On Wednesday, the Board of Finance unanimously voted to accept nearly $900,000 in federal funding, through a Safe Streets for All grant.
On November 10, the RTM will be asked to give final approval.
Walk Bike Westport — which has championed the grant — says, “board members asked thoughtful, challenging questions of the town’s Department of Public Works and consultant Tighe & Bond, emphasizing something we wholeheartedly agree with: Securing this funding is only the beginning. Making sure it’s spent wisely and leads to meaningful improvements is what matters most.”
Walk Bike Westport thanks 1st Selectman Kevin Christie, Public Works director Larry Roberts and town engineer Keith Wilberg for their presentations, and work on the proposal.
“We are proud to be part of this community and optimistic about the incredible potential Westport has to become a safer, more walkable and bikeable town,” organizers say.
Some of the participants in last year’s Bridge to Bridge walk.
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For a few weeks, residents have admired the town’s newest outdoor sculpture.
On Tuesday (October 13, 5 p.m.), Westport will formally welcome “The Couple,” with a reception at Riverside Park.
The sculpture was donated to the Westport Public Arts Collection by philanthropist and long-time Westporter Susan Malloy.
In 1991, she and her husband Edwin commissioned William King to create an aluminum 12-foot high 2-person grouping for their Dogwood Lane property.
After her death in 2015, “The Couple” was installed at Earthplace. When the Westport Arts Advisory Committee sought a more accessible and visible home for the work, they recommended Riverside Park.
The move was possible with the help of Susan’s family: granddaughter Meredith, son Timon and niece Ann Sheffer.
With support from Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department, the installation was completed in August.
WAAC oversees the installation and care of Westport’s sculptures and monuments. In addition to The Minuteman monument and Doughboy statue on Veterans Green, Westport maintains 15 sculptures on town and school property.
In 2024, WAAC initiated a “loan program” with area artists. For an annual stipend, sculptors loan their sculptures to Westport for 5 years.
Since 2024, WAAC has overseen the installation of 5 “borrowed” sculptures: “Passages” by Westporter Niki Ketchman (Pasacreta Park); “Tulip Bulb” by Emily Teal (Grace Salmon Park); “Egrets” by Babette Bloch (Canal Park); “Enso” by Mark Zaref (Eloise Ray Park), and “Queen of Hearts” by Carole Eisner (Westport Center for Senior Activities.) Click here for more information.
“The Couple,” at Riverside Park
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The weather is getting chillier. The Westport PAL Rink at Longshore is nearly ready to reopen.
And Mar Jennings is preparing to return as head coach and program director for the popular Learn to Skate program.
Jennings – a lifestyle expert, TV host and real estate agent — is also a world champion gold medalist. Under his leadership, the US Figure Skating-sanctioned program offers a welcoming, confidence-building environment for toddlers taking their first steps, youth developing competitive skills, and adults rediscovering their love of the ice.
The 10-week Learn to Skate curriculum provides progressive instruction, merit badge evaluations, and a supportive environment to nurture personal growth.
Westporter Sara Kempner is director of creative campaigns and collaborations at the US Vote Foundation. The nonpartisan non-profit helps millions of American citizens around the world cast ballots.
They get their message out in fun, creative ways. A recent campaign involved placing a QR code linked to voter registration on pizza boxes.
With flowers blooming behind Town Hall, and Connecticut’s new no-excuse absentee voting policy rolling out, Sara figured she’d feature her hometown in a national spot.
Click here or below for the result — starring local ballerina Isabella Corridon.
But that’s not all. Another reel will feature local yoga and Pilates teacher Vicki Lopez. She’ll show how breathing techniques can quell anxiety about voting (and how to use your time in the voting line well).
Three years after the October 7 attacks, Chabad of Westport will host Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, former chief of the IDF General Staff, for an important community conversation.
This will be one of his first public speaking engagements since stepping down as chief of staff a year and a half ago.
The event is November 2 (7:30 p.m.; sponsor reception at 6:45).
Halevi served as Israel’s top military commander for 515 days following October 7, leading the IDF through one of the most consequential periods in Israel’s history.
A few times a year, a few lucky folks get to share a private Saturday morning of movement, breakfast, conversation and community, on a rooftop overlooking the Saugatuck River.
Jennifer Ruspini offers a chance to “step away from the noise. Say hello to the neighbor you have not had time to meet. Move gently. Enjoy the morning without pressure, a sales pitch, or a crowded room.” It’s complimentary, too — with gifts from Southern Tide.
Yesterday was moving day for the Sherwood Mill Pond crane.
After many months — many more months than expected — repairing the tidal gates, the project seems to be nearing an end.
This scene in the Old Mill Beach parking lot was no doubt welcomed by many nearby residents — so long as the machinery is finally gone.
(Photo/Matt Murray)
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Jude Siegel grew up in Westport. Her father owned Westport Pharmacy downtown, across from the Library on Post Road East. Jude is a 1964 Staples High School graduate.
Since 1973, she has lived in Oregon — first on farms in the Willamette Valley, now in Portland.
She has long taught nature and bird journaling — a combination of drawing, watercolor and writing — to children and adults.
“This time of year,” she says, “I get homesick for the land, beaches and beauty of Connecticut.”
Of course, it is beautiful in Oregon too. Jude captures that beauty every year, in a watercolor and pen bird calendar she draws and produces.
“Birds bring such joy to our daily lives,” she notes. “It gives me peace to draw and paint them. I like the idea that they then go out on the calendar pages to people all over, and grace their lives as well.
This year’s calendar is now available for purchase. They’re $35 each, plus $5 per calendar for shipping. Email colorfuljude@gmail.com. (Originals are available for purchase. Just ask!)
One month, in Jude Siegel’s 2027 calendar.
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From nature to music: The next Christ & Holy Trinity Church “Music & Arts” event is New York Polyphony. The 4-part choral ensemble — called “larger and more complex than the sum of its parts” by NPR — performs on October 17 (5 p.m.). A reception follows.
And finally … on this date in 1701, the Collegiate School of Connecticut was chartered in Old Saybrook. Today we know it as Yale University, in New Haven.
(Happy 325th anniversary, Yale! You’re just 308 years older than “06880.” And while they have a $44.1 billion endowment, we don’t. To help us close the gap, please click here. Thank you!)
Last year, Walk Bike Westport sponsored a fall “Bridge to Bridge” walk.
Dozens of residents and politicians — hey, it was the height of campaign season — strolled from Jesup Green, over the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge, to Saugatuck.
They passed the Cribari Bridge, and had breakfast at Kneads.
The “Bridge to Bridge” event returns Sunday, October 18 — this time on wheels.
It begins at 3:30 p.m. with a bike safety talk. Then comes a 3-mile ride to Saugatuck, and back. Everyone ages 8 and up is welcome. Helmets are required.
The 2001 Staples High School graduate has just been named to Variety’s 2026 edition of its annual “10 Broadway Stars to Watch.”
Variety says: “Years ago, Duchan was warned not to expect success as a librettist until he was in his 40s: ‘I’ve always understood this career as something of an endurance test.’
“At 43, he’s making his Broadway debut with ‘Purple Rain,’ the stage version of the classic Prince album and film, about the rise of a tormented young musician known as the Kid. Duchan’s big break comes more than a decade after he emerged on the New York theater scene with 2012’s Off Broadway musical “Dogfight,” based on the 1991 movie starring River Phoenix. [Co-written by former Staples Player and friend Justin Paul.]
“’We’re trying to honor what’s singular about Prince while crafting a fictional character separate from him,’” Duchan says.
“An adept multitasker (and an expert at translating from screen to stage), Duchan is working on another major musical adaptation, ‘Practical Magic,’ based on the 1998 fantasy comedy starring Nicole Kidman and Sandra Bullock as witchy sisters.
“’These are just the two you know about!’ Duchan teases. ‘I spend all day, every day, thinking about musical-theater storytelling. If I haven’t clocked my 10,000 hours yet, I’ve gotta be pretty close.’”
After yesterday’s very active afternoon — including the Slice of Saugatuck, Westoberfest and Earthplace’s Fall Festival — the action continued at night.
The Westport Country Playhouse celebrated 95 years of entertainment with a high-energy gala.
From “Hamilton,” “Shrinking” and “The Wonder Years” to our own Kelli O’Hara and James Naughton, the stars were out in force.
The pre- and post-parties were off the charts too.
Gala performers (from left): Santino Fontana, Kelli O’Hara, James Naughton, Wendie Malick, NaTasha Yvetter Williams, Tamar Greene, Javier Muñoz, Patty McCormack, Dan Lauria. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Westport Pride — the town’s non-profit dedicated to creating an affirming, supportive LGBTQ+ community — “proudly” announces a leadership transition.
Liz Falk takes over as president; Kate Grodd is vice president. Brian McGunagle moves into the role of president emeritus.
McGunagle founded Westport Pride in 2020. Under his leadership the organization established the annual Westport Pride celebration, built partnerships with Westport’s public schools, and helped bring the town’s rainbow crosswalk to life.
He is stepping back from day-to-day leadership to focus on his family and new business ventures. He will also take a more active role in his sons’ PTA.
Falk has served on the Westport Pride board as treasurer. She has a background in non-profit and for-profit management and consulting, and has started and run small businesses.
The Staples boys soccer silent auction is halfway to its fundraising goal. Plenty of items are still available.
Among the highlights: Stowe and Okemo stays, Yankees tickets and memorabilia, performance training sessions, college consulting, wellness packages, and private soccer clinics with varsity players. (Who, by the way, are 9-0-0 so far this season.)
Proceeds help fund coaches, fields, equipment and other resources that keep the program running.
And finally … congratulations again to Peter Duchan (story above).
(Prince’s video has nearly 300 million views. We can’t match that at “06880.” Then again, we are a hyper-local blog. We’re here for you. If you enjoy our niche work, please click here to support it. Thanks!)
Last year, Earth Animal’s customers, neighbors and community partners raised $100,834.64 for their 19th annual Mitten Project.
The 6-figure funds addressed a major issue: food insecurity in the region.
This year’s goal is even more audacious: $115,000.
There are many ways to help.
Pumpkins for Good: From now through October 31, buy a pumpkin at Earth Animal. All proceeds benefit Connecticut Foodshare. Pumpkins come courtesy of Izzo’s Garden Center.
Pies for Good:From October 14 through November 19, order pies donated by Wakeman Town Farm ($25), plus Lindsay’s Handmade Ice Cream ($10/pint). Pickup is November 23, 4 to 7 p.m. at Earth Animal.
$5 Mitten Pin-up Fundraiser:Ongoing at Earth Animal.
Wreaths for Good & Santa: On December 5 (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.), stop in buy a holiday wreath, to support Connecticut Foodshare. Wreaths are courtesy of Izzo’s Garden Center. Santa will be on hand too!
Holiday Gifts that Give Back:Proceeds from shopping help too.
Shop & Give Community Events: From November 1 through December 24, local businesses choose a day to donate a portion of sales to The Mitten Project.
There’s a lot going on tomorrow in Westport: Westoberfest. Slice of Saugatuck. Earthplace’s Fall Festival. The Westport Country Playhouse Gala.
But you should make time on Saturday too, between noon and 4 p.m., to check out Compass’ new office. The hosts are KMS Team and Origin Point.
This is not just any space. They’ve moved into the iconic downtown building at the Post Road East/Church Lane merge most recently occupied by Patagonia. For decades before that, it was Westport Bank & Trust.
They’ve done a spectacular redesign. And they’ve saved the historic WPA murals that originally hung throughout the interior.
Enjoy season refreshments. And if you can, bring a non-perishable item for the Homes with Hope food pantry.
Family Fun Day(Saturday, October 10, 10 a.m. to noon): Free morning of music, movement, artmaking and gallery adventures for the whole family. Sing and dance with Jackie Jacobs, then get creative with artist and illustrator Erwin Ong. Click here to register, and for more information.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day Recess Camp(Monday, October 12, 9 a.m. to noon; $75): On their day off from school, children ages 5–10 can make art, explore the galleries, and connect with creativity, nature, and storytelling.Click here to register, and for more information.
Flash media stick and tabulator testing by the registrars of voters has been postponed from October 7. The new date is October 14 (10 a.m., Town Hall room 212D). The public is invited to observe until testing is complete.
Questions about anything voting related? Contact the registrars: Deborah Greenberg (Democrat), dgreenberg@westportct.gov (203-341-1116); Maria Louise Signore (Republican) msignore@westportct.gov (203-341-1117).
Westport resident Hedda Goldman died Sunday at home. She was 92.
She was a proud graduate of Bronx High School of Science and Clark University.
Hedda is survived by her daughters Melissa Goldman of New York City, and Amy Goldman of Novato, California; her son and daughter-in-law David Goldman and Margo Freedman of Santa Monica, Californi); grandchildren Morgan Chapman, Andrew Goldman and Alexa Goldman, and her great-granddaughter Willow Riley.
(We don’t need fields of gold. Just a check, PayPal or Zelle of whatever you think “06880” is worth — and whatever you can afford. Please click here. And thanks for thinking of us!)
There’s been a change to tonight’s (Thursday) Parks & Recreation Department forum on beach resiliency.
The 6:30 p.m. event — to discuss existing site conditions, potential beach profiles, and anticipated regulatory requirements — had been scheduled for Town Hall.
Sunny weather is predicted for this Saturday’s Slice of Saugatuck.
The event — postponed by last weekend’s nor’easter — runs from 2 to 5 p.m.
The family friendly event features food tastings, retail experiences, 7 bands, 4 bouncy houses, a balloon bender, face painter, antique fire truck as well 2 beer/wine gardens and more.
The price is $15 per adult, kids under 13 remains $5, with age 5 and under free. Only credit card or electronic payment will be accepted. All tickets are sold on site.
If it’s October, it’s time for a … Halloween story.
The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce’s annual Halloween Window Painting Contest is set for Saturday, October 24 (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Merchants offer their windows for painting. Kids paint them. There are prizes (gift certificates), and everyone enjoys the kids’ work. There’s no trick — what a treat!
Youngsters can request a window, or have one assigned to them. Painters supply their own water-based paint, drop clothes and brushes (and clean up when they’re done).
There are different age groups, for elementary and middle schoolers. Prizes are awarded for:
Two more great entertainers have been added to the lineup for Saturday’s Westport Country Playhouse gala.
Tamar Greene — Broadway’s longest-running George Washington in “Hamilton” — and Patty McCormack (“The Bad Seed”) join Santino Fontana, Dan Lauria, Wendie Malick, Javier Muñoz, James Naughton, Kelli O’Hara, and NaTasha Yvette Williams.
All will salute productions that have gone “from the page to the stage” at the Playhouse, since its founding in 1931.
A free “PopShop Market” pops up Saturday (October 3, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Westport Museum for History & Culture).
Independent boutiques, makers, designers and artisans offer women’s fashion, jewelry, accessories, vintage finds, home goods, gifts and more. See below for a full vendors’ list.
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Westport Police made 1 custodial arrest between September 23 and 29.
A 38-year-old Brooklyn man was charged with larceny and identity theft, following an investigation into a 2025 complaint of a fraudulent wire transfer of $89,000.He was held on a $100,000 bond.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Traveling unreasonably fast: 9 citations
Failure to obey state traffic commission regulations: 6
Failure to renew registration: 5
Texting while driving: 3
Unreadable plates: 1
Failure to obey stop sign: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 1
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There was plenty of food in the bird feeder.
But this guy couldn’t get it. So he’s looking elsewhere for a meal. Or to stock up for winter.
We’re impressed with 2 things, in today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature: His agility.
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