The Board of Finance voted unanimously yesterday to recommend a $275,000 payment to Hook’d.
That would enable the Compo Beach and Longshore concessionaire to leave their 10-year contract early — possibly this summer.
Details have not been finalized between Parks & Recreation director Erik Barbieri and the company. Westport’s Representative Town Meeting (RTM) must give its approval too to the agreement.
“06880” will keep you posted.
The door may close soon on Hook’d’s time in Westport. (Photo copyright DinkinESH Fotografix)
Speaking of food: When Harvest Wine Bar closed in August, the Railroad Place place promised it would reopen, with new partners joining the ownership. The menu would be Mediterranean-based, including seafood.
The new restaurant will be called Blu Olive. A Facebook post promises “beautifully plated dishes of fresh ingredients, meticulously curated wines, and sparkling ambience.”
NOTE: Blu Olive is no relation to Blu Parrot, the similarly oddly spelled, short-lived (2012-13) restaurant/bar/music venue that occupied what was once the longer-lived Arrow and Jasmine restaurants — and is now Riko’s Pizza — around the corner on Charles Street.
Coming soon: Blu Olive. The shutters may need to be replaced.
Speaking of Saugatuck: The annual Cribari Bridge lighting ceremony takes place tomorrow (Sunday, 6:30 p.m.).
But before the official flip of the switch, strands had to be replaced — and bulbs tested.
It took just 4 hours yesterday. Huge thanks to AJ Penna & Son Construction, Westport PAL and president Craig Bergamo, and the lights’ sponsors. (Hat tip: Andrew Colabella)
Volunteers, after testing the Cribari Bridge lights. From left: David Floyd, Robert Caporale, Kevin Ancker, Craig Bergamo, Andrew Colabella, Andrea Moore.
But being inducted into the Toy Industry Hall of Fame is a great honor. Congratulations to 2 new members: Melissa and Doug Bernstein.
The brains behind Melissa & Doug — the legendary business, founded in Westport — join honorees like Walt Disney, Sesame Street’s Joan Ganz Cooney, and leaders of companies like Mattel, Toys “R” Us, Milton Bradley and Hasbro.
Greg Ahearn, president and CEO of The Toy Association, says, “Melissa and Doug built a legacy of timeless, beautifully crafted wooden toys that have sparked imagination and discovery for decades.”
They’ll be honored February 13. The Toy Industry Hall of Fame is part of the Strong National Museum of Play in Rochester, New York.
Mar Jennings — the lifestyle guru/realtor/figure skating champion — posted this teaser on Instagram:
“The Minuteman statue isn’t just iconic — it’s part of our hometown heartbeat. A symbol of courage, readiness, and civic pride, he’s stood watch over Westport for generations. And now, I’m bringing him back into focus… because something extraordinary is about to happen.
“In the coming days, I’ll be sharing an announcement that’s close to my heart—one that uplifts our community, honors our legacy, and inspires the next generation to rise with purpose.
“For now, let the Minuteman stand tall in our minds. Good news is coming. And it’s coming home to Westport.”
That’s certainly intriguing.
But what’s even more compelling is the video that accompanied the announcement. Thanks to AI, it shows our Minute Man in a way we’ve never seen before. Click here. to watch.
Cat Malkin writes: “I know people are suffering with food insecurities. But their pets struggle too, because pets are important family members.
“When food runs out families may have to make heartbreaking choices, like surrendering their pets, who have been their comfort and emotional lifeline.
“Many pet parents will literally go hungry to keep their pets fed. Pet food is often the last thing families ask for, because they feel ashamed or guilty. A small donation of pet food can prevent a family from being torn apart.
“Homes with Hope is collecting canned dog and cat food, as well as dry food in bags weighing 25 pounds or less (larger bags are difficult for families to manage). Drop-offs can be made Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.”
Yogi Bear says “thank you!” (Photo/Cat Malkin)
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Speaking of Homes with Hope: Salon Dada celebrated its 5th anniversary by raising funds for Westport’s non-profit, dedicated to eliminating homelessness and food insecurity in Fairfield County.
For Salon Dada, this was not a one-shot deal. They offer free hair styles, color and treatments to any Homes with Hope clients.
“Amazing and generous people!” praises HwH CEO Helen McAlinden.
Salon Dada owners Benjamin Lagasse and Steven Gemignani, with Homes with Hope CEO and president Helen McAlinden.
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Westport’s first — and only — Board of Selectwomen held their final meeting of their 4-year terms Wednesday.
Second selectwoman snapped this selfie:
From left: Andrea Moore, Jen Tooker, Candice Savin — Westport’s 2nd, 1st and 3rd selectwomen, respectively.
Thank you all for your service!
The new Select Board — 1st selectman Kevin Christie, 2nd selectwoman Amy Wistreich and 3rd selectman Don O’Day — will be sworn in Monday (November 17, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall).
All other elected officials — including boards, commissions and the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) — will take the oath of office too.
The public is invited.
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For over 50 years, Positive Directions has offered professional therapy and substance abuse prevention services to everyone who needs it. They accept all insurances, and never turn away a client for inability to pay.
Every day, the staff helps people facing adversity. Their new interim executive director knows something about that.
Jessica Branson grew up in Westport, and graduated from Staples High School in 1996. Her father John is an Episcopal priest. Her mother Judyth is a therapist. She learned early the importance of listening, nurturing and empowering others.
After a year in a wheelchair, and much longer in physical therapy and rehab, she has regained her mobility and independence. Now she has even deeper empathy for people battling mental and physical health challenges.
The Weston History & Culture Center’s Coley House is decked out for Christmas.
Christmas during World War II, that is.
Tours of the historic home — decorated as it would have been in the 1940s, when the last 3 generations of the Coley family lived there — offer an intriguing look back.
After holiday treats made from wartime ration recipes in the visitors’ center, guests follow a tour guide — dressed in period costume — to the Coley House.
They’ll view authentic decorations; listen to original radio broadcasts with Bing Crosby and Judy Garland, and learn how World War II impacted holiday celebrations here.
And finally … in honor of Melissa and Doug Bernstein’s induction into the Toy Industry Hall of Fame (story above):
(From the Minute Man monument in motion to the Toy Industry Hall of Fame, “06880” is where Westport meets the world. We rely on reader support to do it. Please click here to help. Thank you!)
Long-time Westporter Scott Smith sees things the rest of us miss. Today, he sees the need for a flagpole. Scott writes:
This month, we honor our veterans and assess election results.
I hope it is not too early to turn our attention to an upcoming landmark event in our nation’s history. I’m talking about the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, to be celebrated on July 4, 2026.
Even in this divisive political time, I like to think that the one thing all Americans can rally around is the flag of the United States.
So here’s the idea: Let’s celebrate the semiquincentennial by erecting a tall new flagpole at the most prominent, historic spot in Westport — by the cannons at Compo Beach.
An iconic spot for a new flagpole? (Photo/Tim Woodruff)
There are 2 flagpoles at Compo. One is set inland among trees at the entrance, with a smaller flag at the lifeguard station along the boardwalk. Both strike me as underwhelming.
One current Compo Beach flagpole …
Given that it’s hard to see these flags from any distance, wouldn’t it be swell if the town had a great big American flag, and Westport’s too, for all to see?
,,, and another.
A new flagpole off Cedar Point would complement the cannons, while serving as a navigational aid and eye-catching marker for meetups. As an old analog guy, and longtime boater and kayaker, I’ve long sought out fluttering flags to gauge wind and weather.
Flying the town’s “Minute Man” flag in addition to Old Glory would also be a fine way to salute the brave patriots who battled the British after their landing at Compo in April 1777, then fought the Redcoats again after their return from destroying the colonial depot in Danbury.
As it happens, the town may already have a flagpole on standby. On a trip to the yard waste dump on Bayberry Lane this summer, I noticed a sizable metal pole rusting away in a weedy back corner of the lot. Perhaps it can be refurbished and returned to service.
Flagpole at the yard waste station. (Photos/Scott Smith unless otherwise noted)
What say we run this idea up the proverbial — and perhaps literal — flagpole with Westport’s new first selectman Kevin Christie?
Then we can all have something to salute at next year’s Independence Day fireworks at Compo Beach.
(The “06880” Opinion page is open to all readers. Send submissions to 06880blog@gmail.com.)
Very few people love — or even like — Hook’d (aka “Bluestone”), the concessionaire at Compo Beach and Longshore.
So tomorrow’s Board of Finance special meeting agenda (Friday, November 14, 10 a.m., Zoom) caught our eye.
The session begins with an executive session “to discuss the lease by the Town to Hooked On The Sound LLC regarding the food service operations at Compo Beach Pavilion, Longshore Pavilion and the Halfway House at Longshore Club Park.
That’s followed by a public session: “Discussion and potential vote to approve a Lease Termination Agreement between the Town and Hooked On The Sound LLC regarding the food service operations at Compo Beach Pavilion, Longshore Pavilion and the Halfway House at Longshore Club Park.”
Will Hook’d get the hook? Will they be let off the hook?
Stay tuned — via Zoom.
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A US president has 2 1/2 months after the election before taking the oath of office.
A Westport first selectman has 13 days.
The swearing in ceremony for the Board of Selectpersons — and all other elected town boards, commissions and the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) — is this Monday (November 17, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall).
The public is invited, to see democracy in action.
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HB 5002 — a controversial bill that would have eliminated much local control over affordable housing — was vetoed by Governor Lamont in June.
But yesterday, the state House of Representatives voted 90-56 in favor of a replacement bill.
According to CT Mirror, it “requires towns to create housing growth programs, changes minimum off-street parking requirements, expands fair rent commissions and incentivizes towns to take steps to allow more housing, among other measures.
Sure, you could travel above the Arctic Circle to see the Northern Lights.
Or you could step outside your Westport home.
They’ve been visible lately, due to a powerful geomagnetic storm resulting from recent solar activity. Favorable conditions should continue through Friday.
This was the scene Tuesday night, outside RB Benson’s Compo Hill home:
Despite more hazards than ever, drivers are thrilled that work has resumed on the Post Road project, between the Volvo dealership and Sakura.
It’s been stalled since the Nixon administration.
The new spasm of activity includes not just milling, paving and lights.
A new bus shelter is also being built, at the corner of Rayfield Road just before Cava and Westport Hardware.
Another is going up across the street, in front of Fresh Market.
That’s great news for the employees of area businesses who — since before the Nixon administration — have had to wait, unprotected, in all kinds of weather.
Looks like the shelters will be used well — and soon.
The curtain rises tonight (Thursday) on Staples Players’ record 10-performance run of “Les Misérables.”
As they always do, they’re tying their shows in with a good cause.
This year, it’s Homes with Hope’s food pantry. The drama troupe will be collecting non-perishable items (peanut butter and jelly, pasta and sauce, cereal, oatmeal, pancake mix, coffee, tea, condiments, spices, soup, tuna, canned veggies and fruit and chicken and beans, baking items, cooking oil, hamburger helper, toiletries and personal care items) before each show.
It’s their way of making life less miserable, for neighbors in need.
Now, millions of Lucia Gulbransen’s social media followers know it too.
The Westport-based stylist and influencer recently teamed up with local photographer and realtor Michael Chait. He shot fall fashions, using the 19th-century former town meeting hall/bank/newspaper office/furniture store/ boutique hotel and soon-to-be AIG office building as a backdrop.]
Lucia’s “wearing vs. styling” reel reached 3.5 million views.
Lucia Gulbransen (Photo/Michael Chait)
Lucia and Michael are continuing to take photos around Westport, capturing the beauty all around us.
Lucia can be found on Instagram @luciagulbransen, and at her website. Michael is @michaelchait_realtor, and his website.
Westporters are also very familiar with Mar Jennings.
We know him for his or his hit show “Life on Mar’s: The Home Makeover Show”; his bestselling book series, and his award-winning real estate team.
But he’s also an Ice Skating Institute World Recreational Championship gold medalist.
And he’s bringing his talents to the Westport PAL rink at Longshore.
The Parks & Recreation Department has just named Jennings head coach and program director of the Learn to Skate program.
Westport Parks & Recreation is proud to announce that Mar Jennings—America’s Top Lifestyle Expert, Emmy®-nominated television host, bestselling author, and World Championship gold medalist—has been named Head Coach and Program Director of our 2025-2026 Learn to Skate program.
Parks & Rec recreation superintendent Carm Roda says, “His appointment marks a new chapter for the program, which follows the US Figure Skating Basic Skills curriculum, and serves skaters of all ages and abilities.
“His passion for skating, his commitment to youth development, and his deep ties to Westport make him the ideal leader for this program.”
The 10-week Learn to Skate program, for ages 3 and up, offers structured instruction, merit badge evaluations, and a supportive environment for growth. All students — whether skating for fun or aspiring to compete — are welcome.
The next Veterans Benefits Luncheon is today (Thursday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.), VFW Post 399).
It’s open to all veterans as part of an ongoing effort to check in on all veterans’ welfare, and connect them with the benefits and support they earned.
Representatives will answer questions, and provide information on services and assistance available to veterans.
RSVPs are encouraged (but not required). Email vfw399ct@gmail.com, and include the number of attendees, or call (203) 227-6796.
PS: If you’re not a veteran, but know one: Please pass the word!
The Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport shows off members and friends’ artistic talents this weekend.
And everyone is invited.
The “UU Art & You” exhibit and sale begins with a reception tomorrow (Friday, 6 p.m.). Weekend hours are Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 3 p.m.
Some items are for sale. Others are shared, “in the spirit of community and a love of creating beauty.”
Andrew Graham’s “Torment” is one of many works on display.
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Westport Police made 1 custodial arrest between November 5 and 11.
A 27-year-old Waterbury man was charged with reckless driving and engaging police in pursuit, after an investigation into a May 31 incident.
A Westport officer spotted a vehicle traveling southbound on Wilton Road near Newtown Turnpike, whose operator was wanted for charges by Stamford Police and other agencies. The driver disregarded a signal to stop, driving recklessly while continuing south on the Merritt Parkway. In Norwalk, the vehicle was involved in an accident, and was taken into custody. Last Friday, appearing in court in Hartford on an unrelated matter, he was taken into custody relative to the outstanding warrant for his arrest here. He was released on $50,000 bond.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Traveling unreasonably fast (8 citations)
Speeding in a school zone: 3
Driving while texting: 2
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 2
Failure to obey state traffic commission regulations: 2
Disorderly conduct: 1
Speeding: 1
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
Operating a unregistered motor vehicle: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
Failure to renew registration: 1
Failure to insure a motor vehicle: 1
Failure to drive in the proper lane: 1
Failure to drive right: 1.
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There’s nothing like eye contact for an intimate conversation.
These 2 friends — or more?! — were deeply engrossed the other day, in the Saugatuck River.
Dayle Brownstein did not want to interrupt, but took this stealthy photo for our “Westport … Naturally” feature.
And finally … to celebrate tonight’s opening of Staples Players’ “Les Mis” (item above):
(There is so much going on in Westport these days — well, there always is. In addition to reading all about it on “06880,” please take 12 seconds to click here and support our work. Thank you!)
You know all those daffodils that make Westport look so beautiful every spring?
They didn’t just fall from the sky.
They weren’t even planted randomly.
They’re part of a years-long project. Debra Kandrak — the energetic visionary behind it — says: “Once again fall is upon us. Before the weather gets too cold, we need to plant daffodils all around town for our traditional community-wide event called ‘Paint the Town Yellow!’
“I started this years ago to remember loved ones who have passed on, including our fur babies.
“It has been well received over the years. Residents, businesses and local community groups participate, and for that I say thank you. So let’s keep the tradition going and plant more!”
Daffodils have already been planted in many areas, like traffic islands, the Minute Man Monument, Compo Beach, and (of course) Willowbrook Cemetery.
More can be planted just about anywhere. A great place is the edge of your property, by a road,
This is a great time of year. And there’s only a few months until spring.
Daffodils on Riverside Avenue. (Photo/Debra Kandrak)
Speaking of how good Westport looks: The outdoor sculptures just keep coming.
“Queen of Hearts” — the newest addition — will be dedicated on Wednesday (3 p.m.), at the Senior Center.
Artist Carole Eisner will share the inspiration behind her work — one of hundreds of sculptures and paintings showcased in parks, museums and gardens throughout the Northeast.
Suzanne Sheridan will sing a song she wrote specially for the occasion.
The Westport Arts Advisory Committee is — as always — behind the outdoor art project, which is sponsored by the Friends of the Center for Senior Activities.
“Queen of Hearts” by Carole Eisner, at the Senior Center.
Quietly but consistently, the Westport Library’s Common Ground Initiative has been offering programs that enhance positive, respectful and constructive conversations on challenging and/or controversial issues.
Up next this Thursday: a “Community Conversation on Understanding Jewish Identity, Antisemitism, and Allyship” (November 13, 7 to 8:30 p.m.).
Project Shema — a training and support organization — will lead a presentation and Q-and-A that provides historical and modern realities of antisemitism, emphasizing its evolving expression in contemporary culture and politics.
The evening will provide “an accessible but powerful introduction to the historical and modern realities of antisemitism, with an emphasis on its evolving expression in contemporary culture and politics. By creating space for collective reflection and inquiry, the evening aims to foster a shared vocabulary and a common starting point for deeper community dialogue.”
The goal is to promote a better understanding of the effects and impacts of antisemitism, to strengthen allyship for and within the Jewish community, to gain a greater appreciation of different lived experiences, and to increase awareness, promote empathy, and encourage dialogue.
“Allyship” is a key element of the Common Ground event. Everyone is welcome, including Westport residents of all faiths, families, clergy members, and anyone who wants to learn more about antisemitism in an open and welcoming environment.
SNAP benefit reductions during the government shutdown have caused long lines at local food pantries.
Quickly, AWARE (Assisting Women through Action, Resources & Education) high school students took action.
AWARE clubs in Fairfield County — including Staples and Weston — organized a food drive.
They collected kid-friendly snacks, pasta, peanut butter and other pantry staples. Volunteers then gathered for a joint packing event to assemble bags for families served by Homes with Hope.
The Staples High School swim and dive team sophomore made waves last week, breaking a 26-year-old diving record at the CIAC Class “LL” (extra large schools) state championship.
She scored 456.50 points on the 1-meter, 11-dive event, surpassing the previous record of 452.75 set in 1999 by Corey Pagnotta. Her performance earned All-LL State and All-America honors.
Teammates Mikaela Snow and Avery Nissenson also qualified for the LL meet.
Mogelof’s record came under new Staples swim and dive coach Grace Slama. Next up for her: This week’s state open championship.
To learn more about Staples’ girls (fall) and boys (winter) swim and dive teams, email head coach Mike Anderson: swimmike@usa.net.
Congratulations too to Staples cross country runner Sarah Bogdan. The Wreckers’ first runner since 2016 to qualify for the New England Championship, she ran a great race and finished 6th, at Vermont’s Thetford Academy. Click here, then scroll down for a video.
Sarah Bogdan, at the New England Championships. (Photo courtesy of MySportsResults.com)
Speaking still of sports: It’s a big week for 2 Staples teams.
Both field hockey and boys soccer compete in the state tournament semifinals tomorrow.
Coach Ian Tapsall’s field hockey girls — seeded #1 in the state “L” tourney — take on #4 Fairfield Ludlowe Tuesday, 4 p.m. at Brien McMahon High School.
Coach Liam Witham’s soccer boys — #4 in the “LL” competition — meet #9 Hall-West Hartford at Newtown on Tuesday at 7 p.m.
This afternoon at the Fairfield Library (Monday, 4 p.m.), Ukraine Aid International founders and team members offer “Stories of Connection: Connecticut the Donetsk Region, Building Bridges of Hope Together.”
Our state, and the Donetsk oblast in Ukraine, have built powerful partnerships. Behind it is UAI — created by Westporters Brian and Marshall Mayer, backed by many local residents.
Despite the existence of a fence, it can be confusing to know where dogs are allowed on leash, or off leash, at Compo Beach — and where they are not allowed at all.
Fortunately, the Parks & Recreation Department has posted a clear, aerial map showing the 3 different areas:
Unfortunately, it hangs too high for dogs to see it.
But at least they can read the sign.
(Photos/DinkinESH Fotografix)
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Speaking of Compo: A few yards away, this was the scene on a basketball court:
(Photo/Tammy Barry)
Some people must have time on their hands.
Way too much time.
As anyone who has ever tried to move one of those benches knows: They’re heavy!
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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” image shows a Cooper’s hawk, on Diane Lowman’s deck.
She did not have to snap her photo quickly. The bird sat on the railing — posing — for nearly 30 minutes. “What a treat!” Diane says.
And finally … when you saw the name of the sculpture being dedicated at the Senior Center this week (item near the top of this Roundup), you had to know this song was coming:
(Arts, sports, the beach … it’s your usual mix of Westport stories, in the Roundup. If you enjoy this daily feature — and who doesn’t? — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
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