Duane Cohen leads off today, with an untitled — but very familiar — scene.
Well, it will be familiar to anyone who lived here in the 1950s and early ’60s, anyway.
It’s followed by 2 even more recognizable scenes. Then we’ve got our usual very eclectic mix of subjects and styles.
All are — as always — welcome. No matter your age; the style or subject you choose — and whether you’re a first-timer or old-timer — we want your submissions. Watercolors, oils, charcoal, pen-and-ink, acrylics, mixed media, digital, lithographs, collages, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage, needlepoint — we want whatever you’ve got.
Just email a JPG to 06880blog@gmail.com. And please include the medium you’re working in.
Untitled (Duane Cohen; Available for purchase — click here)
“Longshore Country Club on a Foggy Morning” — watercolor (Kathleen Burke; Available for purchase; click here)
“Compo This Morning” (Marina Drasnin)
“Central Park” (Michael Chait — Available for purchase; click here)
“Bursting with Joy” (Lucy Johnson)
“Into the Woods” — acrylic pouring (Dorothy Robertshaw — Available for purchase; click here)
“Distorted Daisy” (Patricia McMahon — Available for purchase; click here)
“Chico’s” — found paper collage (Amy Schneider)
Untitled (Tom Doran — Available for purchase; click here)
“Patterned Fruit” — still life (Emilia Francis, age 7 — One River Art student)
“The Quite Overtaking” (Nancy Breakstone — Available for purchase; click here)
“Please No College Textbooks” — children’s little library; thanks to Mo Willems (Eric Bosch)
“Supe” (Martin Ripchick; Available for purchase; click here)
“I Love You!” — watercolor crayon (Steve Stein)
Untitled (Lawrence Weisman)
(Entrance is free to our online art gallery –as it has been for 6 years. But please consider an anniversary donation! Just click here — and thank you!)
On Monday (June 15, 12:30 p.m., Zoom), the Board of Education will meet in executive session for a “discussion of attorney-client privileged memorandum providing legal advice concerning FOIC decision on coach’s appeal hearing, and possible next steps on same,” along with “discussion of pending federal court litigation, Oost-Lievense v. Westport Board of Education, brought by former coach, relating to the non-renewal of his contract … as well as mediation.”
Then, in public session, the Board of Ed will discuss, and may act, on the FOIC decision.
The back story is less dry.
“FOIC” is Connecticut’s Freedom of Information Commission.
Last month, the 7-member board voted unanimously to declare the Board of Education meeting of May 12, 2025 — when they voted 5-1 to not renew the contract of Staples High School boys soccer coach Russell Oost-Lievense — “null and void.”
The FOIC based its decision on a complaint by Oost-Lievense that the Board’s decision to go into executive session at 9:23 p.m. that night — following 12 hours of testimony — was illegal.
Among the issues: whether the executive session was actually necessary to protect student privacy — and whether a vote to do so was ever taken at all.
The FOIC voted “no,” 7-0, on both complaints.
On Monday, the Board of Education will discuss — first in executive session, then in public — possible next steps.
Last month, we flashed back to Chubby Lane’s. Readers commented rapturously about the fantastic burgers at his 2 locations: Compo Beach (where the volleyball courts are now), and Post Road East (current site of Willows Pediatrics).
There was another great burger spot in that 1960s and ’70s era too.
We’ve written several times about Big Top. Today it’s McDonald’s. For a while it was Roy Rogers.
But back in the day, it rivaled Chubby’s.
If Chubby’s was the Beatles, Big Top was the Rolling Stones. You know — scruffier, edgier.
This is not our first time honoring Big Top.
But we’ve got a great new photo to show:
(Photo courtesy of Jim Roderick)
As soon as you’ve finished salivating, click “Comments” to share your Big Top memories.
(Friday Flashback is one of “06880”‘s many regular features. If you enjoy this — or anything else on our website — please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here. Thank you!)
The superintendent of schools has long been the town of Westport’s highest paid employee.
Next year, Thomas Scarice will make 3% more.
Last night, the Board of Education voted unanimously to raise his base salary to $344,563. His rolling 3-year contract has been extended every year since he took the Westport Public Schools’ top job in 2020.
The action came after the Board offered similar 3% raises to 4 top district officials.
Chief financial officer Elio Longo will make $281,949. The 3 assistant superintendents are: pupil services Mike Rizzo ($260,205), human resources John Bayers ($251,070), and teaching and planning Anna Mahon ($247,200).
Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Speaking of schools: The Coleytown Company curtain is closing on the directing career of Ben Frimmer.
After more than 30 years of leading the middle school drama troupe, the program’s founder is stepping off stage.
Frimmer says, “This program has been one of the greatest joys of my life. It has been an honor to work with so many talented students and supportive families over the years, and I am incredibly proud of the community we have built together.”
His work as a Broadway and West End producer has grown significantly, he says. With “The Hunger Games: On Stage,” “John Proctor is the Villain” and “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” — plus other projects in development — he must “devote more time to this exciting chapter of my career.”
Katie Bloom will take over as Coleytown Company director.
“Katie brings tremendous experience, having spent more than 20 years as a Westport educator while also running her own successful theatre company in Newtown,” Frimmer says.
“She is an outstanding teacher, director and leader, and I know the program will flourish under her guidance. She will also be supported by our experienced Coleytown Company staff, who know the program and its traditions well.”
Frimmer will continue to teach at CMS. And, he says, he will watch “with great excitement as Katie leads the next chapter of this remarkable program.”
As the thermometer soars past 90, severe thunderstorms threaten and air quality deteriorates, Westport preparing for the next 3 days.
These cooling centers will be open:
Senior Center: Friday only, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Westport Library: Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday 1 to 5 p.m.
Westport Weston Family YMCA (14 Allen Raymond Lane): Friday, 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Westport Museum for History & Culture: Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For help or transportation, call 211 or click here.
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The moment Patty Haberstroh was diagnosed with ALS, her family leaped to help her. And to raise funds for every other person battling the disease, and their families.
Her son Steve is gearing up for his 3rd 100 Holes to Defeat ALS golf event.
In just 4 years, it’s grown from 2 golfers to 32. This year alone, they’ve raised $650,000 — and, Steve says, “we haven’t even teed it up yet.”
The corporate sponsor outing at The Country Club of New Canaan this Monday is already sold out.
The next day (Tuesday, June 16) Steve plays the “100 holes” at Keney Park in Windsor. (Hey, someone’s gotta do it!)
That evening Steve’s brother Chuck and ESPN’s (and Westport’s) Dan Orlovsky emcee a gala, with a live auction. They hope to raise $100,000.
There are Westport connections to the events, besides the Haberstrohs and Orlovsky.
Experience Camps –headquartered here — is one of 3 fundraising recipients. “100 Holes” co-founder Cory Sullivan attended a camp — for children who have lost parents — years ago, after his father died from ALS. It was so impactful, he later spent years as a counselor.
Several Westport families are now battling ALS. “We won’t stop fighting until there are cures,” Haberstroh says.
For more info on the events, and to contribute, click here.
For the 47th year, the Point to Point Swim takes place this summer. Save the date: Saturday, July 25.
And — as it has for nearly 5 decades — the Compo Beach event brings together swimmers of all levels. First-time open water participants join seasoned competitors, for a fun and meaningful morning.
Funds raised help children and families access camp, swim lessons, water safety, and youth development programs.
A good crowd turned out yesterday for the Westport Farmers’ Market.
Held every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through November, at the Imperial Avenue parking lot, it’s a true community event.
Live music and lunchtime food stalls complement more than 2 dozen vendors. Fresh produce, breads, herbs, flowers, juices, honey, coffee … it’s all there, and more.
He’s graduating from Weston High School. And the singer/songwriter just released his second single, “Hundreds of Miles.”
The track captures the emotional experience of entering a new chapter of life. It’s available on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify and Apple Music.
Produced in collaboration with Factory Underground Studio in Norwalk, the song reflects on distance, growth and connection, at a time of life transitions.
While strongly resonating with the Class of 2026 — and called “the graduation song of the year” — “Hundreds of Miles” is relatable to anyone navigating change or separation. The song balances nostalgia with optimism, offering reassurance that meaningful relationships can endure even as people move in different directions.
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On Tuesday — after, no doubt, thinking about it for a while — someone decided it was “time” to take this piece from home to the transfer station.
(Photo/John McKinney)
No word on whether it was recycled, or someone (wisely) decided to reuse it.
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Jillian Elder’s Westport-themed designs are always popular.
Her new collection includes 6 designs that she’s been thinking about for years, and finally brought to life. Inspiration came from Robert Indiana’s “LOVE” statue, and the classic I ❤️ New York logo.
The pieces blend bold, nostalgic pop art with a modern, wearable twist.
Congratulations to Westport’s 4 newest Eagle Scouts.
Evie Bory, Lucas Gomez, Harrison Sydor and Charles Beckwith — members of Troops 39 and 139 — were recognized at a Court of Honor recently, at Green’s Farms Church.
From left: Evie Bory, Lucas Gomez, Harrison Sydor, Charles Beckwith.
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Lior Raz — co-creator and star of Netflix’s hit series “Fauda,” is coming to Westport.
Hosted by Chabad of Westport, the July 21 event is a chance to hear from one of Israel’s most recognized actors and storytellers. He will discuss his service in an elite IDF unit, the creation and global success of “Fauda,” and his perspective on current events in the Middle East.
A VIP reception begins at 6:30 p.m., followed by the main program at 7:30 p.m. The location will be provided upon registration. Proceeds from the event support Magen David Adom, Israel’s national emergency medical service.
Lukas Frenes is a Staples High School senior. He spent his internship working with “06880.”
Every member of the Class of 2026 has a story. Lukas’ is unique: This was his only year at Staples. How did it go? Read on!
Entering Staples High School as a senior is an experience few graduates ever face.
When I walked through the sprawling doors last fall, the crisp autumn air wasn’t just signaling my first day of the school year; it was marking my first week ever living in Westport.
I was still figuring out the winding roads, let alone the labyrinthine hallways of Staples.
Lukas Frenes
These first steps into an entirely unfamiliar environment felt worrisome. Trading the hushed, highly structured quads of a tiny boarding school for the massive kinetic energy of a public high school was a profound culture shock.
I had to brace myself for the “Westport way of life,” anticipating Staples to be an intimidating pressure cooker of Ivy League ambitions and impenetrable lifelong cliques. It felt like I had to jump onto a moving train.
The students themselves were the ones who truly dismantled my self-conceived fears. In Children’s Lit, the ice broke not in a stiff classroom setting but on the seats of a rumbling yellow school bus.
We were bouncing along new roads, the thick, nervous air filled with the smell of diesel while we debated whether our assigned elementary kids would actually connect with us.
I was worried about my kid, Jacob. But before I could overthink it a laptop hit
“record,” asking me predictions on our teaching abilities.
The curriculum was demanding, but the growth happened in the small, quiet moments.
Navigating an intense senior year with dyslexia was always going to be an uphill battle, but the Staples faculty met my learning differences with open arms, prioritizing genuine understanding over routine busywork.
Mr. Feagin’s AP Economics classroom, in particular, became a sanctuary. Instead of leaving me to struggle silently with a sea of swimming letters on timed exams, he would meet with me afterward to give me extra time.
He never made me feel the shame I usually felt regarding my dyslexia. I wasn’t a burden; I was supported, allowing me to find my footing, culminating in an Academic Excellence award.
I still recall my first day in the Staples cafeteria. The energy was palpable; a loud, kinetic room of students completely engrossed in years of shared memories, while I passed through crowds of people alone as a first-year senior.
Then members of the Saugatuck Rowing team waved me over to their table. In an instant, I had an anchor.
Lukas Frenes, in action.
Rowing was my community through it, but there were distinct trade-offs. The grueling practice forced us to sacrifice traditional senior milestones, such as many sports events, and build a stronger bond of solidarity.
As senior year winds down, the perspective I gained has been invaluable. Staples wasn’t just a waiting room for graduation; it provided the space to test my abilities, learn about myself, and explore what I want my future to look like.
The profound judgment-free support I received from teachers, combined with the joy of seeing Jacob’s face light up during my Children’s Lit lessons, illuminated my path to pursue educational studies at Colby College next year. I am driven by the goal of helping students like me who would hate the education system without phenomenal teachers like the ones at Staples.
While being fast, challenging and intense, I wouldn’t give up calling myself a Wrecker for anything.
(“Students Speak” is a regular “06880” feature. Any student living or studying in Westport or Weston can submit a piece. Email 06880blog@gmail.com. To support this local blog, click here.)
For over 300 years — long before Westport was incorporated as a town — Green’s Farms Church has been a community anchor.
Beyond its importance as a religious congregations, the church has opened its doors to all. These days it hosts numerous groups, a preschool, and much more.
This Sunday (June 14, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.), Green’s Farms Church is throwing a block party. Neighbors, families all around town, local organizations,and mission partners will gather for food, music, games and connection.
The party includes live music, barbecue, an ice cream truck, inflatables, crafts, sport court games, photo booth, sidewalk chalk art, and activities for all ages.
Organizations and partners from across the region will also participate, offering opportunities to learn more about good works happening throughout Westport and beyond.
Sponsored in part by organizations that regularly gather at Green’s Farms Church — including Westport Rotary, Sunrise Rotary, Homes with Hope and Scout Troop 39 — the event will celebrate community.
Everyone is warmly invited. For more information, click here or follow on social media: @greensfarmschurch.
Green’s Farms Congregational Church
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The date and time for Staples High School’s baseball state championship game is set.
The Wreckers face Trumbull on Saturday at noon. The site is Middletown’s Palmer Field. Click here for tickets.
Unfortunately, the boys lacrosse team will not join them in a state championship game. Staples fell to New Canaan yesterday in heartbreaking fashion — 9-8, in sudden-death overtime — in their “LL” semi, at Fairfield University.
It’s a tall order to beat the same team 4 times in one season. The Wreckers had topped the Rams 3 times this spring — including a thrilling sudden-death win in the FCIAC final.
Congratulations to coach Will Koshansky’s squad, on another stellar year.
Speaking of sports: The World Cup kicks off this afternoon. Mexico hosts South Africa, at 3 p.m.
Tomorrow (Friday), the US plays its first match, against Paraguay in Los Angeles. Kickoff is 9 p.m. EDT.
Sure, you can watch them — and many of the other 102 games — at home.
But it will be a lot more fun at The Clubhouse.
The sports bar/restaurant/event space/and more across the Post Road from the Delamar has Westport’s largest TV wall. They’ve added 2 new screens, so every seat now has a view.
They also offer reservations for reservations for smaller rooms. There’s also the roof deck, to watch outdoors.
Click on their website, or follow their Instagram (@theclubhouswestport) for news of watch parties for the biggest games — with DJs and other special attractions. For reservations, click here.
They begin with a recognition of retirees: Horacio Ballesteros, Christina Brooks, Maureen Cadden, Carmela Cerulo, Lisa Doran, Joanne Fasciolo, Gina Forberg, Karen Frawley, Dana Gilland, Ellen Hardy, Cheryl Hersh, Patricia Hines, Kaye Johnson, Jessica Olson, Helena Paiva, Anne Parise, Elaine Perlman, Liz Shaffer and Miguel Valentin.
They’ll also recognize their 2 student representatives — Anwara Olasewere and Souleye Kebe — and PTA co-presidents Lori Freemon, Allison O’Dell, Jennifer Sydor, Alaina Skiber, Sonam Tejpal, Catherine Young,Cheryl Morabito, Christina Royce, Alexis Eisenberg, Lindsay Brachle, Rebekah Wornow, Indy Pereira, Meghan O’Brien, Lindsay Blass, Wendy McConaghy, Gina Christie, Robin Lewis, Stefanie Shackelford and Aileen Brill.
They’ll discuss the recent screen time audit report, and will discuss and act on the employment contract of superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice.
Before “Hello, Dolly!,” there was “The Matchmaker.”
Tomorrow (Friday, June 12) the curtain rises on Westport Community Theatre’s production of Thornton Wilder’s “Matchmaker” comedy. Matchmaker.
The original source for “Dolly!” is filled with romance, mischief, mistaken identities and classic characters. Decades later, it’s as fresh, funny and heartwarming as ever. his beloved American classic remains as fresh, funny, and heartwarming today as when it first delighted audiences decades ago.
The cast includes Lucy Babbitt, Ari Benmosche, TJ Chila, Rayne Darken, Henry Durham, Betsy Grover, Martha Hegley, Emily Roberson, Patrick Spaulding, Rick Stewart, Erin Wallace and Jordan Weisblatt. The director is Mark Frattaroli.
Performances are at 7:30 p.m. on June 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 26 and 27, and 2 p.m. on June 14, 21 and 28. The Westport Community Theatre is in the lower level of Town Hall. For tickets, call 203-226-1983 or click here.
Patrick Spaulding and Lucy Babbitt in “The Matchmaker.”
Some people help Homes with Hope with cash donations. Others contribute food for the pantry, or cook and serve meals at the Gillespie Center.
The Lang family gave a car, to Susie’s House.
The vehicle will provide reliable transportation for the young women at the Compo Road North residence.
That’s “one less barrier on the road to independence,” says Homes with Hope president and CEO Helen McAlinden. “This gift will make a real and lasting difference in their lives.
Westport Police made 4 custodial arrests between June 39 and 9.
An 81-year-old Westport woman was charged with criminal trespass and criminal mischief, after a neighbor reported that 3-5 feet had been cut from the tops of 19 green giant arborvitae trees on his yard. The trees could no longer grow taller. He estimated the loss due to damage at $20,000. A review of surveillance video and a neighborhood canvas identified the suspect. She refused to speak to the officer investigating the incident, and ignored multiple requests to respond to police headquarters. Bond was set at $20,000. She was released on a written promise to appear, by order of the state bail commissioner’s office.
A 32-year-old Bridgeport woman was charged with larceny, after an investigation into fraudulent returns processed by a Shoe-Inn employee. The total amount was estimated to be $98,405.65. She was released on a $25,000 bond.
A 30-year-old Concord, New Hampshire woman was charged with larceny and conspiracy to commit larceny, following a shoplifting incident at Walgreens. She is alleged to have taken more than $297 worth of protein shakes. She was unable to post a $50,000 bond.
A 24-year-old Hamden man was charged with illegal operation of a motor vehicle under suspension, theft of a marker plate, improper use of a marker plate and failure to appear, after a license plate reader alert of a stolen license plate. He was released on a $35,000 bond.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Failure to obey state traffic commission regulations: 12 citations
Traveling unreasonably fast: 7
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 3
Texting while driving: 3
Failure to obey traffic control signs: 3
Disorderly conduct: 2
Following too closely: 2
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 1
Illegal operation of a motor vehicle: 1
School zone violation — 2nd offense: 1
Passing a standing school bus: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
Failure to obey stop sign: 1
Failure to grant right of way: 1
Improper turn: 1
Improper use of marker: 1
Unauthorized insurer: 1
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Longtime Westport resident Richard “Bud” Farquhar died peacefully earlier this year in Milton, Georgia, surrounded by his family. He was 93.
He grew up in Redlands, California, in a prominent orange-growing family with a history of military service. Bud was an accomplished horse rider, hard-working student, and farm hand. He met beautiful Barbara Jean Penacho while in Redlands High School. They were married for 60 years.
Bud joined the Navy during the Korean War. He served in Japan with his brother Phil, flying missions in search of submarines. After discharge Bud earned a bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University.
He worked for the Sperry & Hutchinson Company, spending 33 years with Green Stamps. The family moved several times for promotions. They settled in Westport in 1976, where he lived until 2024.
His last role at S&H was national director, sales and marketing, handling over 500 truck stop customers. In 1993 Bud joined Newport Communications as publisher of Truckstop Plaza Magazine.
In 1997 Bud owned and operated Stars & Stripes, LLC which produced annual truck beauty show competitions.
He loved outdoor work, from landscaping at home to firing up the snow blower.
Bud is survived by his son Richard Farquhar Jr. (Shelli) of Marietta, Georgia; daughters Amy Jackson of Milton, Georgia (Peter) and Lori (Milford); grandchildren Nathan, Duncan and Ian Farquhar, and Austin, Rhea and Sage Jackson/
A graveside celebration of life with military honors and internment of ashes will be held tomorrow (June 12, 11 a.m., Hillside Memorial Park, Redlands, California), where Bud will be laid to rest next to his wife Barbara Jean Farquhar.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society.
Bud Farquhar
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Wasp nests are things of beauty.
And a bit scary.
Susan Garment spotted this one — a first of the season — underneath a mailbox on Eno Lane. It (complete with wasp) fits right in with our “Westport … Naturally” series — showcasing every variety of life in town.
A small crowd got a big look yesterday at the new Long Lots Elementary and Stepping Stones Preschool.
Building Committee chair Jay Keenan, with his committee and representatives of FCA Architects, presented exterior and interior plans of the new school, and an update on construction.
Aerial rendering of the new school. Hyde Lane is at the bottom.
Work on the foundation has begun. Geothermal wells on the lower fields have been completed.
Work on the lower athletic fields at Long Lots (right). The former baseball field as at left.
The school — set to open in January of 2028 — is on target to meet or exceed state sustainability targets.
The architecture — with gabled roofs and warm colors — aims for a “cozy and classic New England setting.”
Because the school is built on a hill, both the lower and upper levels will have at-grade access.
The lower floor will include 2nd through 5th grade classrooms, with a gym at the rear.
Gymnasium.
The upper floor will have separate entrances for kindergarten/1st grade, and the Stepping Stones preschool. The cafeteria is on that level.
The upper level, with a 2-story atrium and plenty of light.
Interior features include a double-height atrium, a multi-purpose room, a media center with 2 classrooms and 2 tiered reading areas, and quiet “nooks” throughout the school.
A courtyard will offer benches, an amphitheater, and areas for teaching.
Courtyard.
There will be 3 playgrounds: one for Stepping Stones, one for elementary students, and the current playground named for Sandy Hook victim Dylan Hockley, which will remain.
The bus loop and parent drop-off areas will be completely separate.
Parent drop-off (left) and bus loop (right). Hyde Lane would be at the bottom.
Attendees — a mix of Long Lots parents, school neighbors and curious residents — gave the plans and computer renderings high marks.
A main corridor, leading to the gym. Multi-purpose room is at left.
Multi-purpose room.
Classroom corridor.
Cafeteria.
(“06880” will report regularly on the new school’s progress — as we do 24/7/365, on everything from education and real estate to local politics, entertainment and more. Please click here to support us!)
For over 10 years, Westporters have wondered: What will the YMCA do with the Red Barn property?
Today, we know.
They’ll build the Red Barn Arena — a year-round ice rink facility — on the Wilton Road site, just off Merritt Parkway exit 20.
The project — funded by the Westport Weston Family Y, and a capital campaign — includes an NHL-regulation-size rink, spectator seating, locker rooms, a lobby and other amenities.
Computer-generated rendering of the Red Barn Ice Arena.
The design will pay homage to the Red Barn restaurant — a familiar spot for 8 decades — through architectural elements, the color palette, and preserved memorabilia (including its chandelier and iconic sign).
And of course, through the facility’s name.
Programs will include public skating, lessons, figure skating, youth and adult leagues, and summer camps.
The Red Barn Arena will also be home to Staples High School’s ice hockey teams. The boys now use Milford for practices and games; the girls’ base is in Stamford.
Another rendering.
The Y purchased the 3.2-acre parcel in 2015. It includes the restaurant building and a separate house.
It was owned by members of the Nistico family, who operated the Red Barn Restaurant from 1983 until July 2015. It had been a popular dining spot — and convenient meeting place for travelers — since the Merritt Parkway opened in the 1930s.
The Y explored many uses for the site (and fielded several requests from restaurateurs). Through member surveys and the input of an avid community group, YMCA officials decided that an ice arena would be both an important town asset, and fill a longstanding need.
It also fits with the Y’s mission: to provide recreational opportunities for individuals and families of all backgrounds and experience levels.
The Red Barn property, earlier this month. (Photo/Susan Garment)
“We couldn’t be more excited about this project,” says Westport Weston Family YMCA CEO Glen Hale.
“This facility will serve the entire town, from a child stepping on the ice for the first time to families enjoying a Friday night skate, to our high school teams finally having a home rink.”
A concrete floor can serve additional recreational purposes when the ice is not in use.
“We are grateful to the community members who have helped champion this project, and the many supporters who will help bring it to life,” Hale adds.
Russell Sherman — a project steering community member — says, “Westport is an amazing place that offers so much. But the one thing that’s always been missing since I grew up here has been a year-round ice rink for everyone to enjoy.
“The Red Barn was a place where Westport came together for decades. Now it will be again. We’re excited to create amazing memories on the same site, for generations to come.”
John McKinney is the Y’s board of trustees chair — and a fifth generation descendant of E.T. Bedford, who endowed and founded the Westport Y in 1923.
He says, “I know my family would be as excited as I am that we are building something that fits so well with our mission, and will have such a powerful impact on the community.”
Y board of directors president Juliane Sunderland says, “The Y has set a high standard for all the programs it runs. This will be no different.
“We are excited to add this facility to the Y’s offerings, and to serve even more families in Westport and the surrounding communities.”
A popular gathering spot, back in the day.
Y officials believe the Red Barn Arena will have a “positive complementary impact” on the outdoor PAL Rink at Longshore, which operates for 3 months each winter, by introducing more people to the joy of skating.
Plans for a capital campaign will be announced soon. That phase is expected to take a year and a half. Construction will take another 18 months.
Meanwhile, the Y will begin the permitting process. They note that while the current building sits in a floodplain, the new facility will be a bit away, out of that zone.
For project updates, renderings and more, click on the new website: RedBarnIceArena.com.
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The curriculum was demanding, but the growth happened in the small, quiet moments.
