Fall is settling in (Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday!).
So on November 5, the Westport Farmers’ Market heads indoors. They’ll settle into their wonderful winter home: the 3 warm greenhouses at Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center.
Running every Thursday, and the first Saturday of every month through March 11 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.), the winter market is not a scaled-back version of the summer season. It’s a full experience, with great vendors.
“Fresh, local food doesn’t take a winter break — and neither do we,” says WFM executive director Lori Cochran-Dougall.
“The winter market is one of my favorite things. There is something special about walking into those warm greenhouses on a cold morning, and watching the community gather around good food when the rest of the world has gone quiet.”
tantrums! limits! Tough moments at Home!
Sure, it’s tough to leave your 18-month-old to 5-year-old child.
But tomorrow (Thursday, October 29, 7:30 p.m.), find a sitter (or spouse or sibling).
Child development specialist (and mom of 3 boys) Dr. Chloe Massey offers a workshop called “A Compassionate Approach to Tantrums, Limits, and the Toughest Moments at Home.”
The new head of Redding’s Park & Recreation Department has roots in that town.
And Westport.
Jaime Bairaktaris — president of Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Services, former Representative Town Meeting member, longtime Earthplace educator and publisher of The Westport Local Press — takes over November 3.
The 2016 Staples High School graduate attended Redding Elementary School (and played youth sports there). He began volunteering with WVEMS as a Staples freshman. (Hat tip: John Karrel)
Jaime Bairaktaris
HOLIDAY DECOR sALE HELPS STAPLES MUSICIANS
It’s not too early to start thinking about holiday wreaths, garlands, planters and more.
And it’s never too early to help the Staples Music Department.
With plenty of projects and trips ahead, the Staples Music Parents Association has launched a fundraiser to help the choral, orchestra and band programs.
Staples High School dance team. (Photo/Jerri Graham)
DOG PADDLE
The water is still (relatively) warm. So why not head out, with your best friend?
I’m sure she was glad to join you!
(Photo/Michael Szeto)
TODAY’S HALLOWEEN HOMES
If you’re thinking of trick or treating in the Compo Beach neighborhood — and who isn’t? — here are a couple of extra-spooky decorations nearby:
(Photo/Michael Szeto)
hey, gym rats: put your phones down!
An “06880” reader asks for anonymity for this piece. But — as an avid Westport Weston Family YMCA Fitness (aka “Wellness”) Center user — I totally agree. He writes:
“After 8 months on the waiting list, I was finally admitted to the Westport Y. After nearly a decade of fitness classes at boutique studios, I looked forward to having access to a full gym.
“What surprised me was how much time people spend on their phones while they’re there.
“I know this isn’t unique to the Y. Walk into almost any large gym these days and you’ll see the same thing. I get it — phones are part of our lives. People use them for music, workout apps, timers and the occasional text.
“But there’s a difference between checking your phone and settling into a piece of equipment for 5 minutes of doom-scrolling while someone is waiting.
“I’m not talking about a reasonable rest between sets. Take your time. Catch your breath. Recover. That’s part of working out.
“But when I’m standing there waiting for a machine and someone is completely absorbed in their phone, I have to ask ‘Are you done?’ more often than I’d like.
“My workout time is limited. After a long, stressful day at the office, getting to the gym is one of the ways I blow off steam. I’d rather spend that time exercising than waiting for someone’s TikTok session to end.
“The Y has signs asking members to be mindful of cellphone use around the equipment. I don’t expect staff to become the phone police, but some gentle enforcement — or simply reminding people that the equipment is shared — would help.
“I’m not asking anyone to surrender their phone at the door. Just remember that you share the gym with other people who are trying to get their workout in, too.
“Rest between sets. Check your phone if you need to. Just don’t let 5 minutes of scrolling become another set.”
Not the Y. But it could be.
VFW BENEFITS LUNCHEON TOMORROW
The next Veterans Benefits Luncheon is tomorrow (Thursday, October 29, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.), VFW Post 399).
It’s open to all veterans as part of an ongoing effort to check in on all veterans’ welfare, and connect them with the benefits and support they earned.
Representatives will answer questions, and provide information on services and assistance available to veterans.
RSVPs are encouraged (but not required). Email vfw399ct@gmail.com, and include the number of attendees, or call (203) 227-6796.
PS: If you’re not a veteran, but know one: Please pass the word!
“westport … naturally” & song of the day
We’ve had so many great hunter moon-rise photos, we’ll run one more.
Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo comes courtesy of Cindy Zuckerbrod.
(Photo/Cindy Zuckerbrod)
===============================================
And finally … following up on the workshop about the “Compassionate Approach to Tantrums” workshop (item above):
One topic that interests nearly all Westporters is real estate. Our homes are (often) our biggest investments. We want to know where the market is, and where it’s headed.
Since 2020, it’s been a seller’s world: multiple offers by the weekend, escalation clauses, buyers waiving inspections.
Over the last few months though, we have started to feel that pace ease. Some homes are sitting a little longer. Buyers are taking a breath before they write offers, and there have been more price adjustments. Not every listing draws a crowd on Day One.
To be clear, this isn’t a downturn, and it still isn’t a true buyer’s market.
Westport is a draw and a wonderful place to live, and well-priced homes in good condition continue to sell. What we are seeing may be the very beginning of a healthier, more balanced market, one where both sides have a fair seat at the table.
What do we think is behind the shift? It could be a few things. Mortgage rates have been inching up again, which makes buyers more cautious.
The midterms are around the corner, and there’s a general sense of uncertainty about where the economy is headed. Historically, this kind of uncertainty makes people pause rather than rush. Some buyers are waiting to see how things settle, and some sellers are wondering whether now is the right time to make a move.
New 4-bedroom construction at 16 Westport Avenue by Compo Beach offers eco-conscious design, a rooftop deck and heated spa. It’s listed for $6.495 million.
None of this is cause for alarm. Markets move in cycles, and after such a long stretch of intensity, a little cooling is natural and probably overdue. The statistics will take time to catch up; we should have a clearer picture by mid-2027.
Yet the “wait and see” often backfires. It sounds prudent, but more often it is indecision dressed up as strategy. Many buyers who wait end up wishing they hadn’t.
The crowd comes back all at once. When buyers sit on the sidelines, they tend to return together, bringing more competition, higher prices and less choice.
Things can get better, but they can also get worse. It’s like a shopper who holds out for 40% off sale that is already marked down 25%, only to find her size is gone.
Rates could stay high. If inflation persists, rates likely will too, and a $1 million home today could cost $1,05 milion a year from now. If rates fall, more buyers jump in and prices can rise even faster.
You have to live somewhere. Rents aren’t falling in most areas, and every rent check builds someone else’s equity.
Qualifying matters as much as the rate. Today your income is steady and your credit is strong. Circumstances change. And if rates drop later, you can refinance.
You’re buying for the long haul. Most people stay in a home for 7 to 12 years or more. Over that span, timing the market rarely pays off.
There’s always a way in. Buyers may choose a less expensive, unrenovated home to offset higher rates. When rates come down, they refinance and renovate, building equity the whole time.
This 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom house at 280 Main Street is listed for $1.199 million.
Does a lower rate mean a lower cost? What if prices continue to appreciate? Here’s an $800,000 home with 20% down, comparing buying today with waiting a year for a half-point rate drop while prices rise 5%:
Buy today
Wait a year
Price
$800,000
$840,000
Rate
7.00%
6.50%
Down payment
$160,000
$168,000
Loan amount
$640,000
$672,000
Monthly principal & interest
~$4,258
~$4,247
Even with the lower rate, the buyer who waits brings $8,000 more to closing, borrows $32,000 more, and lands on essentially the same monthly payment, minus a year of equity.
If you’re thinking about buying, this may be the most encouraging window we’ve seen in years. You have more time to decide, more room to negotiate and less competition than you’ve faced since 2020. It’s a good moment to get pre-approved and start looking with a clear head.
If you’re thinking about selling, demand for Westport is still strong and values remain healthy. The difference is that preparation and pricing matter more than ever.
Homes that are well presented and priced right from the start are still selling well. Homes that reach too high are more likely to sit and often net less in the end. A thoughtful strategy makes all the difference.
The right time to buy or sell is when the home, the numbers and the timing make sense for you.
(“06880” often covers the real estate market, in all its many forms. If you enjoy stories like this, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
After years of planning — and controversy — a new Long Lots Elementary School is rising on Hyde Lane.
The site is the former baseball field, adjacent to the oldest section of the 70-year-old building.
Construction walls hide much of the activity from students, staff and passersby. But the other day, “06880” photographer Brandon Malin flew his drone over the work.
These bird’s-eye photos show how much progress has already been made. And how close it is to the school that will be demolished this summer.
The new Long Lots Elementary School and Stepping Stones Preschool are scheduled to open in January 2028.
The Fire Department is on the scene of a propane leak on Morningside Drive South. Workers struck a 500-gallon propane tank.
The propane company and Fairfield County Hazardous Materials Response Team are conducting a flare tower operation to burn off the remaining propane.
Morningside Drive South is closed between Hillandale Road and Center Street. That has snarled traffic around Greens Farms Elementary School, and will impact bus routes and pickups there.
Propane leak at Morningside Drive South (Photo courtesy of Westport Fire Department)
Eleven years later, it was James D’Amico’s turn. Though he did not sing or dance as Dodig — who had a theater background — did, he did a fine job as Harvard’s head of admissions in “Legally Blonde.”
Today — thanks to the editing skills of former media teacher Jim Honeycutt — it’s time to relive directors David Roth and Kerry Long’s production. Click here or below to see.
And here’s what cast members are up to, in the years since they shared the stage with their principal.
Georgia Wright(Elle Woods) is a non-binary, New York-based emerging playwright, actor and director. They have written and staged several independent and festival plays.
Nick Rossi (Emmett Forrest) 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.”
Daisy Brackett(Paulette Buonofuonte) 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.
Sam Mandelbaum(Warner Huntington III) is an actor and writer working in independent films and creative projects, including “Dinner Date,” “The Awakening of Edwin Lorde” and “Pinky.”
Antonio Antonelli (Professor Callahan) is an actor and crew member. He voiced the character Shane in “Santaman,” an appeared as Wes in “Maybe Today, Maybe Tomorrow.”
Mia Kobylinski (Brooke Wyndham) is a designer at Snake River Interiors. Her love of travel and photography help her gather design inspiration from all over the world.
Ben Roland (Kyle B. O’Boyle, the UPS man, Grand Master Chad) is an actor (“Man Camp”) and designer.
Kelley Schutte (Kate) is interior designer, artist and performer. She operates an independent design and landscape painting practice in the Westport area.
Sammy Guthartz(Sundeep Padamadan) is an actor and producer. He graduated with a bachelor of fine arts in theatre performance from the University of Michigan. He has roles and production credits in “The Diary of Aaron Stanford” and “The Midnight World.”
Jamie Mann(Carlos) graduated from the University of Michigan’s musical theater program in 2025. He made his Broadway debut in “Stranger Things: The First Shadow.” He appeared previously on the Netflix show “Country Comfort,” and toured nationally as the lead in “Billy Elliot.”
Macey Lavoie (District Attorney Joyce Riley) is a firefighter in Montana. She graduated from James Madison University.
Kristina Ludel(Cashier at Hair Affair) attended the University of Florida – Warrington College of Business. She works in the New York area as a senior strategist in business solutions.
Annabel Kavetas Kiki (Colorist at Hair Affair, Delta Nu Girl) is an entertainment, production and beauty professional who has worked in digital media, audience coordination and television production. She has been involved with “RuPaul’s Drag Race.”
Chloe Manna (Dana) is a stage and screen actress. Her credits include “Peace, Love and Cupcakes: The Musical” at the New York Musical Festival.
Faven Alemu-Renzulli (Hansen-Harkness, Perfume Girl) attended Liberty University, where she earned a degree in law and policy. She is studying for a JD degree at Regent University School of Law.
jason bird’s “Parlor of impossibilities”: impossible to miss show at delamar
I expected to be impressed, amazed, even awed, at magician/mentalist Jason Bird’s intimate “Parlor of Impossibilities” Sunday at the Delamar Westport.
I did not expect to have the most mysterious, “magical” night of my life.
His card tricks were astonishing, sure. I’m still reeling from some of them.
But the evening — one of his first 2 “residences” at the hotel, in a small room decorating like a private parlor of old — was so much more.
From opening a sealed box with lotto tickets that matched exactly 6 random numbers chosen by audience members, to showing a watch that matched precisely the time of birth of another guest, Jason’s show was absolutely mind-blowing.
Not to mention his whole don’t-try-this-at-home razor swallowing trick. (The 5 blades emerged — from his unbloodied mouth — arranged neatly on a string of floss.)
“Parlor of Impossibilities” has to be seen to be believed. (Though 2 days later, I still can’t believe what I saw.)
Fortunately, you can. Jason returns to the Delamar November 22 and December 13. There are 2 shows each day, at 4 and 7 p.m.
Only gobsmacked. And transported into a new dimension.
MOONRISE!
Speaking of magical: How about last night’s moonrise?
“06880” was flooded with photos. Here’s one of the best, from Howard Edelstein on Saugatuck Shores:
(Photo/Howard Edelstein)
Here’s a bonus shot, of Arabela Hayes having fun with the full moon:
(Photo/Gabriela Hayes)
GARDEN CLUB REAPS 2 reWARDS
Congratulations to the Westport Garden Club!
The 102-year-old organization won 2 big awards at last week’s 97th Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut ceremony.
One was the Award of Excellence — Civic Development.
For nearly 50 years the Westport Garden Club, in partnership with the Grace Salmon Trust and the town of Westport, has transformed a former landfill into the vibrant Grace Salmon Park and Pollinator Pathway along the Saugatuck River.
Cub members recently restored 4 garden beds with 100 perennials and 100 native plantings, added educational features, and continue enhancing the park’s ecological, educational and recreational value.
The 3-acre park was created in the 1970s when the WGC initiated a project to reclaim a former municipal landfill and marshland. Designed by landscape architect Eloise Ray (1905–1995) and named after Westport civic leader Grace Salmon (1869–1937), the park opened in October 1977. It has been maintained by WGC members ever since.
The second award was a Certificate of Appreciation — Louise Demakis
For more than 20 years she has served as the historian for Westport Garden Club. Through extensive research she wrote a 118-page history, “From White Gloves to Wheelbarrows.”
The book chronicles the club’s 100-year evolution from 1924 to 2024, highlighting its major projects and the changing role of gardening through the decades.
The Westport Garden Club, with help from Parks & Rec, maintains 5 garden beds at Grace Salmon Park. From left: WGC Civics Chair Joellen Bradford, member Patricia Buckley, past president Ginger Donaher.
Y’S WOMEN HOST GOVERNOR HOPEFULS
This month, the Y’s Women have heard from the 2 men running to be governor.
On October 12 they hosted State Senator Ryan Fazio, the Republican who is also running as an Independent.
Yesterday, Democratic Governor Ned Lamont joined them at Green’s Farms Church.
Both made presentations, then took questions.
Fazio emphasized middle class tax relief, caps on property tax and electric rate reductions.
Lamont focused on his 8 years in office, including balanced budgets, pension debt paydown and housing growth .
Ryan Fazio and Ned Lamont (Photo/Vera De Stefano)
HALLOWEEN HOME HIGHLIGHTS
Today’s Halloween decorations are from 3 different houses. All are on Mayflower Parkway, near Compo Road South.
Trick or treat!
(All photos/Susan Garment)
modern love: crash landing a plane, rebuilding a life
Every Sunday, the New York Times’ “Modern Love” column offers a thought-provoking essay about relationships.
Old, young, happy, sad, complex, simple, straight, gay, polyamorous, lusty, loveless — each week, writers invite readers into their most intimate lives.
This week’s essay — harrowing and compelling — was by a Westporter.
Robin Bonnist wrote about the afternoon 3 years ago when her husband, flying them both to a family reunion, blacked out during the approach to Martha’s Vineyard.
Pinned on one side by his body, she somehow crash landed the plane.
He died 5 days later. She grappled with the aftermath.
Fourteen months later, her mother was dying in Florida. Could she confront her demons, and board a plane to say her final goodbye?
Robin’s column is masterfully written. It is also a lesson in resilience.
The author’s note says she is working on a memoir about her experience. It will be well worth the read.
Speaking of marriage: You never know what you’ll see at Compo Beach.
On Sunday, it was this proposal:
It worked!
Moments after Nathan Greenbaum saw that, there was this:
(Photos/Nathan Greenbaum)
If the wedding is at Compo Beach, we’ll cover that too.
MEGHAN SCHECK: OUTSTANDING EDUCATOR!
Congratulations to Meghan Scheck!
The Staples High School English teacher has received a University of Chicago Outstanding Educator Award.
An Outstanding Educator “shapes young minds in meaningful ways —thoughtfully approaching instruction, sharing an infectious love for learning, and caring for students both inside and outside of the classroom.”
Each year, new UChicago students nominate an educator who played a significant role in their education, and made a positive impact in their lives. Scheck was selected by a Chicago Class of 2030 member.
Meghan Scheck
LIBRARY BOOK SALE NEAR; VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
The Westport Library Big Fall Book Sale — featuring thousands of gently used books, vintage vinyl, CDs, DVDs, artwork, puzzles and more — will attract thousands, from November 6 to 9.
Every purchase — from rare collectors items and fiction to the room dedicated to children’s stories — supports the Westport Book Shop’s mission of providing meaningful employment for adults with disabilities, while also raising vital funds for the Westport Library. For more information, click here.
Library book sales are run entirely by volunteers. More hand are still needed. Helping with setup, assisting shoppers and keeping things running smoothly are 3 ways to help. Click here to sign up.
The Westport Library Book Sale needs you!
STITCH HAVEN CELEBRATES GRAND OPENING
Stitch Haven’s new location at 420 Post Road West is both different, and familiar.
The look is fresh. But the same knowledgeable, passionate staff is on hand, to help with every crocheting and knitting need.
A grand opening is set for this Friday (October 30, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.) There’s a raffle every hour (must be present to win), and an ice cream truck from 1 to 3.
yanov taubenhouse headlines jazz at post
Pianist/composer Yaniv Taubenhouse headlines Thursday’s “Jazz at the Post” (October 29, shows at 7 and 8:15 p.m.; dinner at 7).
A classically trained artist whose style channels Chic Corea, Bill Evans and Herbie Hancock, he’ll be joined by bassist Dan Montgomery, drummer Jerad Lippi and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall.
Speaking of the arts: On Saturday, MoCA\CT hosted conversation exploring walls, division, and the power of architecture to bring people together.
The event — part of the museum’s current exhibit featuring Rich Shaefer’s monumental charcoal drawings in “Colossi” – was sponsored by the CORA Foundation.
MoCA\CT executive director Robin Jaffee Frank (left), with panelists.
“westport … naturally” & song of the day
This hunter’s moon has brought “06880” photographers out in droves.
Today’s almost-Halloween-ish “Westport … Naturally” image was captured by Michael Szeto.
And finally … in honor of Jason Bird’s unfathomable magic show (story above):
(It’s not magic. We just work our 8-balls off every day to bring you all the news, information, insights, features, photos and more about Westport that we can. Please help us by clicking here. Thank you!
The Fairfield native learned at the Black Rock Yacht Club. She subscribed to Swimming World, and read Doc Counsilman’s groundbreaking “The Science of Swimming.”
“I was a total swimming geek,” she says.
But her first day at the University of South Carolina pool was overwhelming. She felt like “a goldfish in the ocean.” That was the end of her competitive career.
As a swimmer, that is.
While still at Roger Ludlowe High School, Johnston had coached Fairfield YMCA 8-and-unders. She was also a team administrators, joining as a teenager in meetings with adults.
Two years after leaving the pool, Johnston became the South Carolina swim team’s manager. “That put me back on course,” she says — figuratively and literally.
Ellen Johnston
Though she majored in business, and planned to become a sports lawyer, she enjoyed coaching too much.
Johnston started at a club with Bob Bowman — Michael Phelps’ future coach. She worked at the 1984 Olympics trials, the first one for Rowdy Gaines. She spent 2 years as head age group coach in Bowie, Maryland.
In 1986, while rehabbing a knee injury at the Fairfield Y, she connected with Bill Krumm, the Westport Y’s head coach.
She had never planned to remain in this area.
Forty years later, Johnston is still here.
Over 4 decades she has made her mark, as a demanding but much loved swim coach.
She’s made an impact too at high levels, as an administrator with Connecticut Swimming and national committees. She’s currently on the board of the American Swim Coaches Association.
In 2014, as the new Westport Y prepared to open, Ellen Johnston took a ceremonial turn at the hose.
On January 23, the Westport Weston Family YMCA will honor Johnston for her 40 years of service. It’s the latest recognition in a career that includes YMCA National Coach of the Year in 2015, and multiple Connecticut Senior Coach of the Year awards.
It’s not a retirement ceremony. She’s still coaching and organizing — as enthusiastically as ever.
Krumm “allowed me to spread my wings,” Johnston says. The Water Rats were then — and still are — a quality program. They’re also “a real family.”
As a coach, she takes the long view. In today’s world, when youngsters — and their parents — want “instant results, answers and success,” Johnston offers something else: a path toward the future.
Ellen Johnston, in action.
She does not want her swimmers to burn out. She hopes they’ll continue to love swimming, in high school and beyond.
Johnston — who was named Westport Y head coach in 2012 — gives credit to her “phenomenal” staff. Kristen Finnegan was last year’s state Coach of the Year; she’s joined by Kristen Finnegan, Todd Stevens, Maura O’Grady and others. In the summer, college alumni come back to help.
Paralympics bronze medalist Matthew Torres honors Ellen Johnston.
Like any good coach, Johnston is constantly adapting. “I coach differently now than I did earlier — even 5 or 10 years ago,” she says. “Life is always about learning.”
Boys and girls today “are not as athletic as they once were,” she notes. “That’s true of all sports.” She encourages them to try many activities besides swimming. too.
In her 40 years with the Westport Y, Johnston has seen many other changes. She’s moved from the Stauffer and Brophy pools — the latter a cramped 17-yard facility — to the current 25-yard one.
Still, she says, “water is water. Good swimmers come out of all kinds of pools.”
Johnston has spent 4 decades developing excellent swimmers. Her great reward is not medals, though; it’s watching them grow into good adults, knowing that swimming has helped them set individual goals, while also being part of a team bigger than themselves.
Unlike many sports, swimming is completely objective. Results are timed, down to hundredths of a second.
“You go out to be the best you can be,” Johnston says.
“You’ll trip, stumble and fall. Sometimes you have to do it yourself. But we’ll be there to help pick you up.”
Just as Ellen Johnston has done for 40 years, as a Westport YMCA legend.
(“06880” regularly covers interesting Westporters, doing important work. Of course, we cover the Y — and every other town organization — too. Please click here to support our work. Thanks!)
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