Montessori got schooled.
A state Superior Court judge has upheld the Westport Planning & Commission’s denial of a proposal to move into the former Bank of America building next to Starbucks, on Post Road East.
The P&Z decision was based on insufficient parking — 24 spaces, instead of the required 32.4 — and traffic concerns, including cars backed up on the Post Road for the coffee chain’s drive-thru. The school — proposed over a year ago — would have served 124 children, infants through kindergarteners.
Click here for the full story, first reported by CT Insider.
The proposed Montessori School …
… at the former Bank of America site. (Photo courtesy of Google Earth)
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Another vacancy on Post Road East just occurred.
After decades of operation, the Shell gas station on the Post Road at Maple Avenue South has closed.
A sign says the service and repair business has moved to 271 Post Road East — the Quality Towing & Auto Repair location.
No word on whether any place in Westport will pick up the emissions testing slack. (Hat tip: Matt Murray)
(Photo/Chris Grimm)
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Director of Human Resources Candice Holley has resigned, for personal and family reasons.
She said, “I truly appreciated the opportunity to work with town leadership in both administrations, town employees, and the broader Westport community. Westport will always remain close to my heart.”
1st Selectman Kevin Christie said, “We wish her well in her future endeavors.”
Candice Holley
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When Dave Goldshore stepped down as Staples High School boys basketball coach this spring, his replacement was not far away.
Yesterday, athletic director VJ Sarullo announced that Joe Black will lead the Wreckers next winter.
He began his high school coaching career at Fairfield Warde High School, then joined the Wreckers in 2023. He also works with the Westport PAL program.
At Staples, Black — the varsity defensive strategist — played a key role in helping earn back-to-back FCIAC championships.
He graduated in 2016 with a marketing and management degree from Fairfield University. Black is now is a senior coordinator at Neptune Retailer Solutions. He lives in Fairfield with his wife Marissa (also a Westport PAL basketball coach).
Sarullo says, “While his basketball knowledge, preparation and strategic approach were evident throughout the interview process, what impressed the hiring committee most was his unwavering commitment to serving as a positive role model for student-athletes. Coach Black’s vision for the program is one that represents Staples High School with pride, integrity, and excellence both on and off the court.”
Joe Black
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Every graduation is special.
For 2 Westport twins, last Friday’s Greens Farms Academy commencement was extra special.
Danya and Evie Herman were valedictorian and salutatorian of the Class of 2026.
In her address to 97 classmates, Danya reflected on the experiences, friendships and growth that shaped them all. Evie welcomed guests, on behalf of the graduates.
The ceremony featured remarks from actor/director/producer Jensen Ackles (“Supernatural,” “Days of Our Lives”). He spoke about perseverance, pursuing passions, building a life of purpose, embracing challenges, and recognizing that success often comes from resilience and determination.
Danya (left) and Evie Herman
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Speaking of changes: Here’s a visual representation of Westport today:
(Photo/Leigh Gage)
One house (foreground) was torn down yesterday, on Manitou Road.
Behind it, on a neighboring lot, a new home rises.
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Two more tournaments — mahjong and canasta — have been added to the Westport Country Playhouse’s 3rd annual golf tournament. The event is June 15, at Birchwood Country Club.
The golf event (7:30 a.m.) includes 9 or 18 holes; light breakfast, buffet lunch, cocktails, on-course drinks and afternoon reception; cart rental; access to the locker room and facilities, driving range, and practice putting green, and contests to win Playhouse season tickets and pro shop credits.
The mahjong and canasta tourneys (9:30 a.m.( includes a light breakfast, buffet lunch, cocktails and afternoon reception, plus the chance to win Playhouse season tickets and other prizes. Guests can create their own foursome, or come as a pair or solo and be matched with others.
Click here for details. Questions? Email rdavis@westportplayhouse.org.
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The tastiest fundraiser of the year — CLASP’s “Taste of Westport” — fed and slaked the thirst of several hundred guests last night.
The 20th annual event — benefiting the non-profit that houses and supports individuals with autism and developmental disabilities — had a new venue (the Fairfield County Hunt Club, while the Inn at Longshore is under renovation).
There were a few new restaurants and vendors, and many familiar ones. Thanks to all who donated food and drinks, along with staff, for a very good cause: Anan, Artisan, Barcelona, The Blondinit, Black Bear Wine & Spirits, Bridgewater Chocolates, Blue + Berries, The Bridge at Saugatuck, Boathouse, Eder Bros., Dandelion, Chopin Vodka, Gloria Ferrer, Magic Pie Co., Korbel, Gruel Britannia, Gabriele’s, Grumpy Dumpling Co., Massi Co, Moet & Crandon Champagne, Nômade, Oggi Gelato, Nordic Fish, Rive Bistro, Tarantino, Rizzuto’s Romanacci Pizza Bar, The Whelk, Woodford Reserve and Yuzu.
The Bridge at Saugatuck — one of 30 tasting stations. (Photo/Dan Woog)
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Four great volunteers and organizations were honored with Westport Community Service Awards on Tuesday:
- Jocelyn Baraniaran, Westport Book Sales Ventures presisdent
- Dave Matlow, Westport documentary photographer
- Westport Police Athletic League
- Staples Tuition Grants.
The Rotarians also presented Public Protection Awards to members of the Westport Police and Fire Departments. Deputy fire marshal Dan Mascolo and firefighter Pete Nichio earned a Public Safety Award, for their work building and maintaining the Fire Department’s Peer Support Team.
Rotarians and honorees (from left): Rick Benson, Jim Marpe, Ruairi Powers, Jocelyn Barandiarian, Peter Helt, Leslie Roberts, Bob Wickey, Dave Matlow, Kevin Christie, Craig Mergamo, Maggie Hudson Blau, Pat Carey. (Photo/Rady Johnson)
Westport Rotary Club president Peter Helt and Deputy Police Chief David Wolf, and officers honored with Public Protection Award certificates. (Photo/Dave Matlow)
From right: Rotary president Peter Helt, Fire Chief Nicholas Marsan, Dan Mascolo and Pete Nichio with their awards. (Photo courtesy of Westport Fire Department)
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Teenagers sometimes space out.
Now that can do it in a good way. The Northeast Occultation Network — a student astronomy research program — is accepting applications for its next research cohort, at the Westport Observatory.
Curious students, from beginners to advanced, will join NEON’s research team to contribute real data to NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
The program, guided by University of New Haven astrophysicist Dr. Kevin Green, covers everything from basic telescope operation to capturing high-precision data from asteroid occultations. Sessions are held from 8 to 10 p.m. For more information and to apply, click here.
NEON students, at work.
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John Bygott is the Westport Book Shop’s guest exhibitor for June. The local artist is exhibiting a selection of oil paintings of seascapes.
A professional painter for nearly 20 years, his artwork is represented in galleries in Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Mexico and Florida.
A reception is set for June 17 (6 p.m.). All artwork is available for purchase.
John Bygott with his work, at the Westport Book Shop.
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Westport Police made 5 custodial arrests between May 27 and June 2.
Three Bridgeport women, ages 21, 25 and 26, were charged with larceny and conspiracy to commit larceny, following an investigation into alleged shoplifting at the Gap. An eyewitness told an officer they had just observed 3 women run out of Lululemon, carrying multiple items, and described the vehicle they entered. It was observed soon after on the Sherwood Island connector, and stopped. Lululemon clothing with a value of $2,838 was in the vehicle. All 3 posted bonds of $3,000, $7,500 and $7,500.
A 43-year-old Westport man was charged with reckless driving, driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs and failure to drive in the proper lane, following a single vehicle accident at the Hillandale Road/Wakeman Road intersection. The driver struck a mailbox and fire hydrant, before hitting a tree that snapped and damaged a fence. He was released on a $500 bond.
A 38-year-old Bronx man was charged with 2 counts of failure to appear, and violation of probation, after being held at Rikers Island. He ws unable to post a a $159,500 bond.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
- Traveling unreasonably fast: 18 citations
- Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 10
- Failure to obey stop sign: 6
- Distracted driving: 5
- Failure to renew registration: 3
- Failure to obey traffic control signals: 3
- Texting while driving: 2
- Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
- School zone violation, 2nd offense: 1
- Speeding: 1
- Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
- Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
- Driving with a foreign license more than 60 days: 1
- Failure to carry registration/insurance card: 1
- Leaving a motor vehicle without setting brake: 1
- Driving wrong way on a 1-way street: 1
- Failure to drive right: 1
- Illegal operation of a motor vehicle on rapid transit road: 1
- Defective windshield wiper: 1
- Violation of tinted glass requirements: 1
Failure to set a car brake can lead to a citation.
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Before the full moon becomes too un-full, we’ve got this great “Westport … Naturally” image, from Schlaet’s Point:
(Photo/Tammy Barry)
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And finally … on this date in 1919, Congress approved the 19th Amendment, guaranteeing suffrage to women. The next step: ratification by the states.
(Keep marching … you’ll reach your goal. And oh yeah, click here to keep supporting this hyper-local blog. We’ll reach our goal to keep serving you, 24/7/365. Thank you!)
