Got drugs you no longer need (or want)? Or those that have expired?
On Saturday, April 25 (10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Senior Center) the Westport Police Department takes part in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.
Residents can bring tablets, capsules, patches and other solid forms of prescription drugs to the Senior Center. Liquid products, such as cough syrup, should remain sealed in their original container.
Do not bring syringes, sharps and illicit drugs. The cap must be tightly sealed to prevent leakage.
Drop-offs are free, and anonymous.
Westport Police also offer a year-round collection bin in the lobby of the headquarters building on Jesup Road. There is a supply of medication disposal bags in the lobby, to dispose of liquid and pill medications in your regular garbage.
The founder and CEO of Westport-based ThoughtPartnr has just been named to MSN’s “Top 10 AI Leaders to Follow” list.
His writeup calls Norris “a serial entrepreneur, author and strategic advisor known for helping leaders scale businesses and influence markets through innovation, technology and high-performance leadership.
“As an AI strategist, he is focused n helping small and medium-sized businesses succeed in the age of artificial intelligence.
Norris chairs the Technology and Innovation Council of the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce.
But he’s well-known locally too.
A co-founder of StartUp Westport, board member of several organizations, and founder of Westport 10, Norris’ ThoughtPartnr firm helped develop our “06880” widget.
Available at the top right of every 06880.org page (and through the far-left bottom at the bottom of our “06880” app), it enables users to do a deep dive into 17 years of our blog’s content. It’s more than a search engine — it’s a way to use AI in a hyper-local way.
Helping small and medium-sized businesses is one of Norris’ passions.
“The Savannah Sipping Society” — Westport Community Theatre’s 4th production of the season — opened last night.
The warm, witty comedy about friendship, second chances and the occasional happy hour continues weekends through April 26.
Co-written by Jamie Wooten (“Designing Women,” “The Golden Girls”), it
stars Dandy Barrett, Heather Delude, Gillian Holt and Ellen Krinick Porto.
Performances are Fridays and Saturdays (7:30 p.m.), and Sundays (2 p.m.)., at the WCT in the lower level of Town Hall. A special Thursday show is set for April 16 (7:30 p.m.).
Identical twins, Juilliard graduates and clarinet and saxophone virtuosos Peter and Will Anderson (and Companions) perform American songbook standards by George Gershwin at Christ & Holy Trinity Episcopal Church.
Speaking of entertainment: Lachat Town Farm — Weston’s multi-purpose entertainment and educational venue — has announced its 2026 Music in the Meadow lineup.
There’s something for everyone.
The season kicks off June 13 with indie rock standouts Morningside — recently named one of Connecticut’s Top 12 Up‑and‑Coming Bands — with a supporting set from Charlotte Roth.
On July 11 they welcome Quinn Sullivan. The Massachusetts guitar star has shared the stage with Buddy Guy and BB King.
August 15 brings Black Rock indie‑folk favorites The Moonrise Cartel. Brian Dolzani opens, featuring the music of Neil Young.
Stella Blue’s Band closes the season September 19, with Grateful Dead tunes.
Next Friday (April 17, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.), an emergency preparedness drill will take place at Bedford Middle School.
It’s during April recess, when schools are closed. The public may notice emergency vehicles and personnel — but it is only a drill. It is not open to the public.
This drill, in partnership with regional and state agencies, is part of an effort to test preparedness plans and strengthen collaboration among local and regional partners, in response to a public health emergency scenario.
Participating agencies include the Westport Police Department and Fire Departments, Westport Emergency Medical Services, the Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, and the state Department of Public Health.
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It never gets old.
Once again, Ken Bernhard, Ted Freedman ad Rick Jaffe are asking Westporters to check their closets, and donate new or slightly worn shoes to Soles4Souls.
Collection boxes are in place at Town Hall and the Senior Center. Donations can be made through the first week of May.
Soles4Souls keeps shoes out of landfills, provides footwear for people in need, and creates micro-business opportunities in places of poverty.
Since 2006, the organization has salvaged over nearly 100 million pairs of shoes. They’ve been distributed in 129 countries, and all 50 states.
Westport does its part. Ken, Ted and Rich have collected over 4,000 pairs of shoes, helping people around the world who lack access to proper footwear.
Ken Bernhard and friend, with the Soles4Souls collection box at Town Hall.
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Bees are back!
And even though it looks like this guy is still wearing a winter coat, today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo is one more sign that spring is on its way.
And finally … in honor of the shoe collection drive, through the organization Soles4Souls (item above):
(Hold on! Don’t leave yet! If you enjoy these daily Roundups — or any other “06880” feature — please click here. Your tax-deductible contribution supports our work. Thank you!)
As always, our artists — professional and amateur, young and old(er) — choose a variety of mediums to display their works.
As always too, we invite you to be part of next week’s exhibition. No matter your age; the 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, mixed media, digital, lithographs, collages, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage, needlepoint — we want whatever you’ve got.
Just email a JPG to 06880blog@gmail.com. And please include the medium you’re working in.
“You’ve Got Mail” — Saugatuck Shores (Patricia McMahon — Available for purchase; click here)
“Watercolor is a Swim in the White of the Paper” — Lajos Szalay (Duane Cohen; Available for purchase; click here)
“One Nyala Morning” (Nancy Breakstone — Available for purchase; click here)
“Bunny’s in Your Garden” — acrylic pastel on canvas (Dorothy Robertshaw; Available for purchase; click here)
“Zeke” — pencil on paper (Bill Fellah)
“My Largest Color Splash Yet” — acrylics poured on a wooden panel (Eric Bosch)
“Print Stripes” — collage and printmaking (Ben Crockett, age 7 — One River Art student)
Untitled — collage (June Rose Whittaker; Available for purchase; click here)
“Mother Nature’s Feather Art” (Mike Hibbard)
“Spring” (Martin Ripchick)
“Lovers” — watercolor inspired by Chagall (Steve Stein)
“Sam” — graphite on Bristol (Werner Liepolt)
“Fred” (Lawrence Weisman)
(Entrance is free to our online art gallery –as it has been for 6 years. But please consider an anniversary donation! Just click here — and thank you!)
In high school Gofman was involved in WWPT radio, and played on the state champion volleyball team.
He studied media production, and played and coached club volleyball, at Ithaca College, then earned a master’s in sport and performance psychology at the University of Denver.
Gofman spent 5 years at a Westport mental health group, helping young men struggling to navigate life. During COVID he and his wife Danielle moved to Roanoke, Virginia, where he was interim CEO of a community health center.
Last summer they returned to Westport. He established his practice on Sylvan Road South. In addition to life coaching, he specializes in patients with chronic pain.
Danielle is also a therapist; she works virtually.
David and Danielle Gofman, with their children.
Gofman empathizes with his young adult and early professional clients. Some are on the cusp of graduating; others are a few years into the careers, but don’t always like where they are.
They feel both the general anxieties of young people, and uncertainty about the future of work itself.
Meanwhile, the impersonal — and negative, no-reply, non-feedback elements of the application process — saps confidence, and reinforces doubts about what lies ahead.
Gofman tries to help clients align their job search around their personal values and interests.
Despite doomsday predictions, he says, “AI is not taking over a lot of jobs.”
As for algorithms that seem to rule the resume process, Gofman advises, “Control what you can control. Establish a network. Build relationships. Rely on those people.” That’s especially true, he says, when searching locally for work.
“Print out a resume. Knock on doors. You don’t always have to apply online,” he says.
And, he adds, “work on your interpersonal skills. Practice them, so you feel confident.”
David Gofman (Photo/Kristyn Miller)
Though Gofman was in much the same place less than 20 years ago — with plenty of college and career pressure — a lot has changed.
“I was in high school at the threshold of technological change,” he says. “Smartphones and social media were just coming in.” AI was still the stuff of science fiction.
Job applications were read by human beings, not software.
Now, David Gofman is one human being trying to help others navigate a new, and very difficult, world.
(“06880” reports regularly on Staples High School graduates, of all ages. If you enjoy stories like this, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
The Longshore golf course opened last week. Golfers can practice their swings nearby, a few yards from the water. It’s the only driving range in town.
Back in the day — the 1950s through the ’70s — there were more options.
Two driving ranges were connected to miniature golf parks. Both were on Post Road East. Decades ago, both were replaced by condominiums.
One was near Southport. Today it’s Lansdowne. (An adjacent skating rink was turned long ago into the Westport Tennis Club.)
Interestingly, you can drive golf balls to your heart’s contact — all year long, with indoor simulators — at The Clubhouse, a few yards in the other direction. Quite a coincidence.
The other driving range/mini-golf course (photo below) was operated by the Backiel family. These days, it’s the Regents Park condominiums.
Fore!
(Photo courtesy of Jack Backiel)
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Americans discard 20 million mattresses and box springs annually. 55,000 end up in incinerators and landfills each day.
Sustainable Westport can help.
On May 2 (8:30 to 11:30 a.m. Earthplace), they’re sponsoring a free mattress/ box spring recycling event.
Up to 90% of old mattresses can be recycled into new products, like carpet pads, exercise equipment cushioning, bike seats, insulation, air filters and steel materials.
Dry and unsoiled mattress and/or box springs are welcome. Please, none that are damaged, wet or contaminated (e.g., bed bugs).
If you can’t transport your mattress or box spring, Westport Scout Troop 36 will provide a pickup service for a small donation. Click here to register.
Scout Troop 36 helps with the mattress recycling drive.
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Who says today’s teenagers don’t care about the future of their country?
On Wednesday, the League of Women Voters of Westport partnered with US Vote Foundation to register seniors at Staples High School.
In just 2 1/2 hours, 118 students completed forms. Many others took forms with them, or captured a QR code to register, or make a plan to vote where they attend college.
Voter registration was just one part of Staples’ “Invest in Yourself” program.
The day-long event helped seniors build practical skills, as they prepare for life after high school.
A Financial Reality Fair and series of health and wellness workshops gave students hands-on experience with the kinds of decisions they will face as young adults.
In the Financial Reality Fair, held in partnership with Connecticut’s credit unions, students managed personal budgets based on their chosen career paths and projected net salaries.
At booths staffed by PTA and credit union volunteers, seniors made spending decisions about housing, transportation, utilities and other expenses, before reviewing their financial choices with financial professionals.
The health and wellness sessions included “Know Before You Go,” a sexual violence prevention program presented by the Rowan Center of Norwalk, and a documentary about the dangers of mixing alcohol and prescription drugs.
The sessions were followed by conversations with the Westport Police Department, Positive Directions, and Staples mental health professionals.
In addition Chartwells presented “Nutrition 101″L practical guidance for maintaining a healthy diet away from home.
Van Gogh meets Mr. Brainwash at Clarendon Fine Art in Westport.
This month, the Main Street gallery — the British-based company’s first in the US — unveils a new collection.
Mr. Brainwash — who fuses street art, vibrant color, mixed media and cultural references, in an intriguing intersection of street art and contemporary pop — now reimagines Van Gogh’s most recognizable motifs.
The artist will be at Clarendon April 23 (6:30 to 8:30 p.m.). The exhibition is on view through May 3.
Carolyn Doan — Westport’s osprey whisperer — noticed a lot of activity at the Fresh Market osprey nest yesterday. She writes:
“Both raptors were relaxing in the sun. A few moments later they were visited by a third osprey, vying for the attention of the female. It was quickly chased away by the male after 2 low flying swoops.
“The couple then engaged in mating attempts, and relaxed some more in the sun. Mother Nature never disappoints…”
We won’t comment on their mating attempts. But if this spring is like previous ones, we’ll be welcoming another osprey pair back next year.
Speaking of wildlife: Scott Smith has enjoyed several sightings of a large flock of turkeys this spring at the H. Smith Richardson Wildlife Preserve, on the Southport border.
He writes: “I’m happy to stop for them as they cross Sasco Creek Road heading over to the Christmas Tree Farm from the meadow, which is being restored by the Connecticut Audubon Society.
“The big birds roost high up in trees at night, which is why a group of them is called a rafter.”
Scott adds that next week, Audubon will permanently ban dogs from the meadow, as well as the biggest parcel of the property: the open space that goes all the way to the playing fields of Greens Farms Academy.
He adds, “I can see why dog walkers would be upset — but not me, or the turkeys, or all the other field-nesting birds like the indigo bunting that call this rare habitat home.”
Roadwork — repairs, maintenance and improvements — are going on all over town.
This is the scene on Whitney Street, where sidewalks are being torn up, and trees removed, as the first steps in repaving the road and replacing sidewalks.
But “Get Up With It! A Miles Davis Centennial Celebration” kicks off the 2026 season on May 24 (7 p.m.).
The event — honoring the jazz legend’s 100th birthday — features a longstanding project of The War on Drugs drummer (and Greens Farms Academy graduate) Charlie Hall.
Now in its third decade, the 10-person ensemble focuses on 3 of Davis’ most influential albums: 1969’s visionary “In a Silent Way,” the 1970 magnum opus “Bitches Brew,” and 1971’s “Jack Johnson.”
And finally … Wayne Perkins, a guitarist who “injected Southern rock into the reggae of Bob Marley and the Wailers’ breakthrough album, ‘Catch a Fire,’ auditioned for a spot in the Rolling Stones and turned down an offer to join Lynyrd Skynyrd,” died last month in Alabama. He was 74, and had suffered a stroke.
We know that our social media feeds are manipulated by algorithms. The stories, videos, images, ads and clickable links I see are different than yours.
We know we are getting a skewed view of the world — one that reinforces what we already believe, and separates us further from those who believe differently.
We know all that. But — as we scroll, click and scroll again, endlessly and mindlessly — we seldom think about what those seemingly ordinary posts mean to our lives.
We think of social media as a galaxy of free speech.
In reality, it’s a universe of hate speech.
Dr. Matthias Becker has spent years studying those ideas. He just finished a $3 million-plus research grant on antisemitism, and wrote a book about it.
Dr. Matthias Becker
In his new position at New York University as the Address Hate Research Scholar, he is exploring digital hate, implicit communication, and the social impact of AI-driven platforms.
He regularly advises governments and tech companies on ways to mitigate online hatred.
On April 21 (7 p.m., Westport Library), Dr. Becker brings his research and insights to Westport.
“Decoding Bias & Hate on Social Media” is the next in a series of Common Ground Initiative programs. CGI hosts positive conversations on how to encourage respectful, constructive dialogue, and tackle challenging issues.
Dr. Becker is an engaging, thoughtful speaker. His insights are relevant to anyone on social media — in other words, everyone.
But they’re especially important for young people, who gobble up social media constantly, and may be less cognizant of what they see and why. The hate speech they see online — not always identifiable as such — can have an especially pernicious effect on developing minds.
So as part of the April 21 event, the Common Ground Initiative is sponsoring a “Decode Hate Video Challenge.”
Students throughout Fairfield County are invited to meet with Dr. Becker at 6 p.m. Over pizza, they’ll learn about explicit and cover hate and bias online — from obvious slurs to hidden memes.
At 7, they’ll listen to his talk. Then, they’re challenged to make a 1- to 2-minute video, showing any kind of hate, bias or manipulation online.
It can be related to sports, music, movies, pop culture, race, religion, ethnicity, sexuality, misogyny — or anything else. The video should be personal, and include ideas on what people or platforms might do differently.
The deadline is May 15. On May 28 the top 5 videos will be judged by a VIP panel — for cash prizes of $1,000, $750 and $500.
“Hate doesn’t announce itself,” Dr. Becker says. “Neither does the AI that’s spreading it.
“Most of what circulates online doesn’t look like the crude hatred of decades past. It look like irony, insinuation, strategic ambiguity — ideas traveling in plain sight, just below the threshold of what most people would call extreme.
“The distinction between free speech and hate speech matters enormously here. And it’s precisely this coded, ambiguous nature of modern hate that makes drawing that line so difficult, and so consequential.
“That also makes these expressions extraordinarily hard to detect, for humans and AI systems alike.”
Dr. Becker’s research addresses 3 elements of the problem: “coordinated bad actors who deliberately exploit divisive issues, and manufacture disinformation at scale”; platform algorithms that reward outrage and amplify emotionally charged content, and elements of online communication itself — anonymity, mutual reinforcement, constant exposure to extremity — that “turn ordinary users into unwitting amplifiers of hate.”
An even deeper problem, Dr. Becker says: “Most public debate about AI and hate focuses on what AI produces — offensive outputs, extremist content.
“That’s real. But it’s downstream of a harder issue: what AI absorbs.
“Every major model shows consistent bias toward hateful associations — not because engineers are hateful, but because models were trained on centuries of human text in which those associations are already embedded.
“You can add guardrails. The underlying associations remain.”
(“06880” covers upcoming events, technology, cultural trends — and, like today, their intersection. If you appreciate stories like this, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Last month — before and during the state Department of Transportation public hearing on the future of the Cribari Bridge — residents and Representative Town Meeting members urged 1st Selectman Kevin Christie to form an advisory group.
Today, he did just that.
Christie said that a new Cribari Bridge Advisory Committee would “support the town’s ongoing engagement with the DOT as the state-led process moves forward.”
He did not announce names of committee members, or indicate when and how they would be appointed.
The first selectman noted, “the well-attended public hearing reflected strong community interest and underscored the complexity of the issues involved.
“Traffic, safety, neighborhood impact, historic and neighborhood context, and long-term fiscal responsibility are all legitimate concerns that deserve to be evaluated carefully and in an informed way.”
Residents packed Town Hall for last month’s Department of Transportation public meeting. (Photo/Dan Woog)
While state officials have identified a “preferred option” for the bridge, no final decision has been made. The environmental review process remains open.
Christie said, “the Advisory Committee will bring together technical expertise and community perspectives to help keep Westport’s input grounded in facts and reflective of community priorities. It will evaluate options for the bridge, including structural and design considerations, in the context of community impact, funding implications, and long-term maintenance responsibilities.”
The Advisory Committee will make recommendations to the First Selectman.
However, he noted, “the Advisory Committee will not replace the formal state process or make a final decision on the project. Its role is to support the town’s engagement with DOT by providing a structured forum for coordination, analysis, and public input, with a focus on outcomes that serve Westport’s long-term interests.
“Westport has a real stake in this project for our neighborhoods, our infrastructure, and our fiscal future. This Advisory Committee will build on the Town’s discussions with the DOT by grounding decisions in facts, incorporating community input, and identifying solutions that work for Westport.”
The public comment period on the DOT’s Environmental Assessment is open through April 17. Comments can be submitted online, by email to James.Barrows@ct.gov, or by mail to James Barrows, P.O. Box 317546, Newington CT 06131-7546. Reference Project No. 0158-0214.
Cribari Bridge (courtesy of Connecticut Department of Transportation)
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“Fred” (Lawrence Weisman)
