The other day, Carolyn Cohen noticed a woman in an SUV, going slowly down Soundview Drive. The trunk was open; in the back were large Home Depot buckets.
Carolyn writes:
“On a hot evening she stopped at each crosswalk, watering the planters.
“Her name is Deborah Webb, and she’s part of the Compo Beach Improvement Association.
Deborah Webb, in action.
“She gave me the names of 3 other CBIA members who keep things, along with her.” They are Kristin Mott Purcell and Michelle Cardello. Skip Lane is also on the CBIA committee.
Kristin Mott Purcell, Michelle Cardello and Deborah Webb.
“I appreciate not only their work to keep our town beautiful, but also the functionality of the planters,” Carolyn says.
“They slow cars down at the crosswalks!”
Hey! Those planters don’t water themselves. Thank you to this week’s Unsung Heroes, the Compo Beach Improvement Association — especially Kristin, Michelle and Deb — for makng their neighborhood look so beautiful, for all of us.
(“06880” is proud to honor Unsung Heroes — and tell many other tales of town too. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog.)
Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department says: “Per the Aspectuck Health District, the water at Compo Beach is closed until retesting can be completed.”
Harvest Wine Bar on Railroad Place closed last week.
But not permanently.
The restaurant will reopen, with new partners joining current ownership.
The menu will be Mediterranean-based, including seafood.
Renovations are underway, with a new look to suit the next venture. The kitchen and liquor license remain intact, for an easy transition. (Hat tip: Matthew Mandell)
Harvest restaurant
=================================================
Speaking of Saugatuck: As the Cribari Bridge rehabilitation/renovation/ replacement/etc. project creeps forward — right in time for election season — Westporters may wonder where to find background information.
The link is to a state Department of Transportation slide show. It includes the history of the project; a variety of alternatives; “Concerns & Considerations,” and a timeline.
It may not answer all your questions. But — like the intersection of Riverside Avenue and Bridge Street — it’s a good starting point.
The Citizens’ Police Academy is one of the best — and most unpublicized, and underrated — programs in town.
25 Westport residents participate in classes that cover many aspects of law enforcement.
They learn about specialized units in the Westport Police Department, as well as how it operates and its role in the criminal justice system.
Participants observe demonstrations, and get hands-on experience with equipment the police use every day.
Instructors include experienced officers, and attorneys from Stamford Court.
In addition to classes, students experience a ride-along with a patrol officer.
They also receive Stop the Bleed training.
The next Westport Citizens’ Police Academy begins September 18. Classes run from 7 to 9:30 p.m. for 8 Thursdays, through November 20.
The academy is open to Westport residents 21 and older. Applications are available at police headquarters or by email from Officer Jill Cabana (jcabana@westportct.gov), and are due by August 27.
Residents can learn about this vehicle — and many other aspects of policing — at the upcoming Citizens’ Academy. (Photo/Dennis Wong)
Speaking of police: The Westport Police Benevolent Association’s “Coffee with a Cop” program is so popular, they’re rolling out a kids’ version.
Called, of course, “Cones with a Cop.”
Tomorrow’s event (Thursday, August 21, 6 to 8 p.m., Sunny Daes) is a chance for kids (and adults) to enjoy a free ice cream cone, while chatting with police officers.
It’s a perfect way to cool off and connect, in the final days of summer.
============================================
Two types of innovators — a UFC and WWE mogul, and a bakery offering opportunities to people with disabilities — will share the stage, at StartUp Westport’s Innovator of the Year Awards.
The October 8 event (6 p.m., Westport Library) honors Mark Shapiro and Sweet P Bakery.
As president and COO of TKO Group Holdngs, and president and managing partner of WME Group, Shapiro has helped shape some of the most infuential names in sports and entertainment.
He’ll talk about bold calls that changed the trajectory of companies, industries — even culture itself — at the StarUp Westport event.
The highlight will be a conversation with CNBC’s Sara Eisen, called “Pivotal Moments: The Risks That Paid Off (and the Ones That Didn’t).”
Sweet P Bakery will share the spotlight, as recipient of StartUp Westport’s Community Impact Innovator Award.
Founders Andrea and Bill Pecoriello will be honored for “their dedication to social good, and sustainable business practices in the local community.” Sweet P’s mission includes job creation, teaching transferable skills, and building independence, confidence and a sense of belonging.
An alert “06880” reader/avid beach walker (who asked for anonymity) writes:
“We are so fortunate to have new sidewalks in the Compo area that encourage walking, social interactions, and appreciating the beauty of the sound and surroundings.
“That’s why I was surprised to see numerous new signs erected between the ‘blue house’ near Old Mill Grocery, and Schlaet’s Point at the Hillspoint Road/ Soundview Drive corner. They all say ‘No Parking.’
“I don’t think people trying to park on Hillspoint is a major problem. It seems like overkill. And marring the views, especially at the wide open areas, seems unnecessary.
“Even if parking attempts here are a pressing problem, a few signs likely would deter such activity.”
Tired of watching interminable “Coming Attractions” at the movie theater?
But tired also of streaming films at home?
A unique Wakeman Town Farm online auction item may be answer.
They’re offering a “Movie Night on the Farm,” for 20 of your closest buds.
You pick the night. You pick the flick. You invite your friends. You bring the chairs, blankets and beverages.
WTF sets up the 20-foot screen, runs the movie and provides munchies.
The minimum bid is $700. Bidding is blind, and ends at midnight tonight.
Email info@wakemantownfarm.org. Put “This is my best + final bid for Movie Night” in the subject line.
Then fill in the rest: “I’d like to bid on the online auction item, Movie Night at the Farm. Below is my name, contact info and best and final bid. The opening bid is $700.00. The winner will be notified by August 20.”
Outdoor movie night.
================================================
Haven’t gotten your LobsterFest tickets yet?
Wait till 2026.
The Rotary Club’s massive fundraiser sold out in just 4 days.
It was the 4th straight quick sellout year.
Meanwhile, if you did snag one of them: See you September 20!
=================================================
Live, from Oggi Gelato: It’s “The Candy Bowl”!
Next Thursday (1 p.m.), Westport podcaster Paula Conway hosts her show live, at the Fairfield store. The public is invited.
And on that day only, a new flavor (banana and strawberry gelato) — for Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day, which honors pets who have passed away — will be served. 10% of scoops will support PAWS in Norwalk.
Conway is a travel and leisure writer with Forbes.com. Her podcast covers luxury travel, theater, candy and special guests.
Mike Borchetta — the 1961 Staples High School graduate who, in a long music industry career, worked with Glen Campbell, the Beach Boys and Four Seasons, Dusty Springfield and Wayne Newton — died in mid-June, at 84. (Click here, then scroll down for his obituary.)
His niece, Laura Lawhon, says there were many great photos at his memorial service in Nashville earlier this month.
Among them was this one:
Mike is on the right. His daughter does not know the name of his friend on the left.
It was taken before he moved from Westport, in 1961. If anyone knows — or thinks they do — click “Comments” below.
=================================================
You may not recognize today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured insect.
It’s a cicada — many times its actual size.
Clarence Hayes spotted — and snapped — it off Sylvan Lane.
And finally … on this date in 1858, Charles Darwin first published his theory of evolution through natural selection in The Journal of the Proceedings of the Linnean Society of London.
The last time Tom Atkinson, Vance Harrison, John Rhodes, Bill Whidden and John Yingling were in a boat together, Richard Nixon was president.
The last time they were together on land, it was George H.W. Bush.
This week, the 5 former Westporters — friends since junior high — will compete at the Atlantic Class National Championshps.
Right here at Cedar Point.
Cedar Point Yacht Club (Photo copyright Stephen R. Cloutier)
The quintet’s friendship predates even the club’s move to Saugatuck Shores’ Bluff Point. When they took their first sailing lessons, CPYC — established elsewhere, in 1887 — was still building its current facility, on landfill at Saugatuck Island.
It was a great time to grow up. The boys — 4 classmates at Long Lots Junior High School, plus Whidden at Bedford Junior High — regularly sailed across Long Island Sound in 12-foot Blue Jays.
“They let 6 or 10 boats loose, and hoped we’d make it,” Atkinson says.
They built bonfires, slept on the beach, and had experiences like the 4 boys in “Stand by Me” (if Stephen King’s story and movie had been set inland).
Cedar point Yacht Club clubhouse.
Like “Stand by Me” too, they soon scattered. Atkinson was the only one to attend Staples High. The others headed to Deerfield, Kent and Tabor.
“Our parents thought Staples was filled with drugs,” one explains. “Actually, all the drugs were in boarding schools.”
Their lives took separate paths. Rhodes graduated from the University of North Carolina; became national and international news editor at the New York Daily News; took a buyout and spent 12 yaears at the Fort Lauderdale Sun Sentinel; took another buyout, and taught English and critical thinking in a Florida high school. He retired in 2020.
After 5 1/2 years in the Navy, Atkinson graduated from Columbia Business School. He spent his career with Pratt & Whitney. Living in Essex, he is the only one of the 5 still in Connecticut.
Harrison graduated from Cornell University. He worked for a Chicago progressive rock radio station for 10 years. He moved to Oklahoma 37 years ago, where he first ran a radio group, and now heads up a radio trade association.
Whidden graduated from Colby College. He worked on a 38-foot sailing boat; joined forces with Hoyle Schweitzer, co-inventor of the Windsurfer; then i 1981 opened a sailmaking company in Maui. He pivoted to financial services in the Pacific Northwest’s Columbia Gorge.
Yingling went to Tufts, then earned a master’s in engineering at Rochester.
Four of them still sail; Yingling and Anderson also compete. Harrison — who calls himself “the best sailor of all of us” — has not been on a boat in 50 years. “I peaked at 14,” he jokes.
They kept “a little bit in touch, mainly through Christmas cards. But until last Friday, the last time they’d been together in one place was in 1991, when Whidden got married in Newport, Rhode Island.
From left: John Yingling, Bill Whidden, Vance Harrison, John Rhodes, Tom Atkinson, at Bill’s 1991 wedding.
The idea to enter the Atlantic Nationals came from Harrison. He’d wanted to get back in a boat for years, but — in land-locked Oklahoma — did not know how.
The other 4 quickly said: “Count me in!”
Planning began in mid-February. They found a boat in Madison, Connecticut. They gathered there last Friday, set it up to be towed to Westport, and followed it here.
They spent the first several hours talking, and catching up. They were relieved to find everyone in good physical — and mental — shape.
In addition to a great reunion and experience, this will be a return to their sailing roots. As teenagers, all 5 crewed on adult Cedar Point races.
So is this just a “Big Chill”-type get-together? After all this time apart, what do the 5 old friends/new teammates hope to accomplish?
Harrison’s original goal was just not to lose.
As he got caught up in the planning, it became “finish mid-fleet.”
Now, he says, he wants to make the top 10.
The others are not so sure.
“If we win,” Rhodes says, “we’ll definitely annoy everyone who invested a lot more time than us.”
(“06880” is “where Westport meets the world” — on land and sea. If you enjoy stories like this, please click here. A tax-deductible contribution will support our work. Thank you!)
Posted onAugust 19, 2025|Comments Off on Karpf Leaves Board Of Ed Race
And now there are 3.
Lauren Karpf — one of 2 candidates nominated by the Democratic Town Committee for the Board of Education — is stepping out of that race.
After careful consideration, she believes she can make a greater impact by running to remain on the Representative Town Meeting (RTM). The District 7 member currently serves as deputy moderator.
After consultation with the Democrats currently serving on the Board of Ed — chair Lee Goldstein, secretary Neil Phillips, and members Kevin Christie and Abby Tolan — the Democratic Town Committee has decided not to endorse another candidate.
Tolan is running for re-election. She and Karpf were endorsed by the DTC last month. Two other Democrats — Steve Shackelford and Jodi Harris — are also in the race, as petitioning candidates.
By state statute, one party can hold no more than a bare majority — 4 seats on the 7-member board. Thus, the Democrats will enhance their chances by running 3 candidates, rather than 4. With Goldstein and Phillips in the middle of their 4-year terms, and remaining on the BOE, only 2 of those 3 could be seated.
Meanwhile, the Republican Town Committee has endorsed 4 candidates: incumbent Dorie Hordon, plus Michelle Hopson, Andy Frankel and Kaitlin Zucaro. If all 4 win, the GOP would have a majority on the Board of Education.
Historic Saugatuck Congregational Church — the site of Westport’s founding as a town, in 1835 — has a new pastor.
Rev. Steven Savides takes over next month. He follows Rev. Alison Patton, who was called 2 years ago to a church in Maine. The position has been filled on an interim basis since then.
Rev. Dr. Savides is also an educator and former journalist. He has served UCC congregations in Massachusetts, Connecticut and Ohio.
He earned a Ph.D. in peace studies and theology from Notre Dame University, and a master’s in theological studies from Harvard Divinity School. He was ordained in 2006.
Rev. Savides and his wife, Rev. Nanette Pitt, live in Akron, Ohio. She served First Congregational Church there as senior minister for 8 years, before embarking on a new career in support of progressive political candidates. She is currently senior advisor to a US congresswoman.
Rev. Savides is described as “a compelling peacher and teacher deeply committed to peace and social justice, faith formation across the lifespan, pastoral care and counseling … and building inclusive, resilient and sustainable congregations.” (Hat tip: Mark Mathias)
Rev. Dr. Steven Savides
===============================================
Platform by the James Beard Foundation — the state-of-the-art show kitchen, event space and educational hub for special culinary arts programming at Pier 57’s Market 57 food hall in New York — celebrates October with a standout lineup of 2025 James Beard Award winners and nominees.
Among them: Westport chef Brian Lewis.
On October 22 (6:30 to 9:30 p.m.), the noted owner of OKO and The Cottage honors National Seafood Month with a “Season for Seafood” dinner.
Lewis — a 2025 James Beard Award nominee for Best Chef: Northest — offers a meal with Skuna Bay salmon, and locally sourced ingredients from the Northeast.
For years, the Westport Writers’ Workshop has helped new and experienced authors of all kinds find their voice, and hone their passion, at their Sylvan Road South suite.
They’ve also done it through, through scholarships and free writing workshops, for underserved communities across Connecticut.
They partner with the Connecticut Institute for Immigrants and Refugees, STAR, the Center for Family Justice/AWARE, and the Bigelow Center for Seniors to bring writing opportunities to people who lack access. WWW also offers free therapeutic and skills-based workshops for mothers of children with disabilities and veterans.
On September 18 (6:30 p.m., Fairfield Museum) a “Sips & Scholarships” fundraiser — including light bites, wine and silent auction — will help them continue their outreach.
Harry’s Wine & Liquor Market will curate the tastings — and donating 10% of all wine sales that night to WWW.
CAST For Kids — a powerful experience for children with special needs — returns to Westport for the 7th time on August 24. The 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. event, at a private riverfront backyard, includes lunch and an awards ceremony.
The event — part of the national CAST for Kids organization — has served over 100 children over the years. They and their families love to fish on the river, and enjoy time outdoors.
Children who participated now volunteer, helping teach other youngsters.
This year’s program is again spearheaded by Asher Marcus, a nature enthusiast and rising senior at Bi-Cultural Hebrew Academy.
He has teamed up with Daris (“Miss D”) Datzenko. The well-known special ed teacher first heard about CAST for Kids a few years ago. She knew it would be a perfect fit for her students, as well as the Challenger baseball team.
CAST for Kids also draws an enthusiastic group of volunteers. They do not need to be expert fishermen. But they should be patient and enthusiastic, helping ensure that every child is happy and feels welcome.
To register as a participant or a volunteer, email Asher Marcus: (saugatuckriver@castforkids.org), or click here.
Registration is open for Club203’s 2025-26 season.
The fourth year of Westport’s social group for adults with disabilities promises to be the biggest and best yet. Click here for details.
Meanwhile, members are invited to tomorrow’s “Summer Art by MoCA CT” (Wednesday, August 20, 5 p.m.). It’s a relaxing way to learn self-expression through a variety of art forms. Click here to register, and for more information.
Milling and paving has begun on North Avenue, near Staples High School.
Take an alternate route, if you can.
North Avenue roadwork. (Screenshot courtesy of Kuku Fleming)
=================================================
DanceBody — a New York City dance cardio brand — headlines 2 pop-up classes at 345 Post Road West, today (August 19 — hip hop) and next Tuesday (August 26 — sculpt).
A reminder: This Saturday (August 23, 3 to 5:30 p.m.), the pickleball courts at Compo Beach will be dedicated in honor of Lowrie.
The 97-year-old is “the father of Westport pickleball” (and much more).
Theree will be an exhibition with professional, nationally ranked players (and prizes). And the Y’s Men’s Hoot Owls will provide musical entertainment.
Bring your own beach chair and refreshments. Watch the pros. Honor Tom. And then play afterward, on the Tom Lowrie Courts.
Jazz at the post’s Summer Series continues to celebrate Connecticut-based artists.
This Thursday (August 21, 7 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner at 7; Westport VFW), it’s Sambeleza.
The name comes from 2 words: samba (the national dance of Brazil), and beleza (Portuguese for “beauty.”)
Founders The group came into being in 2009 as the combined brainchild of vocalist and São Paulo native Isabella Mendes, Brazilian guitar specialist Joe Carter and jazz bassist Jeff Fuller.
Since 2009 they’ve paid homage to great songs by Brazilian compsers, and added original songs. Founders Jeff Fuller (bass), Joe Carter (guitar) and Isabella Mendes (piano, vocals) will be joined by drummer Daniel Silva and saxophonist Greg (“The Jazz Rabbi”) Wall. Click here for tickets, and more information.
The banks of the Saugatuck River are as good a place as any for “love birds” to cuddle.
And — as today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo shows — we do mean that literally.
(Photo/Pat Saunders)
=================================================
And finally … if you read through today’s Roundup, you probably guessed we would end with:
(We recommend reading “06880” in a hammock by the river. Or anywhere else. We recommend even more clicking here, to support the hyper-local blog that you are reading right now. Thank you!)
Perhaps the most important first selectman’s race in Westport’s history is 11 weeks away.
There will be many opportunities to hear candidates’ views on important topics: affordable housing, Saugatuck development, the Cribari Bridge, capital expenditures, the Community Gardens, traffic, and much more.
Organizations ranging from the League of Women Voters and Chamber of Commerce to the Youth Commission will sponsor debates. “06880” is conducting Instagram Live chats; the Westport Journal will host a forum.
It’s important for voters attend those events, tune in, listen closely, and figure out who is best equipped to lead our town for the next 4 years.
But leadership is about more than policy decisions. It’s about personalities and values too.
It can be hard to discern who a person is from a podium.
It’s a little easier after they share a meal.
On October 21, Westporters have the chance to do just that.
“A Seat at the Selectman’s Table: An Open Discussion with Westport’s Candidates for First Selectman” is a unique opportunity to listen in on an informal chat — over food — about topics that reveal the hearts of the human beings beneath the public policy statements.
The 6 p.m. event — part of the Westport Library’s Common Ground initiative — may be the first of its kind in the country. It could serve as a national blueprint for taking the electoral process beyond the podium.
What got you to Westport? What kept you here? What do you love about this town? What are some challenges you’ve faced? What’s your neighborhood like? What are your go-to spots? What’s your hidden gem? What brings you joy? What keeps you up at night?
Those are some of the prompts I’ll offer, as moderator. But it will be a discussion — not a Q-and-A — with Kevin Christie, Don O’Day and David Rosenwaks conversing a lot more than “responding.”
Because each candidate will be asked to bring food to share at the table, the first prompt may be something like: Why did you choose this dish?
(There will be snacks and drinks for the audience too. They’ll be seated around the table, which will be in the middle of the Trefz Forum — like the runway for Fashionably Westport.)
As the 3 candidates chat as neighbors, not rivals, they’ll share personal stories, moments of candor, and the values that shape their leadership styles. We hope it will be educational and inspirational. We know it will be different.
Westport Library executive director Bill Harmer is excited about this first-of-its-kind event. It fits in well with the Common Ground Initiative — the Library’s forum for productive conversation on how we work together to move forward as a civil society; encourage respectful, constructive dialogue, and build capacity to tackle challenging and/or controversial issues.
“At the Westport Library, we believe democracy is strongest when neighbors see each other as people first,” Harmer says.
“‘A Seat at the Selectman’s Table’ is more than politics. It’s an invitation to break bread, lower barriers, and discover the values and stories that shape our community’s future. By reimagining how we connect with those who seek to lead us, we hope to inspire participation, foster trust, and remind all of us that civic engagement begins with authentic human connection.”
Last Monday, Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrested 2 people in a Stamford courthouse. Later in the week, they were turned away twice from the Norwalk Police Department parking lot.
“06880” also contacted 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker. She and Police Chief David Farrell said:
“We are committed to upholding the law, while maintaining the trust and confidence of every member of our community.
“When it comes to immigration enforcement, our role is guided by state law, specifically the Connecticut TRUST Act. The town has followed the provisions of the TRUST Act since it was enacted, including the updates as recent as January 2025. This means we do not detain individuals solely based on their immigration status or civil detainer requests.
“Our focus continues to remain on protecting public safety, building strong community partnerships, and ensuring that all residents feel safe reporting crime, cooperating with investigations, and seeking assistance. We are committed to fair and impartial policing for everyone in our community.”
Click here to help support “06880” via credit card or PayPal. Any amount is welcome, appreciated — and tax-deductible! Reader contributions keep this blog going. (Alternate methods: Please send a check to “06880”: PO Box 744, Westport, CT 06881. Or use Venmo: @blog06880. Or Zelle: dwoog@optonline.net. Thanks!)
GET THE “06880” APP
The “06880” app (search for it on the Apple or Android store) is the easiest way to get “06880.” Choose notifications: whenever a new post is published, or once or twice a day. Click here for details.
On Monday, they began practicing. The Nationals 
Westport Library executive director Bill Harmer is excited about this first-of-its-kind event. It fits in well with the Common Ground Initiative — the Library’s forum for productive conversation on how we work together to move forward as a civil society; encourage respectful, constructive dialogue, and build capacity to tackle challenging and/or controversial issues.
