Long-time Westporter Scott Smith sees things the rest of us miss. Today, he sees the need for a flagpole. Scott writes:
This month, we honor our veterans and assess election results.
I hope it is not too early to turn our attention to an upcoming landmark event in our nation’s history. I’m talking about the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, to be celebrated on July 4, 2026.
Even in this divisive political time, I like to think that the one thing all Americans can rally around is the flag of the United States.
So here’s the idea: Let’s celebrate the semiquincentennial by erecting a tall new flagpole at the most prominent, historic spot in Westport — by the cannons at Compo Beach.
An iconic spot for a new flagpole? (Photo/Tim Woodruff)
There are 2 flagpoles at Compo. One is set inland among trees at the entrance, with a smaller flag at the lifeguard station along the boardwalk. Both strike me as underwhelming.
One current Compo Beach flagpole …
Given that it’s hard to see these flags from any distance, wouldn’t it be swell if the town had a great big American flag, and Westport’s too, for all to see?
,,, and another.
A new flagpole off Cedar Point would complement the cannons, while serving as a navigational aid and eye-catching marker for meetups. As an old analog guy, and longtime boater and kayaker, I’ve long sought out fluttering flags to gauge wind and weather.
Flying the town’s “Minute Man” flag in addition to Old Glory would also be a fine way to salute the brave patriots who battled the British after their landing at Compo in April 1777, then fought the Redcoats again after their return from destroying the colonial depot in Danbury.
As it happens, the town may already have a flagpole on standby. On a trip to the yard waste dump on Bayberry Lane this summer, I noticed a sizable metal pole rusting away in a weedy back corner of the lot. Perhaps it can be refurbished and returned to service.
Flagpole at the yard waste station. (Photos/Scott Smith unless otherwise noted)
What say we run this idea up the proverbial — and perhaps literal — flagpole with Westport’s new first selectman Kevin Christie?
Then we can all have something to salute at next year’s Independence Day fireworks at Compo Beach.
(The “06880” Opinion page is open to all readers. Send submissions to 06880blog@gmail.com.)
There’s been plenty of talk lately about Parker Harding Plaza.
Should we add more green space next to the Saugatuck River? Or is keeping parking paramount?
Access to the river was an afterthought in the 1950s, when town official Emerson Parker and landscape architect Evan Harding devised a plan to use landfill to create a couple of hundred spots for shoppers, behind Main Street.
Up to then, the river lapped up against the backs of stores on the west side.
(Their sewage was dumped directly into the water — but that’s a different story.)
But Parker and Harding did provide access to the Saugatuck.
(Photo courtesy of Christopher Maroc)
Today, those steps are overgrown. The view below is from Parker Harding; the pedestrian bridge (left in the photo above) is closed.
(Photo/Dan Woog)
Reclaim the steps! Open the river! Access for all!
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Staples Players’ big, bold, brassy — and spectacular — 10-show run of “Les Misérables” opened last night.
A cast of over 70 — costumed to the hilt, singing lustily on a revolving set, backed by a superb pit of nearly 30 musicians — awed the audience, with every aspect of the production.
If you’ve never seen a Players show: Go now!
Even if you’re an aficionado, you’ll be blown away by this one.
NOTE: The link above is the only place to buy tickets. Two people arrived last night, with tickets bought on StubHub. Let’s hope the person who was so sleazy as to try to profit off a high school drama program ends up like some of the revolutionaries at the start of Act 2.
A small portion of the large “Les Mis” cast. (Photo/Kerry Long)
A beloved tradition — holiday lights on the Cribari Bridge — nearly ended last year.
A quarter century of sponsorship by Al’s Angels ended. At the last minute, Westport’s Police Athletic League rallied businesses and individuals to buy new lights, install them, and once again make the Saugatuck span sparkle.
PAL took the lead again this year. They’re even getting a jump on the season.
A holiday lighting ceremony is set for this Sunday (6:30 p.m.). Everyone is invited.
The Whelk will serve hot chocolate, topped with a marshmallow whipped cream rim from Momu.
Attendees are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy, for the Westport Police Department collection drive.
Let there be (Cribari) lights!
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For nearly 50 years, Bloodroot has served delicious vegan food — spiced with healthy amounts of feminist ideology, and a side helping of social justice-type books — in a funky, you’ve-got-to-know-it-to-get-there spot on Bridgeport’s Black Rock Harbor.
Co-founder and longtime Westporter Selma Miriam died in February, 2 weeks short of 90.
Bloodroot is tucked away, off a residential street in Black Rock.
But nothing lasts forever. Bloodroot will close on December 21, after what co-owner Noel Furie calls “48 amazing and wonderful years in business. This decision, though sad, is also necessary given many factors in our lives at this time.
“We’ve chosen December 21 because it is the day of the Winter Solstice (which means sun standing still), and heralds the beginning of the return of the light. The days start to get longer and it is a time for hope and celebration.
“We hope you will continue to visit us during our usual business hours in the remaining weeks that we are open.”
The restaurant/community center earned a special place in American women’s history. And none of it would have been possible without the passion, creativity, love and great energy of Westport’s own Selma Miriam. (Hat tip: Chris Grimm)
Speaking of restaurants: The Blondinit has earned raves — and a passionate following — since opening 20 months ago.
Now the Israeli spot on Church Lane has introduced a new winter menu.
Dishes include shawarma-spiced potato wedges topped with garlic sauce; wild caught Chilean sea bass with mushrooms, cannellini beans and spinach with a roasted red pepper sauce; erguez sausage with peppers; roasted eggplant and peppers spread with challah toast points; Shabbat schnitzel sandwich with eggplant and matbucha on challah bread, and baklava brûlée.
The other night, I enjoyed a tasting menu. I love the cuisine to begin with, but the flavors, freshness, variety and creativity — and the joy with which it is all prepared and served — brought the meal to another level.
That’s not just me talking. It was a Monday — normally the slowest day of the week, in a traditionally slow time before the holidays.
But the restaurant was packed.
Meanwhile, The Blondinit just announced its Hanukkah menu. Email catering@theblondinit.com or call (203) 557-3277 for details.
Sustainable Westport’s co-directors, Johanna Martell and Gately Ross, were recently featured on “The Joe Gardener Podcast.” The national platform explores sustainability through the lens of gardening.
The pair described how they left established careers to lead the local non-profit. They discussed the ripple effects of local action, how to foster change at the community level, and why personal voices and examples matter.
Host Joe Lamp’l praised their ability to connect with people where they are, making sustainability accessible rather than intimidating.
Johanna Martell, Gately Ross and Joe Lamp’l tape their podcast at Westport Library’s Verso Studios.
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Looking for one more way to help fight hunger?
The Westport Country Playhouse is collected food and toiletry items, for Homes with Hope.
Pasta, pasta sauce, cereal, oatmeal, peanut butter and jelly, canned goods (tuna, soup, vegetables, beans, fruit), toothpaste and shampoo may be left in a box in the lobby.
You can drop them off during the day, or before a show.
(Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)
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Club203’s November event was a great “Bingo Bash” at the Senior Center.
Dedicated volunteers helped everyone be a winner. Trefz Corporation and Gold’s Deli were sponsors. MoCA\CT collaborated, as always. And once again, Westport’s Human Services Department provided important support.
Bingo!
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It didn’t rain yesterday.
But a beautiful rainbow appeared over Westport.
Adam Drake captured this image, over Winslow Park:
(Photo/Adam Drake)
It was also visible at — of all places — the rainbow crosswalk on Jesup Road:
And finally … in honor of Bloodroot, and its 48-year legacy:
(If it’s happening in Westport — or there’s a Westporter involved — you’ll read about it on “06880.” And if you appreciate what you read, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
As a freshman at Holy Cross, Mike Hayes attended a memorial service for John Connors. The Navy SEAL had been killed in Panama, after graduating the prior spring.
Hayes did not know Connors. But the event changed his life.
Hayes earned a spot in the very elite SEALs program. He spent 3 years in Iraq, then became a White House Fellow. On the National Security Council, he worked directly with Presidents Bush and Obama.
Mike Hayes (center), with his men on a mission.
After 20 years in the military — where he was held at gunpoint, jumped out of a building rigged to explode, and helped amputate a teammate’s leg — Hayes retired. He joined private industry, working as chief of staff to Ray Dalio, and COO, at Bridgewater Associates.
Hayes now serves as managing director at Insight Partners, a global software investor and venture capital firm.
Thirty years after his life was altered by a man he never met, Hayes spoke at a black-tie event, raising funds to build a statue honoring Connors in his home town.
Connors’ mother was there. Hayes thanked her, for raising a son who influenced Hayes’ life so profoundly.
That ideal — making an impact on someone you do not know — resonates deeply with Hayes. It’s the heart of his second book, “Mission Driven: The Path to a Life of Purpose.”
A practical guide for finding purpose and meaning in life, it focuses on self-discovery, and helps readers translate their purpose into actionable steps.
The target audience includes young adults, recent graduates, professionals seeking a new direction — anyone, really, who is going through a transition point in life — or will, one day.
Soon after publication in September, “Mission Driven” debuted at number 4 on USA Today’s list of all best-sellerss in the country.
Hayes never thought he’d be an author. But after the success of his first book — “Never Enough: A Navy Seal Commander on Living a Life of Excellence, Agility, and Meaning,” offering lessons from both the battlefield and boardroom — Hayes realized there was more to say.
He’d provided a blueprint for readers. But now he wanted to offer practical tools, to go beyond living a life of meaning. The next step was making an impact on others — including strangers.
“Mission Driven” has made its own impact. The author has heard from people who made important personal and professional decisions after reading it.
And someone texted him: “Mike, you’ve saved another life. Mine.”
Mike Hayes
Hayes certainly walks the talk. As he did with his first book, he is donating all profits to the 1162 Foundation, supporting Gold Star families. Through it, Hayes has paid off the mortgages of 12 women whose husbands were killed in action.
Hayes emphasizes, though, that the military is not the only way to impact people you’ll never meet. When people thank him for his service, he counters, “Everyone serves, in whatever way we can.”
His book, he says, helps everyone find their way to serve. For someone, it might be “taking particles out of the ocean.” For others, Teach for America, volunteering at their place of worship, or stopping in at a retirement home to spend time listening to residents’ stories.
All of us, he says, can “take action to make our great nation even better.”
Hayes’ grandfather was in the Navy at Pearl Harbor, on the day that will live in infamy. He told Hayes, “Whenever you’re having a hard day, find someone having a harder day.”
Hayes also lives by these words: “Helping others helps us more.”
Serving others is not easy, he acknowledges. The busyness of daily life can intrude on our ability to reach out, and act.
But “Mission Driven”‘s mission — and Hayes’ personal mission — is to reach people he does not know, and provide the tools so that they, in turn, can help others they may never meet.
Very few people love — or even like — Hook’d (aka “Bluestone”), the concessionaire at Compo Beach and Longshore.
So tomorrow’s Board of Finance special meeting agenda (Friday, November 14, 10 a.m., Zoom) caught our eye.
The session begins with an executive session “to discuss the lease by the Town to Hooked On The Sound LLC regarding the food service operations at Compo Beach Pavilion, Longshore Pavilion and the Halfway House at Longshore Club Park.
That’s followed by a public session: “Discussion and potential vote to approve a Lease Termination Agreement between the Town and Hooked On The Sound LLC regarding the food service operations at Compo Beach Pavilion, Longshore Pavilion and the Halfway House at Longshore Club Park.”
Will Hook’d get the hook? Will they be let off the hook?
Stay tuned — via Zoom.
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A US president has 2 1/2 months after the election before taking the oath of office.
A Westport first selectman has 13 days.
The swearing in ceremony for the Board of Selectpersons — and all other elected town boards, commissions and the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) — is this Monday (November 17, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall).
The public is invited, to see democracy in action.
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HB 5002 — a controversial bill that would have eliminated much local control over affordable housing — was vetoed by Governor Lamont in June.
But yesterday, the state House of Representatives voted 90-56 in favor of a replacement bill.
According to CT Mirror, it “requires towns to create housing growth programs, changes minimum off-street parking requirements, expands fair rent commissions and incentivizes towns to take steps to allow more housing, among other measures.
Sure, you could travel above the Arctic Circle to see the Northern Lights.
Or you could step outside your Westport home.
They’ve been visible lately, due to a powerful geomagnetic storm resulting from recent solar activity. Favorable conditions should continue through Friday.
This was the scene Tuesday night, outside RB Benson’s Compo Hill home:
Despite more hazards than ever, drivers are thrilled that work has resumed on the Post Road project, between the Volvo dealership and Sakura.
It’s been stalled since the Nixon administration.
The new spasm of activity includes not just milling, paving and lights.
A new bus shelter is also being built, at the corner of Rayfield Road just before Cava and Westport Hardware.
Another is going up across the street, in front of Fresh Market.
That’s great news for the employees of area businesses who — since before the Nixon administration — have had to wait, unprotected, in all kinds of weather.
Looks like the shelters will be used well — and soon.
The curtain rises tonight (Thursday) on Staples Players’ record 10-performance run of “Les Misérables.”
As they always do, they’re tying their shows in with a good cause.
This year, it’s Homes with Hope’s food pantry. The drama troupe will be collecting non-perishable items (peanut butter and jelly, pasta and sauce, cereal, oatmeal, pancake mix, coffee, tea, condiments, spices, soup, tuna, canned veggies and fruit and chicken and beans, baking items, cooking oil, hamburger helper, toiletries and personal care items) before each show.
It’s their way of making life less miserable, for neighbors in need.
Now, millions of Lucia Gulbransen’s social media followers know it too.
The Westport-based stylist and influencer recently teamed up with local photographer and realtor Michael Chait. He shot fall fashions, using the 19th-century former town meeting hall/bank/newspaper office/furniture store/ boutique hotel and soon-to-be AIG office building as a backdrop.]
Lucia’s “wearing vs. styling” reel reached 3.5 million views.
Lucia Gulbransen (Photo/Michael Chait)
Lucia and Michael are continuing to take photos around Westport, capturing the beauty all around us.
Lucia can be found on Instagram @luciagulbransen, and at her website. Michael is @michaelchait_realtor, and his website.
Westporters are also very familiar with Mar Jennings.
We know him for his or his hit show “Life on Mar’s: The Home Makeover Show”; his bestselling book series, and his award-winning real estate team.
But he’s also an Ice Skating Institute World Recreational Championship gold medalist.
And he’s bringing his talents to the Westport PAL rink at Longshore.
The Parks & Recreation Department has just named Jennings head coach and program director of the Learn to Skate program.
Westport Parks & Recreation is proud to announce that Mar Jennings—America’s Top Lifestyle Expert, Emmy®-nominated television host, bestselling author, and World Championship gold medalist—has been named Head Coach and Program Director of our 2025-2026 Learn to Skate program.
Parks & Rec recreation superintendent Carm Roda says, “His appointment marks a new chapter for the program, which follows the US Figure Skating Basic Skills curriculum, and serves skaters of all ages and abilities.
“His passion for skating, his commitment to youth development, and his deep ties to Westport make him the ideal leader for this program.”
The 10-week Learn to Skate program, for ages 3 and up, offers structured instruction, merit badge evaluations, and a supportive environment for growth. All students — whether skating for fun or aspiring to compete — are welcome.
The next Veterans Benefits Luncheon is today (Thursday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.), VFW Post 399).
It’s open to all veterans as part of an ongoing effort to check in on all veterans’ welfare, and connect them with the benefits and support they earned.
Representatives will answer questions, and provide information on services and assistance available to veterans.
RSVPs are encouraged (but not required). Email vfw399ct@gmail.com, and include the number of attendees, or call (203) 227-6796.
PS: If you’re not a veteran, but know one: Please pass the word!
The Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport shows off members and friends’ artistic talents this weekend.
And everyone is invited.
The “UU Art & You” exhibit and sale begins with a reception tomorrow (Friday, 6 p.m.). Weekend hours are Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, noon to 3 p.m.
Some items are for sale. Others are shared, “in the spirit of community and a love of creating beauty.”
Andrew Graham’s “Torment” is one of many works on display.
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Westport Police made 1 custodial arrest between November 5 and 11.
A 27-year-old Waterbury man was charged with reckless driving and engaging police in pursuit, after an investigation into a May 31 incident.
A Westport officer spotted a vehicle traveling southbound on Wilton Road near Newtown Turnpike, whose operator was wanted for charges by Stamford Police and other agencies. The driver disregarded a signal to stop, driving recklessly while continuing south on the Merritt Parkway. In Norwalk, the vehicle was involved in an accident, and was taken into custody. Last Friday, appearing in court in Hartford on an unrelated matter, he was taken into custody relative to the outstanding warrant for his arrest here. He was released on $50,000 bond.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Traveling unreasonably fast (8 citations)
Speeding in a school zone: 3
Driving while texting: 2
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 2
Failure to obey state traffic commission regulations: 2
Disorderly conduct: 1
Speeding: 1
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
Operating a unregistered motor vehicle: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
Failure to renew registration: 1
Failure to insure a motor vehicle: 1
Failure to drive in the proper lane: 1
Failure to drive right: 1.
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There’s nothing like eye contact for an intimate conversation.
These 2 friends — or more?! — were deeply engrossed the other day, in the Saugatuck River.
Dayle Brownstein did not want to interrupt, but took this stealthy photo for our “Westport … Naturally” feature.
And finally … to celebrate tonight’s opening of Staples Players’ “Les Mis” (item above):
(There is so much going on in Westport these days — well, there always is. In addition to reading all about it on “06880,” please take 12 seconds to click here and support our work. Thank you!)
Bruno Guiduli has 2 passions: soccer and sustainability.
They seem like separate worlds. But the 2022 Staples High School graduate has managed to meld them together.
In the process, he could be at the cutting edge of helping change the way the entire sports industry looks at the world.
Okay, that’s a bit lofty. But the Macalaster College senior has a knack for doing important things, in a big way.
As an 11th grader in 2021, Bruno raised $3,000 in one day for a national program for players with intellectual, physical or emotional challenges.
Bruno Guiduli, with young players at the fundraiser he organized.
At college in Minnesota — where he is majoring in international studies and French, and minoring in geography — he founded, and is president and coach of the club soccer team.
During a semester abroad in France he interned with an organization combating racism — and worked with the famed Paris St. Germain club to limit racism in their stadium by analyzing fan behavior.
Among Bruno Guiduli’s many accomplishments: He was an All-American runner for the Staples track team. He’s third from left, with (from left) Samir Mott, David Sedrak and Jalen St. Fort. (Photos/Barry Guiduli)
Most importantly – for this story at least — Bruno founded Macalester’s Green Athletics Club.
It’s one of the first college clubs in the country to combine environmental sustainability and athletics. They design initiatives, promote environmental awareness in sports, and bring the athletic and sustainability departments closer together.
Macalaster is “very progressive,” Bruno says. But there was a big gap between its sports programs, and the way the rest of the school operated.
For example, concession stands used plenty of non-recyclable materials. Bruno helped get the athletic director, facilities manager and head of the sustainability department together. For the first time they talked about how each operated, and looked at weak points in their systems.
The Green Athletics Club has advocated for the use of environmentally sustainable sports uniforms, and examined stadium management (to limit the use of lights, protect the grass, limit water runoff, and use compostable materials).
Bruno Guiduli, wearing — appropriately — a green jersey.
Bruno hopes to recruit one representative from every varsity and club sport as “green ambassadors.” So far, men’s and women’s rugby, golf, swimming and frisbee are on board.
Last fall, Macalaster hosted the Upper Midwest Sustainability Conference. Bruno has networked with like-minded activists at other schools, and sports organizations in the region.
Bruno’s club is part of the Minnesota Sustainability Sports & Events Coalition, which works with major Twin Cities facilities.
Club members have met with representatives from Minnesota United, the Vikings, Twins and Timberwolves to learn how they implement sustainability initiatives into their operations, and ways to improve them.
Bruno Guiduli urges Macalaster to recycle.
Bruno has learned that while the University of Minnesota is very green — their stadium is the first college one to be LEED-certified — the University of Wisconsin athletic department follows its own (not very sustainable) guidelines, apart from the rest of the school.
“Sports have a huge platform,” Bruno notes. “This is a great way to spread the message about sustainability. People want to get involved in the environment. This is a great opportunity to do it.”
“And athletes are role models. If kids see athletes doing a cleanup, they might want to do it too.”
Bruno graduates this spring. He’s figuring out what comes next. After his semester in France last year, he did environmental work in Portugal.
“I might like to do that with a soccer team there,” he says.
Bruno Guiduli can find sports connections all over the planet.
He just wants to make sure there is still a planet, in the future, for every sports team.
Posted onNovember 12, 2025|Comments Off on Homes With Hope: In Tough Times, Town Came Through
It’s been a tumultuous time, for people who rely on SNAP benefits to eat.
But when things looked bleak, Westporters responded to their neighbors.
Homes with Hope — the non-profit focused on ending homelessness and hunger in Fairfield County — says:
In the midst of uncertainty, our community once again proved what makes Westport so special.
Over the past 2 weeks, as many families faced the difficult reality of a government shutdown and a pause in SNAP benefits, your support helped us keep our shelves full and our neighbors nourished.
We’re happy to share some good news: SNAP benefits have been reloaded, providing much-needed relief for many of the individuals and families we serve. But even during the most challenging moments, you showed up in every way imaginable.
Beyond the basics, Homes with Hope personnel offer fresh foods like fruit, and much more.
From the incredible team of volunteers at the Gillespie Center Food Pantry, to everyone who donated, your kindness has been the driving force behind our response.
Thank you to everyone who made monetary donations, purchased from our Amazon Wish List, and delivered groceries and supplies directly to our pantry.
We’re deeply grateful to those who organized food drives across town, including Westport & Sunrise Rotary Clubs, Coleytown Middle School, Saugatuck Elementary School, Tend Dental, Staples Players and the Westport Country Playhouse.
Westport Rotary and Sunrise Rotary Clubs organized a successful food drive, at Stop & Shop.
Thanks to you, we were able to meet an unprecedented level of need last week.
In just one week, there was a 70% surge in good pantry demand.
Over 700 bags of groceries were collected, during food drives. In addition, the Westport community donated over $20,000. And more than 500 Amazon wish list boxes were bought, and delivered.
Westporters ordered hundreds of boxes, through Amazon’s wish list.
1,100 adults and children benefited from pantry services, in just 4 days.
It’s been a challenging month, but your generosity turned it into a story of hope and resilience. Every can, every dollar, every delivery made a difference.
From all of us at Homes with Hope — thank you for helping us ensure that no one in our community goes hungry. 💙
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That ideal — making an impact on someone you do not know — resonates deeply with Hayes. It’s the heart of his second book, “Mission Driven: The Path to a Life of Purpose.”
