Online Art Gallery #268

If you missed last week’s Fine Arts Festival — no problem!

As always, kick off your Saturday with “06880”‘s online gallery.

And as always, we invite readers to submit art. No matter what style or subject you choose — and whether you’re a first-timer or old-timer — we welcome your submissions. Watercolors, oils, charcoal, pen-and-ink, acrylics, digital, lithographs, collages, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage, needlepoint — we want whatever you’ve got.

This feature is open to all. Age, level of experience, subject matter — there are no restrictions. Everyone can contribute.

Please email a JPG to 06880blog@gmail.com. And please include the medium you’re working in — art lovers want to know.

“Blooming” (Karen Weingarten)

“Quiet Spring” (Rowene Weems — Available for purchase; click here)

Untitled (Duane Cohen — Available for purchase; click here)

“Bulldog” (Mary Treschitta — Available for purchase; click here)

Untitled (Karen Schlansky — Available for purchase; click here) 

“Smooch” (Ken Runkel — Available for purchase; click here)

Untitled (Tom Doran — Available for purchase; click here)

Untitled (Joan Micale — Available for purchase; click here)

“Spotty Rain” (Jerry Kuyper)

“Just Planted and Too Close Together” (Peter Barlow)

“Very Bad Boy!” (Mike Hibbard)

“The Kissing Chalice from a Palace” — ink and watercolor (Steve Stein)

“Tickled” (Lawrence Weisman)

 

 

(Entrance is free to our online art gallery. But please consider a donation! Just click here — and thank you!)

[OPINION] Stop DOT’s Cribari Bridge Plan!

Werner Liepolt lives in the Bridge Street Historic District. Valerie Seiling Jacobs is a member of Save Westport Now.

Both have closely followed deliberations over the future of the 135-year-old Cribari Bridge. Long stalled — like traffic heading to it — the state Department of Transportation has recently shown new interest in a replacement. Werner and Valerie write:

We’ve all seen it: traffic backed up on Bridge Street across the Cribari Bridge, distracted drivers with out-of-state plates checking their smartphones, and the line of cars clogging Riverside Avenue and Greens Farms Road.

It was bad in 2015, when the Connecticut Department of Transportation first started talking about fixing the historic swing bridge. But it’s only gotten worse since COVID.

The stream of traffic coming from I-95 is remorseless, especially in the morning. Pity parents trying to shepherd their youngsters across the street to catch the school bus. or commuters trying to get to the railroad station. A drive to Compo Beach during the summer can put you on Bridge Street for half an hour.

Bridge Street traffic: 7:40 a.m., May 29, 2025. (Photo/Werner Liepolt)

You know all this. You live here. And that’s exactly why Jim Marpe, our former first selectman, refused to vote to release the money for a DOT study.

He recognized that DOT was likely to recommend building a new, state-of-the-art bridge, one that would be tall enough to accommodate 18-wheelers and thus invite even more I-95 spillover and Waze traffic.

But here’s the rub: our current first selectwoman seems oblivious to the problem. Last year she voted to release $4.1 million to the DOT to begin work on the project.

On May 15, DOT held its first meeting in Westport about the bridge since 2018.

William F. Cribari Bridge. (Photo/Ferdinand Jahnel)

Of all the  neighbors, only registered “stakeholder” Werner Liepolt was invited to attend, although the public was not. In the invitation, the DOT noted that there had been “significant developments” concerning the project.

At the meeting, however, we learned the only “developments” appear to be that:

  1. The DOT has been asked by Tooker to do a traffic study on the Saugatuck side of the bridge only, presumably to accommodate the proposed Hamlet development, which she supports; and
  2. DOT is now officially recommending that we build a new, bigger bridge — one that will be weight-bearing and tall enough for 18-wheelers.

Needless to say, the stakeholders in the room were outraged. We reiterated what we had said in 2018: that a taller bridge will invite more traffic and trucks when I-95 backs up.

Matthew Mandell, a Representative Town Meeting member, wanted more information on how to obtain an exemption from current building specs, a request that Valerie Seiling Jacobs of Save Westport Now echoed.

She also asked if DOT had considered the impact of increased traffic on air quality — especially given Westport’s ongoing ozone issues. (They had not.)

Maggie Dallal and other young mothers described how difficult it is to cross Bridge Street to get their kids to the bus stop.

School bus crawls along Bridge Street: 7:47 a.m., May 29, 2025. (Photo/Werner Liepolt)

John Suggs, of the Westport Preservation Alliance, reminded DOT that the bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and that Bridge Street is an official “Scenic” route, 2 designations that entitle us to special dispensation.

And Paul Lebowitz, chair of the Planning & Zoning Commission, reminded everyone that the traffic and truck problem had been discussed at the 2018 DOT meeting.

A potential solution had been floated then: building a bridge that would look like the current bridge (e.g, it would have ornamental trusses), but would not be tall enough to accommodate 18-wheelers.

What happened to that idea? Lebowitz wanted to know.

The DOT seemed flummoxed by the crowd’s reaction, perhaps because none of them had been at the 2018 meeting (all those folks have since moved on).

Still, they insisted that a new bridge would not invite more truck or other traffic. In fact, they claimed that a new bridge would actually speed up traffic and reduce idling time, apparently ignoring the fact that everyone would still need to get through the intersection at Riverside and Bridge Street.

Moreover, they seemed to think that trucks would not choose this route even if I-95 backs up.

The Riverside Avenue side of the Cribari Bridge.

Are their memories so short that they do not recall how the fiery crash on I-95 in 2024 prompted hundreds of trucks to cut through Westport? Everyone in the area remembers how our police department had to stop truck traffic due to 18-wheelers jumping the sidewalks.

It’s true that the DOT reps at the front of the auditorium “duly noted” many of the concerns we raised, implying that they would look into those matters. At the very end of the meeting however, in a complete ambush, the chief DOT engineer for the project — who had apparently been in the audience all along but had not previously identified himself — took the microphone and made it clear that DOT intends to build a new bridge that will accommodate all truck traffic — thereby making a mockery of his junior colleague’s “duly noted” promises.

At this past Thursday’s Traffic and Pedestrian Safety meeting, we stood together with residents of the area and insisted that the Westport Traffic Authority demand comprehensive surveys and plans for traffic abatement and resident safety from DOT before any decision is made about the Cribari Bridge.

We must stand together as a community, and tell our first selectwoman and DOT that anything  less is unacceptable.

We deserve to have a voice in what happens in our community.

(If you agree, please email contactsavewestportnow@gmail.com to add your name to the roster of residents who will save the town from this hasty, dangerous, foolish plan.)

(The Opinion pages of “06880” are open to all. Please send submissions to 06880blog@gmail.com)

Pic Of The Day #2963

On some private roads, all the mailboxes are the same. On some roads, they’re not.

But at least they’re always in order.

Well, almost always. The ones on High Gate Road, off Maple Avenue South, are different sizes — and very random.

Photographer Chris Gramm has 2 questions:

What’s up with that gap between #18 and #35?

And does the mail carrier wish they were in order?

(Photo/Chris Grimm)

Friday Flashback #452

Lifeguards returned to Compo Beach last weekend.

The young men and women — nearly all college- and high school-aged — are well-trained, enthusiastic, and toned.

They follow a long tradition of guards. Here’s an interesting shot of their (all-male) predecessors, perhaps a century ago.

We’re sure they were well-trained and enthusiastic. They look pretty toned, too.

Plus, they won some kind of trophy. Good work, guys!

(Photo courtesy of Christopher Maroc)

(Friday Flashback is one of “06880”‘s many regular features. If you enjoy this — or anything else on our website — please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here. Thank you!)

Roundup: Staples Honors, Staples Scholarships, Staples Players …

Congratulations to Alexis Krenzer!

The Staples High School senior received the school’s highest honor — the Staples Key — at Wednesday’s awards ceremony.

Alexis — a Learning Center and middle school tutor; LinkCrew member for freshmen; member of the National, Science, Math and Chinese Honor Socieites; organizer of the Staples Tuition Grants Fun Run; ski team captain and soccer player — also took first place in the state STEM fair for her cancer research.

Alexis will study chemistry and math at Northwestern University.

The  other 2 finalists for the Staples Key were Abe Lobsenz and Sam Rossoni.

Over 90 awards were given out. Among the other big ones:

Lily Rimm won the James Bacharach Award Service to the Community Award. It’s been presented for over 35 years by the  Westport Youth Commission, in honoro of the founder and president of the Youth Adult Council, and a founder of what is now Homes with Hope.

Principal’s Awards for Outstanding Service went to William Boberski, Nina Bowens, Luca Caniato, Mia Ferrigno, Derek Hafiz, Christina Kavanah, Kensley Laguerre, Annam Olasawere, Molly Oliver, Andrew Rebello, Madeleine Saounatsos, Zelie Saounatsos, Danielle Schwartz and Jackson Tracey.

Staples Awards for Character were given to Kody Goldman and Kylie Kirkham (Class of 2025), Taylor Serotta and Eva Slossberg (Class of ’26), Nicolas Reyna and Vanii Punia (Class of ’27), and Kai Massicott and Azita Vazhayil (Class of ’28).

Alexis Krenzer

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More awards!

On Thursday, the Westport Police Benevolent Association Scholarship Foundation handed grants of $2,500 each to 17 students.

The Scholarship Foundation was founded and principally funded by Dr. Joan Poster and her late husband, Dennis Poster.

From left: Joseph Sabin, Reese Aliberti, Jaden Aliberti, Meghan Velky, Sgt. Sharon Russo, Sara Sabin, Samantha Sabin, Gabrielle Hayes, Lily Rimm. Not pictured: Zachary Benson, Grace Biagiotti, Olivia Biagiotti, Jacqueline Kelley, April Nowinski, Edward Nowinski, Brandon Smith, Connor Woods, Ava Wooldridge. (Photo: Harry Rimm)

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The dream of Staples Players actors is to be on Broadway.

Jamie Mann is.

Just a few days after graduating from the University of Michigan, the 2021 Staples High School alum has a featured role — and some very funny moments — in the new hit “Stranger Things.”

The other day, 26 current Players (and aspiring Great White Way stars) headed to New York. Jamie, they and directors David Roth and Kerry Long had dinner before the show.

After the curtain, Jamie posed for photos and autographs.

Jamie Mann (front row, 2nd from left) with Staples Players. (Photo/Kerry Long)

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It’s almost Yankee Doodle Fair time!

The dedades-old tradition returns next weekend. Dates are Thursday and Friday, June 12 and 13 (6 to 10 p.m.); Saturday, June 14 (1 to 10 p.m.), and Sunday, June 15 (1 to 5 p.m.). The site is (of course) the Westport Woman’s Club (44 Imperial Avenue)

As always, there are carnival rides, games, food trucks and baked goods, raffles — you name it. Sand art is back too.

The “Take a Chance” tent makes a comeback, with prizes donated by local merchants and restaurants. Winners do not have to be present at the drawings.

A pay-one-price, unlimited ride wristband option is available.

Proceeds help benefit a variety of local charities, provide scholarships to Staples students, and support the Woman’s Club’s 50-year-old food closet.

This year, the organization awarded $124,200 in grants and scholarships.

Yankee Doodle comes to town!

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“Egrets” — the new 7 1/2-foot stainless steel sculpture by Redding artist Babette Bloch — will be dedicated tomorrow (May 31, 4 p.m., Canal Park, Canal Street at Kings Highway North).

It’s the latest in a series of local outdoor art, courtesy of the Westport Arts Advisory Committee and our Parks & Recreation Department.

Westport poet laureate Donna Disch will speak, and refreshments will be served.

A Parks & Rec employee lays grass, so “Egrets” is in its element.

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Former Westporter Rev. Dr. Peter Haile died May 16. He was 100.

He moved into The Saugatuck on Bridge Street when he was 80 to be closer to his daughter, Rebecca Swanson. He created, wrote and published a very popular newsletter for residents, “The Saugatalk.”

He was born at a school run by the London Missionary Society for the education of Black South Africans, where his father was principal for 40 years. The school, which refused to compromise its mission, was closed by the apartheid government in 1962. It reopened in 1995.

At 10, Peter was sent to live with an aunt in London, until the Blitz forced him, and many other children, to evacuate. At his new school he excelled in academics and competed in rugby, field hockey and cross country.

He spent 3 years in the Royal Navy. Discharged in South Africa, he was reunited with his parents for the first time in 12 years.

Peter earned his teaching certificate at Oxford, where he ran cross country with Roger Bannister. On a mission year in the US he met and married Jane Hollingsworth. They moved to Boston, where Peter ministered to college students.

In 1961 he began a 29-year stint at the Stony Brook School on Long Island, as an English teacher, chaplain and assistant headmaster. After retiring, he spent 10 years as assistant pastor at the Three Village Church in Setauket, New York.

Peter was was predeceased by his wife. He is survived by his son John (Susan), daughter Rebecca Swanson (David); grandchildren CMDR David Haile (Michelle), Andrew Haile (René), Sarah Haile, Dr. David Swanson III (Katharine), and Peter Swanson (Marissa);,and great-grandchildren Nora, James, Christopher, Brandon, Alethea and Naomi.

A memorial service is set for July 3, at the Stony Brook School. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Stony Brook School, Mozaic Senior Life or Tiger Kloof Educational Institution.

Rev. Dr. Peter Haile

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Let’s end this week with a bow-wow “Westport … Naturally” photo.

Frankie enjoys the grass near Compo Beach. He wishes he and his friends are allowed on the sand all year long — not just off-season.

(Photo/Sunil Hirani)

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And finally … Rick Derringer, who hit Number 1 as a 17-year-old guitarist with “Hang On Sloopy,” had a smash several years later as a solo artist with “Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo,” then became a producer with artists ranging from Peter Frampton, Barbra Streisand and Kiss to Bette Midler, Cyndi Lauper and Weird Al Yankovic — died Monday in Florida. He was 77.

A complete obituary is available here.

(Sloopy lives in a very bad part of town. But you’re in Westport — or you’ve got some connection to it. If you enjoy this “06880” community, please click here to support our work. Thanks!)

Traffic & Safety Task Force: 6 Months Of Progress; More Work Ahead

Representative Town Meeting (RTM) member Andrew Colabella attended last night’s Traffic & Safety Task Force meeting.

Members provided an update to residents. The group meets twice a year publicly, but are always available to address concerns and asnwer questions. Andrew reports:

Since their inception in April 2022, the Traffic & Safety Task Force has been very active. Among their achievements:

Grants

Safe Streets for All: The Safety Action Plan is complete, and the implementation grant application is in preparation.

STEAP Grant: The Greens Farms Elementary School sidewalks contract has been awarded, and construction is complete.

LOTCIP Projects (Local Transportation Capital Improvement Program):

  • Main Street – Compo Road North sidewalks: Construction is complete.
  • Compo Road South sidewalks (from Post Road East to Bridge Street): Final design plans are being reviewed by the state Department of Transportation. Construction is expected this fall or next spring.
  • Easton Road sidewalks (from Weston Road to Coleytown Road).

BIG Project: The Compo Road North sidewalk project is underway. Other potential incidental projects include a demonstration project that closes Taylor Place to vehicles, creating a pedestrian-only area. This has been approved as a LOTCIP project for funding. Preliminary talks are underway with various departments, including CDOT.

Town Projects

Cross Highway Traffic Improvements:

Phase 1: Signage has been installed. There have been many positive comments from the public.

Phase 2: Construction of the sidewalk from Wakeman Farm Lane to Bayberry Lane is 95% complete.

Phase 3: Construction of the sidewalk from North Avenue to Wakeman Farm Lane is scheduled for this year.

Phase 4: Construction of the Cross Highway culver over Deadman Brook is scheduled for the summer of 2026.

New signage at Cross Highway and Bayberry Lane includes flashing lights.

Compo Road South at Longshore, near Compo Parkway: Construction of the crosswalk and rapid flashing beacon is almost complete.

Imperial Avenue at Baker Avenue: Retrofit of the crosswalk and rapid flashing beacon is underway. CTDOT is finalizing the design. Construction is scheduled for this year.

Riverside Avenue improvements in Saugatuck Center: Funding has been approved for mid-block crosswalks and traffic signals. The design is in progress.

School Zones across town: Signage has recently been installed in school zones.

Stop sign on Edge Hill Lane: This stop sign is being addressed.

Stop sign to replace yield sign on Salem Lane at Salem Road: This is also being addressed, with MPH and curve to be included.

Approval for mid-block crosswalk and rapid flashing beacon on Easton Road at Wisteria Lane: The design is in progress. The project is working with property owners.

Riverside Avenue at Railroad Place: A new stop sign is being installed to replace the yield sign.

Morningside Drive South at Hillandale Road: Hillandale has become a 4-way stop.

New chevrons installed on Old Hill Road and Kings Highway North.

Signage improvements are underway on Roseville Road at Whitney St. to increase visibility.

CCGP Projects (Community Connectivity Grant Program):

Hillspoint Road (Compo Hill Avenue to Hales Road): Construction is 99% complete. Shared Lane Marking Route: A grant application has been submitted.

CT DOT Projects (Ongoing and on schedule)

Post Road East improvements (Crescent Road to Roseville Road, and Stop & Shop through Bulkley Avenue North and South).

Routes 57 & 136, Main Street/Weston Road/Easton Road, Merritt Parkway Exit 42 intersection improvements

I-95 Exit 17 Saugatuck Avenue Bridge

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To convey concerns, and work with town departments to analyze and solve issues, or proactively prevent something from becoming an issue.

Traffic enforcement requests: https://www.westportct.gov/government/departments-a-z/police-department/request-for-traffic-enforcement

All other traffic safety concerns:

https://www.westportct.gov/government/selectwoman-s-office/traffic-pedestrian-safety/submit-a-traffic-safety-concern

Police Department Non-Emergency 203-341-6000
Public Works 203-341-1120
Selectwoman’s Office 203-341-1111

 

“Talk Of The Town”: First Musical For New Yorker — And Westporters Too

The New Yorker is 100 years old.

Eve Potts is just 4 years younger.

Neither shows signs of slowing down.

Potts — who in nearly 70 years in Westport has impacted nearly every artistic and historical organization here — is about to debut “Talk of the Town.”

The project — a collaboration with fellow Westporter Andrew Bentley — has been more than 10 years in the making.

It will be worth it. The staged reading of their original musical, “Talk of the Town” (Westport Country Playhouse, June 8) tells the true tale of the 2 love stories that launched the legendary magazine.

Playwrights Eve Potts and Andrew Bentley.

Hundreds of books have been written about the New Yorker, Potts says. But very little have delved into that love aspect of the original story.

And certainly not in a musical.

The fact that Potts had never written a musical, in all her 96 years?

No problem!

Westport has a long history with the magazine. Local artists have illustrated dozens of covers.

In 2014 she curated a Westport Historical Society show, featuring some of that art. Each work was accompanied by a photo of the same location, now.

A “New Yorker” cover, and the same scene now.

Bentley had just moved back to town. A graphic designer and writer, he wrote her out of the blue. Do you want to do a book? he asked.

They collaborated on “The New Yorker in Westport.” A collection of those covers — with background material — it has raised over $100,000 for local charities.

The cover of Eve Potts and Andrew Bentley’s book shows a classic Compo Beach scene, from 1973.

Soon, they were ready for their next act: a show about the magazine’s founding, with an emphasis on the “love stories” behind it.

As the idea took shape, Potts and Bentley — who also had never written a musical — enlisted Jeffrey Stock. He created all the songs, which gave structure and spirit to the story.

Irving Berlin figures prominently in the launch of the New Yorker. So does Harold Ross and his wife Jane Grant. Potts calls her “a beautiful, intelligent, powerful woman — a proto-feminist.”

A dancer and singer who had gone to business school, she famously kept her maiden name — a rarity at the time.

The fervent Roaring Twenties, when New York — with its jazz, speakeasies and unbridled optimism — was ready for a sophisticated magazine plays a major role in the new musical too.

Before and while writing a play about those early years, Potts read “every scrap” she could.

There was a lot. Founder Harold Ross typed most of his thoughts, then added hand-written comments. Potts pored through his archives, at the New York Public Library.

The Playhouse staged reading will be the first time — after a decade of work — that “Talk of the Town” is seen in public. (There have been a couple of table reads at Bentley’s home.)

Potts and Bentley have enjoyed working with the WCP team, to bring it to life. “They’re so supportive and helpful,” she says. “It’s been very educational to see what goes on behind the scenes.”

Potts — who is “more is excited than I thought I’d ever be” — gives big props to her co-writer.

“Andrew is on top of everything,” she says. “He’s incredible with details. He does a lot of the scut work.”

Potts and Bentley are unsure of the next steps. Can it become a musical staged by high schools? Will a producer stage it on Broadway?

But one thing is almost certain: 96-year-old Eve Potts is the oldest new playwright in America.

What better way to celebrate the 100th birthday of the New Yorker?

Pic Of The Day #2962

Body parts by Vince, on Main Street (Photo/Amy Schneider)

Scarice: Update On “No Place For Hate,” Phone-Free Schools, AI Vision, More …

Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice sends this update to all families of the school community:

Although the weather does not quite feel like it, we are rapidly approaching the end of the school year. My house is now full again with 2 returning college students joining their little brother, a high school junior, for summer break. The fridge is emptying faster, the laundry pile is growing taller, and the Wi-Fi is under more pressure than ever — but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

I’d like to provide the school community with some updates as we begin to close out the school year.

Last Student Day/Graduation
Our last student day will be an early dismissal on June 13.  The Staples High School Class of 2025 graduation is scheduled for June 11, at 6:00 p.m. on the football field.

We are almost there!  With longer days (when it’s actually sunny!), spring sports and activities, and our collective attention span pointing towards summer, it can be challenging for our kids to stay engaged. In the spirit of a strong finish, we ask for your partnership in keeping our students engaged over the final couple of weeks.

Field Days
Field days are a cherished tradition in our elementary schools.  We have worked to provide access for parent spectators this year, quite a challenge with parking constraints.

In addition, Staples will hold the first annual Staples Field Day (“Wrecker Fest ‘25″). Even with less than ideal weather conditions forecasted, these days will provide lasting memories for our students, staff and families.

Celebrating Our Commitment: All WPS Schools Designated as “No Place for Hate”
This year, our district deepened our decades-long partnership with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) by committing each of our 8 schools to earn the “No Place for Hate” designation, a national, student-led initiative aimed at combating bias and bullying.

I am thrilled to share that every one of our schools has met the criteria to be officially recognized as a “No Place for Hate” school.

This milestone reflects the hard work of our students, faculty, and staff who have led meaningful, school-specific activities that promote empathy, respect, and understanding. The program empowers school communities to stand against all forms of prejudice and build a culture of inclusion.

The “No Place for Hate” initiative aligns with our district’s long-standing belief that a safe and supportive learning environment is foundational to student success. As we celebrate this achievement, we reaffirm our commitment to nurturing schools where every student feels a strong sense of belonging.

Phone-Free Schools Update
Last June, I recommended restricting access to smartphones and wearable technology during the school day across all grade levels.

Since then, our phone-free initiative has been successfully implemented across all elementary and middle schools. Students at these levels now benefit from a learning environment free from the distractions of personal devices.

Throughout this year, we have continued to study and discuss extending this approach to Staples High School, culminating in my final recommendation to the Board of Education on May 15 (see pages 14-36) to establish a bell-to-bell phone-free school day.

The Board expressed support for this direction, while requesting that a detailed implementation plan be developed before final approval.

We are now taking the next step.

This summer, the administrative team will draft a comprehensive implementation plan. This will address key considerations, including:

  • Operational logistics and containment mechanisms
  • Implications for classroom instruction
  • Potential phased-in approaches and flexibility for upperclassmen
  • Strategies to ensure clarity and consistency

Once the draft is complete, it will be reviewed and refined with input from a working group composed of faculty, students, and parents.

Importantly, the charge of this group is not to determine whether to move forward with a phone-free day, but to guide how we implement it effectively.

We look forward to working in partnership with our school community as we take this important step toward enhancing focus, well-being, and authentic engagement at Staples. We will continue to share updates as this work progresses.

A Bold Strategic Vision for AI in Westport Public Schools

As I’ve shared throughout the year, I made a bold recommendation to the Board of Education: to position Westport Public Schools as a national leader in public education’s artificial intelligence (AI) revolution.

This vision began to take shape in real time. This year, Westport was honored to be one of only seven districts in Connecticut selected to participate in a statewide AI pilot program. The pilot was a resounding success—allowing us to explore where AI can meaningfully enhance teaching and learning, and just as importantly, where it may not yet be appropriate or effective.

Guided by our unwavering commitment to maintaining the humanity of our schools, and to augment—not replace—the work of our educators, we are taking the next step.

This summer, we will be developing a set of strategic objectives for AI that clearly define Westport’s vision for the thoughtful integration of this powerful tool. These objectives will address four key areas:

  • AI and the Student
  • AI and the Teacher
  • Ethical Considerations
  • Operational Efficiencies
  • “Future-Proofing” Our Schools

Our work will be framed by a set of essential questions that guide inquiry, reflection, and innovation, each embedding our values. The resulting draft plan will be shared with the Board of Education, culminating in a final presentation when we reconvene in September.

Westport’s leadership in this space is not just about technology—it’s about ensuring our students and teachers are prepared, protected, and empowered in a rapidly changing world.

My best to you and your family.

Remembering Dolores “DoDo” Bacharach

Dolores Bacharach — known fondly as “DoDo” to generations of Westporters impacted by her broad and deep volunteer efforts — died Monday at her home. She was 97, and had led a long, happy life devoted to others.

She and Jim Bacharach, her husband of 44 years, were engaged in civic and church activities throughout their lives. Their accomplishments include establishing Westport’s first soup kitchen, which became Homes with Hope; helping develop and grow the Intercommunity Camp; and participating in Westport’s Interfaith Council, Senior Advisory Council, and the Social Concerns Committee at Assumption Church.

Jim and DoDo Bacharach

DoDo taught CCD at Assumption, expanded the Assumption School library, led the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults and other outreach programs, was a eucharistic minister, and laundered church linens

She followed the example of Dorothy Day, of the Catholic Worker movement. DoDo — who believed in social justice to her core —  was honored with the Saint Augustine Medal of Service in 2005.

After raising 5 children — and being a surrogate mother to many of their friends — she earned a master’s degree in social work at age 60. DoDo worked for Catholic Social Services, and established SAGE Associates, a private social work practice.

She volunteered at Caroline House in Bridgeport, and for more than 40 years cooked and served meals at the Gillespie Center kitchen.

Dolores “DoDo” Bacharach

Her family says: “DoDo loved reading, movies, musical comedy and serious plays, ‘All Creatures Great and Small,’ a glass of white wine with ice, good friends, mint chocolate chip ice cream, a day at the beach, and her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

“She was kindness personified. She was generous with her time and treasure. Over the life of the Intercommunity Camp, she offered her pool and ran the library there. Every neighbor was welcome to swim, and she hosted an annual Christmas Carol Sing.

“She was generous with herself: bringing meals to housebound friends, driving people to church or doctor’s appointments, taking great care of her friend and neighbor, Mary Lou. She loved laughing and sharing a joke.

“There was not a moment when she didn’t think of the person or people in front of her. She greeted everyone she met at the store, the gas station, the doctor’s office, or anywhere else she went with warmth and genuine interest. She really did want to know how you were today. She went out of her way to brighten their day.”

DoDo is survived by her children Ann (Robert), James (Carla), Katharine Hines (William), Charles (Linda) and Jean Burke (David), 13 grandchildren, and 13 great-grandchildren.

A memorial Mass will be celebrated July 19 (11 a.m., Assumption Church). In lieu of flowers, donations to Homes with Hope can be made in her name (PO Box 631, Westport, CT 0688).