Roundup: Christie Selfie, Holiday Toys & Food, Book Censorship …

Posted on November 19, 2025 | 5 comments

Yesterday morning, “06880” posted a story on the swearing-in 12 hours earlier of 1st Selectman Kevin Christie, and over 50 other town officials.

There were nice photos too of our new chief executive, Senator Richard Blumenthal, RTM members with their kids, and more.

But we missed the money shot. It showed Christie on stage, with a packed Town Hall auditorium crowd behind him.

It was a selfie — taken by the 1st selectman himself, just minutes into his 4-year term.

Here it is. It’s a day late — but worth the wait.

(Selfie photo/Kevin Christie)

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Bridgeport’s Ralphola Taylor Community Center has a unique way of rewarding youngster for good behavior, and doing homework.

Kids earn points, which they then use to “shop” for gifts for family members at the center’s Holiday Store.

The gifts — all new, for children as well as adults — come from donations. There are several ways to stock the store:

♥ A collection at the Imperial Avenue parking lot (December 6, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.).

♥ Shop online from one of these links:

  • Awesome Toys: Items purchased for the Holiday Store are 20% off
  • Amazon
  • Savvy & Grace – For all donations, the store will add an ornament with your name to their Christmas tree.

♥ To drop off donations in Westport or Weston, email atlasbethct@gmail.com.

Shopping at the Ralphola Taylor Community Center Holiday Store.

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More holiday help: A&S Westport Fine Foods is partnering with the Southport law firm Conlon Amendola, to donate 50 full Thanksgiving dinners.

They’ll go to student families at Capital Prep Harbor School in Bridgeport, who face food insecurity. The tuition-free charter school has a 100% college acceptance rate.

A&S will prepare fresh turkeys, and trays of sides. The Post Road West market is donating the birds; the law firm is covering other costs.

Westporters who wish to provide funds for dessert (pies) can email A&S (chefalpiz@gmail.com), or call 203-293-4042.

The meals will be delivered Friday, with freezing and reheating instructions.

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One of America’s most urgent civil liberties issues is the focus of a documentary screening and panel discussion this Friday (November 21, 7 p.m.) at the Westport Library.

Director/producer Kim Snyder brings her award-winning, gripping and very timely film “The Librarians” to the Trefz Forum.

It explores “the growing movement to censor ideas, stories, and voices across the country, and celebrates the everyday heroes standing in its way.” Librarians across the country are “fighting on the front lines for the freedom to read and the right to think critically.”

Westport Emmy and Peabody Award-winning writer Trey Ellis, and producer Maria Cuomo Cole, join Snyder and author Oliver Radclyffe on the panel, following the documentary.

Click here for more details. Click here or below to see the trailer.

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Westport has a new golf simulator and lounge.

And this one is members only.

Sticks Westport opened earlier this month at 772 Post Road East, the strip mall that includes TTEndurance and Picture This, between Calise’s Deli and Wheels.

There are no drop-ins. Instead, monthly and annual members get protected time, in a private setting.

The headline feature is a cutting-edge Trackman iO golf simulator. It usees a combination of radar, infrared and high-speed imaging to deliver real-time club and ball analytics.

There is also a big screen TV, comfortable seating area and kitchenette.

Owner Ali Lloyd says, “Sticks’ small, cozy space is meant to feel like an extension of your house. It was born out of the dream of having a golf simulator in our own home.”

She worked with an interior designer, and collected antiques and art to create “a Westport-level space that’s comfortable and inviting.”

Membership will be capped at “a pretty low number.” After 2 weeks, Lloyd says, they are halfway toward being sold out.

For more information, click here. The Instagram is @stickswestport. Interested members can enjoy free rounds, and a tour; email ali@sticks.cc.

Fore! (Photo/Jannae Angelos)

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Golf not your thing?

The UU Players are staging “The Gin Game” this weekend, at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport.

The play — featuring Westporters Tom Croarkin and Candace Clinger — centers on 2 “old age home” residents who become friends over a series of card games. In the process they reveal any things about themselves — including their darker sides.

Easton residents Jessica Tandy and Hume Cronyn opened the show on Broadway in 1977.

Dates are Friday and Saturday (November 21 and 22, 7 p.m.) and Sunday (November 23, 2 p.m.). The suggested donation is $25, cash or Venmo at the door. Questions? Call 203-227-7205, ext. 10.

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Bike Westport is sponsoring a Zoom session on an important topic: “Smart/Safe Cycling for Youth & Adults.”

The event — including topics like e-bike laws, what parents should know about e-bikes for youths, and how to ride safely in traffic — is tomorrow (Thursday, 6:30 p.m.). Click here for the Zoom link.

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Karl Kuechenmeister died on Saturday, surrounded by family. He was 78.

He was a graduate of Staples High School and Dickinson College.

Karl served in the US Navy as a lieutenant and aviator. He was assigned to Flight Squadron 101 — “The Grim Reapers” — where he flew T-2 Buckeyes, F-9 Cougars and F-4 Phantoms.

He later became a senior media sales executive with CBS and NBC Television, Warner Bros. Domestic TV, Lorimar, Time Warner, MTV Networks and Turner Broadcasting Sales.

Karl was a volunteer with Connecticut Special Olympics and a Board Member of the Saugatuck Shores Club. He held dual citizenship with
Ireland.

Working at NBC, he Karl met Elizabeth. They were married at St. Luke Church.

After raising 2 children in Westport and Cape Cod, Karl and Elizabeth moved to Palm Beach Shores, Florida in 2016. He lovd the town, and lunch with “the Gang.”

He is survived by his wife Elizabeth; son Lt. Col. Karl Kuechenmeister (Carly), daughter Britt Kuechenmeister (Theo); grandchildren Gavin and Logan; sisters Karen, Janis and Mary, and many in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews.

The Veterans Administration Medical Center and VA Hospice Center in West Palm Beach provided exceptional and tender care of Karl.

A celebration of life will take place at a later date. There are no calling hours.

Karl Kuechenmeister

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Organizational psychologist and author Dr. Melvin Sorcher died Saturday in Westport. He was 95.

The Brooklyn native and Korean War US Army sergeant earned a Ph.D. from Syracuse University.

He developed and implemented “behavior modeling” in business and other non-clinical settings. He headed General Electric’s corporate behavioral research group, and served as worldwide director of management development for Richardson-Vicks.

Mel wrote 4 books, and more than 40 articles and chapters. He was honored in 1978 for distinguished professional practice throughout his career, including his work to bring behavior modeling to address the problem of apartheid in South Africa by breaking down racial barriers in industry.

Before retiring at 72, Mel started a consulting firm specializing in CEO and senior management evaluation and selection. His 1 decades of retirement were filled with projects until the last days of his life.

He published another book, to help recent college graduates secure their first jobs, and helped make Westport the first town east of the Mississippi River to ban nonbiodegradable plastic bags.

He was a prolific painter, taught English as a second language, took Spanish lessons, and traveled around the country to see his large family.

Mel is survived by his wife Sylvia; sons and in-laws Michael (Jill) of Overland Park, Kansas; Robert (Nicolas Ospina) of Denver, and Peter (Erin) of Mill Valley, California, and grandchildren Sara (Arie Lipnick), Gary, Danielle, Jessica , Rachael, Caroline, Kaya and Shea.

Funeral services will be held this Sunday (November 23, 12 p.m., Abraham L. Green & Son Funeral Home, Fairfield. Visitation begins at 11:30 a.m.

Dr. Melvin Sorcher

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Superb nature photographer Lou Weinberg is back, with another spectacular “Westport … Naturally” image.

This one is a downy woodpecker. Check out that beak!

(Photo/Lou Weinberg)

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And finally … in honor of “The Librarians” — the documentary film, and the real-life professionals (story above):

(We can’t keep library-quiet about this: “06880” relies on donations from readers! If you enjoy our daily Roundup — or anything else on our hyper-local blog — please click here to support us. Thank you!)

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Staples Juniors Turn Up The Heat On Lead Contamination

Posted on November 19, 2025 | 4 comments

Staples High School students do some very impressive things.

Players’ current production of “Les Misérables” is drawing absolute raves. (If you haven’t seen it yet: Read on!). Hundreds of musicians are preparing for the 85th annual Candlelight Concert. Boys soccer won the state championship; field hockey camethisclose.

All those accomplishments make our entire town proud.

But under the radar, other students pursue their own passions.

And like their classmates who garner more attention, they do it very, very well.

Ignacy Nieweglowski and Sahil Vora are juniors and friends, with an interest in science and technology.

Together, they founded Staples’ Health Tech Initiative Club. The student-led organization tackles public health issues through technology.

Right now, they’re focusing on lead contamination across Connecticut, and the entire US.

Staples’ Health Tech Initiative Club, in action.

The club began as a way for students to get involved in research. The initial goal was to develop an inexpensive solution to detecting PFAS (“forever chemicals”) in water.

After almost 2 months of literature review and a meeting with a Yale professor, they realized that hundreds of researchers are working to do exactly that.

They decided to pivot to something that in recent years has not gotten the attention it deserves, especially as the Environmental Protection Agency has been defunded.

Ignacy, Sahil and their club found that lead contamination continues to be one of the most pervasive but disregarded issues in American healthcare.

They know they can’t fix the problem directly. But they can raise awareness, and push for legislative change and community action.

Exploring the issue in Connecticut, they learned that some public waterways in Westport surpass the federal Lead Copper Rule standard mandated by the EPA  of 15 parts per billion.

(Public reports are available on their website; click on the data section, and open source reports.)

Westport’s lead contamination heat map.

They’re working now on better mapping of lead contamination in Westport. They hope to reach out to organizations and community leaders, to bring the issue to the forefront of public health in Connecticut.

Their biggest need right now, Ignacy and Sahil say, is public support.

Over the past year, the pair has developed an open-source platform: leadwatchhti.org.

Anyone can report and view lead test results in their area. So far, they’ve received over 30 reports. Several are above the EPA’s federal action level of 15 ppb.

“These demand immediate action at the local level,” Ignacy and Sahil say.

“We want to reignite passion for this issue. The current Connecticut Department of Public Health action level at 15ppb for lead was last updated in 2004. Two decades later, scientific evidence shows that any detectable levels of lead can be irreversibly harmful.”

The duo will be distributing free lead test kits, and setting up community stations at the Westport Library and Staples High.

They also hope to partner with local leaders, state legislators, and organizations like Lead Free CT to help contribute to our database, prove that this is still an issue — and help solve it.

To learn more, email Ignacy (ignacy.nieweglowski@gmail.com) and/or Sahil Vora (sahilvora828@gmail.com).

(“06880” often highlights the amazing achievements of our town’s young people. If you enjoy stories like these — or anything else on our hyper-local blog — please click here to support us. Thanks!)

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Pic Of The Day #3135

Posted on November 18, 2025 | Comments Off on Pic Of The Day #3135

Comp Beach kayak rack (Photo/John Maloney)

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Roundup: Bus Shelters, Blood Drive, Black Dog …

Posted on November 18, 2025 | 9 comments

Westporters love the (finally) completed Post Road reconstruction project, between the Volvo dealership and Sakura.

And employees of the businesses in that area — on both sides of the street — love the new bus shelters that have just been completed too.

“06880” reader Lawrence Weisman notes, “they are the result of a multi-year effort of a small group of citizens, ably assisted by Public Works Department director Pete Ratkiewitch and his staff, and ultimately by the state Department of Transportation (including former commissioner Emil Frankel).

“Those primarily involved include Ron Corwin, Jenny Johnson and Pippa Bell Ader. They took the initiative after noticing that many of those who commute to Westport to staff the establishments that serve us often had to wait for their buses in bad weather.”

“Thanks to all who helped make life better for the men and women who work here.”

Workers put the finishing touches on the bus shelter at Volvo of Westport. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Next Monday’s Planning & Zoning Commission meeting (November 24, 6 p.m., Zoom) — the first with its newly elected members — features a full agenda.

Items include:

  • A discussion of a plan to build an office building, with parking, at 715 Post Road East — the vacant lot currently used to store logs, at the corner of Roseville Road.
  • An application to subdivide 107 Old Road, into 4 single family residential lots, with an open space parcel.
  • A text amendment to permit offsite affordable housing, at the discretion of the P&Z. Click here for the full text amendment.

Click here for the full agenda.

715 Post Road East (Photo/Dan Woog)

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The Y’s Men of Westport and Weston are hosting the 65th straight monthly VFW Red Cross blood drive tomorrow (Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; VFW Post 399).

Donors are encouraged to schedule appointments in advance. Click here; then use sponsor code VFWWESTPORT, or call 800-733-2767.

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Also at the VFW: Led Zeppelin.

Well, Black Dog, a great tribute band, anyway.

They rock Post 399 on Saturday (November 22, doors open at 7 p.m., show at 8). Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Click here to purchase.

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After 3 outstanding performances at MoCA\CT, judges of the Heida Hermanns International Music Competition made a rare decision Saturday night. They named 2 winners: Ye‑Eun Hyun and Zhu Wang.

Though stylistically distinct, both impressed the jury with technical brilliance and emotional depth. Each was awarded the $20,000 first prize, sponsored by Norman and Suzanne Sorensen. Jiahao Han earned the $10,000 second prize, plus $500 for Best Performance of a Commissioned Piece.

Now in its 54th year, the Heida Hermanns International Music Competition honors the legacy of pianist and philanthropist Heida Hermanns, the longtime Westporter who championed emerging artists on the world stage.

“I think we all had very strong opinions about the order, and the first two were equals in our minds,” said head judge Frederic Chiu, a renowned pianist and former winner of the Heida Competition. First prize has only been shared once before, in 2013.

To learn more about the 2015 finalists, click here.

Heida Hermanns co-winner Zhu Wang, and …

… fellow winner Ye-Eun Hyun.

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Staples High School is not the only school with a soccer champion this fall.

The Greens Farms Academy girls varsity capped their undefeated Fairchester Athletic Conference title season by winning the New England Prep School Athletic Conference Class C title this weekend.

The final was a 4-1 victory over Brewster Academy.

Congratulations to all the Dragons!

Greens Farms Academy: soccer champs!

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Staples High School Class of 2021 graduate Jane Krauss won a Lone Star Emmy last weekend. She was part of the team that produced a segment called “Austin Really Moves.”

Jane graduated from the University of Austin in May. She was a coordinating producer on the KXAN production that won, as a spring intern.

She is now in Madrid, doing social media marketing strategy for a study abroad company and teaching English.

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MoCA\CT’s screening of “Hopeville: How to Win the Reading Wars” — a film about literacy — set for November 20, has been postponed until spring.

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Four great musicians headline this Thursday’s “Jazz at the Post” (November 20, VFW Post 399; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 7).

They’re pianist Miki Hayama, bassist Harvie S, drummer Matt Wilson, and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall. Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Staples High School graduate Peter Kluchnick has died.

He grew up on Bauer Place Extension, and joined the US Marine Corps in 1966 with several Staples High School Class of 1966 classmates. He served one year in Vietnam.

Family and friends will gather this Friday (November 21, 5 to 7 p.m., Cody-White Funeral Home, Milford).

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The fall foliage is still hanging on!

This is the scene behind Wendy Levy’s Post Road East office:

(Photo/Wendy Levy)

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And finally … in honor of the new Post Road bus shelters (story above):

(“06880” is pleased to report that the Post Road project is finished. We’re also pleased to report on so much more in Westport, 24/7/365. If you enjoy our coverage, please click here to support us. Thanks!)

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Christie Sworn In, Looks Ahead; Over 50 Others Take Oaths Too

Posted on November 18, 2025 | 9 comments

It’s official: Westport has a new 1st selectman.

In a high-energy, bipartisan, optimistic, fun and hugs-filled  ceremony, a packed Town Hall crowd of friends, relatives, and soon-to-be-sworn-in-themselves elected officials watched as Kevin Christie took the oath of office as the town’s chief executive.

Senator Richard Blumenthal did the honors. Christie was joined on stage by his wife and children.

Senator Richard Blumenthal swears in 1st Selectman Kevin Christie. His wife and children watch proudly.

His oath was followed quickly by others, administered by Christie and Town Clerk Jeffrey Dunkerton.

Second selectwoman Amy Wistreich and 3rd selectman Don O’Day; the Boards of Finance, Education and Assessment Appeals; the Planning and Zoning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals — incumbents and newcomers alike — all swore to uphold federal, state and local laws.

Kevin Christie swears in Board of Education members Abby Tolan, Stephen Shackelford and Andy Frankel. Dorie Hordon, unable to attend, took the oath of office earlier. 

Then came oaths for the Representative Town Meeting (RTM). Each of the 9 districts had its own ceremony.

Though quick, they were meaningful. Members of 2 districts brought their children on stage. One district paused for a selfie.

Kevin Christie smiles as RTM District 2 members Melissa Levy, Jenna Petok, Jay Keenan and Lou Mall are joined by Levy and Petok’s children.

After the 50-plus officials were sworn in, Christie delivered brief remarks.

He thanked the selectwomen for their service, then outlined his goals of “a clear vision for Westport; collaboration between the town and state government, and disciplined execution that will led to results.”

Specifically, he cited downtown parking, housing, sustainability and “an attractive mill rate” as areas of focus.

Christie noted the importance of collaboration at all, levels; the need for disciplined capital planning, and “the most meaningful part: “engagement with all Westporters.”

A sense of community brought him and his family to Westport, Christie said. That has been “the foundation of my service. And it will guide us in our work ahead.”

He concluded, “I look forward to the work ahead. Let’s get to it together.”

Kevin Christie, in his first official address to the town.

The evening began with remarks from other elected officials, and a noted Westporter.

Outgoing 1st selectwoman Jen Tooker spoke of her achievements. She saluted the first all-female Board of Selectwoman, and urged Christie to “enjoy every minute — or at least most of them — as you lead our wonderful town.”

Following up on Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas’ praise for Westport voters’ 50% turnout in this year’s race (the statewide average was 36%), Blumenthal noted the importance of “putting differences aside, to work for the common good.” He contrasted that with the current climate “where I work,” in Washington.

The ceremony included remarks by Emmy and Peabody Award-winning writer Trey Ellis; the Pledge of Allegiance led by Staples High School senior and Board of Education student representative Souleye Kebe; the national anthem sung by Staples senior Eva Slossberg; the Westport Police and Fire Honor Guard; an invocation by Rabbi Michael Friedman of Temple Israel, and a benediction from Reverend John Betit of Christ & Holy Trinity Church.

Souleye Kebe leads the Pledge of Allegiance.

Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas.

Trey Ellis likens “E Pluribus Unum” — the motto on the US Great Seal meaning “Out of many, one” — to “DEI, but in Latin.”

Before the ceremony, a TV interview.

Kevin Christie and Senator Richard Blumenthal chat. The Police & Fire Honor Guard are in the background. (All photos/Dan Woog)

(“06880” regularly covers all local politics — and much more. But we can’t do it without our readers’ support. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)

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Domestic Violence: Westport Is Not Immune

Posted on November 18, 2025 | 4 comments

Domestic violence is real.

One in 4 women, and 1 in 7 men, experience it in their lifetime. In Connecticut, 19 people died in family violence homicides last year alone.

Westport is not immune. In fiscal year 2025 the Domestic Violence Crisis Center — a counseling and advocacy organization serving victims and their children in lower Fairfield County — conducted 23 “lethality assessments.” 26% were identified as high danger, prompting immediate intervention by DVCC and law enforcement.

Nearly every week, Westport Police report an arrest prompted by a domestic argument.

Dr. Wendy Levy is a member of the Westport Domestic Violence Task Force, and a DVCC Advisory Council member.

She says, “Domestic, or interpersonal, violence happens regardless of gender, ethnicity, religion or socioeconomic  status.

“It happens here in Westport, but is sadly underreported or acknowledged due to stigma, shame or economic realities.”

DVCC CEO Suzanne Adam notes, “Domestic violence is a process, not an event.

“It’s a pattern of power and control that develops over time. Understanding that complexity is critical to helping survivors find safety and healing.”

Leaving an abusive relationship seems simple or immediate.

However, advocates say it often takes several attempts before a survivor can safely and permanently leave.

In fact, leaving can be “the most dangerous time for a survivor,” Adam says.

DVCC provides comprehensive support before, during and after that decision.

DVCC counselors say that not every survivor wants to end their relationship. Sometimes, they simply want the violence to stop. The organization “supports their choices, and helps them build safety and stability on their own terms.

“Victims are the experts in their own lives. Our job is not to tell them what to do, but to equip them with the tools and information to make empowered decisions.”

Westport Police Captain Jill Cabana — who heads our town’s Domestic Violence Task Force — has sat on DVCC’s board.

She calls the non-profit “a group of committed and passionate individuals, truly doing God’s work.”

Westporter Stacy Reilly, a DVCC volunteer and Advisory Board member, is a former witness of domestic violence toward her mother, and inappropriate conduct toward herself,

She works with DVCC to “help foster a safer, more compassionate community, and help men, women and children rebuild their lives, giving them the chance to start again.”

Since 1980, the DVCC has done that, through education and support.

Their services include 24-hour crisis intervention through a hotline, the Lethality Assessment Program, 2 emergency safe houses, legal advocacy, trauma-informed counseling for adults and children, housing and financial sustainability support, and prevention education.

All services are multicultural, multilingual, free and confidential. DVCC’s annual budget of $3.9 million includes nearly half raised from private donations.

The average shelter stay is now 104 days — a vast increase from the 19-day average before the pandemic. Housing scarcity and financial instability keeps them in shelters, as they work toward independence.

DVCC’s counseling services include child enrichment services at the safe house.

Legal support in FY ’25 involved 2,779 victims. Advocates help victims obtain orders of protection, and are present at arraignments and criminal hearings. Consultations also cover child support, custody, divorce and alimony.

Financial assistance includes housing, employment and credit support services.

Education is a key component of DVCC’s work. In Westport alone, 1,052 students learned how to recognize unhealthy relationship dynamics, and provides tools to intervene safely.

The Westport Domestic Violence Task Force, meanwhile, covers a wide range of services. They collect supplies for victims (including gift cards from salons), raise awareness and provide information.

October was Domestic Violence Awareness Month. But Fairfield County’s Domestic Violence Crisis Center, and the Westport Domestic Violence Task Force, work 24/7, 12 months a year.

To learn more, click here for the DVCC, or email the Westport group: wdvtf06880@gmail.com. The DVCC hotline is 203-588-9097.

In October, then-1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker (front, 2nd from left) proclaimed “Domestic Violence Awareness Month” in Westport. She posed at Town Hall with DVCC CEO Suzanne Adam, members of the Fairfield County and Westport organizations, and other officials.

 

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Pic Of The Day #3134

Posted on November 17, 2025 | Comments Off on Pic Of The Day #3134

Jesup Green (Photo/Dayle Brownstein)

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1st Selectwoman’s Farewell

Posted on November 17, 2025 | 14 comments

At 7:30 p.m. tonight, Westport’s new Select Board will be sworn in.

 A couple of hours before, and from 2 floors above the Town Hall auditorium, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker offered these final thoughts:

As many of you know, the guiding principle of my administration has been to ensure that Westport is the best place to live, work, play, and learn in the region—a community where everyone is welcome and truly feels that they belong. That vision was our North Star, shaping every decision and serving as the measure of our accomplishments. I could not be prouder of all that we achieved together.

Over the past 4 years, we made remarkable progress on the 5 priorities I outlined when Andrea Moore and I took office—along with so many other important initiatives. As a community, we stood by one another in times of sorrow and celebrated together in moments of joy. We engaged in causes that make both our town and our world a better place, and we spoke up, respectfully challenging each other whenever we saw opportunities for growth.

Andrea and I made history as Westport’s first all-female 1st and 2nd selectwomen team—and, together with Candice Savin, as the first all-female Board of Selectwomen. We led with compassion, integrity, professionalism, and heart. And today, I am proud to share that Westport is in the strongest financial position in its history and our future is very bright.

Westport’s selectwomen (from left: Jen Tooker, Candice Savin and Andrea Moore) volunteered each year at Experience Camps’ Day of Champions. (Photo/Dan Woog)

I also want to recognize our incredibly talented and dedicated town employees — my leadership team, and all my colleagues in Town Hall — without whom none of this would have been possible. Working alongside you each day has been an absolute privilege, and a lot of fun!

My deepest thanks as well to our exceptional Police, Fire, and Emergency Medical Services Departments, whose commitment keeps our community safe. I have told you many times that you are truly the best of the best, and we are so fortunate that you have chosen to build your careers here in Westport.

To our residents, business owners, teachers, school administrators, and nonprofit leaders: thank you. Westport is better today because of all of you. You are what makes Westport so special.

This role has always been as much about listening as it is about leading, and because you all took the time to share your thoughts and challenges, I was able to make decisions that truly reflected the needs of our community. Some of our best ideas came directly from you — StartUp Westport is a shining example — and I hope you continue sharing your vision and creativity with Westport’s new administration.

Serving as your 1st selectwoman has been the greatest honor of my professional life. I am excited for my next chapter, and I am deeply proud to continue to call Westport my home. Together, we will ensure that Westport remains the best place to live, work, play, and learn in the region. It will continue to be a community where everyone is welcome and truly feels they belong.

Thank you, Westport!


Jen Tooker

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“06880” Podcast: Bill Harmer

Posted on November 17, 2025 | Comments Off on “06880” Podcast: Bill Harmer

For several years, “06880” has taped bi-weekly podcasts at the Westport Library. The Verso Studios crew — David Bibbey, Travis Bell, and their volunteer helpers — ensure that we look and sound professional, and as if we know what we’re talking about.

We’ve welcomed guests from all across Westport: town officials, religious figures, artists and musicians, educators, and many others.

Our most recent guest is the man responsible for it all: Library director Bill Harmer.

As he celebrates his 10th anniversary in charge of one of the most remarkable libraries everywhere, we set out to learn the story behind the story.

Click here or below to discover much more about the director, his work, and the future of it all.

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Westport’s Water: “A Sobering View”

Posted on November 17, 2025 | 5 comments

Marc Lemcke is a Westport resident, and a close observer of water utility Aquarion’s presence in town.

Last Thursday, he attended a community discussion about water. He calls it “a sobering view of Westport’s water future.” Marc writes:

Thank you to Valerie Seiling Jacobs, Robert Harrington and our expert State Representative Jonathan Steinberg for your role in the discussion.

Below are 5 key takeaways:

1. The North Avenue tanks are a symptom of failed oversight.

  • They are not only part of a broader water system, but a manifestation of a larger problem: failed utility oversight.
  • The tanks were never designed for Westport’s specific water challenges, despite the water company’s claims.
  • The water company misled the community and the P&Z to avoid scrutiny of a much larger project: the $200 million Southwest Regional Pipeline Project.
  • The state Public Utilities Regulatory Authority and Department of Public Health were fully aware that this narrative was at best incomplete, and at worst false.
  • Westport’s long-known water challenges are unlikely to see tangible improvements in fire protection any time soon.

North Avenue water tank. (Photo/Richard Fogel)

2. The Town is not honoring the 2019 agreement.

  • As part of a settlement, the town of Westport formally agreed with residents in 2019 to review the project’s impact on Westport. The town is not honoring this agreement.
  • The town has not been responding to questions. Instead, the water company has filed an application with the local Planning & Zoning Commission change the permit and obtain a certificate of project compliance.
  • The town has, in practice, limited transparency around this case and Westport’s broader water challenges.

3. The P&Z application is materially incomplete.

  • The application assumes compliance with permit conditions without providing evidence.
  • Screening as promised was never possible, because of underground pipes.
  • Important comments are missing entirely, including from the Westport Fire Department.
  • The statutory clock was started without taking public testimony.
  • The P&Z has chosen to interpret its jurisdiction very narrowly.

4. Hard-won transparency gains are at risk.

  • Thanks to dedicated public officials and policymakers, the Westport tank project helped trigger important legislative changes (the “Take Back the Grid” Act and SB 7).
  • Many of those public interest professionals have now resigned, face lawsuits, or are no longer running for re-election.
  • Residents and ratepayers have won a few battles, but are at risk of losing the larger war.

5. The sale of Aquarion is a deeper crisis than expected.

  • The $2.6 billion acquisition of our water system by the Regional Water Authority is now emerging as a crisis sooner and deeper than many expected.
  • Aquarion’s 2022 rate case effectively ended an unsustainable business model, and Eversource ran for the door.
  • Previously unknown to many of us: Representative Steinberg said that the State “guaranteed” Eversource a $200 million profit on its sale of Aquarion. This guarantee raises serious questions.

Click here for a recording of the meeting, background material and contact information.

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