The dates are Saturday, December 12 (6 p.m.), Sunday, December 13 (1 and 6 p.m.), Friday, December 18 (7 p.m.), and Saturday and Sunday, December 19 and 20 (1 and 6 p.m.).

Click here for tickets, and more information.

j-e-t-s! jets jets jets!

An “06880” reader writes: “My 86-year-old husband with Alzheimer’s fell at the beach a couple of days ago, and broke his nose. He was in pain, and there was blood.

“A lovely young woman came over to help. She put her jacket under his head and called 911. He was surrounded by other caring people too.

“I owe the woman many thanks — and a new jacket. She is a Jets fan, and her jacket was olive green. I failed to get her name in the excitement. Can you find out who she is?”

I can sure try! If anyone knows who the good Samaritan Jets fan is, please email 06880blog@gmail.com. I’ll pass your contact info on to the grateful woman.

ONE RIVER ART STUDENTS NOW IN COLLECTION

OneRiver Art School’s students are taking their show on the road.

Several dozen Westport youngsters and teenagers’ work is on display in the “Nature in Art” exhibit at SoNo Collection’s Magnificent Room.

Prints are for sale online — meaning they are now professional artists.

Proceeds support conservation efforts at the Beardsley Zoo. Click here for more information — and to purchase.

One River Art show, at SoNo Collection.

MOLD ALERT

One of the after-effects of our September 13 rain bomb was mold.

Westport homeowners are now hiring for that work themselves. According to Cadence de Noto runs Verified Remediation, a Westport company that helps homeowners check mold remediation companies before hiring.

She says that with a new state law that took effect October 1, mold remediation now falls under Connecticut’s home improvement contractor registration.

A company must be certified by IICRC or NORMI, the 2 programs listed by the Department of Consumer Protection.

Any contractor doing mold remediation in Connecticut must follow the industry standard, ANSI/IICRC S520.

Cadence says that before hiring, ask for the company’s home improvement registration number, look it up at elicense.ct.gov, and ask which mold certification it holds. For more information, click here.

Mold remediation

FRIDAY FLASHBACK FOLLOW-UP: THE STAPLES LINTEL

Yesterday’s Friday Flashback featured the original 1884 Staples High School on Riverside Avenue — with a nod to its lintel.

Jacques Voris — descended from a long line of Westporters, on the Mills side of his family — fills in some details. He says: “In 1884 the master workman who built the original Staples was Charles Mills. One of his work crew was his son, Charles E. Mills

“When the lintel was reinstalled at Staples it was done by Homer B. Mills, son of Charles E Mills. Furthermore, William Mills, son of Homer, recycled some of the bricks from the original Staples to build his chimney.”

Here is photo of Homer installing the lintel on North Avenue, more than a decade after the school moved there in 1958. The lintel was later moved again, and now sits near the tennis courts at the school’s main entrance.

(Photo courtesy of Jacques Voris)

OBITUARY: BILLY WAKEMAN

William died November 7 in Norwalk Hospital, surrounded by his family and friends.

The longtime Westporter was a hot rodder and gifted craftsman.

Billy was happiest in his shop, surrounded by tools, projects and good friends, with 1970s music playing in the background.

His obituary says, “He could fix just about anything, and was always willing to lend a hand. Whether it was a stubborn engine, a complicated project or a friend in need, Billy was there with a smile, a solution, and his unforgettable laugh.”

Billy and his wife Michelle shared a passion for anything that went fast or walked on four legs. Together, they found joy in hot rods, animals, the open road,
and spending time together.

His obituary adds, “More than the cars he built or the things he fixed, Billy will be remembered for his friendships, generosity, and kindness. His shop was more than a workspace; it was a gathering place for stories, laughter, music, and the people he loved. Billy lived life with his hands, his heart, and his foot occasionally a little heavy on the gas.

Billy was predeceased by his father, Irving Wakeman of Westport, and his mother, Joan Beaudry. He is survived by his wife Michelle Wakeman of Westport; his daughter Adrienne of Middletown; sons Billy Jr. of Bethel and Christopher of Florida, and brother Kevin of Bethel.

The family will receive friends in the Harding Funeral Home on November 19 (4 to 7 p.m.). Condolences may be left online at http://www.hardingfuneral.com.

Billy Wakeman

“WESTPORT … NATURALLy” & SONG OF THE DAY

Marina Drasnin has lived in Westport for a year and a half. She left her longtime California home after the wildfires.

She quickly grew to love her new hometown. And she has a photographer’s eye for its beauty. She sends along this collage of recent fall scenes, for our daily “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photos/Marina Drasnin)

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And finally … in honor of the good Samaritan wearing a New York Jets jacket (story above):

(Something’s coming! And we hope it’s a donation to “06880.” We rely on reader support — so thank you for clicking here, and helping us keep these Roundups, and everything else, coming.)

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Online Art Gallery #344

Posted on November 14, 2026 | 1 comment

Colors abound — in the crisp air outdoors, and on the screen of our online art gallery.

Of course, there’s much more here too. There always is. Our “06880” artists always deliver.

This is 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 Original Staples High School on Riverside Avenue” — watercolor (Eric Bosch)

“Koi Pond” (Michael Chait — Available for purchase; click here)

“Reflections” (Karen Weingarten)

“West Cornwall Rays” (Patricia McMahon — Available for purchase; click here)

Untitled (Judith Katz)

Untitled (June Rose Whittaker — Available for purchase; click here)

“Tangled Current” — acrylic pour (Amy Schneider — Available for purchase; click here)

“It Goes So Fast!” — watercolor and graphite (Steve Stein)

“Water Falls. Lava Rock Rises.” Jerry Kuyper took this photo of a sculpture he built for a friend on a private estate in the Nuʻuanu Valley.

“Ump Storks, Wearing Ball Caps, Determining Whether the Ball is Fair or Fowl?” (Mike Hibbard)

“Girl With a Cat” (Lawrence Weisman)

Untitled (Martin Ripchick)

“Self-Portrait — The Early Stages” — pencil on paper (Bill Fellah)

(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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Sustainable Westport: Much To Be Grateful For

Posted on November 14, 2026 | Leave a comment

Sustainable Westport is our town’s non-profit environmental advocacy and educational organization. As 2026 nears an end, they write to residents:

This has been a full year. You showed up to events in the rain (and the heat) to enjoy camaraderie among neighbors, familiar and new. You introduced us to your friends, shared notes and ideas, and asked the questions that keep us all engaged and connected.

Many of you made small changes at home that you may think nobody noticed. We noticed, and they add up to more than you know.

Sustainable Westport offered tips to “Unplastic,” all around the home.

So thank you. Truly. Sustainable Westport was started knowing the abundance of care and connection that people are capable of, and you’ve cared more generously than we could have imagined. It is so humbling to see.

Sustainability can sound like a big, heavy word, but here in Westport it looks a lot like neighbors looking out for each other and for the beautiful place we share.

We’ll be honest: the world feels heavy right now. On the national stage, sustainability keeps getting pushed to the back of the line, and some days it’s hard not to wonder whether we’re making a dent at all.

And then we look around Westport. These ideas around sustainability come up at soccer games, in line for coffee, at school functions and over backyard fences.

Staples High boys lacrosse saved dozens of plastic water bottles, by using stainless steel cups and large dispensers at a team dinner.

It doesn’t feel like a project anymore. It feels like who we are as a town. That’s where our hope lives right now, close to home, and we’re carrying it into the holidays with a lot of gratitude.

Many of you also took the time to learn about the candidates this fall, show up, listen and vote. Thank you for that too.

Whoever is representing us, our job now is the same: Stay in touch with them. Share what matters to this town, invite them to see the good work happening here, and keep the conversation kind and open. Our leaders do their best work when they know the people they serve, so let’s make sure they know us well.

Water filling stations also save plastic bottles, at Winslow Park (above) and Compo Beach.

As the days get shorter and the tables get fuller, we hope you find time to slow down and enjoy the people around you. We’ll keep sharing stories and ideas along the way, in the newsletter, on Instagram, in your inbox, and on our website, so stop by whenever you like. It’s always nice to hear from you.

You may notice a new look to our communications and social media presence soon. That is intentional.

As we reflect on this year and think about where we want to take Sustainable Westport in 2027, we want to make sustainability feel more relevant, accessible and engaging for everyone in our community.

That means freshening up how we share our stories, celebrating the people and partnerships making a difference, and offering more practical ideas that make it easier to take action because the problems we are all trying to solve are urgent.

Our mission hasn’t changed, but we’re evolving how we connect with you, and we hope you’ll find more opportunities to learn, participate, and be inspired along the way.

With so much gratitude, and wishing you a warm and happy Thanksgiving,
Johanna Martell and Gately Ross
Co-directors, Sustainable Westport

(“06880” often covers the environmental, from many Westport angles. If you appreciate stories like this, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Pics Of The Day #3495

Posted on November 13, 2026 | 1 comment

Longshore golf course … (Drone photo/Nathan Greenbaum)

… and, not far away, the Inn (Photo/Mary Beth Stirling)

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Friday Flashback #528

Posted on November 13, 2026 | 14 comments

During the first month of the 1967-68 school year – as Staples entered a tumultuous era that would earn it a reputation as one of the most progressive high schools in the country – the town turned its attention to the school’s past.

Staples Hall – the original brick building built on Riverside Avenue in 1884 (now the site of the Saugatuck Elementary School auditorium), overshadowed by construction of the “new” unit in 1938, abandoned when the high school decamped to North Avenue in 1958 but then put back in use by Bedford Junior High for homeroom, English, social studies, music and shop (though without bathroom facilities for boys) — met its end.

The occasion drew a small crowd. Frank Osborne, a graduate of Staples’ Class of 1894 and still a Westport resident, was present. Just before the building was razed, he posed on the front steps for a photograph (below) with 3 former Staples teachers: Caroline Beers, Walter Stevenson and Gladys Mansir.

“It seems a shame that they have to destroy all of it – that they couldn’t leave something,” Mr. Osborne said. “The building is still so sound.”

The building was far from sound, however, and in fact the lintel was saved. It was placed in the courtyard on North Avenue; later it was moved to a grassy spot at the entrance, by the tennis courts.

Demolition — and the lintel that still lives, at the North Avenue entrance. (Photo courtesy of Eric Bosch)

During the wrecking operation, the cornerstone that had been laid 83 years earlier was recovered. The old copper box and its contents of 30 items were given to 1st Selectman Herbert Baldwin.

Plans were to eventually hand the box to Einar Anderson, Charles Lunny and Joel Adams, trustees of the Horace Staples estate. “There is hope that it can be opened publicly with some trace of the ceremony with which it was laid in the corner almost 100 years ago,” the Town Crier reported.

That did not happen. Instead, the cornerstone was stuffed into the back of the main office safe on North Avenue. In 1976 the Alternatives class used it during their study of the American bicentennial. The Westport Historical Society gained possession of the box (minus a few items) in the late ‘70s.

That cornerstone – along with the lintel, some souvenir bricks, and fading memories of longtime Westporters – are all that remain of the building that, for over 8 decades, was Staples High School.

(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: Weston’s Sister City, Holiday News, Prisoners’ Art

Posted on November 13, 2026 | 1 comment

weston high supports ukrainian sister city

Westport was the first town in the US to form a sister city relationship with one in war-torn Ukraine. Since 2022 we’ve send gifts, medical and communication supplies, wood-burning stoves and much more to our new friends in Lyman.

Thanks too Ukraine Aid International — the boots-on-the-ground non-profit founded by Westporters Brian and Marshall Mayer — Weston has a sister city too.

During a recent video call, students there connected with their peers in Siversk.

The Ukrainian youngsters have been displaced by the war. They are now scattered in different parts of the country.

All have enjoyed time at UAI Camp in the Carpathian Mountains. They spend time outdoors, play board games with friends, and find a place to breathe.

One girl said she met her best friend at camp. They return together every year.

Inspired by the call, Weston High School launched a student-led fundraising campaign: the WHS Camp Days Challenge.

Students organized events, invited their community to participate, and raised funds for children affected by the war. The 12th grade was recognized as the campaign’s top fundraising class.

Donations will help address urgent winter needs during prolonged power outages, including power banks and rechargeable lights.

They will also help UAI continue its camp program for children displaced from Siversk.

Each camp session costs $10,000. It provides children with a safe space to rest, reconnect, and simply be kids.

The campaign is ongoing. For more information and to donate, click here.

Weston High students, on a video call with Siversk, Ukraine.

HOLIDAY HOMES: WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?

Last year, this Compo Road South home was the first in town with Christmas decorations.

They’ve done it again.

(Photo/Ed Simek)

Santa has taken note, and will be sure not to miss them.

“home for the holidays” heads to playhouse

You can’t go home again.

But you can go to “Home for the Holidays,” at the Westport Country Playhouse.

Two-time Tony Award winner Christine Ebersole joins Grammy Award-winning pianist Billy Stritch on December 3 (8 p.m.).

Ebersole starred in “Grey Gardens,” “42nd Street” and “War Paint” on Broadway, and also works in film and television. Stritch is a music director, singer and composer, best known for his 25 years musical director and pianist for Liza Minnelli.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

BUY A WREATH; SUPPORT THE SCOUTS

Speaking of the holidays: Your decorating plans just got easier.

The 4th annual Scout Troop 36 holiday wreath sale is underway.

They offer handmade 22-inch wreaths, decorated with a bow and pine cones.

The cost is $40. Proceeds help fund camping trips, outdoor adventures, programs and equipment.

Click here to order. The deadline is November 18. Pickup is November 22 at Saugatuck Congregational Church, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

PRISONERS’ ART SHINES AT MOCA

Bread. Toothpaste. Dental floss. Thread pulled from bedsheets.

Artists in Connecticut prisons have turned those materials into art

On December 5, the Museum of Contemporary Art\Connecticut opens the Community Partners in Action Prison Arts Annual Show. It includes over 700 works by more than 150 artists incarcerated in state prisons, with an audio and video installation featuring formerly incarcerated artists’ work and voices.

An opening reception is set for December 5 (4 to 6 p.m.).

“The Golden Opportunity” (Antoney Drummond)

PADEL FOR A CAMEROONIAN CAUSE

Joseph Oyebog died last year.

But the popular local tennis instructor, whose tennis academy in his native Cameroon changed the lives of thousands of youngsters, and was aided by his many friends in the Westport area, lives on.

“Padel for a Purpose” — a fundraiser this Sunday (November 15, 2 p.m., The Sports Haus, 129 Woodward Avenue, Norwalk) brings 2 racquet sports together.

Attendees will play padel, to help children in Cameroon build brighter futures through tennis.

It’s already sold out for play. But everyone is invite to watch, cheer, and learn more about the Oyebog Tennis Academy. The event includes a pro exhibition, light bites and beverages. Click here for tickets ($35), and more information. 

water main progress on evergreen parkway

After weeks of construction, Aquarion is testing the new water main on a section of Evergreen Parkway.

Meanwhile, another section of the street just received delivery of main sections. They’re waiting for installation.

Waiting for next steps, on Evergreen Parkway. (Hat tip and photo/Mark Mathias)

“WESTPORT … NATURALLY” & SONG OF THE DAY

There were few visitors to Compo Beach yesterday, during a cold, driving rain.

But Nicola Sharian and his dog were there. They paused long enough — and dried off the lens — to take this striking “Westport … Naturally” image.

(Photo/Nicola Sharian)

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And finally … happy Friday the 13th!

Fun “Friday the 13th” fact: Westport teenager Ari Lehman was the first actor to play Jason in the movie of the same name.

(Did you know it’s bad luck to not donate to “06880” on Friday the 13th — or any other day? Well, we don’t now either. But it can’t hurt. Click here to support your hyper-local blog. Jason thanks you!)

 

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DOT Drives Forward With “On-Line Alignment” Cribari Plan

Posted on November 13, 2026 | 25 comments

Last night, the state Department of Transportation told Westport what many long suspected: It will move forward with its “on-alignment replacement” option for the Cribari Bridge.

But, to hearty applause from 200 residents in the Town Hall auditorium, project manager James Barrows also announced that the clearance height would be 13 feet, 10 inches.

That’s 2 feet, 5 inches lower than the 16 feet, 3 inches originally proposed. Still, the reduced height would allow tractor trailers onto the 142-year-old span.

CTDOT’s on-alignment option.

A number of speakers urged CTDOT to shave another 6 inches off the bridge, to prohibit the largest trucks from traveling through Saugatuck, and Greens Farms Road and Bridge Street, when I-95 is clogged.

Trucks and traffic were the predominant themes at the meeting, which DOT officials noted was not mandatory in the planning process. It was scheduled as a follow-up to a Town Hall session last March.

In its aftermath, 833 residents wrote and called the state department with comments. Barrows said that all had been “carefully considered,” in devising the current plan.

Connecticut Department of Transportation project manager James Barrows. (Photo/Dan Woog)

The top 3 concerns of residents — including the bulk of those 833 comments — were truck usage, traffic and historic preservation.

Other issues included public health, bridge design, quality of life, process, the environment, economic impact, pedestrian and bike safety, and marine navigation.

Offering photos that showed substantial deterioration to the underside and pilings of the Cribari Bridge, Barrows noted the importance of renovation to ensure safety for motorists, bicyclists, pedestrians and boaters.

Deterioration of the Cribari Bridge. 

No decision will be final until the Federal Highway Administration — which is funding 80% of the $78 million to $86 million  project — gives its okay.

Residents urged CTDOT — which will pay the other 20% — to extend its November 27 deadline for comments on the on-alignment plan. Barrows seemed amenable, while noting that requests for federal funding have deadlines too.

The 3-year timeline includes construction of a temporary bridge just north of the existing one. A similar structure was built in the early 1990s, the last time the bridge was substantially renovated.

CTDOT slide showing a temporary bridge. 

Barrows and other CTDOT officials noted several times that while their plan involves the bridge structure — its trusses, roadway, underside and more — the town of Westport has the right to impose restrictions on use of bridge.

That would be done through the local traffic authority: the board of selectpersons.

The project manager said, however, that physical restrictions could pose safety issues.

The 20-minute presentation was followed by more than 2 dozen public comments.

In brief remarks, 1st Selectman Kevin Christie said he looked forward to working with CTDOT.

1st Selectman Kevin Christie. (Photo/Dan Woog)

He was followed by Melissa Levy, chair of the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) Cribari Bridge Subcommittee. She focused on Westport’s role in the process going forward, and how the town could continue to influence CTDOT’s plans.

The first speakers were from “Westport United — One Voice.” The ad hoc group — including the RTM Transit Committee, nearly 2 dozen town leaders from both parties, and 7 community organizations and coalitions — released a  statement yesterday, urging Governor Lamont, CTDOT an the FHA to “protect surrounding neighborhoods from increased truck traffic and other unintended transportation impacts.”

Valerie Seiling Jacobs, Morley Boyd, Chris Tait, Art Schoeller, Werner Liepolt  and Matthew Mandell — representing Save Westport Now, Preserve Westport, the Greens Farms Association and more — focused on one aspect each of the bridge debate, including traffic, health and historic considerations.

A slide last night included this scene from Westport artist Robert Lambdin’s WPA mural. It shows the importance of the Cribari Bridge to the commerce of the community.

Traffic, congestion and associated quality of life issues were top of mind for many of the residents who followed. Linda Prestegaard told DOT, “I don’t believe your traffic studies.”

Bridge Street homeowner Shannon Taylor added, “I don’t need a traffic study. I can look out my window and see what’s happening.”

Speakers described the 5-mile corridor (red) from I-95 exit 17 over the Cribari Bridge (far left), through Bridge Street and Greens Farms Road toward I-95 exit 18.

(Since we began in 2009, “06880” has reported on the Cribari Bridge. We’ll continue to do so — with reader support. Please click here, to donate to this hyper-local blog. Thank you!)

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[OPINION] From Westport To Montana: A Call For Unity, Kindness

Posted on November 13, 2026 | 7 comments

Dave Stalling grew up in Westport. After graduating from Staples High School in 1979, he served in a Marine Corps Force Recon unit.

He has degrees in forestry and journalism, has worked for wildlife conservation organizations, and served as president of the Montana Wildlife Federation. He lives in Missoula, and writes:

I have worked on wildlife conservation issues in Montana for almost 40 years, so I often met with and got to know former Senator Jon Tester.

He supported most of the issues I fought for, and not just wildlife related. He helped me with my veteran’s benefits; he passed legislation to help veterans like me; he fully supported gay rights issues (and loves and supports his gay son), and he worked with my son Cory, to help pass the Muscular Dystrophy Care Act.

Former Senator Jon Tester with Cory Stalling.

So yes, as I’m sure you’ve guessed by now, I’m defending Jon Tester. [The former senator riled many Democrats by endorsing independent Seth Bodnar over Democrat Alani Bankhead. Republican Kurt Alme won the open seat last week.]

I am a Montana Democrat. I’m a gay, wolf-loving, pot-smoking, flower-sniffing, liberal environmentalist living in Missoula.

I was a proud drop of water in the recent Blue Wave.

I struggle with mental health and related addiction issues. It sucks. It’s been more difficult as I watch the deterioration of our country — this country I grew up in and once loved so much that I enlisted in the Marine Corps to defend it; to defend the principles I thought our country stood for and I still embrace: Freedom. Liberty and justice for all. Acceptance. Diversity. Unity.

Dave Stalling

When I was young it was common to hear “I don’t agree with what you say, but I would defend with my life your right to say it.”

Nowadays it’s more along the lines of “I don’t agree with what you say, and that makes you an anti-American socialist Muslim (or a fascist, racist Nazi.)”

To cope, I often get away from the noise and into the wilds. Sometimes I watch Barack Obama clips that still inspire me and give me hope. (And Michelle!)

They are my leaders. They are intelligent, inspiring, graceful leaders with integrity. They unite rather than divide people.

United We Stand!

I fear we’re losing that. I fear we too often respond to the divisive MAGA rudeness and anger with our own divisive rudeness and anger adding to divisiveness, rudeness and anger.

We should instead practice what we say we believe in: understanding, empathy, kindness, forgiveness, love, peace.

Dave Stalling cooks dinner.

That’s not easy for me to do. I’m a former Force Recon Marine who has been in a lot of fights. I have been through anger management twice, along with related legal trouble.

But the anger I fed hurt me more than anyone else. It contributed to my mental health issues, related addiction issues, high blood pressure and stress.

So I worked hard at it. I still work at it. I strive to be a better, healthier, kinder, more forgiving person.

I have a wonderful, close, empathetic, kind-hearted friend named Wyatt. He’s helped me become a more open, honest, empathetic, kinder and more forgiving person.

He’s reminded me how important it is to consider what others might be struggling with. To walk in their shoes, as they say (even if it’s a drag queen’s high heels or a logger’s calk boots.)

I might get annoyed with someone in public. But instead of letting that person control my emotions, I will look for something positive. I may say, “That’s a nice shirt.” They smile. I smile. They say “thank you.” We all feel better.

Dave Stalling’s Montana.

It reminds me of the block parties held on Hickory Lane, where I grew up. We’d set up picnic tables and grills, and have a potluck cookout in the circle at the end of our dead-end road.

We set aside differences. We got to know each other. We got along.

That was back when we knew and interacted with our neighbors. We all mostly got along and helped each other when needed, and focused on subjects like fishing, football, shoveling snow, helping each other get our cars up the icy hill, cleaning up after storm damage.

How beautiful it was to set aside our differences, and enjoy standing on a beach at night as a strong breeze blew salty water on our faces while waves crashed into rocks.

For a little while we could free our minds of differences, and share our common humanity.

My dad had a friend we jokingly referred to as Archie Bunker. They didn’t share politics, but they were as close as brothers. They sometimes argued. They fished together. They loved each other.

Dave Stalling’s childhood home, on Hickory Drive.

We were more united. At least we white men were. I’m well aware of flaws in my thinking. They certainly weren’t good times for many women, black people, indigenous people, gays and so on. But my point is this: People of differing values, beliefs and views frequently socialized together.

Little League games, community events, at the ice cream shop, out catching blue crabs, clams, lobsters and striped bass, or playing kickball, hockey and hide-and-seek.

We were a neighborhood. A community. We knew each other. We socialized.

That requires a certain level of manners, understanding, kindness, empathy, cooperation, compromise and love. You know, those things we say we believe in.

We need that back. Let’s not allow the childish, bitter, insulting behavior and anger and hate that drives MAGA control our thoughts, emotions and actions.

We can kill it with kindness. My father succinctly put it this way: “Be nice.”

Let’s be leaders. Let the Blue Wave wash in a return to civility, empathy, forgiveness, kindness and diplomacy in our politics and how we treat each other.

Let’s start with ourselves.

Which brings me back to Jon Tester.

Dave Stalling, with former Senator Jon Tester.

I don’t like what he recently did. I don’t like how he sabotaged the Democratic Party in Montana by recruiting and supporting Seth Bodner as an independent.

But I don’t hate Jon Tester. I believe he was doing what he thought was best for Montana.

I do not agree with him. But I know him to be a sincere, honest, good-hearted man with integrity.

I can’t hate him. I wish others wouldn’t. Think of the good he did. Let it go. Forgive. Move on. Unite. Be nice.

I am grateful to Senator Jon Tester for all the great things he accomplished, and his assistance and kindness to me and my son.

(“06880” Opinion pages are open to all. Email submissions to 06880blog@gmail.com. To help support this hyper-local blog, please click here.)

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Posted in Environment, Looking back, Politics, Westport life

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Pic Of The Day #3494

Posted on November 12, 2026 | 1 comment

Green’s Farms train station sunrise (Photo/Jeffrey Hammer)

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Posted in Pic of the Day

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“Westport United”: Town Leaders, Organizations Say Cribari Bridge Must Serve And Protect Westport

Posted on November 12, 2026 | 9 comments

Hours before tonight’s state Department of Transportation meeting about he Cribari Bridge (7 p.m.), a statement headlined “Westport United — One Voice: Shared Priorities for the William F. Cribari Memorial Bridge” has been released.

The statement — “United in support of Westport’s future” — has been endorsed by the Representative Town Meeting Transit Committee, nearly 2 dozen town leaders from both the Democratic and Republic parties, and 7 community organizations and coalitions. Together, they represent more than 7,000 Westporters.

The message says:

The future of the Cribari Bridge will affect Westport’s safety, transportation, historic character, environment, and neighborhoods for generations. We appreciate the significant work undertaken by the State of Connecticut and CTDOT, as well as the opportunity for federal funding and support.

We recognize the complexity of this project and share the goal of providing safe, reliable infrastructure.

On March 3, 2026, the Westport Representative Town Meeting adopted the following Sense of the Meeting resolution: RESOLVED: It is the sense of the Westport Representative Town Meeting that the Town administration should engage with the Connecticut Department of Transportation to ensure that the Cribari Bridge across the Saugatuck river is restored, rehabilitated or replaced as soon as practicable.

Any upgrade should at a minimum maintain or evoke the historic design of the current structure. The finished structure should be wide enough to include pedestrian and bike lanes and a height restriction to ensure that it will not provide access for semi tractor trucks.

We, the undersigned, support the principles expressed in this resolution and ask that they guide the evaluation of alternatives and any subsequent design and implementation. We believe that protecting surrounding residential streets and neighborhoods from increased truck traffic and other unintended transportation impacts should be an integral part of the planning process.

We respectfully ask Governor Ned Lamont, CTDOT, and the Federal Highway Administration to work collaboratively with Westport to incorporate these priorities into the project and provide a written response explaining how they will be addressed before final approvals. We want this project to succeed. Success should be measured not only by the bridge that is built or rehabilitated, but by how well it serves and protects Westport.

The messages was signed by the RTM Transit Committee/Cribari Bridge Subcommittee:

Melissa Levy, Claudia Shaum, Dick Lowenstein, Peter Gold, Rachel Cohn, Ross Burkhardt, Gail Coykendall, Victoria Wylie, Jenna Petok, Jill Grayson and Addison Moore.

It was also signed by these town leaders, in their individual capacities: Amy Wistreich, Jonathan Steinberg, Melissa Katz Kane, Danielle Dobin, Jeff Hammer, Liz Heyer, Rich Hightower, Brian Gaines, Paul Lebowitz, Craig Schiavone, Patrizia Zucaro, Michael Cammeyer, Neil Phillips, Jill Dillon, Abby Tolan, Nicole Laskin, Ron Corwin, Ken Bernhard, Larry Weisman, Markus Marty, Melissa Bernstein and Heidi Hammer.

The community organizations are Coalition for Westport, Greens Farms Association, Residents of the Bridge Street Neighborhood, Save Westport Now, Westport Preservation Alliance, and Westport Alliance for Saugatuck.

Additional endorsements are still being received.

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Posted in Politics, Saugatuck, Transportation

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