Of course, it will take time to clean up all that snow. (Schools are closed tomorrow — c’mon kids, get out there and shovel!)
The town was as quiet as it’s ever been today. Nearly everyone heeded pleas to stay off the roads. Public and private crews worked long and hard, plowing roads and driveways. (C’mon, residents — lend a hand with the sidewalks and fire hydrants!)
Things will start edging closer to normal tomorrow. But for now, here’s another look at what the snow and wind wrought.
Lila, on Wilton Road (Photo copyright/Ted Horowitz)
Post Road, 3 pm (Photo/Michael Chait)
Main Street (Photo/David Martin)
Snowbound on Violet Lane (Photo/Morley Boyd)
The wind wrecked this door, at the Bridge Square Dunkin’ Donuts (Photo/Whitmal Cooper)
(Photo/Tom Lowrie)
(Photo/Jay Petrow)
(Photo/Richard Jaffe)
(Photo/Jeff Ruden)
(Photo/Carl McNair)
(Photo/Mary Sikorski)
(Photo/Yulee Aronson)
Mobile on a porch, in a whiteout (Photo/Pamela Kesselman)
Arthur Tauck Jr. — a 2nd-generation family business owner whose locally based Tauck Tours revolutionized the travel industry, and who made a major mark on Westport by saving National Hall — died Wednesday at his winter home in Vero Beach, Florida, surrounded by family. He was 94.
In 1950, at 18 years old, he joined his father’s fledgling tour company, Tauck Tours, as a young tour director. He led guests through New England every summer, during his undergraduate studies at Lehigh University. He graduated in 1953, with a degree in marketing.
A devoted alumnus, in later years Arthur supported an endowed scholarship, a faculty chair in international marketing and logistics, and the Tauck Scholars Program, which has funded hundreds of rising seniors to complete international business internships.
Arthur Tauck
After graduation he entered the US Air Force as a lieutenant, and spent several years stationed in Germany.
Arthur returned to the family business in 1956. He became president 2 years later, at 27. Those formative experiences shaped a lifelong commitment to people, service and hospitality.
Arthur settled his growing family in Westport. and became active in the community. He learned to sail, and taught himself celestial navigation to pursue his passion for ocean racing. He twice served as commodore of Cedar Point Yacht Club.
Arthur was also an avid skier, golfer and scuba diver, and enjoyed biking the winding roads of Fairfield County in the early morning.
He also loved sharing summer evenings with family and friends in his gazebo, savoring a cold martini, and a smooth cigar.
Arthur Tauck with a cigar and martini, at his Westport home.
Arthur reveled in tackling new projects and interesting ideas. From 1987 to 1992 he created the National Hall Historic District in downtown Westport, preserving 19th century history at the corner of the Post Road and Wilton Road.
At the time, there was a very real possibility that the 1873 National Hall building would be demolished.
The Inn at National Hall.
Instead, he restored it into a Relais Chateaux hotel, with 13 rooms and an award-winning restaurant. The district also included the 1931 Vigilant fire station (now Oko Restaurant), and several brick buildings and walkways along the Saugatuck River.
The Tauck family also donated the old-style street lights that line the nearby Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge.
The Tauck family donated the old-fashioned street lamps, on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge. (Photo/JC Martin)
Arthur forged long-lasting friendships with people from all over the world, and all walks of life. He was a master storyteller, with a great sense of humor. He believed deeply in “doing the right thing” with humility, integrity, generosity and care.
His impact on the travel industry is immeasurable. Over 75 years, Arthur’s entrepreneurial spirit led to many new ways for Tauck guests to experience the world.
In the 1960s, with the rise of jet planes, he saw an opportunity to introduce guests to the national parks of the western United States, Hawaii and Canada.
Inspired by his own passions for hiking and bicycling, he pioneered heli-hiking in the Canadian Rockies in the 1970s, and curated Tauck’s Yellow Roads of Europe in the 1990s, offering authentic experiences off the beaten path.
Arthur Tauck helped create, and popularize, both heli-hiking and heli-skiing in the Canadian Rockies.
His love of the sea and the historic waterways of Europe is reflected today in the company’s intimate and culturally rich ocean and river cruise experiences.
While these and many other innovations cemented his place as a travel industry visionary and pioneer, his personal motivation was always to the guest experience, with a strong commitment to service, value, and the human touch.
He believed deeply in the power of travel as a force for good in the world, whether by building understanding among people, preserving history and culture for future generations, or fulfilling individual dreams.
In 1994 Arthur founded the Tauck Family Foundation. The family endeavor encourages multiple generations to work together to give back, and make a positive impact on the world.
Today, the foundation supports communities to maintain healthy, regenerative ecosystems and land use practices through education and engagement.
Having lost his mother at age 5 and his father in his late twenties, Arthur valued family above all else.
He taught his young children to sail on Long Island Sound and to ski challenging terrains in Vermont. He supported his grandchildren, showing up at their games and school programs, and enjoying conversations with them.
He loved working alongside his adult children and son-in-law in the family business, and was confident that his grandchildren would uphold the company’s values and steward it successfully in its second century.
The 2nd and 3rd Tauck generations (from left): Peter, Chuck, Robin, Ronni and her husband Arthur, Liz. Most live (or have lived) in Westport. Missing: Kiki.
In addition to his wife Ronni, Arthur is survived by his sister Connie; his former wife Lee, and their children, Chuck (Fran), Robin, Peter Tauck, Kiki Mahar (Dan) and Liz Walters (Fred); step-children Bernhard Duerrmeier (Amber), Marina Rizzi (Damian), Christopher Duerrmeier (Laura), and Philip Duerrmeier; 21 grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Arthur’s family will celebrate his life in a private memorial service later this spring. Contributions in his memory may be made to Tourism Cares, a non-profit dedicated to advancing sustainability and meaningful travel within the tourism industry, or Fairfield County’s Community Foundation.
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A personal note: For nearly 2 decades, I wrote Tauck Tours’ internal newsletter, for its tour directors. It was a great gig — both for travel opportunities, and because I got to meet Arthur Tauck.
He was warm, generous, fully engaged, quite funny — and very, very active.
One memory stands out. At an annual meeting for tour directors, Arthur gave an informative, inspiring “state of the company” presentation. Then he answered a wide range of questions, with honesty and insight.
He closed with this: “If anyone wants to talk any more, I’ll be rollerblading tomorrow morning at 7. You’re welcome to join me.”
As Westport continues to debate the future over the lot behind Main Street stores — created on landfill, near the start of the post-war suburban boom — it’s instructive to look back at what has changed over the years.
And what hasn’t.
(Photo courtesy of Christopher Maroc)
The design has been tweaked a bit — but not much.
Cars no longer park directly along the river. The phone booth is gone. So is the house on Gorham Island (replaced by an office building).
What else do you notice?
Here’s another view:
(Photo courtesy of Jean Whitehead)
Besides the outfits and cars, you hardly see a difference today.
And even back then, the lot was pretty full.
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With an enormous amount of snow, and temperatures remaining well below freezing, cleaning up from the January 25 storm was difficult.
Plowed, congealed piles made walking and parking difficult downtown.
So on Tuesday night, SCA Crowley — led by vice president Maxx Crowley, president of the Westport Downtown Association — joined forces with Westport’s Department of Public Works team.
SCA spent 3 hours on Main Street removing snow.
It was then hauled away by DPW director Peter Ratkiewich’s crew, led by superintendent Joe Izzo and crew captain Dave Smith. Public Works followed up by salting roads and sidewalks.
It’s much easier to park now — which means it’s far easier to drive and walk, too. Thanks to all who helped!
One view of the Main Street cleanup …
… and another. (Hat tip and photos/Andrew Colabella)
“Your State, Your Business” — a 3-part event bringing 3 of Connecticut’s constitutional officers to Westport to discuss issues regarding the state and how they relate to business (and residents) is coming to town.
The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce and Westport Library are collaborating on the series.
It kicks off on March 5 with Comptroller Sean Scanlon. Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas follows on March 19. Attorney General William Tong is the final speaker, April 2. All sessions begin at 11 a.m.
Each event includes a presentation by the officer, a moderated discussion, and questions from the audience. It’s free, but registration is required.
Adria Petty — a noted producer and music video director — will be at the Westport Library on March 28 (3 p.m.). She’ll discuss her father’s legacy, with music and technology pioneer Sam Hendel.
Petty works as a managing partner at the Tom Petty estate with her family and the remaining members of Tom Petty’s band and operations team, preserving their archive of 40 years of American music.
She has directed videos for recording artists like Beyonce, Coldplay and Rihanna. She has also done commercial spots for brands such as Lancôme, Target, Converse, Hershey’s, McDonald’s and more.
The Westport Astronomical Society is introducing a new STEM opportunity for students in grades 9-12. It’s run through the Northeast Occultation Network (NEON).
Participants will learn to operate telescopes, observe and capture astronomical data from asteroid occultations, and contribute to professional astronomy research under the training of astrophysicist Dr. Kevin Green of the University of New Haven.
Students will work with the WAS team to collect, analyze and submit research-grade data to NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
So when alert “06880” reader Chris Grimm sent me a video clip about Gryphon (click here), I had to ask for details.
Turns out that’s his dog. He competes in agility.
His partner — Chris’, not Gryphon’s — handles the dog during runs. The Westminster Kennel Club hosts a big agility trial — the Westminster Masters Agility Championship — which ended Tuesday night.
Gryphon’s Standard run begins at the 12:00 mark in the video below.
Chris reports: “He froze a bit at the weave polls and Leslie took a spill by the tunnel, but Gryphon did a great job of finishing.”
In the video below, Gryphon’s jumpers run starts after 12:30. “Except for wandering off to say hello, it was a good run,” Chris says. “I can’t believe he got his Q for that.
The founder of Westport Writers’ Workshop, and noted memoir and creative nonfiction workshop instructor, has just practiced what she preaches.
Her new memoir, “West End Avenue,” has just been published.
Amazon describes it:
A young girl’s world is upended when her divorced mother of 3 marries a widowed father of 4.
Set against the backdrop of Manhattan’s Upper West Side, this evocative memoir traces the uneasy transformation of a blended household – where strangers become siblings bound by shared trauma, quiet acts of loyalty, and the unspoken bonds forged in childhood.
Orthopedic surgeon Dr. William Conaway was this week’s Westport Rotary Club guest speaker. Among his topics: the growing role of robotics in his specialty.
Westport Police made 4 custodial arrests between January 28 and February 3.
A 28-year-old Westport man was charged with interfering with an officer, following a complaint that he verbally threated an employee at Whole Foods. He fled, but was located nearby, and taken into custody based on repeated resistance to requests to stay away from the store.
A 64-year-old Hamden man was charged with larceny and criminal trespass, following an investigation into the theft of $110.31 of energy drinks from Stop & Shop. He had been formally warned earlier not to return to the store. He was held on a $25,000 bond.
A 53-year-old Bridgeport man was charged with failure to appear, after panhandling on the I-95 northbound ramp. He was held on a $25,000 bond.
A 28-year-old Westport man was charged with failure to appear, after being held in Pennsylvania on an unrelated matter. He was held on a $15,000 bond.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Texting while driving: 14 citations
Traveling unreasonably fast: 11
Failure to renew registration: 11
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 7
Failure to obey stop sign: 7
Distracted driving: 2
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 2
Speeding in a school zone, 2nd offense: 1
Speeding in a school zone: 1
Speeding: 1
Traveling too fast for conditions: 1
Failure to drive in the proper lane: 1
Failure to grant right of way: 1
Improper turn: 1
Unsafe backing: 1
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
Violation of readable license plates: 1
Failure to return license plates: 1
Improper use of markers: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
Failure to reinstate license within 60 days: 1
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 1
Lots of license plate citations recently. That’s no laughing matter.
And finally … in honor of Tom Petty’s daughter’s appearance at VersoFest (story above):
(From dog shows to outer space, “06880” is “where Westport meets the world.” If you’re a part of our online community — and you’re reading this, so you are — please click here to support us. Thanks!)
Last weekend’s snowstorm reminded longtime residents of the Old Days.
It’s been a while since we’ve had a winter like this.
When we did, artist Al Willmott painted them.
In 1994, he was on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge. Not much has changed (though the trolley was poetic license).
(Courtesy of William Webster)
Nearly 2 decades earlier — in 1978 — he painted Railroad Place. It looks a bit different today — not the streetscape, but the businesses.
(Courtesy of Christopher Maroc)
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“06880” has been snowed under, by residents writing about the aftermath of Sunday’s weather.
Longtime Westport resident Jamie Walsh says:
Driving down Main Street this morning, free of parked cars and people, I could not believe the condition of sidewalks, crosswalks, and parking spaces downtown and elsewhere throughout town.
Many pedestrian areas remain uncleared or inadequately treated, creating hazardous conditions for residents, visitors, seniors, and anyone with mobility challenges.
Slippery crosswalks and snow-covered curb cuts force pedestrians into the street, while icy parking spaces increase the risk of falls the moment someone exits their vehicle.
Beyond the obvious safety risks, this represents a significant liability issue. When commonly used public walkways are not properly maintained, injuries become far more likely — and with them, potential claims against both property owners and the Town.
A single preventable fall can result in serious injury, costly medical bills, and legal exposure that far outweighs the effort required to clear these areas promptly.
Westport prides itself on being a walkable, welcoming downtown. That reputation depends on basic winter maintenance being treated as a priority, not an afterthought.
Timely snow removal and proper ice mitigation are not just matters of convenience — they are essential public safety responsibilities. Addressing these conditions promptly protects pedestrians, supports local businesses, and reduces unnecessary risk for everyone.
(“06880″‘s Opinion pages are open to all. Email submissions to 06880blog@gmail.com. To help support this hyper-local blog, please click here. Thank you!)
Four days after Sunday’s snowfall, a massive pile remains downtown.
(Photo/Jay Petrow)
Two narrow — and difficult-to-see-past — lanes feed into Main Street from Post Road East, from the west and east.
It’s one of several hazards posed by plowed banks.
Another especially treacherous one: Compo Road North, at the Evergreen Avenue hill.
Be careful out there!
The good news: A nor’easter that forecasters were watching for this weekend seems to have disssipated.
The bad news: It will be 5 degrees again tonight. Run a little stream of water to keep pipes from freezing!
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The Westport Fire Department battled a house fire on Weathervane Hill. off Wilton Road, last night.
When firefighters arrived around 11 p.m., they saw heavy smoke. All occupants had safely left the house.
The Norwalk, Fairfield and Wilton departments assisted. Emergency Medical Service provided medical support; Westport Poliee and firefighters directed traffic, while the Department of Public Works helped mitigate icy conditions.
The last unit left at 4 a.m. The fire marshal’s office is investigating the cause.
Firefighters at Weathervane Hill. (Photo/Ryan Blake)
The next Westport Country Playhouse Script in Hand play reading is “The Goldsmith.”
Based on a family’s true stories of their gold jewelry passing across borders, cultures and generations, it’s set for February 9 (7 p.m). The play — written and performed by Broadway actor Sharone Sayegh — won Theatre Aspen’s 2025 Solo Flight Festival.
VersoFest ’26 has announced plenty of attractions: Ani DiFranco, Wyclef Jean, and much more.
Now we know the closer, at the Westport Library on March 28 (7:30 p.m.). Musician/writer/playwright/poet/visual artist/alt-rock legend David J, of Bauhaus and Love & Rockets) fame’s special storytellers event is the final event this year.
He’ll read selections from his new poetry book Rhapsody, Threnody & Prayer, accompanied by original music. The reading will be followed by an interview featuring author Douglas Rushkoff (“one of the world’s 10 most influential intellectuals,” says MIT), and concludes with a short set of acoustic songs.
Every Thursday this winter, the Westport Farmers’ Market offers nutritious food.
Next Thursday (February 5, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center), there’s another way to nourish your body and mind.
“A Day of Care & Connection on Thursday” features Kiin Sauna (a wood-fired experience), Dharma Massage (chair massages), Whole Health Thermography (educational talk) and Abbey Chase Yoga (bowl healing).
Westport Police made 6 custodial arrests between January 21 and 27.
A 36-year-old Hamden man was charged with larceny, and conspiracy to commit larceny, following a report that 2 Brooks Brothers employees were processing fraudulent merchandise returns. He is alleged to have profited over $20,000. He was unable to post $50,000 bond.
A 64-year-old Fairfield woman was charged with larceny and possession of a shoplifting device, following an investigation into a December incident. Though the complainant wished only to have the stolen goods returned, merchandise from other downtown businesses were located.
A 45-year-old Stratford woman was charged with disorderly conduct, assault and strangulation, following an investigation into an August disturbance at a Westport home that she initiated. The victim alleged being punched and choked.
A 63-year-old Westport man was charged with evading responsibility and operating under the influence, after a vehicle with heavy damage was blocking part of Post Road West. The damage was caused by striking a mailbox, sign, shrubbery and a utility pole on Kings Highway North properties.
A 20-year-old Bridgeport man was charged with violation of a protective order, operating a motor vehicle without a license, and defective headlamp, following a motor vehicle stop near Maple Avenue for that headlamp. It was learned that a passenger was protected by a court order, stipulating no contact between the 2 parties. She was released on a $25,000 bond.
A 20-yera-old Norwalk woman was charged with violation of a protective order.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Failure to obey stop sign: 7 citations
Texting while driving: 6
Failure to renew registration: 6
Traveling unreasonably fast: 4
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 3
Failure to remove snow and ice from a vehicle roof: 2
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 2
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 2
Following too closely: 2
Evading responsibility: 1
Speeding: 1
Traveling too fast for conditions: 1
Unsafe passing: 1
Parking a motor vehicle on a sidewalk: 1
Breach of peace: 1
Improper use of markers: 1
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 1
Not a parking spot! (Also not Westport, but you get the idea.)
And finally … on this date in 1861, Kansas became the 34th state in the US.
(January seems like it’s been 392 days already. Fortunately, “06880” is here for you, 24/7/365. If you appreciate our work, please support us by clicking here. Thank you!)
What may be Westport’s last large open residential lot has been sold.
Two boldface names are involved in the transaction.
Marc Lasry — the billionaire hedge fund manager and former Milwaukee Bucks co-owner, who lives on Beachside Avenue — bought the 12.3-acre 109 Morningside Drive South property for $7 million.
The seller — Wildflower Haven LLC — is run by Shonda Rhimes. She too lives elsewhere in Westport. Rhimes bought it in 2022, for $5.925 million.
For many years before that, it was owned by the Kowalsky family.
Lasry tells “06880” that he has 5 children, and may build homes there for 2 or 3 of them. The land will not be subdivided for a dozen homes, as many Westporters feared when it was on the market.
But nothing will happen soon.
“There is absolutely no rush,” Lasry says.
109 Morningside Drive South is the vast open space at the center of this aerial view. It is bordered by Clapboard Hill Road and Turkey Hill Road South.
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Walking around town is treacherous, after the weekend’s snow.
This is the scene on Post Road East, near Turkey Hill Road North and Harvest Commons:
Meanwhile, the Westport Downtown Association has this message for residents:
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Tired of being cooped up indoors?
Friends of Sherwood Island State Park is hosting a “Love Yourself, Get Outdoors” event on (appropriately) Valentine’s Day (February 14, 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.)
Linda Gottlieb of FitTraining will lead the session. Organizers say: “Practice green exercise. Experience ‘forest bathing.’ Learn to use the ‘nature pyramid’ to guide your exercise.”
It’s free, and everyone is welcome. Dress in layers; it’s windy at the bach.
If recent weather has you thinking of warm sun: Head to VFW Post 399 on Thursday.
This week’s “Jazz at the Post” features The Caribbean Jazz Connection. Its leader — drummer Jim Royle — has been crossing genres of jazz and Caribbean Latin styles for years.
The band includes his former student and steel pan player Bryan Garbe. The Fairfield native is now an internationally acclaimed percussionist; bassist John Mobilio, and pianist Dave Childs.
And finally … happy birthday, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart!
In just 35 years, he wrote over 800 pieces, in virtually every classical genre: symphonic, concertante, chamber, opera and choral repertoires. He is considered one of the greatest composers in the history of Western music.
(“06880” is nearly 17 years old — half of what Mozart was when he died. We’re not comparing ourselves to him. But we do work pretty hard. Please click here to support our efforts. Danke schön!)
Some Westporters spent today digging out from yesterday’s 14-inch snowfall.
Some spent it walking outside, admiring the scenery.
Main Street, near Willowbrook Cemetery (Photo/Claudia Sherwood Servidio)
Some spent it sledding.
(Photo/Jonathan Alloy)
Some spent it plowing the streets …
(Photo/Jonathan Alloy)
… or clearing hydrants.
Don’t make the Fire Department do all the work. If there’s a hydrant near you: Shovel it out! The home you save may be your own. (Photo/Dorothy Robertshaw)
Some went shopping …
Whole Foods Plaza (Photo/JD Dworkow)
… but many others did not.
Playhouse Square, 3 p.m. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Here are a couple more of the many photos we received today:
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