Roundup: Get Ready For Snow! And More, Of Course …

Posted on January 24, 2026 | 6 comments

Stocking up on bread and milk before a big snowstorm is not just a myth.

Westporters flocked to grocery stores all over town yesterday, preparing 48 hours early for whatever Mother Nature hurls our way. (The latest prediction is for a foot or more, beginning Sunday morning and continuing into Monday.)

These were scenes at Trader Joe’s:

(Photo/Jennifer Johnson)

(Photo/Jennifer Johnson)

(Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)

The store usually restocks every night.

If they didn’t get a shipment of your favorite item, they’ll be out today.

And you’ll be s— out of luck.

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In other Big Snow news, Ciara Webster sends along a reminder: When you dig out, don’t forget your vents.

Carbon monoxide can build up — and kill.

Thanks, Ciara!

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Meanwhile, this was the temperature this morning — after the sun rose — on Saugatuck Shores:

(Photo/DinkinESH Fotografix)

Stay warm!

And of course, once the snow flies: Send your photos to 06880blog@gmail.com.

We live for this stuff.

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There will no doubt be many cancellations on Sunday (and, over 5,000 Westport students hope, on Monday too).

Here’s one for today: New York Polyphony, scheduled for 5 p.m. at Christ & Holy Trinity Church. Organizers are concerned that the musicians would have problems returning home.

In addition, Monday’s “Pie & Politics” League of Women Voters event, set for Lyfe Café, has already been postponed.

New dates will be announced for both.

New York Polyphony

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Residents who subscribe to town meeting notices grew concerned yesterday, when they read the agenda for the Historic District Commission’s February 10 session (7 p.m., Zoom).

Among the items: “To take such action as the meeting may determine to oppose the issuance of the demolition permit for 50 Post Road West and require the full 180-day delay.”

That’s the Greek Revival structure — once owned by the Sherwood family — that for nearly 2 centuries has stood halfway up the hill, near the downtown bridge.

In July, “06880” reported that Westporter Tomás Botero would be renovating it, creating 13 apartments.

Had plans changed?

Fortunately, no.

The demolition permit is for the building in back. The Cape-style structure is in bad structural shape, and will be demolished. Four more apartments will be added there, in a new barn-style building.

Twenty percent of the 17 units will be affordable, according to state guidelines.

Other demolition requests on the HDC agenda include:

  • 8 Canal Road
  • 183 Hillspoint Road
  • 19 Turkey Hill Road North
  • 11 Dogwood Lane.

Click here for links to all related materials.

PS: Want to get on the mailing list for town meetings and agendas? Click here, and follow the prompts.

50 Post Road West will not be torn down. It will be renovated, for 13 apartments.

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Nearly every day, it seems, VersoFest adds another great session.

The latest: a conversation with Bangles co-founder Susanna Hoffs and Alisyn Camerota. Hoffs will also perform. The event is March 6 (7 p.m., Westport Library).

After her work with that best-selling band, Hoffs has recorded solo albums,a nd collaborated with (among others) Elvis Costello and Rufus Wainwright.

She also published a novel, “The Bird Has Flown,” which NPR called “a valentine to music.”

Camerota — a Westport resident — is a veteran journalist, and rock memoirist.

Click here for tickets, and more information. Click here for full details on VersoFest — the Library’s celebration of music, media and creativity.

Susanna Hoffs

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The Westport Country Playhouse continues to add a variety of programs to its winter schedule.

“Laura & Linda Benanti: Mothers Know Best” (February 28, 8 p.m.) features Tony Award-winner Laura with her mother Linda, in a humorous show about mother-daughter relationships.

Isaac Mizrahi and his jazz band return (March 7, 8 p.m.), with comedy, commentary, and music from Sondheim and Blondie to Comden and Madonna.

“2motherpluckers” are back too, with their musical about motherhood (March 10, 7 p.m.).

Tickets go on sale Tuesday (January 27, 1 p.m.). Click here to purchase, and for more information 

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An adaptation of “America’s Lost Band” — a film about the Remains, the great group with Staples High School graduates Barry Tashian and Bill Briggs, who toured with the Beatles in 1966 but broke up on the brink of stardom — was one of CPTV’s 5 most-watched programs in 2025.

The film was produced by 1971 Staples grad Fred Cantor.

“Lost Band” was the only standalone documentary short in the top 5. Two were CPTV-produced episodic shows; the others were feature-length documentaries that premiered on CPTV.

Missed it — or want to see it again? Click here.

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Jerry Kuyper captured this intriguing “Westport … Naturally” scene at dawn yesterday, near Rayfield Road:

(Photo/Jerry Kuyper)

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And finally … the announcement that Bangles co-founder will be part of this year’s VersoFest (story above) brings to mind:

(Just another wintry weekend. Whether you’re leisurely sipping coffee, or panicking about the weather, here’s one way to pass the time: Click here to support “06880.” Thank you — and stay warm!)

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Posted in Entertainment, Local business, Local politics, Real estate, Weather, Westport Country Playhouse

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Online Art Gallery #302

Posted on January 24, 2026 | 2 comments

As we prepare for another winter storm, today’s main theme is … winter.

Whether you’re relaxing with coffee by the fire, or ready to rush out and stock up on milk and eggs, today’s online art gallery is perfect for January.

Stay warm!

And if you get a chance this weekend, please send us your work.

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 — art lovers want to know.

“The Poetry of Barns, Simple — Hulls Road” (Tom Kretsch — Available for purchase; click here)

“Occupied by Silence” (Nancy Breakstone — Available for purchase; click here)

“Four Logs Huddling Together” (Jerry Kuyper)

“Winslow Park” — enhanced image (Dayle Brownstein)

“Mr. Snowflake” (Patricia McMahon — Available for purchase; click here)

“Winter” — paper collage (Jodi B. Rabinowitz — Available for purchase; click here)

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

“Boys & Their Boxes” — digital composition (Ken Runkel)

“Mum’s the Word” — digital collage (June Rose Whittaker — Available for purchase; click here)

“Winter Mountains” — shadowbox collage; painted canvas stripped, weaving/rattan inserts; with a piece from windstorm, from a 200+- year-old sugar maple (Dorothy Robertshaw)

“Plant Life Portrait” — acrylic (Ella Barborak — 9th grade; One River Art student)

Untitled — Photographer Mike Hibbard says, “This Alaskan braided river, fed by a glacier, is home to many animals. As I walked down the trail to the river, a huge grizzly bear stepped out of dense brush 20 feet in front of me, reared up, growled, and then … that’s another story!”

‘The Empire State Building/Excelsior Ever Upward” — watercolor (Steve Stein)

Untitled (Martin Ripchick — Available for purchase; click here)

Untitled (Lawrence Weisman)

“Interesting Ornament” (John Maloney)

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

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Hoop Dreams

Posted on January 24, 2026 | 4 comments

The University of Connecticut men’s and women’s basketball teams are often among the top programs in the country.

Meanwhile, Staples High School’s boys and girls teams are both undefeated.

Go, Wreckers and Huskies!

The boys rout some of their toughest opponents by 30 or more points.

The girls recently knocked 2 teams from the unbeaten ranks.

The other day, photographer John Walker was at the Wreckers’ gym for a boys game.

Though only a freshman, John has a great eye for action. Here’s a look at some of his shots.

Austin Heyer

Sam Clachko

Drew Hill

Sam Clachko

Drew Hill

The next home game for the boys is Tuesday (January 27), vs. Wilton. The next girls game is Friday (January 30), against Fairfield Warde. Tipoff for both contests is 7 p.m. For full schedules, click here; then click “Team Schedule” on the left, and use the dropdown menus at top.

(“06880” relies on fans like you. If you’re having a ball with our hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Pic Of The Day #3202

Posted on January 23, 2026 | 1 comment

Sunset at the PAL Longshore skating rink (Photo/Marina Drasnin)

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Posted in Longshore, Pic of the Day

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Friday Flashback #486

Posted on January 23, 2026 | 21 comments

Last week’s Friday Flashback featured Hay Day — Westport’s first “gourmet market.”

This week we travel directly across the Post Road.

And even though this photo is from a few decades earlier than Hay Day, it looks remarkably the same today.

(Photo courtesy of Susan O’Donnell)

Sure, the cars are different. The clothes too.

But the only other changes a time traveler would notice is that — as of last spring — the Carvel brand was replaced by generic “soft serve ice cream.”

And the classic cone on the roof disappeared, years earlier.

What are your Carvel memories? Click “Comments” below.

(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!)

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Posted in Friday Flashback, Local business

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Board Of Ed Eyes Facilities Budget

Posted on January 23, 2026 | 4 comments

Presentations for the proposed 2026-27 school budget concluded last night, at Staples High School. “06880” journalist John H. Palmer reports:

The Board of Education mulled over $7.63 million in spending plans for facilities and grounds at the town’s 8 schools.

The $7.63 million projection for the 2026-2027 school year is about $134,000, (1.8%) more than the current year’s projection of $7.5 million, according to chief financial officer Elio Longo. The rise owes mostly to electricity costs, which have increased by about 10%.

He said that the town historically negotiates fixed contracts for 2-3 years at a time.

“The Board of Education has managed the risk associated with electricity supply, rate, and volatility by contracting a fixed rate to December 2027,” according to the budget summary provided.

“This mitigation strategy was a group purchase collaboration with the Town of Westport and other municipalities/school districts.”

Longo touted the accomplishments of the previous year, explaining that 211 building and grounds projects were completed in the spring and summer of 2025, and 145 during the winter.

The new fieldhouse floor at Staples was installed under budget, he said, while Saugatuck Elementary School and Kings Highway School both had parking lots paved over.

Moving forward, the district looks to add a new position — assistant director of facilities and security — for roughly $130,000. That person would assist the current director and “strengthen operational oversight, increase departmental capacity, and ensure the district remains positioned to manage both daily facility operations and the growing demands of capital and security initiatives,” Longo said.

Utilities costs, which include water and sewer as well as gas and electricity, have remained relatively steady at a 3-year average of $3.1 million. Costs in fiscal year 2026 were about $3.2 million, while 2027 is projected at just under $3.5 million. General maintenance costs were expected to remain steady at a $1.9 million average over three years.

As for school building maintenance projections for 2026-2027, $85,000 is projected for Coleytown Elementary School to replace an aging and obsolete ventilator as well as a failing sewer ejection pump.

Coleytown Elementary School

Saugatuck School and Bedford Middle School are both slated to receive a JACE main control system. The electronic system connects lighting, security and HVAC systems and provides advanced integration for smart buildings, managing systems, and enabling data visualization through a web browser. The total cost for installation in the 2 school buildings is estimated to be around $555,000.

Staples High School will get $50,000 of updates, including a new dehumidifier in the library for $10,000, and an epoxy floor installation in the field house pool hobby for $20,000.

Westport’s school board launched the 2026-27 budget season January 9. Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarise proposed a 5.48% increase over last year’s budget.

If adopted as presented, that would amount to just over an $8 million increase over the $150 million 2025-26 budget. The budget total represents $282,000 less than administrators requested last year. Most of those cuts were for books and equipment.

Among the notable items in the proposed budget:

  • The district expects to enroll about 5,251 students next year.
  • Health insurance costs for the district’s roughly 1,000 employees will increase by about 15%, from $22.5 million to about $25.9 million, nearly a 15 percent increase. This expenditure will keep the bottom-line increase to about two-and-a-quarter percent, as opposed to 3.24% without the increase.
  • About $95,000 will be allocated for athletic uniforms for sports teams at Staples. In the past, parents or booster clubs generally bore these costs.

If all goes according to schedule, the Board of Ed will vote to approve the budget proposal later this month, or early February. The next 2 weeks of meetings will focus on specific questions that board members will want answered before the approval vote.

“There’s not really many changes to this budget,” said board chair Lee Goldstein.

The Board of Finance then has until late April to conduct workshops and make any changes, before the budget goes to the Representative Town Meeting for final adoption in May or June.

(“06880” — Westport’s hyper-local blog — covers the town budget process, from now through adoption this spring. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Economy, Education, Local politics

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Roundup: Saugatuck Water, Longshore Beer, Sporting Toasts …

Posted on January 23, 2026 | 1 comment

Saugatuck residents have coped with several hassles — road closures, delays and heavy traffic; noise and more — in the months since the Aquarion/Dave Tinker Construction water main project began on and around Riverside Avenue several months ago.

Yesterday may have been the worst. Hundreds of residents had no water for much of the morning.

The good news: The water is back on.

The bad news: The project is not yet over.

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Beer and other canned alcoholic beverages might be available at the Longshore golf course this summer.

The Recreation Commission voted 3-0 on Wednesday to approve their sale. Two seats on the 5-person board are vacant.

The proposal now goes to the Select Board, for a final okay.

Thirsty Longshore golfers may be able to buy beer this year.

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On Wednesday, we reported that Kyle Martino — the 1999 Staples High School graduate/Gatorade National Player of the Year/US men’s national team player would pitch his Street FC app on “Shark Tank” that night.

The competition was stiff. But Martino is an athlete. He knows how to win.

And he did. His app — which connects soccer players with pick-up games — was the night’s winner.

Click here or below, to watch the reveal:

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Speaking of sports: Congratulations to Sarah VonDohlen!

The Greens Farms Academy senior basketball star set what is almost certainly a state — and may be a New England record last Saturday.

Play at home in the Coyle Gym against Cheshire, she drained 11 3-point shots in the Dragons’ 76-30 romp.

With 33 points, Sarah outscored the entire opposition.

Her 11 3s were appropriate: That’s her jersey number.

PS: Want to see Sarah and her teammates in action? GFA hosts Kent this afternoon, at 5:15 p.m.

Sarah VonDohlen (#11), with teammates.

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When Mexicue closed over a year ago — after only 2 years — it left a lot of space to fill.

Beginning the first week in February, Felice will fill it.

The restaurant — next to Sushi Jin, and across Main Street from the similarly named, but also now closed, La Fenice gelato shop — is part of a New York-based chain. There are 16 locations, in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Port Chester and Florida. (Hat tip: Sal Liccione)

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Stop & Shop was calm this morning, as the sun rose shortly after its 6 a.m. opening.

It won’t be for long. Westporters are probably already descending on it — and grocery stores everywhere — in preparation for this weekend’s weather.

It will be fine today, with a high of 36. But the temperature plunges to 7 degrees tonight.

Tomorrow will be mostly sunny too, with the thermometer reaching only 17.

Snow begins Sunday morning. We could get 15 inches, with a high temperature of 18.

Light snow will continue Monday morning.

Stay warm! Stay dry! And kids … the odds are good for a snow day Monday.

(Photo/John Richers)

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Bruce Brodie’s one-man art show borrows from Walt Whitman.

But it could not be more timely.

The 1972 Staples graduate is exhibiting 18 paintings at Craven Contemporary gallery in Kent, Connecticut.

The titles of the 18 paintings — all completed in 2025 — use words from the 19th century poet to invoke the seasons, sunlight, weather, heaven and earth, love, ardor and longing.

“The work was started in anticipation of changing times,” Brodie says. “It took shape amidst the persistent drumbeat aimed at consolidating power and curtailing freedoms. I looked to the skies to express my feelings, and find hope.”

The show opens this week, and runs weekends through March 15. Brodie will be at the gallery February 14 and 15. For more information, click here.

“He That Walks With the Tender and Growing Night” (Bruce Brodie)

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The other day, a bobcat wandered right up to Mark Laclair’s mudroom door.

Then he posed, for this “Westport … Naturally” photo:

(Photo/Mark Laclair)

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And finally … yesterday’s water situation in Saugatuck reminds us of:

(Want to ensure that “06880”‘s well does not run dry? Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)

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Posted in Arts, Longshore, Restaurants, Saugatuck, Sports, Staples HS, Weather

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Happy Anniversary, Westport Book Shop!

Posted on January 23, 2026 | 3 comments

The winter of 2021 was a big one for downtown bookstores.

In February, Barnes & Noble moved into the former Restoration Hardware. The space was closer to other retailers, though smaller than their previous store (now the Big Y supermarket).

A couple of weeks earlier — on January 25 — a different bookstore opened a few yards away.

Half a decade later, both are thriving.

No one cares about a big-chain corporate success. But a small, community-minded used book shop, with a special mission — that’s a different story.

Westport Book Shop is a partnership between the Westport Library and Westport Book Sales, the non-profit with 2 important missions: They raise funds for the library by running its book sales, and they hire adults with disabilities.

So it’s fitting that Westport Book Shop is just a few yards from the Library, across Jesup Green.

Westport Book Shop

The 5,000 or so books, in over 40 categories, come from donations to the annual book sales. There’s also a large selection of vinyl records, audio books, CDs and DVDs.

The view from inside Westport Book Shop, across Jesup Green to the library.

Books cover all major categories: fiction, non-fiction, biography, children’s, you name it.

The Book Shop also features the Drew Friedman Art Place. Miggs Burroughs curates rotating exhibits.

On January 28, the 60-plus artists and photographers who have been featured will honored with a special piece, by Burroughs. It remains up through February.

Miggs Burroughs with his own work, at the Westport Book Shop.

To celebrate their 5th anniversary, Westport Book Shop is offering a few specials. They’re fundraisers too — a great way for residents to show their love and support.

One is a raffle. The winner gets a new copy of “The New Yorker in Westport” book. Donated by its authors, Eve Potts and Andrew Bentley, it shows dozens of magazine covers, showing 50 magazine covers created by area artists, inspired by familiar local scenes. Accompanying each image are interesting stories, and facts about our town.

Tickets are $5. They’re available online and at the store, through Wednesday, January 28.

Also available at the store: items created especially for the anniversary.

There’s a snuggly Westport Book Shop logo hat; local artist Jack Geer’s image of the store as a 500-piece jigsaw puzzle, and a decal.

Special 5th-anniversary items.

It’s been a great 5 years for Westport Book Shop.

They’ve provided over 12,250 hours of employment and skills training for adults with disabilities.

And they’ve contributed over $350,000 to the Westport Library.

But that’s just the start.

They’ve got a $50,000 fundraising goal, to help continue their work. Click here to donate.

Then get ready for the next chapter.

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Posted in Arts, Library, Local business

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Pic Of The Day #3200

Posted on January 22, 2026 | 2 comments

Burying Hill Beach (Photo/Rob Jackson)

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Posted in Beach, Pic of the Day

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Snow Alert! What To Know Beyond Buying Milk And Bread

Posted on January 22, 2026 | 2 comments

Town officials are closely monitoring the major winter storm forecast.

It’s expected to begin Sunday morning (January 25), with hazardous conditions to continue into Monday.

Models indicate 12 to 18 inches of snowfall across southern New England. Wind gusts of 20 to 30 miles an hour may result in blowing snow and periods of near-zero visibility. The snow is expected to be light and powdery, so widespread power outages are not anticipated at this time.

Fire Chief Nick Marsan says, “This storm has the potential to significantly impact travel and daily activities. Now is the time for residents to prepare, complete errands early, and plan to stay off the roads once snowfall begins so emergency and public works crews can operate safely.”

Department of Human Resources director Elaine Daignault adds, “Extreme cold can be dangerous, especially for seniors, residents without reliable heat, and those facing hardship.

“Our team is ready to help connect residents with warming centers and other critical resources. Please check your furnaces now, and schedule fuel deliveries ahead of the storm. If you or someone you know needs assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out.”

Westport residents experiencing hardship due to cold weather can contact Human Services at 203-341-1050 now and tomorrow, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Westport warming centers include:

For shelter needs outside of warming center hours, or for overnight accommodations, call 211.

Public safety recommendations include:

  • Avoid unnecessary travel Sunday afternoon through Monday morning.
  • Allow Public Works crews space to clear roadways safely.
  • After the storm, clear a 3-foot radius around nearby fire hydrants.
  • Prepare for extended cold by checking heating systems and supplies.
  • Monitor official Westport channels for updates.
  • Stay informed: Text 06880 to 888777 to receive Westport alerts via Nixle.

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