“Monday Painters”: 6 Decades Of Sketching

Posted on November 7, 2025 | 3 comments

Dorothy Curran has lived in Westport since 1977. She served on the boards of the Westport Library (trustee; co-chair, River of Names community capital campaign) and Westport Woman’s Club (past president, chair/co-chair, many Yankee Doodle Fairs). She is also a past president of the former Westport Historical Society.

Today, Dorothy recalls the “Monday Painters.” The group began here 60 yeas ago — and is still active. Dorothy has been a member for over a decade. She writes:

In the early 1900’s, Westport was becoming a haven for artists of all kinds: illustrators, cartoonists, sculptors, authors, journalists, actors and musicians.

Many were Midwesterners, who had moved to New York to work in the nascent publishing, advertising and performing arts industries.

They married, started families, and were drawn to Westport by its beaches and countryside; its Fine Arts Theater showing foreign films; its rail proximity to Manhattan; its affordable farmhouses and barns for studios, and the congenial culture, good company and collaborative opportunities offered by fellow artists.

One of Westport’s early artists was James Earle Fraser, at work here on a bust of Theodore Roosevelt in his Coleytown studio. Fraser also designed the buffalo nickel, and the sculpture of a Native American slumped over a tired horse.

This was America’s golden age of representational art and illustration. In Westport’s artists’ colony, “sketch groups” and “sketch classes,” with live models, sprung up naturally.

The goal was to hone skills, enjoy professional camaraderie, share the costs of models, and trade job opportunities.

Around 1967, artist Joey Tate organize the “Monday Painters” group. Members included Elizabeth Gaynor, who in the early 1960s already hosted a sketch group in the basement of her Southport home, with live models. Tate and Gaynor met at Bambi Linn’s Westport ballet class. Discovering a mutual love of painting, they joined forces.

“Sam,” by Monday Painters member Susan Kloepfer.

At first the artists met at Constance Kiermaier’s studio. After a fire destroyed it, and with funding from Tate and Gaynor, the group moved to a former ping pong ballfactory on Riverside Avenue.

Access to the 2nd floor space was outdoors, via a fire escape and wooden stairs. One day, the stairs collapsed. The building was condemned, prompting another move.

Next, the group reconvened in another factory building: the 19th-century Lees Manufacturing (cotton twine) site, converted recently into The Mill condominiums on Richmondville Avenue.

“Seated Man Savoring Summer,” by Monday Painters member Dorothy Curran.

From the mid-1980s to 1997, the Monday Painters moved once more: to the Westport Arts Center, housed in the then-closed Greens Farms Elementary School.

Tate, Betty Petschek and Sally Vance opened their shared studio to group members Gaynor, Paul Heifetz, Gamal Eleish, Judy Kamerschen, Andy Neilly, Charlie Reid, Marianne Rothballer and Gene Wilder.

When a rising student population led Westport to reclaim the school, Gaynor hosted the group at her ballet studio. She did so for nearly 3 decades, until her death last December at 95.

More than a decade earlier, Mollie Donovan and Ellen Naftalin mounted a special exhibit at the Westport Historical Society. Gaynor and noted artist Howard Munce helped curate “The Sketch Class: A Westport Tradition.”

“Jonathan Henken,” by Monday Painters member Jo Ann Davidson. (Images courtesy of Diane Parrish)

Today — thanks to the generosity of Green’s Farms Congregational Church; the initiative of artist and congregation member Jo Ann Davidson, and the leadership of artists Christy Gallagher and Marty Fleischman, the “Monday Painters” — now nearing their 6th decade, and in their 6th home as a group — continue painting together in Westport.

Want to see what they’re up to? Green’s Farms Church hosts an artists’ reception this Friday (November 7, 6 to 7:30 p.m.). The exhibit is on display through November 30.

(Prospective new Monday Painters members are always welcome. Email DorothyECurran@aol.com.)

(“06880” often covers Westport’s arts scene of yesterday and today, in all its shapes and forms. If you enjoy coverage like this, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Pic Of The Day #3123

Posted on November 6, 2025 | 2 comments

Bedford Square (Photo/Janine Scotti)

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Bank Robbery, Assault, Police Chase Ends With 2 Arrests

Posted on November 6, 2025 | 22 comments

A high speed chase that startled Westporters this afternoon began with the armed robbery of an armored car driver in the Wells Fargo Bank parking lot, next to Trader Joe’s.

Just after 12:30 p.m., police received a 911 call that 2 suspects, dressed all in black, had accosted the driver after he retrieved a cash deposit from inside the bank.

The suspect vehicle had reportedly parked alongside the victim’s van. One of the suspects pointed what was described by the victim as a revolver-style weapon at
him, while the second took him to the ground to gain control of the bank bag.

During the struggle, the victim’s deposit bag, firearm, keys, phone and a
scanner were taken from him.

The Wells Fargo Westport branch.

An eyewitness who had exited the bank shouted for help. Panicked, the suspects
dropped the bank bag and phone, but made off with his firearm, scanner and keys.

The witness said that the suspects drove at him in what he believed was an attempt to strike him, before leaving the parking lot. A description of the individuals and their vehicle was provided to responding officers.

Multiple units immediately began circling the location of the incident from
several directions. The suspect vehicle was located by an officer, traveling at a high rate of speed southbound on Compo Road South and making a left turn on to Greens Farms Road.

Attempts to signal the vehicle to stop were ignored. The suspects proceeded east on Greens Farms Road, then south on Hillspoint Road to Compo Road South.

Officers were briefly unable to maintain visual contact due to the excessive speeds and reckless maneuvering of the suspects.

As it approached the intersection with Greens Farms Road, officers used stop sticks to strike the vehicle’s tires and slow its pace.

Other units then brought the vehicle to a controlled stop on
Greens Farms Road, just east of the Hales Road overpass.

Two suspects were quickly taken into custody, one while attempting to flee on foot and a second while seated inside the car. An initial search of the vehicle yielded neither of the reported stolen items nor firearms.

Believing these items had been discarded during the pursuit, all available
Westport and mutual aid units began a systematic search of the suspects’
path of travel, utilizing several officers and evidence recovery canines.

The handgun stolen from the victim was located on Hillspoint Road, near the
Hales Road intersection.

The stolen set of keys was recovered a short distance south of that item.

The stolen scanner was recovered on Compo Road South, near the Baron’s property.

The weapon used during the commission of the robbery has not yet been recovered.

At this time the suspect’s weapon used in the commission of this crime has
not been located. It is believed to have been discarded in the Hillspoint/Compo
Beach/Compo Road South area.

This weapon was reported by one of the suspects to be a facsimile firearm; however, that has not been definitively confirmed by the investigation.

Area residents are cautioned that it may eventually be located on private property. Officers will continue to maintain a heavy presence in these neighborhoods through the night and into the morning, attempting to find it.

Anyone finding the gun should not attempt to handle it. Contact the Westport Police Department immediately, so it can be safely collected.

Keith Greene, 32 years old of Waterbury, was arrested, and charged with:

• Robbery First Degree
• Conspiracy to Commit Robbery First Degree
• Theft of a Firearm
• Conspiracy to Commit Theft of a Firearm
• Larceny Second Degree
• Conspiracy to Commit Larceny Second Degree
• Illegal Transfer of a Firearm
• Criminal Possession of a Firearm
• Tampering with Evidence
• Interfering with an Officer
• Assault Second Degree with a Firearm
• Conspiracy to Commit Assault Second Degree with a Firearm
• Threatening First Degree
• Criminal Attempt to Commit Assault of a Police Officer
• Engaging Police in Pursuit
• Reckless Operation of a Motor Vehicle
• Reckless Endangerment First Degree
• Possession of Narcotics.

His bond was set at $500,000. He was unable to post it, and remains in custody. He will be arraigned at Stamford Superior Court tomorrow.

Davon Younger, 33, of Bridgeport was charged with:
• Robbery First Degree
• Conspiracy to Commit Robbery First Degree
• Theft of a Firearm
• Conspiracy to Commit Theft of a Firearm
• Larceny Second Degree
• Conspiracy to Commit Larceny Second Degree
• Illegal Transfer of a Firearm
• Criminal Possession of a Firearm
• Tampering with Evidence
• Interfering with an Officer
• Assault Second Degree with a Firearm
• Conspiracy to Commit Assault Second Degree with a Firearm
• Threatening First Degree.

He is currently on parole, and will be remanded to the custody of the
Department of Corrections.

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Playhouse’s “Earnest”: Victorian Hilarity, For The 21st Century

Posted on November 6, 2025 | 2 comments

After nearly a century, the Westport Country Playhouse is finally presenting “The Importance of Being Earnest.” “06880” culture correspondent Robin Moyer Chung offers her insights on the classic play:

It’s widely hailed as Oscar Wilde’s masterpiece, officially subtitled “a trivial comedy for serious people,” written while he was on trial for homosexuality. Weeks into its run he was sent to prison for 2 years of hard labor.

Three years after his sentence ended, he died penniless in a Paris hotel, his last words being, “This wallpaper and I are fighting a duel to the death. Either it goes or I do.” He was 46 years old.

Which may be the least funny way to introduce the comedy “The Importance of Being Earnest” at the Westport Country Playhouse, especially because the season is designed to inspire and uplift.

Kristen Hahn, Mark Silence, and Katy Tang.

The show centers around 2 wealthy bachelors who fall quickly and madly in love with 2 young — very young — women who both know in the deepest recesses of their callow hearts they could never consider marrying a man who isn’t named Earnest.

Victorian hilarity ensues.

Because the play is written for an audience from the turn of the century (the last century), newer audience-goers may find it a bit lengthy.

However, it’s an important play to see. And the Playhouse production, directed by Melissa Rain Anderson, is as taut as a 125-year-old comedy can be, with sprightly direction and good pacing.

Visually it’s a fun, frothy swirl of costumes (Annie Le), and sets “Like an illustrated pop book come to life,” artistic director Mark Shanahan aptly states of James Fenton’s design of the interior of a Victorian mansion.

An intricate set, at the Westport Country Playhouse.

Shanahan says, “Melissa Rain Anderson has worked at theaters all around the country. When I asked her if she would be interested, she said ‘It’s on my bucket list.’”

It was also on Westport’s bucket list as, crazily, this is the first time the show has played on WCP’s stage in its 95-year history.

Eagle-eyed onlookers may notice that the costumes are set in Edwardian times, allowing the costume designer a sleeker cut to the clothing. I take no umbrage in that, because I loved the dresses and I wouldn’t know the difference. If the inching to a more “modern” or “5 or 6 years later” time period offends you, then you know an enormous amount about history and theater and I hope that brings you a bit of solace.

When Le was designing her frocks and suits, she considered things other than their obvious theatricality. How will this dress look when twirling beneath rose petals? What habit of the wearer might inform the costume — something to twiddle? To touch?

Michael Raver and Anthony Michael Martinez. (All photos/Carol Rosegg)

Aside from the costumes, some of my favorite parts are when John Worthing carefully but courageously touches Gwendolyn’s curl. The witty barbs traded among Algernon and John in the first act, along with Lady Bracknell’s exquisite societal reasoning. And in Gwendolyn and Cicely’s delightful dialogue at the beginning of Act 2.

It’s these singular details which make the show fresh and contemporarily entertaining to modern theatergoers.

(Conversely, one of my less favorite things is Cicily’s voice. It’s a choice.)

There’s no denying the cast is having a blast onstage. As early as the first read, cast members were clapping and laughing along. Shanahan recalls, “it was a rare experience!”

As if to prove this, as I left WCP the cast was having lunch on the patio, laughing and chatting as though they were on the very un-Victorian Church Lane during happy hour.

(“The Importance of Being Earnest” runs through November 15. Click here for tickets, and more information.) 

(Robin Moyer Chung covers culture — just part of our hyper-local, 24/7/365 blog. If you enjoy what we do, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Roundup: Coat Drive, Hostages Talk, Piano Concert …

Posted on November 6, 2025 | 2 comments

The Westport Fire Department has again partnered with Bridgeport Rescue Mission, for the 3rd annual Share the Warmth Coat Drive.

Fire Chief Nick Marsan says, “A coat may seem simple. But it’s essential for many children and adults in nearby communities.”

Donations of clean new or gently used winter coats, hats, mittens, gloves and snow suits can be donated through November 30 at:

  • Westport Fire Headquarters
  • Westport Senior Center
  • Westport Town Hall
  • Coleytown Elementary School
  • Long Lots Elementary School
  • Kings Highway Elementary School.

Lieutenant Rob Lenois, president of the Westport Uniformed Firefighters Charitable Foundation, notes, “This drive allows us to give back and ease the burdens on local families. Last year, thanks to the generosity of this community, we distributed over 1,400 coats.”

Fire Department coat drive, 2023.

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Speaking of helping out: This Monday (November 10) is Shake Shack’s “Donation Day.”

From 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., mention “Donation Day” at the register, or use the promo code “Donate” on the Shack app, web or checkout kiosk. The restaurant will donate 25% of your total meal purchase to the VFW.

Bring your appetite!

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Got brown water? Low water pressure?

Don’t panic. Aquarion is conducting routine water main flushing today and tomorrow (Thursday and Friday), between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. The affected area includes Imperial Avenue, Bridge Street, and Compo Road South.

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On the agenda for the November 19 Conservation Commission meeting (7 p.m.; Town Hall auditorium; livestreamed on www.westportct.gov and Optimum Channel 79): a public hearing on an application for 1 Glendinning Place (off Weston Road, adjacent to the former Bridgewater headquarters).

The application is to construct 15 housing units in 10 buildings, with onsite septic systems and stormwater management systems. The existing office and surface parking will remain. Click here to view the application materials. 

Plans for 1 Glendinning Place.

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Another town meeting: the Blight Prevention Board. The November 13 (5 p.m., Zoom) session will include old business, involving these properties:

  • 6 Clifford Lane
  • 38 Old Hill Road
  • 7 Bedford Drive
  • 20 Center Street
  • 36 Hiawatha Lane.

One new property will be discussed: 15 Gorham Avenue.

20 Center Street

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Chabad of Westport’s next Candid Conversations Series event is compelling.

Former hostages Maya and Itay Regev, and their father Ilan Regev, will share their story of survival, courage and resilience on November 19 (7:30 p.m.). Attendees will get a firsthand account of their captivity and journey home.

It’s open to the public, but space is limited. Click here for details and tickets.

Itay and Maya Regev.

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Saugatuck Congregational Church’s free concert series continues this Sunday (November 9, 3 p.m.), with works by Clara Schumann and Johannes Brahms, performed by the Solstice Piano Trio.

The public is invited.

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Deadheads: Listen up!

Saturday’s  “Supper & Soul” concert features the Spadtastics.

“Connecticut’s premier tribute act” comes to the Westport Library November 8 (7 p.m.). They’ll play 2 full sets, recreating a show from the 1970s.

The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce’s Supper & Soul series usually incudes a pre-show dinner, and post-concert drinks.

Due to the length of this event, there is no dinner. But attendees can enjoy a “Dead-inspired” drink before or after the music, at Basso, Massi Co, Spotted Horse or Walrus Alley.

(Beer, wine, spiked seltzer and water will be available at the Library.) Click here for tickets ($30).

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Westport Police made 3 custodial arrests between October 29 and November 4.

A 37-year-old Bronx man was charged with identity theft (21 counts), forgery, illegal possession of a personal identification information access device, criminal attempt to commit larceny, and failure to appear, following an investigation into a September 2024 report of someone attempting to cash a fraudulent check at TD Bank. It was determined that he was involved in additional incidents of bank/check fraud, using personal information of victims. He was held on $130,000 bond.

A 64-year-old Hamden man was charged with criminal trespass and interfering with an officer, after a trespassing complaint. A Stop & Shop manager recognized the man as someone who had been formally warned not to return to the store. During the investigation, he provided officers with an incorrect name and date of birth. A computer check showed him to the subject of an active arrest warrant, and 3 other failure to appear warrants.

A 31-year-old Bridgeport man was charged with violation of probation, and held on $100,000 bond.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Driving while texting: 4 citations
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 3
  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 2
  • Disorderly conduct: 2
  • Permitting a minor to possess alcohol: 1
  • Failure to halt alcohol possession by a minor: 1
  • Distracted driving: 1
  • Breach of peace: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
  • Improper use of markers: 1
  • Violation of license class: 1
  • Failure to notify DMV of address change: 1

Two adults were charged with alcohol violations involving teenagers.

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo highlights Sherwood Island State Park. It always looks good — but especially so in mid-autumn.

(Photo/Susan Garment)

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And finally … happy 84th birthday, Art Garfunkel!

(The election is over. Westport goes on. And “06880” will continue to cover every part of our ttown, 24/7/365 — just as we have since 2009. If you like our work, please click here to support us. Thanks!)

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This Is Westport. Not Washington. Time For Civility, Collaboration.

Posted on November 6, 2025 | 25 comments

The 2025 election is history.

There was drama: 3rd-party, petitioning and write-in candidates. Three current or recent Democrats, endorsed by 3 different parties. Some intra-party scuffling. A few sharp elbows thrown, publicly and behind the scenes.

But the day after — yesterday — was quite different. Comments made, publicly and privately, were gracious and warm.

Those on the losing end congratulated the winners, and wished them well. Winners thanked losers for stepping up, and advocating well for their issues. (For a few comments from both sides, click here and here.)

Bipartisanship at its best: Last night, after a long Board of Finance meeting, elected officials and town finance director Gary Conrad headed to Spotted Horse to celebrate the end of chair Lee Caney’s 16 years of service. They also toasted Mike Keller, who served 1 term. 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker toasted both.

That’s not always the way things go after an election. Just look at Washington.

Westport is not Washington.

But recently — not necessarily in the campaign, but around several issues leading up to it — we’ve acted at times like it is.

So let’s all of us — public officials and private citizens — take this post-election period as a time to re-set.

Let’s follow yesterday’s lead, of candidates on both sides.

Let’s pledge to address our differences civilly.

Let’s talk calmly about options and alternatives before and during the decision-making process — not yell throughout, and continue yelling after.

Let’s enter dialogues and debates with the mindset that we all want what’s best for Westport — today, and tomorrow.

We will not always agree on what “best” means. But collaboration and compromise — 2 words missing for a while in the capital, and lately in this town — are not dirty words.

In fact, they’re the basis of democracy.

From left: 1st selectman hopefuls Kevin Christie, David Rosenwaks and Don O’Day, with former 1st selectman Jim Marpe, at Wakeman Town Farm’s Harvest Fest. (Photos/Dan Woog)

So: Hail to the victors. Thanks to the vanquished.

We need all of you.

And you need all of us.

See you November 17 at Town Hall, for the swearing-in ceremony of our new selectpersons, boards and RTM.

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“Les Miserables”: Staples Players Bring It Home

Posted on November 6, 2025 | Comments Off on “Les Miserables”: Staples Players Bring It Home

Throughout its near-70-year history, Staples Players has staged many Broadway blockbusters.

“Mamma Mia!” “West Side Story.” “Cabaret.” The list is long, and impressive.

But this month’s fall production may be the most blockbuster-est of all.

The curtain rises November 13 on “Les Misérables.”

Audiences know and love the second-longest running musical in the world: the non-stop songs, compelling story, complex staging and elaborate costumes.

Not many high school troupes would tackle it.

Then again, not many high school troupes are Staples Players.

Seamus Brannigan (center), with revolutionary students. 

“We wanted to pick a show that would not only be a big community event for Westport, but also excite the students,” says Kerry Long, co-director with David Roth.

“They’ve been interested in doing it for years. We have a great group of upperclassmen, and knew they could handle the challenge of such an epic show.”

Players last staged “Les Mis” as a 2008 summer show. Long and Roth have been waiting ever since for the right group to produce it as a fall mainstage.

The cast and crew are excited. Many have read Victor Hugo’s 1862 novel. They know the characters, and the history of “Les Mis”‘s different productions.

“They were thrilled to be given the opportunity to take on these characters,” says Long. “The enthusiasm has carried the show throughout the rehearsal process.”

The “Lovely Ladies” with Fantine (Cat Betit). 

With so many moving parts — all the characters, all that music — there is a lot to learn. “They have risen to the challenge tenfold,” Long praises. “But they’ve definitely worked hard to do so.”

There are a lot of cast members working hard: 74. That’s larger than nearly any other Players production.

“It’s a huge undertaking,” Long notes. A mechanized turntable helps crew members move from scene to scene.

Roth and Long say that show will appeal to families. The student edition is 45 minutes shorter than the 3-hour Broadway version (without intermission). But it retains all the action and memorable songs from the original. “You won’t know what’s missing,” Long promises.

She adds that although non-stop action will engage young audience members, because there are gun battles and deaths, it is not aimed at very young children.

Cooper Gusick in “Master of the House.” (All photos/Kerry Long)

Though most of those in the Staples auditorium are familiar with “Les Mis,” anyone who is not will marvel at how the themes of a story written over 160 years ago can be so fresh today.

“Les Misérables” is sure to join the list of epic Staples Players productions.

And, like so many others, there’s more to the story than just what’s on stage.

At another time of upheaval in history, Players is conducting a food drive for Westport’s Homes with Hope, and Bridgeport’s Community Food Pantry.

There will be collection boxes in the lobby for non-perishable food items, and personal care goods like shampoo, toiletries and feminine hygiene products.

(“Les Misérables” will be performed November 13, 14, 20 and 21 at 7 p.m.; November 15 and 22 at 7:30 p.m., and November 15, 16, 22 and 23 at 2:30 p.m. Click here for tickets, and more information.)

(“06880” regularly covers Staples Players — and the rest of Westport’s arts and entertainment scene. If you appreciate stories like this, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Pics Of The Day #3122

Posted on November 5, 2025 | 1 comment

Last night’s full moon over the Minute Man monument …

… and Cribari Bridge …

… and Imperial Avenue … (Photos/Susan Garment)

… and downtown Westport (Photo/Dayle Brownstein)

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Christie & Wistreich: “Our Shared Work Begins Now”

Posted on November 5, 2025 | 3 comments

1st- and 2nd-selectpersons-elect Kevin Christie and Amy Wistreich say:

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Thank you, Westport.

Amy and I are deeply grateful for the trust you have placed in us to lead this incredible community we all love.

This campaign has always been about leadership that listens, plans collaboratively, and gets things done the right way. Over these past months, we have met so many of you on your doorsteps, at the Library, on the fields, and in your homes, and we have heard your hopes for our community’s future.

We will bring the same commitment to clear vision, collaborative planning, and effective execution that guided our campaign to our work at Town Hall.

Amy and I are so grateful for Don’s continued service to our town, as well as Andrea’s, and we appreciate David for bringing his voice to the race.

Westport is strongest when we move forward together as one community. The campaign may be over, but our shared work is just beginning.

Amy and I are ready to get started, and we look forward to working with all of you to ensure Westport continues to thrive.

Kevin Christie and Amy Wistreich.

 

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Election 2025: Candidates React

Posted on November 5, 2025 | 6 comments

The polls closed last night at 8 p.m.

When the results came in — beginning half an hour later — the pattern was clear.

Westport joined at least 19 other towns and cities — from Ansonia to Willington — whose first selectmen or mayors flipped from Republican to Democrat.

Meanwhile, Democrats retained control of all town boards.

It was a great evening for some candidates.

It was a rough one for others.

This morning, “06880” reached out to the men and women who ran for the Board of Selectpersons, Board of Education and Planning & Zoning Commission.

We offered our platform, to any who wished to speak.

Several took time out from their busy morning — responding to texts and emails; planning next steps; getting on with their other lives — to reply. They said:

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David Rosenwaks (defeated Independent candidate, Board of Selectpersons):

While the outcome of the election is not what I had hoped, I’m proud to say that this campaign has made history — earning more votes than any 3rd party candidate ever in our town.

Thank you to the Independent Party of CT, the Forward Party, my campaign team and all of my supporters for your dedication and hard work.

And thank you to my family for standing by me through all the long days and late nights over the last 3 months — your support has meant everything.

Finally, congratulations to 1st and 2nd selectmen-elect, Kevin Christie and Amy Wistreich. I wish them success as they work to move Westport forward. I will help in any way I can, and I look forward to future involvement in Westport’s town government.

David Rosenwaks

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Abby Tolan (re-elected Democratic incumbent, Board of Education):

I am grateful for the incredible team, and for everyone who showed up to support a shared, positive vision for our schools and for every child. I look forward to returning to work and continuing our progress together.

Abby Tolan

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Dorie Hordon (re-elected Republican incumbent, Board of Education) and Andy Frankel (newly elected Republican, BOE) say:

Thank you Dan, and to every Westport voter who took the time to ask questions, attend events, and participate. This engagement is what keeps our schools strong.

We also want to thank and recognize Michelle and Kaitlin for their commitment and hard work, as well as all of the candidates for throwing their hats in the ring for the good of our schools. We are excited to work together and the rest of the board, and want to congratulate all the other candidates who were elected.

If there is one thing this campaign demonstrated, it is that the challenges and opportunities facing our schools have little to do with party politics. We have a truly excellent school system, and we know we will all work together to do what’s right for our students and Westport as a whole.

Thank you again for this opportunity to serve our great community.

Andy Frankel and Dorie Hordon.

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Stephen Shackelford (newly elected Democrat, Board of Education):

I am honored to be joining the Westport BOE, and I congratulate Abby, Dorie and Andy on their wins. I look forward to serving with each of them, and with Lee, Neil and Jill. I think we can accomplish quite a lot working together over the coming years.

It was great to see voter turnout of approximately 50%; that’s a testament to the wonderful civic-minded town we live in. Thank you to every one of you for getting out to vote!

Thanks as well to my wife and family for their staunch support throughout the campaign, and to all involved in our campaign, especially our campaign manager Tom Prince, who learned all this on the fly and did it with grace and much-appreciated good humor.

My biggest thank you though, is for my running mate, Jodi Harris. I knew going into this campaign that Jodi was smart, a great writer (after all, she was an editor for years!), and dedicated to our schools and our kids.

But I had no idea, until we campaigned together, what a uniquely talented, thoughtful and deeply knowledgeable candidate she turned out to be. She was the #1 ideas candidate in this race, and I will do my best to help push those many great ideas forward.

Stephen Shackelford

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Jodi Harris (defeated Democratic candidate, Board of Education):

I want to sincerely thank the 5,657 residents who voted for me and believed in my ideas to improve our schools for all students, faculty and staff. While this wasn’t the outcome I hoped for, I’m so grateful for the support.

I especially want to congratulate Stephen Shackelford. It was an honor to run with him, and I am proud to call him a friend. He is an incredible human, with high integrity, and this is a role he was born to occupy.

Thank you to all who guided and encouraged me along the way: my incredible family and my amazing, supportive bench of PTA co-volunteers.

And congrats to Abby, Dorie and Andy. It is my sincere hope that the new BOE can work across political party lines to implement the commitments outlined during the campaign – especially those for special education and school facilities.

Jodi Harris

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Michelle Hopson (defeated Republican candidate, Board of Education):

It’s been a true honor to be among so many accomplished, intelligent people who are making an impact. The quote from Norman Vincent Peale, “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars” is exactly how I feel.

I ran because I believe education is the greatest passport to opportunity. As a mom and a naturalized citizen who built a life through learning, I know firsthand how access, belonging and support can change a child’s trajectory. For me, this was personal, not political. It was about making a difference.

Despite the outcome, running this campaign was an incredible learning experience. It allowed me to open a dialogue that helped people step outside partisan lines and lean into our shared values: our children, our students, and their future.

I was deeply moved by the calls, emails, texts and encouragement I received from the community. One mom told me, “I don’t normally vote for a Republican, but I was so moved by your story that I cast my vote for you.” That meant everything.

And the real win for me was seeing my family (all registered Democrats) show up to support me during the debates. Setting that example for my daughter was the pinnacle of this experience. She was so proud, and that meant the world.

As for what’s next, I’ve accepted a full-time lecturer position at CSCU Norwalk. I’ll continue to provide opportunities to my community college students by hiring them as paid interns in my business, where they’ll work with architectural, engineering and construction leaders across 7 states.

Thank you to everyone who believed in me and in what we can achieve together.  Congratulations to the 4 newly elected Board of Education candidates: Abby Tolan, Stephen Shackelford, Dorie Hordon and Andy Frankel.  Our children and community are in good hands.

Michelle Hopson

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Robert Harrington (defeated Republican incumbent/write-in candidate, Board of Education):

Congratulations to my Board of Education colleagues on your election victories — Kevin on becoming first selectman, and Abby and Dorie on retaining your seats. I have been lucky to sit beside all 3 of you.

Congratulations as well to Stephen and Andy, our two new BOE members.

I am disappointed that Jodi won’t be joining the board — she would have been excellent, and she came so close.

It was a humbling result for me. I’d like to thank everyone who came out to vote yesterday. I have truly loved serving on the Board of Education for the past 4 years — it has been both an honor and a privilege, and I will miss it deeply. Thank you, Westport.

One race I likely did win was taking down all my campaign signs last night and again early this morning before catching the train to NYC. If I missed any, please let me know — robertharrington13@icloud.com or 203-916-2654.

Robert Harrington

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Michael Cammeyer, Bre Injeski and Craig Schiavone (victorious Democratic candidates, Planning & Zoning Commission):

Thank you, Westport, for your trust and support!

We are grateful to everyone who engaged in the process, asked hard questions, and shared their hopes for Westport. We look forward to serving every resident with integrity and collaboration, ensuring that our decisions reflect the community’s voice and values. Please continue to engage with us!

We’re so excited to work with our new first selectman’s office. Together, we’ll preserve what we love and plan for what’s next.

From left: Bre Injeski, Michael Cammeyer, Craig Schiavone.

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