Category Archives: Environment

Roundup: Lifeguards, Main Street, Levitt …

Posted on August 20, 2026 | Leave a comment

Effective today (Thursday), there are no lifeguards on duty at Burying Hill Beach. The beach remains open, with swimming at your own risk. Beach emblems are required at Burying Hill through Labor Day (September 7).

Compo Beach lifeguards continue their regular schedule through September 7. Beach Emblems are required at Compo through September 30.

Burying Hill Beach (Photo/Drew Coyne)

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For over 25 years, “Holiday Time, Main Street, Westport CT” — a festive Main Street. by internationally known folk artist Kathy Jakobsen — has been a favorite of Westporters. Many business names are clear (though most are long gone).

Now Westport River Gallery is offering a few signed and numbered unframed 23×17 serigraphs. The prints were originally $450. These are just $25.

Jakobsen’s works are part of the permanent collections of the American Folk Art Museum in New York and the Smithsonian in Washington. She is a former Weston resident.

Email westportrivergallery@gmail.com, or call 203-226-6934.

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Longtime Levitt Pavilion favorite Frank Mastrone returns to the Levitt Pavilion stage this Saturday (7:30 p.m.).

The Broadway artist’s repertoire — show tunes and American Songbook classics, with a few pop and classical selections thrown in — appeals to a broad crowd.

The Levitt says he’ll be joined by “friends.” We’re not sure who they all are, but we do know 2: Dodie Pettit and Rex Fowler.

After singing and dancing in “Cats,” Dodie performed in “Phantom of the Opera” —  on Broadway, and the national tour. That’s where she met Mastrone.

Fowler — co-founder of Aztec Two-Step — and Pettit are now married. They perform as Aztec Two-Step 2.0.

It should be a great show. And tickets are … free! Click here for more information.

Frank Mastrone

Also on the Levitt calendar:

  • Today (Thursday): Barboletta, Tribute to Santana (7:30 p.m., free)
  • Friday, August 20: The Machine Performs Pink Floyd (7 p.m.; tickets)
  • Sunday, August 22: Andy Frasco & the UN, and Kitchen Dwellers with special guests Magoo (5 p.m.; tickets).

Click here for more information, and tickets. 

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Earthplace welcomes fall with 2 of its favorite events.

The Fall Festival (October 3) and Woodside Bash (October 17) are great ways for friends and newcomers to gather and celebrate nature, while supporting environmental education, conservation, wildlife care and scientific research.

The Fall Festival includes the reopening of Earthplace’s renovated Birds of Prey Exhibit, with new and expanded habitats for raptors, and a more engaging and accessible experience for visitors. .

As always, there are live animal encounters, hayrides, pumpkin-themed activities, food trucks and games, Fpr Fall Festival tickets and sponsorship opportunities, click here. 

The Woodside Bash, meanwhile, transform Earthplace into an adult celebration with live music, a seasonal dinner menu, cocktails, entertainment, and opportunities to support Earthplace’s mission. For Woodside Bash tickets and sponsorship opportunities, click here.

Earthplace serves thousands of children, families, students and visitors each year through its nature center, animal ambassadors, nature-based preschool, Harbor Watch water quality program, summer camps, community programs, and 62-acre wildlife sanctuary.

Hanging out at the Woodside Bash.

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Westporters are great supporters of Mercy Learning Center.

They serve on its board, volunteer at and donate to the Bridgeport non-profit, which impacts countless women’s lives — and those of their families — through education and support services.

So it’s no surprise that MLC’s annual benefit (September 27, 5 p.m., Shorehaven Country Club) has a strong Westport flavor.

The event honors Allison and Tony Allott. Former Westporters and Staples parents, they introduced their Green’s Farms Church congregation to the non-profit. Congregants (including the Allotts) volunteer with MLC on Service Sunday.

Allison has been an ESL and citizenship tutor since 2014. She is also a board and event committee member.

The Mercy Learning Center board chair is Tammy Barry. The event committee includes local residents Gina Beranek, Sara Connolly and Theanne Feldman.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Rach’s Hope — the non-profit honoring the memory of 2015 Staples High School graduate Rachel Doran, which provides nutritious food, lodging, transportation and encouragement to family members when a child is in intensive care — is as active as Rachel herself was.

On Sunday, October 4 (3 p.m., Compo Beach), everyone is invited to join the 5th annual “Walk the Extra Mile … For Rach’s Hope” event.

It’s a fun, community-wide beach walk, with live music, a gourmet pizza truck, wine and beer, dessert and special Rach’s Hope swag.

Click here to buy adult and student tickets.

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The contributions, struggles and sacrifices made by Native Americans during the Revolutionary War are often overlooked.

On October 4 (2 to 4 p.m.), Pocomoke Indian Nation member Drew Shuptar-Rayvis brings his outdoor demonstration station — including artifacts, reproduction pieces and traditional clothing — to the Weston History & Culture Center. He’ll answer questions too, about Native American life.

The free event is is part of the History Center’s “America 250: The Revolutionary Spirit Lecture Series.” For more information, click here.

Meanwhile the Weston History & Culture Center will be open for exhibits, guided tours, children’s activities and more on 3 Sundays this fall: September 27, October 4 and October 25 (1 to 4 p.m.).

Attractions include the interactive “Weston at Work,” the 1940s-era Coley House, and stories from the American Revolution. Click here for details.

Drew Shuptar-Rayvis

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Westport Police made 3 custodial arrests between August 12 and 18.

A 49-year-old Stamford man was charged with breach of peace, following an investigation into a July incident in which a cyclist became irate about an automobile driver’s driving. The cyclist yelled, used profanity, made obscene gestures and spat on the vehicle. Video did not support his claim that he had been unsafely passed. He was released on a $1,000 bond.

A 31-year-old Oxford, Ohio man was charged with stalking and violation of a restraining order. He allegedly traveled from Seattle to Connecticut after learning from social media that the business he was arrested at was affiliated with a relative of the victim. He was held on a $250,000 bond.

A 45-year-old Holyoke, Massachusetts man was charged with failue to appear, stemming from a previous arrest for felony charges. He was held on a $10,000 bond.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 3 citations
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
  • Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 3
  • Improper use of markers: 3
  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 2
  • Failure to register a commercial motor vehicle: 2
  • Violation of town ordinance (dogs): 2
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 2
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 2
  • Speeding: 1
  • Illegal operation by a motor carrier: 1
  • Failure to obey state traffic commission regulations: 1

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With exactly 14 weeks left before Thanksgiving, John Karrel’s Muddy Brook photo is perfectly appropriate for today’s “Westport … Naturally” image:

(Photo/John Karrel)

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And finally … in honor of Mercy Learning Center’s upcoming benefit (story above):

(If you learn about upcoming events on “06880” — or anything else — we hope you’ll click here to support our work. We rely on support from readers like you. Thanks for showing us a little love!) 

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Posted in Arts, Beach, Downtown, Entertainment, Environment, Local business, Police

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Red Oak On Hickory: A Tree For The Ages

Posted on August 20, 2026 | 8 comments

David Stalling grew up in Westport, and graduated from Staples High School in 1979.

After forestry school in the Adirondack Mountains of New York, and serving in a Marine Corps Force Recon unit, he moved to Montana in 1986. he has spent most of his career protecting and restoring wild places and wildlife, with an emphasis on and fondness for grizzly bears.

David lives in Missoula, close to his 26-year-old son Cory. He is a writer and photographer. Click here for his Substack page, “From the Wild Side.” David writes:

Some trees are more than just trees.

They become landmarks, witnesses, and quiet members of a family’s history. For me, that tree was the enormous red oak that stood in the middle of Hickory Drive.

For those of us who grew up in that neighborhood — Including my sister Sue and my brothers Ed, Bob and Tim — the “tree in the middle of the road” was part of our lives.

I do not know teh exact age of that tree, but it’s safe to say it was likely 300 years old. Which means it was already roughly 230 years old when my parents (Ed and Barbara Stalling) bought our house in 1956. By the time I was born in 1960, it had already stood there for generations — long before our family arrived, and long before most of the houses and families we knew moved in.

It stood about halfway down Hickory Drive, at the top of a little hill. You would go down one hill, climb another, and just as you reached the crest, there it was: the big red oak, planted by nature likely long before the road was built around it.

So it ended up smack dab in the middle of the road, between the Doland and Deluca houses. Beyond it, the road dropped downhill again.

Red oak tree, smack in the middle of Hickory Drive.

That tree was part of our childhood geography. If you were giving someone directions to our house, you said, “Pass the big tree in the middle of the road, then start downhill, and and when you get to the bottom of the hill we’re the little red-and-white house on the left.”

Everyone knew exactly what you meant.

That tree saw its share of our childhood adventures — and misadventures.

I snuck out in my brother’s 1967 Mustang convertible before I was old enough to drive. One winter night I hit ice, slid, and introduced the Mustang to that great old oak.

I’m sure there were other scars near the bottom of the tree from encounters like mine, although the tree undoubtedly regarded them as little more than scratches from passing generations.

We came close to hitting it in our homemade go-karts, too. We nailed tires onto those things, but had a tendency to fall off at exactly the wrong moment. Add a hill, lack of brakes and youthful confidence, and that big oak became a very important obstacle.

Bicycles on ice. Sleds in winter. Flying downhill with considerably more enthusiasm than judgment. The tree was always there.

I climbed it once, too, almost to the top — a fairly remarkable achievement, considering how enormous it was.

There was even a sign on the tree warning drivers, “Caution — Children.” Another sign said, “Slow — Children.”

Mr. Marshall, a teacher and football coach at Long Lots Junior High, once gave me a ride home and noticed the sign. He looked at it, then me and, smiling, said, “Slow children? That explains a lot.”

The tree was not merely something we had to drive around. It was part of our lives. It was a meeting point, a landmark, a warning to slow down, and a silent witness to all the ordinary things that make up a childhood.

And now it is gone.

The beginning of the end.

My brother Ed recently heard from our old neighbor, Anna DeVito, that the tree had been cut down. We don’t know exactly why. Perhaps it had begun to rot. Perhaps there was concern that a tree that enormous and

old could eventually fall onto the wires, a house, or the road.

Trees, even magnificent ones, eventually grow old and die. Sometimes cutting one down is the safest and wisest thing to do.

But knowing that doesn’t make it any less sad.

That oak probably stood there for 2 or 3 centuries. It survived storms, winters, hurricanes, droughts, countless cars, generations of children, and all of us who thought we were invincible.

It was there through my childhood, my teenage years, and when I graduated Staples High School in 1979. It was there while I served in the Marine Corps in the early 1980s, and it was there when I moved to Montana in 1986.

It was a giant, beautiful old tree. In a strange way, it belonged to all of us who grew up around it.

Another view. (All photos/Anna DeVito)

I can still picture that hill. I can still see the road rising toward the tree, then falling away again. I can still imagine the Mustang sliding on the ice, the go-karts careening downhill, the bicycles and sleds, and a kid climbing as high as he dared into those enormous branches.

That red oak is gone now, but it left behind something that cannot be cut down.

Memories.

For those of us who grew up on Hickory Drive, the big red oak will always be there — standing in the middle of the road, just over the hill, waiting for us to slow down.

(“06880” is a bridge between the Westports of yesterday, today and tomorrow. If you enjoy this hyper-local, all-community blog, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Environment, Looking back

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Unsung Hero #444

Posted on August 19, 2026 | 7 comments

Julie Loparo writes:

One evening last night, Westport Animal Shelter Advocates volunteer Sara Stockman learned that after many hours, a mastiff was still frantically pacing the large fenced-in yard of a Burnham Hill resident.

We headed to the house to see if there was anything we could do to help rescue the dog, who had been on the lam at least 5 days. Her image appeared on several Ring cameras in the area.

At the house, we saw the kind homeowner trying to coax the mastiff to come near. She immediately responded to Sara, as dogs always do.

The dog came near, but not close enough to slip on a loop lead. We realized that professionals were needed.

We contacted the volunteers at CT Doggone Recovery. They have helped trap several difficult Westport dogs.

Jill Bishop and Melissa Carpenter had just returned home after an exhausting day searching for 2 dogs around Norwalk. Their shoes were off, and they were making dinner.

But they did not hesitate. They loaded the CT Doggone Recovery truck with supplies, including a big trap.

They arrived, then set up the trap (loaded with chicken and hot dogs) and a camera.

Preparing the trap …

Sara — the human our new friend trusted most — was in charge of the liquid smoke and guiding the dog to the trap. Within a few minutes, she was in. Very tired, thin and tick-covered, she was ready for transport to Westport Animal Control.

… and heading off to heal.

Officers Peter Reid and Joseph Saponare met us at the shelter. We tucked her in for the night.

The next morning WASA volunteers arrived early to check on her, and the other guests. She had her first WASA-funded vet visit that week.

My nominations for 06880’s Heroes of the Week are: WASA volunteer Sara Stockman, CT Doggone Recovery volunteers Jill Bishop and Melissa Carpenter, and the lovely Westport family – Cindy, Andy and Justin Kaplan — for being so kind and patient, hosting a frightened friend in their back yard and allowing a group of volunteers to crash in at dinner time to secure her safety.

(To donate to CT Doggone Recovery to support their rescue efforts, please  click here. To donate to WASA for vet care needed for our new friend, please click here.)

(Do you know an Unsung Hero? Email 06880blog@gmail.com. “06880” is proud to honor them — and tell many other tales of town too. Please click here to help us do that, by supporting this hyper-local blog.)

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Posted in Environment, Unsung Heroes

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[OPINION] Dog Park Is No Reason To Unleash The Process

Posted on August 19, 2026 | 25 comments

Jennifer Johnson is in her 3rd term as a Representative Town Meeting (RTM) member, from District 9. Previously, she served on the Parks & Recreation Commission. She writes:

Regardless of how one feels about a “dog park,” there is a long-established process for the Parks & Recreation Commission to champion initiatives involving our shared open space.

The PRC clearly followed that process with the recent field-light proposal. Why not for a dog run?

After waiting over 5 hours to speak Monday night, more than 60 residents made clear that this issue deserves a thoughtful process.

The Planning & Zoning Commission already has plenty on its plate. It should not be asked to do the work that should first be vetted by the PRC — including answering basic questions about whether a particular site is appropriate.

And the PRC has already done much of the groundwork. The recently completed, taxpayer-funded $250,000 Parks Master Plan identifies Winslow Park as a possible location for a dog area, but it also specifically identifies Machamux Park, on Greens Farms Road.

Machamux Park (Photo/Andrew Colabella)

Given its size, current use, location, parking, etc. Machamux seems worthy of serious consideration. The plan estimates the cost at $80,000 to $100,000. What remains is to determine the ongoing costs and requirements for maintenance, cleaning, management and enforcement.

Whether Westport residents ultimately want a dog park is a legitimate question. But before we let the dogs out — or put up a fence — we should follow the process.

The PRC should review the recommendations of its own Parks Master Plan, and develop a complete proposal. After it has been publicly vetted and voted on by the full Parks & Rec Commission, bring it to the appropriate town bodies.

Then the P&Z can weigh in.

Winslow Park (Photo/Mark Mathias)

There may be plenty of bones to pick with the idea of a dog park. But asking P&Z to decide now whether dedicated open space at Winslow should become a fenced dog area is putting the cart before the dog.

We have a process. Let’s respect it.

And let’s not leave the Parks Master Plan sitting in the doghouse.

(“06880″‘s Opinion pages are open to all. Email submissions to 06880blog@gmail.com. To support this hyper-local blog with a tax-deductible contribution, please click here. Thank you!)

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Posted in Environment, Local politics

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Roundup: Top Hat Tutors, Swim Around Manhattan, Blood Drive …

Posted on August 19, 2026 | 2 comments

Top Hat Tutors — Staples’ High School highly regarded, student-run, very popular (and cool) tutoring service — is gearing up for a new year.

They’re looking for both new tutors, and families needing them.

Top Hat Tutors are juniors and seniors from around Fairfield County. They provide high-quality, in-home tutoring across a wide range of subjects, including science, math, English, social studies, world language, music and SAT/ACT. Last year, they worked with 150 clients.

All tutors have taken the classes they work with — and passed it with at least a 90.

Top Hat charges $50 per hour for individual students. Group sessions are $25 per hour for each additional student ($75 for 2 students, $100 for 3, etc.).

To request a tutor, click here. To apply to become a tutor, click here. 

Questions? Email tophattutors@gmail.com.

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Derek Yach is a 3-time cancer survivor: melanoma, prostate and, most recently, esophageal. He swims regularly at Compo Beach, in summer and winter.

Mary Money — a breast cancer survivor — is a regular swimmer too. (And a baker, famous for her 6 a.m. Friday muffins.)

With prostate cancer survivor Keith Kirkpatrick (who swims mainly at Fairfield’s Penfield Beach) and fellow Westporter Leila Shields (a regular Compo swimmer, and strong supporter of several community based programs), they’ve formed a tight-knit community.

Next month, they’ll take the plunge in different waters, in a far different way — and for an excellent cause.

On September 10, they’ll swim 28 1/2 miles around Manhattan. That’s right: from Battery Park, up the East River, into the Harlem River, then down the Hudson River to the Statue of Liberty.

The 8-hour event will raise funds for cancer treatment in underserved Kenyan communities. The Phangisile Mtshali Cancer Center and other health facilities provide desperately needed chemotherapy ports, to deliver treatments.

“As cancer survivors we know that our diagnosis, treatment and follow-up has been successful due to outstanding care available in Connecticut — mostly at Yale Smilow,” says Derek.

“So much care is often taken for granted. My work takes me with the Catholic Medical Mission Board to Kenya, where a rural cancer center lacks most of the critical diagnostics, treatment and even chemo ports we take for granted.”

The swim is especially timely. given recent deep cuts to global health programs. Click here to contribute.

Derek also urges “06880” readers to “join advocacy efforts to urge greater support for cancer care through government, corporate and nonprofit programs.”

And, he adds, “join us in our early morning swims. It’s the best way to promote your health!”

Compo Beach early morning swimmers.

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There’s always something special at the Westport Farmers’ Market.

Tomorrow (Thursday, Imperial Avenue parking lot), winners of the Young Shoots photography contest will be honored at 12:30 p.m.

Photos will be on display throughout the market’s regular hours (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.).

Michael Veltri’s award-winning Young Shoots photo, 2025.

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The most recent Red Cross blood drive goal was 29 units. They blew past that number, finishing with 44. An impressive 14 donors were there for the first time.

Eight were “Power Red” donations, equating to 16 units. Those are very valuable,  often prioritized for trauma, surgical, and cancer patients.

There were 25 Type O donors, especially critical for their universal compatibility.

But the need for blood is constant. Nationwide, someone needs a unit of blood every 2 to 3 seconds. Most of us will need blood at some in our lives

The next Westport blood drive is Friday, August 28 (11 a.m. to 4 p.m., VFW Post 399). .

Donors are encouraged to schedule appointments to donate blood or platelets in advance. Click here; then use sponsor code VFWWESTPORT; call 800-733-2767, or use the Red Cross Blood Donor app.

 

 

 

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A small mini-plaza opposite Goodwill includes a popular Italian deli (Gaetano’s), 2 Asian restaurants (Shanghai Gourmet and Yama Fuji Sushi), and a nail salon.

Soon, you can buy all your closet and organizing needs there too.

Around Labor Day, Closet Factory will open a flagship showroom there. The owners — Westporters Dan and Melanie Zuller — already own franchises in Westchester and Fairfield County.

The Westport location will replace the current Darien site. It will occupy half of the former Calico Corners space. The design and fabric store moved to 224 Post Road East in 2021.

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Westport Swim Club — the great, fun program for young swimmers of all abilities in grades 1-8 (and a feeder program for the Staples High School swim teams) — has added 3 tryout dates: Sunday, August 23 (9:45 a.m.), Saturday, August 29 (10 a.m.) and Sunday, August 30 (9:45 a.m.). All are at the Staples pool.

There are 5 practices a week — but they are not mandatory. An option of 1 weekly practice is available, for 50% of the regular fee. Westport Swim Club offers 4 seasons a year. Click here to register for a tryout.

Westport Swim Club fun.

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Speaking of sports: The old(er) guys did it. Congratulations to Team Schur!

They took last night’s Compo League men’s basketball championship was won by Team Schur 59-48, over the younger team of recent Staples graduates.

Both teams prevailed in their semifinal by double digits to advance to the title game. The top 2 seeds were tied 28-28 at the half.

A not-quite-sold out crowd watched the match, held at the Staples fieldhouse due to lighting issues at the beach courts.

Compo Beach men’s basketball champs. From left: Charlie Stoebe, Travis Test, Noah Hammond, Jordan schur, Don Snyder, Baptiste Bataille. Team members not pictured: Zach Gut, Kevin Cline, Michael Carter-Williams, Brandon Barton, Steve Goldenberg, Connor Whelan.

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A reader writes: I was at Compo Beach on Sunday after the storm — Schlaet’s Point, where Soundview Drive runs into Hillspoint/Compo Road South — when I saw something large at the water’s edge.

“I found a large, heavy sign. It is a memorial for a dog, Ollie. It must have been placed on Cockenoe Island, and floated away in the storm.

“Whoever made it would probably want to know where it is — and maybe bring it back.

“I dragged it to the top of the beach, and planted it next to the benches at the corner of Compo South and Hillspoint. My guess is it’s still there.”

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We all know that love rocks.

But here’s literal proof.

Kim Mathias painted some rocks at her Saugatuck Church’s women’s retreat. She placed them — gently and lovingly — around the base of her mailbox, for anyone strolling by (and looking down) to enjoy.

(Photo/Mark Mathias)

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Longtime Westport resident Mary Condon died peacefully in her sleep on August 13, in Southport.

Born in Cork City, Ireland in 1944, Mary carried deep pride in her Irish heritage throughout her life. At 14 she emigrated to New York, and lived in the Bronx with her family. After marrying she moved to Westport, where she raised her family.

Mary’s passions reflected both her Irish heritage and her deeply held values. She treasured time spent with friends, loved literature and lifelong learning, and generously supported organizations that were meaningful to her, including the ASPCA, NPR, PBS, Planned Parenthood and the American Cancer Society.

Her daily ritual of drinking Barry’s Tea was a lifelong comfort, and a cherished connection to Ireland.

After surviving breast cancer, she gave back by volunteering for many years at Norwalk Hospital.

Mary is survived by her brother, John O’Donnell; her children Christopher and Claire, and her grandchildren, Ryder and Teagan.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mary’s memory to the American Cancer Society. A celebration of life will be held at the Gaelic-American Club, 74 Beach Road, Fairfield, Connecticut, on August 28 (12:30 to 2:30 p.m.).

Mary Condon

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Wendy Levy sends along today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo, and adds, “Backyard garden veggies still going, despite various animal tastings.”

(Photo/Wendy Levy)

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Frank Beard — ZZ Top’s drummer who, ironically, was the only band member without a beard — died Monday. He was 77. Click here for a full obituary.

(“06880” covers Westport 24/7/365 — and from A to ZZ. If you enjoy even half of what we do, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Beach, Children, Education, Environment, Local business, Obituaries, Sports, Teenagers

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P&Z Doggedly Hears Winslow Park Proposal

Posted on August 18, 2026 | 7 comments

“06880” political correspondent John H. Palmer writes:

Should Winslow Park include a fenced-in dog area?

Or should it be left as is: all open space?

If the almost 50 people who stayed on the Planning & Zoning Commission’s Zoom meeting until almost midnight last night prevail, the 30-acre park will stay the way it is.

Commissioners heard public comments about a proposed text amendment. It would allow a change to town regulations surrounding usage at the park.

No vote was taken, and there is no current plan to build a dog park on the site. Debate involved whether town regulations should be altered to allow consideration of a dog park in the future.

The proposal, brought to the commission by Representative Town Meeting member Andrew Colabella and Staples High School senior Emme Dorfman, asks the planners to consider a change that would permit a fenced-in area in the park, which already has sections for leashed and unleashed dogs.

“A fence does not transform the character of the park. It can be a tool to better manage and make it safer,” Colabella said. “If [the vote is] yes, it can allow the commission to discuss a potential change in the use.”

Colabella noted that a fenced-in dog park with rules would create a safer area for dogs. He cited incidents of dogs running onto Compo Road North, being killed by cars.

A separate area would permit passive park users to not be bothered by dogs off leash, he said. It would help contain waste, and allow for sections where smaller dogs can be separated from bigger ones.

Dogs at Winslow Park. (Photo/Tracy Porosoff)

“Enclosed areas increase aggressive because dogs can’t back away,” said Vicki Volper, who has been walking her dogs at Winslow since 1998. “I don’t believe in fenced in dog parks, but definitely not in Winslow Park.”

Dorfman said she worries her 2 dogs will get loose at Winslow. She worked with Colabella on a “Dogport,” to provide an option for dogs much like the town provides playgrounds for different individuals.

“Some people are spreading rumors that the entire park will be fenced off. That’s simply not true,” she said. “Some people simply aren’t comfortable allowing their dogs to run free outside of a fenced-in area. No one would be required to use the fenced in area.”

RTM member Wendy Batteau has had 4 dogs over 39 years in Westport, and walks in Winslow Park daily. To her this is an open space issue. Unless there is a proven need to change things to add value to daily life, the park should stay as it is, she said.

“Winslow Park is not any town park or property,” she noted. “It is dedicated open space, and we need to keep it open space. Why do we need a text amendment to make it a dog park? I don’t think we should be losing our open space for anything but our most serious issues.”

Winslow Park

P&Z chair Paul Lebowitz said dog parks are not an allowed use in Winslow Park, under current town regulations. By changing the text, he said the commission must consider whether or not it would add value to the people in town.

“Anything we do doesn’t automatically approve anything,” he said. “It gives permission to those who might want one to bring it forward.”

He added that in 2023, the commission voted on a similar text amendment that allowed the use of lighting on municipal athletic field in town — a subject debated earlier last night at the P&Z session.

“There’s been tremendous public interest in this, and rightly so,” Lebowitz said.

The issue will be continued at the P&Z’s meeting on Sept. 14.

(“06880” is your hyper-local blog. If it happens in town, you’ll read about it here. But we can’t do it without readers’ support. Please click here to make a tax-deductible donation. Thank you!)

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Posted in Environment, Local politics

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Roundup: AED Survey, Sunday Worship, Quake Donations …

Posted on August 17, 2026 | Leave a comment

Sarah Lyle is a rising junior at Staples High School. The Troop 139 member is working on her Eagle Scout project.

It may be one of the most important in Westport Scout history.

Collaborating with Westport EMS — where she is an emergency medical responder — Sarah is cataloguing the location of every Automated External Defibrillator (AED) in town.

You’ve seen them at Winslow Park, Compo Beach, schools and athletic fields. AEDs help someone experiencing sudden cardiac arrest, when minutes matter.

With the help of volunteers, Sarah will visit known AED locations, take photos, and add them to a digital map.

But she needs “06880” readers’ help.

If you or your business has an AED, please click here to fill out a Google form. Questions? Email sarah.s.lyle@gmail.com.

Sarah Lyle …

… and an AED at Winslow Park. (Photo/Mark Mathias)

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Perfect summer weather — well, at least until mid-afternoon — drew a large crowd to yesterday’s multi-church morning worship, at Compo Beach.

Pivot Ministries — the Bridgeport-based recovery program — was there. Another highlight: the baptism of a baby.

(Photo/Karen Como)

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Last week’s 7.4 magnitude earthquake in Colombia impacted millions — including a very close friend of the Westport Woman’s Club.

Tatiana Duffy’s parents live in a building that was severely damaged, in the heart of the devastation.

The local group has organized an emergency drive, with shipment scheduled for Wednesday.

The following items can be cropped off the most needed supplies:

  • Baby and adult diapers
  • Baby formula
  • Ensure nutrition shakes
  • Personal and feminine hygiene products
  • Pet food
  • Sleeping mats
  • Non-perishable food

NOTE: They are not collecting clothing, shoes or blankets.

Monetary donations are also welcome. Click here for the GoFundMe page.

Tatiana will personally manage the funds, and work with trusted friends and contacts in Colombia to purchase and distribute supplies where they are needed most.   ‘

A small part of the devastation from the Colombia earthquake.

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Westporters know how talented our neighbor Kelli O’Hara is.

But how about her daughter, Charlotte Naughton?

The 12-year-old Bedford Middle School student joined her Grammy-winning Broadway actor mother at an outdoor festival this weekend in Kingston, New York  that brought the audience to tears.

Other featured performers included Audra McDonald, Renée Elise Goldsberry and Anthony Rapp.

Click here or below, for Kelli and Charlotte’s stunning “Both Sides Now” duet.

Of course, Charlotte has great genes. Her grandfather is James Naughton, the Tony Award-winning actor. Her father Greg Naughton leads the Sweet Remains. And her brother Owen is a noted Staples High School musician. (Hat tip: Tom Prince)

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Speaking of entertainers: Grammy-nominated country/soul singer Maggie Rose’s new record, “Half Moon,” is out.

It’s got 2 Westport connections.

Staples High School Class of 1979 graduate Judd Fuller plays bass. And it was produced by Daniel Tashian. The son of Staples grads Barry and Holly Tashian (he fronted the Remains, then played with the Flying Burrito Brothers and Emmy Lou Harris; Barry and Holly later performed as a bluegrass duo).

Click here to learn more about “Half Moon.”

Judd Fuller

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The recent “06880” story about dogs on Westport athletic fields — they’re not allowed, in case you missed it — got an “06880” reader thinking about a similar prohibition on Cockenoe Island.

However, judging by the state of a sign on the town-owned isle a mile off Compo Beach, plenty of visitors may not even know.

Fortunately, other signs — warning about bird nesting areas — are in much better shape.

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The 64th annual Westport PAL Chief Samuel Luciano Golf Tournament tees off August 31, at Longshore.

A major fundraiser, proceeds fund the organization’s scholarship program. To register, or join as a sponsor, click here.

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Speaking of sports:

The Staples Boys Basketball Association’s 3rd annual Summer Slam Jam 3v3 tournament tips off this Sunday (August 23, Staples High School).

All 3rd through 8th grade boys — of all skill levels — are invited to the event. Along with games, there is a 3-point shooting contest, and raffle.

Varsity players and coaches will be on hand to organize teams, offer pointers and referee. Click here for more information (including start times for each level), and registration.

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What better way to start the “Westport … Naturally” week than with this photo of an Eastern giant swallowtail.

Our superb nature photographer — and local expert on all creatures that fly, leap, run and creep — says it is the largest butterfly species in North America.

And, Lou adds, “a beauty of a pollinator!”

(Photo/Lou Weinberg)

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And finally … on this date in 1969, Woodstock came to a close. Among the most memorable performances:

 

Jimi Hendrix played his iconic “Star-Spangled Banner” on the final morning, August 18.

(Woodstock is just a memory. But “06880” is here — live and in person — every day, since 2009. If you enjoy this hyper-local blog, and our musical detours, please click here to support us. Thanks!)

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[OPINION] Fenced Dog Area: “A Solution Looking For A Problem”

Posted on August 17, 2026 | 36 comments

Ken Bernhard is a longtime Westporter. He spent 8 years representing our town in Connecticut’s General Assembly, rising to assistant minority leader. He was 3rd selectman from 1987 to ’89, then served on the Zoning Board of Appeals.

Ken Bernhard

Bernhard has been a board member of the Westport Library, Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Fairfield County, Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce, Norwalk Human Services Council, Earthplace, Westport Historical Society, Levitt Pavilion, Aspetuck Land Trust, Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation, and Connecticut League of Conservation Voters. He has also worked with Syrian refugees.

In advance of tonight’s Planning & Zoning Commission meeting (6 p.m., Zoom), which includes discussion of a text amendment that would permit a fenced dog area to be located within a park, Bernhard wrote to commissioners:

I am writing to respectfully oppose Text Amendment #874, which would modify §40, Dedicated Open Space and Recreation District #1 to permit 2 fenced recreational dog play areas at Winslow Park.

In my view, this amendment is a solution looking for a problem that does not exist. The existing arrangement at Winslow Park has worked successfully for more than 20 years. One area allows dogs to exercise and play off leash, while another requires dogs to remain leashed.

This arrangement provides a sensible balance and allows different park users to enjoy Winslow Park according to their preferences. Before fundamentally changing a system that has worked for decades, the Commission should identify the specific problem this amendment is intended to address and determine whether that problem exists.

If the concern is that dogs might run into the street, there are far simpler, less expensive, and less intrusive solutions than constructing enclosed dog facilities. A modest fence, wall, or other barrier along the roadway could address that specific safety concern without converting a portion of the park into a confined dog enclosure.

The existing off-leash area of Winslow Park should instead be recognized for what it really is: a people park as much as it is a dog park.

Its value is not simply that dogs are permitted to run free. The existing arrangement allows owners to walk, exercise, socialize, and enjoy the natural surroundings while spending time with their pets. People get exercise alongside their dogs, and the dogs get exercise, socialization, and the opportunity to explore. That combination of human recreation, outdoor exercise, nature, and responsible pet ownership is precisely what makes the existing area so valuable.

Winslow Park is for people too.

This is particularly important as Westport experiences growth in the number of apartment residences. Many new residents, as well as existing residents who live in apartments or other housing without large yards, need accessible places where they can walk and exercise their dogs. Winslow Park serves that need exceptionally well because it allows both people and dogs to get meaningful exercise and socialize together.

A fenced dog run does not provide the same benefit. Once a dog and owner enter a relatively small enclosure, the opportunity for a long walk through the park is eliminated. The owner loses the exercise and enjoyment of walking in the park, while the dog loses the opportunity to explore a larger natural environment.

A fenced dog area would therefore reduce, rather than expand, the recreational value of Winslow Park for many dog owners. The goal should be to encourage people to walk and exercise with their dogs—not simply to provide a place where dogs can be contained.

The proposal is particularly questionable because it calls for 2 separate enclosed areas—one for large dogs and one for small dogs. This distinction makes little sense as a means of promoting safety. Aggressiveness and temperament are matters of individual personality and training, not characteristics that correspond reliably to the size of a dog. Separating dogs simply by size does not address the underlying issue of temperament. And what, exactly, is the plan for medium-sized dogs? Creating arbitrary categories raises more questions than it answers.

Winslow Park (Photo/Ron Henkin)

The proposed location raises additional practical concerns. It does not have convenient parking or a readily available water supply. That makes the location particularly inconvenient for dog owners who want to come to the park to walk and exercise with their dogs. The very feature that makes Winslow Park successful — the opportunity for people and dogs to move through and enjoy a larger natural setting — would be diminished by directing users into a fenced enclosure.

Enclosed dog areas can also become soiled quickly, creating sanitation and maintenance concerns. Concentrating numerous unfamiliar dogs in a confined space can produce tension and conflicts that are less likely to occur when dogs have room to move and interact naturally. These are unnecessary issues to introduce into a park system that currently provides a spacious and natural alternative.

I was a Westport resident when the park was acquired decades ago. A similar proposal was considered around that time by the Parks & Recreation Commission and was rejected. This commission should be cautious about revisiting a proposal that was previously determined to be unnecessary, particularly when the existing system continues to function effectively.

The Winslow Park dog community.

Furthermore, approximately half of Winslow Park remains an area where dogs are required to be leashed. This provides substantial space for residents and visitors who prefer not to encounter unleashed dogs.

Finally, I would strongly oppose any effort to commercialize the proposed fenced area or restrict its use to Westport residents. Such a policy would be discriminatory and unnecessarily unfriendly to people from neighboring communities. Visitors who come to Westport with their dogs are not simply users of our parks; they are also customers of our restaurants, retail stores, and other local businesses. Westport benefits from being a welcoming community, and we should not adopt policies that unnecessarily exclude or stigmatize people who live outside our borders.

Additionally, the enforcement mechanism being proposed by the proponents introduces a new regulatory framework that imposes a cost and logistical burden on residents and non-residents alike.

The commission should preserve what already works well, rather than create an expensive, restrictive facility to address a problem that has not been identified. Winslow Park currently offers something difficult to replicate: a place where people can walk, exercise, enjoy nature, socialize and spend quality time with their dogs, while still providing ample space for those who prefer leashed dogs. It is one of Westport’s assets that helps to make our community both unique and a special place to live.

For these reasons, I respectfully urge the Commission to reject Text Amendment #874, and preserve the existing, successful arrangement at Winslow Park.

(“06880” Opinion pages are open to all. Email submissions to 06880blog@gmail.com. To support “06880” with a tax-deductible contribution, please click here.)

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Dogport Organizer: The Back Story, Where It Stands Now, What’s Ahead

Posted on August 17, 2026 | 11 comments

Tonight’s Planning & Zoning Commission meeting (6 p.m., Zoom) includes discussion of a text amendment that would permit a fenced dog area to be located within a park,

Emme Dorfman — a rising senior at Staples High School — helped devise the plan. Today, she shares background on how the idea began, and where it stands now. She hopes too to clear up some misconceptions. She writes:

I first came up with the idea for a fenced-in dog area at Winslow Park last year, as a junior. For my Rhetoric & Persuasion class, I wrote a speech about why I thought Westport could benefit from having a secure area where dogs could run off leash.

I have 2 dogs. When we take them to Winslow, we are always a little nervous that one could get away.

After the class ended, I decided I wanted to pursue the idea. I connected with Representative Town Meeting (RTM) member Andrew Colabella, who had also been working to bring a fenced-in dog area to Westport.

Winslow Park. Compo Road North is at the bottom. The Park extends further to the south (left), toward the Post Road.

I was probably a little naive at first, maybe because of my age and lack of experience with town government. I thought the idea was pretty simple: Winslow is a large park, so why not fence in a portion of it, giving residents and non-residents the option of using a secure off-leash area if that works better for them and their dogs?

We initially proposed an area at the south end of Winslow. After presenting the idea at a Parks & Recreation Commission meeting, it became clear that many regular Winslow users really value that particular meadow. and that some neighbors across Compo Road also had concerns. While we know there will probably never be a location that everyone agrees on, we heard those concerns and began looking at alternatives.

I also want to clarify that the original south end location was the basis for the survey Mark Mathias conducted and has been shared with so many people.

Since then the proposal has changed, which we will share at the next Parks & Recreation meeting. A few weeks ago, Andrew and I met with David Floyd (Parks & Rec chair).

We discussed a possible location on the opposite end of the park, closer to the Compo parking lot and by Post Road. We think this could address many of the concerns we heard. because it would not interfere with the meadow or the way most people currently use Winslow. It would simply be an additional option for dog owners who want or need a secure place for their dogs to exercise. Nothing is official; we are just exploring other options.

One possible location for the fenced-in area: a section near Compo Road North and the Post Road (behind trees in the photo above). It is currently little used by dogs and walkers.

Because of this, I think it is important to recognize that some of the people currently speaking out based on the survey may be responding to information about a proposal that is no longer being considered.

This project is about giving people options. People who love using Winslow exactly as they do today should continue to do that. No one would be required to use the fenced area or change the way they enjoy the rest of the park.

For residents and non-residents who want or need a secure off-leash option, we think there should be one available. We also believe convenience and accessibility for the people and dogs who would use the area are important considerations, alongside aesthetics.

My grandfather is 80 and can’t easily walk around Winslow, but he would love to be able to get out of his car, bring his dog into a secure area, and let him run and get the exercise he needs. My sister recently hurt her knee playing soccer, but she can still enjoy being there with them if they have a secure place to play.

I also understand that some people have raised the point that Winslow is officially considered a park, rather than a “dog park.” But dogs are already clearly part of how Winslow is used. At the entrance there are dog waste bags, a dog water fountain, and signage specifically addressing dogs and their use of the park. Regardless of the official terminology, Winslow already accommodates people using the park with their dogs. We are simply proposing an additional option within that existing use.

We have also adjusted other parts of our original proposal based on feedback. For example, we initially discussed a key-fob access system. We heard concerns about that, so we are no longer proposing it. Instead, the idea would be for dog owners to have the appropriate vaccination and rabies documentation through the town registration process.

Enforcement has also been raised as a concern. That is something we would continue discussing with the dog warden, who we have spoken with, and the town. The fenced area would have clearly posted rules, and users would be expected to behave responsibly, clean up after their dogs, respect other users and follow those rules, just as people are expected to do throughout Winslow today.

I also wanted to clear up one misconception. My mom was at Winslow today and spoke with people who were circulating a petition. She was told that some people are concerned that the entire park could eventually be fenced in. That has never been part of our proposal. We are proposing one designated fenced-in area within Winslow. As information gets passed from person to person, details can understandably get confused, which is one reason I wanted to send this update.

Additionally, no changes would be made to the on-leash versus off-leash areas. Those rules would remain the same.

(Photo/Mark Mathias)

We haven’t been providing many updates this summer because when we spoke with Parks & Recreation, we were told that things tend to be quieter during the summer and would pick back up in September. Nothing has been decided behind the scenes.

Our next step is tonight’s Planning & Zoning meeting, where we hope to have a text amendment approved. It would simply allow us to move forward with the process; it does not approve a location or a final dog park plan.

If the text amendment passes, the next step would be to develop and present a specific proposal, including the potential new location, and continue gathering input from everyone — residents and non-residents, people who currently use Winslow, neighbors, and people who may not use Winslow today because they don’t feel comfortable having their dogs off leash.

We would really like to work together as we move forward, so that any future survey reflects the most current proposal, and accurately explains what is and isn’t being considered. We don’t want anyone to feel that their concerns haven’t been heard. Many of the changes we are considering are a direct result of listening to those concerns.

What we’ve learned is that people in opposition may speak up more loudly than the people in support. We understand how important it is to listen, adjust, and try to find a solution that works for as many people as possible.

(“06880” reports regularly on town affairs — political, environmental, human, canine and more. If you appreciate our 24/7/365 work, please click here to support us. Thank you!)

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Roundup: Dogs On Fields, Action On Compo, Chait’s Photos On Display …

Posted on August 16, 2026 | 7 comments

The “No Dogs on Sports Fields” signs around town are often ignored.

But $77 fines might start getting some owners’ attention.

The Parks & Recreation Department and Westport Animal Control advise the public that they’ll stringently enforce the ordinance in the weeks ahead.

As Parks & Rec staff prepare the fields for the school year, they’ve found what one town official calls “an incredible amount of dog poop.” It’s especially bad at Wakeman Fields, adjacent to Bedford Middle School.

Animal control officer Peter Reid explains: “People can walk dogs on the walkways, but must have verbal or physical control of the dogs. I’ve seen quite a few dogs that stay right at their owner’s side, and those are fine.

“Specifically at Wakeman, people can walk dogs along the perimeter, but the dogs should be leashed. We can’t have dogs romping on the fields anymore, given the large percentage of owners that are not picking up after themselves.”

“And the outfield at the baseball field is part of a playing field. Some walkers were treating that like part of the perimeter.”

NOTE: Those $77 fines are per dog, BTW.

Warning! (Photo/Alexandra Gay”)

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We’ve been blessed with several days of spectacular weather.

Yesterday was another perfect day at the beach.

Just another August Saturday at Compo Beach. (Photo/Susan Garment)

Thirsty visitors enjoyed dirty sodas. The non-alcoholic beverages are made by adding flavored syrups, fruit purees, cream or half-and-half, and a fruit garnish.

Three girls — Madeline, Olivia and Zoey — have created a business called (of course) Cherry on Top. They drew a great crowd (including lifeguards, who got freebies).

The girls …

Cherry on Top will be back the weekend of August 29.

… and their menu. (Photos/Jessica Eno)

That was not the only vendor yesterday. These young entrepreneurs sold ice pops (and did not care if you had no cash):

(Photo/Susan Garment)

Meanwhile, on South Beach, there was this wedding (or reception — hard to tell, since we were not invited):

(Photo/Sunil Hirani)

The couple rolled the dice — weather-wise — for this one, and won.

Let’s hope the rest of their marriage sails as smoothly, too.

Over near the cannons, Staples High School’s Classes of 1969 through ’74 gathered for a day-long reunion.

It was a chance to hang with old friends — and meet new ones. Everyone may not have been at school together, but when you’re in your late-60s to mid-70s, you’re all basically the same age.

And hey — those are the same numbers as the graduation years themselves.

Freaky!

Looking good, more than 55 yeas later! (Photo/Susan Garment)

Finally, not far away, these gulls gathered.

(Photo/Lauri Weiser)

They were either chatting, waiting to pounce the moment a bit of food was left ungarded.

Or they were imitating the chairs that humans plop down every year, saving space for the Independence Day fireworks.

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Readers love Michael Chait’s photos on “06880.”

Next weekend (August 22-23, 1 to 6 p.m.), you can see a wide variety of his images — up close, personal, and much larger than on a screen. The venue is his 11 Riverside Avenue studio, near the Post Road West corner.

The show will feature new works, ready to hang. His style includes photographs that resemble paintings, and photographic wall clocks.

Guest photographer David Stone, also a Westport resident, will contribute recent works.

“Downtown Noralk” (Michael Chait)

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Wendy Levy’s 4 words — “Oh no! Too soon!” is the only caption today’s “Westport … Naturally image needs.

(Photo/Wendy Levy)

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And finally … happy National Roller Coaster Day!

It’s celebrated every August 16, to commemorate the anniversary of the first vertical loop roller coaster patent (issued to Edwin Prescott in 1898 — but you knew that, right?

Wheeeee!

(About the only thing more fun than an amusement park is supporting “06880,” your hyper-local blog. Just click here to have the ride of your life. Thank you!)

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