Traffic. The environment. Parks & Recreation. Enforcement of regulations.
Those were some of the topics that came up frequently yesterday, at the Select Board’s first “community conversation.”
But the idea voiced most frequently was a simple “thank you” to 1st Selectman Kevin Christie, for convening the meeting in the first place.
He and fellow selectpersons Amy Wistreich and Don O’Day listened patiently, as a dozen attendees listed items of concern.
1st Selectman Kevin Christie, with 2nd selectwoman Amy Wistreich and 3rd selectman Don O’Day, at yesterday’s community conversation. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Transparency was raised often. There was applause when Christie said that all town meetings will be recorded and put on the town website.
Valerie Seiling Jacobs and Wendy Batteau spoke about sustainability. Issues included the Parks & Rec Department’s use of pesticides and battery-powered leaf blowers, and the ongoing discussion about synthetic turf athletic fields.
The Parks & Rec Commission was criticized for canceling recent meetings, and not taking sea level rise at Compo Beach more seriously.
Christie — who said his administration is in the early phases of looking at the makeup of, and “refreshing,” all appointed boards and commissions — called Parks & Rec “a top priority.”
In response to Sal Liccione’s concerns about downtown, Christie pledged “holistic thinking. We’ll move away from the chessboard idea of finding 40 spots. There will be a more creative solution.”
Westport has studied downtown extensively. 1st Selectman Kevin Christie hopes to move forward “holistically.”
A business owner urged Christie to “reject partisanship and cronyism,” in favor of a meeting with all stakeholders to determine the future of downtown parking.
Jennifer Johnson reiterated the ongoing topic of traffic. She asked Christie to consider “a more holistic and systematic approach.”
Other issues included the upcoming loss of police officers and firefighters, due in part to the lack of a pension; the need for enforcement of teen drinking parties, and the possibility of cameras to catch motor vehicle violations.
Christie promised more community conversations in the future.
And, he said, they will be at many different times of day, so all Westporters will have a chance to attend.
The Board of Selectmen invites all residents to join them for an informal community conversation this afternoon (Wednesday, 3 p.m., Town Hall Room 201/201A).
It’s the first in an ongoing series. The goal is to provide “an open, welcoming space for residents to stop by, ask questions, share thoughts, and raise topics of interest related to town government.”
Speaking of local businesses, Chris Grimm writes: “You would think, given that their clients are largely sick and old, Walgreens would clear their parking lot of snow.”
The Artists Collective of Westport’s 12×12 Holiday Exhibit opened last night, at the Westport Country Playhouse barn.
Interestingly, all works are 12×12. And all are for sale, just in time for the holidays.
The show runs through Sunday (December 21, noon to 4 p.m.).
Admiring some of the dozens of 12×12 pieces.
The pianist at last night’s Artists Collective opening was not some random guy. It was Mark Naftalin: founding member of the Paul Butterfield Blues Band, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, and Westport resident. (Photos/Susan Garment)
Like many trail and ultra runners, Jes Parker loves and appreciates the outdoors.
Yet, she knows, runners often engage in behaviors that are not exactly environmentally sound.
Long distance runners, for example, experiment often with gear. Before finding what’s comfortable or works well, they’ve missed return dates, snagged the fabric or others made items non-returnable.
But wait! Don’t throw them out!
Jes — a Westport resident — is building a business that keeps trail running goods, and other running synthetics, out of landfills.
At the same time, it makes the sport more accessible.
Take2Trail — Parker’s brainstorm (and a great, clever name) — buys those items. She then resells them, at a deep discount.
Parker knows that buying and selling on internet peer-to-peer sites can be unfulfilling. Items are strategically photographed to hide warts; they’re not always delivered; meet-up exchanges fall through.
People hyper-focused on their fitness, family — and full-time jobs — don’t have the time or patience to jump through hoops to keep things out of landfills (or even take them to Goodwill).
Take2Trail a great idea. Fleet Foot owner Dave Wright has helped too, donating some return inventory and other sunk cost items.
The 2022 Staples High School graduate, and current senior soccer player at Johns Hopkins University, has been named to the College Sports Communicators Academic All-America team.
Coleman — a neuroscience major with a 3.95 GPA — is also an All-Centennial Conference 2nd team pick.
He was named to the Allstate NACDA Good Works team for fall sports, for his efforts as president and fundraising chair of Baltimore Scores in STEM. The mentorship program supports local youth pursuing STEM education.
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Staples High School Class of 1963 graduate Sam Pair has published “Le Yankee Noir: The Power of Acceptance.”
The write-up on Amazon says: “In the global aviation industry, where building cross-cultural relationships is essential, cultural gaps and accepting others unlike ourselves remain issues.
“A veteran aerospace engineer with vast experience with inter-cultural bridge building, Samuel E. Pair has created a book that illuminates the value of acceptance and its influence on creating the climate for building trusting cross-cultural relationships.
“The culmination of a frustrating career journey — still healing after multiple rejections to his quest to enter a prominent management development program, an African American aerospace engineer is surprisingly summoned to the south of France in 1994 by French aircraft industry leaders.
“Tasked with managing the oversight of the recovery of a floundering new jet propulsion program for intensely anticipated jet liners, his reflection on the experiences of interacting with French and other nationalities on-site, explores the power of mutual acceptance and its influence on inspiring, motivating and propelling him through a myriad of formidable issues and a life threating condition.
“While ruminating about the significant events and consequential happenings during this twelve-year period, he is drawn to the factors that promoted his transformation, the ability to build relational bridges over cultural divides and contributed to his success. He shares them in this book.”
And finally … in honor (sort of) of Jes Parker’s excellent idea for reusing running gear:
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A decade and a half after it was first proposed, a 2-story office building will be built at 715 Post Road East.
That means the towering log pile on the 1/3-acre site — across Roseville Road from McDonald’s — will finally be gone. The target date for removal is 3 months. The building is expected to open, for medical and other uses, in a year.
The Planning & Zoning Commission approved the office plan — finally — on Monday. The vote was 6-1, with Michael Calise dissenting.
Westport-based national journalists Alisyn Camerota and Dave Briggs have done some great interviews on their “Sanity” podcast. They’ve asked tough questions of figures like Senator Richard Blumenthal and (former Westporter) James Comey.
Their most recent interview may be their deepest and most insightful yet.
Our Congressman — Jim Himes — is the ranking Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee. He’s one of the few people on Capitol Hill (or anywhere) to have seen the full video of the US military’s twin strikes on suspected Venezuelan drug dealers’ boats.
For half an hour, Himes spoke about the video (“it made me nauseous”), Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, the 53% of Americans who approve of killing suspected drug dealers, along with other subjects like his colleague, Marjorie Taylor Greene.
Click here or below for the full, fascinating interview.
The Residence at Westport invites Westport residents — and everyone else – to today’s Holiday Pop-Up Shop (Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., 1141 Post Road East).
Local artisans will sell handmade works, including jewelry, pottery and gifts.
The Residence at Westport
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Army and Navy may no longer be at the top of the college football heap.
But there’s still plenty of interest, when the military academies meet.
They kick off for the 126th time this Saturday (3 p.m.). And what better place to watch than VFW Post 399?
There’s a party there (465 Riverside Avenue), beginning at 2 p.m.
Everyone is invited. But if you’re a veteran (or active duty): Wear something that lets everyone know which team is yours.
Roni Goldberg — the new executive director of A Better Chance of Westport — spoke to the Westport Rotary Club on Tuesday.
Since 2002, the organization has provided outstanding and academically-gifted young men of color a home, and other support services, while they attend Staples High School.
The community has gotten behind the local chapter of the national ABC program — and the dozens of teenage scholars have given back plenty to our town.
Roni Goldberg, ABC executive director, at the Westport Rotary Club. (Hat tip and photo/Dave Matlow)
Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between December 3 and 9.
A 69-year-old Bridgeport man was charged with criminal mischief and intimidation based on bigotry, after an investigation into vandalism at the former Westport National Bank building. A large symbol, described as a Star of David combined with a swastika, was drawn in blue paint. Identical symbols were painted on other structures in the area. He was unable to post a $75,000 bond.
A 30-year-old Westport woman was charged with risk of injury to a minor, after signs of injury were observed by school staff on a juvenile student. She was released on a $50,000 bond.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Texting while driving: 5 citations
Traveling unreasonably fast: 4
Failure to renew registration: 3
Speeding in a school zone: 2
Distracted driving: 2
Assault: 1
Breach of peace: 1
Speeding in a school zone (2nd offense): 1
Speeding: 1
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
Failure to obey stop sign: 1
Improper turns: 1
Failure to obey state traffic control signals: 1
Failure to obey state traffic commission regulations: 1
And finally … on this date in 1913, the Mona Lisa was recovered in Florence, Italy. Leonardo da Vinci’s famed painting had been stolen more than 2 yeares earlier, from the Louvre.
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Thousands of Westporters thrilled to last month’s Staples Players production of “Les Misérables.”
And they did it in an auditorium that is essentially unchanged from the time current director David Roth was a student in Players.
He graduated in 1984.
Several Players officers spoke eloquently at last night’s Board of Finance meeting about the need for renovations. (Last year’s production of “Elf” was almost canceled, after a problem with rigging.) Griffin Delmhorst — Jean Valjean in “Les Mis” — delivered Roth’s comments, as the director could not attend.
With a large number of Players and parents in attendance, the BOF voted to spend $3,037,790 on rigging, lighting and sound improvements. The renovations will make the sound ADA-compliant too, with headsets for audience members who request them.
The most recent renovation to the Staples auditorium was over 30 years ago.
The Finance Board also heard a request to create 1 or 2 “team rooms,” in a section of the existing girls locker room. Coaches and athletes made strong comments about the need for those rooms — and for upgrading the girls locker room used for physical education classes too.
Board members expressed mixed views about the current disparities between boys and girls locker rooms. There is currently also a separate team room for the boys football and lacrosse squads, but none for girls sports.
In addition, the boys locker rooms were upgraded over 2 decades ago. The girls facilities were not.
The girls locker room at Staples …
Members Danielle Dobin and Jeff Hammer voiced strong comments about the differences.
A motion in favor of spending $30,000 — for design costs for team rooms only — passed.
… and the boys showers. (Photos/Siobhan Jebb)
The Board of Finance also approved several other expenses:
$25,000 for wireless access points on the Staples athletic fields.
$25,000 in soft costs to explore a concession stand with bathrooms at Staples’ Paul Lane Field.
$32,000 in soft costs to consider upgrading science laboratories at Bedford Middle School.
$70,000 in soft costs for roof replacement at Greens Farms Elementary School.
$181,500 in hard costs to replace a motorized partition in the Saugatuck Elementary School gymnasium.
$172,970 for painting exterior facades of Westport schools.
$220,000 in soft costs to explore upgrading the Longshore water supply system.
$440,000 for the analysis, design, permitting and preparation of sidewalks on Easton Road, near Coleytown Elementary and Middle Schools. The state of Connecticut will pay the full cost of construction.
The Board of Finance did not vote on a request of $124,000 to replace the Levitt Pavilion stage. There was debate over who is responsible for covering that cost.
Earlier in the Finance meeting, Dobin and Liz Heyer were elected chair and vice chair. The votes were unanimous.
NOTE: This morning’s story called Jack Klinge the oldest member of Westport’s Representative Town Meeting.
He turns 87 in January. That makes him 11 months younger than Dick Lowenstein, who will be 88 in February. Klinge is the longest-serving member, however.
When Addison Moore was born in 2005, Jack Klinge was in his 5th term on the Representative Town Meeting (RTM).
Last night, Moore — now 20 years old just began his first term on the town’s legislative body. He’s the youngest member ever elected.
Klinge — who turns 87 next month — is still at it. Now in his 15th term, he’s the second oldest member (and longest serving). Dick Lowenstein is 11 months older.
On Monday they sat together at the Westport Library. Klinge had plenty of advice for the newcomer.
Moore was eager to listen.
Addison Moore and Jack Klinge. (Photo/Dan Woog)
But Klinge wanted to hear from Moore too.
Both understand the meaning of the first word in “Representative Town Meeting.” Westport residents span every age group. All voices need to be heard.
Klinge and his wife Jeanne moved to Westport in 1966. They bought a home for $32,500 (“$100,000 got you a mansion,” he says), and raised 3 children. All are Staples High School graduates.
After a career commuting to General Foods and Topps — followed by a stint with Major League Marketing at The Mill on Richmondville Avenue — Klinge retired in 1997.
He mentored an 8-year-old boy, with whom he is still in touch. He substitute taught at Staples and the middle schools.
And the same year he retired — at the suggestion of his friend Marion Potter — he ran for the RTM.
Klinge had little idea how the town operated. He listened, and learned.
Jack Klinge and Addison Moore, at an October candidates’ forum. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Moore — born 8 years after Klinge’s first election — is a 10-year Westporter, and a 2022 Staples graduate.
He served on several youth advisory boards — including Human Services, the Westport Library, Toquet Hall and MoCA\CT — and founded Up Next Teens, a non-profit that grew to hundreds of Fairfield County youths addressing food insecurity.
As a junior at Lafayette College, he continued to seek ways to be involved in his home town. (He is on campus Tuesdays through Thursdays; much of his education is remote.)
Someone suggested he run for the RTM. It seemed far-fetched — until it didn’t.
He knocked on hundreds of doors, and beat an incumbent en route to one of 4 District 9 seats.
“Listen. Observe. Absorb,” Klinge tells Moore. “Learn all you can. Sort out who makes sense, who doesn’t, and what makes sense to you. Your time to talk will come. When it comes, speak from your heart and head.”
Jack Klinge speaks.
But, he adds, “Be succinct. And don’t talk unless you have something to say.” Klinge cites the words of former member (and police chief) Ron Malone: “Everything has been said. But not everyone has said it yet.”
Klinge also says, “Be yourself. Don’t sell yourself out. Make your decision, then stand by it. I’ve been outvoted 35-1. That’s okay.”
Klinge learned about the town by talking with department heads, residents and fellow RTM members. Ever since, he has enjoyed dealing with town issues, projects and problems.
Talking to all constituents is important, Klinge reiterates. It’s great that Moore has the ear of new, young residents. But there are 5,000 seniors in town too, he says. Their concerns and issues are also important.
Among Klinge’s proudest achievements: advocating for schools, helping the Senior Center relocate to its current location at Baron’s South, and helping create workable policies for dogs on the beach.
Right now, Moore is in his own early learning phase. He too is meeting as many people as he can.
Among the issues he’d like to address: making the town safer and more accessible, and expanding the Wheels2U transportation system.
Addison Moore, helping distribute food last winter.
The RTM has evolved since Klinge’s first term, nearly 30 years ago. There are more women and younger residents. (Three of the 4 District 4 members — including now-veteran Andrew Colabella — are in their 30s.
However, Klinge cautions, some RTMers ran just because of one issue close to their hearts. He urges members to be “town-oriented, not cause-oriented.”
One issue that will impact the entire town is the redevelopment of Saugatuck. Klinge hopes that there are enough “energetic, smart, creative, think-outside-the-box problem solvers” on the RTM to address that complex topic with wisdom and foresight.
Moore, meanwhile acknowledges the importance of longtime members like Klinge.
“They have an amazing level of experience,” the youngest RTMer says. “I want to keep learning from them about the past, and how things work. They can help me know about what went into decisions that were made earlier.”
Last year, Klinge helped the RTM celebrate its 75th anniversary by producing a booklet about its long history. He urges Moore to read it.
It gives a great sense of the Representative Town Meeting’s first 3/4 of a century — its big issues and votes, and its quirks too.
For example, certain members have certain seats.
“I’m a little nervous about sitting in the wrong spot,” Moore admits.
“I’ve had the same seat for 28 years,” Klinge notes.
Left unsaid: That’s 8 years longer than Moore has been alive.
Switching celebrations: The United Methodist Church of Westport & Weston’s holiday gift market is especially sweet this year.
The December 6 event (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) includes a “Cookie Walk.” Members will bake — and sell — their delicious goods. Perfect for additional gifts — or just to munch on as you shop for others.
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Meanwhile, up in Weston Jolantha — everyone’s favorite pig — hopes everyone enjoys their turkeys tomorrow.
But not ham.
(Photo/Hans Wilhelm)
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December 1 is the deadline to order wreaths for Westport veterans.
On December 16 — Wreaths Across America Day — volunteers will decorate the graves of veterans in Assumption Church’s Greens Farms Road cemetery.
December 1 is the deadline to order wreaths for our Westport veterans as part of Wreaths Across America!
The Historic District Commission meets December 9 (7 p.m., Zoom).
Among the agenda items: consideration of opposition of demolition permits for these properties, and requiring the full statutory 180-day delay. All are at least 50 years old.
1st Selectman Kevin Christie responded, “Water is a critical public asset, and maintaining local accountability, transparency, and stability in water management remains a top priority for our community. If the $2.4 billion sale had been approved, PURA would have lost its authority to regulate water rates.
The proposed structure would also have replaced traditional property taxes with payments-in-lieu-of-taxes and granted the Regional Water Authority a controlling majority of seats on the Aquarion Water Authority board of directors.
“Throughout the review process, Westport emphasized the importance of ensuring that any ownership or structural changes to Aquarion would safeguard service reliability, infrastructure investment, rate stability, and long-term watershed protection.”
“We appreciate PURA’s thorough evaluation of the proposed transaction and its commitment to ensuring that decisions about Westport’s water utilities serve the public interest.
“As a result of this favorable ruling, residents and ratepayers can be assured that the Town of Westport will continue to work collaboratively with Aquarion and state regulators to ensure that residents receive high-quality, dependable water service.”
Speaking of water: Longshore Sailing School is one of 12 organizations in the US selected for National Association of State Boating Law Administrators’ honors.
It recognizes “exceptional commitment to promoting paddling safety through education, digital content and responsible on-water practices. Longshore’s outreach encourages safe behaviors such as wearing life jackets, understanding weather conditions, and avoiding high-risk activities on the water.”
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Longtime Westport resident and active community volunteer Richard Seclow died Monday at his Easton home. The former Planning & Zoning Commission member and Westport Library board president was 95.
The Bayonne, New Jersey native graduated from Rutgers University in 1951, where he was part of the Cap & Skull Senior Honor Society. He remained an active alumnus over th eyears.
He worked in the advertising industry as David Ogilvy’s chief of staff, before becoming executive vice president of Carl Ally.
As president of Geer DuBois, he relocated the offices from Madison Avenue to downtown. Many ad agencies followed.
Dick started one of the initial Bonanza Steakhouses in Westport. It later became a national franchise. He retired from advertising in 1986, and opened another Westport restaurant: Time to Eat.
Dick enjoyed fishing, travel, tennis, squash and volunteer work in Westport and nearby communities.
He served on the Westport Planning & Zoning Commission, the Westport Library as president, and the boards of Hall-Brooke Hospital and The Jewish Home (now named Mozaic Senior Services).
He was a member of Y’s Men, taught English as a second language, and became a mentor for immigrants in Bridgeport.
He is survived by Rita, his wife of 71 years, children Theresa (David) and Tom (Ann ), and grandchildren Jonathan (Isabella), Alexandra, Calvin and Julian.
An open house to celebrate Dick’s life is set for Saturday (November 29, 1 to 5 p.m., at their home in Easton). Gifts may be made in his name to Mozaic Services or the Easton EMS.
Dick Seclow
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We’ve posted a number of beautiful autumn leaves photos, in our “Westport … Naturally” series.
And finally … a lovely photo needs an equally evocative song:
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And — since his election November 4, and his swearing-in 13 days later — it’s been even busier.
But Westport’s new 1st selectman took time this week to answer questions from “06880” about his campaign, and the next 4 years.
That campaign “stayed true to its foundation from the start,” Christie says.
He and running mate Amy Wistreich “focused on listening, community engagement and execution.” They began with a listening tour. Knocking on doors and convening voters at “Coffee and Conversation” Westport Library events, they heard from seniors, young families, business owners and more.
Kevin Christie and Amy Wistreich, during the campaign.
The conversations “helped shape our platform and guided how we engaged throughout the fall,” says Christie.
“We built a strong volunteer network, connected with thousands of residents, and had meaningful conversations about Westport’s future. It was uplifting to see so many Westporters come together around positive, solutions-focused leadership.”
Christie learned — “or perhaps the campaign reinforced,” he says — “how deeply people care about this town. Whether talking about traffic, open space, schools or development, most Westporters want to be heard and want local government to work better.”
He calls the campaign conversations “thoughtful, forward-looking, and grounded in a shared pride in Westport. It was a good reminder that real engagement happens when we talk with one another directly.”
A moment of relaxation. (Photo/Cat Malkin)
He felt “an eerie calmness” the night before the election.
“I wanted to run a campaign with no regrets, and I had none. Election Day, similar to my Board of Education race 4 years ago, was one of the most enjoyable parts of the campaign.”
He spent most of the day at polling places, thanking Westporters for exercising their right to vote.
After the polls closed, but before any results came in, he was surrounded by supporters.
“The overwhelming feeling was gratitude,” Christie says. “So many people had invested their time and energy in this campaign, and I was truly grateful for that.
Early results — borne out in the next hour — showed strong support throughout town. Christie says, “Westporters showed confidence in our message and in the kind of leadership we want to bring to Town Hall. I’m deeply appreciative of that.”
Kevin Christie (rear), at the Democratic Party gathering at Little Barn on Election Night. (Photo/Catherine Campagnino)
His 2 opponents, Don O’Day and David Rosenwaks, and 2nd selectwoman incumbent and candidate Andrea Moore all went to the Democrats’ gathering, at Little Barn.
“We had gracious and respectful conversations, as we’ve had before, during and after the campaign. We all care about Westport,” Christie says.
The transition began immediately. From his time on the Board of Education, he already had relationships in Town Hall,
He met with department heads, board chairs and outgoing officials to ensure a smooth handoff.
“Our town is fortunate to have a strong team in place,” Christie notes. Outgoing selectwomen Jen Tooker and Moore were “gracious and helpful.”
Moments after he was sworn in, Kevin Christie took this selfie at Town Hall.
The 1st selectman’s first day in office was “welcoming, smooth and productive.” Thanks to the Town Hall team and IT staff, he “hit the ground running.”
Christie met with town employees, visited departments in the building, and began preliminary budget discussions.
He also attended the Long Lots School Building Committee meeting, and a Democratic Town Committee session that night.
“My focus from day one has been to listen, understand what is already working well, and make sure we are positioned to deliver results right from the start,” he says.
He continues to spend evenings at community meetings and events. “It has been energizing to see so many people engaged and committed to Westport.”
Moving forward, Christie will rely on “our experienced town staff, elected officials across boards and commissions, and community members with expertise in key areas. Collaboration is essential, and I value diverse perspectives.”
He also cites his “strong partnership with Amy, as we begin this work together.”
(Photo/Dan Woog)
Asked about a message for Westporters, Christie says, “Thank you. This is an incredible community, and I’m honored to serve it.
“My door will always be open. I’m committed to listening, planning responsibly, and getting things done the right way. Westport is strongest when we work together.
“I look forward to partnering with residents, town staff, and every board and commission in the work ahead.
“The work ahead belongs to all of us. Westport is a community that thrives when people come together, and our success depends on collaboration between residents, town staff, and every board and commission.
“I’m grateful for the trust Westporters have placed in me, and I look forward to the work we will do together.”
When Ralph Sheffer served as Representative Town Meeting moderator — from 1959 to ’69 — the handsome building on the Myrtle Avenue hill was Bedford Elementary School.
For the past 40 years, it’s been Town Hall. Once a month, the RTM meets in its auditorium.
Sheffer — the RTM’s 5th moderator, and at the time its longest-serving leader — now has a place of honor there.
He’s remembered with an old-fashioned iron sign, on the right side of the lobby.
That was last week’s Photo Challenge. Andrew Colabella, Sal Liccione (both RTM veterans), Tom Feeley, Patty Strauss (longtime town clerk) and Lynn Untermeyer Miller knew exactly where it is. (Click here to see.)
Ann Sheffer emailed privately. She knew too. But as the daughter of the honoree, she thought it would not be fair to chime in.
This week’s Photo Challenge is open to everyone. If you know where in Westport you’d see this, click “Comments” below.”
Staples Players’ astonishing production of “Les Misérables” concludes its 10-show run this afternoon (Sunday, 2:30 p.m.; click here for information).
Before the (spectacular) set is struck, however, it’s worth praising Players once again.
Today, kudos go to the tech crew: the young men and women who seldom get the credit they deserve, but without whom there would be no show at all.
These very talented, tremendously hard working, incredibly dedicated students build sets, oversee lighting and sound, create costumes, and do much, much more.
Once the play begins, it’s run entirely by students. They are responsible for keeping things moving smoothly — even when they go awry.
Colin Walker says, “I have the fortunate privilege of being the technical director. I get to be with these students on a daily basis. I see how hard they work. They make invaluable contributions to the success of the show.”
They sure do. Take a bow, “Les Mis” tech crew!
Staples Players tech crew, on set. (Photo/Colin Walker)
Jillian Elder’s Westport Holiday Lights Collection features local landmarks like the Cribari Bridge, Minute Man monument and Compo Beach cannons. Each piece is available on shirts, prints, mugs and totes.
New at the online shop: Westport Is my Happy Place. It’s a tribute to the town’s charm and creative spirit.
Esterina D’Amico, who was born in her parents’ Westport home, and was a lifelong resident, died Thursday, in Norwalk Hospital. She was 95.
Ester spent more than 40 years as an administrative secretary for PerkinElmer in Norwalk. She was a faithful parishioner of Assumption Church. She loved traveling the world, and was an accomplished skier.
She is survived by her brothers Anthony and Peter D’Amico; sister Geraldine Stauss; 17 nieces and nephews; and many grandnieces and grandnephews.
She was predeceased by her brothers Edward, Rudolph and Anthony, and sisters Adeline Coviello, Margaret Incerto, Mary Aldrich and Josephine D’Amico.
A funeral Mass of Christian Burial is set for Tuesday (November 25, 11 a.m., Assumption Church). Interment will follow in Assumption Cemetery on Greens Farms Road.
The family will receive visitors at Harding Funeral Home from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Condolences may be left online at www.hardingfuneral.com. Contributions in Ester’s memory may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
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Jen Tooker’s 16 years of service to Westport — as 1st selectwoman, 2nd selectwoman, and a member of the Boards of Finance and Education, and Conservation Commission — were celebrated last night, at Romanacci.
Organized by former 2nd selectwoman Andrea Moore, it brought together people from every chapter of Tooker’s public life.
In the room were former Westport Select Board members Jim Marpe, Avi Kaner and Tammy Pincavage, plus many other elected town officials and longtime friends who worked with her, and admired her dedication.
Tooker was surprised when she walked in, and touched by the outpouring of appreciation. Kaner notes, “there were heartfelt stories, laughter, and genuine gratitude for her steady leadership, warmth and unwavering commitment to Westport and its residents.”
Jen Tookekr (2nd row, 2nd from right, with former 2nd Selectwoman Andrea Moore and 1st Selectman Jim Marpe), at Romanacci.
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The Westport community has come through — big time.
Yesterday, Deputy Fire Chief Matt Cohen and Lieutenant Rob Lenois — president of the Westport Firefighters Charitable Foundation — joined volunteers with the Bridgeport Rescue Mission.
Thanks to the generosity of the Westport community, they donated 1,000 turkeys — and sides — to support a 3-day Great ThankGiving Project event.
Well done, Westport Fire Department — and Westport neighbors!
From left: Tatyana Rozetta, Bridgeport Rescue Mission volunteer manager; Westport Deputy Chief Matt Cohen; Laurie Molner, BRM director of development; Lieutenant Rob Lenois, Westport Firefighter Charitable Foundation president.
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But wait! There’s more! On Wednesday, “06880” posted a story on a partnership between A&S Westport Fine Foods and the Conlon Amendola law firm.
They were donating 50 full Thanksgiving dinners — fresh turkeys, hams and sides — to families at Capital Prep Harbor School in Bridgeport.
They hoped a few readers could provide funds for dessert (pies).
The phones did not stop ringing. Within 24 hours all 50 pies were sponsored, by residents and former Westporters across the country.
Dr. John Corino of Norwalk Dental Arts, and an anonymous loyal A&S customer, added generous donations, allowing the meals to be increased even more.
The meals were prepared by A&S. They were delivered yesterday, then unloaded and distributed by the school’s National Honor Society students.
The drive was so successful, A&S and Conlon Amendola are planning another for Christmas, also for Capital Prep Harbor School.
Come on, “06880” readers! Email chefalpiz@gmail.com to learn how you can help.
From left: Patricia Pizzirusso (A&S), Jacquelyn Conlon and Bonnie Amendola (Conlon Amendola), Chenelle James and Dr. Joan Miller (Capital Prep Harbor School), with a few of the 50 dinners.
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And now, turning to the next big holiday:
The town’s annual tree lighting is set for the Town Hall lawn on Monday, December 1 (5 p.m.).
The Staples High School Orphenians will sing. The Westport Museum for History & Culture provides hot chocolate.
And — as always — little kids will count down to the big reveal.
Let there be (holiday) light! Here’s a look back at 2024. (Photo/Dan Woog)
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Westport was one of hundreds of participants yesterday, in the first of 2 “Fall of Freedom” days.
The event — “an urgent call to the arts community to unite in defiance of authoritarian forces sweeping the nation” — involved galleries, museums, comedy clubs, theaters and concert venues across the country, with exhibitions, performances and pubic events.
Locally, the Westport Library hosted a showing of “The Librarians.” The award-winning 2025 documentary shows an unlikely group standing up as “first responders in the fight for democracy and our First Amendment rights.”
With just 2 weeks notice, a full house filled the Trefz Forum, for the screening and a discussion. Panelists included (below from left, in photo): Westport screen and stage writer and Columbia University professor Trey Ellis; director/producer Kim A. Snyder; producer Maria Cuomo Cole; Connecticut state librarian Deborah Schander, and author Oliver Radclyffe.
By now, you must have heard of Staples Players’ stupendous production of “Les Misérables.”
The whole town is talking about it.
With a Players record-setting 10-show run, there are 3 more opportunities: today (Saturday, November 22, 2:30 and 7:30 p.m.) and tomorrow (Sunday, November 23, 2:30 p.m.). Click here for tickets, and more information.
We’ve hailed the 70-plus actors often. They deserve all their kudos, and more.
But let’s not overlook the spectacular 30-piece pit orchestra, or the dozens of students (and adults) who constructed the jaw-dropping set.
We can’t show the musicians. They’re off stage (though hopefully they’ll get a bow tonight or tomorrow).
Speaking of Staples accomplishments: 1991 graduate Lynsey Addario is one of the most acclaimed photojournalists in the world.
The Pulitzer Prize and MacArthur Fellow winner has covered famines, civil wars, maternal mortality and more for National Geographic (among many others).
As part of the “Ask a Nat Geo Expert Anything” series, Addario speaks answered questions about the perils of her work, the personal price she pays, and how to get into photography.
Staples High School Class of 2008 graduate Leo Stagg is listed as “Head Automation” for the production.
We’re not not sure what that means. But it comes right after “Head Carpenter,” and just before “Head and Deck Electrician.” So Leo — who learned his tech chops with Staples Players — is one of the many unheralded crew members, without whom the curtain could not rise. (Hat tip: Lisa Marriott)
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Bob Weingarten spotted — and sends along — today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo.
He writes: “I just saw these trees changing from summer into winter, at Hillandale Road and Morningside Drive South. Amazing how uniform the change is.”
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“They have an amazing level of experience,” the youngest RTMer says. “I want to keep learning from them about the past, and how things work. They can help me know about what went into decisions that were made earlier.”
