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.”
The Coalition for Westport has nominated and endorsed 2 candidates for the Planning & Zoning Commission.
One — Michele Paquette — has already been nominated by the Republican Party for that seat.
The Coalition says, “she brings over 2 decades of executive leadership and strategic vision to her candidacy. Originally from the Midwest, Michele moved to the East Coast more than 25 years ago to advance her career in biotechnology, where she rose to become an executive — earning 10 awards for excellence in leadership and innovation.
The second Coalition candidate is Michael Chaney. The Coalition calls him “a serial entrepreneur, primarily in the digital marketing space.” He was founder and CEO of Piston, a digital marketing agency with offices in San Diego and New York. He served on the board of Virginia Commonwealth University’s Brandcenter for 3 years.
A press release said, “These candidates share the Coalition’s long-held emphasis on careful, imaginative, and comprehensive planning that addresses the inevitability of future growth and development at a scale appropriate to Westport.
“The Coalition believes these candidates will energize and present new ideas and perspectives to our town.”
Compo Beach is many things, to many people. It’s a place to walk, swim, tan, grill, and enjoy ourselves in a variety of other way.
For some, it’s also a place to feel close to God.
Yesterday, Compo was the site of a bar mitzvah.
For a 75-year-old man.
He lives in Los Angeles. But his children recently moved to Westport. So when he wsa planning his ceremony — 62 years later than most — he wanted it to be near them.
Rabbi Michael Friedman of Temple Israel performed the rite.
A few hours earlier, Green’s Farms Congregational Church led the morning beach service. Churches rotate hosting each week.
Yesterday, Bridgeport’s Pivot Ministries were special guests.
In addition to the upcoming Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service course beginning September 9 announced in yesterday’s Roundup (click here for details), there is a special Emergency Medical Responder course, for high school students ages 14-15.
It introduces freshmen and sophomores to teamwork and life-saving skills, creating a pathway to future EMT certification by allowing them to take ambulance shifts alongside EMS crews.
And finally … on this date in 1920, the 19th Amendment was ratified. It only took 133 years for American women to earn the right to vote!
( Great news! Women can vote! Even better: Everyone can contribute to “06880”! Just click here to support your favorite hyper-local and all-inclusive blog. Thank you!)
Last Monday, masked ICE agents arrested 2 people inside the Stamford courthouse.
On Thursday, Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers entered the Norwalk Police parking lot, without consent from the department or any other city officials. Police told them to leave.
The next day, ICE agents retured again. Once again, they were directed to depart.
Norwalk’s mayor, police chief and Common Council released a statement, assailing tactics used by ICE and affirming the city’s goal of ensuring that “all residents are treated with dignity and respect, regardless of anyone’s immigration status or background.” (Click here to read the full statement.)
“06880” reached out to the 3 candidates for first selectman, for comment on ICE’s recent actions, and their possible impact on Westport. We also asked 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker. She said she and Police Chief Dave Farrell would reply this morning.
Independent Party candidate David Rosenwaks says:
“As first selectman, I will prioritize keeping Westport safe. A current member of the Representative Town Meeting’s Public Protection Committee and a graduate of the Westport Police Academy, I have met and interacted with many of our officers and have learned a lot from them. I believe that we have a world-class police force, and they do an admirable job serving our community.
“I also believe that local law enforcement should be focused on protecting our community by promptly responding to emergencies, preventing crime, and building trust with our citizens. However, I am of the opinion that our local officers should never serve as an extension of ICE. Furthermore, actions we’ve seen from ICE agents are not consistent with Westport’s values of inclusiveness and decency. Thus, if ICE agents showed up in Westport, we would respond similarly to Norwalk.
“If a situation arises that threatens the safety and security of Westport and its residents, I support cooperation between local, state and federal agencies. But I oppose any actions that create fear among our residents and employees who are contributing members of Westport. We must uphold our values of respect, fairness, and community. Westport is a welcoming town where everyone deserves to live in harmony with our shared values of civility and humanity.”
Republican-endorsed candidate Don O’Day says:
“Westport follows the Connecticut Trust Act, which sets the legal framework for how local law enforcement interacts with ICE.
“Under this law, the Westport PD is not required or even expected to cooperate with ICE, except in limited cases such as when there is a signed judicial warrant. I fully support this approach.
“Equally important, everyone in town, residents, visitors, employees — everyone – should feel welcome and safe. My wife Toni is a US citizen, but she was born in Italy. Should her immigration status make her a target? Of course not. But for many immigrants, that’s the fear they live with. It’s wrong.
“Bullying, targeting, or improper treatment of immigrants, or anyone must never be tolerated.
“I am confident that Westport’s Police Department will uphold that principle with dignity and class, as they do every day.”
Democratic Party candidate Kevin Christie says:
“Like many of you, I was horrified to see the video of ICE agents in Norwalk, wearing masks and using tasers to take 2 people into custody. It was disturbing, and it has understandably raised concerns and outrage here in Westport. Let me be clear: Westport is a welcoming community, and as your first selectman, I will fight every day to make sure no one in our community ever has their basic rights ignored or trampled.
“As your first selectman, I will:
* Partner with our police chief to issue a clear public statement so everyone knows their rights and what steps they should take to protect themselves and their families.
* Ensure that constitutional rights are protected and that no federal agency uses intimidation to undermine our community values.
* Be in close contact with state leaders, including Attorney General William Tong and our legislative delegation, to make sure Westport stands on firm legal ground as we protect our community. In fact, I’ve already started these conversations.
“Westport’s strength comes from our values as a welcoming, caring community. In moments like this, our responsibility is to protect every community member, ensure their rights are respected, and reaffirm that Westport aspires to be a place where everyone truly feels a sense of belonging.”
Kevin Christie also sends links to these resources:
(NOTE: Connecticut’s Trust Act limits information that state and local law enforcement can share with ICE, and restricts the circumstances under which Connecticut police officers can cooperate with federal immigration officers. Click here to read the full act.)
For some reason — probably having to do with Viva Zapata’s long association with good (drinking) times — several readers thought that the handsomely carved wooden sign reading “It’s Wine o’clock” that was last week’s Photo Challenge could be found at the Riverside Avenue restaurant. (Click here to see.)
Nope!
It’s at Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center.
I don’t know why — you can’t buy wine there.
But who cares? It’s a great sign. We’ll drink to that!
And we’ll toast Diane Bosch and Martha Witte, the only 2 readers who nailed the Challenge.
This week’s Photo Challenge is here. If you know where in Westport you’d see this — (hint: It’s not where you might think) — click “Comments” below.
(Photo/Andrew Franco)
(Every Sunday, “06880” hosts this Photo Challenge. We challenge you too to support your hyper-local blog. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)
It’s not easy to become a Westport Emergency Medical Technician.
But there may be no better way to serve your community.
The opportunity to be part of Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service — and offer assistance, reassurance, even life-saving care — to relatives, friends, neighbors and strangers — is enriching and fulfilling.
And astonishingly important.
Orientation for the next class begins August 28.
The class runs from September 9 through December 18. Lectures are Tuesdays and Thursdays, from 6:30 to 10 p.m. Labs are on Saturdays, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
On August 24, Langner — the son of founders Lawrence Langner and Armine Marshall — turns 99.
He has known the Playhouse all of his — and its life.
His most recent visit was in 2023. He celebrated the first (and only) Literary Landmark dedication in Connecticut, with 2 younger generations of Langners.
Birthday cards and letters can be sent to Philip Langer, 135 Central Park West, Suite 4S, New York, New York 10023.
Philip Langner (front) with family members and (far left and right, respectively) Westport Library director Bill Harmer and 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, at the Literary Landmark dedication. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Community Volunteer Day (Saturday, September 6, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; free). Help remove invasive plants, and tend to the trails.
Nature Theater: A Harvest Homecoming(Sunday, September 14, 12 to 1:30 p.m.; adults $20, children 4-17 $10; under 3 free). “Who Are We Kiddin’?” returns with an outdoor experience for kids.
Woodland Harvest: Foraging in Fall (Sunday, September 28; 1 to 2:30 p.m.); $12; $10 for members). Leanr to safely and sustainably enjoy goods from the woods.
Woodside Bash (Saturday, October 4, 7 to 10 p.m.; open bar, harvest dinner, fire pit, mechanical bull, live entertainment; $125).
Fall Festival(Sunday, October 5, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.: $40, $12 and $8). Obstacle course, hay rides, corn pool, arts & crafts, pumpkin bowling, animal encounters, brids of prey, apple slingshot, hay search, donut on a string, food trucks and more.
Mini Clubs(Tuesdays, 4 to 5 p.m., grades 3-6; $105; $90 for members). Explore bugs, birds and tracking.
Free Range Kids (Wednesdays, 1 to 3 p.m.; ages 4-11)
Li’l Naturalists (Wednesdays, 4 to 5 p.m.; grades K-2)
Natue Art Club (Thursdays, 4 to 5 p.m.; grades 3-6).
Teen Volunteer Club (Tuesdays or Thursdays, 4 to 5 p.m.; grades 6-12).
Junior Staff (Fridays, 4 to 5 p.m.; one Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; grades 7-12).
Kids’ Night Out: An Earthplace Campout (Friday, September 19, 6 to 9 p.m.; ages 4-13; $60; members $50).
Vacation Day Camp(Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Election Day).
One of Earthplace’s many trails. (Photo/Rowene Weems)
This weekend marks the 56th anniversary of Woodstock.
And the best celebration anywhere is taking place on WPKN-FM 89.5.
The Bridgeport station is airing the complete original recording of the 1969 Woodstock festival. It runs all weekend long.
This is not the double album released as the “Woodstock” movie soundtrack.
And it’s not some outtakes, added later.
This is the entire concert. Complete musical performances by every band — all 32 sets, from Richie Havens, Joan Baez, the Who, Sly & the Family Stone, Johnny Winter, Ten Years After, Blood, Sweat & Tears, Santana, Joe Cocker, Canned Heat, The Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin, The Band, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Jimi Hendrix and more.
Every stage announcement. The entire affair (on air from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.).
The “06880” connection — besides the proximity to the studio — is that Jim Motavalli, WPKN’s publicity director — and a 1970 Staples High School graduate — was at Woodstock.
As were, presumably, dozens of other “06880” readers.
And thousands of others, who wish they were. (Hat tip: Anne Nesbitt)
The connections to the Fairfield National team — currently tearing up their bracket at the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania — keep coming.
In addition to Ben Herbst, Colin Curley and Boden Dunlap — all with parents who are Staples High School graduates (click here, then scroll down), there is Tommy D’Amura.
The winning pitcher in relief in Friday night’s 5-1 win against Honolulu is the son of Westport Police Department Staff Corporal Al D’Amura, and Greens Farms Elementary School psychologist Katie D’Amura.
It’s almost as if Fairfield is a home town team.
They advance to tomorrow’s winner’s bracket game (Monday, 7 p.m., ESPN), against Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Let’s go, Fairfield!
Tommy D’Amura, at the end of Fairfield’s game against Honolulu. (Photo courtesy of Little League Baseball & Softball)
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In the midst of her move to Bermuda, longtime Westporter Jo Ann Miller has published her 5th novel: “The Devil Dog Brat.”
It’s about a “military brat” who gets involved in the disappearance of her best friend. Human trafficking is suspected.
“Military brats,” who undergo constant transfers of a military parent, consider the term a badge of dedication and patriotism.
Miller, the daughter of the late Lt. General Thomas H. Miller (USMC), attended 4 different high schools.
“The Devil Dog Brat” — part of the Abbey Lane series — will be available Labor Day, on Amazon.
And finally … as for Woodstock (story above): There were a lot of great performances there (and some pretty poor ones too). Here are 3 of the most legendary:
(A ticket to Woodstock cost $18 in 1969. Tons of people got in free, of course. “06880” is the same way: You can enjoy our blog without supporting us, but we hope you will. Please click here. Thank you!)
Westport’s dining scene has never been more vibrant.
From the Norwalk line to Southport — and all over Saugatuck — our restaurants draw large crowds of hungry diners.
That’s a lot of food.
And a lot of waste.
Sustainable Westport — our town’s non-profit advisory environmental committee — is on the case. They write:
One of the most impactful ways we can support sustainability every day is through the food we eat — and how we handle what’s left behind.
From what we choose to buy and eat to what we throw away, our food system — including restaurants and grocery stores — matter. That’s why this month, we’re focusing on food waste, and the refresh of one of our key initiatives: the Sustainable Westport Restaurant Champions program (previously called the Restaurant Certification program).
Through a structured process – including on-site waste assessment, recycling recommendations and guidance, and follow-up support — the program educates food businesses on how to meet clear guidelines across 4 key areas (below):
By recognizing restaurants’ impact, the program empowers them to make lasting changes that benefit both their business and the planet.
This update comes at a critical time. With Connecticut’s commercial food waste law now requiring many large food service businesses to divert food waste from the incinerator, the momentum for change is growing.
Our updated Restaurant Champions program not only celebrates restaurants that already make a difference; it also provides guidance and resources to those who want to do more.
Aligned with Westport’s “Skip the Stuff” campaign, which encourages takeout customers to refuse single-use extras unless they need them, the program is part of a broader effort to reduce unnecessary waste.
The program has been relaunched under Samantha Schwab, who brings “fresh energy and a clear plan for helping restaurants implement and maintain sustainable practices.”
She says, “With my culinary training from the Natural Gourmet Institute for Health and Culinary Arts, and experience working in professional kitchens, I’m confident we can help our program’s participants achieve their sustainability goals and inspire other local food businesses to follow suit.”
Then click “Comments,” to share your nominations with the rest of the “06880” community.
Bon appétit!
(“06880” regularly covers Westport’s environmental and restaurant scenes. If you enjoy those stories — and anything else on this hyper-local blog — please click here to support us. Thank you!)
Singing and bantering in English and Spanish (and a little Italian), José Feliciano enterained a full and adoring crowd last night, at the Westport Country Playhouse.
The historic theater was the venue for the legendary, Grammy Lifetime Achievement-winning artist. It was a benefit for the Church of the Assumption, which next year celebrates its 150th anniversary. (That’s almost as old as the 94-year-old Playhouse and 80-year old Feliciano combined.)
The guitarist was accompanied by his sons Mikey (bass) and Jonnie (drums), and a band that — along with Feliciano — played a wide range of songs, in genres including Latin, rock, blues, Motown, Dylan and jazz (plus a smooth Sam Cooke tune).
José Feliciano (right), Hawkins French (left), and 3 other musicians in the 11-member band. (Photo/Dan Woog)
The 2-hour show ended with 2 of Feliciano’s best-sellers: “Light My Fire” and (of course) “Feliz Navidad.”
He’s sung that tune at Assumption’s Christmas Mass for over 3 decades. He and his wife Susan — who took a deserved bow — have been longtime parishioners and supporters of the Riverside Avenue church.
José Feliciano and his wife Susan. (Photo copyright DinkinESH Fotografix)
Looking for a great activity for your son or daughter?
Look no further than Scouting.
Westport Troops 39 (boys) and 139 (girls) welcome new potential members and their families in grades 5-12 for homemade pizza making and a bonfire (September 11, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Compo Beach).
Current members and adult leaders will answer questions, and share their excitement about plans for 2025-26 They include:
Ziplining
Downhill mountain biking
Camping
Whitewater rafting
Climbing
A trip to Fort Adams in Newport, Rhode Island
Leadership and service opportunities
And more.
Questions? Email Troop39Westport@gmail.com.
Troops 39 and 139.
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George C. White — the driving force behind the famed Eugene O’Neill Theater Center in Waterford, who died August 6 at 89 — was not a Westporter.
But he nurtured and influenced many residents.
Werner Liepolt was playwright-in-residence at the O’Neill theater — twice.
Liepolt says that Westporter Arthur Kopit was also a resident playwright. Max Wilk was a dramaturg there for several summer sessions.
And Michael Douglas — who lived with his mother on Whitney Street, in a house that Kopit later rented — was a frequent actor on the Eugene O’Neill Theater stage.
This crepe myrtle catches Topsy Siderowf’s eye, very time she passes it on Compo Road South.
She sends it along as today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature photo, adding, “They are more often seen in the south. But this specimen is thriving in Zone 7.”
And finally … Bobby Whitlock — a keyboardist and singer-songwriter who helped found Derek and the Dominos, and played with stars like Eric Clapton and George Harrison — died Sunday in Texas. He was 77, and had been diagnosed with cancer.
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Norwalk’s mayor, police chief and Common Council released a statement, assailing tactics used by ICE and affirming the city’s goal of ensuring that “all residents are treated with dignity and respect, regardless of anyone’s immigration status or background.” (
