Category Archives: Obituaries

Roundup: Neil Sedaka, Compo Trees, Sandwich Contest, Wonder Restaurant …

Posted on February 28, 2026 | 15 comments

Neil Sedaka — who, the New York Times said, “went from classical music prodigy to precocious songwriter to teenage idol to pop music fixture in a celebrated career that spanned seven decades” — died yesterday in Los Angeles. He was 86.

Obituaries and tributes mention his Brooklyn upbringing (he dated Carole King in high school, and Neil Diamond lived across the street).

But after achieving stardom with hits like “Calendar Girl” — and, more than a decade later, “Laughter in the Rain” — he moved to Westport, in the 1970s.

Sedaka lived in the Old Hill neighborhood for about 20 years. In 1982, he headlined one of the first benefit concerts at the Levitt Pavilion.

Click here for a full obituary. If you’ve got a Neil Sedaka memory from his time here, click “Comments” below.

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Several Westporters have wondered what’s going on at Gray’s Creek. A dozen or so trees have been removed just west of the Minute Man Monument, near the small burial ground of patriots killed in the Battle of Compo Hill.

“06880” reached out to the Parks & Recreation Department, which oversees the site. (It’s not in the right of way, so it’s out of the tree warden’s jurisdiction.)

Parks superintendent Nick Quatrano says that he contracted Knapp Tree, due to concerns for public safety.

The trees include black locust (invasive), black cherry, Norway maple (invasive), and a few too dead for him to identify.

Once all are removed, he’ll replant trees that can better tolerate the salty environment. Among the contenders: black pine, red cedar, thornless honey locust, and white oak.

Gray’s Creek cemetery.

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The Board of Finance will hold its formal budget reviews next month, in the Town Hall auditorium.

They’re set for March 9 (Board of Education) and March 10 (1st Selectman’s town budget).

The meetings will also be broadcast on Optimum Channel 79, and/or livestreamed at www.westportct.gov.

Click here to see 1st Selectman Kevin Christie’s full proposed budget for fiscal year 2026-27.

Click here to see the Board of Education’s full proposed budget for fiscal year 2026-27.

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Westport has voted on its favorite pizzas, burgers, soups and salads.

On this year’s menu: sandwiches.

The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce’s 9th annual event runs throughout March. Over 20 restaurants, delis and markets will compete in 10 categories.

Judging is done by residents, online. Each voter is also entered into a drawing to win a free sandwich, from one of the 10 winners.

The 21 competitors are:  A & S Fine Foods, Calise’s, Clubhouse, Dunkin, Emmy Squared, Garelick & Herbs, Kabab & Hummus House, Kawa Ni, Lyfe Café,  Match Burger Lobster, Nomade, Old Mill Grocery, Organic Market, Outpost Pizza, Pizza Lyfe, Rizzuto’s Lobster Shack, Romanacci, Saugatuck Provisions, Saugatuck Rive Café, The Granola Bar and Zucca Gastrobar.

The 10 categories are: Best Chicken Sandwich, Best Steak Sandwich, Best Vegetarian Sandwich, Best Combo Sandwich, Best Club, Best NY Deli, Best Pressed Sandwich, Best Breakfast Sandwich, Best Wrap Sandwich, and Best Fish/Seafood Sandwich. Each restaurant, deli or market may enter up to 4 categories, but can only win 2 at most.

Starting March 1, residents can visit the venues, enjoy the offerings, then vote here.

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Speaking of food: Ordering delivery is fast and easy.

Unless people at one place want different restaurants.

Starting Thursday, there’s an app for that.

Wonder comes to Westport. It’s at 1300 Post Road East, just east of Turkey Hill Road.

A press release says, “With free delivery, pickup or dine-in options at over 100 locations, Wonder features world-renowned chefs including Bobby Flay, José Andrés, and Marcus Samuelsson, alongside award-winning restaurants like Tejas Barbecue and Di Fara Pizza.”

Customers can combine dishes from a variety of Wonder restaurants in a single order. Menus are developed by Wonder’s culinary team, in collaboration with chefs and restaurant partners. Every dish is “made to order” in local Wonder kitchens.

Westport’s Wonder joins over 100 locations in the Eastern US.

The grand opening on Thursday includes a ribbon-cutting. The first 100 guests enjoy giveaways and food samples.

Click here to learn more about  Wonder.

A variety of Wonder cuisines.

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The Thing — the hot Brooklyn-based rock band, featuring Weston native Jack Bradley on guitar — kicked off VersoFest 2026 last night. A large, enthusiastic and multi-age crowd packed the Trefz Forum for the show.

The bulk of the 5th annual music-media-and-more festival takes place at the end of next month. But the dates did not work, so The Thing kicked off their new tour in late February, at a venue that audiences in the tri-state area have come to know is a bit out of the mainstream, but where loud music thrives: the Westport Library.

Click here for a full schedule of this year’s VersoFest.

The Thing do their thing …

… after local band Fever Dream opens up. (Photos/Susan Garment)

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Congratulations to the Staples High School boys and girls ski teams!

The boys finished 1st in the Connecticut Interscholastic Ski League season for large schools, then placed 3rd in Thursday’s state meet.

The girls took 2nd for both the season, and at the state meet.

It’s not Cortina — but pretty great for Connecticut!

Staples High School boys and girls ski teams.

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TAP Strength’s next “Effortless Effort” talk covers “Effortless Eating.” It’s March 11 (180 Post Road East, 6 p.m.

Nutrition specialist Kevin Knight will offer “a mindful approach to eating your way to your best life.”

TAP founder EJ Zebro will add practical cools to incorporate new habits of movement and mindfulness into your daily life. It’s free, but RSVPs are requested: info@tapstrength.com.

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What do you call a group of hooded mergansers?

A bunch, flock, badelunge, brace, paddling or raft.

Whatever it is: There they were — hanging out at Old Mill, waiting for someone to take their picture for our “Westport … Naturally” feature.

Tracy Porosoff did the honors.

(Photo/Tracy Porosoff)

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And finally … in honor of Westport’s new “Wonder” restaurant (story above):

We wonder if you know how much work it takes to provide daily Roundups — and everything else on “06880.” We wonder  too if you’ll click here, to support our work. It’s no wonder we thank you!)

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Posted in Economy, Education, Environment, Library, Local business, Obituaries, Restaurants

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Roundup: AI Widget, Audra McDonald, Food Pantry …

Posted on February 22, 2026 | Comments Off on Roundup: AI Widget, Audra McDonald, Food Pantry …

The good news: In less than 2 weeks since its debut, our new “06880” AI widget has field hundreds of questions.

The less-than-good news: Many readers are using it like Google search, rather than the much more robust engine it is.

Queries like “geese,” “Players,” “Staples,” “Hamlet” and “library” are not the best way to interact with our AI widget.

To get a much deeper answer — one that scrapes all 17 years of “06880” content, as designed by Westport-based Thought Partnr — you should ask things like:

  • “How do they manage geese at Longshore?”
  • “What is Staples Players known for?”
  • “Why was the Hamlet at Saugatuck plan rejected?”
  • “What activities are planned for VersoFest?”

Here’s a great example of a query from yesterday: “I’m thinking of moving to Westport with a young family. What are the pros and cons I should consider?”

Think of it as a conversation starter. The widget will respond; you can then continue the conversation, refine it, or simply walk away more knowledgeable about a local subject.

We’re all used to typing in a word or two in a search engine. We get a list of links that we then plow through.

But that’s not our AI widget. It responds in complete paragraphs, and invites an ongoing dialogue.

Bottom line: Take a few extra seconds to frame your question — just as you would with a friend. Give your AI buddy enough information to offer a complete, detailed response.

The more you use it, the better you’ll get.

And the smarter our AI widget will become too.

PS: Coming soon: AI for our “06880” app.

The arrow points to our AI widget.

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Emmy, Grammy and 6-time Tony Award winner Audra McDonald returns to the Westport Country Playhouse May 19, for an encore evening of music

The singer/actor — a National Medal of Arts recipient, and one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People — last appeared here in February of 2024.

Tickets are on sale Tuesday (February 24, 1 p.m.). Click here for more information, and to purchase.

Audra McDonald

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For 4 hours yesterday morning, volunteers from the Saugatuck Congregational Church Missions Board, the Westport Rotary Club and Westport Sunrise Rotary unloaded supplies at the church, then packed 12,500 shelf-stable meals — with oatmeal/apple/vitamin packets — for a program run by EndHungerNE.

Norwalk and Wilton Rotarians helped too, along with other Westporters.

Then, they delivered the cases: 22 to the Gillespie Center, 20 to Open Door in Norwalk, and 14 to a food pantry in Norwalk.

At a time of rising food insecurity, they will fill a great need. (Hat tip: Mark Mathias)

Assembly line volunteers, at Saugatuck Church. (Photo/Katie Phillis)

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Yesterday’s Roundup included an item about a new bird flu in the tri-state area. It’s killed more than a dozen geese, at Compo and Burying Hill Beaches.

That’s not all. A dead red-breasted merganser was found in a yard near Compo.

The disease does not seem to affect humans. But be careful out there!

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Longtime Westport teacher and women’s issues volunteer Patricia MacBride Hendrickson died peacefully at her Maine home in June. She was 95.

After graduating in 1952 as a biology major from Brown University, she worked in microbial genetics at the Rockefeller Institute for Medical Research. After traveling solo in Europe, she married Donald Hendrickson, a chemical engineer, in 1955. They lived in Westport for 40 years before moving to a retirement community in Topsham, Maine in 2006.

For 2 decades, Pat taught advanced biology and ecology courses at Staples High School. She was enriched by her students, and her passion for the subject  inspired many to choose careers in the sciences.

She received honors for her work as regional director of the Brown University National Alumni Schools program.

After retiring in 1991 Pat was active in politics, serving as president of the Democratic Women of Westport. She was one of 6 founders of the Women’s Campaign School at Yale. She served on the board for 6 years, including positions as vice president, president and admissions director.

A passionate believer in women’s personal liberty, she initiated in 1993 an all-volunteer security escort service for the Summit Women’s Center in Bridgeport, and coordinated the effort for a decade.

She received awards and recognition from CT Naral, CT NOW and the National Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice.

In 2003, she was co-founder and president of the Rosie Fund, the first abortion fund in Connecticut, which supports needy women’s right to choose. She was a longtime board member and then the President of the Y’s Women of Westport, a large women’s group in Westport.

Pat enjoyed travel, the natural world, wildlife, birding and botany. She traveled extensively, including Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands, Africa, Australia, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand, Asia, Europe, Alaska and the Virgin Islands.

After the death of her husband in 2012 she remained engaged in national and local politics. She traveled to visit family, hosted friends and family at her home, and took excursions and vacations to beautiful locations in Maine.

Pat is survived by her children Andrew, Laura Hendrickson (Rupert Stasch) Rupert Stasch and Julia, and granddaughter Madeleine. She was predeceased by her husband Donald, fraternal twin sister Pamela MacBride Colgate, and a brother, Roger MacBride.

A private burial will be held at the family plot on Cape Cod. Contributions may be sent to The Brown University Elise Lea MacBride Memorial Book Fund, Office of Planned Giving, PO Box 1893, Providence, RI 02912.

Patricia Hendrickson

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo shows Burritt Cove:

(Photo/Richard Jaffe)

It was tough to navigate yesterday.

It will be a lot harder today.

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And finally … today marks the actual birthday of George Washington.

The Father of Our Country was born on this date 294 years ago — in 1732.

For decades, Americans celebrated this as a federal holiday. It has since morphed into Presidents Day, on the third Monday in February. The idea is to honor all Presidents (including Abraham Lincoln, born February 12) — and give everyone a 3-day weekend, while goosing sales of mattresses and cars.

An instrumental piece called “The President’s March” was composed by Philip Phile in 1789 to honor Washington’s inauguration. Joseph Hopkinson added lyrics in 1798. The song became very popular, and was often performed at official events.

(Hail to George Washington! Hail to “06880”! We cannot tell a lie: We really, really hope you click here to support your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)

Comments Off on Roundup: AI Widget, Audra McDonald, Food Pantry …

Posted in Beach, Environment, Obituaries, technology, Westport Country Playhouse

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Remembering Arthur Tauck

Posted on February 17, 2026 | 4 comments

Arthur Tauck Jr. — a 2nd-generation family business owner whose locally based Tauck Tours revolutionized the travel industry, and who made a major mark on Westport by saving National Hall — died Wednesday at his winter home in Vero Beach, Florida, surrounded by family. He was 94.

In 1950, at 18 years old, he joined his father’s fledgling tour company, Tauck Tours, as a young tour director. He led guests through New England every summer, during his undergraduate studies at Lehigh University. He graduated in 1953, with a degree in marketing.

A devoted alumnus, in later years Arthur supported an endowed scholarship, a faculty chair in international marketing and logistics, and the Tauck Scholars Program, which has funded hundreds of rising seniors to complete international business internships.

Arthur Tauck

After graduation he entered the US Air Force as a lieutenant, and spent several years stationed in Germany.

Arthur returned to the family business in 1956. He became president 2 years later, at 27. Those formative experiences shaped a lifelong commitment to people, service and hospitality.

Arthur settled his growing family in Westport. and became active in the community. He learned to sail, and taught himself celestial navigation to pursue his passion for ocean racing. He twice served as commodore of Cedar Point Yacht Club.

Arthur was also an avid skier, golfer and scuba diver, and enjoyed biking the winding roads of Fairfield County in the early morning.

He also loved sharing summer evenings with family and friends in his gazebo, savoring a cold martini, and a smooth cigar.

Arthur Tauck with a cigar and martini, at his Westport home.

Arthur reveled in tackling new projects and interesting ideas. From 1987 to 1992 he created the National Hall Historic District in downtown Westport, preserving 19th century history at the corner of the Post Road and Wilton Road.

At the time, there was a very real possibility that the 1873 National Hall building would be demolished.

The Inn at National Hall.

Instead, he restored it into a Relais Chateaux hotel, with 13 rooms and an award-winning restaurant. The district also included the 1931 Vigilant fire station (now Oko Restaurant), and several brick buildings and walkways along the Saugatuck River.

The Tauck family also donated the old-style street lights that line the nearby Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge.

The Tauck family donated the old-fashioned street lamps, on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge. (Photo/JC Martin)

Arthur forged long-lasting friendships with people from all over the world, and all walks of life. He was a master storyteller, with a great sense of humor. He believed deeply in “doing the right thing” with humility, integrity, generosity and care.

His impact on the travel industry is immeasurable. Over 75 years, Arthur’s entrepreneurial spirit led to many new ways for Tauck guests to experience the world.

In the 1960s, with the rise of jet planes, he saw an opportunity to introduce guests to the national parks of the western United States, Hawaii and Canada.

Inspired by his own passions for hiking and bicycling, he pioneered heli-hiking in the Canadian Rockies in the 1970s, and curated Tauck’s Yellow Roads of Europe in the 1990s, offering authentic experiences off the beaten path.

Arthur Tauck helped create, and popularize, both heli-hiking and heli-skiing in the Canadian Rockies.

His love of the sea and the historic waterways of Europe is reflected today in the company’s intimate and culturally rich ocean and river cruise experiences.

While these and many other innovations cemented his place as a travel industry visionary and pioneer, his personal motivation was always to the guest experience, with a strong commitment to service, value, and the human touch.

He believed deeply in the power of travel as a force for good in the world, whether by building understanding among people, preserving history and culture for future generations, or fulfilling individual dreams.

In 1994 Arthur founded the Tauck Family Foundation. The family endeavor encourages multiple generations to work together to give back, and make a positive impact on the world.

Today, the foundation supports communities to maintain healthy, regenerative ecosystems and land use practices through education and engagement.

Having lost his mother at age 5 and his father in his late twenties, Arthur valued family above all else.

He taught his young children to sail on Long Island Sound and to ski challenging terrains in Vermont. He supported his grandchildren, showing up at their games and school programs, and enjoying conversations with them.

He loved working alongside his adult children and son-in-law in the family business, and was confident that his grandchildren would uphold the company’s values and steward it successfully in its second century.

The 2nd and 3rd Tauck generations (from left): Peter, Chuck, Robin, Ronni and her husband Arthur, Liz. Most live (or have lived) in Westport. Missing: Kiki.

In addition to his wife Ronni, Arthur is survived by his sister Connie; his former wife Lee, and their children, Chuck (Fran), Robin, Peter Tauck, Kiki Mahar (Dan) and Liz Walters (Fred); step-children Bernhard Duerrmeier (Amber), Marina Rizzi (Damian), Christopher Duerrmeier (Laura), and Philip Duerrmeier; 21 grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Arthur’s family will celebrate his life in a private memorial service later this spring. Contributions in his memory may be made to Tourism Cares, a non-profit dedicated to advancing sustainability and meaningful travel within the tourism industry, or Fairfield County’s Community Foundation.

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A personal note: For nearly 2 decades, I wrote Tauck Tours’ internal newsletter, for its tour directors. It was a great gig — both for travel opportunities, and because I got to meet Arthur Tauck.

He was warm, generous, fully engaged, quite funny — and very, very active.

One memory stands out. At an annual meeting for tour directors, Arthur gave an informative, inspiring “state of the company” presentation. Then he answered a wide range of questions, with honesty and insight.

He closed with this: “If anyone wants to talk any more, I’ll be rollerblading tomorrow morning at 7. You’re welcome to join me.”

He was in his 70s then.

That’s the Arthur Tauck I’ll always remember.

(In 2015, “06880” saluted Tauck, on the company’s 90th anniversary. Click here to read that very intriguing back story.)

Arthur Tauck

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Posted in Downtown, Local business, Obituaries

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Roundup: Jackie Robinson, Son Little, Little Books …

Posted on February 12, 2026 | 1 comment

Last year’s first-ever Jackie Robinson Essay Contest drew a less-than-sold-out-stadium number of entries.

This year, the sponsors — the Westport Library, Westport Center for Senior Activities, BookTrib and Meryl Moss Media — hope for many more.

Organizers say: “Jackie Robinson didn’t just break baseball’s color barrier. He broke barriers in hearts and minds, paving the way for generations to dream bigger, stand taller, and speak louder. Now, you can honor his legacy.”

This year, the contest asks community members to write — or co-write — “a heartfelt letter addressed to Jackie Robinson. Reflect on how his courage, dignity and perseverance have impacted your lives and your relationship with each other.”

Submissions are “highly encouraged” in teams of 2. Ideally, that’s one senior (60 and up) and one younger person (ages 6–21).

Individual responses, or teams of 2 of any age, are also accepted. “This is more than a writing contest — it’s a chance to build connection across generations, celebrate social progress, and share powerful stories,” organizers say.

Prizes will be awarded to the top 3 finishers. Click here to submit your entry, and for more details. The deadline is March 15.

Jackie Robinson

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Yesterday, the Levitt Pavilion announced Big News: Matteo Bocelli has been booked for July 10.

Today, there’s more. Grammy Award winner Son Little has been booked for June 24 — and it’s free!

Tickets for the soul/blues/folk/hip hop/R&B artist become available to the public tomorrow (click here).

More announcements — for 50+ free nights of entertainment, and several ticketed shows — will be coming soon.

Son Little

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Valentine’s Day is Saturday.

If you haven’t already bought a gift — heck, even if you have — here’s a heart-warming idea.

For just $5.50, you can send a 1-minute digital “Singing Gram” — a heartfelt musical message celebrating love, friendship or (sorry, babe) “moving on” — to your partner (or soon-to-be-ex).

They’re courtesy of Staples Orphenians, who will sing — and deliver — your personalized message tomorrow.

Click here to order, and for more information. That’s amore!

Staples’ Orphenians performed at the Holiday Stroll. Now they’ll “perform” at the next holiday: Valentine’s Day. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Speaking of Staples: Seniors Zander Bauer and Elijah Falkenstein — founders of the first Connecticut chapter of the national non-profit Make Our Schools Safe –were in Washington on Thursday.

They advocated for the passage of Alyssa’s Act, which would set national standards for emergency response systems.

Zander and Elijah participated in a press conference, gave interviews, and met with Congressmen, including Connecticut’s Jim Himes and Jahana Hayes.

Zander Bauer and Elijah Falkenstein, with Congressman Jim Himes.

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Speaking still of Staples: On Monday, STORMAC — the school’s co-op boys hockey team (with Norwalk and Brien McMahon Highs) — hosted “Hockey Fights Cancer Night.”

Players honored family and friends who are currently battling the disease, who fought and survived, or who are remembered and missed.

Each player took the ice holding a sign with the name of someone special, followed by a moment of silence. 

The evening was as a fundraiser. 100% of the proceeds benefit the American Cancer Society.

STORMAC invites “06880” readers to join their fundraising. Click here to help them reach their goal.

STORMAC boys ice hockey team.

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For 25 years, Read To Grow has provided books to new mothers, in hospitals and through a Bookmobile.

By promoting language skills and or children from the day they’re born, the non-profit gives an early boost to families that may not be able to afford books.

Read To Grow is partnering with the Westport Rotary Club and Westport Library, in an outreach program.

On Tuesday Suzannah Holsenbeck — Read to Grow’s executive director — spoke to Rotarians.

Suzannah Holsenbeck, Executive Director of Read To Grow, a not-for-profit group based in Branford, addressed the Westport Rotary Club at its Feb 10 luncheon via Zoom.

She described the importance of having books in a home, and of parents reading daily to young children.

Suzannah Holsenbeck addresses the Rotary Club, via Zoom. (Hat tip and photo/Dave Matlow)

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Border Grill has closed.

The small mostly-takeout Mexican restaurant on Post Road East — sandwiched between ASF and the Shell station — posted a sign in the window saying “Sorry.”

But it adds “Hey Taco! Coming soon.”

We assume that means another Mexican spot.

It would be the third on that site. Border Grill replaced “Tacos or What,” owned by the legendary Dodie Perez.

The “We’re closed” sign, next to the front door. (Hat tip and photo/Jennifer Kobetitsch)

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It’s been well over 2 weeks since a snowstorm deposited a foot of snow here.

Since then — with the temperature well below freezing — the beautifully plowed piles have congealed, frozen over, and proved almost impossible to remove.

The result: treacherous going on sidewalks. And, where are forced off of them, dangerous conditions on the road.

Yesterday’s temperature — a tropical 43 — may begin the melting process. (Though when the temperature dips at night, it re-freezes.)

The high today will be 36. Who knows what that will do?

Here are some scenes from Post Road East, on Tuesday. Be careful out there!

In front of Webster Bank, at Colonial Green.

Mobil gas station, across from Playhouse Square …

… and next door, the Mobil station.

M&T bank, at Compo Road North. The manager says this is an issue for the state Department of Transportation. (Photos/Molly Alger)

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Westport Police made 1 custodial arrest between February 4 and 10.

A 38-year-old Wilton man was charged with operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol/drugs, failure to drive in the proper lane, operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance, and improper use of marker plates, following a single vehicle accident on Riverside Avenue, at 12:25 a.m. Sunday.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Texting while driving: 9 citations
  • Failure to stop at a stop sign: 7
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
  • Failure to renew registration: 3
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle without tint inspection: 2
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 2
  • Improper use of markers: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
  • Speeding in a school zone (2nd offense): 1
  • Speeding: 1
  • Distracted driving: 1
  • Failure to drive in the proper lane: 1
  • Driving with an obstructed windshield: 1
  • Failure to reinstate license within 60 days: 1
  • Unreadable license plate: 1

It is illegal to drive with an unreadable license plate.

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Andrew Ippolito died peacefully at his Westport home, surrounded by family, on Monday. He was 95.

The Korean War veteran graduated from Georgetown University in international affairs, and earned a master’s in library sciences from Pratt University. He spent most of his career at Newsday, where he led the research and library department, and later founded Library Directory Associates.

Andrew was very involved in politics, and attended the 1968 Democratic National Convention in Chicago.

His wife Constance died 2020. He is survived by his children Jenette, Paul (Lisa) and Michael (Caroline);  grandchildren Vanessa (Steve), Andraya (Keenan), Andrew, Dimitra, Michael, Sofia, Paul, Christofer and Lucas, and great-granchildren continues through his great-grandchildren Cosette, Charlotte, Daniel, Keenan, Jaxon and Josephine.

A wake will be held at Harding Funeral Home this Sunday (February 15, 2 to 6 p.m.). The funeral service takes place Monday (February 16, 10 a.m., St. Luke Church).

Condolences may be left online at www.hardingfuneral.com. Contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Andrew Ippolito

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Westporters woke up yesterday to fresh ice. It covered driveways, sidewalks, trees — and this holly bush. Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo comes from Burritts Landing, near Saugatuck Shores.

But it could have been anywhere in town.

(Photo/Nancy Vener)

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And finally … on this date in 1809, Abraham Lincoln was born. Happy 217th, to our 16th president!

(People often wonder how to celebrate Lincoln’s birthday. We always recommending clicking here to donate to “06880” — your hyper-local blog that celebrates all things Westport, and America!)

 

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Posted in Obituaries, Police, Restaurants, Staples HS, Weather

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Appreciating Wayne Uccellini

Posted on February 11, 2026 | 13 comments

Wayne Uccellini — the longtime owner and chef of the legendary Allen’s Clam & Lobster House — died last month, at 80. (Click here, then scroll down, for his obituary.)

Dave Stalling is one of many Westporters who worked at Allen’s. The Staples High School graduate now lives in Montana. But he has fond memories of his years at the restaurant. Dave writes:

It’s difficult to imagine that anyone who went to Staples High School in the 1970s didn’t, at one time or another, work for Wayne Uccellini at Allen’s Clam & Lobster House.

Wayne and his family owned Allen’s, a once beloved Westport landmark built in 1890 by Captain Walter Allen. When I was growing up, it was a wonderful restaurant and a central part of the town’s character. (The restaurant closed in the late 1990s, was demolished in 2004, and the site is now the Sherwood Mill Pond Preserve.)

Exterior and interior views of Allen’s Clam House. Today, it’s the Sherwood Mill Pond Preserve.

When I attended Staples High School (Class of 1979), it seemed like almost everyone I knew worked there — washing dishes, bussing tables, prepping food or cooking.

Wayne ran the kitchen. I can still picture him clearly: dressed in his white chef’s uniform, black mustache, always smiling, efficiently moving through the kitchen. He seemed constantly busy, yet never too busy to stop and say hello or, more likely, continuing to work while visiting.

Wayne Uccellini (left) and his brother Ron in Allen’s kitchen, 1978.

We became friends. He took me fishing and grouse hunting. When I was strapped for cash, he paid me to do yard work at his home.

Later, when I came home on leave from the Marine Corps, Wayne was always genuinely happy to see me. He’d invite me into the kitchen, always cooking something up, and say, “Hey Dave, try this.” It might be a bit of scampi, some lobster or a bowl of clam chowder to bring home. He always asked how my mom and dad were doing.

Wayne was kind, generous and compassionate, always eager to help anyone in need.

The Uccellini family.

A lifelong resident of Westport, Wayne was a graduate of Staples High School, Class of 1964, and proudly served in the US Army. He and his wonderful wife Karen raised their 3 children in Westport.

I will always remember Wayne as a cherished friend and mentor — someone who gave countless high school students their very first jobs, and left a lasting, positive influence on the town of Westport.

Wayne Uccellini 

 

13 Comments

Posted in Looking back, Obituaries, Restaurants

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Obituary: Pete Romano

Posted on February 7, 2026 | 5 comments

On Wednesday, “06880” paid tribute to Pete Romano.

Yesterday, his family released an obituary for the native Westporter, Staples High School graduate, longtime volunteer, generous philanthropist, and beloved friend and neighbor.

Peter Romano died Tuesday, at Greenwich Hospital. He was 70 years old.

After Westport schools, Pete earned a bachelor of science in civil engineering at Roger Williams University. He spent his career in that field, including nearly 30 years as the principal and owner of Landtech in Saugatuck.

Pete was heavily involved and invested in the Westport community. He led the Sons of Italy and Festival Italiano for many years.

He followed in the footsteps of his father and mother, PJ and Joan Romano, as a driving force in the Westport PAL, supporting youth athletics and upholding their motto: “It’s for the kids.”

Pete devoted himself fully to local projects, including Wakeman Town Farm, the Westport Weston Family YMCA, and many athletic fields around town.

He also dedicated countless hours in support of local causes like Al’s Angels. to provide for families in need.

Pete was consistently recognized as a community leader. He was honored at the Westport YMCA Faces of Achievement dinner alongside his father, and was named an :06880″ Unsung Hero.

He also served Westport’s youth as Santa Claus for many years at Longshore, the VFW, and by boat in Saugatuck Center.

Pete lived for hosting parties and entertaining others. He made every celebration one to remember, and enjoyed connecting people. He never missed an opportunity to hold the microphone.

More than anything, Pete showed up for the people in his life. He would do anything to help a friend or stranger.

Pete was a devoted son, father, grandfather, and brother. He is survived by his mother, Joan Romano; daughters Christen Romano Lert (Jordan) and Mary Kate Romano; sister Pamela Gorman (Robert), and grandchildren Olivia and Roman Lert.

A funeral is set for Friday, February 13 (11 a.m., Assumption Church). Interment will be private. A celebration of Peter’s life will be announced at a later date. Condolences in memory of Peter may be left online here.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Peter’s name may be made to Westport PAL. Click here, or mail to Westport PAL, PO Box 3222, Westport, CT 06881.

5 Comments

Posted in Local business, Obituaries, Sports, Staples HS

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Roundup: Pete Ratkiewich, Board of Ed, Israeli Hostages …

Posted on February 3, 2026 | 4 comments

Peter Ratkiewich — longtime director of Westport’s Public Works Department — will retire on August 31.

First Selectman Kevin Christie says, “It is with regret that I accept Pete’s retirement letter.

“The town of Westport has been extremely fortunate to benefit from his expertise and knowledge for more than 36 years.

“Under his leadership, and among many other accomplishments, the town has maintained and improved its infrastructure, roadways, engineering capabilities, and equipment; strengthened coordination with public utilities and the state of Connecticut; and successfully managed numerous emergency response efforts during major storms impacting our community.”

Ratkiewich began working with and for the town in 1989. Hired as deputy town engineer, he was promoted to town engineer in 2008.

In that capacity he supervised the Engineering Department, and oversaw the design and administration of municipal infrastructure projects, including sanitary sewers, storm drains, refuse and recycling facilities, highway maintenance, parking lots, and roadway and intersection improvements.

Christie said, “Pete has led the Public Works Department with exceptional care and precision. He approaches every challenge with consideration, humor, and a thoughtful awareness of budgetary constraints — always with the best interests of the town in mind.

“Public safety, along with the well-being of his employees, residents, business owners, and visitors, has always been his top priority.”

He graduated from Northeastern University, with a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering. The search for a successor will begin soon.

Pete Ratkiewich (Photo/Dan Woog)

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On the agenda for this Thursday’s Board of Education meeting (February 5, 7 p.m., Staples High School cafeteria; click here for livestream):

  • Screen time survey
  • Formation of a building committee for Coleytown Elementary School
  • Approval of proposed budget.

Coleytown Elementary School.

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Congressman Jim Himes reminds “06880” readers that Access Health has begun a special open enrollment period, for people who qualify for state financial support. This replaces the Affordable Care Act enhanced premium tax credits, which expired at the end of 2025.

Eligibility requirements can be found here. Questions? Call Himes’ office: 203- 333-6600.

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Liz Hirsh Naftali’s 3-year-old niece, Abigail Mor Edan, was abducted by Hamas on October 7, 2023 — after she watched them murder her parents.

Abigail spent 51 terrifying days in captivity. Liz was her tireless advocate, speaking with world leaders and sharing her family’s story.

On February 10 (7 p.m., The Community Synagogue), Naftali will talk about her memoir, “Saving Abigail” — a testament to resilience, courage and hope in the face of tragedy.

The event is free, but pre-registration is required (click here).

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Adam Kaplan did not go to Coleytown Middle School — he’s a Bedford grad.

But the 2008 Staples High alum was on stage yesterday at Coleytown. He brought along 3 castmates (and longtime friends) from the original “Newsies” on Broadway — plus a 3-man band.

The result was a high-energy, rousing benefit for Coleytown Company. Ben Frimmer’s middle school troupe presents “Newsies” of course next month.

Adam and his fellow performers gave many shout-outs to the importance of arts in the schools — and Westport’s support of it.

To show your own support, click here more information on “Newsies,” Coleytown-style. Tickets will be on sale soon at this link.

Adam Kaplan (far right) with (from left) Andrew Keenan Bolger, Liana Hunt and Ben Frankhauser, at Coleytown Middle School yesterday. (Photo courtesy of Ben Frimmer)

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Speaking of CMS and BMS: Congratulations to Westport’s Middle School Squash Club!

One of just a few of 59 clubs to field 3 strong teams at this past weekend’s US Middle School Team Squash Championships in Philadelphia, they had great success.

Team A finished 5th in the nation — the highest for any public school — while Team B won the Division III title.

Club members representing Westport were Theo Abrams, Luke Amitin, Xuanhao (Hardy) Chao, James D’Angelo, Alex Jiang, Liev Katz, Theo Keefe, Matthew Lyle, Oscar Quintner, Ilina Rangaraj, Zach Smith, Logan Warnke, Jonathan Whee, Olivia Whee, Len Xie, and Orson Xie. Parent managers were Amber Warnke, Aaron Amitin, Gali Katz and Tim Whee, with club advisor Ella Ye and advisor emeritus TJ Sheridan.

The Westport Club is coached by Mohsin Khan, of Intensity Fitness.

For more information, contact msinfo@westportsquash.org.

Team A (from left): Jonathan Whee, Zach Smith, Theo Keefe, Len Xie, Luke Amitin.

Team B (from left): Ilina Rangaraj, Liev Katz, Logan Warnke, Alex Jiang, Xuanhao (Hardy) Chao.

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Baby, it’s cold outside!.

But at VFW Post 399, Thursdays mean hot jazz.

This week (February 5; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner at 7) features Jen Allen. The pianist/composer has performed all over the world. She’s joined by 2 longtime associates: bassist Matt Dwonszyk and drummer Jonathan Barber. Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Longtime St. Luke Church organist Leon Bernard died January 29 at Hartford Hospital. He was 86.

The New Rochelle, New York native graduated from Staples High School. He then served proudly in the Army, stationed in Alaska and California.

A church organist for over 60 years at St. Luke in Westport, he had a strong interest in music, and all things trains, engines, locomotives and railroads. He also liked gardening, and visits for over 40 years to the Trapp Family Lodge and Resort in Vermont.

In his later years he enjoyed NFL football, the University of Connecticut men’s and women’s basketball, and broadcast mysteries. He was president of 2 condominium associations.

He his survived by his close friends Rev. Kumar, St. Luke pastor, and Richard Fitol, Mark Prisloe and Natasha Morant; many St. Luke parishioners, neighbors, and work-related associates, including real estate development at T&M Building, and piano and commercial sales.

Calling hours at the Harding Funeral Home are this Friday (February 6, 4 to 7 p.m.). A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday (February 7, St. Luke Church). Interment will follow immediately at Assumption Cemetery, Greens Farms. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Luke Church.

Leon Bernard

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Our “Westport … Naturally” photos are all about the features and creatures that make our town “naturally” beautiful, and interesting.

Occasionally, a human being or 2 add to the mix.

Andrew Colabella captured this frigid scene, at Gray’s Creek:

(Photo/Andrew Colabella)

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And finally … on this date in 1961, the US Air Force began Operation Looking Glass. For the next 30 years, a “Doomsday Plane” was always in the air. It could take direct control of American bombers and missiles, if Strategic Air Command headquarters was destroyed.

(Barry McGuire’s song is timeless — and “06880” is always timely. Please click here, to help support your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)

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Posted in Education, Local politics, Obituaries, Politics, religion, Sports

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Roundup: Railroad Parking, Rink Skating, Sports Training …

Posted on January 17, 2026 | 4 comments

Effective Tuesday, the fine for parking illegally at the Saugatuck and Greens Farms train stations will double.

At the request of the Westport Police Department, the Select Board approved
an increase in the fine for non-permit holders parking in permit-only areas, from $25 to $50.

As always, daily parking areas are available at both stations for non-permit holders.

For more information on railroad parking, and to purchase a permit, click here.

Saugatuck train station permit-only parking lot.

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Westporters know the joys of skating at the PAL Rink at Longshore.

Now, many other people know too.

NewEngland.com included it — right near the top — in their list of “30 Best Winter Activities Across All 6 States.”

(Okay, it’s near the top because the states are listed alphabetically, and Connecticut is first. But still …)

The writeup says:

For more than 25 years, the Westport Police Athletic League (WPAL) has sponsored this winter gem located just steps from Long Island Sound.

Meeting NHL rink specifications, the outdoor facility is open to all, with daily, weekend, and season passes available. Visitors can find skate rentals and sharpening here, as well as figure skating lessons offered through the Westport Parks and Recreation Department that range from beginner to advanced levels.

We’re right up there with Powder Ridge, Franconia Notch, and Okemo, Stowe and Stratton.

Click here for all 30 spots. Then lace up your skates! (Hat tip: Bob Mitchell)

Westport PAL rink: a top New England attraction!

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Local athletes have many opportunities to receive specialized, sport-specific training.

The mental and nutrition aspects: Not so much.

Three professionals — Rhodie Lorenz, Carrie Potoff and Adriana Liberatore — now fill that gap.

The multi-disciplinary group — Saugatuck Mind and Sports Lab — offers athletes, coaches and parents team and 1-on-1 coaching and counseling.

Lorenz — well-known to Westporters as a co-founder of JoyRide — already had a thriving mental performance practice, specializing in high school and college athletes.

Potoff is a therapist. She aids many athletes in areas like anxiety and perfectionism.

Liberatore is a registered dietician, who also has experience with athletes’ fuel for performance and recovery.

The trio saw a gap between physical regimens, and off-the-field aspects of training. They’ve designed a holistic approach, but are also available individually.

“Coaches have only so much bandwidth,” Lorenz notes. “They understand the value of mental training and good nutrition. They’re able to reinforce what we provide.

“Athletes often seek help when they struggle, or suffer a setback,” she adds. “But they don’t have to be reactive. We can be proactive, providing the tolls and skills they need to overcome the inevitable stresses of sports.”

From left: Rhodie Lorenz, Carrie Potof, Adrianna Liberatore.

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Speaking of sports: Friends of the Senior Center are sponsoring a Super Bowl tailgate party. (Indoors, of course: February 8, 1 p.m.).

All ages are welcome to enjoy hot dogs, chips and dessert, plus a chance to meet Staples High School’s championship boys soccer and rugby teams.

PAL and Staples cheerleaders will perform.

And there’s a “guess the final score” contest, with prizes.

All ages are invited.

The state champion “futbol” team will be at the Senior Center football Super Bowl party on February 8. (Photo/John Walker)

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On Tuesday, the Zoning Board of Appeals unanimously denied an appeal of a previous Planning & Zoning Commission decision, to allow construction of an accessory dwelling unit at 21 Norwalk Avenue.

Adjacent Compo Beach neighborhood property owners David Johnson and Holly Jaffe had objected to the ADU, based on its 26-foot height and location 10 feet from the existing house. (Click here for a previous “06880” story on this issue.)

James Ezzes, ZBA chair, wrote that zoning regulations in effect at the time of the application allow construct of accessory dwelling units as of right; the proposed plans conform to the definite of an ADU and all applicable standards; regulations allow a 350-square foot coverage exemption for lots of 1.5 acres or less; and the zoning enforcement officer does not have discretion in the review of permits.

Neighbors in the area are considering a lawsuit.

The Norwalk Avenue home (top, 2nd from left), showing where the ADU would be situated. (Drone photo/John Videler)

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On January 25 (2 p.m.), Westport Library goers get a first look at the Shoah Memorial. The sculpture — coming soon to Fairfield University — seeks to “honor history, while actively stemming the tide of hate.”

The afternoon features a conversation between Dr. Mindy Hersh and her mother, Judy Hersh, a Holocaust survivor, followed by a panel discussion with Shoah Memorial artist Victoria Milstein; Shelly Krieger, the founding educator of the Holocaust Research Center; Holocaust survivor Michell Schell, and Marla Felton of Common Circles.

The Shoah Memorial Fairfield University project began when Paul Burger attended the unveiling of the original She Wouldn’t Take Off Her Boots sculpture Greensboro, North Carolina. Moved by its powerful message, he decided to bring the memorial to his community, to ensure its broader impact.

Fairfield University is already home to the Carl and Dorothy Bennett Center for Judaic Studies, and offers a Judaic Studies program.

Shoah Memorial

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Longtime Westport resident Wayne Paull died January 3. He was 79.

Wayne graduated from the University of Connecticut, where he earned a football scholarship. After college, Wayne joined the Army.

With his wife Lee’s support, Wayne chose a career as a movie cameraman. His work took him around the world, covering the PGA, Indy racing, the circus, and interviewing figures such as George H.W. Bush, the Dalai Lama, and countless other world leaders and fascinating figures.

He was predeceased by his wife. He is survived by his son Matthew (Leslie), and grandsons Brittain and Cooper.

A service will be held Monday (January 19, 11 a.m.) at Harding Funeral Home.

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Today’s mid-winter “Westport … Naturally” sign of life: this beach plum, at Old Mill.

(Photo/Judith Katz)

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And finally … on this date in 1920, Prohibition began in the United States. It lasted until 1933.

(There are many ways to spend a few bucks in Westport: Skating at Longshore. Drinks with friends. Clicking here, to make a tax-deductible donation to “06880.” Enjoy them all — and thank you!)

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Posted in Beach, History, Library, Longshore, Obituaries, Police, Real estate, religion, Sports

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Remembering Deej Webb

Posted on January 16, 2026 | 10 comments

Richard “Deej” Webb, Jr. — a Westport native, teacher and historian who grew up near Longshore, then turned a fascination with F. Scott Fitzgerald’s summer here into a book and documentary that claimed this area inspired “The Great Gatsby” — died on December 21. He was 63.

Deej was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, but moved with his family to Westport at 6. He attended Saugatuck Elementary, Bedford Junior High and Staples High Schools, and Pomfret Academy.

After graduating from Vanderbilt University, he taught social studies — and then headed the department — at New Canaan High School.

Richard “Deej” Webb

Though the Westport of Deej’s youth looked quite a bit different from that of the several months that F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald spent in Westport, the area around Longshore and Long Island Sound were recognizable.

The couple rented a home — still standing — on Compo Road South, just north of what is now the Longshore entrance drive.

Deej meticulously researched the real estate and topography of the town-owned club, which in 1920 was the personal estate of the very wealthy Frederick E. Lewis.

Believing that Fitzgerald’s view of the estate, and the Sound beyond it, influenced the author’s view of protagonist Jay Gatsby, and his lifestyle — not, as traditionalists believed, Long Island — Deej pored over newspaper and magazine stories, other historical documents, and Fitzgerald’s own writing, to prove his point.

Deej then collaborated with Robert Steven Williams. They co-produced a documentary: “Gatsby in Connecticut: The Untold Story.” It used Deej’s findings — and archival photos — to make the same claim about Westport’s role.

The pair also published a companion book: “Boats Against the Current: The Honeymoon Summer of Scott and Zelda.”

Celebrating “Gatsby Day” in Westport in 2019 at the Fitzgerald house on Compo Road South are (from left) Robert Steven Williams, 1st Selectman Jim Marpe, Deej Webb, and Westport Museum of History & Culture executive director Ramin Ganeshram. (Photo/Dave Matlow)

After retiring from teaching, Deej served as a docent and volunteer at the Westport Museum for History & Culture, Fairfield Museum & History Center, the Sasquanaug Association and Lockwood-Mathews Mansion. 

He gave walking tours of Longshore and Southport Harbor. He also served on nonprofit boards, including the Pequot Library.  

Deej was also an avid New York Mets, Jets and Giants fan.

He is survived by his former wife, Deborah Webb; his sister Christy Webb Gibson; twin nieces in Canada, as well as the Webb and Payne families in the US and Canada. Deej’s infectious enthusiasm for history, life and sport (Mets, Giants and Jets) touched many.  He will be remembered as the life of the party, very often the smartest man in the room and certainly the funniest.

Information on services will announced soon.

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In 2018, “06880” profiled Deej Webb’s work on F. Scott Fitzgerald and “The Great Gatsby.” We wrote:

When Richard “Deej” Webb was 14, he read “The Great Gatsby.”

Through his bedroom window across from the Minute Man monument, he could see the house that — decades earlier — F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald once rented.

In between was Longshore. Deej caddied, biked and ran there. He knew every inch of the property well.

In 1996, when Barbara Probst Solomon wrote a New Yorker story claiming that Westport — not Great Neck, Long Island — was the inspiration for Gatsby’s “West Egg,” Webb was fascinated.

By then he was teaching US history at New Canaan High School. But the 1980 Staples graduate’s heart — and home — remained here.

Webb studied Solomon’s theories. He researched Longshore, and environs. Convinced she was right — and that Westport, in fact, influenced both Fitzgerald and his wife far more than anyone realized — Webb spoke to whomever he could.

Many Fitzgerald scholars and fans were interested. Most Westporters, he says, were not.

In 2013 Webb participated in a Westport Historical Society roundtable examining the town’s literary past. Organizer Robert Steven Williams — a novelist — asked Webb if he’d like to collaborate on a documentary about Fitzgerald’s time here.

The film will be shown on public television this fall. A companion coffee table book — “Boats Against the Current” (taken from a famous “Gatsby” line) — will be published next month.

The book cover shows the iconic photo of F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald, in front of their South Compo house. 

“Boats” is thoroughly researched, lavishly illustrated, and immensely educational. It should be required reading for every Westporter.

Webb and Williams took Solomon’s original thesis — that Fitzgerald’s home next to the 175-acre estate of reclusive millionaire Frederick E. Lewis (now Longshore) informed not only the author’s physical description of Jay Gatsby’s mansion, but also much of the novel’s emotional power — and expanded it to encompass nearly the entire Fitzgerald ouevre.

In 1920, his first book — “This Side of Paradise” — had just been published. Fitzgerald was making great money. He and Zelda were newly married — and kicked out of New York’s finest hotels, for debauchery.

Westport was their honeymoon. It was also their first home. Here — especially at Lewis’ next-door estate — they enjoyed celebrity-filled orgies. And they skinny-dipped at Compo Beach.

Zelda at Compo Beach — before (or after) skinny-dipping. (Photo courtesy of “Boats Against the Current”)

Their experiences and memories — along with the town’s sights and smells — all became part of “Gatbsy”; of “The Beautiful and the Damned”; even of Zelda’s paintings, Webb says.

In fact, he adds, “Westport shows up in their works more than any other place they lived.”

The back story of Lewis — a descendant of one of the wealthiest families in American history — is particularly fascinating. He’s not a familiar name. But his parties at what later became Longshore — which the Fitzgeralds surely must have attended — were beyond legendary. One even featured Harry Houdini. (Yes, he performed an escape trick right there.)

His and Williams’ painstaking work has been accepted by many Fitzgerald scholars, as well descendants like granddaughter Bobbie Lanahan.

Robert Steven Williams (left) and Richard “Deej” Webb flank the Fritzgeralds’ granddaughter Bobbie Lanahan.

The New York Times recently published a story on Webb and Williams’ project. The international attention was gratifying.

But the duo have a more local concern too.

All around town — including Webb’s boyhood Compo Beach neighborhood — homes are being torn down. Big new houses are replacing older ones with important  histories.

Webb and Williams worry the same fate may befall Fitzgerald’s house. And, they fear, few people will care.

The current owners, Webb says, “are fantastic. They’re well aware of the significance, and treat it with great respect.”

But there’s no assurance a future owner will not tear the 1758 structure down.

F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald slept — and partied — here, on South Compo Road.

There is only one museum in the world dedicated to F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald. It’s in Montgomery, Alabama, where he wrote portions of 2 novels.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful, Webb and Williams ask, if at some point the town could buy the house, and turn it into a “Fitzgerald Center”?

“Sometimes Westport has amnesia about its history,” Webb says. “It’s an incredible past. It’s hard to find an American town that has more. But it’s disappearing in front of our eyes.”

Of course, as a history teacher — and amateur historian – Webb knows the one thing that never changes is change.

When the Fitzgeralds arrived in 1920, he says, “farmers in  Westport worried about all the New Yorkers coming in.”

With their lavish parties and skinny-dipping orgies, those newcomers had a new way of doing things.

One hundred years later — thanks to F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald — those Westport days live on.

And — thanks to Deej Webb and Robert Steven Williams — they’re memorialized forever.

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Posted in History, Longshore, Media, Obituaries

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Roundup: Natan Sharansky, Wakeman Town Farm, Remarkable Bookcycle …

Posted on January 14, 2026 | 6 comments

Natan Sharansky — the former Soviet dissident, political prisoner, Israeli leader, and worldwide symbol of freedom and democracy — is coming to Westport.

His “Night of Courage & Freedom” appearance — part of Chabad of Westport’s “Candid Conversations” series — is set for February 2 (7:30 p.m.; VIP reception at 6:45).

From enduring years in Soviet Union gulags to serving in the Knesset, Sharansky’s life story and message resonate powerfully today. He is the author of 2 books, and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Click here to RSVP. For more information on Chabad, click here.

Natan Sharansky

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There’s always something new down at the (Wakeman Town) Farm — even in winter.

January brings new special events like Valentine’s Cooking,  Valentine’s Dinner, Knitting Circle; classes on winter seed sowing, garden tools and cooking with mushrooms, plus new children’s program, and Toddler Tea and Story Time.

Click here for all programs and events, and more.

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Alert “06880” reader — and Remarkable Bookcycle lover — Janine Scotti sends this photo:

(Photo/Janine Scotti)

She writes: “If I had a garage, I’d take care of this. But maybe someone who reads this can repair it. It looks like they plowed snow, which piled up against it.”

Shouldn’t be too hard a fix. Maybe one of those books includes a handy repair manual!

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Since graduating from Yale in 2019, Staples High School Class of 2015 member Rachel Treisman has been a journalist for National Public Radio.

She has reported on Queen Elizabeth’s funeral, and political primaries. Next: the 2026 Winter Olympics, in Milan.

While there, Rachel will write a daily newsletter. She’ll offer behind-the-scenes peeks, and answer readers’ questions. Click here to subscribe.

Rachel Treisman

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The latest addition to VersoFest ’26: Gina Gershon.

The actress joins journalist/ rock memoirist/Westporter Alisyn Camerota on March 28 (5 p.m.). They’ll discuss Gershon’s memoir “AlphaPussy: How I Survived the Valley and Learned to Love My Boobs.”

Tickets are $35, and include a copy of the book. Click here to purchase, and for more information.

In addition to Gershon, VersoFest includes a February 27 performance by rising rockers The Thing; a conversation with folk-rock legend Ani DiFranco (March 26); a March 27 concert with former Fugees star/rapper/multi-Grammy winner Wyclef Jean; talks with performers, actors, and authors, plus panel discussions, an interactive art installation, and more. Click here for details.

Gina Gershon

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Another library — Weston’s — kicks off Black History Month — and its “America 250: The Revolutionary Spirit Lecture Series” — with “Unhired Hands.”

The February 1 (3 p.m.) event with poet/actor/playwright David Mills explores the history of slavery in the North during the 18th century, through storytelling and poetry.

The event is co-sponsored by the Weston History & Culture Center, and the League of Women Voters of Weston.

David Mills

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Westport Pride invites members of the LGBTQ community — and all friends and allies — are invited to a Happy Hour social gathering.

It’s 6 to 8 p.m. January 29, at Nômade restaurant.

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Wayne Uccellini — the longtime owner and chef of the legendary Allen’s Clam & Lobster House — died peacefully on January 8, surrounded by his family. He was 80.

Wayne was a lifelong resident of Westport, and a 1964 graduate of Staples High School. After graduating from Transylvania University in 1968, he served in the US Army until 1970. He was stationed at the Pentagon as an illustrator.

In addition to the Westport restaurant, Wayne owned Allen’s East in Stratford. He operated both locations with his family for more than 40 years.

Wayne later served as the kitchen manager at Osborn Hill Elementary in Fairfield, where he was fondly known as “Mr. Wayne” by students and staff.

Wayne was an avid boater and fisherman, on Long Island Sound and Lake Taunton. He also spent countless hours training his beloved dogs.

His obituary says, “Wayne was a beloved mentor to many young people who passed through the doors of Allen’s Clam & Lobster House over the years. His greatest legacy is not only the delicious food he served, but the leadership, loyalty and work ethic he demonstrated to his devoted family, friends and community.”

Wayne is survived by his wife of 57 years, Karen (Miller); their children Jennifer Hios (Peter) of Fairfield; Tollie Barrato (Christopher) of Fairfield, and Matthew Uccellini (Kim) of Richmond, Virginia; grandchildren Megan and Kyle Hios, Ashley, Sophia and Charlotte Barrato, and Isla and Shea Uccellini; sisters Cheryl Spillane, Janis Pascarlla (Jim), sisters-in law Sally Uccellini (Douglas) and Hilde Uccellini (Ronald), and many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers Ronald and Douglas Uccellini, brother-in-law Edward Spillane, and sister-in-law Judith Uccellini.

A celebration of Wayne’s life will be held at a date to be determined.

Wayne Uccellini

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” image shines a light on Westport, in mid-winter.

Slowly, the days get longer …

(Photo/Jacqui O’Brien)

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And finally … The birth flower for January is a carnation. It symbolizes love, pride, beauty, purity, distinction, fascination and loyalty.

(January’s birth flower is January. And January’s official donation recipient is “06880.” Well, maybe not, but if it was, you could click here and support your hyper-local blog with ease. Thank you!)

6 Comments

Posted in Children, Entertainment, Environment, Library, Obituaries

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