Roundup: MLK, Lyman, Christmas Trees …

Posted on January 12, 2026 | 11 comments

A reminder: The upcoming Martin Luther King holiday includes 2 important local events.

The speaker for the 20th annual celebration is Jelani Cobb. The renowned journalist, scholar, and dean of the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism will be in conversation this on Saturday (January 17, 1 p.m., Westport Library) with novelist, playwright, filmmaker — and Westport resident — Trey Ellis.

Cobb is a Peabody Award winner, Pulitzer Prize finalist, MSNow political analyst, and New Yorker staff writer. He has written books on Barack Obama and the hip hop aesthetic, in addition to editing other volumes and producing numerous documentaries.

The annual MLK celebration is a partnership between the Library, TEAM Westport, Westport Country Playhouse, Westport Museum for History & Culture, and the Westport/Weston Clergy Association. The event is free; click here to register.

Jelani Cobb

On Monday (January 19), the Westport Country Playhouse hosts a free screening of the Emmy-winning 2019 documentary “True Justice: Bryan Stevenson’s Fight for Equality.”

The film focuses on Stevenson’s life and career — particularly his indictment of the US criminal justice system for its role in codifying modern systemic racism — and tracks the intertwined histories of slavery, lynching, segregation and mass incarceration.

The film also documents the monumental opening of the Equal Justice Initiative’s Legacy Museum and National Memorial for Peace and Justice, dedicated to the more than 4,400 lynching victims.

The screening is followed by a discussion with Ellis — one of the film’s executive producers — and TEAM Westport chair Harold Bailey Jr., along with questions from the audience. Click here for more information.

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The New York Times ran a photo of Lyman, Ukraine yesterday.

There were 2 connections to Westport — and an ominous caption.

The image — illustrating a story about Russian President Putin’s silence in the wake of President Trump’s capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro — showed a Ukrainian artillery brigade near Lyman. The town, in the Donetsk region has been a sister city of Westport since shortly after the Russian invasion.

The caption in the online version said simply, “A Ukrainian soldier from the 63rd Mechanized Brigade firing toward a Russian target in eastern Ukraine on Wednesday.”

The print version was much more ominous. It added: “Capturing Lyman is currently a top Russian priority.”

The other connection: The shot was taken by Tyler Hicks. The Pulitzer Prize-winning Times photographer is a 1988 Staples High School graduate.

(Photo/Tyler Hicks for the New York Times)

Hicks had another Ukraine photo yesterday too — on page 1.

There is actually a third Westport connection. Ukraine Aid International — the boots-on-the-ground non-profit, founded by Westporters Marshall and Brian Mayer — continues to collect funds for our sister city.

To donate monthly or one time, just click here. Click the “I want to support” box; then select “Support for the City of Lyman.” Scroll down on that page for other donation options (mail, wire transfer and Venmo.) (Hat tip: Bob Mitchell)

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Christmas — even all 12 days of it — are in the rearview mirror.

Also in the rearview mirror (if you’re parking a certain way at the Imperial Avenue lot): dozens of Christmas trees.

Hundreds are stacked neatly in the back.

Toni Simonetti — who sends this photo, with Max waiting patiently in front — wonders if this is where they’re stored, after being picked up by local Scouts.

However they got there, she says: “They smell glorious!”

(Photo/Toni Simonetti)

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Looking for an advanced astro-photography workflow tutorial?

The Westport Astronomical Society’s free lecture series has exactly that.

On February 10 (7 p.m.), veteran WAS astro-photographer Michael Southam offers tips on taking images from the planning stage, through data acquisition, subframe selection, stacking and processing. Attendees should bring a laptop. Click here to register. Click here to become a WAS member. 

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Our daily “Westport … Naturally” feature looks for beauty, wherever our readers find it in town.

Ellen Wentworth spotted this arrangement the other day, at a Senior Center luncheon.

(Photo/Ellen Wentworth)

It’s a little touch, sure. But it sure goes a long way to brighten up this winter.

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And finally … Bob Weir — a founding member who helped catapult the laid-back Grateful Dead into the music stratosphere — died last week. He was 78.

Click here for a full obituary.

BONUS FEATURE: Back in the day, in his Westport studio, filmmaker/animator Jeff Scher made this video for the “Ace of Cups.” The all-female 1960s San Francisco band got reunited after 50 years. Bob Weir was one of several musicians who joined in.

The video is mostly abstract, but includes a portrait of Weir near the beginning.

(Another week, another Monday with a Roundup that roams from our sister city to outer space. And another reminder: “06880” relies on support from readers like you. Please click here to help. Thanks!)

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Posted in Library, Media, Politics, Westport Country Playhouse

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New Plan Could Slow Historic Home Teardowns

Posted on January 12, 2026 | 7 comments

Among Westport’s many charms, historic homes are high on the list.

But — like the venerable trees that surround many — they’re disappearing at a rapid rate.

Residents express frustration with developers who demolish old houses, and at the Historic District Commission that cannot save them.

Part of the issue though, is regulatory. Town rules sometimes disincentivize developers from saving older structures.

This historic Frazier Peters home on Charcoal Hill Road was demolished 10 years ago. (Photo by Bob Weingarten)

Tonight (Monday, January 12, 6 p.m., Zoom), the Planning & Zoning Commission discusses a text amendment that could help keep those homes from the wrecking ball.

The language of Amendment #859 — submitted by Wendy Van Wie, on behalf of the Historic District Commission — is dry:

to delete the existing regulations and add a new … Historic Residential Structure (HRS), which clarifies and strengthens the intent to preserve and ensure continued use of Historic Structures explicitly tying incentives to Page 2 of 3 preservation outcomes; requires formal designation by the HDC before HRS application with criteria to be used by HDC; limits structures to pre-1940, with flexibility for later structures of exceptional integrity or significance; adds explicit definition of alteration for purposes of the section, as any exterior change, including enclosed historic feature; requires all exterior alterations reviewed, regardless of visibility; requires mandatory HDC review for changes impacting significant features or additions; clarifies process for ongoing review by HDC Administrator and Planning & Zoning for all future exterior changes; retains incentives but more explicitly ties them to demonstrated preservation necessity and scale compatibility; clarifies subdivision incentive, generally limited to pre1800 structures, with limited extensions for exceptional cases and prohibited in Local Historic Districts or after demolition; adds clear timelines (generally 18 months from notification) for required maintenance and repair; clarifies procedures, including 72-hour notice, repair plans, and restoration deadlines, adds explicit enforcement authority, including nullification of approvals for unauthorized alterations and permits greater flexibility in incentives provides by the Planning and Zoning Commission.

Yet, Van Wie says, there is a long and interesting history to the historical homes story.

In the early 2000s — during the hot housing market that preceded the 2008 financial crisis — there were many teardowns. The land beneath some older homes became more valuable empty, than with the house still on it.

An 1803 farmhouse, in fine condition, sat across Cross Highway from Van Wie’s house (which predated the farmhouse by another 80 years).

The farmhouse sat close to the road, on 2 acres. But in a AAA zone, which permits only 1 single family house on the lot, the farmhouse had to be demolished before a new large house could be built.

Van Wie wondered why the lot could not be split in 2 — preserving the farmhouse in front, and allowing the new home to built in back.

Demolition notices are a common sight in Westport. 

In 2007, the Planning & Zoning Commission adopted a special permit regulation. Recognizing that zoning can sometimes be an obstacle to historic preservation, it allowed relief from some requirements like setbacks and coverage.

In exchange, the owner grants the town a preservation easement, to perpetually protect the historic structure.

Over time, a few situations arose where the only practical way to save the historic house was by carving out a piece of land with a subdivision that would not ordinarily be permitted. The regulation was amended to allow such Historic Preservation Subdivisions.

But they applied to very few instances.

The 1803 Cross Highway farmhouse — now long gone — would not have been saved. But the Coleytown Mill house was.

The original mill house …

It is scrunched between Coleytown Road — with almost not setback — and the Aspetuck River. No one would buy the property until it was subdivided. Then a new, large house was constructed in the field on the other side of the river. (Click here to read that 2015 “06880” story.)

… and the rear of the house, at 277 North Avenue. The original lines of the 1740s saltbox remain. 

But — frustrated by still not having enough tools to save historic houses when they came before the HDC for demolition — a few years ago the commission wrote the regulation that finally, tonight, comes before the P&Z.

The proposal has more rigorous historic preservation standards than the original regulation. But it potentially allows for more subdivisions, for the purpose of saving important historic structures.

Several preconditions must be met before a house is even considered for a historic preservation subdivision. It must have been built:

  • Before 1800
  • Between 1800 and 1940, but be of exceptional integrity and importance
  • Between 1800 and 1940, but among the last examples of its architectural style in its neighborhood.

If the HDC concludes that — under the above criteria — a house is historic, the P&Z must agree.

If the regulation is adopted, one beneficiary may be 125 Riverside Avenue.

That’s the 1756 home near the foot of Burr Road now owned by an LLC. Lucien Vita — principal architect of Vita Design Group, whose office and own home are in historic buildings, and who is working on the Riverside project — calls the new regulation “well considered, and a big improvement. We’re very supportive of the way it could preserve historic structures.”

125 Riverside Avenue (Photo/Charles Tirreno)

For Text Amendment #859, and all related materials, click here, then scroll down.

(“06880” regularly covers local politics, real estate, town history — and their intersection. If you appreciate stories like this, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Categories, Local politics, Real estate

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Pic Of The Day #3189

Posted on January 11, 2026 | 6 comments

Cloudy winter weekend at Compo Beach (Photo/Susan Garment)

6 Comments

Posted in Beach, Pic of the Day

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[OPINION] Tom Prince: Make Democrats’ Caucus More Democratic

Posted on January 11, 2026 | 9 comments

Tom Prince has lived in Westport since 1993. He is a former editor for New York magazine, Condé Nast, Martha Stewart and Meredith. He has written for for New York, The Wall Street Journal and GQ, 

Tom says, “I am NOT a member of the Democratic Town Committee.” But — in advance of Tuesday’s DTC biennial caucus (January 13, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium) — he writes:

In the voting booth, you may wonder how the names on the ballot ended up next to those ovals. Who picked these people? How did this happen? And if I’m unhappy with the choices, how can I change them?

In many ways, the most important election is not in November. It’s this Tuesday in Town Hall at 7:30 p.m., when the Westport Democratic Town Committee picks 50 to 70 voting members. They in turn endorse the candidates who run for office, and run our town.

It may seem like just another back room, inside baseball, cigar-chomping nerd-fest. But it’s a crucial decision.

And it’s easy for any registered Democrat to participate. (Any voter who changed registration from another party must have done so at least 90 days prior to January 13. Unaffiliated voters can register as Democrats as late as the day of the caucus.)

In a town where 40 percent of registered voters are Democrats, and where Democrats often win elections, the DTC is pre-selecting the people who will win races. That’s indisputable. Only 17.5 percent of Westport voters are Republicans.

The DTC has a special nominating committee to choose and endorse future candidates. It consists of 5 to 9 DTC members making recommendations to all 50 to 70 DTC members. Each recommendation requires only a majority of that committee (3 to 5 people).

Then it takes only 36 DTC members to endorse a candidate or slate, and get those names on the ballot. That’s some concentrated decision-making: Very few people are making very important choices.

In return, the officially endorsed candidates win a lottery of sorts: special tracking software, loyal volunteers, experienced door-knockers, savvy phone bankers, resolute poll standers, SWAT teams of Facebookers and videographers and Instagrammers, targeted texting campaigns, merciless robocalls, t-shirts, hats, stickers, yard signs, branded Halloween candy, and — in their dedicated Saugatuck headquarters — beer, wine and pizza.

Officially endorsed candidates have easy access to yard signs.

In simple terms, 3 to 5 members of the DTC control the money and the power (and the resources), and decide who gets the money and the power (and the resources).

These endorsers have an outsize effect on every election. Their votes say more than anyone else’s, and they say it early in the process. Sure, the process could unfold differently — it could be more democratic (ironically), involve more people, or support equally qualified candidates.

If you attend DTC meetings (they’re open to the public), members often complain about how hermetically sealed the nominating committee is. (At the December DTC meeting, one member asked about her perpetual exile to the sportswear committee; her plea was ignored.)

Instead of rotating members or recommending more than one candidate for an office, the leadership trudges along the same well-trod paths, year in and year out.

How can you help change things, if you’re dissatisfied with one or more of the choices you’re presented with each year?

Show up and vote. Any Democrat can show up to vote on the slate of people running to be elected to the DTC in their Representative Town Meeting (RTM) district. Elect people who align with your values.

Run, and bring your family and friends to vote for you. The steps to win are pretty straightforward. Are you a registered member of the party (90 days before the caucus, if changing from another party)? Do you have family, friends or neighbors who are registered Democrats, and have 1 or 2 hours to show up on Tuesday night to vote for you (and others if they support their candidacies)?

The Democratic Town Committee biennial caucus is Tuesday night, at Town Hall. (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)

If you want to participate, bring about change, have a better process, or choose more like-minded candidates, this is how to make it happen.

It’s time to stop looking the other way, and start questioning how things are always done. It’s a rare chance for the young, the unrepresented, and the unheard to become voices in an important choir.

What would happen if democracy were open to all Democrats, not just a chosen few? What if ideas could once again prevail over ideology, and people could take precedence over power? Tuesday is a good time to find out.

(“06880″‘s Opinion pages are open to all readers. Email submissions to 06880blog@gmail.com.)

9 Comments

Posted in Local politics

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Photo Challenge #576

Posted on January 11, 2026 | 25 comments

We started 2026 off with a gimme.

Our first Photo Challenge of the new year showed a tray of delicious chocolate frosted, powdered and plain donuts, on a counter.

It could only be Coffee An’.

The Westport institution is beloved by many.

A record 48 readers knew exactly where to find Marina Drasnin’s photo. (Click here to see.)

And — like visitors to the Main Street store — the correct responses came from a mix of regulars and newcomers.

Congratulations to Sandra Howard, Pat Saviano, Seth Braunstein, Todd Ehrlich, Dave Eason, Matt Murray, Barbara Mathias, Lynn Wilson, Sal Liccione, Joan Lipson, Dan Vener, Ed Simek, Matt McGrath, Mike Hibbard, Mickey Herbst, Chris Swan, Rob Hauck, Dan Ashley, Bryan Schwartz, Rachel Sara Halperin, Pete Powell, Seth Schachter, Steve Stein, Andrew Colabella, Suzanne Atkins, Linda Vita Velez, Fred Levin, Rick Benson, Sharon Yules, Jack Krayson, Janine Scotti, Patty Lynch, Evin Dubrow, Jalna Jaeger, Richard Hyman, Katie Phillis, Jonathan McClure, Ann Franzen, Robert Mitchell, Regi Kendig, Christy Charise, Alex Knopp, Ryan Heemeyer, Deb Alderson, Linda Pomerantz Novis, Cat Malkin, Bobbi Essagof and Barbara Wong.

You all earned yourselves an extra treat today.

In fact, the only disagreement was on the punctuation of the donut shop.

Readers called it Coffee ‘An, Coffee An and Coffee And.

For the record, it’s Coffee An’.

An’ it’s delicious.

Our second Photo Challenge of the Year is (moderately) harder. If you know where in Westport you’d see this, click “Comments” below.

(Photo/Susan Garment)

(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!)

25 Comments

Posted in Local business, Photo Challenge

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Roundup: Lou Nistico Fieldhouse, Band Battle, Senior Center Ukes …

Posted on January 11, 2026 | 12 comments

Years ago, the Staples High School fieldhouse and adjacent gymnasium were named in honor of Lou Nistico.

Part of the noted Saugatuck family that founded and operated the legendary Arrow restaurant (now both Riko’s Pizza and Lomito’s, at 2 different sites), Lou was an ardent supporter of his alma mater.

He provided financial help — very quietly — to the athletic program, and any student who needed it. He gave many teenagers their first job. He was a big man, with an even bigger heart.

But from the day his name went up above the entrance, no one ever called it “The Nistico Fieldhouse.”

Unfortunately too, the sign bearing his name was in disrepair for at least a couple of decades. Letter were missing. It was embarrassing.

Over the holidays, at least that part of Lou Nistico’s legacy was addressed.

The new sign looks handsome and classy:

(Photo/Dan Woog)

Now, if we could only start calling it by its name …

The reflection of lights, and an exercise machine placed in front, don’t detract from this portrait of Lou Nistico near the fieldhouse.

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Last night’s first-ever Westport Library Battle of the Bands drew a large crowd, for an evening of original songs and covers.

The audience voted by QR code. Moss came in first, followed by Breakers. Clockwork and Caravan also played.

Clockwork, at the Battle of the Bands. (Photo copyright DinkinESH Fotografix)

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There’s always something going on at the Senior Center.

On Friday, it was “I Wish I was in Hawaii Day.”

Entertainment was provided by The Cukes. As shown below, the ukulele group certainly looked the part.

No word on whether they served pineapple upside down cake.

(Hat tip and photo/Ed Simek)

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Sure, we’ve shown eagles in our daily “Westport … Naturally” feature.

But it’s hard to get too much of our national symbol.

Especially when there are 2 of them, as Doug Brill spotted recently, not far from the Y:

(Photo/Doug Brill)

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And finally … in honor of the Senior Center ukulele concert — one of the most popular YouTube videos ever:

(So what’s our “06880” dream? That every reader who enjoys this hyper-local blog clicks here, to support our work. Hey, why not? Thank you!)

12 Comments

Posted in Entertainment, Library, Sports, Staples HS

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Car Thefts: A Personal Tale — And A Plea For Reason

Posted on January 11, 2026 | 63 comments

Last week’s post about another rise in car thefts — and the Police Department’s advice to residents to increase their “situational awareness” — drew dozens of comments.

They ranged from the consequences of police pursuit (or lack of it), to the wisdom of arming oneself, to the relative crime rates of Westport and Idaho.

One late comment struck a very personal note. Many readers may not have seen it (and many others never read the Comments section). 

But it’s worth repeating. Sara Holt — a Westporter since 2015 — wrote:

Yesterday at 3:30 p.m. I pulled into my garage after shopping at Trader Joes and Organic Market.

I got out of my car, and propped my house door open to make carrying groceries inside easier.

As I turned back to my car barely seconds later, I encountered a masked person, in a black hoodie and black jeans, entering my garage.

I am fortunate he did not want a confrontation, and instead turned and ran away.

Sara Holt’s experience was similar to a 2023 incident, in which masked men followed the driver of an Aston Martin into his Bayberry Lane garage. They stole the vehicle, but were apprehended later.

I did not reach for a weapon. (I do not own a firearm, but I have a mean judo kick).

I reached for my phone, and called the police. They came quickly.

They said that often car thieves will follow cars from grocery lots, knowing owners will leave the car (and garage) open to unload.

It’s an opportune time, as often the key fob is still in or near the car (in a purse on the front seat, or in the console). They can steal a car quickly, without confrontation.

So in this instance I am not someone who, as one commenter suggested, can’t reliably lock my car doors.

But I am also not, as a commenter from Florida suggested, a person who believes a concealed weapon would be the solution in this type of situation.

Not the answer, Sara Holt says.

I have also not obsessively locked my car in my garage, while bringing bags of groceries in and out, but perhaps I will now,

No, I won’t! That would be ultimate madness. It’s stressful enough living here with these crazy Westport drivers. I digress…

Be ultra-aware of your surroundings during these times. I am grateful for the Westport Police for having incredible intel on the perps within minutes, and for this encounter to have resolved as it did.

I urge people to understand the dire circumstances that cause young adults to hustle like this to make ends meet. They are often forced into these crimes as they haven’t had access to opportunities, or positive mentors, caregivers or models to show them there is another way to thrive.

Shepherds Mentors in Bridgeport is an incredible organization offering mentorships to disconnected young adults who are motivated to succeed.

I worked for Year Up for 20 years (now Year Up United), helping disconnected urban young adults go from poverty to professional careers — from hustling to tax-paying in a year-lonf program.

Reach out and be part of that solution. Don’t perpetuate a bigger problem by aiming assumptions or weapons at our country’s most vulnerable young adults.

Yes, I want to feel safe here in Westport. But I also realize that in these times, things are really really rough out there — outside of our bubble (and also within).

As for Idaho and Texas: I live on a dark street, with lots of dogs who bark around the clock. We have a security alarm tag on our mailbox at the end of our driveway. And cameras on all sides of the house. And a Ring camera.

And yet I also live 1 hour from New York City, next to 2 highways. So with or without arms, we are prime targets.

I envy your remote locals (and if only I could have grown up in 1970s Westport — epic. It’s jammed now!)

I’d rather lose a car than lose my humanity, by inanely taking the life of another human. Perspective is everything — and we’ve seem to have lost it.

(Our Comments section is just one of many features on this hyper-local blog. But “06880” relies on reader support. To make a tax-deductible contribution, please click here. Thank you!)

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Posted in Police

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Pic Of The Day #3188

Posted on January 10, 2026 | Comments Off on Pic Of The Day #3188

Friday evening train tracks (Photo/Ferdinand Jahnel)

Comments Off on Pic Of The Day #3188

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Remembering Jim Lomuscio

Posted on January 10, 2026 | 11 comments

James Lomuscio — a longtime journalist, former editor of the Westport News and Westport.com, and author of a book about the flooding of a Weston neighborhood for a reservoir project — died peacefully in his Weston home on Thursday. He was 71.

The Brooklyn native and St. Francis College graduate began his 50-year career as a reporter for L’Agenda, an English-Italian newspaper in New York.

In 1981 Jim joined the staff of Fairpress in Fairfield. He moved to Connecticut, where met his wife, raised a family and spent the rest of his life.

Jim Lomuscio

As a freelance journalist his writing appeared frequently in The New York Times, Connecticut Post, and dozens of other newspapers and magazines. He interviewed former presidents, gang leaders, astronauts and a grand wizard of the Ku Klux Klan. But his favorite subjects were the common people of Fairfield County.

As editor-in-chief of the Westport News Jim guided the paper to honors. He later led Westport Magazine, and WestportNow.com.

For decades Jim taught journalism, English, literature, business writing and a variety of other courses at Norwalk Community College and Western Connecticut State University.

While he took pride in all of his students’ journalistic accomplishments, he was especially pleased with the progress of many of his non-native English0speaking students, as they integrated into life in the US by learning to write well.

Jim authored several textbooks on writing and journalism. But his non-fiction book, “Village of the Dammed: the Flooding of a Connecticut Town” was his favorite, and garnered the most acclaim. He died in the midst of a book tour for a revised 20th anniversary edition of the book.

His obituary calls him “a loving husband, father and grandfather, who always put his family first. He cherished his relationships with his siblings, cousins, nieces and nephews, and everyone on his family tree.

“He was a loyal friend, who was always available to meet for a cup of coffee and a laugh. He was an honorable professor, whom students leaned on for emotional support. And he was a graciously generous and giving man to all who needed his help. A devout Catholic, Jim prayed daily for every person in his circle.”

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Christine; son James (Emily) of Pittsburgh, and daughter, Meredith Odierna (Michael); grandchildren James Francis, Harold, Johnna, Rocco, Paul, Mary Ann, Genevieve, Graham, Callahan and Margaret, respectively), sisters Mary (Nick)and Florence (Sheldon), and their children Joe). He was preceded by his brother Richard.

Visiting hours on Monday (Jan. 12, 4 to 7 p.m., Bouton Funeral Home, Georgetown). A funeral service is set for Tuesday (Jan. 13, 10 a.m., Sacred Heart Church, Georgetown). Burial will follow in Willowbrook Cemetery. For online condolences, click here.

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Posted in Media, Obituaries

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Roundup: Podcast, Book, Comedy, Play …

Posted on January 10, 2026 | 2 comments

Westport resident Nick Propper helps people manage stress and recovery, to sustain and improve personal and professional performance.

Part of his practice is podcasting. His most recent interview is with a fellow Westporters who knows a bit about those challenges.

Melissa Bernstein co-founded the billion-dollar toy company Melissa & Doug. In the podcast, she describes her journey from investment banking to entrepreneurship.

Melissa also discusses her struggles with mental health, the challenges of building a successful business, and her new venture Lifelines, which focuses on sensory immersion for stress relief.

She emphasizes the importance of creativity, authenticity, and the need for balance in life and work. Click here to listen.

Melissa Bernstein

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Speaking of greater self-awareness: Howard Steinberg started 3 companies here: Westport Innovation Hub, Source Marketing and dLife.

Now he’s written a book. “Confessions of a Problem Seeker” drops on Tuesday. It includes some rich references to Westport.

Howard says: “For most of my life, stillness eluded me. My mind was a relentless scanning machine, forever searching for what was wrong or what came next. But rarely present to the joy of the moment.

“It took me a virtual lifetime to recognize that this exterior version of me with its incessant mental chatter and negative bias was not my true self. I went in search of me.

“Most of us drift through life, nodding along to the question, ‘How are you?’ while never pausing to ask ourselves: How am I really doing? Who am I beneath this surface? As we avoid the deeper truths lurking just below, often disconnected from our true loving and authentic self. I know I’m not alone. We all yearn to break free from the chains of unconscious patterns. If I can shift, I believe most can. There is a path.”

Click here for more information.

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Carmen Lynch — a comedian seen on shows with Jimmy Fallon, Stephen Colbert, David Letterman, Conan O’Brien and Craig Ferguson — headlines a comedy show at VFW Post 399. She’ll be there January 17 (8 p.m.).

It’s co-sponsored by — no joke! — Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department. Click here for tickets, and more information.

Carmen Lynch

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Greenheart Productions — a new Westport theatre company — hosts a fundraiser.

A staged reading of the play “17 Minutes” (February 6, 7 p.m., Westport Country Playhouse barn) marks Greenheart’s first major public initiative. The goal is to produce “bold, theatrical work that sparks conversation, curiosity and compassion.”

17 minutes is the length of time a sheriff’s deputy stood outside a school while a shooter was inside. The play explores the effects of a shooting as the man struggles with his own complicity, and seeks meaning in the wake of the tragedy.

The reading will be followed by a panel discussion that includes playwright Scott Organ. Click here for tickets, and more information.

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More entertainment news: A world premiere comes soon to Lachat Town Farm.

“Hole in the Wall” — a comedy directed by Christopher Denham (“Oppenheimer,” “Argo,” “Billions” opens March 6. It runs through March 22.

Lachat — which offers a variety of educational and environmental programs and opportunities on its 43-acre property next to Weston Devil’s Den — is also an incubator for the arts.

“The caliber of talent we’ve seen has been incredible – from up-and-coming bands that end up making it big, to celebrity artists who debut new work in front of a small-but-savvy crowd,” says Friends of Lachat executive director Anita Dinwoodie.

“The music scene at Lachat never disappoints, and we’re seeing the same success with theater.”

Ticket information will be announced soon.

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Jonny Greenspan is a Staples High School junior.

A varsity tennis player, he’s focused on that sport, along with academics and clubs.

But he also wants to bring students together, just for fun. He’s doing it through flag football.

For several months, he’s worked with Westport PAL to create an inclusive, low-pressure opportunity for all local high schoolers, regardless of experience, skill level or where they go to school.

He’s gotten space in the Staples fieldhouse, Mondays from 7 to 10 p.m. The program begins soon.

“It emphasizes fun, teamwork and connection rather than pressure or competition,” Jonny says.

“For many students, especially those not involved in varsity athletics, recreational sports offer a rare opportunity to stay active, while building relationships and confidence in a low-stakes environment.

“This is about more than flag football. It’s about rebuilding connection, creating belonging, and giving students a reason to show up — for each other and for their community.

Click here for more information, and to register.

Jonny Greenspan, enjoying another favorite activity.

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The seemingly endless Post Road East construction project is done.

The result is a nice 1/10-mile stretch of road between Fresh Market and McDonald’s, and a debatably improved intersection just east of Stop & Shop.

At least Westporters knew what was going on.

Another project — on Riverside Avenue — began last spring. It’s continued — in fits and starts — since then.

What’s it all about?

Andrew Colabella — the Representative Town Meeting member who knows just about everything — explains:

“Aquarion contracted Tinker to do water main. Once the entire main is done, they go back and do all the secondary lines that stem to the mainline. Now it’s sewer and other utilities.

“Dave Tinker Construction has another 7 to 10 days of work left for the season. This will include utility connections by Riverside Park, Treadwell Avenue and Robert Lane.

“They will return in May to pave the side of the road they did the excavating on only (state requirement). It would be great if they could repave everything, but it’s likely other utility work will occur.

“It’s efficient to do all utility work within the road before an entire repaving.”

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Westport resident Judy Kohn died peacefully on Thursday, with her husband of 56 years Monroe, and her children Traci and Mark by her side.

She is also survived by her son-in-law Jon; daughter-in-law Danna, and grandchildren Emma, Jordan, Ben and Talia.

A funeral service will be held tomorrow (Sunday, January 11, 11 a.m., Abraham Green & Son Funeral Home, Fairfield). A visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Burial will follow the service at the Ahavath Achim Cemetery in Fairfield. Shiva will be held privately.

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Bruce Geller often runs at Sherwood Island State Park. He’s used to seeing rocks on the shore.

But these were not the usual ones. Bearing messages like “Keep the faith,” “Be nice — it doesn’t hurt” and You!,” they clearly came from a collection — but whose? And why dump them there?

It’s an unnatural part of today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo feature. If anyone knows the back story, click “Comments” below.

(Photo/Bruce Geller)

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And finally … happy 81st birthday to Rod Stewart.

There are so many great songs to pick from. Here are 5 of my favorites. What are yours?

(Another weekend … and “06880” is right here for you. If you appreciate Roundups like these — or any other feature — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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