Posted onDecember 1, 2025|Comments Off on Roundup: Holiday Stroll, Winter Concert, Classic Rock …
Several more favorites have joined the “06880”/Westport Downtown Association Holiday Stroll. The 5th annual event is less than a week away: this Saturday (December 6, 4 to 7 p.m.).
Joining the more than 50 merchants and vendors offering giveaways, promotions and more: Joe’s Pizza, SWTHZ, Lululemon and Massi Co. Scroll down for the full list.
The Holiday Stroll also features plenty of family fun: Orphenians caroling, photos with Santa Claus (and a piglet), face painting, and much more. (Plus the Westport Police “Toys for Tots” drive: There’s a collection box for new toys at the corner of Main and Elm Streets).
Here’s the full list of retailers and restaurants:
American Colors by Henry Lehr: 20% off Hampton Wash and American Colors clothing
Bartaco:Hot chocolate table
Bella Bridesmaids: $25 off per dress
Bloom Salon:Holiday treats, and discounted hair tinsel
Bridgewater Chocolate:Raffle for $50 gift card, with purchase
Brooks Brothers: 30% off nearly everything
Candle Caboodle: TBD
Chait Gallery/Photography Studio: 20% off all artwork, portraits in studio; $200 for 1-hour session, includes 8×10 print
Chocolatieree: Blissfully toasted & gooey S’morestick with every purchase (minimum $20)
Clarendon Fine Art: Holiday cheer; live music by Warren Bloom
Cold Fusion: Free wrapped chocolates
Core Burn Pilates:Discounted group class and private sessions (booked on day of Stroll)
Courtgirl:15-30% off storewide
Earthplace: 10% off Winter Solstice Campfire on December 21 (register here on Saturday)
Eleish Van Breems:Raffles; cider in courtyard
Everything But Water: Fit sessions; $25 off $150+ with Beach Club signup
Faherty: Refreshments and cool vibes
Fred: Gift with purchase
Gabriele’s: Buy $500 worth of gift cards; get $100 extra
It’s called “On This Silent Night.” It features Camille Saint-Saëns’ “Christmas Oratorio” and other music of the season, with harp and strings. Plus carols sung with the audience.
But this Friday’s concert (December 5, 7:30 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport) also includes Chanukah songs, and works celebrating winter.
Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door (students and children free). Click here to purchase.
Speaking of holiday music: Longtime Westporter Alex Anvari was on the Big Island of Hawaii yesterday.
He enjoyed the Waimea Community Chorus’ “Celebrate in Song” concert.
He especially enjoyed hearing their second number: “Hanukkah,” an original 3-part composition by Suzanne Sherman Propp.
Yes — the same Suzanne Sherman Propp who has spent over 20 years as a beloved music teacher at Greens Farms Elementary School.
And who — while growing up in Westport — sang the “Hallelujah Chorus” as the rousing finale as a choir member at Staples High School’s Candlelight Concerts, back in the 1980s.
Coincidentally, Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus” was also performed yesterday in Waimea. It too closed out the program.
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For music of a different kind, check out Westporter Gary Shure’s classic rock band Ten$Grand.
They’re playing on December 13 at Odeen’s Restaurant in Norwalk (7 p.m.; $5 cover; reservations recommended 203-438-1741; info@odeens.com).
On January 10, they’ll be at VFW Post 399 (7 p.m.; free, with complimentary hors d’oeuvres and cake; cash bar).
(Happy December! A great month … and as the year ends, the perfect time to make a tax-deductible gift to “06880,” to support our 24/7/365 work. Just click here — and thank you!)
Comments Off on Roundup: Holiday Stroll, Winter Concert, Classic Rock …
Switching celebrations: The United Methodist Church of Westport & Weston’s holiday gift market is especially sweet this year.
The December 6 event (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) includes a “Cookie Walk.” Members will bake — and sell — their delicious goods. Perfect for additional gifts — or just to munch on as you shop for others.
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Meanwhile, up in Weston Jolantha — everyone’s favorite pig — hopes everyone enjoys their turkeys tomorrow.
But not ham.
(Photo/Hans Wilhelm)
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December 1 is the deadline to order wreaths for Westport veterans.
On December 16 — Wreaths Across America Day — volunteers will decorate the graves of veterans in Assumption Church’s Greens Farms Road cemetery.
December 1 is the deadline to order wreaths for our Westport veterans as part of Wreaths Across America!
The Historic District Commission meets December 9 (7 p.m., Zoom).
Among the agenda items: consideration of opposition of demolition permits for these properties, and requiring the full statutory 180-day delay. All are at least 50 years old.
1st Selectman Kevin Christie responded, “Water is a critical public asset, and maintaining local accountability, transparency, and stability in water management remains a top priority for our community. If the $2.4 billion sale had been approved, PURA would have lost its authority to regulate water rates.
The proposed structure would also have replaced traditional property taxes with payments-in-lieu-of-taxes and granted the Regional Water Authority a controlling majority of seats on the Aquarion Water Authority board of directors.
“Throughout the review process, Westport emphasized the importance of ensuring that any ownership or structural changes to Aquarion would safeguard service reliability, infrastructure investment, rate stability, and long-term watershed protection.”
“We appreciate PURA’s thorough evaluation of the proposed transaction and its commitment to ensuring that decisions about Westport’s water utilities serve the public interest.
“As a result of this favorable ruling, residents and ratepayers can be assured that the Town of Westport will continue to work collaboratively with Aquarion and state regulators to ensure that residents receive high-quality, dependable water service.”
Speaking of water: Longshore Sailing School is one of 12 organizations in the US selected for National Association of State Boating Law Administrators’ honors.
It recognizes “exceptional commitment to promoting paddling safety through education, digital content and responsible on-water practices. Longshore’s outreach encourages safe behaviors such as wearing life jackets, understanding weather conditions, and avoiding high-risk activities on the water.”
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Longtime Westport resident and active community volunteer Richard Seclow died Monday at his Easton home. The former Planning & Zoning Commission member and Westport Library board president was 95.
The Bayonne, New Jersey native graduated from Rutgers University in 1951, where he was part of the Cap & Skull Senior Honor Society. He remained an active alumnus over th eyears.
He worked in the advertising industry as David Ogilvy’s chief of staff, before becoming executive vice president of Carl Ally.
As president of Geer DuBois, he relocated the offices from Madison Avenue to downtown. Many ad agencies followed.
Dick started one of the initial Bonanza Steakhouses in Westport. It later became a national franchise. He retired from advertising in 1986, and opened another Westport restaurant: Time to Eat.
Dick enjoyed fishing, travel, tennis, squash and volunteer work in Westport and nearby communities.
He served on the Westport Planning & Zoning Commission, the Westport Library as president, and the boards of Hall-Brooke Hospital and The Jewish Home (now named Mozaic Senior Services).
He was a member of Y’s Men, taught English as a second language, and became a mentor for immigrants in Bridgeport.
He is survived by Rita, his wife of 71 years, children Theresa (David) and Tom (Ann ), and grandchildren Jonathan (Isabella), Alexandra, Calvin and Julian.
An open house to celebrate Dick’s life is set for Saturday (November 29, 1 to 5 p.m., at their home in Easton). Gifts may be made in his name to Mozaic Services or the Easton EMS.
Dick Seclow
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We’ve posted a number of beautiful autumn leaves photos, in our “Westport … Naturally” series.
And finally … a lovely photo needs an equally evocative song:
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You know all those daffodils that make Westport look so beautiful every spring?
They didn’t just fall from the sky.
They weren’t even planted randomly.
They’re part of a years-long project. Debra Kandrak — the energetic visionary behind it — says: “Once again fall is upon us. Before the weather gets too cold, we need to plant daffodils all around town for our traditional community-wide event called ‘Paint the Town Yellow!’
“I started this years ago to remember loved ones who have passed on, including our fur babies.
“It has been well received over the years. Residents, businesses and local community groups participate, and for that I say thank you. So let’s keep the tradition going and plant more!”
Daffodils have already been planted in many areas, like traffic islands, the Minute Man Monument, Compo Beach, and (of course) Willowbrook Cemetery.
More can be planted just about anywhere. A great place is the edge of your property, by a road,
This is a great time of year. And there’s only a few months until spring.
Daffodils on Riverside Avenue. (Photo/Debra Kandrak)
Speaking of how good Westport looks: The outdoor sculptures just keep coming.
“Queen of Hearts” — the newest addition — will be dedicated on Wednesday (3 p.m.), at the Senior Center.
Artist Carole Eisner will share the inspiration behind her work — one of hundreds of sculptures and paintings showcased in parks, museums and gardens throughout the Northeast.
Suzanne Sheridan will sing a song she wrote specially for the occasion.
The Westport Arts Advisory Committee is — as always — behind the outdoor art project, which is sponsored by the Friends of the Center for Senior Activities.
“Queen of Hearts” by Carole Eisner, at the Senior Center.
Quietly but consistently, the Westport Library’s Common Ground Initiative has been offering programs that enhance positive, respectful and constructive conversations on challenging and/or controversial issues.
Up next this Thursday: a “Community Conversation on Understanding Jewish Identity, Antisemitism, and Allyship” (November 13, 7 to 8:30 p.m.).
Project Shema — a training and support organization — will lead a presentation and Q-and-A that provides historical and modern realities of antisemitism, emphasizing its evolving expression in contemporary culture and politics.
The evening will provide “an accessible but powerful introduction to the historical and modern realities of antisemitism, with an emphasis on its evolving expression in contemporary culture and politics. By creating space for collective reflection and inquiry, the evening aims to foster a shared vocabulary and a common starting point for deeper community dialogue.”
The goal is to promote a better understanding of the effects and impacts of antisemitism, to strengthen allyship for and within the Jewish community, to gain a greater appreciation of different lived experiences, and to increase awareness, promote empathy, and encourage dialogue.
“Allyship” is a key element of the Common Ground event. Everyone is welcome, including Westport residents of all faiths, families, clergy members, and anyone who wants to learn more about antisemitism in an open and welcoming environment.
SNAP benefit reductions during the government shutdown have caused long lines at local food pantries.
Quickly, AWARE (Assisting Women through Action, Resources & Education) high school students took action.
AWARE clubs in Fairfield County — including Staples and Weston — organized a food drive.
They collected kid-friendly snacks, pasta, peanut butter and other pantry staples. Volunteers then gathered for a joint packing event to assemble bags for families served by Homes with Hope.
The Staples High School swim and dive team sophomore made waves last week, breaking a 26-year-old diving record at the CIAC Class “LL” (extra large schools) state championship.
She scored 456.50 points on the 1-meter, 11-dive event, surpassing the previous record of 452.75 set in 1999 by Corey Pagnotta. Her performance earned All-LL State and All-America honors.
Teammates Mikaela Snow and Avery Nissenson also qualified for the LL meet.
Mogelof’s record came under new Staples swim and dive coach Grace Slama. Next up for her: This week’s state open championship.
To learn more about Staples’ girls (fall) and boys (winter) swim and dive teams, email head coach Mike Anderson: swimmike@usa.net.
Congratulations too to Staples cross country runner Sarah Bogdan. The Wreckers’ first runner since 2016 to qualify for the New England Championship, she ran a great race and finished 6th, at Vermont’s Thetford Academy. Click here, then scroll down for a video.
Sarah Bogdan, at the New England Championships. (Photo courtesy of MySportsResults.com)
Speaking still of sports: It’s a big week for 2 Staples teams.
Both field hockey and boys soccer compete in the state tournament semifinals tomorrow.
Coach Ian Tapsall’s field hockey girls — seeded #1 in the state “L” tourney — take on #4 Fairfield Ludlowe Tuesday, 4 p.m. at Brien McMahon High School.
Coach Liam Witham’s soccer boys — #4 in the “LL” competition — meet #9 Hall-West Hartford at Newtown on Tuesday at 7 p.m.
This afternoon at the Fairfield Library (Monday, 4 p.m.), Ukraine Aid International founders and team members offer “Stories of Connection: Connecticut the Donetsk Region, Building Bridges of Hope Together.”
Our state, and the Donetsk oblast in Ukraine, have built powerful partnerships. Behind it is UAI — created by Westporters Brian and Marshall Mayer, backed by many local residents.
Despite the existence of a fence, it can be confusing to know where dogs are allowed on leash, or off leash, at Compo Beach — and where they are not allowed at all.
Fortunately, the Parks & Recreation Department has posted a clear, aerial map showing the 3 different areas:
Unfortunately, it hangs too high for dogs to see it.
But at least they can read the sign.
(Photos/DinkinESH Fotografix)
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Speaking of Compo: A few yards away, this was the scene on a basketball court:
(Photo/Tammy Barry)
Some people must have time on their hands.
Way too much time.
As anyone who has ever tried to move one of those benches knows: They’re heavy!
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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” image shows a Cooper’s hawk, on Diane Lowman’s deck.
She did not have to snap her photo quickly. The bird sat on the railing — posing — for nearly 30 minutes. “What a treat!” Diane says.
And finally … when you saw the name of the sculpture being dedicated at the Senior Center this week (item near the top of this Roundup), you had to know this song was coming:
(Arts, sports, the beach … it’s your usual mix of Westport stories, in the Roundup. If you enjoy this daily feature — and who doesn’t? — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
The Pulitzer Prize- and MacArthur “genius grant”-winning photojournalist and author — and 1991 Staples High School graduate — joins those illustrious previous winners, as the 2025 recipient of the International Rescue Committee’s Freedom Award.
It is given annually to “individuals and organizations who have made outstanding contributions in support of the global refugee crisis, and saving and improving the lives of the most vulnerable populations around the world.”
On assignment for The New York Times, National Geographic and other publications, Addario has documented conflicts and humanitarian crises across Afghanistan, Iraq, Libya, Lebanon, Darfur, South Sudan, Somalia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Yemen, Syria, and Ukraine.
Her powerful images have brought global attention to the experiences of civilians — especially women and girls — caught in crossfires.
“Love + War,” a documentary on her career, recently premiered at the Toronto Film Festival.
Lynsey Addario captured this dramatic shot, of desperate Libyan refugees in a boat off the coast of Italy. (Photo/Lynsey Addario)
Since its opening a year ago, Big Y has done much to be part of the community.
On Tuesday — Veterans Day — they’ll do more. All military veterans, and current servicemembers, will get get 10% off their order. Plus a free reusable bag.
Just use your Big Y membership, and tell the cashier you’re eligible.
From Arnie’s Place to Akihabara: Westport native Benjamin Boas grew up feeding quarters into arcade machines, then petitioned his school for Japanese classes to read the Japanese comics behind the games.
The Brown University graduate moved to Japan nearly 20 years ago, spent time writing the descriptions for Japanese anime on Netflix, and published a comic about learning Japanese from comics.
He’s back in Fairfield County on November 23 (1:15 p.m., Rowayton Community Center). Boas will keynote the Japan Society of Fairfield County’s annual meeting, telling the full‑circle story that started in a Westport arcade. Click here for more information.
Benjamin Boas’ book.
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To all moms of 6th grade girls: the Westport chapter of the National Charity League is looking for new members.
The NCL fosters mother-daughter relationships through a 6 year program of community service, leadership development and cultural experiences.
NCL Westport includes over 275 women and daughters in grades 7-12, and provides volunteer support to more than 30 local non-profits. Click here for details, or email nclwmembership@gmail.com.
And finally … Al Hirt, the great trumpeter, was born on this date in 1922. He died in 1999, age 76.
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The Westport Fire Department has again partnered with Bridgeport Rescue Mission, for the 3rd annual Share the Warmth Coat Drive.
Fire Chief Nick Marsan says, “A coat may seem simple. But it’s essential for many children and adults in nearby communities.”
Donations of clean new or gently used winter coats, hats, mittens, gloves and snow suits can be donated through November 30 at:
Westport Fire Headquarters
Westport Senior Center
Westport Town Hall
Coleytown Elementary School
Long Lots Elementary School
Kings Highway Elementary School.
Lieutenant Rob Lenois, president of the Westport Uniformed Firefighters Charitable Foundation, notes, “This drive allows us to give back and ease the burdens on local families. Last year, thanks to the generosity of this community, we distributed over 1,400 coats.”
Fire Department coat drive, 2023.
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Speaking of helping out: This Monday (November 10) is Shake Shack’s “Donation Day.”
From 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., mention “Donation Day” at the register, or use the promo code “Donate” on the Shack app, web or checkout kiosk. The restaurant will donate 25% of your total meal purchase to the VFW.
Bring your appetite!
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Got brown water? Low water pressure?
Don’t panic. Aquarion is conducting routine water main flushing today and tomorrow (Thursday and Friday), between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. The affected area includes Imperial Avenue, Bridge Street, and Compo Road South.
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On the agenda for the November 19 Conservation Commission meeting (7 p.m.; Town Hall auditorium; livestreamed on www.westportct.gov and Optimum Channel 79): a public hearing on an application for 1 Glendinning Place (off Weston Road, adjacent to the former Bridgewater headquarters).
The application is to construct 15 housing units in 10 buildings, with onsite septic systems and stormwater management systems. The existing office and surface parking will remain. Click here to view the application materials.
Plans for 1 Glendinning Place.
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Another town meeting: the Blight Prevention Board. The November 13 (5 p.m., Zoom) session will include old business, involving these properties:
6 Clifford Lane
38 Old Hill Road
7 Bedford Drive
20 Center Street
36 Hiawatha Lane.
One new property will be discussed: 15 Gorham Avenue.
Chabad of Westport’s next Candid Conversations Series event is compelling.
Former hostages Maya and Itay Regev, and their father Ilan Regev, will share their story of survival, courage and resilience on November 19 (7:30 p.m.). Attendees will get a firsthand account of their captivity and journey home.
Saugatuck Congregational Church’s free concert series continues this Sunday (November 9, 3 p.m.), with works by Clara Schumann and Johannes Brahms, performed by the Solstice Piano Trio.
The public is invited.
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Deadheads: Listen up!
Saturday’s “Supper & Soul” concert features the Spadtastics.
“Connecticut’s premier tribute act” comes to the Westport Library November 8 (7 p.m.). They’ll play 2 full sets, recreating a show from the 1970s.
The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce’s Supper & Soul series usually incudes a pre-show dinner, and post-concert drinks.
Due to the length of this event, there is no dinner. But attendees can enjoy a “Dead-inspired” drink before or after the music, at Basso, Massi Co, Spotted Horse or Walrus Alley.
Westport Police made 3 custodial arrests between October 29 and November 4.
A 37-year-old Bronx man was charged with identity theft (21 counts), forgery, illegal possession of a personal identification information access device, criminal attempt to commit larceny, and failure to appear, following an investigation into a September 2024 report of someone attempting to cash a fraudulent check at TD Bank. It was determined that he was involved in additional incidents of bank/check fraud, using personal information of victims. He was held on $130,000 bond.
A 64-year-old Hamden man was charged with criminal trespass and interfering with an officer, after a trespassing complaint. A Stop & Shop manager recognized the man as someone who had been formally warned not to return to the store. During the investigation, he provided officers with an incorrect name and date of birth. A computer check showed him to the subject of an active arrest warrant, and 3 other failure to appear warrants.
A 31-year-old Bridgeport man was charged with violation of probation, and held on $100,000 bond.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Driving while texting: 4 citations
Failure to obey stop sign: 3
Traveling unreasonably fast: 2
Disorderly conduct: 2
Permitting a minor to possess alcohol: 1
Failure to halt alcohol possession by a minor: 1
Distracted driving: 1
Breach of peace: 1
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
Improper use of markers: 1
Violation of license class: 1
Failure to notify DMV of address change: 1
Two adults were charged with alcohol violations involving teenagers.
(The election is over. Westport goes on. And “06880” will continue to cover every part of our ttown, 24/7/365 — just as we have since 2009. If you like our work, please click here to support us. Thanks!)
Last week, Access Health CT – the state’s health insurance marketplace – sent notices that many policyholders will see monthly health insurance premiums rise in January.
Congressman Jim Himes provides links to these resources:
Click here for the Access Health CT website general information page.
Click here to see which plans are available next year.
Click here to see if you qualify for low- or no-cost coverage.
Click here to find an insurance broker who can help.
Click here for more information on changes to federal health insurance policy.
Homes with Hope’s Community Kitchen is open daily for lunch (12 noon) and dinner (5 p.m.). It’s at the Gillespie Center on Jesup Road (behind Barnes & Noble). (Hat tip: Jeff Wieser)
It’s been a busy couple of months for the Westport League of Women Voters.
They’ve worked tirelessly to educate voters, and get them to the polls.
(Just tuning it? Still trying to make up your mind? Not sure where to vote? Click here to learn more.)
But even after the races are decided, the LWV will do more.
On November 12 (9:30 a.m., VFW), they host a coffee and “post-mortem/recap” of the election. Speakers include the registrars of voters.
Two days later (November 14, 2 p.m.), the LWV has reserved a block of tickets to see “Conscience at the Westport Community Theater. It’s the Connecticut premiere of the play about Margaret Chase Smith of Maine, the only Republican senator to oppose colleague Joseph McCarthy. Tickets ($20) are first come, first served. Email Barbra Utting: kubuguzu@gmail.com.
A reader writes: “I shopped at Stop & Shop for 58 years. It’s the best: extraordinary variety, excellent staff, nice customers.
“As I got older, I migrated to home delivery. I was an engineer for 51 years, and until last week the service and quality were at aerospace level. For the last 3 years, I’ve been awed by the precision and speed with which weekly orders were delivered to our doorstep.
“They were packed in a Norwalk facility, and delivered from there. Every driver was cooperative, helpful and well trained. They should be working for SpaceX.
“Two weeks ago, Stop & Shop emailed that they are migrating to a third party delivery service.
“Last night we received the first attempt. It was 3 hours later. Four items were missing out of 24, totaling $28 of the $86 order. They were delivered in soggy, torn paper bags.
“I called the home delivery number this morning at 9, and was 9th in line. I called back at 10, and was 23rd in line.
“I then contacted the Greens Farms manager. He apologized, offered a shopping certificate, and delivery of the missing items today. We’re grateful.
“Their new service may be at the low end of what could be an uncomfortable learning curve. It’s sad to see such a beautiful service vanish. For all our sakes, I wish Stop & Shop the best in fixing the problem.”
The Saugatuck Congregational Church — white, steepled, set far back on a massive lawn, a few steps from downtown — looks straight out of a Hallmark New England movie.
It was in those pews, in 1835, that a group of men hammered out the details that created the town of Westport from parts of Norwalk, Weston and Fairfield.
But it did not happen exactly there.
From its founding in 1822 through August 28, 1950, the 200-ton Saugatuck Church was located diagonally across the street, where the Shell station is now.
That year — in a day-long move so impressive it was documented by Life magazine — the church was rolled across State Street to its present site.
Yesterday — 75 years and 2 months after the move — Saugatuck Church celebrated that momentous occasion. The event included a (much smaller) re-enactment of the move, food trucks, a bounce house, lawn games, a screening of footage from the move, and a few words from Rev. Steven Savides.
Celebrating an anniversary, at the “new” Saugatuck Church location. (Photo/Haris Falk)
From looking back, to looking ahead: The Westport Library Store holiday shop opened yesterday.
And it’s bigger than ever. This year, the Writing Center on the main level has been transformed into the popular marketplace for gifts.
It’s filled with scarves, hates and gloves; jewelry; home
décor like bells, candles and chimes; lanterns and lights; journals, notebooks and notepads; puzzles and games; sketchbooks, coloring books, pens, markers, watercolors — and (of course) more.
All purchases are tax-free. Proceeds support Library services and programs.
The Westport Garden Club has beautified Westport for over 100 years. They do their work quietly. Many people have no idea they even exist.
But the Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut does.
The other day, at a lunch attended by 320 gardeners from around the state, they earned an Award of Excellence in Flower Achievement, for their “Westport Town Treasures” show.
Singled out were president Nathalie Fonteyne, and show co-chairs Kelle Ruden and Kara McKenna Wong. Citations were presented to Joellen Bradford for the Best Education Division, Ann Lester (Best Design Division), Joanne Heller (Outstanding Staging), and Ellen Greenberg (for design of the commemorative program (with art by Kerstin Rao.)
The club also received The Mary Loncin Flower Show Award. and a check for $100 for the top evaluated Standard Flower Show in Connecticut.
Individual honors (not flower show-related) went to Susan Nettesheim, who redesigned and maintains the club’s website, and serves as official photographer; Dottie Fincher, a member since 1971, for her exceptional contributions to the annual plant sale over many years, and Katje Donovan, for over 20 years of service as treasurer.
The Westport Garden Club is now planning their annual wreath designs for town buildings, preparing for winter in their 7 public gardens, and developing the 2026 Youth Poetry Contest. For more information, including membership, click here.
Westport Garden Club members, at the awards ceremony.
A few years ago, Danya Herman met Dr. Tom Catena. He’s a missionary doctor, doing important humanitarian work in war-torn Sudan.
The other day, Danya hosted Dr. Tom in her Westport home. He was joined by Dr. Jon Fielder, another missionary doctor and co-founder of African Mission Healthcare,
“It was so inspiring to hear Dr. Tom’s story, the hardships he and the Mother of Mercy hospital face, the countless lives he’s saved and impacted, and to get to talk with someone living a true life of purpose,” Danya says.
“He and Dr. Fielder are heroes to my family. They represent how, through their faith and sense of purpose, they live out our Jewish values of pikuach nefesh (preservation of life), and tikkun olam (repairing the world).
Dr. Jon Fielder (left) and Dr. Tom Catena and guests, at the Herman home.
Today’s serene “Westport … Naturally” scene comes from behind the Levitt Pavilion. It’s a vantage point few people know about. It’s sure worth the short walk.
And finally … in honor of Splash Car Wash’s generous Veterans Day offer (story above):
(Another day, another Roundup filled with news and information you can use. If you appreciate this daily feature — or anything else on “06880” — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Speaking of Halloween: The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce has chosen the winners of this year’s Window Painting Contest.
Over 50 youngsters painted more than 40 store windows all over town.
The prizes were a certificate, and a $25 gift card from Cold Fusion.
Winners are”
Elementary
Most Creative: Kayla Teplitz, Nora Taylor, Willa Seidman, Marley Rebak; Coleytown, 2ndgrade, at A&S Fine Foods.
Scariest: Genevieve Lobikis, Kings Highway, 4th grade, with kindergarten helper Matthew Lobikis, at Squeeze.
Best Halloween Themed: Margaux and Maddy Chang, and Isla Schwartz, Kings Highway 2nd grade, at Chocolatieree
Middle School
Most Creative: Lila Boyd, Bedford, 6th grade, at Kohler
Scariest: Ryder Elgort, Weston, 8th grade, at Cycle Dynamics
Best Halloween Themed: Moksha Iyer, Roger Ludlowe, 7th grade, with helper Dhruv Iyer, at Suzuki Music School.
Congratulations to all! PS: Most windows will still be decorated, for the next few days.
Spooky window winners.
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Quietly but consistently, the Westport Library’s Common Ground Initiative has been offering programs that enhance positive, respectful and constructive conversations on challenging and/or controversial issues.
Up next: a “Community Conversation on Understanding Jewish Identity, Antisemitism, and Allyship” (November 13 7 to 8:30 p.m.).
Project Shema — a training and support organization — will lead a presentation and Q-and-A that provides historical and modern realities of antisemitism, emphasizing its evolving expression in contemporary culture and politics.
“Allyship” is a key element of the Common Ground event. Everyone is welcome — especially those who are not part of the Jewish community. The event is free. For more information, click here.
MoCA\CT’s next exhibit — “Enough Already: Women Artists from the Sara M. + Michelle Vance Waddell Collection” — is big. And bold.
It showcases 80 works by modern and contemporary women artists, from the Waddell’s private collection.
The exhibition reflects the collectors’ commitment to amplifying emergent voices, and presenting powerful artistic statements around issues of gender equality, domesticity, motherhood, personal identity and social transformation.
The show includes painting, sculpture, photography, works on paper and textiles. Themes range from humorous and irreverent to deeply thought-provoking.
In addition, MoCA\CT will host a series of conversations, performances, and film screenings:
Speaking of women: They often have unique financial needs. More than men, they worry about things like: Will I outlive my money?
On November 5 (7 p.m., Westport Library), Stacy Thomson and John Nelson of Stifel E3 Wealth Management Group will discuss the financial needs of women during life transitions. Click here for more information.
John Nelson and Stacy Thompson.
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As the weather cools down, the action heats up at Earthplace.
Ahead for November:
Beaver Moon Hike (November 5, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.; members $15, non-members $20): Join a naturalist for a guided supermoon hike along the trails.
Forest Bathing (November 12, 10 to 11 a.m.; $25): Focus on deep breathing during a guided walk. A Japanese tea reception follows.
Craft & Sip: Fall Wreath Making (November 13, 6 to 8 p.m.; members $45, non-members $50): Bring drinks and snacks.
Seed Collecting & Native Plant Propagation (November 15, 1 to 3 p.m.; members $20, non-members $25): Hands-on workshop to explore native plants, including identifying and collecting seeds and winter sowing techniques.
Environmental Learning Series: Deer, Ticks and Forest Health (November 18, 7 to 8 p.m.; Zoom lecture and Q-and-A; free): Learn about connections between deer, mice, Japanese barberry and forest health.
Plein Air Painting on the Trails (November 15, 10 a.m. to noon; free): Create your own artwork on nature trails; paint, sketch or draw. Light refreshments.
Junior Staff (starts November 7; Fridays 4 to 5 p.m.; one Saturday 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; members $180, non-members $210): Hands-on science alongside naturalists, identifying wildlife, investigating ecosystems, and caring for the sanctuary.
Tracking Club (starts November 11; grades 3-6; Tuesdays 4 to 5 p.m.; members $90, non-members $105): Become a nature detective using cameras, tracks and more.
But there are plenty of Westport connections. From gala committee co-chairs Nancy Diamond and Wendy Baskin, to volunteer Robin Berggren, residents support the arts in our neighboring town.
They’re excited by the upcoming 5-run show of “Footloose,” at Bridgeport’s Klein Auditorium (November 13-16). Special events include a night for LGBTQ friends and allies, and a Members’ Night pre-show party. Click here for more information.
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Looking for “06883”-themed cards and gifts?
The Weston History & Culture Center has them. They feature artwork by Kassie Foss, all with scenes of the town: snowfalls, the old Weston signpost, twilight, the Onion Barn, summer and more. Click here to order.
MyTeam Triumph — the non-profit that pairs able-bodied volunteers with people with disabilities, so that all can participate in road races and triathlons — recently ran their first-ever marathon, in Hartford.
Click here or below to see. And if you’re inspired to learn more about this great organization, click here.
Staples High School Class of 2012 graduate, and former football and lacrosse player, Jordan Kranz died Monday. He was 31.
Born and raised in Westport, Jordan earned Staples’ prestigious Scholar-Athlete Award. He went on to graduate from the University of Pennsylvania, with dual degrees in mathematics and economics. He was a proud member of the fraternity Oz (formerly ZBT).
From the age of 14, Jordan faced immense health challenges: Type 1 diabetes, and a recurrent brain tumor that first appeared when he was 15. Despite enduring 3 brain surgeries and multiple rounds of chemotherapy and radiation, he graduated from Penn on schedule. He went on to build a successful career in investment banking, first with Mizuho Bank and later as a vice president in healthcare investment vanking at Bank of America.
He found true love with Lauren Halpert, whom he proposed to in Maui in December 2024 — an unforgettable trip they sealed with skydiving.
His family says, “Jordan’s strength, bravery, and spirit in the face of life’s challenges inspired everyone around him. He lived with courage, loved deeply, and left an indelible mark on all who were fortunate enough to know him.”
Jordan is survived by his parents, Raechel and Steven; sisters Brooke Sheiner (Jordan) and Colby Kranz; brother Carson Kranz; and his fiancée, Lauren Halpert.
Funeral services will be held today (October 30, 3 p.m., The Gardens of Boca Raton, Florida. Click here for the livestream.
Shiva to be held at the Kranz residence today, following the service until 9 p.m.; Friday (4 to 7 p.m.), Saturday (7 to 9 p.m.) and Sunday (4 to 8 p.m.).
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations in Jordan’s memory be made to American Brain Tumor Association or Breakthrough T1D.
Jordan Kranz
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Most photos (and paintings) of Compo Cove focus on the southern side — particularly the 1915 home on the point nearest Old Mill Beach.
Today’s “Westport … Naturally” image shows the only house on the northern side of the pedestrian way (and the beauty of surrounding Sherwood Mill Pond).
Interestingly, that home was not always at that location. It was moved many years ago to the current site.
October 7, 2023 was an emotional day for many Westporters.
So was October 13, 2025, when Hamas released all 20 living hostages.
Jodie Semel has lived in Westport for 27 years. She earned a master’s degree in counseling, and has a private practice on telehealth. She says, “My spirit is fueled by the love of my husband and kids, cherished friendships, hiking, deepening my professional development with a special cohort of colleagues, baking granola, and more enrichment than I could have imagined from my involvement with the Chabad.”
Today, Jodie reflects on the past 2 years.
I found out about the October 7th massacre early that morning through a few Israeli blogs I subscribe to.
I was in Florida, preparing to go to synagogue for a bat mitzvah. We didn’t have the full picture until late afternoon.
As I spoke with my best friend in Tel Aviv, both of us in anguish, I told her I didn’t think I could go to the celebration that evening. She reminded me that it is a mitzvah — a blessing — to be happy.
I realized that if I didn’t celebrate this beautiful Jewish milestone, the terrorists would win. That demanded of me to practice living with “both/and,” as we are taught in the Torah — a dialectical way of holding joy and grief at once.
Over the past 2 years I’ve felt an enormity of sorrow, fear, anger, and disbelief — and through it all, a deepened, empowered sense of Jewish pride in my faith, culture, and people. Though my Jewish identity was always central, I was surprised by how that day’s events intensified my connection to a heritage that has sustained our people for more than 3,800 years. That connection has been medicinal.
The aftermath of October 7 transformed how many of us in the Jewish community lived our daily lives. It is one thing to feel despondent or bereft alone; it is another to experience those emotions as part of a nation.
A small part of the October 7 destruction. (Photo/Julie Podziba)
As we say in Hebrew, Am Yisrael — the people of Israel — are one, whether in the homeland or the diaspora. We are one nation, in pain and in joy; when one person is wounded, it feels as though a family member has been hurt. Yet when we feel it together, we begin to heal together.
Only Am Yisrael can truly understand the heartbreak of October 7 and its aftermath — a pain felt collectively, yet bound by a profound beauty in that very togetherness.
Local organizations created spaces for this unity, helping us navigate and heal through an experience unlike any we had faced before. I am deeply grateful for both our established organizations and the ingenuity of the ad hoc organizers in our community who stepped up in ways that allowed us to stand shoulder to shoulder, feeling the flux of emotions together.
What could be more validating for a community feeling so powerless? In Judaism, we believe that healing in community magnifies comfort, just as joy shared together becomes even more meaningful. Neither is meant to be experienced in isolation.
For much of the ensuing 2 years, my calendar has been filled with multiple weekly events offered by the Jewish Federation and our synagogues. The town vigil and menorah lighting, with all of our clergy present, helped us feel less alone in our pain.
As the weeks and months passed, while hearing about so much suffering in the Middle East, many of us here felt a renewed sense of unity. Bonds and friendships were strengthened — or newly formed — that might not have been otherwise.
With each hostage release, I felt immense relief — both personally and shared — and with the final homecoming, that relief spread through our entire community, echoed in our local WhatsApp groups, on the Jewish Westport Facebook page, and in person. It has been profoundly meaningful to acknowledge that feeling together, to breathe again as one people after holding our collective breath for so long.
Judaism teaches that even a single match can light up the darkness. Many in our community have brought light since that Black Saturday. Chabad of Westport, Weston, and Wilton has been an eternally lit lamp for me and the community — from the first Shabbat service after the attacks, to challah bakes with released hostages, to their ongoing speaker series.
Every gathering has filled and nourished our community with strength, hope, and meaning. Even when those seemed hard to find, Rabbi Yehuda and Dina Kantor have been true lamplighters, showing us how to create meaning and bring joy.
The Jewish Federation has been outstanding in its response — through speaker events and especially their “Empty Chairs” installation at Compo Beach in November 2023, displaying 240 beach chairs with photos of each hostage in Gaza, and their recent gathering marking the second year. We all felt the pain and helplessness of our people being held captive, but I was also filled with pride in our town and how people showed up for such a meaningful cause.
Melinda Wasserman has been a visionary, finding a functional way to act when so many of us felt powerless, bringing the weekly hostage walks, Run 4 Their Lives. We’ve also found connection and healing through our synagogues’ various events and speakers.
These local experiences, along with the friendships I’ve built over 27 years in Westport and the new ones formed since the attacks, have reminded me that even in difficult times, we must nurture the connections that align with our deepest values.
As a Jewish person living in Westport, I’ve seen how strong and compassionate our community can be. The past 2 years have shown me that Jewish identity is about connection to our rich heritage and to each other, as we stand together through both pain and healing, joy and celebration.
I am a proud Jew with a deep love for the State of Israel — a love shared by my husband and 2 daughters.
For most Jews, Israel is local. We knew every hostage’s name and story. We hung posters, replaced them when they were torn down, and followed every update with anguish and hope.
The hostages became our brothers, sisters, parents, and friends. As my husband recently said, “Israel may be the smallest nation, but Jews are the biggest family.”
My husband and I joined the first Westport Run For Their Lives walk, organized by Melinda Wasserman and Jennifer Wolff. While we couldn’t attend every week, many in our community did.
Other ways the community stayed connected to what was happening in Israel was to go on organized missions sponsored by local Synagogues and Jewish organizations. I traveled May 2024 with The Community Synagogue, under Rabbi Wiederhorn’s leadership. We met soldiers, journalists, and families directly affected by October 7th.
With hostages’ relatives, in Israel. (Photo/Julie Podziba)
One encounter that left an indelible mark on our Westport group was meeting my friend of 30+ years, Leslie — an attorney with Israel’s Ministry of Justice — and hearing the story of her daughter, Adi, a survivor of the Nova music festival.
Adi and her friends — Yoad Peer, Aner Shapiro, and Hersh Goldberg Polin — fled north when the assault began, taking cover in a small bomb shelter already crowded with others.
Aner, a soldier, heroically caught and threw back 7 grenades before being killed by the eighth. Hersh’s left arm was blown off. He was taken to Gaza, and ultimately murdered. When the terrorists entered the bomb shelter shooting all those who remained, Adi’s friend Yoad shielded her with his body, saving her life. Adi then survived by playing dead for more than 6 hours until rescuers arrived.
Nearly 2 years later, Adi came to Westport to honor her friend Yoad and, for the first time, shared her story publicly during the Yom Kippur service at TCS. Additionally, TCS honored Yoad’s memory by having a special Torah cover created that was inscribed with his name.
Rabbi Jeremy Wiederhorn with Adi, in Westport.
For those of us who joined the mission, the connection to Leslie, Adi, and their story runs deep. Welcoming Adi to Westport was both heartbreaking and profoundly meaningful — a moment that brought together sorrow, strength, and love.
The weekly Run For Their Lives, which so many Westporters took part in, Adi’s story, and the many others shared in our community, are constant reminders that what happened on October 7th and its aftermath is local to us.
And, we won’t stop hoping, praying and pushing until the remaining 15 bodies of murdered hostages are brought home to rest with dignity and love.
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What could be more validating for a community feeling so powerless? In Judaism, we believe that healing in community magnifies comfort, just as joy shared together becomes even more meaningful. Neither is meant to be experienced in isolation.
Melinda Wasserman has been a visionary, finding a functional way to act when so many of us felt powerless, bringing the weekly hostage walks, 
