Posted onFebruary 14, 2025|Comments Off on Wallflowers Step Into VersoFest Spotlight
Dylan is coming to VersoFest!
Not Bob. As impressive and high-powered as the Westport Library’s annual music and media festival is, it can’t (yet) snag the Nobel Prize-winning singer/ songwriter/cultural icon.
But his son Jakob — creator, frontman and lead vocalist of the Wallflowers — brings his alt-rock band to the Trefz Forum on Friday night, April 4.
For over 30 years, the Wallflowers have honed a sound that meshes timeless songwriting and storytelling with a hard-hitting, definitely modern musical attack.
They’ve sold more than 10 million albums, and won 2 Grammys.
Jakob Dylan
Their recordings include 1996’s “Bringing Down the Horse” — with hits like “One Headlight,” “Three Marlenas,” and “6th Avenue Heartache” — as well as “Breach,” “Rebel, Sweetheart” and “Glad All Over.”
In recent years Dylan stepped outside the band, with a pair of acoustic, rootsy records, then with the 2018 film “Echo in the Canyon.” He collaborated on the soundtrack with Neil Young, Eric Clapton, Beck and Fiona Apple.
Dylan returned to the Wallflowers in 2021, with a fresh group of musicians.
Despite the hiatus, Exit Wounds was a return to the band’s signature sound, even as Dylan surrounded himself with a fresh cast of musicians.
“I came up in an era of great rock ‘n’ roll bands making great music, and it’s the way I always imagined I would do it one day,” he says.
“That’s always been my vision with the Wallflowers: to be a great rock ‘n’ roll band. I’ve worked on it for 30 years now, and I still have a lot to say. It’s something I started a long time ago, and it’s far from finished.”
The Wallflowers’ show is not the only VersoFest highlight. The night before (April 3), rock star and National Book Award winner Patti Smith kicks off the 4-day festival.
In addition to the Wallflowers and Smith, this year’s VersoFest includes hardcore punk pioneer Henry Rollins, and longtime David Letterman music director Paul Shaffer.
There is a symposium celebrating the 50th anniversary of Bruce Springsteen’s “Born to Run,” special exhibits by local graffiti artist 5ive Fingaz, a gospel revival, workshops and more.
Click here for details on all the VersoFest events — and to purchase tickets.
Comments Off on Wallflowers Step Into VersoFest Spotlight
Coleytown Middle School theater students got a special treat Wednesday.
Westport Country Playhouse technical director Jason Thompson led a tour of the theater, for Coleytown Company’s tech crew.
It was not a random invitation. Thompson is working with the students to build the set for “Matilda,” the CMS show that runs April 4-6.
The visit was coordinated by Ben Frimmer. He wears 3 hats: theater arts educator for Westport Public Schools, director of Coleytown Company, and Playhouse trustee.
“I want to make Westport students more aware of the only professional theatre in Westport,” he says.
“Coleytown has one of the strongest middle school tech programs in the country. But I think it’s critical we expand students’ knowledge past what we do at school. This trip allowed them to experience the world of professional technical theatre.”
Coleytown Company’s tech crew toured the historic Playhouse, visited the scene shop, and watched set building underway on stage for the opening next week of “Native Gardens.”
Jason Thompson, Playhouse technical director (right) and Matthew Melchiorre, Playhouse director of production (left), explain set construction of “Native Gardens” to Coleytown Company’s tech crew.
Speaking of the Playhouse: They’ve added 2 new events to their April calendar.
“Me, Myself, and Barbra” is a tribute to Ms. Streisand, by Jenna Pastuszek. She was inspired by a meeting with the singing star, who inspired her to embrace her inner Barbra.
The show is April 24 — Streisand’s birthday. Tickets are $45 and $40; pre-show party and show tickets are $55 and $50. Click here to purchase, and for more information.
“2 Motherpluckers” is a musical, featuring a pair of guitar-playing, songwriting local moms — Julie Foldesi and Stacie Morgain Lewis — on a hilarious journey through the bumps of motherhood.
Broadway star/Westport resident compares it to “the Indigo Girls meet Kristen Wiig.”
The Lucille Lortel White Barn Center show is April 29 (7 p.m.). All tickets are $20. Click here to purchase, and for more information.
Three new art exhibits are on display at The Westport Library. “Good Bones: 60 Years of Multi-Dimensional Commentary” by Nina Bentley, “City Sights” by Susan Fehlinger, and “Art and Jazz” by Jean Krasno run through March 25.
Bentley’s art is often conceptual in nature, offering poignant commentary on a wide array of social issues. “Good Bones” is a retrospective of decades of her work, composed of sculpture, prints, pen and ink, and multimedia assemblages.
Fehlinger worked for 35 years as a television producer in New York City. Yearning to paint, she left her job in 2003 and embarked on a career as an artist.
Her style emphasizes texture, color, and light. Her compositions play with scale, placement, and negative and positive spaces.
Krasno is inspired by the magic of jazz music, conveyed through the rich voices, poetic lyrics and rhythmic performances of artists like Dave Brubeck, Miles Davis and Duke Ellington.
“Art and Jazz” creates a sensory experience that combines her art with the music that sparked its creation, incorporating a listening component with QR codes that link to jazz songs.
The Westport Board of Education Policy Committee’s next meeting is February 27 (11 a.m., Town Hall Room 309).
Discussion items include:
Second reading of possible revisions to the suicide prevention and intervention policy.
First reading of possible revisions to existing policies involving the Americans with Disabilities Act, non-discrimination, and sex-based discrimination and harassment.
First reading of a possiible new policy on transportation.
Discussion of a policy on survey of students/student privacy.
Meanwhile, one of the agenda items for the Planning & Zoning Commission’s February 24 meeting (6 p.m., remote; click here for the link) is a special permit request by Fairfield County Hunt Club.
They’re applying to build an indoor racquet sport facility, for club members and guests.
A late model Audi was stolen around 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, from the parking lot at Bridge Square.
The thief opened the door, and drove off. It appears the keys might have been left in the car.
The epidemic of car thefts continues in Westport. Once again, “06880” reminds residents to lock your cars — always. Never leave your keys in your cars. Always be aware of your surroundings. And if you have a garage: Use it! (Hat tip: Ben Meyer)
Eve Potts spotted this at the Regents Park condos, after our most recent storm. It’s today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature. She calls it “Nature’s Sculpture.”
(Photo/Eve Potts)
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And finally … Happy Valentine’s Day, to all who celebrate it.
There are squintillions of songs to choose from. These 3 seem to cover it well:
(Sure, you can show your love for “06880” with flowers or chocolate. But we prefer that you click here, and make a tax-deductible contribution. Hey, we’re honest! Thank you all …)
TEAM Westport’s Teen Diversity Essay Contest has never shied away from important topics.
This year’s prompt is particularly important — and topical.
“Identity” is the topic of the 2025 contest, sponsored by the town’s multicultural organization.
The contest is open to students attending both public and private high school in Westport. Those who live in Westport and attend public or private high school elsewhere — or are home-schooled here — can also participate.
This year’s essay prompt says:
TEAM Westport is dedicated to addressing issues of bias and discrimination related to race, religion, ethnicity, and LGBTQIA+ identity that negatively impact our town’s goal of being a welcoming community for all who live and work here. The recent introduction of the Anti-Defamation League’s “No Place for Hate” initiative in Westport’s schools strives to create an environment where all students feel they belong and are free from bias, bullying, or hatred.
In our community, each person’s unique identity — shaped by their race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and other aspects of who they are — contributes to the character of Westport. In 1,000 words or less, we invite you to reflect on how your own identity shapes your perspective and the experiences you have in Westport. Please address the following considerations in your response:
Which aspects of your identity feel most central to how you wish to be understood and accepted?
How do aspects of your identity shape your daily school and community experiences, including both challenges and opportunities in expressing these parts of yourself?
What specific changes could our community make to decrease identity-based bias, bullying and hate?
The entry deadline for the essay contest is 11:59 pm on March 10.
The Westport Library co-sponsors the event. They’ll host the winners at a special ceremony on April 28.
The prompt and contest entry rules are available online at teamwestport.org.
Subject to the volume and caliber of entries received, at the discretion of the judges, up to 3 cash prizes will be awarded. The first prize is $1,000; second place is $750, while third is $500.
“Our community conversation to uncover ways to ensure that there is ‘No Place for Hate’ is ongoing,” says TEAM Westport Chair Harold Bailey Jr. “As we launch our 12th year of the Essay Contest, nothing could be more current than the issue of personal identity. We invite our young people to share their experiences around identity to help shape a world in which everyone belongs with mutual respect.”
First Selectwoman Jen Tooker adds, “This community encourages constructive, respectful dialogue. As representatives of our talented and thoughtful population, the youth of Westport can be instrumental in sharing diverse ideas that ensure that everyone who lives, works, plays, and learns here feels welcomed and valued.”
Prior prompts have tackled topics from white privilege and Black Lives Matter to micro-aggressions and dialogue.
“We’re honored to co-sponsor and host the 2025 TEAM Westport Diversity Essay Contest,” says Westport Library executive director Bill Harmer.
“One of our goals as a Library is to foster inclusivity, understanding, and belonging, and to provide the tools for students learn and thrive. Personal identity is achieved through exploration and conversation, a product of introspection and community engagement — all core to the mission of the Library and representative of the remarkable students Westport engages.”
At the 2024 TEAM Westport Teen Essay Contest celebration (from left) First Selectwoman Jen Tooker, TEAM Westport chair Harold Bailey; winners Teya Ozgen, Sophia Lopez and Olivia Morgeson; Staples High School principal Stafford Thomas; Westport Library executive director Bill Harmer.
The Westport Library is closed all day today (Thursday).
They hoped to open at 2 p.m. But the forecast of additional precipitation and potential for icy road conditions made a full-day closure the safest option for patrons and staff.
Tonight’s scheduled program — “Harriet Tubman: Military Scout and Tenacious Visionary: Author Talk With Jean Marie Wiesen and Tubman’s Descendant, Rita Daniels” — has been moved to a virtual event, at 7 p.m. Click here for the link.
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In addition, tonight’s Board of Education has been postponed to next week (Thursday, February 13, 7 p.m., Staples High School cafeteria).
In yesterday’s story about the 2024 Grand List, “06880” included a list of Westport’s top 10 taxpayers.
As it always does, Connecticut Light & Power (aka Eversource) was in first place.
We noted that much of their property consists of utility poles.
It does. But that’s not the full story.
Chris Swan — Eversource’s now retired director of transmission siting (and 1967 Staples High School graduate) — says that the largest item in their property portfolio is the double set of underground 345,000-volt transmission cables, installed in 2009.
They run from the Fairfield border, mostly under the Post Road, traversing town into Norwalk across from Whole Foods, en route from Bridgeport to the Norwalk substation at the junction of Routes 7 and 123.
Eversource also owns the 4 substations in town. The newest (the Sherwood Substation) was built on New Creek Road adjacent to the Greens Farms train station in 2009.
Chris adds: “Most of the company’s facilities are overhead poles and wires. But the biggest taxable valuation is in the underground transmission lines and substations.”
Eversource’s Main Street substation, behind Coffee An’.
Floods like these are becoming more prevalent. (Photo/Geralyn Rella Breig)
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“Native Gardens” — the Westport Country Playhouse comedy that runs February 18 to March 8 — is about fences and neighbors.
In the spirit of community-building, several special events are planned. They include:
Taste of Tuesday (February 18, 6 p.m.): Reception pairing food from Harvest Restaurant,plus wine. Exclusive for “Taste of Tuesday” season ticket holders. Click here for information.
Together at the Table (February 19, 5:30 p.m.): For $15, a family or group* enjoys a communal pizza dinner and casual conversation before the 7 p.m. show. Call 203-227-4177 for reservations.
Pride Night (February 20, 6 p.m.): Pre-show cocktail party for the LGBTQ+ community and friends, including a limited open bar and appetizers from Gruel Britannia. Use code GARDENSPRIDE online or call 203-227-4177 for reservations.
Opening Night Post-Show Reception (February 22): Celebrate with the cast, crew and creative team.
Sunday Symposium (after the February 23 3 p.m. show): No ticket necessary — open to all.
Stay tuned for an update on the speakers! No ticket necessary — open to all.
Open Caption (March 2, 3 p.m.): Deaf and hard of hearing audiences enjoy the performance while watching a digital screen with actors’ dialogue.
Backstage Pass (after the March 5 2 p.m. performance): Learn how the technical staff brought “Native Gardens” to life. No ticket necessary — open to all.
Thursday Talkback )after the March 6 7 p.m. performance: Q&A with cast members. No ticket necessary — open to all.
For more information on “Native Gardens,” click here.
Youngsters interested in sailing — and parents who want their kids to learn – are invited to a “Junior Sailing Bagel Bash” (March 1, 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., Cedar Point Yacht Club).
No experience is necessary. The Cedar Point program is open to all junior sailors — members and non-members, beginners to experienced.
Speaking of kids: Long QT Syndrome — a potentially life-threatening heart condition — affects 1 in 2,000 children. Early detection can help prevent serious complications.
Connecticut Children’s and Hearts in Harmony are sponsoring free EKG screenings this Saturday (February 8, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Westport Specialty Care Center, 191 Post Road West).
Children with abnormal EKG results will receive expedited follow-up appointments with Connecticut Children’s cardiologists.
The event includes kid-friendly activities, a fashion show, food and more.
For more information, contact Dr. Robyn Matloff at 917-439-8941.
Attention, Westport Library e-book and audiobook users: With a transition from CloudLibrary to Libby, patrons can access more digital titles than ever.
The transition takes place March 18. CloudLibrary. The last date for holds to be placed through CloudLibrary is February 15. (See below for important dates and FAQs.)
The Library will offer online and in-person tutorials from March 18 to March 21 (3 to 4 p.m), to help users with the transition. An “Anyone Can Use” class focused on the Libby app is set for the Library on March 19 (11 a.m. to noon).
The Westport Board of Education Policy Committee’s next meeting is February 12 (9 a.m., Town Hall Room 201A).
Discussion items include:
Second reading of possible revisions to the suicide prevention and intervention policy.
First reading of possible revisions to existing policies involving the Americans with Disabilities Act, non-discrimination, and sex-based discrimination and harassment.
First reading of a possiible new policy on transportation.
Discussion of a policy on survey of students/student privacy.
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Westport police made no custodial arrests between January 29 and February 5.
Police issued these citations:
Traveling unreasonably fast: 8 citations
Speeding: 6
Operating an unregistered motor vehcile: 3
Failure to renew registrations: 3
Texting while driving: 2
Failure to obey stop sign: 2
Failure to obe traffic control signals: 2
Reckless driving: 1
Failure to yield to pedestrian: 1
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension:
Failure to obey state traffic commission regulations: 1
Pedestrians have the right of way in crosswalks. Even those pedestrians (and crosswalks) that are less visible.
Longtime Westporter and noted writer Barry Tarshis died peacefully at home Tuesday, with his family by his side. He was 86.
His obituary says, “He endured 2 years of brutal health challenges by drawing on a bottomless wellspring of optimism, charm, kindness, generosity, and a weak spot for mediocre jokes. Five days before he died, confined to his bed and afflicted with late-stage Alzheimer’s disease, he was asked by his hospice nurse if he was comfortable. ‘I make a decent living,’ he replied.”
He grew up in Pittsburgh. His father Max was a musician who instilled in Barry a lifelong love of music. Even into his final months, Barry retained his ability to play Bill Evans on the piano, sing along with Pavarotti, and harmonize with Elton John and Jim Croce.
Barry overcame his childhood shyness to star in his high school production of “Guys and Dolls,” play basketball, and capture the heart of his future wife, Karen Ross, who he began dating at the age of 15.
After leaving University of Pittsburgh 1 credit short of graduation, Barry traveled across Europe on a motorbike, appeared as an extra in “La Dolce Vita,” lived on an Israeli kibbutz, and moved into a Greenwich Village hovel to embark on a career as a writer.
After marrying Karen and serving in the U.S. Army in New Mexico, he settled into a 30-plus year career as a freelance author. He wrote a dozen books and hundreds of articles for the New York Times, Playbill, Playboy, Town & Country, and Tennis, among other publications.
Herallied with Chris Evert, walked on hot coals with Tony Robbins, traveled to India, Russia, Colombia and Micronesia, and interviewed a mystic who specialized in casting love spells.
He taught writing, led communications seminars for business leaders, and created the grammar and writing website Communications Fitness.
His family said, “The shaping forces of Barry’s career were an eagerness to learn and his genuine curiosity about and respect for all kinds of people — from tennis champions to the students who took his writing classes at public schools in the South Bronx. He brought these same qualities into his most prized creative endeavor, his family.
“While most fathers dream of their children achieving fame and fortune, Barry’s oft-stated parenting goal for Lauren and Andrew was to ‘raise children he would want to hang out with when they were older.’ They wanted to hang out with him, as often as possible.
“Well into his last weeks, he woke up each day with a renewed sense of life’s possibilities, deep gratitude, and an eagerness to uplift his family, his friends, and anyone lucky enough to cross his path.”
Barry is survived by his wife of 62 years, Karen; children Lauren (David Dreyfuss) and Andrew; grandchildren Leo Dreyfuss (Rebecca Goldman), Jeremy Dreyfuss (Shira), Dylan and Valerie Dreyfuss; Lily, Evi, and Ruby Tarshis, and his sister Carole Cohen.
A private celebration-of-life is planned. In lieu of flowers, consider donating to the Alzheimer’s Foundation, or tell someone a mediocre joke.
With snow predicted tomorrow (Thursday), the Westport Farmers’ Market has canceled this week’s session.
“This decision is incredibly difficult to make,” director Lori Cochran says. “We understand the negative impact it has on our vendors and yoru kitchens.
“Be we need to put the safety of our vendors and you foremost.”
Operation Warm Hug — the Farmers’ Market coat drive — will take place next Thursday (February 13).
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Still on: tomorrow’s open house charrette, to view and discuss plans for Westport’s proposed public safety complex (Thursday, February 6; 7 p.m., Senior Center).
The project — involving the Police and Fire Departments, and Emergency Medical Services — is in the conceptual and feasibility stage.
An architectural presentation will be followed by discussions and feedback opportunities.
Ever wished you could snag an invite to Craig Melvin and Lindsay Czarniak’s house?
I’ve never gotten one. But thanks to the New York Times, I — and anyone else on the planet with internet — can check out a few highlights.
“At Home with Craig Melvin” shows a few rooms. The new NBC “Today” host reveals how the family landed in Westport (it was midway between New York and Bristol, Connecticut, where she works for ESPN), and near a train station.
He talks about their strong relationship with the town (youth sports coaching, PTA, etc.).
And he shows off his grandmother’s beloved chair, and his own candle-making equipment.
Click here for a tour of Craig and Lindsay’s home. (Hat tip: Bill Dedman)
Craig Melvin’s chair, vinyl and more. (Photo/Tony Cenicola for The New York Times)
Club203 celebrated Valentine’s Day early last night.
With a bit of mini-golf.
At their monthly party — hosted by MoCA CT — members made their own golf visors, played a few rounds, enjoyed sweet treats, and mixed and mingled at high-top tables. was treated to some Valentine Birdie Fun tonight – when Mini Golf Party Events brought the party to us at MOCA-CT!”
“Our hearts are filled with gratitude for our team of volunteers,” says Club203 co-founder Stacie Curran.
Happy Valentine’s Day to all!
Fun for all: Club203 at MoCA CT.
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Earthplace is ready for the rest of winter.
And spring.
Upcoming at the non-profit science, conservation and education center:
Woodland Egg Hunt: (April 18 & 19; hourly slots from 10 a.m. through 2 p.m.; $25 per child): A nature hunt for eggs, meet a live rabbit (and egg-laying animals), and create spring-themed crafts.
Toast to the Trees: Afternoon Beer Tasting and Kids Activities
(April 26, 4 to 6 p.m.; $35 adults 21+; $15 child). Arbor Day special. Explore the trails while sipping craft vrews. Kids have fun too. End with beer, food trucks, lawn games and a campfire with s’mores.
Cocktails & Clams Fundraiser: Sunset Evening on the Sound (May 31, 5 to 7 p.m.). Harbor Watch benefit, at Copps Island Oysters in Norwalk. Unlimited raw bar, hors d’oeuvres, open bar, live band and silent auction.
Moth Ball (June 21, 8 to 11 p.m.). Observe nocturnal insects while sipping cocktails. Costumes are optional.
Click here for more information, including tickets.
Arbor Day at Earthplace.
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Gang of Four kicks off its farewell tour on April 18, at the Westport Library.
The pioneering band served a forerunner of the post-punk movement, fusing outspoken political messages with intense, percussive live set.
Tickets for the concert — an extension of VersoFest 2025 — are $55. Click here to purchase.
Tim “Journeys by DJ” Fielding, the founder of Brainiak Records, will spin tracks before the show.
Singer Jon King will be in the Trefz Forum earlier in the day for a conversation with Rock & Roll Hall of Famer (and Fairfield resident) Chris Frantz of Talking Heads and Tom Tom Club) about his new book, To Hell with Poverty!: A Class Act: Inside the Gang of Four.”
The Staples boys basketball team rebounded (ho ho) from a rare loss to #1 St. Bernard’s on Saturday, with a 57-41 win over highly touted Fairfield Ludlowe, in Westport.
“06880” photographer/Staples sophomore Ryan Allen captured this great photo, of senior co-captain Charlie Bowman:
The Board of Finance meets this Wednesday (February 5, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium).
Among the agenda items are these appropriation requests:
$3,072,596 for Board of Education building projects.
$2,012,000 to rehabilitate the Compo Beach Marina piers, fuel dock and electrical switchgear.
$400,000 for sidewalk maintenance and replacement.
$198,000 for a highway service truck.
$2,750,000 to replace the Cross Highway culvert over Deadman Brook.
$222,000 for architectural study, schematic design, land-use permitting, and preparation of a probable cost opinion, for the Westport Parks & Recreation Department maintenance facility at Longshore.
Internationally renowned pianist — and longtime Westporter — Frederic Chiu often roams far from his home (now Norwalk).
In addition to concerts across the globe, he’s a professor at Carnegie Mellon University’s School of Music.
But his many fans — in Westport, and worldwide — can see him on livestream, for 3 days starting tonight.
The DKV Festival — featuring the intersection of music, technology and community, using the Yamaha Disklavier, which Chiu has tested and played for over 35 years — features several special events.
Today (Monday, February 3, 8 p.m.), Chiu plays 2 pianos at the same time, live.
Click here for more information, and links to the other DKV Festival offerings.
Frederic Chiu accompanies himself on 2 pianos, at the Westport Library.
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Longtime Westport and Weston resident Pauline Wexler celebrated her 100th birthday yeterday at the Westport home of Michael and Eve Catarevas, her nephew and his wife.
Pauline has not slowed down a bit. She still drives every day from her Norwalk home to play bridge, and attend Westport Senior Center events.
She still works too, sewing tapestries, pillows and other items that she sells to stores and on eBay.
Pauline’s late husband, Red Wexler, served in World War II as an artist in the Pacific Theater. A noted cartoonist, he was a member of the Westport illustrators group from the 1960s through ’80s.
Pauline Wexler (center), with Eve and Michael Catarevas.
And finally … if you have no idea what it means for Frederic Chiu to play 2 pianos at once (story above), check out this video:
(Another Monday, another week of “06880” Roundups. Oh, yeah: We work weekends too. If you enjoy this hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
From Longshore to Long Lots, and safety to sustainability, the state of the town is very, very good.
That not-unexpected verdict was delivered this afternoon by 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Board of Education chair Lee Goldstein.
They spoke at the 8th annual State of the Town meeting, at the Westport Library. The Westport Rotary and Sunrise Rotary Clubs co-sponsored the event.
1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker (left) and Board of Education chair Lee Goldstein.
Tooker began by listing her top 5 priorities.
Calling traffic “my favorite topic,” the town’s chief executive said her multi-pronged task force “is rocking it.” They tackled over 50 issues, while the Safety Action Plan provides a “road map” for coming years.
Tooker cited improvements in sidewalks and at intersections, and a 54% increase in traffic stops last year.
At Longshore, replacement of the maintenance shed and renovation of the Inn are key first steps to long-term improvement.
“There is no question in anyone’s mind that Parker Harding needs to be redone,” Tooker said, referring to downtown parking.
While “a shovel-ready design could be implemented tomorrow,” Tooker said that land-use bodies want a more comprehensive plan for all lots.
1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker
Flood mitigation and stream management are another priority. “We are a very wet town,” Tooker noted. “45% of our land is wetlands. Long-term, expensive projects” are ongoing.
Ensuring that everyone feels welcome and included in our community and schools “is a real goal of mine,” the first selectwoman said.
She hailed the work of Homes with Hope, particularly their renovations of the Gillespie Center and Susie’s House, as “clear investments to protect our most vulnerable residents.”
Tooker said she will continue to advocate for the renovation of 5 buildings at Baron’s South, for affordable housing. The Planning & Zoning Commission meets tomorrow (Monday, 6 p.m., Zoom) to discuss a text amendment that would allow multi-family housing there.
She emphasized that there would be no change to any other part of the 22-acre property.
“Golden Shadows,” the main house at the Baron’s South property.
Tooker lauded the Senior Center for its increase in visits (up 25% from last year) and lunches (up 38%).
She also discussed the town’s new partnership with Silver Hill Hospital. Starting yesterday, the New Canaan facility offers free urgent mental health assessments for Westporters.
Westport continues to focus on sustainability, Tooker said. Vehicle fleets — including Police and other departments — are being electrified wherever possible.
The first selectwoman spoke about the new Long Lots Elementary School. The “largest building project ever in town” is also “big, complex, and the most exciting,” she said. The projected completion date is 2027.
A very preliminary plan for Long Lots Elementary School.
Tooker praised Startup Westport. The public/private partnership brings together tech and innovation founders and funders. Over 200 mentors and mentees have collaborated, and special interest groups are thriving.
She concluded with a shoutout to her colleagues and staff. “They are the best of the best,” Tooker said.
Board of Education chair Goldstein began by touting state and national awards, in areas like arts, journalism, science, math, academics, TV and radio, achieved by students and staff.
A slide showing some of the many Westport Public Schools honors won in 2023-24.
She noted that Staples High School graduates attend 176 different institutions. Students “leave Westport public schools equipped for what comes next, and happy and excited to take on their next chapter.”
She cited the work of Staples’ new student council, which has made “significant improvements” in areas like support centers, exam centers and wellness activities, and similiar initiatives at the middle and elementary schools.
Goldstein hailed the 2 student representatives on the Board of Education, who have voiced concern about proposed schedule changes at Staples.
She praised “Senior Walks,” a new program in which seniors return to their elementary schools prior to graduation, to greet former teachers and meet current students.
Goldstein also focused on the district’s approach to preventing “mean and excluding behavior.” That includes the ADL’s’ “No Place for Hate” project, and the School Climate Committee at Staples that addresses areas like suicide prevention and the adjustment of incoming freshmen.
Goldstein noted the schools’ efforts in aras like culture and identity, collaborative learning and community conversations.
The Board of Ed chair mentioned the Long Lots Elementary School building project at the end, thanking the building committee for their “tireless” work.
She showed a preliminary design, calling it “everything we, on the educational specificiations side, could ask for, within reason.”
Goldstein promised more information over the next few months about costs and site plans.
Another view of the preliminary Long Lots plan.
Finally, the budget. The board will vote at its next meeting on fiscal year 2025-26.
“The cost component remains consistent,” she concluded. “We’re a people business, and 80% of the budget is salary and benefits.”
Representative Town Meeting moderate Jeff Wieser posed questions submitted by the audience.
RTM moderator Jeff Wieser (right) fields questions for 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Board of Ed chair Lee Goldstein.
Tooker spoke at length about a new site for the Westport Community Gardens.
She reiterated her support for a Baron’s South location, adajcent to the Senior Center. It could be ready in 2026, and would require no P&Z change.
Tooker has written to all gardeners about the plan. “They need to want to move,” she said. “I’m happy to talk to them.”
Asked about the effects of possible federal funding cuts in areas like education and transportation, Tooker said there is no federal money on the town’s operational side.
Goldstein reported that there is little funding for education. As to fears about possible ICE raids, she said, “We receive children as they come to su. We will support students and staff as best we can.”
She added, “I am concerned about the material harm, and the ways we may be dimished spiritually and psychologically, by this fear.”
Board of Education chair Lee Goldstein. (All photos/Dan Woog)
Goldstein took a moderate approach to a question about artificial intelligence in schools.
“Students should use AI, while learning fundamental skills, because that’s the world we live in. Thinking, reasoning and communicating all use AI, but it can’t supplant the human spirit.”
She addressed a possible ban on smartphone use at Staples by noting its strong support among elementary and middle school parents. High school parents have mixed feelings.
Wilton High School banned phones this year, and Westport will examine that experience.
Goldstein predicted a ban next year here. “That may be one area where we don’t ask students for too much input,” she concluded.
(“06880” covers the state of the town today — and every day. If you appreciate our 24/7/365 journalism, please click here to make a tax-deductible donation. Thank you!)
Posted onFebruary 2, 2025|Comments Off on Roundup: Crossword Contest, Comedy, Drag Show …
Over 200 competitors vied yesterday, at the 26th annual Westport Library Crossword Puzzle Contest.
A first time winner out-puzzled them all.
Quiara Vasquez finished a Friday-level New York Times puzzle in just 6 minutes and 16 seconds — about the time it takes a normal solver to fill in just a few answers.
Quiara Vasquez (right), with runner-up Claire Rimkus (center) and third-place finisher Ken Stern.
As always the Trefz Forum was filled with regulars, first-timers, and those cruciverbalist superstars who make the rest of us feel like we should have stopped playing games at Word Search.
The crowd skewed older, and came from 6 states. The furthest competitors — for the second year in a row — were from Georgia.
Times puzzle editor Will Shortz was once again on hand, and led several NPR-style games before the final round.
He was greeted with a well-deserved standing ovation. Besides coming every year — the only event he attends, besides the national tournament — he is recovering from a stroke.
He was stricken exactly a year ago — the day after he was in Westport for the 2024 Crossword Puzzle Tournament. Shortz described that event, and his rehabilitation over the past year.
Will Shortz (Photos/Dan Woog)
In addition to Vasquez, certificates were handed out to over 50 competitors who completed all 3 puzzles correctly.
Plus the 2 with the best handwriting (one pencil, one pen).
Westport Country Playhouse’s “Season of Laughter” continues this month.
“Native Gardens” — a comedy about well-intentioned neighbors who become feuding enemies — debuts playing February 18.
Expectant parents Tania and Pablo Del Valle move next door to longtime suburbanites Virginia and Frank Butley. A dispute over the property line spirals into a war over taste, class, personal identity — and gardening.
Looking for a fun and different Valentine’s Day celebration, a few days early?
How about a drag show this Saturday, with Boston’s own Patty Bourrée?
Westport Pride is hosting the February 8 event (7 p.m., MoCA CT; 18+ only). It features songs, comedy and cocktails. All genders and orientations welcome!
Click here for tickets ($40), and more information.
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Oscar Edelman is having a great season for the Wesleyan University basketball team.
The 6-8, 225-pound freshman — a Westport resident and former Greens Farms Academy player, who won a gold medal at the Maccabi Games 2 years ago — has helped the Cardinals to a 20-0 record. They are the only unbeaten men’s team in all of Division III.
Oscar Edelman
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Westport Sunrise Rotary’s speaker most recent speaker was Edward Spilka.
The Wheel it Forward USA board member described his organization’s not-for-profit library. People donate or borrow free medical equipment and assistive technology like wheelchairs, hospital beds, toilet risers, walkers and knee scooters.
Warehouses in Stamford and Bridgeport serve 600 people every month. Donations kept over 100,000 pounds of equipment out of landfills, and saved users more than $1 million in 2024 alone.
Edward Spilka, at the Westport Sunrise Rotary meeting.
Sorelle Gallery welcomes Carol Young next Saturday (February, 2 to 4 p.m.), for a meet-and-greet at their Church Lane gallery.
The Connecticut artist specializes in acrylic and oil landscapes. Click here for more information.
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Jeff Mitchell sends today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature. He writes:
“On a walk at Sherwood Island State Park Saturday morning, I encountered 4 different migrating birds.
“Those in the upper left are ring-billed gulls (note the black tail feathers with white dots). Under that is a rather large juvenile herring gull.
“In the upper right are 2 Brandt geese. Under them is one of a huge flock of long- tailed ducks floating too far from shore to get a good picture of on my phone.
“Below that is a stock picture of the same duck, for reference. They would dive under the water for up to a minute.
“I walk at Sherwood Island quite often. These are all rarities, which is why I’m passing them along.”
And finally … Barry Goldberg, a keyboardist who was part of Bob Dylan’s famous electric set at the Newport Folk Festival in 1965, died last month in Los Angeles. He was 83, and suffered from lymphoma.
He played at Monterey Pop with his band the Electric Flag; on Mitch Ryder & the Detroit Wheels’“Devil With a Blue Dress On/Good Golly Miss Molly”; albums by the Byrds, Leonard Cohen, Rod Stewart and the Ramones — and preceded Mark Naftalin (now a Westport resident) in the Paul Butterfield Blues Band.
(If you don’t know what’s going on in Westport, you’re not reading “06880.” We rely on reader support to help us help you. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Comments Off on Roundup: Crossword Contest, Comedy, Drag Show …
Posted onFebruary 2, 2025|Comments Off on Remembering Christian Trefz
Christian Trefz — a longtime resident and philanthropist whose generosity included the Westport Library, Westport Country Playhouse and the Westport Weston Family YMCA — died on Wednesday. He was 88.
His obituary says:
Christian was born in New Haven in 1936. He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving in Germany between 1957 and 1959.
He was executive vice president of Trefz Corporation, along with his late brother Ernest C. Trefz. They opened their first McDonald’s restaurant in Waterbury in 1964. During his 60 years of operation, the business grew to over 50 stores across Connecticut and New York.
The brothers received numerous awards for outstanding restaurants and community service, including the Golden Arches Award (earned by fewer than 1% of McDonald’s owner operators world-wide.
Christian Trefz
Chris was kind, compassionate, and generous. He felt tremendous need to give back. Chris was a big supporter of Norwalk Hospital, where he established the family endowed chair in Global Health.
He also helped fund the operation of the Americares free health clinics Bridgeport and Norwalk, providing healthcare for people without health insurance.
Chris also loved the town of Westport, where he lived for over 50 years. He was committed to supporting the Westport Library transformation project, and in 2023 he helped to reignite the operation of the Westport Country Playhouse.
Chris found great pleasure in his gardens. Whether at home in Westport or Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, he found peace sitting by the water.
He enjoyed traveling the world, boating, and was an avid car collector. He was a member of the New York Yacht Club and Mill River Country Club.
Chris loved entertaining, and found every opportunity to organize family gatherings. It was important for him to pass on his values of hard work, education, and respect for others to his children and grandchildren.
In addition to his wife, Chris is survived by his son James, daughter Tara Locke, and stepson Winston Janusz; grandchildren William (Emma), Daniel and Kathryn, and step-grandchildren Jonah, Connor and Sage.
Additional survivors include his sisters-in-law Joan Trefz, and Margaret Bartlomowicz, nephews Christian and Paul Trefz, niece Linda Trefz, and nephew Michal Bartlomowicz. He was predeceased by his brother Ernest.
Funeral services will take place on Wednesday (February 5, 10 a.m., Green’s Farms Church).
Relatives and friends may greet the family on Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Abriola Parkview Funeral Home, 419 White Plains Road, Trumbull.
In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ronald McDonald House of Connecticut, 860 Howard Avenue, New Haven, CT 06519, Website link. To leave an online condolence, click here.
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The Wallflowers’ show is not the only VersoFest highlight. The night before (April 3), rock star and National Book Award winner Patti Smith kicks off the 4-day festival.
The contest is open to students attending both public and private high school in Westport. Those who live in Westport and attend public or private high school elsewhere — or are home-schooled here — can also participate.
The Westport Library co-sponsors the event. They’ll host the winners at a special ceremony on April 28.
Goldstein also focused on the district’s approach to preventing “mean and excluding behavior.” That includes the ADL’s’ “No Place for Hate” project, and the School Climate Committee at Staples that addresses areas like suicide prevention and the adjustment of incoming freshmen.
