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.
Posted onNovember 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.
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.
The Staples High School boys soccer team wrote their name into the program’s storied 67-year history book yesterday.
The Wreckers’ convincing 3-0 victory over Greenwich marks their 13th state championship since 1965. They became only the 7th Staples team to win the coveted double: state and FCIAC (league) crowns.
Gabe Duque knocked in Gabe Hellmann’s corner kick in the 15th minute. Dylan Shackelford’s header finished Adriano Carpi’s long free kick 15 minutes later. Adrian Rossoni added the third strike in the second half, from Noah Rossoni.
The win was accomplished with the trademarks coach Liam Witham’s squad has shown all year: great skill on the ball, a variety of offensive threats, airtight defense, high soccer IQ, speed, physicality, tremendous energy, passion and pride.
Congratulations to Westport’s newest champions! They’ve made generations of alumni proud, and inspired new generations of young fans.
The 2025 “LL” (extra large schools) state champs.
Head coach Liam Witham (right) with the trophy. (Photos/John Walker)
And speaking of state soccer champions: George Barrett (who won those titles at Staples in 1971 and ’72), Brian Keane and a kick-ass band wowed a full Westport Library crowd yesterday.
The Staples High School Class of 1973 and ’71 graduates (respectively) have intriguing musical careers. Barrett has returned to performing and songwriting — his first love — after a long stint as a healthcare executive. Keane is a Grammy-winning producer.
Barrett shared tunes from his recently released album, along with creative covers of popular tunes. His homecoming was a rousing success.
They were joined by — among others — Barrett’s brother Dan, a classically trained cellist, and angel-voiced Sarah Gross.
They played for over 2 hours, following a Q-and-A with longtime music theater director Ben Frimmer.
Barrett — who performed at the Bitter End prior to his Library appearance — and Keane donated all proceeds to the Westport Library. (Hat tip: Les Dinkin)
George Barrett (center), Brian Keane (left) and bandmates, at the Westport Library. (Photo/Susan Garment)
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Brian Claar is perhaps the greatest golfer in Staples High School history.
The 1976 graduate earned PGA Tour Rookie of the Year honors in 1986. In 2006, he became a PGA Tour Champion rules official. He retired last week.
The tour’s social media feeds were filled with praise. “The definition of integrity and organization,” one commenter wrote.
“One true gentleman,” another said. “The tour won’t be the same without you.”
Congratulations, Brian, on your service to your sport — and on your retirement.
Now you’ll have plenty of time to play golf! (Hat tip: Tom Kretsch)
Brian Claar
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Speaking of sports: The Staples boys and girls swimming and diving teams have a new scoreboard.
They say: “We are grateful to the Board of Education, superintendent of schools Tom Scarice, principal Stafford Thomas, athletic director VJ Sarullo, Westport Publici Schools CFO Elio Longo and director of facilities Ted Hunyadi, and girls swim captain’s parent Jodi Harris for their leadership in securing funding.
“This upgrade will greatly improve the quality and reliability of our meets, and it means a great deal to our athletes and coaches. We appreciate your commitment to our program, and your support for our swimmers and community.”
Christian Rinaldi — the Westport teenager who runs CK Mobile Car Detailings, offering superb, attentive and very professional services (washing, polishing exteriors, scrubbing interiors, steam cleaning, shampooing carpets and seats, and more) — has earned raves from customers.
And finally … with a nod and a bow to the Staples boys soccer team’s powerful win (story above):
(Another glorious weekend in Westport. As always, you can read all about it — and everything else — here on “06880.” If you enjoy this hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Stacey Delmhorst is a Staples High School math teacher.
She is also the proud mother of Griffin Delmhorst. A senior, and vice president of Staples Players, he is double cast as Jean Valjean in the current production of “Les Misérables.”
The show has earned raves from audiences. Even by the sky-high standards of the much-more-than-a-high-school troupe, this one stands out. Over 70 actors and 30 musicians, with costumes, sets and energy that rival professional productions make “Les Mis” a show that will be talked about for years.
Stacey is justifiably proud of her son, and the entire cast and crew. Her words today are well worth reading. And they’re relatable to anyone who has ever watched any child commit fully to any passion — whatever it is, in any field — and find success and satisfaction there, with friends and mentors they will never forget.
There are some nights that remind you why the arts matter; why community, passion and purpose are worth every late rehearsal, every lost weekend, and every frazzled dinner eaten out of a to-go box.
The past 2 nights of “Les Misérables” were those nights.
Sitting in the audience, I found myself doing that impossible parent dance: half bursting with pride, half fighting back tears (okay, I lost that battle — multiple times).
Griffin Delmhorst, in “Les Mis.”
Griffin and his castmates didn’t just perform “Les Mis”; they lived it.
Every emotion, every harmony, every heartbreaking pause between lines felt earned.
The show is a monster of a challenge emotionally, musically and logistically, yet this group of students made it feel effortless. They gave everything they had, and somehow still managed to make us believe they had more to give.
It’s easy to talk about “Les Mis” as a story about revolution, loss and redemption. But what struck me most was its quiet message about legacy. Watching these students — some seasoned seniors, some brand new freshmen — share the stage, I saw exactly that: a legacy being passed down in real time.
The seniors of Griffin, Will, Cat, Sara, Seamus, Cooper, Graham, Harry, Connor, Leila and Mikey (I know there are more!) deserve their moment in the spotlight.
This was their final fall show, the last time they’ll step into a rehearsal hall as students and not alumni, the last time they’ll experience the magic of a fall opening night knowing this family still belongs fully to them.
Their growth over the years has been extraordinary — and not just as performers, but as leaders, mentors and friends.
You could feel their experience anchoring the show. Their presence on stage had that rare mix of confidence and heart that comes from years of late-night line runs, forgotten props, and those unspoken “we’ve got this” glances shared between castmates.
But let me be clear. This wasn’t just a senior showcase. Instead, it was a full company triumph.
The freshmen, sophomores and juniors didn’t just support the seniors; they elevated them. Their energy, dedication and sheer love for the craft radiated from the stage.
They’re the heartbeat that will carry Staples Players into the next generation, keeping the standard sky-high and the spirit intact. Watching them step into their roles, both on stage and within the Players community, was a reminder that this legacy is alive, evolving, and in very good hands.
There was something profoundly moving about seeing such a range of students, from those taking their first bow to those taking their last, pour themselves into this story together.
“Les Misérables” asks a lot of anyone who takes it on. It demands vulnerability, resilience, and the ability to hold both despair and hope in the same breath. These kids did just that. and they did it with heart, humor, grace and professionalism well beyond their years.
Every element of this production — from the powerhouse vocals, the precision of pit orchestra director Lauren Pine, the seamless scene transitions (of the amazing tech crew, led by Fin Maddaloni), and the emotional nuance spoke to the kind of artistry that doesn’t happen by accident.
It happens because a group of young people decide, collectively, that they’re going to create something extraordinary. It happens because of directors (David Roth and Kerry Long) and mentors (AnnaMaria Fernandez and Rachel) who believe in them enough to hand them the keys to a show this massive, and trust that they’ll drive it like pros.
And it happens because theater, at its core, is about connection. There was no shortage of that on that stage.
By the final note of “Do You Hear the People Sing,” I was a puddle. Not just because of the story, but because I could see my son and his friends standing on the cusp of something bigger, in the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.
(All photos/Kerry Long)
For the seniors, this was their final fall show, their chance to leave everything they’ve learned, loved and lived right there under the lights. And they did it absolutely beautifully.
So yes, I cried (multiple times). But they were the best kind of tears: the kind that come when pride and nostalgia and awe all collide.
Watching Griffin and his fellow Players reminded me that while every show eventually ends, what it leaves behind in the laughter, the memories, the lessons and the legacy never really fades.
Bravo to the entire cast and crew. You didn’t just perform one of the most difficult shows ever written; you transformedêé it into something unforgettable.
The revolution isn’t over, it’s just passing to the next cast.
“Les Misérables” concludes its run with performances this Thursday and Friday, November 20 and 21 (7 p.m.), Saturday, November 22 (2:30 and 7:30 p.m.) and Sunday, November 23 (2:30 p.m.). Click here for tickets, and more information.
(“06880” regularly covers the arts in Westport, and the accomplishments of young people. If you enjoy stories like this, please click here to support our work.)
The lower part of Jesup Green — by the Taylor parking lot, between the grass and the Saugatuck River — has been a bit of a time warp.
Things exist there that have not been seen, or used, for decades.
Only (very) recently were signs for the Minnybus stop removed. The last diesel bus deposited riders at its central hub 40 years ago.
Nearby, 3 plastic thingamajigs sit. Once upon a time, they were filled with free newspapers — the kind advertising homes for sale, entertainment options, and the like. (Click here to see.)
Those papers are long gone. But the stands still stand, unused and ugly.
They could be called eyesores — except most people look right past them.
Not Elaine Marino, Andrew Colabella, Christy Charise, Morley Boyd, Charlotte Epstein, Cathy Malkin, Amy Schneider, Phil Kann, Sal Liccione, Lynn Untermeyer Miller, Ivy Gosseen and Linda Vita Velez, though.
They all knew the answer to last week’s Photo Challenge.
Can you answer this week’s? If you know where in Westport you’d see this, click “Comments” below.
(Photo/Dan Woog)
(Every Sunday, “06880” hosts this Photo Challenge. We challenge you too to support your hyper-local blog. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)
Special musical guests will be announced soon. Bowie says, “feel the rhythm, share the love, and stand with us in solidarity as we help bring hope back to the heart of Jamaica.”
Jamaica is not the only place with desperate need.
Mark Yurkiw — who has spent the past 3 years raising funds and providing material help to Ukraine, where he has strong roots.
Mark says, “each night hundreds of Russian drones descend, damaging homes, schools and hospitals and across the country. All the wiring in these buildings needs to be reconnected and made safe.
“They are in desperate need of power cords, extension cords, electrical wires, etc.
“I hope ‘06880’ readers who have wires, of any sort or size or length, can drop them at my garage doors (190 Cross Highway).
“They don’t need to work, and they don’t need connectors at the end. (Ukraine uses different connectors.)
“Any tools used to work with electricity are extremely helpful too: pliers, wire cutters, testers, electrical tape, etc. Donations for shipping are also welcome. Slava Ukraini!”
Questions? Email mark.think3d@gmail.com.
Mark Yurkiw, at his garage with Ukrainian art he created.
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There is need in Westport too.
The (thunderous and well-deserved) applause had scarcely died down after Staples Players’ (sensational) opening night performance of “Les Misérables,” when parent volunteers loaded up the first delivery of non-perishable food and personal hygiene items to Homes with Hope.
Audiences are filling bags for the Westport’s homeless shelter and food pantry. Stew Leonard’s helped, donating 1,000 reusable shopping bags for HwH.
Staples Players’ audience donations, headed to Homes with Hope. (Photo/Kerry Long)
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Speaking of Staples: The field hockey’s team quest to three-peat as state champions came to a tough end yesterday.
Longtime archrival Darien eked out a 1-0 victory, in the state class “L” (large schools) final at Wethersfield High School. It was the Wreckers’ only shutout of the year.
The Blue Wave also barely beat Staples in the FCIAC (league) championship. That game was even closer: 2-1 on penalty strokes, after the teams were tied through 2 overtimes.
In other Wrecker sports news, the boys soccer team meets their own rival, Greenwich, in the “LL” (extra large schools) championship today (Sunday).
Speaking still of Staples: What began years ago as a simple request to help raise funds to fight breast cancer has grown into a very important annual “Get Your Pink On” campaign.
Recently, the school’s field hockey team, Gridiron Club, Pyramid Club, Boys Soccer Foundation, Pink Aid Club, and their fans raised funds for the cause.
The initiative began with Tammy Zelkowitz. The mother of a Staples football player was inspired by national sports teams promoting breast cancer awareness each October. If they could do it, she thought, so could Staples.
Pink Aid, which began as a local nonprofit, has since grown into a national organization providing emergency financial assistance and emotional support to underserved and underinsured women battling breast cancer.
Since launching the campaign in 2011, Staples has donated $95,000 to Pink Aid. Congratulations to all who have shown the power of compassion, collaboration and student action.
Staples’ Pyramid Club, Gridiron Club and captains present a $3,112 check to Pink Aid.
The news that Bloodroot — the women’s collective vegetarian restaurant/ feminist community center, co-founded by Westporter Selma Miriam — is closing after 48 years in Black Rock has saddened its many devoted fans.
They can gather, reminisce — and learn a lot — on December 2 (6 p.m.). MoCA\CT will screen “A Culinary Uprising: The Story of Bloodroot.” The 97- minute documentary was released earlier this year.
The showing will be followed by a Q&A with Bloodroot co-founder Noel Furie, and documentary director Annie Laurie Medonis.
The film is presented in conjunction with the current exhibition, “Enough Already: Women Artists from the Sara M. and Michelle Vance Waddell Collection.”
In addition, there’s a book signing of Emily Larned’s “40 Years of Bloodroot.” It includes personal-political essays by Miriam and Furie, and photographs.
The event is part of MoCA’s continuing exploration of feminist voices in art, culture and community through Enough Already. Tickets are $10; $8 for seniors and students; free for members. Click here to register, and for more information.
The shop featuring “premium hard and soft serve ice cream, plant-based and fat-free options, smoothies, cakes and more” replaced Silver Ribbon, in the strip mall with Fortuna’s and Greens Farms Spirit Shop, in 2022.
The website still lists Westport, along with Darien, Greenwich, New Canaan, Riverside, Stamford and Wilton.
Gofer was a few hundred yards from another ice cream outlet, here much longer. They’ve severed ties with Carvel, but continue to do business with a generic “Soft Serve” sign.
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Work is proceeding on the Sherwood Mill Pond tidal gates renovation project.
There’s plenty of equipment in and around the area.
(Photo/Matt Murray)
The staging area — for those who wonder what’s going on there — is the Compo Beach Soundview Avenue parking lot.
Over 50 volunteers showed up, for Wreathing for Community’s recent project.
They created 60 beautiful wreaths. Fifty apartments at Norwalk’s Open Doors Shelter are now hung with the handsome creations. Ten more are spread throughout the community center.
Faith Sargent — who organized the event — thanks all the wreath-makers, as well as the dozens of people who donated florals, wreath bases, ribbon and tools.
Many donated food, which also helps sustain Open Doors residents during the holiday season.
To learn more about Wreathing for Community, email faithasargent@gmail.com.
Some of the many wreath-makers, with their creations.
The curtain rises this week for Coleytown Middle School’s musical.
“Dare to Dream Jr.” is an hour-long, fun-filled show — perfect for kids of all ages. Shows are 6 p.m. Thursday (November 20) and 7 p.m. Friday (November 21). Click here for tickets.
The cast of Coleytown Middle School’s “Dare to Dream Jr.”
And finally … in honor of Coleytown Middle School’s “Dare to Dream” show (story above):
(Here’s “06880”‘s dream: That everyone who enjoys our hyper-local blog — and has the means to — chips in by clicking here to support our work. Hey, a boy can dream …)
Robin Moyer Chung reports on culture, and more, for “06880.” She writes:
On the morning of December 7, 1967, Westporter Marie Fitzsimmons woke up and, after years of hard drinking, made the decision to never drink again.
Four years later, her brother died of alcoholism.
Back then people were largely dismissive of alcoholics. Fitzsimmons says, “People felt weakness was a sin, a moral issue.” Those who drank excessively were an embarrassment to friends and family, so the affliction was ignored.
She took immediate action — 12 years before Betty Ford opened her own clinic.
For 10 years, without compensation or help, she raised funds, counseled individuals, and managed its administration.
Over 50 years later, Fitzsimmons’ organization — now Positive Directions — continues to offer professional therapy and substance abuse counseling to anyone who needs it, regardless of their ability to pay.
As a non-profit, the organization relies on individuals, businesses and others for support. This year, they found an intriguing way to do that.
Positive Directions was selected to be a charity partner of the New York Marathon.
Brian McGarvey and former Staples High School track star Cam Gaylord — both Westport residents — and Gianna Affi all ran the marathon for their first time. Using it as a fundraiser, they collected over $19,000 for Positive Directions.
From left: Brian McGarvey, Cam Gaylord, Gianna Affi.
By raising awareness of mental health, PD normalizes and de-stigmatizes the need to receive services that save lives, both physically and emotionally.
By training and running for a marathon, Brian, Cam and Gianna did a lot for their own physical and emotional health too. To learn more about Positive Directions — including programs and services offered, and how to donate — click here.
Click here to help support “06880” via credit card or PayPal. Any amount is welcome, appreciated — and tax-deductible! Reader contributions keep this blog going. (Alternate methods: Please send a check to “06880”: PO Box 744, Westport, CT 06881. Or use Venmo: @blog06880. Or Zelle: dwoog@optonline.net. Thanks!)
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