As the proposed Hamlet at Saugatuck development wends its way through a thicket of town regulatory bodies, 2 petitions are circulating in town.
One is against the proposal. The other is for it.
The anti-Hamlet petition comes from the Westport Alliance for Saugatuck. It asks the Planning & Zoning Commission to deny the application, “with recommendations for a minimum of a 40% reduction in scope and scale.”
The pro-Hamlet petition calls The Hamlet “a unique opportunity to enhance Westport’s waterfront with vibrant public spaces, restaurants, and locally owned businesses — all while expanding access to the Saugatuck River.”
Speaking of new construction: The new Long Lots Elementary School plans have drawn criticism from many quarters, from the destruction of the Community Gardens to the possibility of artificial turf on the proposed athletic fields.
It would seem that one element — unveiled last week — would not cause any complaints. That’s the entrance, which would include a new brook.
But some Westporters are concerned about the number of trees to be sacrificed.
And then there’s this, shared with “06880” by another resident: “A number of students with special needs, including autistic children, have a propensity to be drawn to water.
“Not to say that the children won’t be monitored all the time while in school. But if there was ever an incident, or a child ran faster than staff while outside at the playground, the water strikes me as a potentially dangerous addition.”
News that will surprise probably no one: Westport’s Original Pancake House has closed.
The Main Street spot opened in January 2023, in the space previously occupied by Acqua restaurant. (And before that, Boca.)
The chain — whose first restaurant dates back to 1953, in Portland, Oregon — never gained a foothold, despite a small, devoted following. It was open only 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (3 p.m. on weekends), with an interesting but somewhat limited menu. (Hat tip: Sal Liccione)
As a former state champion Staples High School soccer captain — and the father of 3 athletes — Tommy Greenwald know sports.
As the author of a number of award-winning children’s and young adult books, Tommy knows his audience.
The 1979 Staples High School graduate’s newest title is published today.
“The Right Call” — a companion novel to his previous “Game Changer” —explores the growing pressures in youth sports, and the lengths some parents go to make sure their kid comes out on top.
Told through Tommy’s trademark combination of transcripts, articles, texts and e-mails, “The Right Call” is a fast-paced story for middle school readers. They can relate to its treatment of split-second decisions, facing consequences, and the courage it takes to forgive.
Speaking of kids: The Westport Firefighters Charitable Foundation hosts a free egg hunt this Saturday (April 19, 2 p.m., Long Lots Elementary School).
Westport Firefighters Charitable Foundation is hosting a free and festive Egg Hunt for the Westport community on Saturday.
It includes a dedicated, inclusive experience for children with special needs. The sensory-friendly hunt (1 p.m., Long Lots) features a peaceful, welcoming space for egg hunting at each child’s own pace; a quiet touch-a-truck event with vehicles from the Westport Fire and Police Departments (no loud noises!), a chance to meet and take photos with the Bunny, and friendly helps to ensure a smooth, enjoyable experience.
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The Westport Library Big Spring Book Sale is set for May 16-19.
As always there is something for everyone, from toddlers through adults, with thousands of gently used books in over 50 categories of non-fiction and fiction, along with DVDs, CDs, vinyl, ephemera, and framed art. For a link to specials, hours of the sale and more, click here.
The sale begins on Friday, May 16 with early access (8:45 a.m. to noon) for special ticket holders. Click here to purchase, and for more information.
To volunteer, email volunteers@westportbooksales.org.
This year’s event — the 18th annual — is May 3 (9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; sensory-friendly from 9 to 9:30 a.m.; Imperial Avenue parking lot).
Of course, kids of all ages (including adults) are invited to get up close, climb on, and take photos with vehicles of all shapes and sizes. That means fire trucks, police cars, ambulances, cranes, dump trucks, buses, big rigs … you get the idea.
Also on tap: magicians, crafts, face painting, food trucks, and live music.
Admission is $35 per family. Click here to purchase, and more details.
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Monday’s Y’s Women meeting left attendees hungry for more.
They included Milford’s hot buttered lobster on split bun rolls, “steamed” cheeseburgers in Meriden, homemade ice cream at the University of Connecticut Dairy Barn, and the 5 best pizza places in the country (all in New Haven).
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Westport favorite — and native — Melissa Newman returns for another headline event at this Thursday’s Jazz at the Post (April 17, VFW Post 399; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 7 p.m.; music cover $20, $15 for veterans and students).
The vocalist will be joined by Tony Lombardozzi on guitar, Phil Bowler on bass and Bobby Leonard on drums. Click here for reservations.
Melissa Newman
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The latest Westport Country Playhouse Script in Hand reading took place last night. “Paris” tackled issues of race, commerce, community and invisibility in a small town workplace.
The next play in the series — “Still” — is May 5 (7 p.m.). The Playhouse website says: “When former lovers Helen and Mark reunite after years apart, they quickly realize that the person each of them once knew — and the love they shared — might be more complicated than they remembered.”
How sweet does today’s “Westport … Naturally” rose smell?!
(Photo/Ellen Wentworth)
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And finally … sometimes our musical selections are out of left field. Today’s is perhaps the most predictable ever:
(Happy Tax Day! If you’ve got a nice refund coming, please consider tossing a few dollars over to “06880.” We need to pay our taxes — and other expenses — too! Please click here. We thank you!)
One of the joys of March Madness is watching low-seeded teams succeed.
“We the People” is not the NCAA basketball tournament.
But don’t tell that to the high school students who compete every year.
For 11 years, Staples High School juniors and seniors in Suzanne Kammerman’s Advanced Placement Politics & Government class have participated in the event.
They’re spurred by their interest in the subject, a strong desire to win, and the fierce passion their teacher — a former “We the People” competitor herself, at Shelton High School — brings to the classroom.
This is not exactly a “name the president and your 2 US senators” contest,
Here is one example of the questions they tackle, from a previous year:
Supreme Court Associate Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr. wrote, “I think that we should be eternally vigilant against attempts to check the expression of opinions that we loathe and believe to be fraught with death, unless they so imminently threaten immediate interference with the lawful and pressing purposes of the law that an immediate check is required to save the country.” Do you agree or disagree with Justice Holmes? Why?
That’s a tough question. It takes a ton of work just to understand what Holmes said — let alone figure out what you think, then devise arguments for or against it.
But that’s what Staples students — under the direction of Kammerman (with help from Westport men and women with experience in government and law, who volunteer their time, plus several alumni) — have done since September.
In addition to the regular classroom component, they prepare and present oral arguments on specific sections of the Constitution in simulated congressional hearings, followed by a questi9n-and-answer session with a panel of judges.
It is not for the faint of heart. The students grapple with difficult constitutional questions — and the judges demand clear, compelling answers.
After months of preparation, the Staples team placed second at February’s state competition. Trumbull — their traditional “We the People” rival, who they’ve edged out in the past — took the top spot.
But the Westporters’ performance earned them a wild card spot. They began feverish preparations, for the 4-day trip to Washington.
Staples High School’s “We the People” team …
There were 48 teams in DC (making it more difficult, in a sense, than March Madness, with 68).
The first 2 rounds — and a meeting with Senator Chris Murphy in his office — were followed by a Thursday night DJ dance party. The highlight there was not grinding, but the announcement of the top 10 teams.
Among them: Staples High.
Kammerman’s kids were ecstatic. But they quickly settled down.
The first rounds had been held in a convention center. Friday was more historic: The finals were set for the National Union Building, an 1890 event space.
Friday night featured the awards ceremony. Staples’ “We the People” team finished 8th in the nation.
… and their national competition award.
That’s their highest finish ever. In 2020, the pandemic forced the competition into a virtual format. With fewer states competing, and a trunacated format — 1 round of competition, instead of 3 — Staples placed 5th.
Staples was not the only wild card team to succeed this year. Five of the top 10 teams shared that honor — including national champion Sprague High of Oregon.
Perhaps the NCAA could benefit from some of that excitement.
“We the People” take their show on the road.
Congratulations to Kammerman and her students: Lila Boroujerdi, Kate Bulkeley, Lucas Ceballos-Cala, Olivia Cohn, Sofia Donroe, Gunnar Eklund, Will Enquist, Kasey Feeley, Nolan Francis, Jay Hari, Hugo Jacques, Souleye Kebe, Miles Kahn, Aidan Lapatine, Ryder Levine, Gray Peters, Andrew Rebello, Jack Robinson, Zara Saliba, R E I Seltzer, Jake Shufro, Alex Sod.
We — the Westport people — are very proud of you!
PS: Kammerman and the entire team give thanks to their “guest judges” who helped this year — Ira Bloom, J. Russell Bulkeley, Rachel Cohn, Danielle Dobin, Jamie Dockray, Jonathan Francis, Steve Gerber, Deb Goldfarb, Lee Goldstein, Jeff Hammer, Liz Heyer, Lauren Karpf, Rob Hordon, Andy Laskin, Jim Marpe, Nita Prasad, Candice Savin and Maria Signore.
Alumni who assisted include Andrew Berkowitz, Will Boberski, Mia Bomback, Nina Bowens, Emerson Briggs, Kendra Cheng, Alex Cozzolino, Dylan Fiore, Mack Haymond, Nate Hordon, Sorel Kennedy, Sam Laskin, Tucker Peters, Srish Popuri, Ko Seltzer, Jack Srihari and Lilly Weiz.
(For more information on “We the People,” and its sponsor The Center For Civic Education, click here.)
Staples’ “We the People” team, with Senator Chris Murphy. There may be a future US senator in Suzanne Kammerman’s class.
The video below features one of the 6 “units” of the Staples “We the People” calss. This panel focused on the Bill of Rights, exploring the rights and protections it guarantees. The team includes Olivia Cohn, Graysen Peters and Alex Sod. Nolan Francis was on this team, but could not participate in Washington because of an injury.
(“06880” often highlights the achivements of Staples students. If you appreciate stories like this, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
After 29 years on the Westport Police force — the last 9 as chief — Foti Koskinas has seen nearly everything.
He has freed a hostage, overseen Black Lives Matter demonstrations and the rescue of 28 rowers from frigid waters, upgraded school safety, helped arrest carjackers, and dealt with crises large and small, all in an active, demanding town filled with expensive homes, many stores and restaurants and offices, and including a sound, river, railroad, and two major highways.
On June 30, Koskinas will hand in his badge. He has chosen not to renew his contract.
But at an age when some law enforcement personnel retire, Koskinas will continue to pursue the work he loves. He will become chief of police in Easton, and also explore other opportunities both professionally and personally.
Westport Police Chief Foti Koskinas
Koskinas may be Westport’s most infuential police chief ever. Like several other predecessors, he graduated from Staples High School.
Unlike them, however, he came to the US as an immigrant. His parents are Greek. Koskinas arrived at Long Lots Junior High School as a 7th grader. He did not know a word of English.
He learned quickly, and earned renown as a student and athlete. He planned on a career in law, but a college criminology course changed his career path.
His years on the Westport force included 9 as a patrolman, 3 as a sergeant, 3 as a captain, 4 as deputy chief, and — since 2014 — as chief.
Police Chief Foti Koskinas with Dylan Curran, at the 2023 Memorial Day parade. (Photo/Dan Woog)
His duties have included K-9 dog handler, SWAT team leader, dive operator, and member of both the Southwest Regional Emergency Response Team and honor guard. Just about the only job he missed is detective — though he has supervised that department.
He also worked on assignments with the US Drug Enforcemetn Administration.
Along the way Koskinas earned a Connecticut Police Chief’s Association Medal of Valor, for his role rescuing a kidnapping victim from an armed murder suspect on I-95.
In 2019 he received the Distinguished Chiefs Award from the Police Commissioners Association of Connecticut.
As chief he is particularly proud of the role his department played in the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests, after the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis officers.
“The entire country was in turmoil,” Koskinas recalls. “But a lot of what the public was demanding as police changes, we’d already implemented.”
Some of the most vivid images of those days are of Koskinas talking quietly with — and listening to — protesters of all ages and races on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge, at Jesup Green and outside the police station.
Chief Foti Koskinas with Black Lives Matter protesters, outside police headquarters. (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)
As he prepares to step down, Koskinas is filled with gratitude.
His first thanks are to his wife and daughters. “They’ve been through a lot,” he notes. “They endured stress, and I’ve missed a lot with them. But they’ve always been totally supportive.”
Without the men and women of the Westport Police Department, he adds, “nothing would have been possible. This has been a total team effort.”
The chief is grateful too for the support of the Westport community, “on all levels. They gave a first generation immigrant a lot of opportunities, and they have always been there for me.”
Police Chief Foti Koskinas (red shirt, above) has been involved in many aspects of Westport life. He is a frequent participant in the Police Department and Westport Youth Commission’s Dodge-a-Cop dodgeball tournament.
Despite his move to Easton, and living in Fairfield, Koskinas says Westport “will always be dear to me.” He looks forward to helping his successor — and the town — in any way he can.
After more than 40 years here, he has seen many changes — in the Police Department, and the town.
“There are challenges ahead,” he acknowledges. “Westport is growing quickly, with limited capacity” for some of that growth.
Polarization is an issue too. “National politics has reached here.”
But, he concludes, “I’ve had an incredible run. I’ve been very lucky. I always say, to get ahead you need hard work, good timing, and a little bit of luck. I’ve had all 3, and I am extremely grateful for all of it.”
A hands-on chief: Foti Koskinas helping clean garbage from the I-95 hill, in Saugatuck. (Photo/Andrew Colabella)
1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker says: “Since 1996, the town of Westport has been served and protected by a truly amazing human, Foti Koskinas.
“For the past 9 years as chief, Foti has stood at the forefront of a myriad of changes in law enforcement, community tragedies and issues, civil unrest and increased public engagement. He has met these challenges with true leadership, the highest integrity, and an insight into community policing that is unsurpassed.
“Foti’s approach has always been pragmatic, honest and prioritizes communication and collaboration. He is one of ‘Westport’s Finest’ in the truest sense of the phrase. I know Westport agrees with me.
“On behalf of the residents, business owners and visitors of Westport, his colleagues in Town Hall and his fellow PD and EMS first responders, I am so grateful for Foti’s leadership and genuine dedication to our community. I wish him only the best as he enters a new chapter. He will definitely be missed.
“Since he was promoted to chief, Foti has provided the critical leadership so that others may grow and achieve the highest standards we expect and receive from our first-class law enforcement team. I regularly say we have the best Police Department in the state, and I mean it.
“I am very confident that the command of the Westport Police Department will remain in very capable hands, as the next chief will be promoted from within the highly experienced ranks of our current PD.”
(“06880” is your source for news — breaking and follow-up, important and trivial and in between — all over town. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
In response to public concern reported first by “06880” regarding the Connecticut Department of Transportation’s clear cutting of dozens of trees on the Sherwood Island Connector and Hillandale Road, as part of the project to add a new building at the site behind Walgreens — 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker says:
I understand the initial disappointment that the removal of the trees has caused those directly impacted by the construction at the State of Connecticut property at 900 Post Road East, and abutting portions of the Sherwood Island Connector and Hillandale Road.
The town had no prior notification of the clear-cutting activity, nor the timing of the start of the project.
One view of the clear cutting at the state DOT facility, from Hillandale Road …
As with the numerous CT DOT projects either completed or underway throughout this municipality, the town has little oversight over state projects on state property.
Certainly, town officials, including Police, Fire and the Department of Public Works, have professional, responsive and mutual communication with representatives from the CT DOT.
It is neither feasible nor appropriate for the town to be the public communication resource for state projects, because we have no oversight. The state does not have the same notification protocols as the town. For status updates, please refer to the CT DOT site: CT DOT Maps Project Status.
… and another. The Sherwood Island Connector is at left. (Photos/Matt Snow)
Since last week, when initial concerns were brought to our attention, the town has been in regular contact with the Westport Maintenance Facility (State Project 0158-0223) project manager, Matt Easdon.
He has assured us that the CT DOT is open to input from the town officials and will work with the community representatives as the project concludes, to ensure that the completed facility will have appropriate screening/fencing and landscaping to make it visually appealing to the neighbors.
The town is committed to working with the DOT to ensure that this occurs.
Mr. Easdon has now transferred responsibility for the next phase of the project to CT DOT transportation engineer Scott Adkins.
It needs to be stressed that this is a construction site. There will be inevitable disruptions in the surrounding neighborhood over the next 16-18 months. The completed project, however, will result in a streamlined, safer, more efficient complex that ultimately benefits our community.
It has also come to my attention that there are site plans in circulation dating back a number of years that make note of a possible transaction with the town for a portion of the same state parcel abutting West Parish Road. At no time during initial discussions was any state property, or portion thereof, considered for transfer to the town of Westport.
Instead, a potential transfer of property between the CT DOT and the CT Department of Housing for affordable housing was discussed. That conversation between the CT DOT and the DOH had already been put on an indefinite hold prior to these plans for the maintenance facility.
To clarify: Had it come to pass, any land “swap” transaction would have been between the two state agencies, the CT DOT and the CT DOH, not with the Town of Westport.
Aerial view of the state DOT maintenance facility. The Sherwood Island Connector is at left; Post Road East is at top. The area outlined in black (behind Walgreens) will be the new building. The area in red on the right (next to West Parish Road) is referenced by 1st Selectwoman Tooker, as once discussed for affordable housing.
As has been mentioned, the CT DOT is interested in feedback. Please consider emailing the following: Scott Adkins, District 3 Transportation Engineer (Scott.Adkins@ct.gov), with a CC to selectwoman@westportct.gov.
I am confident that the town’s relationship with our neighbors and residents and the CT DOT will remain in good standing now, and into the future, as we work towards a mutually agreeable way to improve and upgrade our and our State’s infrastructure and facilities.
It’s not the most expensive house for sale in Westport.
Nor is it the biggest.
But 1 Crooked Mile Road may be the most historic.
From 1967 to 1976, world-famous film star Bette Davis lived in the 5-bedroom, 5-bathroom, 4,710-square foot home, on the west branch of the Saugatuck River.
Built in 1929, “this iconic residence has been meticulously updated to preserve its antique allure while integrating modern amenities & sophisticated design.”
It’s on the market for $2.275 million. If interested — or just to gawk — click here to learn more.
Speaking of property: Last week’s clear-cutting of trees at the state Department of Transportation maintenance facility off the Sherwood Island Connector suddenly altered the look of that well-traveled road.
It also caused consternation for neighbors and nature lovers.
The number is smaller, and the location is different. But 4 more Westport trees are scheduled for removal, probably today.
James McLoughlin — an arborist on the town’s Tree Board — tells “06880” that the healthy, mature native trees will be removed on a town-owned section of Weston Road, on both sides of Hockanum Road, for what appears to be a new sidewalk project.
McLaughlin objected Friday, when he noticed small signs on them. He was
told he was a day late, and that they would be cut down on Monday.
Two of the trees slated for removal …
… and 2 others …
… and a close-up of the sign. (Photos/James McLoughlin)
There was a bat (animal, not baseball) logo. But not much other information.
No readers knew anything, either. Several speculated it was on Soundview Drive, based on the architecture and surroundings.
AI to the rescue!
Cheryl Saviano Petrone did not find what she wanted on ChatGPT — at first. But she persisted. And this was the result:
“Ah, I see now! You’re asking specifically about the Bat Inn at Compo Beach in Westport.
“Yes, the Bat Inn was indeed an actual establishment located near Compo Beach in the early 1900s. It was a popular resort hotel and a significant local landmark from the late 1800s into the mid-1900s.
“History of the Bat Inn: The Bat Inn was situated at the intersection of Compo Road South and the beach, close to the water. It was known for its wooden architecture, a large wrap-around porch, and its distinctive bat-shaped roof that gave it the name ‘Bat Inn.’
“This quirky design made the inn stand out among other accommodations in the area and contributed to its fame.”
“The hotel was popular in the early 1900s, attracting visitors who were looking for a charming, seaside retreat during the summer months. It also served as a gathering spot for social events and parties, particularly in the warm weather.
“Over time, as newer accommodations and developments grew in the area, the Bat Inn faded from prominence and was eventually demolished.
“Unfortunately, not many photographs or detailed records of the Bat Inn survive today, but it remains a part of local lore, especially among older Westport residents.
“It was a quaint, beloved spot in its time, often remembered fondly by those who experienced it…”
I’m not sure how much it “remains a part of local lore.” But if the rest of the sleuthing is correct, we’ve got our answer.
Thanks, Cheryl! And thank you ChatGPT, whoever — or whatever — you are.
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Alert “06880” reader Mark Laclair offers this warning to early season boaters:
“This winter’s ice has re-located channel markers.Red 16 is northwest of station, and I believe Green 15 is east of station. There may be others.
“I’ve seen at least 5 boats run aground utilizing the markers, including one in both locations Sunday morning. I’m sure there were plenty more. Slow and careful when navigating the channel!”
Boat aground in the Compo channel. (Photo/Mark Laclair)
In 2 weeks, the UMass Doo Wop Shop — the school’s oldest all-male a cappella group — will make you smile and snap your fingers.
They’re booked for Christ & Holy Trinity Church (April 26, 6 p.m.), with a program that ranges from Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darin, the Temptations and Otis Redding all the way to the Backstreet Boys, Britney Spears and Silk Sonic. In years past they’ve performed at Radio City Music Hall, and the White House.
The event is a homecoming for one Doo Wop Shop member. The 2022 Staples High School graduate is a former Orphenian and Player.
And — oh yeah — his father, Rev. John Betit, is Christ & Holy Trinity’s rector.
There is no charge, but a free will offering can help raise funds for the group.
And finally … in honor of the upcoming UMass Doo Wop Shop show (story above):
(From Long Island Sound to the sounds of doo wop, “06880” is your hyper-local source for news, entertainment and more. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
And their pets love the toys. Americans buy them by the millions each year, at stores like Walmart, Target, Petco and RiteAid.
Most Americans don’t know that a majority of those pet toys are designs from LRY Enterprises.
Fewer still know that LRY is run out of the home office of owner Leslie Yellin, right here in Westport.
That makes our town a major player in the pet toy world.
And it puts Yellin on the front line in the recent tariff wars that whipsawed that world — and every other business one.
Leslie Yellin with her latex pigs — the #2 best-selling pet toy in the US.
Yellin has spent her entire working career — beginning with baking dog treats in the back of Lick Your Chops, the Main Street pet store — in the industry.
She has never seen the turmoil she sees now.
For over 30 years she has built relationships with factory owners and companies oveseas. That’s where all her toys are made.
“Maybe once you could manufacture them here,” she says. “But there’s no way you can make a $2 cat toy in the US now, when you’re paying employees $15 an hour.”
Last week, President Trump slapped China with a minimum tariff rate of 145 percent. That stunned the country — and Yellin.
Leslie Yellin with pink pet toys she created to raise awareness of breast cancer.
“We’ve worked with generations of families” in China, Yellin says. “It would be painful to take business from them.”
Painful — but necessary. To survive, she must find factories in other countries.
“No one can do business this way,” Yellin notes.
“My company and big retailers can absorb some of the tariffs. But small companies, and most consumers, can’t. This is impossible. It will kill businesses, and lives.
“We are all in a daze,” Yellin says, speaking of manufacturers in many sectors. “We’re all asking: What’s the end game?”
When the first round of tariffs was announced, Chinese factories offered concessions. “They wanted to help,” Yellin says.
“But no one can absorb 145%. There is an entire group of manufacturers, just waiting and holding our breath.”
Yellin hopes there is a path to negotiation. If so, that must include recognition that China is treated with respect.
“Saving face is important” to those politicians and businesspeople, she says. “That’s the challenge politically,” for an administration that has not showed much respect for trading partners.
She could find manufacturers in countries like Cambodia and Vietnam. Trump announced tariffs of 49 and 45 percent on those nations, then paused them for 90 days.
No matter what happens, Yellin notes, “you can’t just flip a switch, and start manufacturing somewhere else. There”s a big learning curve, and a huge supply chain effect.”
In addition, she notes, all materials used in pet toys will still come from China.
“You can shuffle things around all you want, but the cost of goods may be even higher in the end if they have to be exported from there,” to be made somewhere else before arriving in the US.
Looking ahead, Yellin says, “People will spend less. They’ll buy cheaper products.” If the Chinese tariffs hold, “it will be devastating for middle- and lower-class Americans.”
Still, she says, her sector will not be hit as hard as some others.
“When a bad economy hits, pet toys and cosmetics do okay. During COVID our sales were up 25%. Pets are a source of happiness. People don’t let their pets suffer.”
But high tariffs are not a recipe for success overall. Major price increases in areas like medications and healthcare have particularly dire implications, Yellin says.
Meanwhile, she says, “I speak to major retailers all the time. We look at each other and say, ‘What are we going to do?’ Right now, we’re all in a holding pattern. Something has to give.”
Some Chinese factory owners have offered to change their invoices, to hide the source of a product (for, perhaps, a side payment). Some American companies may do that, she says. LRY Enterprises will not.
In this country, Yellin says, “Walmart says they don’t want to raise prices. I commend them. But we’re all going to have to eat these increases.”
Still, life goes on. The toy company owner is doing what she always would at this time of year: designing toys for the 2026 holiday season.
But, Yellin says, “I can’t do that forever. Something has to give. I’d love to know the answer: What’s the end game?”
(“06880” is where Westport meets the world — politically, economically, and every other way. If you appreciate stories like these, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Nearly every Sunday, Andrew Colabella nails our Photo Challenge.
Not only that: He’s usually one of the first to respond with the correct answer too.
Not last week.
Of course, there’s a good reason. Andrew was the photographer who contributed the image.
It was a tough one. His black-and-white shot from inside Viva Zapata — of a door leading outside (click here to see) — stumped everyone except Brian Taylor, Sue Iseman, Sal Liccione and Matt McGrath.
Would it have stumped the champ, Andrew himself?
Nah.
Here is this week’s Photo Challenge. If you — Andrew, or anyone else — know where in Westport you’d see this particular American flag, click “Comments” below.
(Photo/Seth Schachter)
(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!)
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For 11 years, Staples High School juniors and seniors in Suzanne Kammerman’s Advanced Placement Politics & Government class have participated in the event.
“Foti’s approach has always been pragmatic, honest and prioritizes communication and collaboration. He is one of ‘Westport’s Finest’ in the truest sense of the phrase. I know Westport agrees with me.
Mr. Easdon has now transferred responsibility for the next phase of the project to CT DOT transportation engineer Scott Adkins.
