The slate for November’s selectperson election has a new name.
The Democratic Town Committee’s Nominating Committee voted unanimously to recommend Amy Wistreich for second selectwoman.
She would run with first selectman candidate Kevin Christie. Both nominations must be approved by the full DTC in July.
After being appointed to the Zoning Board of Appeals in 2019, Wistreich was elected to a full term in 2021. In 2023 she was appointed to the Planning & Zoning Commission.
She has served on several boards of directors and building/architecture committees. The Wexner Foundation selected her for a 2-year Heritage Fellowship for rising community leaders.
Wistreich has a degree in environmental design. Her professional career includes architecture, engineering, design, planning, project management, contracts and insurance. She and her husband Carl have 3 children.
Amy Wistreich
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It’s been a couple of decades since Justin Paul graduated from Staples High School.
But despite world renown — and an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony for his songwriting genius on “Dear Evan Hansen,” “The Greatest Showman” and “La La Land” — he’s never forgotten his Westport roots.
On June 23 (7 p.m.), Justin and his musical partner Benj Pasek come to the Westport Playhouse for a special “Waving Through Westport” fundraiser.
Justin returns to the stage where his love of music and storytelling began. He and Benj will perform their iconic songs, tell behind-the-scenes tales, and show what is sure to be a sold-out audience why and how they have defined modern musical theater.
They’ll be joined by several Broadway stars.
In addition to regular seats ($250, $195, $165), a limited number of meet-and-greet tickets are available for an additional $100. Ticket sales begin at 1 p.m. tomorrow (May 2). Click here to order, and for more information.
Justin Paul (left), Benj Pasek and their Grammys.
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Last week, Josh Koskoff was named to Time magazine’s 2025 list of “100 Most Influential People.”
Yesterday, the firm in which the Westport attorney and Staples High School graduate is a partner was in Washington, representing FBI agents who investigated the January 6 insurrection.
On Tuesday, Koskoff took time from his hectic schedule to chat with Dave Briggs and Alisyn Camerota.
The Westport journalists’ “Sanity” podcast has had some high-powered guests. But their conversation with Koskoff may be their most compelling ever.
Among the topics: President Trump’s threat to democracy; Koskoff’s successful lawsuits on behalf of Sandy Hook victims’ families against gun manufacters; the Supreme Court; social media’s dark role — and what will happen if the president goes after Koskoff and his firm.
Click below to watch.
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Yesterday marked the end of the Westport Community Gardens, near Long Lots Elementary School.
Gardeners had until the end of the day to remove supplies, material and anything else they wanted to salvage.
But although there are no architectural plans for the new building, or a timetable for construction, preparations have begun.
These Hyde Lane trees were removed recently. The former garden site will be used as a staging area. When the new school is done, the area will be converted to an athletic field.
(Photo/Toni Simonetti)
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Speaking of construction: After a hiatus of 13 years, work has resumed on the state Department of Transportation Post Road East project.
Completion is expected in the fall of 2049.
(Photo/Dan Woog)
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Happy May Day!
In addition to that forgotten holiday, May 1 marks the date that emblems (aka “stickers”) are needed to park at Compo, Old Mill and Burying Hill Beaches.
If you’re a Westport or Weston resident and have not gotten yours yet, click here.
Not exactly legal. But you can’t even get close to an actual parking spot unless you have a sticker. (Photo/Linda Smith)
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StartUp Westport is just 2 years old. But in that time, Westport’s public/ private partnership for innovation, technology and entrepreneurship has grown to over 2,000 members, developed a thriving mentorship program, and spawned 5 special interest groups.
Plus, they sponsor some of the most interesting and compelling panels in town.
Last night’s “Innovation in Sports” was no exception.
Staples High School graduate Andrew Marchand — now a senior columnist for The Athletic — chatted with a pair of prominent Westporters: NBC Sports president Rick Cordella and New York Road Runners CEO Rob Simmelkjaer.
The banter was easy, but the conversation ranged from important topics like risk-taking at the Olympics, technological innovations at the New York Marathon and streaming at Peacock to leadership, AI, and the lessons learned from failure.
Future Startup Westport programming will be equally intriguing. Watch this space for upcoming events.
From left: Andrew Marchand, Rick Cordella, Rob Simmelkjaer. (Photo/Dan Woog)
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Westporters have always been good about giving Michael Bolton his space.
Throughout his career, the 2-time Grammy winner (and 75 million records sold singer) was just another neighbor.
After he underwent emergency brain surgery in December 2023, we saw him less around town. His family asked for privacy, and he got it.
Now he’s spoken to People magazine about his battle against glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer.
His most recent scan was clear, though the recurrence rate is about 90 percent.
Bolton is enjoying time here with his daughters, their spouses and his grandchildren. Click here for the full People story. (Hat tip: Mark Mathias)
Michael Bolton with (top row) daughters Taryn, Holly and Isa, and his grandchildren. (Photo/Ashley Abel)
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Stephen Kempson London is a classic tailor.
But there’s always something new at the popular Post Road West shop.
Or in this case, at your home.
SKL Wardrobe — created with stylist Lucia Gulbransen — is a personalized service.
It begins with a 60-90 minute consultation. You decide what to keep, tailor or donate. SKL will complete your wardrobe, through a store appointment or at-home fitting. (A digital book will show 10 outfits, including existing pieces and new additions.)
For more information click here, email info@stephenkempson.com, or call 203-557-6644.
Lucia Gulbransen and Stephen Kempson
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The next Westport Country Playhouse Script in Hand play reading explores the story of 2 reunited lovers.
“Still” will be staged on Monday (May 5, 7 p.m.).
Director Mark Shanahan says, “Lia’s script is heartbreakingly funny even as it is beautifully insightful, offering a poignant look at the complexities of rekindled relationships. We meet characters who navigate their regrets, their hopes, and their personal beliefs, even as they are willing to bear their vulnerabilities and reveal their passions.”
Tickets are $30. Click here to purchase, and for more information.
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Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between April 23 and 30.
A 36-year-old Westport woman was charged with assault on an elderly person, risk of injury to a child, and disorderly condcut, following a domestic violence incident. She allegedly assautle a family member, while children were present.
A 53-year-old Norwalk woman was charged with failure to appear. Police responded to a local business when she caused a disturbance, and found her to have an active re-arrest warrent.
Meanwhile, Westport’s crackdown on driving while texting continued. Police issued these citations:
- Driving while texting: 45 citations
- Distracted driving: 24
- Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 10
- Traveling unreasonably fast: 5
- Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 4
- Speeding: 2
- Following too closely: 1
- Improper stop: 1
- Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
- Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
- Failure to obey traffic control signals: 1
- Failure to obey state traffic commission regulations: 1
- Improper use of markers: 1
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Tulips are everywhere. Including, in today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature, next to “The Tulip” sculpture by Emily Teale, at Grace Salmon Park.
(Photo/Kelly Pollard)
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And finally … in honor of Justin Paul and Benj Pasek’s upcoming “Waving Through Westport” fundraiser at the Playhouse:
(There’s always something going on in Westport — and “06880” covers it all. If you enjoy these daily Roundups — or anything else in this hyper-local blog — please click here to support us. Thansk!)
Confused that the community gardens have been prematurely shut off with no approved plan and no permissions from PZ.
Why are they not being allowed to stay until work begins ?
Bitterness? Vengeance ?
Would sure seem so.
At least let them retrieve the preserve trees they spent so much of their own money on with zero town contribution.
And why not give them the season.
After all at the present moment the 8/24 has the community gardens still in situ post build.
Until such time as that changes they have every right to be there.
YES CIARA, can you imagine how much food will missed being shared with the grow a row problem? Sadly the wakeman town farm has not stood up for the garden over the past two years, dived and conquer is how town government works around here these days.