In just 5 years, the “06880”/Westport Downtown Association Holiday Stroll has become a cherished tradition. It’s coming soon: Saturday, December 6 (4 to 7 p.m.).
The Staples Orphenians carols, Santa (selfies, and a box for letters), a DJ, face painters, Nômade’s s’mores, our own piglet, and over 50 special offerings from stores and restaurants (click here to see) draw hundreds of residents to Main Street and environs every year.
Don’t forget the Westport Police “Toys for Tots” drive. There’s a collection box for new toys at the corner of Main and Elm Streets.
But it’s really an all-Westport event. Retail and non-profit vendors will be there too, with booths filled with giveaways and fun.
They include Cobs Bread, Real & CO Candies, The Clubhouse and more.
There is something for everyone at the Holiday Stroll. See you there, a week from Saturday!
Staples Orphenians: a Holiday Stroll favorite. (Photo/Stacie Curran)
Yesterday’s gorgeous weather drew hordes of Westporters outside. They ran in Pequot Runners’ Turkey Trot. They played in Staples soccer’s annual alumni contest. They headed to Greenwich for the Wreckers’ football game.
They took walks: at Winslow Park. Around their neighborhoods. At Compo Beach.
Molly Alger took this photo (below), at Schlaet’s Point on Hillspoint Road. “Must be no one left at home cooking,” she says.
House Bill 8002 — a revised version of a controversial housing bill vetoed earlier — was signed into law Wednesday by Governor Lamont.
CT Mirror says it “expands fair rent commissions, eliminates most off-street parking requirements for smaller housing developments and requires towns to create housing growth plans, among other measures.”
Lamont said, “This bill tells mayors and first selectmen ‘What do you want your town to look like in five or 10 years? Start planning accordingly. Where do you want that housing to go? Are you going to zone accordingly? What else do you need? We want to be your partner.'”
Governor Lamont — shown here at the dedication of Westport’s 122 Wilton Road apartments in 2024 — has advocated for affordable housing legislation. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Today’s eye-catching early Thanksgiving morning “Westport … Naturally” photo comes from Rayfield Road, thanks to always-intriguing photographer Jerry Kuyper:
(Sure, you can spend all your money on gifts that will break or become obsolete. Or you can toss a few bucks our way: to “06880,” the hyper-local blog that keeps on giving. Thank you!)
It’s great having college kids and recent graduates home for Thanksgiving.
You learn all about their interesting lives. Their current relationships.
And their job prospects. From finding someone who can open a door to getting a foot in it, then closing the deal, today’s job market is tough.
Kind of a buzz kill around the turkey and trimmings, right?
Despite the strong headwinds, plenty of people can help.
Lisa Cukier and Katie Gervasio want to connect them to those who need it.
Katie Gervasio and Lisa Cukier
The women are well positioned. Cukier — who runs an HR consulting firm, after 20 years in the field — is the mother of 3 Staples High School graduates. One, now 22, is a paralegal. The others are a college junior and freshman.
Gervasio, a former rehabilitation engineer, now tutors at Huntington Learning Center. She too has 3 children: a college graduate, college student, and Staples senior.
In conversations with themselves and other parents, they recognized the need to give young grads, and people still in college, a way to network with seasoned professionals; to talk about strategies and learn skills, in an informal environment.
Colleges do a bit of this, through career centers. Yet there are few opportunities to practice those skills, with successful men and women who may not be looking to hire someone — but are eager to help connect young people with those who are.
Dave, Matt and Brooke Gervasio …
Westport is filled with “smart, caring go-getters who want to help,” Cukier says. Many are her and Gervasio’s friends and peers.
They want to offer advice, and perhaps shadowing opportunities. They are eager to be mentors.
The first event — a Westport Professional Networking Mixer — is December 17, at VFW Post 399 on Riverside Avenue. The 6:30 p.m. event includes an informational panel, and informal networking.
A broad range of professions is included: business owners, finance, arts, education, healthcare, non-profits and more.
Interested college students and recent graduates should register by email: WPNMixer@gmail.com. The Instagram is @wpnmixer.
Cukier and Gervasio are not stopping after one event. In the works: a Signal app, for continued interactions.
Congratulations to the newest graduates of Westport’s Citizens Police Academy.
For 8 weeks, over 2 dozen residents got an up-close, and very personal, look into all aspects of the profession.
They learned about special units like K-9, marine and drone; weapons; what happens at each step of the criminal justice system, and much more. They rode with a patrol officer.
And they got a chance to “stop” a vehicle, and feel what it’s like to approach the unknown driver inside.
It’s one of our town’s most educational experiences. Keep an eye open for an announcement of the next class. (Hat tip: Sal Liccione)
Speaking of police: Actual officers — and the Westport Fire Department, and Emergency Medical Service — responded to a 1-car accident yesterday, just before noon across from Saugatuck Congregational Church.
Despite significant damage to the vehicle, the utility pole was intact. No services were affected.
(Photo courtesy of Westport Fire Department)
A couple of hours later, there was another Post Road East accident closer to Fairfield.
Be careful out there!
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More Post Road news: Drivers are loving the “new” stretch, between Volvo of Westport and Sakura. The 27 years of constructing turning lanes — and installing new traffic lights — were worth it.
The short eastbound stretch between Cumberland Farms and the left-hand turn toward Long Lots Road seems to have been overlooked, however. Without striping, it’s every man and woman for him and herself.
And the state Department of Transportation giveth, but also taketh away. New lights at the clusterf*** that is the misaligned entrance/exit at Compo and Compo Acres Shopping Centers (CVS and Trader Joe’s) have made what used to be a bad situation even worse.
The left hand turn signal (from eastbound into CVS) has been replaced by a coaster-sized light that shows only red. Green and yellow cycles do not exist.
(Photo/Anne Bernier)
We may be rats, in a pleasure/pain experiment conducted by some superior beings.
“Let’s see how much these earthlings can tolerate!” they say.
I think we’ve reached our threshold.
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And in more Fire Department news: Congressman Jim Himes Westport headquarters on Tuesday.
He congratulated the department on securing an Assistance to Firefighters Grant, to fund advanced swift water rescue training for members.
Lieutenant Burgess and Firefighter Marenna — both certified swift water rescue technicians — walked Himes through the training scope, operational challenges, and specialized equipment used during responses.
Congressman Jim Himes and 1st Selectman Kevin Christie, with Fire Department officials on Tuesday. (Photo/Westport Fire Department)
“Conscience” — the current and very timely Westport Community Theatre production — runs one more weekend: this Friday and Saturday (7:30 p.m.), and Sunday (2 p.m.).
The Connecticut premiere tells the story of the rise and fall of Joseph McCarthy, from the perspective of Maine Senator Margaret Chase Smith, leading to her famous “Declaration of Conscience.”
Worried that you missed the traditional (and mammoth) November CraftWestport show in the Staples fieldhouse?
You didn’t.
The annual event — a fundraiser for the Women’s League of Westport (formerly the Westport Young Woman’s League) — moved its dates. It returns December 6 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and 7 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
Over 165 artists and makers will show their wares.
Called “the longest-running indoor fine craft festival in Connecticut,” it includes handmade works in jewelry, fashion, home decor, ceramics, furniture, photography and art. Click here for details.
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In a rapidly changing world, George Gershwin and Cole Porter never get old.
The American standard repertoire of the 1940’s, which defined and enhanced the social order during World War II, remains popular day.
The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 has indeed lived in infamy. On December 7, 2025 (12:30 p.m., Saugatuck Rowing Club) keyboardist Dave Childs and bassist John Mobilio join Suzanne Sheridan in a First Folk Sunday tribute.
The concert marks Sheridan’s debut as a solo vocalist, without her guitar.
Tickets for the final First Folk Sunday concert of the season are $20 each; click here to purchase. A brunch menu is available, plus craft cocktails and other beverages. Questions? Call 203-984-7562.
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Westport Police made 1 custodial arrest between November 19 and 25.
A 43-year-old Springfield, Massachusetts woman was charged with larceny and conspiracy to commit larceny, after a shoplifting incident at Ulta Beauty. She was alleged to have taken $1,726 worth of merchandise. She was released on a $50,000 bond.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Driving while texting: 7 citations
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 6
Failure to renew registration: 5
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 3
Speeding in a school zone: 2
Operating a motor vehicle while under suspension: 2
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 2
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
Failure to drive in the proper lane: 2
Traveling unreasonably fast: 1
Distracted driving: 1
Violation of license class: 1
Drivers continue to get nabbed in school zones. Fines increase for those infractions.
Longtime Westport resident Anita Porzio died Tuesday, in Wilton Meadows Rehab. She was 78.
A 1969 graduate of Manhattanville College with a major in music education and a minor in piano, she taught music and was the church organist at St. Philip Church in Norwalk for many years. She then became the church organist at Assumption Church in Westport.
She is survived by her husband Michael; sons Nando, Michael and Bert Porzio; brothers Frank Savarese, Lawrence Savarese Jr. and Edgar Savarese; sister Ramona Mastrangelo; 10 grandchildren. and several nieces and nephews. Anita was predeceased by her daughter Marielisa Porzio, and sisters Norma Sampson and Lorraine Russo.
A funeral Mass is set for Saturday (November 29, 10 a.m., Assumption Church). Interment will follow in Willowbrook Cemetery. Condolences for the family may be left online at www.hardingfuneral.com. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Anita’s memory may be made to Assumption Church, or a charity of your choice.
Today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature shows our first-ever house finch.
Superb nature photographer Lou Weinberg explains: “This male gets its color from the pigments found in its diet of berries and fruits. Here he is puffing up to insulate himself from the cold morning air.”
And finally … in honor of the behind-the-scenes look at the Citizens Police Academy:
(Happy Thanksgiving, from our “06880” house to yours. I am very thankful for our loyal readers — and especially grateful that those who can, click here to support our work. To all: Enjoy the day!)
I was walking with a friend on Clapboard Hill Road. Two boys — George and Ford Nanos — on the corner of Taylor Lane were offering hot cider.
We had no cash with us. They very kindly offered it for free.
I asked the boys which charity they were collecting for. The older one, George, said, “Boston Children’s Hospital. That’s where I was treated for a brain tumor.”
He said he’s done this with his brother, and friends Jake and Tyler, for a few weeks. They’ve raised several hundred dollars.
Ford and George Nanos (Photo/Amy Schafrann)
This truly touched my heart.
Of course, I went back to donate money. What amazing boys!
(“06880” is proud to honor Unsung Heroes — and tell many other tales of town too. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog.)
Switching celebrations: The United Methodist Church of Westport & Weston’s holiday gift market is especially sweet this year.
The December 6 event (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) includes a “Cookie Walk.” Members will bake — and sell — their delicious goods. Perfect for additional gifts — or just to munch on as you shop for others.
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Meanwhile, up in Weston Jolantha — everyone’s favorite pig — hopes everyone enjoys their turkeys tomorrow.
But not ham.
(Photo/Hans Wilhelm)
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December 1 is the deadline to order wreaths for Westport veterans.
On December 16 — Wreaths Across America Day — volunteers will decorate the graves of veterans in Assumption Church’s Greens Farms Road cemetery.
December 1 is the deadline to order wreaths for our Westport veterans as part of Wreaths Across America!
The Historic District Commission meets December 9 (7 p.m., Zoom).
Among the agenda items: consideration of opposition of demolition permits for these properties, and requiring the full statutory 180-day delay. All are at least 50 years old.
1st Selectman Kevin Christie responded, “Water is a critical public asset, and maintaining local accountability, transparency, and stability in water management remains a top priority for our community. If the $2.4 billion sale had been approved, PURA would have lost its authority to regulate water rates.
The proposed structure would also have replaced traditional property taxes with payments-in-lieu-of-taxes and granted the Regional Water Authority a controlling majority of seats on the Aquarion Water Authority board of directors.
“Throughout the review process, Westport emphasized the importance of ensuring that any ownership or structural changes to Aquarion would safeguard service reliability, infrastructure investment, rate stability, and long-term watershed protection.”
“We appreciate PURA’s thorough evaluation of the proposed transaction and its commitment to ensuring that decisions about Westport’s water utilities serve the public interest.
“As a result of this favorable ruling, residents and ratepayers can be assured that the Town of Westport will continue to work collaboratively with Aquarion and state regulators to ensure that residents receive high-quality, dependable water service.”
Speaking of water: Longshore Sailing School is one of 12 organizations in the US selected for National Association of State Boating Law Administrators’ honors.
It recognizes “exceptional commitment to promoting paddling safety through education, digital content and responsible on-water practices. Longshore’s outreach encourages safe behaviors such as wearing life jackets, understanding weather conditions, and avoiding high-risk activities on the water.”
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Longtime Westport resident and active community volunteer Richard Seclow died Monday at his Easton home. The former Planning & Zoning Commission member and Westport Library board president was 95.
The Bayonne, New Jersey native graduated from Rutgers University in 1951, where he was part of the Cap & Skull Senior Honor Society. He remained an active alumnus over th eyears.
He worked in the advertising industry as David Ogilvy’s chief of staff, before becoming executive vice president of Carl Ally.
As president of Geer DuBois, he relocated the offices from Madison Avenue to downtown. Many ad agencies followed.
Dick started one of the initial Bonanza Steakhouses in Westport. It later became a national franchise. He retired from advertising in 1986, and opened another Westport restaurant: Time to Eat.
Dick enjoyed fishing, travel, tennis, squash and volunteer work in Westport and nearby communities.
He served on the Westport Planning & Zoning Commission, the Westport Library as president, and the boards of Hall-Brooke Hospital and The Jewish Home (now named Mozaic Senior Services).
He was a member of Y’s Men, taught English as a second language, and became a mentor for immigrants in Bridgeport.
He is survived by Rita, his wife of 71 years, children Theresa (David) and Tom (Ann ), and grandchildren Jonathan (Isabella), Alexandra, Calvin and Julian.
An open house to celebrate Dick’s life is set for Saturday (November 29, 1 to 5 p.m., at their home in Easton). Gifts may be made in his name to Mozaic Services or the Easton EMS.
Dick Seclow
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We’ve posted a number of beautiful autumn leaves photos, in our “Westport … Naturally” series.
And finally … a lovely photo needs an equally evocative song:
(Whatever the season, “06880” is here for you. News, events, features, photos — all that and more, 24/7/365. If you enjoy this hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thanks!)
And — since his election November 4, and his swearing-in 13 days later — it’s been even busier.
But Westport’s new 1st selectman took time this week to answer questions from “06880” about his campaign, and the next 4 years.
That campaign “stayed true to its foundation from the start,” Christie says.
He and running mate Amy Wistreich “focused on listening, community engagement and execution.” They began with a listening tour. Knocking on doors and convening voters at “Coffee and Conversation” Westport Library events, they heard from seniors, young families, business owners and more.
Kevin Christie and Amy Wistreich, during the campaign.
The conversations “helped shape our platform and guided how we engaged throughout the fall,” says Christie.
“We built a strong volunteer network, connected with thousands of residents, and had meaningful conversations about Westport’s future. It was uplifting to see so many Westporters come together around positive, solutions-focused leadership.”
Christie learned — “or perhaps the campaign reinforced,” he says — “how deeply people care about this town. Whether talking about traffic, open space, schools or development, most Westporters want to be heard and want local government to work better.”
He calls the campaign conversations “thoughtful, forward-looking, and grounded in a shared pride in Westport. It was a good reminder that real engagement happens when we talk with one another directly.”
A moment of relaxation. (Photo/Cat Malkin)
He felt “an eerie calmness” the night before the election.
“I wanted to run a campaign with no regrets, and I had none. Election Day, similar to my Board of Education race 4 years ago, was one of the most enjoyable parts of the campaign.”
He spent most of the day at polling places, thanking Westporters for exercising their right to vote.
After the polls closed, but before any results came in, he was surrounded by supporters.
“The overwhelming feeling was gratitude,” Christie says. “So many people had invested their time and energy in this campaign, and I was truly grateful for that.
Early results — borne out in the next hour — showed strong support throughout town. Christie says, “Westporters showed confidence in our message and in the kind of leadership we want to bring to Town Hall. I’m deeply appreciative of that.”
Kevin Christie (rear), at the Democratic Party gathering at Little Barn on Election Night. (Photo/Catherine Campagnino)
His 2 opponents, Don O’Day and David Rosenwaks, and 2nd selectwoman incumbent and candidate Andrea Moore all went to the Democrats’ gathering, at Little Barn.
“We had gracious and respectful conversations, as we’ve had before, during and after the campaign. We all care about Westport,” Christie says.
The transition began immediately. From his time on the Board of Education, he already had relationships in Town Hall,
He met with department heads, board chairs and outgoing officials to ensure a smooth handoff.
“Our town is fortunate to have a strong team in place,” Christie notes. Outgoing selectwomen Jen Tooker and Moore were “gracious and helpful.”
Moments after he was sworn in, Kevin Christie took this selfie at Town Hall.
The 1st selectman’s first day in office was “welcoming, smooth and productive.” Thanks to the Town Hall team and IT staff, he “hit the ground running.”
Christie met with town employees, visited departments in the building, and began preliminary budget discussions.
He also attended the Long Lots School Building Committee meeting, and a Democratic Town Committee session that night.
“My focus from day one has been to listen, understand what is already working well, and make sure we are positioned to deliver results right from the start,” he says.
He continues to spend evenings at community meetings and events. “It has been energizing to see so many people engaged and committed to Westport.”
Moving forward, Christie will rely on “our experienced town staff, elected officials across boards and commissions, and community members with expertise in key areas. Collaboration is essential, and I value diverse perspectives.”
He also cites his “strong partnership with Amy, as we begin this work together.”
(Photo/Dan Woog)
Asked about a message for Westporters, Christie says, “Thank you. This is an incredible community, and I’m honored to serve it.
“My door will always be open. I’m committed to listening, planning responsibly, and getting things done the right way. Westport is strongest when we work together.
“I look forward to partnering with residents, town staff, and every board and commission in the work ahead.
“The work ahead belongs to all of us. Westport is a community that thrives when people come together, and our success depends on collaboration between residents, town staff, and every board and commission.
“I’m grateful for the trust Westporters have placed in me, and I look forward to the work we will do together.”
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