What’s next for Saugatuck?
No one knows.
But David Kooris might provide some ideas.
The executive director of the Connecticut Municipal Development Authority will be at the Westport Library on October 16 (noon). He’ll discuss development, community concerns, traffic issues, and creating a more walkable Westport.
If you don’t know the CMDA: you should. The state agency has $60 million in bonding authority. They help communities navigate state bureaucracy. and advocate for and advise on infrastructure improvements.
I have heard Kooris speak. He has planning experience, and coalition-building skills He knows communities like Westport, and he knows his way around Hartford. The CMDA has resources and expertise that could help create a walkable Saugatuck, with thoughtful housing and vibrant commerce.
At the Library, Korris will discuss innovative funding opportunities that could accelerate Saugatuck’s development; success stories from communities that have transformed their transit hubs; practical next steps Westport can take to unlock economic growth and housing opportunities, and opportunities for residents to get involved in shaping the town’s future. He’ll take questions from the audience, too.
Fairfield opted in to the CMDA program last month. Representative Town Meeting approval would be needed for Westport to do the same. RTM members have been invited to the October 16 event.
David Kooris
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Yom Kippur began at sundown last night.
A few hours earlier — as they have for decades — Westporters headed to Gold’s.
The iconic delicatessen is the place to go for everything needed the night before the day-long fast begins.
And — tonight at sundown — to break it.
(Photos/Frank Rosen)
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David Roth and Kerry Long — co-directors of Staples Players — say: “Thank you to the Westport community members who contributed to our Dance-a-thon fundraiser! Players is so lucky to have such a supportive community.
“If you were at Staples last Friday night, you might have heard music blasting from the auditorium courtyard — songs mixed by our own sophomore Players member Jasmita Mani Lorenzato, with lighting and sound by our fabulous crew members Henry Baker, Jordan O’Brien, Alex Cahaly, Lucas Gomez and Noah Schmelkin-Wilson.
“Over 100 students pledged to dance the night away, to raise funds to sustain Players programming. They danced to current pop hits, old classics and (their favorite) show tunes from musicals they have performed together.
“We saw seniors dancing with freshmen just as easily as with their peers, Players of all ages embracing our young middle school cast members, technicians dancing with actors — the whole group coming together to raise money to do what they love most: create theatre.
“With rising costs of supplies across all technical aspects, and an old and technologically archaic auditorium, Players has asked the community for support so that we can continue to put on productions with elevated production values.
“We have deep appreciation for all the community members that have contributed to our cause. If you missed out and would like to make a donation, you can do so do so here. We appreciate any amount you can give!”
(All photos/Kerry Long)
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The Westport Library has launched its 2025-26 annual appeal. The goal of $335,000 would secure full funding for the Library’s operations, and allow them to continue to provide the vast majority of programming for free or low cost.
The town budget funds approximately 75% of the Library’s operating budget. The remaining 25% is raised through special events like “Booked for the Evening,” and private donations.
This year’s theme is “lifelong learning.” It’s evidenced through the Verso University education initiative; book- and author-focused programming and talks; Verso Studios; children and teen programming, and much more.
This year’s appeal runs through January 31. Click here to contribute.
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Congratulations to Carla Eichler!
The Staples High School art teacher just received the Connecticut Art Education Association’s 2025 Outstanding Art Educator Award, their highest honor. The honor recognizes significant contributions to the field of art education. She will be recognized at the CAEA dinner October 24, in New Britain.
Staples High School principal Stafford Thomas says, “Ms. Eichler’s steadfast dedication to the arts has fostered a vibrant and supportive environment at Staples, where she inspires students to think both creatively and critically while cultivating a love of learning that extends well beyond the classroom.”
Carla Eichler
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Former Westport teacher Claire Fray died peacefully at St. Vincent’s Hospital on Sunday, surrounded by her family. She was 91.
After earning a full scholarship to Dunbarton College, her first job was teaching elementary school on the Marine Corps Base in Quantico, Virginia. A young lawyer working for the Pentagon heard she’d been in “Guys and Dolls,” and asked for help in an upcoming production of it.
By the time she accepted an elementary school teaching job in Scarsdale, New York, they cemented a partnership that lasted through nearly 60 years of marriage.
Claire then taught at Burr Farms Elementary School in Westport, and raised 3 children in Fairfield.
She earned a master’s in education at Fairfield University, volunteered with the Fairfield League of Voters, and spent 15 years as chair of the Fairfield Board of Education. During her tenure, the district consolidated two high schools into one.
Claire also spent 40 years as a real estate agent.
Other causes close to her heart included public access to mental health services and local public libraries, inspiring her to serve as president of both the Southwest Regional Mental Health Board and board of the Fairfield Public Library.
Claire pursued her love of watercolor, after winning second place in the Fairfield Sidewalk Art Show in the 1970’s, until glaucoma prevented the completion of her final painting at age 89. She had her first 1-woman show at 72.
Her second one will be a retrospective of her painting career, at her memorial service.
She was predeceased by her husband John, brothers Barron and William, and sister Judy Santos. She is survived by her sons Scott of Pawtucket, Rhode Island; Chris (Chip) of Fairfield, and Brendon (Amy) of Monroe; grandchildren Connor (Sydney), Devon and Erynn; great-grandsons Theo and James; step-grandchildren Libby (Sam) and Will, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Claire’s family thanks all of the caregivers for their loving attention, especially Angella and Edgar, and her dear friend Joyce Flynn.
A memorial service and art show will be held on Monday (October 6, 12 to 3 p.m., Burr Mansion, Fairfield). Visiting hours are Sunday (October 5, 3 to 6 p.m., Spear-Miller Funeral Home, Fairfield).
Memorial contributions can be made to the League of Women Voters of Fairfield and the Fairfield Public Library.
Claire Fray
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Yesterday — for the first time in 6 months — dogs were allowed on Compo Beach.
JoJo was one of many who celebrated:
(Photo/Michael Szeto)
Remember: A small fence separates and leash and off-leash sections.
(Photo/John Maloney)
And of course: Clean up after your pooch!
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Speaking of the beach: Congratulations to Staples High School sailor Madi Brundige (3rd from left), in the photo below.
She, Steve Girling, Antonio Maya-LeFort and Claire Rahner finished at the top of last weekend’s tightly contested Vanguard 15 fleet at the Cedar Point Yacht Club Fall One Design regatta last weekend.
Betsy Sorenson, sailing with Westporter Ted Gillman were close behind in third, with Even Olmstead (Staples’ assistant sailing coach) and Kim MacDonald in hot pursuit.
While the sailing activities at CPYC switch to Laser frostbiting over the winter, the V15 fleet will gather to socialize and strategize ahead of Team Racing and Fleet Racing in 2026. Everyone — especially high school and college sailors — is welcome.
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For years Lorenza Arnal has shared her love of Mexico through food — from creating her own brand of salsa macha to selling homemade guacamole in the Westport Farmers’ Market.
Now she offers special journeys celebrating the history, culture and traditions of that country. What started as small culinary tours has blossomed into immersive tours each year.
Her journey to Oaxaca is sold out. But she is running a culinary trip of Mexico City, with meals at the Michelin star restaurants Pujol and Quintonil, guided visits to explore the architecture and art of the city, and a day visit to Puebla.
It runs from November 2 to 8. and a couple spots have become available
Lorenza also designs corporate retreats with personalized itineraries, community culinary experiences, and wellness-focused excursions, designed to help teams recharge and reconnect.
For more information, email lorenza@capitanaadventures.com.
Lorenza Arnal, in Mexico City.
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Wondering how secure our elections are?
On Monday (October 6, 10 a.m., Town Hall), Westport’s registrars of voters will begin “flash media stick and tabulator testing.” They say: “The public is welcome to observe.”
Making sure your vote is secure. (Photo/Dan Woog)
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A 24-year-old Brooklyn man was charged with larceny and conspiracy to commit larceny, following an investigation into a July shoplifting incident of $2,940 worth of merchandise at Lululemon. He was charged with the same 2 counts for a similar incident 6 days later at the same store; this time at least $4,410 in goods was stolen. He was held on a $50,000 bond.
A 27-year-old Stamford man was charged with criminal trespass, disorderly conduct and interfering with an officer, following a complaint of a domestic disturbance.
A 24-year-old Bridgeport man was charged with driving under the influence and failure to have headlamps. The man was stopped for having only one working light the officer smelled burnt marijuana, and noticed the drug and paraphernalia inside the vehicle.
Westport Police also issued these citations, between September 24 and 30:
- Speeding in a school zone: 3 citations
- Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 3
- Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 2
- Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
- Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
- Failure to drive in the proper lane: 1
- Improper turn: 1
- Failure to obey traffic control signals: 1.
All headlights must work properly.
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Susan Garment submits today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature photo, and adds an apt description: “Getting all your ducks in a row.
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And finally … in honor of Staples Players’ very successful Dance-a-thon (story above):
(Do you wanna dance? Sure! And do you wanna support this hyper-local blog? Of course! So just click on the videos above, then click here to complete the double play. Thank you!)
So happy to see that David Kooris is coming to speak in Westport! I have known David since his birth and have watched his trajectory into the world of planning and dreaming for communities! He is a smart, capable man, who, I am sure will bring some great ideas to Westport! Great article, Dan! Thanks! Also – Players coverage was terrific as well.
I was at Burr Farms starting the first week it opened until I went to Long Lots in 1959. What years did she teach at Burr Farms?