Westport Schools Announce Snow Day — 2026 Style

Posted on January 25, 2026 | 13 comments

Back in the day, my generation learned about snow days by listening to the radio.

Westport’s WMMM and Bridgeport’s WICC would go through the list.

It was alphabetical — and agonizing.

Ansonia Public Schools. Bridgeport public schools. Darien public schools. Even Our Lady of Fatima, wherever that was.

Who cared? What about Westport?!

Sometimes they’d be closed. Sometimes they wouldn’t. It was a crapshoot.

Then came a more high-tech method: emails and voicemails.

Still, it was a crapshoot. Longtime superintendent of schools Elliot Landon made it a point of pride to keep Westport schools open.

“Today is Monday, January 26. The Westport Public Schools will be open!” he cackled.

It didn’t matter that schools from here to Buffalo were closed. Suck it up!

Former superintendent of schools Elliot Landon. He is probably smiling because he just announced that schools would be open.

But this is 2026. Social media is everywhere. High school students make full-length documentaries; 8-year-olds create Instagram reels.

So, to announce tomorrow’s snow day — which there was little doubt about, from Friday’s predictions on — Westport Public Schools officials got creative.

Assistant superintendent John Bayers headed to Long Lots Elementary School. He consulted with Leo the Lion — the mascot. They punted.

The decision was left to Long Lots’ staff: teachers, cafeteria workers, custodians, and the school resource officer.

Click here to see their announcement. 

So kids: Sleep in!

You don’t have to wake up at 6 a.m., to listen to the radio.

Or the superintendent’s voice.

Screenshot, from the Westport Public Schools video.

13 Comments

Posted in Education, Looking back, Media, Weather

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Photo Challenge #578

Posted on January 25, 2026 | 9 comments

Yikes!

In the excitement of today’s “snowpocalypse” — aka “a pretty good snowfall” — I forgot to post this week’s Photo Challenge.

It’s the first screw-up since I started the Sunday feature, more than 10 years ago. My bad.

Last week’s showed dozens of bottles, behind what looked like a restaurant bar. (Click here to see.)

It’s a testament to Westport’s diverse dining scene that readers guessed 6 different spots.

But Seth Braunstein’s shot showed the one at the Bridge at Saugatuck.

Pam Kopack, Peggy O’Halloran, Elaine Marino, Dave Eason, Rachel Sara Halperin and Polly Sykes all knew the right answer.

On today’s snowy, stay-inside day: I’ll drink to that!

And I’ll also — belatedly — post this week’s challenge. Complete with (of course) snow.

If you know where in Westport you’d see this, click “Comments” below.

(Photo/Diane Lowman)

(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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Posted in Photo Challenge, Restaurants

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Let It Snow …

Posted on January 25, 2026 | 1 comment

Most Westporters — make that, most Americans — are hunkered down inside today.

Streaming movies, cooking, reading, whatever — it’s a Sunday snow day.

Of course, some folks ventured outside. Here’s what they found:

9 am.: Post Road East. (Photo/Colin Livingston)

9 a.m.: Fire headquarters (Photo/Colin Livingston)

Off Whitney Street. (Photo/Richard Fogel)

Off Wilton Road: Not a snowman — but it could be! (Photo/Chuck Greenlee)

I-95 southbound, between Exits 18 and 17: the view from an ambulance. Thankfully, photographer Jonathan Alloy says, “people are staying off the roads.”

Another view of I-95. Photographer Susan Garment reminds drivers to have both headlights and taillights on during snow and rain. Running lights are only on the front.

Dart, on Guyer Road (Photo/Bill Downey)

Railroad bridge: Maple Lane, near Greens Farms train station. (Photo/Seth Schachter)

Burying Hill Beach (Photo/Seth Schachter)

Robin and Griffin at Burying Hill Beach (Photo/Nico Eisenberger)

Frozen Compo Beach … (Photo/Tammy Barry)

… with a bit of recreation there … (Photo/Tammy Barry)

… while bundled up against the cold. (Photo/Tammy Barry)

Sherwood Island State Park: Don’t believe everything you read. (Photo/Bruce Geller)

 

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Posted in Beach, Weather

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Roundup: Snow Edition … Plus Long Lots $$, Chabad Heroes And More …

Posted on January 25, 2026 | 7 comments

In 2018, a Westport woman — a realtor, marathon runner and member of the Zoning Board of Appeals — was paralyzed when she stepped outside her house during a storm. A tree branch fell, breaking her neck.

Be safe in treacherous weather, a reader says.

Which reminds us: If any resident needs help of any kind today, please click “Comments” — and/or email 06880blog.org.

Our readers — and “06880” — will do our best to help. No promises, but this is what our community is all about.

Online, and in real life.

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It goes without saying, but the Westport Library and Westport Weston Family YMCA are both closed today. (Along with probably everything else.)

In addition, all Library programs have been canceled through Monday. Among those impacted:

The following programs will be rescheduled, for dates not yet determined:

These Children’s programs will be canceled for Monday, returning as scheduled February 2: Rhythm & Rhyme, Tummy Time Midday, Near Peer Homework Help, and Crafternoon at the Library.

As of now, Near Peer Homework Help is still on for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

This 2016 scene may look familiar today. (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)

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Meanwhile, this was the scene yesterday.

The temperature did not reach 20. But that did not stop intrepid dogs — or their owners — from heading to Compo Beach for some quality, pre-snow time.

(Photo/Cat Malkin)

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Six major school construction projects across Connecticut are on the state’s building priority list for 2026.

And one of the 6 is Long Lots.

The New Haven Register reports that after districts apply for grants, the state Department of Administrative Services reviews applications, compiles a priority list, and presents it to the governor’s office and legislature’s School Construction Project Priority List Review Committee.

The committee unanimously approved the 2026 list earlier this month. It now goes to the state legislature for funding.

The amount depends on the reimbursement rate, calculated by the Department of Administrative Services based on each town’s wealth. (Hat tip: Bill Dedman)

Rendering of the new Long Lots Elementary School.

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Arthur Hayes spotted this scene yesterday:

(Photo/Arthur Hayes)

“Was a nervous parent sitting alongside in the front seat?” he wonders.

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The Chamber of Mothers is a national, nonpartisan coalition working to advance maternal health, paid leave, and economic equity for families. Our Connecticut Chapter is focused on building awareness and advocacy right here in our state.

Westporter Jessica Hill co-facilitates the Connecticut chapter. On January 28, they’re sponsoring a social media day of action, to shine a light on Connecticut’s paid leave programs, help educate employees about their rights, and encourage businesses to celebrate and promote their own family-friendly policies.

Participants can share one or more images on their feeds or stories, along with tags (@ctpaidleave and @chamberofmothers), hashtags (#CTPaidLeave) and the link ctpaidleave.org.

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Chabad of Westport’s “Night for Our Heroes” honors Major Sagi Dovev (Res.), and wounded Israeli Defense Forces soldiers for their courage, strength and sacrifice. The event is February 25 (7 p.m.).

Since October 7, 2023, Major Dovev has volunteered full-time at Sheba Medical Center. He works with wounded soldiers and freed hostages as they rebuild strength, confidence, and hope. He has spent the past decade developing innovative training methods to build physical and mental resilience. .

Also featured: Daniel Kopylov, a fighter in the Kfir Brigade who was critically wounded in Gaza. During his rehabilitation, Daniel trained with Major Dovev, demonstrating incredible determination and resilience, becoming a living example of the strength of Israel’s soldiers.

For more information and to RSVP, click here.

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We’ll be inundated with snow photos today.

So before it all hits, here’s a “Westport … Naturally” image from Grove Point, of a couple of creatures who manage to stay above it all.

(Photo/RB Benson)

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And finally … why are we randomly offering up this song?

Well — as Bob says, “you don’t need to be a weatherman to know which way the wind blows…”

(You also don’t need to donate to “06880” to read our 24/7/365 coverage of Westport. But we sure do appreciate it if you do. Please lick here — and thank you. PS: It’s a lot more fun than shoveling.)

7 Comments

Posted in Beach, Education, Library, Politics, religion, Weather, YMCA

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Sustainable Westport Urges Westporters: “UnPlastic!”

Posted on January 25, 2026 | 12 comments

In the 1967 film “The Graduate,” Mr. McGuire gives Benjamin Braddock one word of advice: “Plastics.” There’s a great future there, he adds.

Nearly 60 years later, “plastics” symbolizes something very different: prioritizing short-term convenience and profit over the long-term well-being of both humans and our entire planet.

Westport can’t change the world.

But we can sure take some steps right here in our town.

Sustainable Westport can help us try.

The non-profit has spent 2 decades educating residents about the importance of the environment.

Now they offer action steps. Among the first: “UnPlastic Westport.”

The initiative aims to reduce single-use plastics, and expand water-filling stations around town. The goal is to “turn shared intention into measurable, community-wide change.”

What’s wrong with convenient, ubiquitous plastic? Sustainable Westport says it:

  • Enters human bodies and may carry serious health risks for ourselves and our children.
  • Is produced in massive quantities, using fossil fuels.
  • Persists virtually forever, breaking down into microplastics.
  • Is often labeled “recyclable,” despite being rarely recycled in practice.
  • Contaminates ecosystems and food chains globally.

Plastic water bottles are everywhere — especially athletic fields. Sustainable Westport is pushing for more water filling stations around town.

Each month — right here on “06880” — they’ll highlight an area of daily life where single-use plastic is most common, along with practical ideas to use.

From kitchens and laundry rooms to sports teams and more, small shifts add up to big changes.

Today, Sustainable Westport’s “UnPlastic” tips focus on pantries. For example:

  • Move dry goods into glass jars or metal tins.
  • Buy in bulk or larger sizes, to reduce packaging
  • Avoid individually wrapped snacks where possible
  • Make your own DIY snacks, like trail mix
  • Trade out plastic tupperware for glass.

Sustainable Westport invites residents to “Pledge to UnPlastic.” Signing here — and sharing an idea or tip — reinforces commitment.

Each month too, the organization will highlight a “Sustainable Superstar.”

The first is the Staples cheer team’s Pyramid Club.

By rethinking how water was served at their weekly pasta dinners for the football team, they eliminated the need for single-use water bottles.

All it took was purchasing 12 restaurant-style pitchers, and asking a custodian to open the school cafeteria kitchen so they could fill them with tap water (and use ice from the machine).

Using compostable paper cups, this fall they kept nearly 1,000 bottles out of the waste stream. Click here to learn more.

Staples cheer team’s Pyramid Club.

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But that’s not all from Sustainable Westport. They also recommend these upcoming events:

“Winter Seed Sowing with Alice Ely” (Monday, January 26, 7 p.m., Wakeman Town Farm): Learn to make your own “mini-greenhouse” in a bottle to start seedlings. Leave it outside till spring, when you’ll reap a dozen or more native plants that pollinators love, to start in your garden. Click here to register.

“First Monday” (February 2, 7 p.m., Emmy Squared): Catch up on local, national and global sustainability topics. All are welcome; just drop in.

“WestportREADS: The Real Impact of Climate Change on Connecticut Shores“: (February 12, 7 p.m., Westport Library): In this year’s WestportREADS selection, “All the Water In the World,” much of Manhattan is under water due to melting glaciers. Executive director of the Connecticut Institute for Resilience and Climate Adaptation James O’Donnell will discuss the effects of climate change on our shoreline and Long Island Sound. Click here for more information.

(“06880” regularly covers Westport’s environmental scene — along with so much else. If you appreciate our work on important subjects, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

12 Comments

Posted in Environment, Staples HS

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Pic Of The Day #3202

Posted on January 24, 2026 | 1 comment

Cross Highway (Photo/Claudia Sherwood Servidio)

1 Comment

Posted in Pic of the Day, Weather

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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!)

6 Comments

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!)

2 Comments

Posted in Arts

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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!)

4 Comments

Posted in Sports, Staples HS

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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)

1 Comment

Posted in Longshore, Pic of the Day

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