Category Archives: Police

Roundup: Staples Sports, Springsteen, Substances, …

Posted on February 27, 2025 | 3 comments

It took 62 years. But the Staples High School boys basketball team scored another FCIAC championship.

The Wreckers won the league title last night, pulling away at the end. Seeded #2, they knocked off top-ranked Ridgefield 68-58, before a raucous Fairfield University crowd.

It was the second victory for Staples in 6 days over the Tigers. Last week, on the road, the Westporters denied Ridgefield’s bid for an undefeated FCIAC record, on the last day of the regular season.

It was also the first FCIAC crown, in 3 straight trips to the finals.

Adam Udell — named MVP of the title contest — led the victors with 24 points. Fourteen came in the crucial 4th quarter. Matty Corrigan added 19 more.

Next up: the state tournament. The boys — seeded 4th in the 16-team Division I — host their first game on Tuesday (March 4, 6:30 p.m.). They face #13 Kolbe Cathedral.

The girls basketball team begin their state title quest too, away.

Adam Udell heads to the basket. (Photo/David G. Whitham for The Ruden Report

Wearing championship medals, Wreckers celebrate their first FCIAC title in 62 years. (Photo courtesy of Staples boys basketball)

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Bruce Springsteen is coming to VersoFest!

Well, not exactly.

But pretty close.

On Saturday, April 5 (1 p.m.), a free panel discussion on the 50th anniversary of Bruce Springsteen’s “Born to Run” features an all-star cast of The Boss’s collaborators and experts.

They include Mike Appel, Springsteen’s first manager and co-producer of “Born to Run”; former Columbia Records promotions director Michael Pillot, who spearheaded the album’s promotion, plus music historians Robert Santelli and Kenneth Womack.

The panel will be hosted by author and pop culture historian Arlen Schumer. In 1978 he was art director of Thunder Road, the first magazine devoted to Springsteen’s life and music.

Co-host Dick Wingate is a former music industry executive who managed the production of Springsteen’s “Darkness on the Edge of Town,” and many other influential albums.

VersoFest highlights also include a conversation between Patti Smith and Westport journalist/rock memoirist Alisyn Camerota; a concert with the Wallflowers; a chat with hardcore punk legend Henry Rollins and Nabil Ayers, president of the record label Beggars Group; interactive art exhibits; a graffiti workshop led by visionary artist 5iveFingaz, and a weekend family kickoff celebration.

Sunday (April 6) caps off the weekend with a VersoFest Oral History Podcast live recording with David Letterman musical director Paul Shaffer, and “Saturday Night Live” tour de force Christine Ohlman.

Click here for the full VersoFest schedule, plus tickets and more information.

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Tuesday’s charrette at the Senior Center was an early step in discussions of  possible construction of a combined Police/Fire/Emergency Medical Services facility. (Click here to read yesterday’s “06880” story on that meeting.)

Town officials noted the scarcity of available land for the approximately 10 acres needed for the project. The best site, they said, is at the current I-95 Exit 18 commuter parking lot.

One of the posters displayed at the event showed locations of current police and fire stations, schools, and other town-owned property.

Click below to see. Red dots indicate current fire and police facilities; green dots show public schools, and yellow shapes indicate large town-owned properties.

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This is not your kid’s school “show and tell.”

The Westport Prevention Coalition invites parents to a special “hands-on” meeting March 6 (12:30 p.m., Town Hall Room 201).

The topic is “Today’s Emerging Substances & Our Youth.”

Attendees can “browse through today’s substances,” learn about new products being marketed, hear about the risks of gaming and gambling, and pick up free parenting handbooks and resources.

Edibles are an ever-changing part of the cannabis market.

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A reader concerned about “the usurpation of commuter parking spaces at the Westport train station by Avis car rental” writes:  “While they have specially reserved spaces, they typically take another 10-15 commuter spots with impunity and without penalty.

“This was fine during COVID. But now that ridership is increasing, especially with the implementation of the congestion tax, commuters need all our convenient spots — particularly at 6 a.m., on cold or rainy days.”

“06880” reached out to the Westport Police Department, which oversees parking at the town’s 2 train stations.

Deputy Chief David Farrell says, “Avis rents 20 designated spaces at the Saugatuck station – and they pay the daily fee for each. If they utilize other spaces, they receive $25 tickets per vehicle. Now that more people are using Metro-North, strict enforcement is underway.”


Avis cars in non-designated train station spots, earlier this month.

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On Sunday, 150 people walked from the Westport Country Playhouse to the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge.

There they placed orange balloons, in memory of the 2 “flame-haired” little boys murdered by Hamas, after being kidnapped on October 7, 2023.

On Tuesday night, co-organizer Jennifer Wolff and her husband went downtown, to remove the deflating balloons.

Two had fallen into the Saugatuck River — in the shape of a heart.

“It felt like an appropriate sendoff,” Jennifer says.

“I hope whomever this balloon heart passes thinks of the Bibas boys, who were put to rest that day with their mama.”

(Photo/Jennifer Wolff)

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The Planning & Zoning Commission took a field trip Tuesday to Baron’s South.

Their tour of the 22-acre property included Golden Shadows, the 1950s-era “mansion” owned by Baron Walter Langer von Langendorff, the perfume mogul. It, and adjacent buildings, are being considered for affordable housing.

Former Representative Town Meeting member Harris Falk took up the invitation to join the tour. He dressed in his trademark colorful outfit.

Inside the house, P&Z member Neil Cohn noticed that Falk’s get-up blended in almost perfectly with the Baron’s wallpaper.

Harris Falk, inside the Baron’s mansion. (Photo/Neil Cohn)

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One more special Westport arts figure has been added to next Thursday’s relaunch of the Susan Malloy Celebration of the Arts: Gina Rattan.

The 2004 Staples graduate — a Broadway director and creative consultant — joins artist Miggs Burroughs, arts leader Melody James, and singer/actor Melissa Newman for the March 6 (7 p.m.) evening of conversation and storytelling. All are Westport residents.

Weston actor James Naughton will moderate the panel discussion, focusing on how Westport has become a magnet for artists, performers and creatives for decades; how the town’s artistic spirit has evolved, and continues to thrive in new and exciting ways; and the role of the next generation in carrying forward Westport’s rich cultural heritage.

Click here for more information.

Gina Rattan

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Speaking of the Library: Club203 sure knows how to have fun.

Westport’s social club for adults with disabilities celebrates March with a special karaoke event.

The Westport Library hosts the sing-out on March 18 (6:30 to 8 p.m.).

Attendees can request their favorite songs now. For details and registration, click here.

Club 203, at last year’s Westport Library event.

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Jerry Kuyper captured — with a camera, from a safe distance — this Tuesday night visitor on Rayfield Road, for our daily “Westport … Naturally” feature.

“The bluestone walkway is just under 2 feet wide, for scale,” he says.

(Photo/Jerry Kuyper)

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And finally … as soon as you saw the story on the Bruce Springsteen event at VersoFest (above), you knew what today’s featured song would be, right?

After 50 years, it’s still one of the great rock songs of all time.

(There’s no place left to hide. Please click here to support your hyper-local, 24/7/365, Boss-loving blog. Whether you were born to run, or have always stayed in the 06880, we thank you.)

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Posted in Library, Police, Sports, Staples HS

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Roundup: Athletic Field Lights, Traffic Agent Celebration, Hot Chocolate Pop-up …

Posted on February 26, 2025 | 7 comments

In 2011 — after years of court battles — town officials and neighbors reached an agreement to add lights to the Staples High School football field.

The court-ordered settlement precluded lighting other Westport fields, besides PJ Romano (behind Saugatuck Elementary School), and the Greens Farms Elementary School softball diamond.

The agreement expired a couple of years ago. On Monday — after long negotaitions — the Planning & Zoning Commission approved 5-1 (with 1 abstention) a text amendment to allow lights at other sites.

Each proposal will be reviewed by the P&Z. Among the requirements:

  • Notification of all neighbors within 250 feet. 
  • Screening for residential properties.
  • Most practices and games must end by 9 p.m.

Paul Lane Field (Photo/Mark Mathias)

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For 25 years, traffic agent Jerry Waldron has been a Westport Police Department staple.

Commuters and residents see him directing traffic at the Route 1 and 33 intersection and by the Cribari Bridge, or patrolling the railroad station and downtown parking lots.

Not bad, for a 90-year-old.

Yesterday, the WPD celebrated Jerry’s milestone birthday, at police headquarters.

Friends, family and officers — current and retired (all younger) — threw him a surprise party.

Jerry was surprised, and grateful.

But he’s not slowing down. He will be back at work tomorrow, directing lunch hour traffic at 1 and 33.

If you see him, wish him a belated “happy birthday.”

Maybe — considering all that traffic — a wave is better than a honk.

Happy 90th, Jerry Waldron!

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In addition to Jerry Waldron’s birthday, this is also Eating Disorder Awareness Week.

In its honor, Lift Wellness Group hosts a hot chocolate pop-up bar today (Wednesday, February 26, 11 a.m.) at their 8 Myrtle Avenue office.

They hope to shine a light on eating disorders, which have the second highest mortality rate of any mental illness.

And, of course, to offer a nice, tasty treat. The public is invited.


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The Compo Beach playground renovation is about to begin.

As “06880” noted yesterday, the Playground Committee has ensured that anyone who bought a fundraising picket during the last rebuild — 19 years ago — can claim it as a souvenir.

Jennifer Seideman offers more good news about the beloved site. She writes:

“While walking at Compo Beach yesterday, I noticed the project has begun. Of course it makes me nostalgic, as my twins were newborns when the last one was installed. We have many fine memories at that playground.

“I saw that the workers were thoughtful enough to gather together some shoes they uncovered while digging up the old playground.

“They created a ‘lost and found’ space on top of a garbage can near the boardwalk. Here is a photo that may help some families with missing shoes.”

“I will look forward to watching the transformation of the playground, seeing many families enjoy it and make it part of their special experiences in Westport as my children did,” she adds.

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For 3 weekends next month, Weston’s Lachat Town Farm becomes a Brooklyn restaurant.

That’s the setting for “Seared,” a comedy that brings audiences into a kitchen.

First produced off-Broadway in 2019, the show earned Outer Critics Circle Awards. As garlic and onions sizzle on stage, the play explores conflicts between artistic passion and the pressures of the business world.

“Seared” is produced by Diana Muller, formerly of Play With Your Food lunchtime theater.

Show dates are March 7 through 23: Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., Sundays at 3 p.m. Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Voices Café often attracts interesting artists, from up and down the East Coast.

On April 5, one of them is a homegrown talent.

In fact, very talented.

Dustin Lowman — a 2011 Staples High School graduate, now making his name as a New York-based singer/songwriter — opens for Lucy Kaplansky.

Dustin says: “In the years since leaving Westport, I’ve forged an unconventional path, using the tools that growing up there afforded me.

“The path has been winding — from Vermont to Nashville to Chicago, and lately to Brooklyn — but its ineluctable root is Westport. I think at 32 that I’m too old for the title ‘The Prodigal Son’; nonetheless, returning to Westport to perform is like the most wonderful version of show and tell: showing the people who gave me so much what their gifts have done for me, and telling them the story of what I’ve tried to do with them.”

Click here for tickets about the show at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport, and more information.

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In today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature, at least a dozen crows blend in on a barren tree, at Compo Shopping Center.

Can you see them all? They’re there!

(Photo/Tracy Porosoff)

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And finally … this is one of my least favorite songs of all time. I truly despise it.

But — after the Planning & Zoning Commission’s decision about athletic fields (story above), it does work today.

(Attention, “06880” readers: You can light up my life by clicking here, to show your tax-deductible support of this hyper-local blog. Thank you!)

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Posted in Beach, Entertainment, Local politics, Police, Sports, Staples HS

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Police/Fire/EMS Facility: The Process Begins

Posted on February 26, 2025 | 26 comments

Westport’s police station was built in the 1950s — at 1/3 the originally proposed size.

Our fire headquarters dates to the 1970s. It’s too small for modern fire trucks, lacks training space, and has safety deficiencies.

Emergency Medical Services ambulances share bays with large oxygen cannisters. Like police vehicles, they are sometimes trapped on 3 sides by flood waters.

For those reasons — and many more — town officials are exploring a joint Police/Fire/EMS facility. The most appropriate site, they say, is nearly 10 acres, by the current I-95 commuter parking lot on the Sherwood Island Connector.

The public got its first look at the plan — still very early in the concept phase — last night.

A large crowd filled the Senior Center for a presentation by the police and fire chiefs, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, and a pair of architects.

1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, Police Chief Foti Koskinas and Fire Chief Nick Marsan, at last night’s meeting. (Photo/Dan Woog)

They provided plenty of information.

And they heard a number of questions.

Expansion of fire headquarters — located on Post Road East next to Terrain, since moving from what is now Emmy Squared on Church Lane half a century ago — has been in the town’s capital plan, Tooker noted.

A new or renovated police station — which relocated to Jesup Road over 70 years ago, after sharing space in what was then Town Hall (now Don Memo and Walrus Alley) — has not been listed in that forecast.

Combining the 3 facilities at one first responders’ site would offer savings in efficiency and scale, Fire Chief Nick Marsan and Police Chief Foti Koskinas noted.

An early drawing for a proposed Police/Fire/EMS facility.

Response times would be enhanced in some cases by leaving the congested downtown area. The new location would also offer speedier access to I-95, both for emergencies on the interstate and to reach Saugatuck Shores.

Relocating the police station would also free up dozens of parking spots downtown.

“No one is forcing anything on anyone,” Koskinas emphasized.

“We understand the challenges. We know there are other big projects ahead, likek schools, bridges and Longshore. We’re not saying where in the queue we want to be. But we want to be in it.”

The point of the meeting, he emphasized, was to initiate a discussion on how tax dollars would be spent to ensure safety for residents, employees and visitors all over town.

An early 1950s plan for a new police station on Jesup Road. The current facility is 1/3 the size of this proposal.

Presenters described a number of areas — for example, the benefits of collaboration between 3 departments, the advantages of on-site training, increasing square footage dedicated to ID needs, and cost savings for land, design and infrastructure — that a shared facility could enhance.

Current police headquarters.

Twice, Koskinas noted, the town has turned down opportunities for land that could be used for first responders.

When the current fire station was built, property was available at a former car dealership just east of Crescent Road. That is now the site of Terrain.

And when State Police Troop G moved from Bridgeport to its site at the Post Road East/Sherwood Island Connector junction, Westport was offered the land for $1. Officials turned it down. Today, it’s Walgreens.

Koskinas explained that the proposed location of a new facility on the Connector — just north of the commuter parking lot entrance — was one of the few spots in Westport large enough for all 3 departments.

The current Fire Department headquarters.

Baron’s South, for example, has topographic, access and zoning issues, while using Winslow Park would present traffic and access issues.

Former RTM member John Suggs said that the Connector site was part of an RTM-designated archaelogical preserve. (Adjacent land was the birthplace of Green’s Farms Church’s West Parish.)

Koskinas promised that a new facility would enhance the now-overgrown area, and honor town history.

Building on that property would require relocation of the commuter lot — perhaps south of I-95, closer to Sherwood Island State Park. That would involve negotiations with the state.

The entrance to the shared facility would be just north of the current I-95 commuter parking lot, on the Sherwood Island Connector.

Greens Farms Association president Art Schoeller cited opposition from neighborhood residents, and asked about noise abatement and noise pollution.

“It is the best spot,” another Greens Farms resident acknowledged.

“We’re taking measured risks now,” Koskinas said, referring to Police, Fire and EMS operations.

“Some of the risks are critical. Some are sustainable. But this project touches everyone in town.”

(“06880” will cover this proposed facility all the way to its completion. We do the same for all major Westport news — and all the minor stories too. Please click here to support us. Thank you!)

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Posted in Local politics, Places, Police

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Roundup: Public Safety Charrette, Great Soup Contest, Staples Basketball …

Posted on February 25, 2025 | 1 comment

Residents interested in learning more about a new public safety complex are invited to tonight’s charrette (Tuesday, 7 p.m., Senior Center). An architectural presentation will be followed by feedback opportunities.

The project is now in the conceptual and feasibility stage.

Fire Chief Nicholas Marsan, who also serves as the town’s emergency management director, says, “This would be more than just a building; it’s a commitment to the people of Westport.

“Modernizing our facilities will enhance our ability to respond quickly and efficiently in times of emergency. A new complex will also allow for better coordination of resources and planning, ensuring that our community is well-prepared for any situation. We look forward to hearing from our community, and working together to bring this vision to life.”

Police Chief Foti Koskinas adds, “This much-needed facility will greatly benefit our community. Housing Police, Fire and EMS under one roof fosters better collaboration, faster response times, and more efficient operations. A project of this nature will strengthen public safety, and ensure that we are well-equipped to serve Westport now and into the future.”

For more information, contact Fire Chief Marsan: nmarsan@westportct.gov; 203-341-5000.

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Westport life was upended in many ways — large and small — when COVID crashed into town, 5 years ago next month.

One minor casualty was the Great Westport Soup Contest. Begun in early March of 2020, the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce event was halted when the only soup anyone slurped was homemade.

Soon, the Soup Contest returns. On March 3 (noon), 1st Selectwoman Jen tooker will kick off the event, at Calise’s Food Market.

All month long, 16 soup-making spots will compete in 7 categories. Judging will be done online, by soup-loving Westport residents.

And every voter is entered into a drawing to win a free soup, from one of the 7 winners.

The 16 competitors are Basso, Calise’s, Capuli, Gaetano’s, Garelick and Herbs, Gold’s Deli, Joe’s Pizza, Kawa Ni, Little Pub @ Dunville’s, Old Mill Grocery, Organic Market, Rive Bistro, Rizzuto’s, Romanacci, The Whelk and Tutti’s.

The seven categories are: Best Chicken, Beef, Vegetable, Asian, Onion and Matzoh Ball Soup, and Best Chowder. Each place can enter up to 4 categories, but can win no more than 2.

Voting begins March 3, and runs through March 31. Visit the venues, enjoy their offerings, then click here to vote.

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Speaking of food, CT Bites has just profiled a new restaurant.

X Ramen is technically not in Westport. But — just inches over the Southport line, in the former Wafu space — we’ll mention it here.

“06880” readers have given it high marks. Click here for the equally positive CTBites review.

A variety of X Ramen offerings. (Photo collage/CTBites.com)

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The Staples High School boys basketball teams is in the FCIAC finals. The girls camethisclose.

Coach Dave Goldshore’s #2-seeded Wreckers pulled out to a quick lead last night at Wilton High School. They never lost it, en route to a 56-46 win over #3 Fairfield Ludlowe.

Adam Udell and Matty Corrigan paced Staples with 15 points each. Mason Tobias added 11.

The blue-and-whites play for the title tomorrow (Wednesday, February 26, 7:30 p.m., Fairfield University), against to-ranked Ridgefield.

It should be a great game. Less than a week ago — in the final regular season contest — they handed the Tigers their only loss of the regular season, in the Tigers’ gym.

The 2025 Staples boys basketball team.

Also yesterday, coach Tommy Sparks’ #4-seeded girls gave #1 Ridgefield a tough battle, before succumbing 42-38 at Trumbull High.

Chloe Smith paced the Westporters with 13 points. Freya Harvey was close behind, with 12.

The narrow loss came 2 days after Staples pulled off a spectacular comeback, in the FCIAC quarterfinals. Down 19 points in the first half, and 14 at the start of the fourth quarter, they stormed their way to a 4-point victory over #5 St. Joseph.

The FCIAC tournament is a prelude to the state tourney. Both the boys and girls have qualified. Brackets will be announced soon.

The 2025 Staples girls basketball team.

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Three years ago yesterday, Russia invaded Ukraine.

Within weeks, Westport native Brian Mayer traveled overseas. With a background in logistics, he assessed the situation. He figured out a way to get help to the citizens who needed it most.

Then, with his brother Marshall, he founded Ukraine Aid International.

Since then, UAI has delivered clean water, heating pellets, medical equipment, municipal services, communication devices, trash trucks and more. Its work impacts more than 350,000 Ukrainians a day.

UAI also helped establish “sister cities,” linking American and Ukrainian towns.

The Westport-Lyman relationship was the first. Westporters have donated over $300,000 in direct aid. First Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Police Chief Foti Koskinas are in constant contact with their counterparts.

Weston also has a sister city: Siversk. Westonites have helped hundreds of youngsters attend therapy camps.

As Ukraine enters its fourth year of war, UAI continues to raise funds, and deliver aid. Donations continue to be needed. Click here to contribute; click the dropdown menu to select Westport or Weston’s sister city.

Bomb damage in Lyman: July 2024.

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Brian Marsella has been called “a psychedelic Art Tatum.”

The jazz pianist has been on a world tour. But this Thursday (February 27; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m., dinner service at 7, VFW Post 399; $20 music cover, $15 veterans and students; click here for tickets), he brings his talents to “Jazz at the Post.”

Marsella will be joined by bassist Reid Taylor and drummer Brian Floody — who played there last spring — and Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall, the saxophonist and mastermind of the series.

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There are running programs.

And then there is Girls on the Run.

An international project with local impact, it inspires 3rd, 4th and 5th graders to realize their inner strength, while promoting physical activity, and helping grow confidence.

The 10-week program begins in March. There are 2 practices a week, ending with a 5K in May.

Elise Simon will “run” it at Long Lots Elementary School (Tuesdays and Thursdays, 7:30 to 8:15 a.m.) Stephanie Tang leads it at Kings Highway (Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 3:45 to 5 p.m.).

Click here to register, and for more details. Click here for more information on the Girls on the Run international movement.

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There’s not a lot of swimming at Burying Hill Beach these days.

Unless you’re a lesser scaup.

Johanna Keyser Rossi spotted this guy (or gal) the other day, for our “Westport … Naturally” feature.

Everything was just ducky.

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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Roberta Flack — the former schoolteacher who went on to become an iconic soul, jazz and folk singer — died yesterday in New York, of a heart attack. She was 88, and had been diagnosed with ALS.

Click here for the full obituary, of a woman who defined the 1970s.

(As we do every day in our Roundup, “06880” brings you news and information you can use. We are “where Westport meets the world” — and we rely on reader support. Please click here to help. Thanks!)

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Posted in Local business, Police, Restaurants, Sports, Staples HS

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Roundup: License Plate Readers, Hostage Walk, College Mental Health …

Posted on February 22, 2025 | 14 comments

When the Board of Selectwomen meet Wednesday (February 26, 9 a.m., Town Hall auditorium), they’ll discuss the usual types of items: road closures for events like the Memorial Day parade and road races, sewer connections, etc.

One item is different: approval of a maintenance agreement between the town and the state Department of Transportation “for permission to work within the highway right-of-way to install, maintain and replace automatic license plate readers.”

The town already has one set of license plate readers, at I-95 Exit 17. This agenda item is for another set, at I-95 Exit 18 at the Sherwood Island Connector.

The readers are a response to the rash of car thefts in the area. They give the Westport Police Department a head’s-up if a stolen car is entering town off the highway — or headed out of here, onto it.

The selectwomen’s approval is needed to ensure the state that local officials will maintain the devices.

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Early reviews are in for “Native Gardens” — and they’re raves.

Westport Country Playhouse’s current production — a hilarious yet thought-provoking show about a neighborly dispute that turns into a battle of cultures — gets high marks for its acting, message, and breathtaking set.

The show runs through March 8. Click here for tickets, and more information. Click below for the trailer:

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Tomorrow’s Run4TheirLives walk honors the Bibas family. The 2 boys, ages 4 and 9 months, were killed by Hamas, after being kidnapped from their kibbutz. The fate of their mother is unknown.

As they’ve done for over a year, Westporters will gather at 11 a.m. in the Westport Country Playhouse parking lot on Sunday, then walk through town.

They will say the Mourner’s Kaddish, carry orange balloons in memory of the flame-haired brothers, and pray for their mother.

All Westporters of all ages are invited to join. Wear orange sweaters, coats, hats or reflector vests; bring orange balloons or Bibas signs.

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In November, Startup Westport’s “Young Innovators” forum drew an SRO crowd to the Westport Library.

Entrepreneurs and investors from their 30s through 70s were awed by presentations from a quartet of Staples High School alumni — none older than 25 — who have crushed the tech world.

The star of the star-studded panel was Dylan Diamond. The 2017 grad is co-founder and CEO of Saturn. The Gen Z calendar app has raised $68 million, scaled to millions users, reached 18,000 schools, and hit #1 in the App Store  — all after starting out as a high school project.

The event was moderated by Molly O’Shea. The oldest person on stage — she graduated from Staples in 2014 — is no slouch herself. A venture capital investor, Molly founded Sourcery, the VC deal and startup trend newsletter.

Now she’s posted a podcast with Dylan. It opens with a huge shout-out to the Startup Westport event (which she links to, and includes in every Sourcery social post).

Click below for Molly and Dylan’s very insightful — and entertaining — chat.

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There are many ways to prepare students for college. Sometimes overlooked — but crucial — is to focus on mental health.

On Tuesday (February 25, 6:30 p.m., Westport Library), Dr. James Geisler will discuss mental health challenges on college campuses, and help parents support their children’s transition to higher education. For more information, click here.

Graduation is fun. But preparing for the next step is very important.

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This year’s Westport Woman’s Club gala celebrates women who have made significant contributions to philanthropy and service to the community.

The April 5 event (6 p.m., Patterson Club, Fairfield) will be emceed by Scott Foley. His 30-year career in films and on TV include “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Scream 3,” and (currently) “Will Trent” and “La Dolce Villa.”

He lives in Westport with his wife, 3 children and many pets.

The evening includes a performance by the R&B, soul and dance band the  Bernadettes, plus a silent and live auction.

Guests will enjoy a vibrant performance by The Bernadettes, an R&B/Soul and Dance band, creating a lively atmosphere as well as an opportunity to bid on wonderful silent and live auction items.

Click here for tickets, and more information. Sponsorships are available for $1,000 (to provide clothing for children in need), $5,000 (a need-based scholarship for a graduating senioro) and $10,000 (225 bags of food to struggling families).

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Kings Highway Elementary School students spent Kindness Week spreading joy — within the building, and the entire district.

Every student helped design and create a “kindness rock” — a KHS tradition.

Fifty of them will be delivered to Westport’s 4 elementary schools, 2 middle schools and Staples High — along with a video message explaining their significance, and how each school might use them.

That’s “kind” of a great idea!

Kings Highway’s “kindness rocks.”

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As a 2-year captain of Staples’ boys soccer team, Mike Dobbs earned renown on the field. Like any soccer player (except the goalkeeper), he did plenty of running.

After a start at Athletic Shoe Factory in Westport, he’s spent his professional career in the running shoe industry. And he’s still running — though on roads, not soccer pitches.

Mike will compete in the Boston Marathon in April. It’s a way to compete — and raise money for Dana Farber Cancer Research, in honor of his late mother Sharon (a well-known and dedicated Westport Soccer Association volunteer).

The funds Mike raises will go to the Claudia Adams Barr Program. Click here for more information, and to contribute to his campaign.

Mike Dobbs

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There’s always something going on at MoCA CT. Ahead:

Upcycle Sculpture Workshop (today, Saturday, 1 p.m.): Tour of WestPAC’s :On Fire” and the high school exhibition “Humans & Nature”; then create sculptures with artist Remy Sosa.

Darwin Shen (violin), Michelle Kim (piano): Putting on the Fritz  (Sunday, February 23, 4 p.m.): Recital of rarely performed, newly discovered and reconstructed works by Fritz Kreisler.

Art Adventures! Drop-Ins for Kids (Saturdays, 12 to 1:30 p.m.): For children of all abilities: multi-media classes with space to explore new techniques and expression through art.

Community Conversation: Art, Infrastructure, and the Environment (February 27, 6 p.m.): Moderated by curator Ive Covaci; a diverse panel of speakers discuss the intersection of art, sustainability, and community resilience.

Upcoming Art Workshops: Hands-on classes include Ceramic Multi-Bowl Building with Leah Corbett (March 6) and Basket Weaving with Tina Puckett (March 8).

East Coast Contemporary Ballet: Galerie de Danse (March 6 and 7, 7:30 p.m.): Dance  and live music in a gallery setting. .

RSO Quartet: Daylight & Dances (March 8, 7 p.m.): Sring players of the Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra; works by Haydn, Price, Bartok and Puccini.

Sound Healing Meditations with SoulOSoaring (March 18, 6 p.m.): Healing practitioner Terry Eldh uses crystal alchemy singing bowls, crystal harp and koshi chimes.

Current Exhibition, through March 2: “On Fire”: Over 75 works in a variety of media; explores how artists from the 1930s to today have envisioned and responded to the interrelationships of energy, infrastructure, and the environment. The 4th annual exhibition by Westport Permanent Art Collections, inspired by 8 paintings created by Ralph Boyer in 1934 for the old Staples High School, as part of the Federal Public Works of Art Project. These paintings usually hang in the Westport central fire station.

For more information on MoMA CT, click here.

MoMA’s “On Fire” exhibition.

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This kingfisher bird hangs out by the bridge between the Imperial Avenue parking lot and the Westport Library parking lot.

He seemed to be looking sideways — right at Johanna Keyser Rossi — as she captured him for our “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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And finally … on this date in 1872, the Prohibition Party held their first national convention, in Columbus, Ohio. It took nearly 50 years, but the 19th Amendment went into effect in 1920. Thirteen years later, it was repealed.

(“06880” relies on reader support. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. We’ll drink to that!)

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Roundup: Fashionably Westport Freebies, Lis Comm’s Book, Playhouse’s Garden …

Posted on February 20, 2025 | 8 comments

Tickets are selling fast for Fashionably Westport — the February 28 benefit for Homes with Hope featuring a runway show from many of the town’s mot sophisticated retailers. Models are local friends and celebrities.

But there’s a way to score preferred admission seats.

Just follow @westportdowntownofficial on Instagram (the Westort Downtown Association is the event’s sponsor); follow @davebriggstv (Westport’s own Dave Briggs is co-emcee, with fellow resident Alisyn Camerota); then tag 2 friends in the comments section on Briggs’ Instagram (who would enjoy the show too).

The winner will be chosen at random February 22. They’ll enjoy guaranteed seating with a full view of the stage, open bar, light fare from from chef Claudia Fascenell, and a VIP gift bag.

Click here for tickets to Fashionably Westport, and more information.

Dave Briggs, Fashionably Westport co-emcee

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Thirty years before her death this past August, after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease, former Westport townwide coordinator of English Lisabeth Comm wrote a book.

Her husband, fellow Staples High School educator Frank Corbo, discoveed the nearly completed manuscript in a storage unit. He edited it, and has published it as a tribute to her life and work.

“Myths, Mothers, and Mirrors: Split Images of Women in Literature” employs feminist literary criticism to examine how cultural imperatives have shaped the role and image of women in Western literary tradition.

By analyzing patriarchal child-rearing practices, literary traditions rooted in Greek mythology and the Judeo-Christian Bible, and the portrayal of women as objects of the male gaze, Comm showed how feminist psychoanalytic theory can deepen understanding of women’s roles in life and literature.

She applied feminist criticism to popular high school and undergraduate works like “The Scarlet Letter,” “The Great Gatsby” and “Pride and Prejudice,” as well more contemporary novels including “Surfacing,” “Chronicle of a Death Foretold” and “Beloved,” along with modern female poets.

Click here for more information, and to order.

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This Sunday’s Westport Country Playhouse Symposium — “Planting Our Gardens – A Conversation about Growing Stronger Together” — explores themes of inclusivity, respect and equity.

The February 23 event follows the matinee performance of “Native Gardens” — a comedy about neighbors from different cultures who clash over the property line that separates their gardens.

Guest speakers are Lee Goldstein, Westport Board of Education, who will discuss the work being done by No Place for Hate, an ADL program to improve school climate, and Linedy Genao, “Native Gardens” cast member who was the first Latina performer to originate the leading role in an Andrew Lloyd Webber Broadway musical.

Inspired by the production of “Native Gardens,” the symposium will examine “better understanding in shared spaces.”

The Symposium begins are 4:30 p.m., following the 3 p.m. show. The discussion is free, and open to the public.

For tickets to “Native Gardens,” and more information, click here.

Lee Goldstein, Board of Education chair

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You take pretty good photos with your cellphone.

But you can probably take even better ones.

This Sunday (10 a.m., Sherwood Island Main Pavilion), Friends of Sherwood Island invites the public to join Weston photographer Alison Wachstein. She’ll help guests learn how to create inspiring landscapes, sharp nature closeups and beautiful portraits, all on a smartphone.

The event is free; donations to benefit the Friends’ garden team are welcome.

Capturing nature with a cellphone, at Sherwood Island State Park. (Photo/Becky Keeler)

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Seen at Trader Joe’s, and posted here with absolutely no editorial comment of any kind:

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On Tuesday — with the war in Ukraine once again in the headlines — Westporter Mark Yurkiw addressed the Westport Rotary Club.

The artist — who is of Ukrainian descent — visited the war-ravaged country most recently in October.

He traveled up to 18 hours a day around the nation, recording and listening to people’s stories to help spread the word about the realities of the war with Russia.

His message to the Rotarians was that supplies of all kinds are urgently needed. “These are people like you and me,” he said.

“They are working, trying to live their lives while under threat of bombing and suffering from the tragic loss of life. They are constantly trying to build graves fast enough to bury the slain.”

Yurkiw works with Ridgefield Responds, to collect equipment and medical supplies. He ships them to Ukraine, where they help save lives of civilians, and Ukrainian — and occasionally Russian soldiers.

They also collect financial donations. It costs $8,000 to ship a 40-foot container to Ukraine.

Yurkiw noted that he (and Ridgefield Responds) could not do what they do without the help of Ukraine Aid International. That’s the non-profit, boots-on-the-ground non-profit founded by Westporters Brian and Marshall Mayer.

To donate money, equipment, medical supplies, or volunteer your time, click here call Ridgefield Responds: 646-873-0050. To donate to Ukraine Aid International, click here.

Mark Yurkiw shows a slide of devastation in Ukraine, at Tuesday’s Rotary Club meeting. (Hat tip and photo/Dave Matlow)

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The United Methodist Church of Westport & Weston invites the public to a jazz vespers music and word service with vocalist/composer Sabth Perez on March 2 (4 p.m.; free will offering). UMC Westport-Weston church at 49 Weston Road, Westport, CT.

Sabéth Perez

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Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between February 12 and 19.

A 23-year-old Fairfield man was charged with breach of peace, stalking and harassment, after a complainant said her ex-boyfriend parked near her place of work and tried to engage her in conversation — as he had done since their breakup last May. She said he followed her vehicle, flashing his lights and following very closely. He was released on $25,000 bond.

A 53-year-old Westport man was charged with disorderly conduct and threatening. A woman said they are going through a divorce, and he made statements during an argument that caused her to fear for her life. He was released on $15,000 bond.

Westport Police alos issued these citations:

  • Failure to renew registration: 3
  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 2
  • Distracted driving: 2
  • Disorderly ocnduct: 2
  • Driving while texting: 1
  • Speeding: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
  • Failure to drive in the proper lane: 1

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Clouds frame the waters near Compo Beach’s Ned Dimes Marina, and Owenoke beyond it, in today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured (and frigid) photo.

(Photo/Andrea Cross)

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And finally … in honor of the upcoming “Fashionably Westport” show (story above):

(If you are a dedicated follower of “06880,” please click here to help support this 24/7/365 hyper-local blog. Thank you!)

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Roundup: Parks & Rec Summer Registration, CMS At The Playhouse …

Posted on February 14, 2025 | 3 comments

Online registration begins at 9 a.m. March 11 for 2 of the most popular Parks & Recreation Department summer programs: Camp Compo and RECing Crew.

Registration opens the next day (March 12, 9 a.m.) for all other spring and summer offerings.

Parks & Rec officials urge residents to log in now to their online accounts, to verify family information.

  1. Log in and select “Manage Family Member” (bottom right).
  2. Click the first name in the column under “My Family Members” to check key details.
  3. Verify date of birth and ensure your child’s grade (as of September 2025) is correct.
  4. Click “Save” at the bottom.
  5. Go to the “Contact Information” tab and review/update your contact details. Click “Save” again.
  6. Repeat for each family member in your profile.

Address Change? Email us at recreation@westportct.gov with updated information.

Login issue? Don’t create a new profile. Email recreation@westportct.gov, or call 203-341-5152.

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Coleytown Middle School theater students got a special treat Wednesday.

Westport Country Playhouse technical director Jason Thompson led a tour of the theater, for Coleytown Company’s tech crew.

It was not a random invitation. Thompson is working with the students to build the set for “Matilda,” the CMS show that runs April 4-6.

The visit was coordinated by Ben Frimmer. He wears 3 hats: theater arts educator for Westport Public Schools, director of Coleytown Company, and Playhouse trustee.

“I want to make Westport students more aware of the only professional theatre in Westport,” he says.

“Coleytown has one of the strongest middle school tech programs in the country. But I think it’s critical we expand students’ knowledge past what we do at school. This trip allowed them to experience the world of professional technical theatre.”

Coleytown Company’s tech crew toured the historic Playhouse, visited the scene shop, and watched set building underway on stage for the opening next week of “Native Gardens.”

Jason Thompson, Playhouse technical director (right) and Matthew Melchiorre, Playhouse director of production (left), explain set construction of “Native Gardens” to  Coleytown Company’s tech crew.

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Speaking of the Playhouse: They’ve added 2 new events to their April calendar.

“Me, Myself, and Barbra” is a tribute to Ms. Streisand, by Jenna Pastuszek. She was inspired by a meeting with the singing star, who inspired her to embrace her inner Barbra.

The show is April 24 — Streisand’s birthday. Tickets are $45 and $40; pre-show party and show tickets are $55 and $50. Click here to purchase, and for more information.

“2 Motherpluckers” is a musical, featuring a pair of guitar-playing, songwriting local moms — Julie Foldesi and Stacie Morgain Lewis — on a hilarious journey through the bumps of motherhood.

Broadway star/Westport resident compares it to “the Indigo Girls meet Kristen Wiig.”

The Lucille Lortel White Barn Center show is April 29 (7 p.m.). All tickets are $20. Click here to purchase, and for more information.

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Three new art exhibits are on display at The Westport Library. “Good Bones: 60 Years of Multi-Dimensional Commentary” by Nina Bentley, “City Sights” by Susan Fehlinger, and “Art and Jazz” by Jean Krasno run through March 25.

Bentley’s art is often conceptual in nature, offering poignant commentary on a wide array of social issues. “Good Bones” is a retrospective of decades of her work, composed of sculpture, prints, pen and ink, and multimedia assemblages.

Fehlinger worked for 35 years as a television producer in New York City. Yearning to paint, she left her job in 2003 and embarked on a career as an artist.

Her style emphasizes  texture, color, and light. Her compositions play with scale, placement, and negative and positive spaces.

Krasno is inspired by the magic of jazz music, conveyed through the rich voices, poetic lyrics and rhythmic performances of artists like Dave Brubeck, Miles Davis and Duke Ellington.

“Art and Jazz” creates a sensory experience that combines her art with the music that sparked its creation, incorporating a listening component with QR codes that link to jazz songs.

Art, by Nina Bentley

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The Westport Board of Education Policy Committee’s next meeting is February 27 (11 a.m., Town Hall Room 309).

Discussion items include:

  • Second reading of possible revisions to the suicide prevention and intervention policy.
  • First reading of possible revisions to existing policies involving the Americans with Disabilities Act, non-discrimination, and sex-based discrimination and harassment.
  • First reading of a possiible new policy on transportation.
  • Discussion of a policy on survey of students/student privacy.

Meanwhile, one of the agenda items for the Planning & Zoning Commission’s February 24 meeting (6 p.m., remote; click here for the link) is a special permit request by Fairfield County Hunt Club.

They’re applying to build an indoor racquet sport facility, for club members and guests.

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Congratulations to 14 Staples High School musicians. They auditioned successfully for the Connecticut Music Educators Associaton All-State Festival.

Their names and talents are below:

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A late model Audi was stolen around 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, from the parking lot at Bridge Square.

The thief opened the door, and drove off. It appears the keys might have been left in the car.

The epidemic of car thefts continues in Westport. Once again, “06880” reminds residents to lock your cars — always. Never leave your keys in your cars. Always be aware of your surroundings. And if you have a garage: Use it!  (Hat tip: Ben Meyer)

Don’t be a victim!

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Many Westporters (judging by comments on, and to, “06880”) don’t like dogs on the Compo Beach boardwalk.

But many others (using the same unscientific method) don’t like signs warning them to keep away.

They’re too large and intrusive, readers say.

One resident has another point of view. “At least they’re the right height for dogs to read,” he says.

(Photo/DinkinESH Fotografix)

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Eve Potts spotted this at the Regents Park condos, after our most recent storm. It’s today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature. She calls it “Nature’s Sculpture.”

(Photo/Eve Potts)

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And finally … Happy Valentine’s Day, to all who celebrate it.

There are squintillions of songs to choose from. These 3 seem to cover it well:

(Sure, you can show your love for “06880” with flowers or chocolate. But we prefer that you click here, and make a tax-deductible contribution. Hey, we’re honest! Thank you all …)

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Posted in Arts, Education, Entertainment, Library, Police, Westport Country Playhouse

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Police, Tooker Respond To Antisemitic Snowman

Posted on February 11, 2025 | 26 comments

The Westport Police Department says:

On the night of February 9, Westport Police were notified by a local rabbi to the existence of a snowman with antisemitic features at the Newman Poses Preserve.

The person who found the snowman notified the eabbi and a local blog. On the morning of February 10, Westport Police initiated an investigation which included responding to the Newman Poses Preserve where a snowman was located, but without any antisemitic symbols.

We contacted the complainant and spoke with him about the incident. He reported finding the snowman at approximately 5:40 p.m. on Sunday, Februray 9 while walking in the preserve. The complainant took a photo of the snowman, and then removed the antisemitic symbols prior to leaving the preserve.

The Westport Police Department is investigating the incident, and asks anyone who knows who is responsible for this incident to contact the Westport Police Department at 203-341-6000. Furthermore, we ask that incidents like this be reported immediately to the Police Department so they can be investigated in a timely manner.

First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker stated, “This incident does not reflect the beliefs of our community. Westport strives to be a welcoming community, where everyone feels like they belong. I will continue to lead with that goal as my north star, and will work with the Police Department to ensure everyone feels safe and heard.”

Snowman with Nazi symbols, at Newman Poses Preserve.

 

26 Comments

Posted in Police, religion

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This Is What America Has Come To

Posted on February 10, 2025 | 60 comments

A visitor to the Newman Poses Preserve, off Coleytown Road, spotted this yesterday:

Yes, that’s Hitler.

With a swastika.

And mustache.

And outstretched arm salute.

The hiker notified Westport Police.

60 Comments

Posted in Police, Politics, Westport life

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Roundup: Herb Podel Turns 100, Martha Stewart Is Back …

Posted on February 10, 2025 | 1 comment

Herb Podel turns 100 this Saturday. Family and friends celebrated his birthday at Rizzuto’s yesterday.

He has lived in Westport since 1966 — nearly 60 years.

In that time Herb has embraced the local cultural and tennis scenes, and is now an avid participant at the Westport Senior Center.

He was an original occupant of the 35 Bridge Street building (after its conversion from Saugatuck Elementary School), and served as president of the co-op for over 10 years.

He now lives at The Residence at Westport. That’s where you can send “Happy 100th Birthday” cards:  Herb Podel, c/o The Residence at Westport, 1141 Post Road East, Westport, CT 06880.

Happy 100th, Herb Podel!

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Martha Stewart is back.

The lifestyle mogul — who kick-started her career in Westport, and later became America’s first self-made female billionaire — was the subject of 2 recent documentaries, on CNN and Netflix.

That introduced her to a new generation. They’re intrigued by all things Martha — including her first (of 100) book, “Entertaining.”

Published in 1982, it’s been long out of print. Copies have sold for more than $1,700 online.

Now it’s being reissued.

Her new fans see her as a “cool, badass woman,” she told The New York Times yesterday. Click here for the full story. (It includes a 1982 photo of Martha in her Turkey Hill kitchen.)

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Next month (Sunday, March 9, 3 p.m.), Temple Israel will host a screening “A Tree of Life: The Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting.”

The HBO documentary will be followed by a panel discussion, about how security training saved lives that day.

Join us for a screening of HBO’s powerful documentary, A Tree of Life: The Pittsburgh Synagogue Shooting, followed by a panel discussion to learn how security training saved lives that day.

Panelists include Stephen Weiss, who was in the building in 2018 when a gunman entered and killed 11 worshipers, and wounded 2 others and 4 police offices; Bryan Bierman, Temple Israel executive director who has grown it into a national gold standard for security practices, fostering strong partnerships with local and federal agencies, and Marc Silverman, acting US Attorney for Connecticut.

Click here to register, and for more information.

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The final tally is in, from yesterday’s Sunrise Rotary Club/Westport Police Department food drive at Stop & Shop, to benefit Homes with Hope’s pantry.

Volunteers collected 515 bags of non-perishable food and personal hygiene items — along with $1,567 in cash and gift cards.

Congratulations — and thanks to all who helped!

Loading up the truck, heading to the pantry.

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo shows yesterday’s view of Saugatuck Island.

(Photo/Bobbi Essagof)

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And finally … happy 88th birthday (!) to Roberta Flack.

(What better way to start your week than with Roberta Flack — and “06880”? If you enjoy our daily Roundup — or anything else on this hyper-local blog — please click here to support our work. Thanks!)

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