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

Posted on October 15, 2026 | 2 comments

NEW RULES OF THE rOAD

New state motor vehicle laws went into effect October 1.

And breaking them could cost you.

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

There are exceptions for navigation and driver-assisted systems.

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

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

Texting — even while stopped — is illegal.

 

THE SHORES: official welcome

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

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

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

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

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

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

CLOSET FACTORY OPENS DOORS

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

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

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

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

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

 

BINGO! CLUB203 SCORES

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

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

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

Bingo! (Hat tip and photo/Stacie Curran)

jane austen at 250

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

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

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

 

SPEED KILLS

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

They send an important message — with a Halloween twist.

(Photo/Julie Whamond)

 

BE CAREFUL OUT THERE!

We’re not sure what happened here yesterday.

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

(Photo/Dave Briggs)

OBITUARY: MARTIN SLATTERY

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

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

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

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

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

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

POLICE REPORTS

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

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

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

Westport Police also issued these citations:

Failure to obey state traffic commission regulations: 5 citations

Traveling unreasonably fast: 4

Texting while driving: 4

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

Children need car seats!

“WESTPORT … NATURALLY” & SONG OF THE daY

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

(Photo/Wendy Levy)

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

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

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Posted in Local business, Obituaries, Police, Westport Country Playhouse

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You Can Go Home Again. Here’s What You’ll Find.

Posted on October 15, 2026 | 8 comments

The renovation of The Inn at Longshore has been good news for brides. The venue is even more picturesque than ever, and the staff goes out of their way to make the Big Day even more special.

It’s good news too for businesses. They’re filling the Inn during the week, with meetings and events.

A third group is former Westporters returning “home.” They come for a variety of reasons — reunions, work, visiting family, nostalgia — but staying at a place they fondly remember is a common thread.

The other day, a pair of 1963 Staples High School graduates — Peter Eckle and John Keate — returned “home.”

They’ve known each other since 3rd grade, in Greens Farms Elementary School. Peter swam, played tennis and sang in the choir. John played football and basketball.

They left Westport long ago, and now call North and South Carolina home. They kept in touch over the years — and Peter’s youngest son and John’s youngest daughter married each other. The old friends are now in-laws, and share 2 grandsons.

John Keate and Peter Eckle.

They remember their growing-up years here fondly — including Longshore summers. John worked maintenance on the golf course; Peter was head life guard at the pool.

Both caddied too, and one of Peter’s first jobs was shagging balls on the driving range.

They were not sure what to expect. But over the course of a couple of days, they reconnected with the town, and each other.

Golf pro Jon Janic hosted Peter and John. In return, Peter — who has an FAA drone license, and has done several golf course flyovers — did one of the Longshore course. He hopes Jon will add it to the Longshore website.

“The course was in great shape, and fun to play,” Peter says. They arrived just after heavy rain, but it stood up well.

With their wives, the 81-year-olds visited their old homes, and the streets where they grew up. Click here or below for Peter’s highlight reel.

They saw the “new” Staples High School — a far cry from the 9 separate buildings on North Avenue they remembered — and admired the pool. It’s a far cry from the cramped one Peter swam in at the old YMCA on Church Lane.

Compo Beach had not changed much (except that Chubby Lane’s, the old wooden concession stand, has been replaced by volleyball courts).

The transition from locally owned shops on Main Street to “the full range of high end retail outlets you can find in most major cities” was remarkable.

Specific landmarks like the Y becoming Anthropologie, the movie theaters now a Barnes & Noble, and the demise of nearby Ship’s Lantern bar brought back many memories. So did the search for restaurants that no longer exist, like the Pepper Mill (now a Goodwill outlet), Clam Box (Pizza Lyfe), the Arrow (Riko’s Pizza), Mario’s (Harvest Wine Bar), Allen’s Clam House (Sherwood Mill Pond Preserve), and Café de la Plage (the unfinished “blue house” on Hillspoint Road).

The renovation of the Inn itself earned raves.

It was a fun, nostalgic trip.

So when will the old friends be back?

“Good question,” Peter says. “Maybe another 10 years?”

A decade from now, much will have changed again.

But it’s a good bet that the Inn at Longshore — and the golf course — will be right where Peter and John left them.

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Posted in Local business, Longshore, Looking back, Restaurants

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Pic Of The Day #3465

Posted on October 14, 2026 | Leave a comment

Sherwood Mill Pond (Photo/Gregg Jacobs)

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Unsung Heroes #450

Posted on October 14, 2026 | 1 comment

Longtime Westport resident Bob Weingarten writes:

A few weeks ago, I was unloading garbage bags at the transfer station when I tripped over a car stop cement bar. I fell flat on my face.

Two women (I didn’t get their names but would like to thank them also) asked if I was OK. I was bleeding profusely from my nose and lip, with injuries to my arm and side.

They helped me into my car, and offered to finish putting my garbage in the bin. One of them said she had also tripped over a car stop at the transfer station.

After a while I drove home.

I was about to send a note to our first selectman, to ask that the town review the car stop cement bars, because of those two accidents.

(There were only a few, near the garbage bin.  I assume they were there to prevent vehicles, which are required to back into the parking spaces, from striking people walking to the bin.)

The danger.

But before I sent the note, I was back at the transfer station. I saw that all the car stop bars were removed.

An attendant told me that recently another Westport resident tripped over a car stop bar, and EMS was called.

Not knowing who had decided to remove the car stop bars, I asked the first selectman. Kevin Christie responded: “I checked with our Department of Public Works director, Larry Roberts. He and Joe Izzo reviewed the issue, and Joe recommended removing the car stop bars to prevent additional injuries.”

That’s a great decision. Larry Roberts and especially Joe Izzo should be complimented for their research and recommendation to remove the car stop bars.

Done! Great work — and great idea to recommend them, Bob.

(Do you know an Unsung Hero? Email 06880blog@gmail.com. “06880” is proud to honor them — and tell many other tales of town too. Please click here to help us do that, by supporting this hyper-local blog.)

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Roundup: hi’Amba & CTBites, BOE & P&Z, WTF & VFW …

Posted on October 14, 2026 | Leave a comment

HAILING HI’AMBA

New restaurants often generate a buzz.

But it’s hard to recall a buzzier beginning than hi’Amba.

Bill Taibe’s new Mediterranean-and-more spot in the former Basso/Matsu Sushi/Fine Arts III theater space on Jesup Road has drawn huge crowds — and great raves.

CTBites took notice too. Click here for their take on Westport’s newest hot spot.

Bill Taibe greets the first-day crowd. (Photo/Dan Woog)

board of ed talks special ed

The Board of Education has 2 discussion items on its agenda for tomorrow’s meeting (Thursday, 7 p.m., Staples High School cafeteria and Zoom).

They are the recommendation by superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice of the firm to conduct a review of special education, and the results of the K-12 school climate survey.

The Board is likely to recommend Four Point Education Partners for the special education review. Six companies submitted proposals to the Board of Education.

A group of parents continues to push the BOE to select a firm that will conduct a comprehensive, independent and transparent review of the entire special education program. Click here for their petition.

P&Z: LIGHTS, OLD MILL GROCERY 

Different town board, different agenda: Lights on the Wakeman and PJ Romano athletic fields are back on the docket, for the Planning & Zoning Commission meeting next Monday (October 19, 6 p.m., Zoom).

Also planned: a public hearing on text and map amendments, to permit outdoor eating and the sale of alcohol at establishments like Old Mill Grocery & Deli.

To see all background materials: Click here, then scroll down to 70 North Avenue (Wakeman Field), 170 Riverside Avenue (PJ Romano Field) and 222 Hillspoint Road (Old Mill Grocery).

Lights have been proposed for the Wakeman turf field (center).

$10,000 GRANTS AVAILABLE FOR NON-PROFITS

Does your organization want $10,000?

The Westport Woman’s Club is once again offer funding of up to 10 grand to non-profits, for a project during 2026-27 that benefits social services, health, safety, arts or education in Westport.

The Ruegg Grant was founded from an endowment by former WWC member Lea Ruegg. Over $200,000 in Ruegg Grants have been awarded by the WWC since 1995.

Click here for more information, and an application form.

REGISTRATION BEGINS FOR WAKEMAN TOWN FARM KIDS’ PROGRAMS

Registration is open for fall child and teenage programs at Wakeman Town Farm. Click here to see all the educational and hands-on offerings.

Also on tap at WTF: Tots’ Halloween Parade (October 27, 2 p.m.), and Saturday sessions for neurodiverse youth (welcoming, sensory-friendly environment for children of all abilities.

comedy night coming to vfw

New York has great comedy clubs.

But Westport’s VFW Post 399 has become Westport’s go-to comedy stopo.

This Friday (doors at 7 p.m., show at 8), “NYC Comedy Night” features favorite Joe Pontillo, and a new cast of comedians: Rich Shultis, Michael Agunbiade and Trish Bradbury Gernert.

Tickets are $20, with a 1-drink minimum at the show. A light food menu is available too. For tickets and more information, click here. 

VFW Post 399 IS a laughing matter.

WENDY MORGAN-HUNTER’S LONDON PLAY

Speaking of entertainment: When opera and musical theater professional Wendy Morgan-Hunter moved here with her family from the Bay Area 15 years ago, she was particularly excited to explore our cultural life.

Wendy is the founder and CEO of High Octave Productions.  Working with fellow Westporters Tami Benanav (partner and COO) and documentarian Chris Bolan (producer), they find unheard voices in theater, TV and film, and create opportunities for powerful connections with audiences.

The team’s latest project brings Westport to the London stage with “The Radium Girls: A New Musical.” The cast of 16 — including 12 female roles — is a powerful exploration of the young women who worked the line at radium watch dial factories across North America in the 1920s.

The show is set for the Southwark Playhouse in March, at the exact same theater that launched “Operation Mincemeat” and “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.”

For more information, including tickets, click here.

Wendy Morgan-Hunter and Tami Benanav.

mothers with adhd: learn to cope

Motherhood is not easy. For mothers with ADHD, shifting identity, emotional regulation, executive functioning challenges, and the constant pressure to keep everything moving can make this stage of life especially complicated.

Many women navigate these experiences quietly, feeling unseen or believing they should manage it all better. On November 12 (9 a.m., Beyond Yoga, 136 Main Street) host “Sharing the Invisible Load: ADHD, Motherhood & Identity.”

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

This event is for mothers with a formal ADHD diagnosis, as well as those who identify with ADHD-related experiences and want to better understand themselves during this demanding phase of life.

Click here to register, and for more information.

indoor golf league tees off at clubhouse

The temperatures may be dropping, but golfers have a new option.

The Clubhouse   — Westport’s simulator/event space/restaurant — is launching its first fall golf league.

It tees off Wednesday evenings from October 21 to November 18. Golfers of all skill levels are welcome. Click here for more information, and to sign up. 

Fore!

alzheimer’s walk at sherwood island

One of the biggest charity walks — the one to end Alzheimer’s — is at Sherwood Island State Park on October 25 (10:30 a.m.).

In a ceremony that begins at 10, walkers carry flowers of various colors, each representing their personal connection to the disease.

Right now, 80,000 people in Connecticut live with Alzheimer’s. Anyone with a connection to the disease, or another form of dementia — and anyone concerned about their own brain health — is invited to join. For more information and to register, click here.

JOHANNA PAGANI LAUNCHES NEW BOOK

Local author Johanna Pagani launches her new book, “Violent Hill,” at Westport Book Shop October 30 (6 p.m.). The evening includes food and drinks, a reading, Q-and-A, and a signing.

Her thriller is about an asylum with terrifying secrets.

Johanna Pagani

obituary: charlie Mcbride

Westport resident Charles “Charlie” McBride died peacefully at Norwalk Hospital on Friday. He was 77.

Charlie lived a full and active life until this June. He walked 10,000 steps a day, spent Memorial Day weekend in Kennebunkport, Maine, and traveled last year to Europe.

Charlie grew up on Wilson Point in Norwalk, where he developed a lifelong love of boating, tennis and being on the water.

He graduated from Fairfield Prep in 1967 and Boston College in 1971. He earned an MBA from Iona College in 1982. He was a certified public accountant and chartered global management accountant.

Charlie served 6 years in the Connecticut Army National Guard, rising to staff sergeant. In 1972 he began a 44-year career at Pitney Bowes, retiring as vice president of investor relations. He also served for many years as board chair of Pitney Bowes Employees Federal Credit Union.

Charlie met his wife of 48 years, Judy, through a bowling team. They married in 1978. He is survived by her; daughter Meredith Frances McBride (Jonathan Hack) of Westpor; his son, Charles McBride II (Hannah Elizabeth) of Needham, Massachusetts; grandchildren Xavier Jonathan Hack-McBride, Quintin, Lily, Owen and Dylan; sisters Theresa (Chris) Levy and Eileen (John) Margherio of Charleston, South Carolina, and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. He was predeceased by his sister Mary McBride Konrad, and his beloved black labs Bogart, Char and Digger.

Relatives and friends may call on Friday (October 23, 4 to 7:30 p.m., Harding Funeral Home). A funeral Mass will be held Saturday (October 24, 11 a.m., St. Thomas Aquinas Church, Fairfield).

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge Welles Remy Crowther Charitable Trust, or a charity of choice.

Charles McBride

“WESTPORT … NATURALLY,” AND SONG OF THE DAY

Our “Westport … Naturally” series continues with more fine fall foliage photos.

This one is from Sherwood Island State Park. Of course, scenes like this are inspiring us all over town.

(Photo/Jamie Walsh)

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And finally … in honor of the VFW’s new role as comedy club central (item above):

(You laugh. You cry. You’re inspired. You’re surprised. You’re disbelieving. You’re an “06880” reader. We deliver all that, every day — but we can’t do it without your help. Please click here. TYVM!)

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Museum For History & Culture: “We Need $750,000 By January”

Posted on October 14, 2026 | 30 comments

This morning, the Westport Museum for History & Culture sent out an urgent email.

The Myrtle Avenue institution must raise $750,000 by January “to keep the Museum open and operating in its current form.”

The media alert says, “Despite a significant institutional transformation, national and regional recognition, and years of cost-cutting — including reduced public hours and staff — the Museum has exhausted the resources available to sustain current operations.

“Without significant community support, the Museum’s Board is exploring options including the sale of the historic Bradley Wheeler House, relocation of collections and archives, and transition to a smaller research-focused organization with substantially reduced exhibitions and public programming.”

Six years ago, under new leadership, the Westport Historical Society was renamed and rebranded as the Westport Museum for History & Culture.

The move was controversial, and unleashed a torrent of criticism that had bubbled under the surface. Complaints included the dismissal by email of a longtime employee; elimination of “period rooms”; the sale or destruction of donated pieces and costumes; the closing of the gift shop (it reopened later, with a different focus); the pushing aside of a large number of board members, volunteers and large donors; the removal of the Sheffer Gallery name, and the introduction of fees to access archives and files. (Click here for a January 2020 story on the controversy. Click here for a previous story.)

 

The Museum for History & Culture pivoted to more of a regional focus. Greater emphasis was placed on the stories of overlooked local history and marginalized groups, with exhibits and other programming. It looked for new sources of funding, and reached out to new and younger residents for support.

In this morning’s alert, officials say, “The Museum has preserved and restored its unique 1846 seven-sided Cobblestone Barn, renovated its grounds, modernized collections and archival management, expanded educational programming, and provided internships and training opportunities to hundreds of young people.

Joanne Woodward, at the octagonal barn. She and her husband Paul Newman were longtime supporters of the Westport Historical Society.

“At a time when the teaching and interpretation of American history are increasingly contested, Museum leaders say independent institutions committed to primary sources, scholarship and telling the whole story are more important than ever.”

Executive director Ramin Ganeshram adds, “We have taken this institution as far as determination, ingenuity and austerity can take it. Now Westport has to decide whether it wants to keep it.”

To donate, click here.

(NOTE: The “media alert” was forwarded to “06880” by a reader. Despite repeated requests, the Museum for History & Culture has not included this blog on its media distribution list.)

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“Students Speak”: Empty Chair At Debate? Youth Commission Undeterred

Posted on October 14, 2026 | 2 comments

Jack Thompson is a senior at Greens Farms Academy, and co-chairs the Westport Youth Commission. He helped produce last year’s 1st selectman candidate debate at Toquet Hall, and looked forward to a similar role with this year’s election. Jack writes:

I joined the Westport Youth Commission because student engagement in local government is rare, and being part of this organization would let me be heard.

I put that to the test last year, when I helped organize a first selectman forum as a lead-up to the election. It was a great learning experience, and opened a lot of eyes on how students can be engaged in the political process.

Jack Thompson (left) and Jake Shufro, at last year’s Westport Youth Commission 1st selectman candidates’ debate.

This year, a candidate running for the 136th state House of Representatives approached the WYC about holding a similar forum.

We did some research, and learned that the League of Women Voters has been unable to hold candidate events due to their “empty chair” policy. Due to their nonpartisan position (us too!), they can’t hold events with only one candidate.

We felt that both the town and candidates were losing out, as these events provide important, symbiotic context: We as citizens learn our candidates’ positions, and they learn what’s important to us.

With that in mind, we wanted to see what we could do. We started planning a candidate event for October 29. We invited both Democrat Lee Goldstein and Republican Douglas Ouellette, with the stipulation that both needed to agree for us to host the event.

Screenshot from Ballotpedia, a site that offers “unbiased information to educate and inform American voters.”

We only heard from Lee Goldstein, who responded “yes,” so, in accordance with LWV policy, we canceled the event. This was extremely unfortunate, as it would have provided all of Westport’s citizens and youth an opportunity to hear from the candidates running to represent them in Hartford.

So what do we do now?  As a group, we debated next steps and decided not to be deterred.

We are exploring an event after the election that would be sponsored by the LWV, and moderated by Dan Woog and students.

There are two reasons we arrived at this decision: We want to raise student political engagement and awareness, and it provides an opportunity for our new state representatives to hear from us, about what’s important and how we want to be represented.

It will also give students a chance to share their stance on issues we care about, like AI, social media and local transportation.

We plan to make it technology-interactive, with a live polling system so representatives can see how Westport citizens feel about key issues.

My fellow WYC members and I are excited to plan this event, and look forward to sharing more details after the election.

(“Students Speak” is a forum for all students, who live in or attend school in Westport and Weston. Email submissions to 06880blog@gmail.net. To support this hyper-local blog, click here. Thank you!)

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Meanwhile, the Leagues of Women Voters of Lower Fairfield County are sponsoring a debate with the 3 candidates for Congress from Connecticut’s 4th District: Democratic Jim Himes, Republican Michael Goldstein and independent Benjamin Wesley.

It’s Monday, October 19 (Westport Library, 7 p.m.). Advance registration is required; click here. The debate will also be livestreamed on the Library’s YouTube page, with replay available afterward.

 

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Pic Of The Day #3464

Posted on October 13, 2026 | 2 comments

Kings Highway North fall foliage (Photo/John Maloney)

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Staples Players Rewind: “Working”

Posted on October 13, 2026 | 1 comment

In the summer of 2017, Staples Players presented “Working.”

It was a different type of musical. But — as usual — the high school troupe crushed it.

Click here or below for directors David Roth and Kerry Long’s show. Thanks to Jim Honeycutt, former media teacher, for producing this highlight reel.

What are those actors up to today?

Jacob Leaf (Mike Dillard, ironworker; Joe Zutty, retired) is a professional actor. He has appeared in “Mamma Mia!,” “Gypsy,” “Guys and Dolls,” “Eurydice” and more.

Remy Laifer (Al Calinda, parking lot attendant; Roberto Nunez, boxboy and migrant worker; Eddie Jaffe, publicist) is a New York-based actor and musician. A graduate of Northwestern University’s theatre program, he has appeared on television in NBC’s “New Amsterdam.” His film work includes “Escape from Myrtle Broadway” and “3 Worlds, 1 Modern Romance.”

Christian Melhuish (Rex Winship, hedgefund manager; Utkarsh Trajillo, caregiver) is a singer, actor and dancer in New York. After graduating from Temple University with a BFA in musical theater, Christian has performed regionally around the country. Credits include Jesus (“Godspell”), Romeo (“Romeo & Juliet”) and Bob Gaudio (“Jersey Boys”). He has also performed Off-Broadway and in cabarets and staged readings.

Mia Kobylinski (Marjorie Levin, worker in cubicle) is a designer at Snake River Interiors. Her love of travel and photography help her gather design inspiration from all over the world.

Sophia Sherman (worker in cubicle) studied acting and performing arts management at the University of Michigan. Based in Los Angeles, Sophia has focused on screen acting.

Chad Celini (fast food worker) is an actor and performer who works in regional theater and independent productions. He has appeared in “Godspell,” “Curtains” and holiday musical revues, and on screen in the 2025 film “Game Over.”

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

Jake Watzman (John Rolfin, newsboy) is a voice actor and theatre performer. He graduated with a BA in theatre from Muhlenberg College. He is recognized for his work in indie animation, visual novels, and voiceover projects.

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

Lexi Holoubek-Sebok (Candy Cottingham, political fundraiser) transitioned from acting into professional marketing and data analysis, working as a community strategy and intelligence analyst at Burson.

Avery Mendillo (Grace Clements, millworker; Jean Gilbert, cleaning woman) is a New York–based actor and singer with roots in musical theatre, and a career in film and TV. She recently filmed her first feature film.

Antonio Antonelli (Anthony Coelho, stone mason) is an actor and crew member. He voiced the character Shane in “Santaman,” an appeared as Wes in “Maybe Today, Maybe Tomorrow.”

Jackie Rhoads (Terry Mason, flight attendant) is a filmmaker, actor, writer and producer, who studied film at Vanderbilt University. She creates and stars in videos on her YouTube channel, which has over 20,000 subscribers, and supports the development team at Fivestone Studios, a production company based in Nashville.

Sophia Sherman (Joyce Naruda, interstate trucker) studied acting and performing arts management at the University of Michigan. Based in Los Angeles, Sophia has focused on screen acting.

Payton Spandow (Lucy Long, actress) earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from Cornell University, and was a member of the sketch comedy group The Skits. She is now a college planning advisor in Rocky Hill.

Samantha Chachra (Theresa Liu, nanny) is a New York-based actress, singer-songwriter and cellist. She earned a BFA in drama from the NYU Tisch School of the Arts, after training at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting and Stonestreet Studios.

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

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

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Posted in Entertainment, Looking back, Staples HS

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Remembering Ed Bludnicki

Posted on October 13, 2026 | 12 comments

Longtime Westport school administrator Edward Bludnicki died peacefully on Sunday, surrounded by his family. He was 92.

The proud Ansonia native was active in Ansonia High student council and played baseball, graduating in 1951.

A veteran of the Korean conflict, he graduated from the US. Army Guided Missile School, where he trained and served as an electronics specialist. Ed continued his education at Southern Connecticut State University, earning both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in general and biological Sciences. He later pursued advanced studies in educational administration at Fairfield University.

Ed Bludnicki

Edward’s career in education began as an adjunct faculty member in the Science Department at Housatonic Community College. He then taught science at Bedford and Coleytown Junior Highs. He introduced a new biology course, and was a highly regarded instructor.

Moving into school administration, Ed served as vice principal and principal at Bedford Junior High. He played an important role as Bedford and Coleytown Junior Highs transitioned into middle schools.

During his tenure Ed introduced a faculty-student committee, a parent ombudsman group, and Saturday School, for additional academic and recreational opportunities.

He strengthened Bedford’s Honor Society, expanded student club activities, and supported the PTA’s cultural arts assemblies.

One of Ed’s most memorable contributions to education came through his lifelong fascination with science and space exploration. Drawing upon connections he made during his Army service, he helped bring NASA personnel and space shuttle astronauts into the Westport school system.

Students communicated with astronauts while the shuttle orbited overhead.

Ed later served as director of Westport Adult Education, overseeing programs that included English as a Second Language and GED courses. He also served as a summer school principal.

He applied for and received a multi-year state of Connecticut grant to establish a regional space camp, continuing his enthusiasm for scientific discovery with young learners.

His activities extended beyond the classroom. Ed was a board member and treasurer of the Westport Rotary Club. He was also treasurer of the Tri-Town Teachers Federal Credit Union, and co-president of the Intermediate School Administrators Association.

A talented model builder, he had a passion for radio-controlled airplanes. Over the years he constructed many aircraft and model rockets. He served as president of the Connecticut State Model Building Society, and participated in model aircraft and rocket competitions throughout the state.

Edward also loved automobiles, particularly his Mazda Miata, which he owned and maintained for nearly 4 decades.

Among his fondest golfing memories was a hole-in-one at Homewood Acres Golf Course.

Edward is survived by his children Edward (Catherine), Laura (Michael) Binkowski, and Karen Pernaselci; grandchildren Michael (Jocelyn) Binkowski, Chelsea (Michael) Sevigny; Emily, Claire. Mitchell and Hannah Bludnicki; Troy, Luke, Kyra and Chloe Pernaselci; great-grandchildren Spencer Binkowski, and Stella and Cameron Sevigny, and many nieces and nephews, including Mary Bludnicki of Trumbull.

Ed was predeceased by his wife of 65 years, Lorraine (Niezelski) Bludnicki; brother Benjamin and sister, Jean Gesek.

Family and friends may call on Friday (October 16, 4 to 7 p.m., Wakelee Funeral Home, Ansonia). Funeral services will take place from the Wakelee Funeral Home on Saturday (October 17, 9 a.m.). A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. in St. Joseph Church, Ansonia. Interment with full military honors will follow in St. Michael Cemetery, Derby. Online condolences may be made at www.wakeleememorial.com.

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