But the 3 candidates for 1st selectman — and the 2 vying for 2nd selectwoman — came together yesterday, at Homes with Hope’s Halloween party.
The event was at 122 Wilton Road — the 19-unit apartment building that opened a year ago.
“A great time was had by all,” says Homes with Home CEO and president Helen McAlinden. “This shows real community spirit!”
Clockwise from lower left: Andrea Moore, Don O’Day, David Rosenwaks, Katie Weldy, Amy Wistreich, Kevin Christie, Amanda Sayegh (pink). Weldy and Sayegh are with Homes with Hope; all the others are on the ballot.
One more reminder: There are still a few tickets left for our 3rd annual “Historic Homes of 06880” tour.
This Sunday’s event (November 2, 1 to 4 p.m.) includes 4 very cool (and different) homes: 221 Greens Farms Road; its Bedford-family neighbor at 249 Greens Farms Road; 155 Long Lots Road, and 209 Wilton Road. Click here for details of each historic house.
In his first months as Parks & Recreation Department director, Erik Barbieri has earned great reviews.
Among the many reasons: He’s quick to respond to residents.
A few days ago, Michael Diggin contacted Barbieri about the kayaks at Compo Beach. Specifically, Diggin asked: When will more storage racks be added? Since many kayaks are now 9 feet, could narrower racks be added? Could a security camera be installed? And could the grass be mowed more often, to discourage ticks?
Barbieri responded quickly. He said: More racks will be added next year. The Parks & Rec staff will work with Diggin to modify one to suit his needs. Barbieri will review the twice-weekly mowing, once-weekly weed whacking schedule. He is working with Westport’s new IT director to look at camera systems overall.
The director concluded, “Thanks for reaching out, and providing input and feedback on our operations. We can’t always do everything, but are always willing to take a deeper look at items like these.”
Families and caregivers of neurodiverse middle and high school students are invited to a special “Learn without Limits” presentation and open house, at the Westport Weston Family YMCA.
The 6:30 p.m. event on Monday (November 3) includes practical strategies to support students in and out of the classroom. It also introduces Westporter Jake Sussman’s great Superpower Mentors program.
Tomorrow’s trash pickup takes place at Compo Beach. The day-after-Halloween date and site are intentional.
At 11 a.m. on Saturday, volunteers will meet at the cannons. They’ll spread out to clean up the area — including Soundview Drive.
After tonight’s trick-or-treating in the neighborhood, there should be plenty to clean up. The event is organized by Rachel Precious.
Sometimes, even the nicest people leave trash at the beach. (Photo/Sunil Hirani)
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Timing is everything.
Earlier this week — before yesterday’s rain and wind — Wakeman Town Farm hosted their annual Halloween Tot Parade.
Little superheroes, ghosts and cartoon characters paraded around the grounds, to spooky music, met the Farm’s animals, visited Trader Joe’s mini-pumpkin patch, and enjoyed cupcakes from BabyCakesNYC.
Westport Police made 1 custodial arrest between October 22 and 28.
In addition to the arrest for motor vehicle theft and firearm possession reported earlier, a 26-year-old Westport woman was charged with disorderly conduct and violation of a criminal protective order, following the investigation of a disturbance.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Traveling unreasonably fast: 4 citations
Distracted driving: 3
Evading responsibility: 1
Speeding: 1
Failure to obey stop sign: 1
Failure to rive in the proper lane: 1
Improper turns: 1
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Former Westporter Adé Van Duyn died on October 17, passed away, surrounded by her children Keven, Caroly, Maren and Nielsen, and close friend Katherine Paulhus. She was 98.
Her family says “her optimism and humor at every bend in the road inspired all to expand their horizons, and act with compassion.”
The Essen, Germany native graduated from the Royal Academy of Art in the Hague, Netherlands.
Influenced by the vibrant post-World War II art scene there, her early works conveyed the impact of war, and the resurrection of life. She sailed across the Atlantic to join Gerard, her creative soulmate, in Ontario, Canada.
They created screen titles, illustrations, storyboards and sets in the early days of television. Their family drove to Burbank, California where Gerard pursued film while Adé sketched their young children.
In 1962 the Van Duyns arrived in Westport, and established an industrial design firm on Hillspoint Road. Adé welcomed neighborhood children to artmaking. She also collaborated with progressive educator Rose Park, leading to a career as a recreation director at Mediplex of Westport. Dynamic programming (including audio-visual presentations) replaced traditional crafts. Families and patients joined for festive holiday events.
Adept at problem solving, and reveling in nature, she canoed, sailed, hiked and camped, in all weather. Wildflowers, trees and oceans inspired Adé as a plein air painter. She was a member of the Black Rock Art Guild. Her paintings captured scenes of disappearing Saugatuck. She sang in the Unitarian Church choir, and participated in its Shawl Ministry. Adé’s final works are magnificent stained glass windows.
Adé Van Duyn
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Another fall day, another chance to appreciate the beauty of the season.
(It’s no trick that “06880” has kept you informed — 24/7/365 — since 2009. It’s our job, and we love it. But it would be a nice treat if you clicked here, and showed us a little love. Thank you all!)
When Nick Quatrano was young, he wanted to be a golf course superintendent.
He majored in crop and soil science at Virginia Tech. He graduated, became superintendent of a Ridgefield golf club, and loved it.
After 5 years he was offered a chance to manage his wife’s family’s 30-acre farm in Watertown, so her parents could retire.
When their first child was born, he stepped away from the daily stress of farming. He landed a job as property manager on a private estate in Mt. Kisco, New York, overseeing all turf, gardening and landscaping. That led to a role as superintendent of buildings and grounds at Quinnipiac College.
In May, Quatrano became Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department’s parks superintendent. He’s in charge of hundreds of acres of parks, including Winslow and Baron’s South, along with Compo and other beaches. And Longshore.
So — among many other responsibilities — Quatrano really is a golf course superintendent.
Nick Quatrano, in his Parks & Rec office.
His current job is his “ideal job.”
He took over the position — vacant since the departure of well-regarded Michael West — as the parks’ busy summer season began. He inherited a “tremendous” team — in the Parks & Rec office, and on his maintenance crew — and dove right in.
Beaches are a new responsibility for him. “It’s been cool to learn,” he says. “Water adds such an element of challenge. But it’s a tremendous resource. It’s beautiful. And it adds so much value to the town.”
There is plenty of work to be done on land too, of course. “It’s no mystery that deferred maintenance needs to take place,” he notes.
Another area of attention is ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance. Many of Westport’s facilities lag behind.
The new Compo Beach playground is ADA-compliant. But many other facilities in town are not. (Photo/DinkinESH Fotografix)
“It’s of paramount importance to (Parks & Rec director) Erik Barbieri, and the whole department. It’s a big factor in how projects will get designed.”
The town’s athletic fields are an important part of the parks superintendent’s portfolio. Quatrano knows they are over-used, and often poorly irrigated.
He also knows there support in town for artificial turf, at several sites.
Wakeman Field (center left) has synthetic turf. The field to its east (center bottom) is grass. It is rutted, and often closed after even slight rain. (Drone photo/David Pogue)
Quatrano calls himself “a plant and soil nerd. I like taking care of grass. I prefer it, if all the variables are within my control.”
However, he adds, “I see the advantages of synthetic fields. They can be used in all kinds of weather.
“I understand it’s a divisive topic in town. We have to strike a balance, between managing what we have and best serving everyone’s needs.
“We have to figure out how many synthetic fields we need. If we add more, we can rest our grass fields and get the optimal use out of them.”
The ultimate decision, he says, is “a question for the operations people.”
Quatrano has walked the Baron’s South property several times. He appreciates the work being done near the Senior Center, but because of the challenging topography sees the rest of the 23-acre property as a “passive park.”
“It’s overgrown with invasives,” the parks superintendent says. “We need a balance between naturalized and manicured areas.” He would like to see a “nice woodland garden, with native trees and improved walking trails.”
Baron’s South: 23 acres, a few steps from downtown Westport. (Photo/Wendy Crowther)
Also on Quatrano’s to-do list: collaborating on the master plan, and upgrading the 4 playgrounds under Parks & Rec’s purview.
The parks superintendent hears many opinions — often competing, even contradictory — from other public officials, and many private citizens.
He appreciates feedback, and finds it helpful to field calls and read emails.
“Citizens know these properties best,” Quatrano says. “There are 25,000 pairs of eyes here. I get photos every day of issues people see.” They includes “trash in the river by the Levitt Pavilion, tree branches above a picnic table — you name it, I hear about it.”
He recently heard about the shabby condition of the Kings Highway cemetery, on the Wilton Road corner, from a Westport resident.
Though Parks & Rec has not been directly responsible for its upkeep, Quatrano sent a crew.
“It’s a tricky property. There’s no access for equipment. All the work has to be done by hand,” he says.
The work got done. Brush was removed; it’s safer and more sightly now. He hopes to get a state grant to restore some of the headstone too.
Kings Highway cemetery, after Parks & Rec clean-up. (Photo/Harris Falk)
So — after nearly 6 months on the job — what is Quatrano’s favorite park in town?
“I really like Wadsworth Arboretum,” he says, about the 12 acres of woods and trails adjacent to Earthplace. “It’s peaceful.”
He also enjoys Grace K. Salmon Park, by the Saugatuck River on Imperial Avenue. “You can walk to town, and the Farmers’ Market.
“Plus, it’s quiet. It’s tough to find quiet space in this town.”
(“06880” gives readers the story behind the story — of people, programs, places and more. If you enjoy this hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
In 2023, Mandy Patinkin sold out the Westport Country Playhouse.
His November 21 show is sure to do the same.
The Tony- and Emmy-winning star (“The Princess Pride,” “Yentl,” “Dick Tracy”) returns to the Westport stage in “Jukebox.” The show features classic musical numbers, hand-picked by Patinkin and presented in his own special style.
A powerful documentary about dyslexia will be shown tonight (Monday, 6:30 p.m.) at Wakeman Town Farm.
“Left Behind” tells the story of a group of passionate mothers who unite to create the first public dyslexic school in New York City.
After the screening Ilse Werther, a dyslexia learning specialist and parent of a dyslexic child, will lead a discussion on how families can find support. Click here to register, and for more information.
This Wednesday (October 29, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., VFW Post 399, 465 Riverside Avenue), you’ll leave with even more: a $10 e-gift card, and a chance at one of 3 $5,000 prizes.
To schedule an appointment, call 1-800-733-2767, or click here, then enter VFWWestport.
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The Compo Beach neighborhood is all in for Halloween decorations.
For good reason: It’s one of the most popular trick-or-treating destinations in town. (Gone, apparently, are the days when kids roamed their own, less dense neighborhoods.)
This was the scene — a treat for passersby — Saturday, on Bradley Street:
(Photo/Carrie Kuhn)
But Mother Nature — or someone — pulled a trick.
The ginormous pumpkin lost its mooring, and skittered down Fairfield Avenue. It almost reached the water.
Neighbors came to the rescue, and helped the Great Pumpkin home.
(Photos/Lana Diggin)
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This video will come as no surprise to anyone who has spent more than 12 seconds in Westport: Drivers run red lights.
But it’s a good reminder to heed the old “Hill Street Blues” warning: “Be careful out there.”
And — as Matt Murray, who sent the video to “06880” notes — it’s also a good reason to have a dash cam. If he had hit the driver cruising blithely through on Post Road East at Compo Road South, the evidence would have been clear.
Speaking of entitled drivers: There was a party this weekend on a street off Roseville Road.
This guy (or gal) parked on someone else’s lawn — not pulling a few inches on the lawn, but this way:
The non-party host says: “This person drove in between the reflector poles we put up, to deter cars from parking on our lawn (it breaks the sprinkler heads).”
But it beats parking behind another car, probably 20 yards down the road. Because yeah, the weather looks really nasty.
But hey: It’s not only drivers who don’t give a s— about other people.
This was the scene yesterday at Compo Beach:
Diane Lowman — who spotted the droppings — says, “There was a trash can 10 yards away. And 3 within tossing distance.”
She placed the poop carefully in the closest one. Amazingly, it was not too difficult.
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Yesterday’s 10th annual Westport Arts Advisory Committee’s 10th annual TEA Talk — the acronym stands for “Thinkers, Educators, Artists” — was called “Seeing is Deceiving: A Search for Visual Perspective.”
Pulitzer Prize-winning (and Staples High graduate) Spencer Platt, Westport Police detective (and drone photographer) Rachel Hall, and Norwalk street photographer Butch Quick offered insights into their work.
It took Hall 4 years to get a Compo Beach photo, she said. Then she demonstrated the drone she used.
Famed lenticular photographer Miggs Burroughs delivered the keynote address.
Through the first 7 days of early voting, 5.41% of eligible Westport voters have cast ballots.
The breakdown:
Democrats: 630 of 7,953 eligible voters (7.92%)
Republicans: 150 of 3,338 eligible voters (4.49%)
Unaffiliated: 245 of 7,581 eligible voters (3.23%)
Early voting continues this week, also at Town Hall:
Monday, October 27 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tuesday, October 28 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Wednesday, October 29 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Thursday, October 30 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday, October 31 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday, November 1 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday, November 2 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Speaking of the election: All 3 candidates for first selectman, and the 2 second selectwoman candidates, recently took rides on Wheels2U.
All also praised the Westport Transit District’s on-demand, door-to-door service to the train stations, Senior Center, Farmers’ Market and Library at Jesup Green.
Each posted a complimentary video on their campaign websites.
Don O’Day calls Wheels2U “a very convenient thing to use. It is designed to really help reduce congestion and traffic in town. It is definitely something you should check out.” Running mate Andrea Moore adds, “It’s super easy to use!”
David Rosenwaks says, “I really hope people start using the service more and more. We can accomplish a lot of things with programs like Wheels2U.“
Kevin Christie notes, “With the stop at the Library there’s so much access to the Levitt, Main Street and more.” Running mate Amy Wistreich points out, “It’s not just for commuters. You can take this to go to Saugatuck for dinner. I love this idea!”
A super (and super-special) networking event takes place November 6 (United Methodist Church of Westport and Weston, 7 to 9 a.m.).
The Westport chapter of Business Network International is looking for new members, in select categories. There are already 50 members — but only one is allowed per profession.
There are openings for general contractor, commercial builder, architect (renovations/additions), painter, HVAC, roofer/gutters, security system provider, estate planning attorney, family lawyer/divorce mediator, physical therapist, occupational therapist, acupuncturist,personal trainer, commercial real estate, elder care consultant, event/wedding planner, travel/tour operator, and other categories.
For years, the Fairfield County Story Lab has built a collaborative environment for writers of all backgrounds and experience levels. They provide scholarships, mentorships and workshops to help all writers connect through storytelling, on the page, the stage and beyond.
They are hosting a fundraiser — a women-only dance party to benefit a new non-profit, Stories Connect Fairfield County — on November 14 (6-9 p.m., 85 Mill Plain Road, Fairfield). Click here for tickets, and more information.
Sandra Wagenfeld died peacefully from cardiac arrest at her Westport home last Monday. She was 85.
The Dallas native graduated from North Texas State University with a degree in English. She was a proud member of Delta Gamma sorority.
After joining American Airlines as a flight attendant Sandra moved to the New York area in the early 1960s, where she met her future husband, lawyer Robert Wagenfeld.
They were devoted supporters of the arts, particularly opera. Sandra worked in management at the Staten Island Council on the Arts, and for the Erick Hawkins Dance Company. She then founded Swing Shift, an administrative employment agency with offices in New York and Greenwich.
After moving to Westport in 1988 Sandra became active in politics, lending her time and fundraising expertise to local and national campaigns. After her husband’s death in 1996, she continued to pursue many philanthropic activities.
She was pre-deceased by her brother, Duron Alvin Dainwood.
There will be a graveside ceremony on November 1 (10:30 a.m., Willowbrook Cemetery).
In lieu of flowers, consider a gift to the Sandra Wagenfeld Fund at the Campaign School at Yale. It will be used for tuition scholarship support, and to sponsor 1-day candidate training programs throughout the US.
And finally … based on the photo above, you probably knew this was coming:
(Another Monday, the start of another week of Roundups. If you learn anything about our town — including an event you would have missed — on this blog, please click here to support us. Thank you!)
Around the globe, there are reasons for fear and grief.
Westport is not immune.
At the same time, we are blessed. No matter what our circumstances or concerns, we are surrounded by breathtaking beauty.
Fall is a spectacular time here. Despite everything else going on — elections, work, a government shutdown, wars and much more — we should all take time to appreciate the wonders of our time.
This morning, “06880” photographer John Maloney helps us do just that.
The good news: The decade-long Post Road project may be coming to end.
The bad news: Starting this weekend, and continuing for a week (or more), US 1 will be more difficult to navigate than ever.
The Connecticut Department of Transportation begins its “final paving and milling phase” tomorrow (Sunday).
Work will start at the Sherwood Island Connector, and continue west through Westport toward Norwalk.
Expect lane closures, alternating traffic and reduced speeds.
Manhole covers and catch basin tops will be temporarily raised. Be alert!
And, DOT says: “Be patient. This long-awaited final phase will deliver smoother roads and improved drainage once complete.” (Hat tip: Andrew Colabella)
A walk in the park, compared to what’s coming down the pike this week. (Photo/Jerri Graham)
It’s late notice, but important: Today (Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.), Westport is participating in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.
Westport Police and the Drug Enforcement Agency are collecting tablets, capsules, patches and other solid forms of old, unwanted and expired prescription drugs. The collection site is the Senior Center.
They will NOT accept syringes, sharps or illicit drugs. Liquid products like cough syrup should remain sealed in original containers. For more information, click here.
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Through the first 5 days of early voting, 4.54 % of eligible Westport voters have cast ballots.
The breakdown:
Democrats: 531 of 7,952 eligible voters (6.68%)
Republicans: 123 of 3,338 eligible voters (3.68%)
Unaffiliated: 204 of 7,581 eligible voters (2.69%)
Early voting continues this weekend, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Town Hall.
The early voting schedule next week, also at Town Hall:
Monday, October 27 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Tuesday, October 28 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Wednesday, October 29 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Thursday, October 30 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Friday, October 31 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Saturday, November 1 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Sunday, November 2 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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Westporters may know Tom Greenwald as a young adult author, and youth sports expert.
But the 1979 Staples High School graduate is also co-founder of SpotCo. The ad agency — specializing in theater clients — has created some of Broadway’s classic (and most successful) campaigns, including “Hamilton,” “Hadestown” and “Rent.”
(You think those shows just sold themselves?!)
Now Greenwald is co-host of a podcast. “The Show Must Go on Sale!” launched yesterday.
The cleverly named podcast (these guys are good!) is the first ever dedicated specifically to Broadway advertising and marketing. Producers, general managers, press agents, ad execs and more will chat about the ups, downs, fun and frustrations of convincing audiences to buy a ticket (+3 = Family Pack!) to a live performance.
“I’ve been doing this for close to 30 years, which makes me somewhat qualified to understand how fantastic and futile, magical and maddening it is to sell Broadway shows for a living,” Greenwald says.
“I can’t wait to talk to all sorts of absurdly optimistic theater people to see if they feel the same way.”
“The Show Must Go on Sale!” is available at all the usual podcast platforms. Click here or below for the first episode.
Speaking of entertainment: George Barrett has lived many lives.
The 1973 Staples High School graduate has been a teacher, athlete and Fortune 100 CEO.
The former Orphenian is also a very talented singer/songwriter, who grew up in a home filled with classical, folk, rock, blues and jazz.
After honing his skills as a session singer and performer in Greenwich Village, Barrett took a detour into the top ranks of the healthcare industry.
But his life took a significant turn in 2022, when he reconnected with musician/ composer/producer/Grammy-winning 1971 Staples grad Brian Keane. They’ve collaborated on 2 albums. The second, “Rearrange Things” (released this fall) was recorded largely in Connecticut, as Barrett reconnected with Westport.
On November 16 (2 p.m.), Barrett and Keane take to the Westport Library stage. They’ll chat about their unique life journeys and unexpected reunion — hosted by “06880”‘s Dan Woog, who has known both for over 50 years — followed by a special performance by Barrett, his band, and Keane.
In the days of voting machines, once we cranked the lever we were pretty sure our ballot was counted.
With the (relatively) new “tabulators,” there’s always a bit of unease. The machine swallowed up my ballot. Did I fill in the circles correctly? Are there any stray marks? How do I know it didn’t get shredded, or fall into the innards?
A steady drumbeat of “election doubters” has sowed distrust nationwide.
This year, Connecticut’s tabulators have a new twist. It should reassure electors that their vote will indeed be counted.
These gizmos have a screen that gives confirmation your vote was registered.
And if you did screw up, the screen tells you that too.
Don’t believe me? Click here, for an instructional video.
For 46 years, Rick Benson has lived at the top of Compo Hill
For the last 11 of those years, he has watched as 233 Hillspoint Road — the property at the bottom, diagonally across from Old Mill Grocery — has been the scene of a long-running drama.
Positano restaurant closed, and was demolished. A new home was planned. Construction stalled. It sat for years, a blue Tyvek-swathed eyesore.
233 Hillspoint Road, in February 2024. (Photo/Totney Benson)
Last year, building began again. Soon, it stopped again.
Soon, Benson will be able to see the finished product.
In early November, he’ll be the new owner of 223 Hillspoint.
“When I find a problem I can solve, I try to do it,” Benson told “06880” yesterday, by phone. He’s in France, celebrating his 78th birthday.
Just before he left, he learned that a foreclosure auction — postponed from September — would be held this past Thursday. He quickly got ready.
There was one other bidder: the lenders, looking to recoup their investment.
Benson had a different motivation: to end “this 11-year nightmare.”
Construction halted again, this past July.
He’s motivated by more than neighborly interest. He’s been a builder since 1981. He’s constructed over 60 homes in Westport, and many condos.
He knows his way around a building site. And architectural plans.
What he’s acquired is a partially completed exterior: the view that’s visible to the hundreds of people passing by every day.
Inside, there’s almost nothing: some frames, temporary stairs, virtually no mechanicals.
“Basically, we’re starting from scratch,” Benson said.
To make things as painless as possible for neighbors — and get the completed home on the market by spring — Benson will make very few changes.
(He does hope to replace the windows on the beach side, which don’t open, with ones that do.)
The view from Old Mill Beach.
“I watched the decay and slow progress for a decade,” Benson noted. “I want this to be a complement to the neighborhood.”
There is “some market risk,” he admitted. But he is confident it will sell.
In the meantime, he said, “if anyone wants to make an offer, we’re happy to talk.”
Plans for the finished product.
(“06880 regularly reports on real estate, our beaches — and, occasionally, their intersection. If you appreciate stories like this, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Descendants of the Jennings and Couch families gathered at Burying Hill Beach on Sunday to dedicate one of 4 new monuments extends the Jennings Trail.
What is now named Burying Hill Beach was referred to over 200 years as “The Couch Family Burial Ground/ Couch Burial Hill.” Purchased by Simon Couch around 1660, what he called “his beautiful hill overlooking the sea” was the only burial ground in Green’s Farms, until the West Parish developed its own in 1725.
Couch Burial Hill most likely holds the remains of many colonial settlers, including members of the Jennings, Couch and other local families. All were neighbors and relatives.
Members of the Jennings and Couch families gathered for Sunday’s celebration. (Photo/Emily Jennings)
Francis Andrews, a founder of Hartford, early settler of Fairfield (and Simon Couch’s father -in-law) is also said to be buried there.
The town of Westport acquired the property in 1893, after claiming that the last headstone had gone missing. The name “Couch Burial Hill” was changed to “Burying Hill Beach.” It was the first shoreline park to be designated and approved as a recreation area by the State Legislature.
The Jennings Trail Committee worked for 2 years to research, organize and fund the 4 additional monuments. Jennings Trail Committee chair Peter Jennings joined local historians Morley Boyd, Wendy Crowther, Robert Liftig and Bob Weingarten to complete this first phase of the project.
Peter Jennings and Inez Liftig install the plaque. (Photo/Bob Liftig)
Jennings Trail is a self-guided tour of 2 dozen historic Westport sites, each marked with a plaque. It was conceived in 1974, as part of Westport’s part of the US bicentennial.
The Trail is named for Bessie Jennings, whose family first settled in this area around 1650. She guided 3rd graders along it for many years.
Now under the stewardship of the Westport Historic District Commission, it is maintained — at his own expense — by Peter Jennings, an 11th-generation Westporter and Bessie Jennings’ cousin.
(“06880” reports regularly on today’s Westport news — and occasionally looks back. If you enjoy learning about our history, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
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