Peter Ratkiewich — longtime director of Westport’s Public Works Department — will retire on August 31.
First Selectman Kevin Christie says, “It is with regret that I accept Pete’s retirement letter.
“The town of Westport has been extremely fortunate to benefit from his expertise and knowledge for more than 36 years.
“Under his leadership, and among many other accomplishments, the town has maintained and improved its infrastructure, roadways, engineering capabilities, and equipment; strengthened coordination with public utilities and the state of Connecticut; and successfully managed numerous emergency response efforts during major storms impacting our community.”
Ratkiewich began working with and for the town in 1989. Hired as deputy town engineer, he was promoted to town engineer in 2008.
In that capacity he supervised the Engineering Department, and oversaw the design and administration of municipal infrastructure projects, including sanitary sewers, storm drains, refuse and recycling facilities, highway maintenance, parking lots, and roadway and intersection improvements.
Christie said, “Pete has led the Public Works Department with exceptional care and precision. He approaches every challenge with consideration, humor, and a thoughtful awareness of budgetary constraints — always with the best interests of the town in mind.
“Public safety, along with the well-being of his employees, residents, business owners, and visitors, has always been his top priority.”
He graduated from Northeastern University, with a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering. The search for a successor will begin soon.
Pete Ratkiewich (Photo/Dan Woog)
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On the agenda for this Thursday’s Board of Education meeting (February 5, 7 p.m., Staples High School cafeteria; click here for livestream):
- Screen time survey
- Formation of a building committee for Coleytown Elementary School
- Approval of proposed budget.
Coleytown Elementary School.
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Congressman Jim Himes reminds “06880” readers that Access Health has begun a special open enrollment period, for people who qualify for state financial support. This replaces the Affordable Care Act enhanced premium tax credits, which expired at the end of 2025.
Eligibility requirements can be found here. Questions? Call Himes’ office: 203- 333-6600.
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Liz Hirsh Naftali’s 3-year-old niece, Abigail Mor Edan, was abducted by Hamas on October 7, 2023 — after she watched them murder her parents.
Abigail spent 51 terrifying days in captivity. Liz was her tireless advocate, speaking with world leaders and sharing her family’s story.
On February 10 (7 p.m., The Community Synagogue), Naftali will talk about her memoir, “Saving Abigail” — a testament to resilience, courage and hope in the face of tragedy.
The event is free, but pre-registration is required (click here).
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Adam Kaplan did not go to Coleytown Middle School — he’s a Bedford grad.
But the 2008 Staples High alum was on stage yesterday at Coleytown. He brought along 3 castmates (and longtime friends) from the original “Newsies” on Broadway — plus a 3-man band.
The result was a high-energy, rousing benefit for Coleytown Company. Ben Frimmer’s middle school troupe presents “Newsies” of course next month.
Adam and his fellow performers gave many shout-outs to the importance of arts in the schools — and Westport’s support of it.
To show your own support, click here more information on “Newsies,” Coleytown-style. Tickets will be on sale soon at this link.
Adam Kaplan (far right) with (from left) Andrew Keenan Bolger, Liana Hunt and Ben Frankhauser, at Coleytown Middle School yesterday. (Photo courtesy of Ben Frimmer)
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Speaking of CMS and BMS: Congratulations to Westport’s Middle School Squash Club!
One of just a few of 59 clubs to field 3 strong teams at this past weekend’s US Middle School Team Squash Championships in Philadelphia, they had great success.
Team A finished 5th in the nation — the highest for any public school — while Team B won the Division III title.
Club members representing Westport were Theo Abrams, Luke Amitin, Xuanhao (Hardy) Chao, James D’Angelo, Alex Jiang, Liev Katz, Theo Keefe, Matthew Lyle, Oscar Quintner, Ilina Rangaraj, Zach Smith, Logan Warnke, Jonathan Whee, Olivia Whee, Len Xie, and Orson Xie. Parent managers were Amber Warnke, Aaron Amitin, Gali Katz and Tim Whee, with club advisor Ella Ye and advisor emeritus TJ Sheridan.
The Westport Club is coached by Mohsin Khan, of Intensity Fitness.
For more information, contact msinfo@westportsquash.org.
Team A (from left): Jonathan Whee, Zach Smith, Theo Keefe, Len Xie, Luke Amitin.
Team B (from left): Ilina Rangaraj, Liev Katz, Logan Warnke, Alex Jiang, Xuanhao (Hardy) Chao.
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Baby, it’s cold outside!.
But at VFW Post 399, Thursdays mean hot jazz.
This week (February 5; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner at 7) features Jen Allen. The pianist/composer has performed all over the world. She’s joined by 2 longtime associates: bassist Matt Dwonszyk and drummer Jonathan Barber. Click here for tickets, and more information.
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Longtime St. Luke Church organist Leon Bernard died January 29 at Hartford Hospital. He was 86.
The New Rochelle, New York native graduated from Staples High School. He then served proudly in the Army, stationed in Alaska and California.
A church organist for over 60 years at St. Luke in Westport, he had a strong interest in music, and all things trains, engines, locomotives and railroads. He also liked gardening, and visits for over 40 years to the Trapp Family Lodge and Resort in Vermont.
In his later years he enjoyed NFL football, the University of Connecticut men’s and women’s basketball, and broadcast mysteries. He was president of 2 condominium associations.
He his survived by his close friends Rev. Kumar, St. Luke pastor, and Richard Fitol, Mark Prisloe and Natasha Morant; many St. Luke parishioners, neighbors, and work-related associates, including real estate development at T&M Building, and piano and commercial sales.
Calling hours at the Harding Funeral Home are this Friday (February 6, 4 to 7 p.m.). A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday (February 7, St. Luke Church). Interment will follow immediately at Assumption Cemetery, Greens Farms. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Luke Church.
Leon Bernard
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Our “Westport … Naturally” photos are all about the features and creatures that make our town “naturally” beautiful, and interesting.
Occasionally, a human being or 2 add to the mix.
Andrew Colabella captured this frigid scene, at Gray’s Creek:
(Photo/Andrew Colabella)
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And finally … on this date in 1961, the US Air Force began Operation Looking Glass. For the next 30 years, a “Doomsday Plane” was always in the air. It could take direct control of American bombers and missiles, if Strategic Air Command headquarters was destroyed.
(Barry McGuire’s song is timeless — and “06880” is always timely. Please click here, to help support your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)
Peter,
Congratulations on what will be 37 years this March. Your leadership since taking over has been pleasant and peaceful. Every employee at public works including many I grew up with have even noticed the positive impact you have made.
More importantly, your impact over Westport with your talent of institutional knowledge, tenacity, passion and depth of care and detail has improved Westport, leading all other towns in sourcing contractors to come in on time and early, and under budget.
To anyone who has not met Peter, he is one person that produces work quality of five people. A tremendous huge loss for Westport.
Here’s to more days sailing ⛵️ thank you for making Westport better through action, not just words and promises. Lot of people could learn from you. 🇺🇸
Pete, Congratulations on 37 years! Your extensive town knowledge, relationships, and reasoned approach will be sorely missed. As will your partnership on the many projects you’ve contributed to (or 100% handled) for Parks & Rec. I’ve always found you to be thoughtful and pragmatic in initiating and executing on projects and issues–and usually you kept a great sense of humor. You’ve definitely made your (positive) mark on this Town although sometimes it’s underground. Luckily, we have you for a few more months. Best of luck & health in your future endeavors!
Peter,
I can only extend my best wishes to you as you leave Westport. Your position as Director of Public Works is one of the most important in Westport. You served the Town wonderfully. I hope you look back at your many years in Westport with both fondness and pride.
Leon Bernard grew up on Keyser Rd. and was my longtime neighbor. Some might remember that his mother, Margaret, was the longtime bookkeeper at the old Greenberg’s Dept. on Main St. His dad was a butcher at one of the main St. grocery stores. Lovely family. RIP Leon…