Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice offers this update:
While we soak up another gorgeous fall day, I want to express my gratitude for all of the generous notes and kind words following my recognition as National Superintendent of the Year.
Thomas Scarice
It means a great deal to me, and I consider myself most fortunate to serve a community that cares so deeply about its schools and children.
As I have said multiple times, this recognition truly reflects the work of our faculty, support staff, administrators, students, parents and community, whose contributions I have the privilege of seeing every day.
Helping Our Children Fall in Love with Reading
If there is one gift we can impart to our children, it is fostering a love of reading.
Of all the things I miss about having young children, nighttime reading together might be at the top of my list. “The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry and the Big Hungry Bear,” “Ella the Elegant Elephant” and “Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site” still have a place on our family bookshelf.
Looking back, I appreciate how much those moments offered, the closeness, the shared attention and the conversations that began with the story but found a way to wander somewhere entirely unexpected.
Those years pass quickly. Now, those moments feel like water through my hands.
Nurturing that love of reading is an important focus in our schools, particularly at the elementary level. Alongside the elemental work of teaching children “how” to read, we want them to discover the pleasure of becoming absorbed in a story, following a question, or seeing the world through someone else’s eyes.
Ideally, in a world fighting for every second of our attention, we want reading to become something they choose.
Of all the partnerships we enjoy with our families, the support of pleasure reading is among the most meaningful that can last a lifetime. Families have a powerful role to play. Read to your children, read with them, and let them see you enjoying a book. Follow their interests. Leave room for the conversation that a story invites, even if it means taking a little longer to finish the page.
Trust me, that connection only continues to grow. Reading the same book as your teen (looking at you, 8th grade parents — another read of “Animal Farm” is worth the investment!), trading book recommendations, or talking about something each of you has read can open a conversation you might otherwise never have had. Especially in those years when it is challenging to talk to your teen.
Family schedules are already full. A few enjoyable minutes together can be enough. Your efforts, dovetailing with ours, will help our children come to associate reading with curiosity, discovery, and time with someone who loves them.
Safety Through Partnership and Preparation
Thursday’s incident offered another example of the close coordination between our schools and the Westport Police Department. I’m deeply appreciative of this exemplary partnership and the preparation behind it. This does not happen by accident, but by design.
The communication, processes and protocols we have developed together add an invaluable layer to our efforts to keep students and staff safe. In addition, the School Safety Officers assigned to our campuses significantly increase our ability to speed up response times in the event of an emergency.
Westport’s school security officers (red shirts) were honored at this year’s opening convocation. (Photo/Dan Woog)
This year, we modernized our emergency response protocols using the “I Love U Guys” Foundation’s Standard Response Protocol. The framework establishes common language and actions for responding to emergencies, helping faculty and the school community understand the response as a situation unfolds. All staff have been trained in our updated protocols.
We also implemented the Campus Shield Emergency Communications System at Staples High School this year. This unfailing radio-frequency-based communication system is an additional investment in strengthening our emergency communication capabilities in a 500,000 square foot facility and exterior campus.
These improvements support the people responsible for responding when concerns arise. Our ongoing work with the WPD remains central to that preparation. I’m especially grateful for the care and professionalism our WPS security team (the team in red shirts) and building administration bring to our schools.
Investing in Our School Facilities
The Board of Education has adopted our capital improvement request, which now moves to the Board of Finance for consideration on November 4. Final funding approval remains ahead with the Board of Finance and RTM.
A significant focus is replacing aging mechanical, heating, cooling and ventilation systems that have exceeded their useful lives, as well as a new roof for Greens Farms School. These investments may attract less attention than a new building, but they matter every day to the comfort of our classrooms and the dependable operation of our schools.
Please see the funding requests made to the Board of Finance from Elio Longo, Chief Financial Officer on behalf of the Board of Education. The full request and project descriptions are available here on pages 10-82.
We are also developing an ambitious vision for transforming athletic facilities at Staples High School. This work encompasses both outdoor fields and related indoor athletic facilities. As recommendations are finalized, the administration will share this vision with the Board of Education’s Finance and Facilities Committee in the next month or so. Once reviewed, the plan will go to the full Board of Education for final approval, before advancing to the Board of Finance and RTM for funding approval.
This 20-year-old sign still hangs in the Staples girls locker room.
Faculty Written “White Paper”- Preparing for the Future, Preserving Student Thinking: Staples faculty members Jacob Brewer, Amy Parent and Edward Grillo have written a thoughtful white paper, AI: Past, Present, and Economic Future for the school community. The paper provides an academic framework examining the history, future trajectory, economic impacts, and educational imperatives of artificial intelligence.
Jacob, Amy and Ed have brought profound intellectual leadership to this work. For parents wondering what these developments might mean for their children, the paper offers context and an invitation to think alongside us. It contributes to an informed community conversation. The full plan can be found here.
Thank You to an Anonymous GFS Mom
Last Thursday morning before a visit to Greens Farms Elementary School, I made my way up the sidewalk at 9:01 a.m. The school doors had closed as the final drop offs rushed up the driveway. In 4 fleeting seconds I watched an SUV pull to a stop and a young girl exit, while hearing the voice of a mom yell “Love you!” just before the door closed.
The girl looked up and gave a smile that only a parent could feel. It said so many things, but above all her eyes said “Love you!” right back.
Perhaps this mom’s morning was like so many of mine over the years, with those precious minutes relentlessly ticking away. You drive away or watch your child board the bus, promising yourself that tomorrow will be a little less hurried.
But in those few seconds, something important had made it through the rush. I hope that mom knows it.
Small moment has big impact.
As a parent on the other side of those years, I know how much I miss the everyday moments that once seemed so ordinary.
Read with, and to, your child. Make room for those slow moments. You won’t get those years back, but you’ll never regret the time you chose to spend together.
Thank you to that anonymous GFS mom for the reminder. And thank you to her daughter for those eyes that show how much those words matter.
Thank you too for the trust you place in our schools, and for your continued partnership. I hope you and your families enjoy a wonderful fall weekend.
(“06880” regularly reports on all our schools — and students, staff, administrators and Board of Education. But we can’t do it without reader support. Please click here to donate. Thank you!)
The complex question of free speech has roiled college campuses.
On November 10 (7 p.m.), the Westport Library hosts someone in the heart of those debates.
Princeton University president and constitutional scholar Christopher Eisgruber will be in conversation with WSHU public policy reporter Molly Ingram.
In his new book “Terms of Respect: How Colleges Get Free Speech Right,” Eisgruber challenges the narrative that universities have lost their way on free expression.
Today’s students, he says, engage in vigorous discussions on sensitive topics, and embrace both the opportunity to learn and the right to protest — much like past generations.
The polarization and turmoil visible on many campuses, Eisgruber writes, reflect an American civic crisis that affects universities along with the rest of society. But rather than seeing colleges as part of the problem, he believes they can model how to embrace free speech without sacrificing the ideals of equality, diversity, and respect.
On Monday (6 p.m., Zoom), the Planning & Zoning Commission will discuss a text amendment.
Two changes to the accessory-use regulations are aimed at providing greater flexibility for the construction and configuration of Accessory Dwelling Units and other related structures.
Amendment #880 would increase the maximum permitted height of an ADU constructed above a detached garage from 26 feet to 30 feet, and allow otherwise permitted accessory structures to be physically connected through shared walls or floor/ceiling assemblies.
The amendment would allow additional living space above a garage, without requiring an owner to sacrifice the garage itself.
Written comments may be submitted to PandZ@westportct.gov by noon on Monday. To see all material related to the proposal, click here, then scroll down to Text Amendment #880.
Accessory dwelling unit on Greens Farms Road.
FARMERS’ MARKET FEAST: staples cooking demos, food books for sale
Next week is extra special. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Imperial Avenue parking lot), a pop-up event with Staples High School’s culinary classes and The Perfect Page book trailer offers live cooking demonstrations, inspired by great books.
Students will prepare and offer samples of recipes drawn from favorite cookbooks and food-centric novels. Books will be available for purchase.
“Great books have always been full of food, and cooking is its own kind of storytelling,” says Staples culinary teacher Cecily Gans.
“Our students are excited to share dishes inspired by the pages they love, and show the community the talent they’ve been developing.”
MANRESA ISLAND PLAN WINS ZONING OK
Manresa Island is in Norwalk.
But the 144-acre island can be seen clearly from Compo Beach. Its most prominent feature is a former coal and oil-burning power plant.
As “06880” reported last year, billionaires Austin and Allison McChord hve vision for the desolate land. They hope to create a 25-acre park with trails, a canopy walk, a public beach, play spaces, boat rentals, a restaurant and a lawn for concerts.
The abandoned power plant would be remade into a large space with climbing walls, an indoor water park, food vendors, and environment educational center and flexible event space.
On Wednesday, CT Mirror reports, Norwalk’s Planning & Zoning Commission voted unanimously to approve a special zoning district for the proposed Manresa Wilds development.
That allows the McChords to continue finalizing their designs. More approvals, including traffic studies, are needed before construction begins.
The Tony Award-winning actor and Westport resident will join the Academy Award winner in a a show he co-wrote. “This World of Tomorrow” opens next fall.
Hanks plays a scientist living in the late 21st century, where it is possible to time travel back to the past. He returns to June 8, 1939 at the New York World’s Fair, where he meets a woman — played by O’Hara — with whom he falls in love.
Tom Hanks and Kelli O’Hara. (Courtesy of Playbill)
MILL POND PATH OPEN AGAIN
It took a while.
A long while.
But renovation of the tidal gates at Sherwood Mill Pond is done.
The footbridges and path leading from the Old Mill Beach parking lot to Compo Cove have been redone too.
One of Westport’s most beautiful spots is once again open to the public. Enjoy!
(Photo/Mary Sikorski)
NO IDLING
Speaking of the beach: Everyone’s a comedian.
(Photo/Rob Jackson)
WESTPORT SWIM CLUB: next session starts soon
Speaking of water: Westport Swim Club at Staples is a low-key, but very effective introduction to swimming for 1st through 8th graders. Their values are “fun, friends and fundamentals.”
Many youngsters go on to swim for Staples High School teams.
WSC’s winter session starts on November 16. Tryouts will be held over the next few weekends at the Staples pool.
There are 4 registrations each year: fall, winter, spring and summer. There are 5 practices a week (not mandatory to come to all 5). Flexibility is key, for young swimmers and their families.
This time of year, even the backs of crowded parking lots — like Compo Acres Shopping Center, today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured photo — look fantastic.
Some are abstract. Some are images from around the world. Some are familiar scenes.
Today, 2 Westporters offer their interpretations of places here that no longer exist.
Except, of course, in our memories.
Remember: 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.
“Westport’s 1932 Speakeasy on Hillspoint Road” (Eric Bosch)
“My Kingdom for a Horseless Carriage!” — Site of Westport’s first filling station, 1912 (Michael Tomashefsky — Available for purchase; click here)
“Brooklyn Bridge” — oil on canvas, 20 x 16 (Alexandria — Available for purchase; click here)
“Is This the View the World Has of America: The Beast of Corruption, Deception, and Greed?” (Mike Hibbard)
“Still … in Motion” (Patricia McMahon — Available for purchase; click here)
“Fall Leaves Through a Skylight” (Marie Gross)
“Fall, In All Its Glory” (Rajan Shrestha)
“Northern Lights — Iceland” (Jack Krayson)
“Chromatic Whispers” (Nancy Breakstone — Available for purchase; click here)
Untitled (June Rose Whittaker — Available for purchase; click here)
“Sherbet Landscape” (Dorothy Robertshaw — Available for purchase; click here)
“GG & Joe’s Pastry Shelves” (Amy Schneider)
Untitled (Duane Cohen — Available for purchase; click here)
“Polo by Ralph …” (Steve Stein)
“Cathedral” (Lawrence Weisman)
(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!)
More than 100 kids, parents, occasional riders, serious cyclists — even a town engineer — pedaled together at Walk Bike Westport’s first Bridge to Bridge Ride.
Every kind of Westporter was there. Every kind of bike, too.
City bikes, hybrids, road bikes, BMXs, mountain bikes, beach cruisers, bike trailers, trailercycles, cargo bikes, bikes with child seats attached — you name it, someone pedaled it.
The gang’s all here!
The group started at Jesup Green, took the closed bridge detour through Bay Street onto Post Road, then headed down Imperial Avenue and Bridge Street.
They crossed the Cribari Bridge, rode north along Riverside Avenue, and finished back at Jesup Green.
Crossing the Cribari Bridge.
Coming just days after the Board of Finance unanimously approved accepting nearly $900,000 in federal Safe Streets and Roads for All funding, the turnout reinforced something Walk Bike Westport believes strongly: Residents want more opportunities to walk and bike safely around town.
Our town is not alone. Similar movements are happening all over the country. Many are further along than Westport in creating safe, connected streets.
Before the ride Markus Marty, co-director of Walk Bike Westport, offered a brief safety talk about riding on public roads. Recently certified as a League of American Bicyclists instructor, he is now qualified to teach children and adults of all ages how to ride safely and confidently.
Chaz Foster ofSound Cyclists served as ride captain, leading the group alongside a Westport Police escort vehicle.
As they rode along, smiling and chatting, neighbors and passersby waved. It was a different way to experience Westport — on 2 wheels, not 4.
The final leg: Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge.
“It’s challenging at times to fit all of this into our lives, alongside our jobs, families, and everything else,” Markus and co-chair Jenna Petok say.
“But we feel strongly about doing our part for the community. We admire how so many Westporters have found their own ways to contribute to making this town a better place, and that’s inspiring to us.”
That’s no coincidence. Walk Bike Westport and Westport Swim Club share a goal of helping youngsters build skills, confidence, and healthy habits. Staples High School swim coach Kuku Fleming and WSC coach Neil Markman also served as event directors.
Markus Marty (at table), Kuku Fleming (4th from left), Neil Markman (far right), and Westport Swim Club.
Jack Thompson and Blake Serotta of the Westport Youth Commission were on hand too, advocating for e-bike safety.
The Westport Police Department, led by Lieutenant Sereneti Dobson and Staff Corporal Al D’Amura, helped organize the first- ever event. Traffic Agent Bob Bland and his team helped keep everyone safe along the route.
Sara Amaro from the first selectman’s office guided Walk Bike Westport through the permit process.
It took a ton of work to pull off the Bridge to Bridge ride. (Kudos to whoever was in charge of the weather, too.)
But the smiles, Markus and Jenna say, were worth it.
And, they add, this was just the beginning. Many more rides are in the works.
The entire town is invited.
Biking across the Cribari Bridge. (All photos/John Videler for Videler Photography)
(“06880” reports often on transportation issues — including biking and walking. But we can’t do it without readers’ help. If you enjoy stories like this, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
President Kennedy was killed on November 22, 1963.
You’d think that 3 days later, the New York Daily News’ “Inquiring Fotographer” feature would ask about that nation-shaking event.
You’d be wrong.
The column — which paid $10 for each question used by readers — went ahead with their pre-planned query: “Is the average American afraid to take a chance today?”
That’s so vague. Afraid to take a chance on what?
As for “average American”: inquiring “fotographer” Jimmy Jemail asked it in a decidedly unaverage place: Westport.
And he chose some far-from-average Westporters to answer it.
The first was Board of Education member Robert Anstett. The well-known attorney — later a town prosecutor — said: “Absolutely not, at least as far as Westport is concerned. Our citizens are willing to work hard in their careers and to provide the best schools for their children. They know real success is a combination of knowledge and the gumption to act when opportunity knocks.”
Police Chief Sam Luciano answered the question through his own profession’s lens: “Far too many risk their lives on the road by taking foolish chances.
Westport Woman’s Club president Mrs. George W. Patch — those were the days when women were identified by their husbands’ names — believed that while the average adult took chances, “many of our young adults are reluctant to start at the bottom and work up. For many, unfortunately, college is merely a means of landing a soft job at a good salary.”
And Lou Nistico, “restaurateur” — known, then and now, as owner of the legendary Arrow restaurant — said, “Yes. This attitude is nationwide. How do you expect people to act on their own initiative when the Administration is moving closer and closer to a welfare state? The average person feels what’s the use, the government takes most of our money.”
(Hat tip: Diane McGrath)
(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!)
This week, Spinnaker announced plans to build 142 apartments in Saugatuck, on property bordered by Riverside Avenue, Railroad Place and Charles Street.
Ten percent of the units would be deed-restricted as affordable to families making up to 80% of the statewide median income.
Another 10% would be deed-restricted as “workforce housing.”
So what exactly is “workforce housing”? Who qualifies.
Michelle Perillie — director of the Westport Planning & Zoning Department — explains: “Section 5 of the Westport Zoning Regulations define Workforce Housing. The area median income this year is $156,800, so the maximum income for a family of 4 is $172,480 per year.”
How does one apply?
“The application process will be the same as for an affordable unit. (It) includes an income certification form…. There is also an applicant interview where income compliance is verified.”
Spinnaker’s plan has a long way to go before it is approved. Then, of course, comes construction.
It will be a while before anyone moves in, to either the affordable or market rate units.
Questions? Email mperillie@westportct.gov.
One view of the proposed Saugatuck apartments.
BOARD OF FINANCE MULLS POLICE, LONGSHORE, SCHOOL REQUESTS
Speaking of $$$: The Board of Finance meets November 4 (7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium; click here for the livestream). Among the agenda items up for approval:
5-year renewal of police body dash equipment: $404,852.36
Replacement of water services lines at Longshore: $3,560,000
Board of Education building projects: $17,569,712.
Specifically:
BMS-008 Install Air Vapor Barrier Metal Panel Facades $40,000
DW-012 Installation of Ductless Split Systems $507,635
GFS-002 & 004 Evaluation of Building HVAC System & Indoor AHU $100,000
GFS-003 Assessment of Water Side Balancing & DPS Replacement $50,000
KHS-006 Evaluation of Building HVAC System $50,000
SES-003 Replace Cooling Towers $1,038,982
SHS-005 & 007 Replacement of Air Handling Units for Pool & Supporting Areas $1,523,082
SHS-008 Replacement of Hot Water Pumps, Rebalancing, Control Valves $1,103,973
SHS-009 Replacement of Cooling Towers & Structural Evaluation $1,451,934
SHS-010 & 011 Replacement of AHU for Field House, Gym, Locker Rooms & Fitness Center $6,499,810
SHS-015 Replacement of Gas Fired Roof Top Units $1,322,330
GFS-008 Roof Replacement & Repair, and Replace Exhaust Fans $2,235,137
SHS-035 Exterior Doors Monitoring $50,000
BMS-011 Upgrade Science Labs $1,036,921
SHS-031 Renovate Girls Locker Room to Create New Team Room(s) $509,908
SHS-032 Renovate Girls Locker Room $50,000
There is this additional Board of Ed request, for $138,942:
DW-013 Installation of Room Numbers at Exterior Windows $93,942
SHS-033 Auditorium – Acoustical Study $20,000
SHS-034 Auditorium – Interior Renovations $25,000
Scheduled for renovation: the Staples girls locker room.
CYBERSECURITY & EDUCATION COURSES PROPOSED AT STAPLES
Speaking of the Board of Education: Its Teaching & Learning Committee meets Tuesday (October 27, 1:30 p.m., Town Hall Rooms 201/201A).
The agenda includes 2 new courses proposed for Staples High School.
The Science Department hopes to introduce “AP Cybersecurity,” for students in grades 10-12.
The course would cover core security principles, risk assessment and ethical responsibilities; physical security and social engineering; network and device protection; and application and data security, including encryption, cloud security, and web vulnerabilities.
Students would apply these concepts to realistic workplace scenarios, analyzing vulnerabilities and developing security recommendations. The course would also address defensive uses of AI, emerging security risks, and data privacy standards.
The prerequisite would be AP Computer Science Principles or Intro to Programming.
The Social Studies Department proposes a new 1/2-credit Early College Experience course, “If You Love It, Teach It,” for students in grades 11-12 interested in exploring careers in K-12 education. The course would examine the historical and social foundations of education, and provide hands-on field observation opportunities in local elementary and middle schools.
“RIVER OF ROSES” TURNS SAUGATUCK PINK
Right on the heels of a 4th place finish at the Head of the Charles race last weekend, the Saugatuck Rowing Club is getting ready for tomorrow’s River of Roses.
The event (Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.), includes live music, great food, and — of course — the ceremonial scattering of 50,000 pink rose petals on the Saugatuck River.
The 9th annual event commemorates loved ones lost to breast cancer — and raises funds for survivors. After names are read aloud, the petals are swept out to sea.
Proceeds support SurviveOAR, the empowering, supportive community that provides mental, physical and emotional healing to women with breast cancer after traditional treatment ends.
This year’s River of Roses includes a naming ceremony of the Club’s beautiful pink rowing shell, in memory of beloved member Sarah Bianchi, who passed away last year.
Tickets are $75; rose petals are $25. Click here to purchase, and/or donate. Brunch includes a full raw bar, clam chowder, pumpkin bisque, charcuterie, egg frittata, apple crisp, and complimentary “Sarah Bianchi” Sauvignon Blanc.
Scattering petals, remembering friends.
WORLD PREMIERE AT WESTPORT COUNTRY PLAYHOUSE
As it’s done for 95 years, the Westport Country Playhouse continues to set the bar high.
And surpass it.
The historic theater kicks off the 2026-27 season with a world premiere. “Ken Ludwig’s Pride and Prejudice, Part 2: Napoleon at Pemberley” — a stage sequel Jane Austen’s novel “Pride and Prejudice” runs from now through November 7.
The play picks up with Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy happily married at Pemberley. Then their world is upended by an unexpected house guest: Napoleon Bonaparte.
As the fallen emperor awaits exile, his presence ignites a revolution among the Darcys, and their colorful circle of friends and relations.
For more information, including tickets, click here.
Napoleon in action, at the Westport Playhouse. (Photo/Carol Rosegg)
St. Luke fall festival ALL WEEKEND LONG
Fall into fun this weekend, at St. Luke Church’s Fall Festival.
The event (Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) includes kids’ activities, a “shabby chic boutique,” craft and outdoor vendors, kids’ closet, raffles.
HALLOWEEN ON SOUNDVIEW and Long lots
The Compo Beach neighborhood is one of Westport’s most popular, for densely packed trick or treating. (Sorry, residents — I don’t think any readers didn’t know.)
Most residents get in the spirit — handing out hundreds of dollars worth of candy (and a few drinks for the parents), and decorating their homes appropriately.
This is one particularly spooky scene, on Soundview Drive:
(Photo/Susan Garment)
In a related vein, some of the organizations and businesses that “adopt” traffic islands take care of them well. Others, well …
The Y’s Men of Westport and Weston not only take their commitment seriously — they go the extra mile.
This is the scene now, on Long Lots Road at Maple Avenue North:
(Photo/Paul Liistro)
“Westport … naturally” & song of the day
If there’s a traffic jam in front of Saugatuck Congregational Church these days, perhaps drivers are slowing down to look at the fantastic fall foliage, framing the iconic building.
Molly Alger was walking — not driving — by, and snapped today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured photo.
And finally … to honor Saugatuck Rowing Club’s River of Roses, raising money for the SurviveOAR program (item above), a song by Survivor:
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That was one of the takeaways from Tuesday night’s first “In Good Company” event.
Sponsored by Stifel Investment Services and the Westport Downtown Association, it was the initial outside event held at hi’Amba, the buzzy new restaurant/market on Jesup Road.
Socializing at hi’Amba, before the panel.
Three rock star panelists — hi’Amba and Kawa Ni restaurateur Bill Taibe, PopUp Bagels founder Adam Goldberg, and Savvy + Grace owner Annette Norton — shared their success.
And their struggles.
The former far outweighed the latter. All gave great props to local officials they’ve worked with, like 1st Selectman Jim Marpe, for creating a business-friendly environment.
They offered equal praise to the town itself. Residents support small businesses that reach out and treat them well, they said.
And the mix of sharp, creative and energetic Westporters spurs owners to innovate and grow.
(Full disclosure: The event was moderated by “06880” founder and executive editor Dan Woog — hey, that’s me!)
Panelists (from left) Bill Taibe, Annette Norton, Adam Goldberg; moderator Dan Woog.
Panelists’ stories revealed common themes that apply to businesses of all sizes and stages. Among them:
Ask for help, and choose your advisors carefully. Trusted relationships matter. Knowing who to call can be as valuable as having the answer yourself. Goldberg cited help from Taibe, for example, in the days when he and a few friends were making their first bagels by hand.
Be good to the people around you.Employees, customers, neighboring businesses and community partners all play a role in long-term success.
Build a strong team and lead by example. Culture starts at the top. Great leaders are willing to do the work they ask of others.
Difficult times reveal real support.COVID was a particularly difficult time. In the weeks when Westport completely shut down, customers gave Norton a $5,000 check. Marpe shopped there often, buying gift certificates. That, and similar support by others, enabled her to stay open — and ultimately thrive.
Prove profitability before pursuing scale. Growth is most sustainable when built on a solid foundation. PopUp Bagels now has dozens of locations. in over 20 states. They’ve outgrown their slogan, “Not famous, but known.” That growth followed initial success, selling the product from a leased kitchen. It was not what Goldberg set out to do, but he took each step carefully.
Approach equal partnerships thoughtfully. A 50/50 partnership may appear balanced, but it led to one of Taibe’s first failures. Success often depends on having a plan for resolving disagreements.
Understand what makes Westport unique.Success here requires appreciating the character, people and culture of the community.
Recognize the power of collective action.Business owners working together can have a meaningful impact on the community.
For me as moderator, one of the most interesting takeaways was the recognition that, as Westport changes — with new residents pouring in from (often) New York and Brooklyn, and younger families joining older ones — an exciting vibe makes this one of the most attractive communities around.
“In Good Company” audience. (All photos/John Videler for Videler Photography)
Our restaurant scene rocks. Taibe’s newest venture is a smash. But he welcomes competition. It makes him work harder and better — and everyone benefits.
We may look nostalgically on the mom-and-pop shops we’ve lost. There will always be a place though for a place like Savvy + Grace. Amazon is a difficult competitor, Norton acknowledged. But her personal touch, and unique knowledge of what Westport customers want, is impossible to duplicate.
And PopUp Bagels is just one example of the startup entrepreneurial culture that is everywhere in town.
From individuals and couples starting businesses in their home offices (and kitchens), to a few collaborating on new ideas — leveraging market knowledge, AI and intuition to build companies that solve old problems, create new niches or take us in directions we didn’t know we wanted to go — Westport is in a great spot.
We are “In Good Company” for sure.
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