Tag Archives: 1st Selectwoman Sam Nestor

Roundup: Mill Rate, Alma Sarelli, Free Ride …

Posted on May 22, 2026 | Leave a comment

Westport has a new property tax rate: 13.2 mills ($13.2 per $1,000 of assessed value). The Board of Finance set that figure at its Wednesday meeting.

The current rate (for fiscal year 2025-2026) is 18.86 mills. However, many homeowners will see their property tax rise, following last year’s revaluation.

Tax bills will be sent in early July. To figure out your new rate, click here. Find your property; multiply the total assessment (minus the last 3 numbers) by 13.2.

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Alma Sarelli’s candidacy for the 26th State Senate District is official.

The Republican Party nominated the Westport Representative Town Meeting member this week. She’ll face Democrat Sam Nestor — Weston’s 1st selectwoman — in the race to succeed retiring Senator Ceci Maher.

Sarelli owns a production company. She is involved in several local organizations, including Neighbors and Newcomers, and TEDx Westport.

Alma Sarelli

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Speaking of politics: It was 1st selectpersons’ day yesterday, at the Y’s Men’s meeting.

Westport’s Kevin Christie and Weston’s Sam Nestor were interviewed by a panel, then took audience questions.

Topics included the Westport mill rate (story above), Nestor’s run for State Senate, Saugatuck development, affordable housing including for teachers and young people), seniors aging in place, and Saugatuck River dredging.

Click here or below for the video:

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Wheels2U is extending its “10 rides for the price of 9” promotion through December 31. The cost is $18 — a savings of $2.

Riders now have 8 more months to snag the discount. There is no time limit for using the rides.

Wheels2U provides on-demand service to and from anywhere in Westport, and the Saugatuck and Greens Farms train stations, Senior Center, Jesup Green,  Farmers’ Market, and the shopping centers at Post Road East and Compo Road.

To learn more or download the app, click here.

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The Staples Tuition Grants Kids Fun Run is always a great time.

It’s also a chance to support an organization that each year helps over 100 students attend college.

This year’s Kids Fun Run is Saturday, May 30 (8:45 a.m., Loeffler Field at Staples High). In addition to the run, there’s a bounce house, face painting, snacks, awards and more.

Organizers Will Briggs and Ryan Krenzer, and other Stapleites, will help run the event. All youngsters in grades pre-K through 5th grade are welcome. Click here to register.

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The Green’s Farms Association annual meeting is set for May 27 (7 p.m., Green’s Farms Congregational Church).

Guest speaker Michelle Perillie — the Planning & Zoning director — will discuss issues impacting the neighborhood.

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A few tickets are left for Cocktails & Clams. The tasty benefit for Harbor Watch — the Earthplace division that protects local waterways through water quality monitoring and research is set for June 6 (5 p.m., Copps Island Oyster, Norwalk).

This year’s event celebrates 2 milestones: the 15th anniversary of Cocktails & Clams, and the 40th for Harbor Watch.

All proceeds support Harbor Watch’s testing lab, to improve efficiency, expand monitoring capacity, and provide more hands-on training for student interns.

As always, the fundraiser includes an unlimited, super-fresh raw bar, hors d’oeuvres, open bar live band and silent auction, all with beautiful views of Long Island Sound. Click here for tickets, and more information.

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The targeted date for completion of the Sherwood Mill Pond tidal gates renovation project was Memorial Day.

Looks like that won’t come remotely close to happening.

(Photo/Judith Katz)

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Longtime Westport resident Mary McCarthy died Tuesday. She was 93.

Though born in New York City, Mary spent her formative years in County Limerick, Ireland, where she moved with her mother and brothers. Her childhood there shaped the woman she became: deeply rooted in her Irish heritage, her faith, and her love of family.

After World War II, Mary returned to New York City with her family. She graduated from Cathedral High School, and went on to work for the telephone company. At a St. Patrick’s Day dance she met her future husband of 61 years, Tom McCarthy.

After living in Manhattan and Montclair, New Jersey, they moved to Westport. Over more than 50 years Mary created a place of warmth, laughter and open doors, where 7 children and all their friends always felt welcome.

Her annual St. Patrick’s Day party — complete with homemade Irish soda bread and Irish coffee — was a cherished tradition for family, friends and neighbors.

In the years that followed, Mary and Tom lived in London, making a home away from home for family and friends. She and Tom traveled extensively across Europe and Asia.

Mary volunteered for many years at the Gillespie Center, where she and Tom served dinner monthly for many years. Recently, she found joy and purpose in attending protest rallies at Jesup Green and on the bridge in downtown Westport.

Tom died in 2021. She was also predeceased by her brothers Patrick, Neasy and John, and her dearest friend and cousin, Ann Ahern.

Mary is survived by her children Christine, Tommy, John ( Susan), Maggie, Michael (Stacy), Paul (Ann), and Stacey; grandchildren Kathleen, Thomas and James Casey, and Crissy, Patrick, Siobhan, Sean, Jack and Danny McCarthy, and nieces and nephews John Carroll, Madeleine Richmond, Sarah Richmond, Liam Richmond, Dorothy Carroll and Rob Nelson.

The family will receive visitors at Harding Funeral Home today (Friday, 4 to 7 p.m.). A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated tomorrow (Saturday, May 23, 10 a.m). Interment will follow at Assumption Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Mary’s memory may be made to Nourish Bridgeport.

Mary McCarthy

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Egrets are regularly featured in our “Westport … Naturally” series. (Sometimes we misidentify them as cranes.)

But usually they’re solo, or in pairs.

Today’s image shows a school of egrets. That may not be the official term (like a “parliament of owls”).

But the young ‘uns sure look like they’re learning what it takes to survive in the rough waters of Burritts Landing.

(Photo/Nancy Vener)

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And finally …. on this date in 1807, a grand jury indicted former Vice President Aaron Burr on a charge of treason.

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Posted in Economy, Environment, Local politics, Obituaries, Politics, Transportation

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Roundup: Brooks Brothers, Soho Pizza, So Hot …

Posted on May 21, 2026 | 15 comments

We’re just 2 days away from the 53rd annual Fine Arts Festival.

Across North America, over 150 artists will head to Westport. (Six already live here — they’re hometown favorites.)

Selected from more than 320 applications, and representing 12 categories, they come from 23 states and Canada.

All 2025 award winners return (click here for a full list). Meanwhile, a record 52 artists make their Fine Arts Festival debut.

New this year: Staples High School art students will paint a BMW in the family area (Sigrid Schultz parking lot). There are lots of other kids’ activities there too.

Plus, of course, music and food.

Two new judges join the panel: art enthusiasts Lonnie Quinn (CBS weatherman) and Louise Crowley.

The dates are Saturday and Sunday (May 23-24, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.). Click here for a full list of artists, and a map. The Fine Arts Festival is sponsored by the Westport Downtown Association.

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Also downtown, coming soon: an interesting reshuffling of space.

After more than 25 years in Westport, Brooks Brothers will vacate its space in what used to be called Brooks Corner, at the corner of Main and Elm Streets.

But they’re not closing. In fact, they’re moving a few yards away, to bigger digs.

Brooks Brothers’ new location is 44 Main Street. For decades, it was Klein’s department store. For a couple of decades after that, it was Banana Republic. For a few minutes most recently, it was Oka furniture.

(Before Klein’s expanded north from its smaller beginning, the space belonged to the Townly restaurant. During Banana Republic’s renovation, they discovered a long-lost painting, depicting life — in Westport? — during that era. They preserved it. Hopefully, Brooks Brothers will too.)

The move is planned for late October or early November — in time for the holidays.

The new space will be 1,000 square feet larger. It will include new women’s casual and everyday wear, in addition to the current inventory.

DOWNTOWN TRIVIA: Brooks Corner (now called much more generically “Main & Elm”) was not named for Brooks Brothers.

It’s a tribute to B.V. Brooks and his family. The real estate developer created the small shopping plaza in the 1960s — years before Brooks Brothers arrived in Westport.

Of course, the clothing company has a much longer history than that. They were founded in New York City in 1818 — 17 years before Westport was incorporated.

That makes them the oldest apparel brand in continuous operation in the United States.

Brooks Brothers’ new home. 

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Speaking of companies that have been around a long time: Texaco — originally the Texas Fuel Company — was founded in 1902.

We’re not sure when it came to Westport. But it was a loooong time ago.

We know, because a faded sign on Riverside Avenue has long marked the long-gone location of King’s Texaco.

(Photo/Mary Maynard)

Sure, it was old and faded. But it was a reminder of Westport’s heritage.

(It may even have been a remnant of when Riverside Avenue was named King Street. Yeah, that goes back a ways.)

No longer. Driving toward the Post Road yesterday, Jamie Walsh spotted this:

(Photo/Jamie Walsh)

“I almost crashed!” he reports.

“Just what Westport needs — another f—ing pizza place … touting New York City- style pizza in ‘the Pizza Capital of the World.’

“No SOHO Pizza for me … don’t NYC our Westport!”

At least there’s always Sunny Daes, next door.

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There will be no Democratic primary in the 26th State Senate district race.

Weston 1st selectwoman Sam Nestor is assured of a clear path to the November ballot. State Representative Lucy Dathan of New Canaan had explored a bid after Nestor outpolled her nearly 2 to 1 at the nominating convention, but decided against it.

Nestor’s Republican opponent for the seat being vacated by Ceci Mahar will be Westporter Alma Sarelli.

State Senate candidate Sam Nestor.

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Last month, Dr. Matthias Becker led a powerful Westport Library conversation about decoding bias and hate.

Next Thursday (May 28, 6 p.m.), the noted linguist returns for a follow-up discussion.

The evening includes screenings of video shorts about the subject, created by local teens — and an announcement of the winners of the “Decode Hate Video Challenge Awards.”

Parents, teens, and all community members are invited to learn — and to celebrate the next generation, using creativity to tackle an enormous social problem.

Dr. Matthias Becker

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My Toyota Camry is not an official weather station.

Still, it was quite something to see this reading yesterday, at 3 p.m.:

(Photo/Dan Woog)

But hey … this is New England. Conditions change rapidly.

Today is forecast to be about 40 degrees cooler — 60 degrees.

With rain showers.

It was nice while it lasted.

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The Brubecks are one of the jazz world’s leading family.

They’re also local. Their roots in Wilton date back decades.

So it was fitting on Tuesday night for for Dave Brubeck’s son Chris to bring his trio, Triple Play, to MoCA\CT, for an intimate, high-octane performance. A full house enjoyed the warm, playful and intimate show.

Arts supporters and blues lovers joined together in the gallery space where the  current exhibition, “Art, Jazz + the Blues,” has drawn raves.

It closes June 7. Click here for more information.

Chris Brubeck (left) and his trio, in the MoCA\CT gallery. Two of Westport artist Eric von Schmidt’s majestic paintings, telling the stories of America’s jazz, blues and folk music history, hang on the wall. All 7 of his works are part of the show. (Photo/Roger Young)

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Lila Doromal is going to the Venice Biennale.

The Pierrepont School junior will perform there in November, with Pierrepont dance faculty members Jamal Jackson and Emily Pacilio.

They’ll be in “Timaeus and The Teacher,” an opera written by former Pierrepont teacher Tammy Nguyen.

It will cost $100,000 to produce the piece. Tax-deductible donations can be made through the Center for the Arts at Wesleyan University. Designate a gift to the “Venice Biennale Project Fund,” or email Joshua Lubin-Levy, director and chief curator: jlubinlevy@wesleyan.edu.

Questions? Email Lisa Manimala: lisamanimala@gmail.com.

“Timaeus and the Teacher”

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We’re not sure where exactly this guy was headed to Tuesday, at Burying Hill Beach.

But it was sure easy for Gary Shure to snap him, for our “Westport … Naturally” series.

Let’s just say he was not racing to get there.

(Photo/Gary Shure)

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And finally … in honor of yesterday’s wonderful (if fleeting) weather:

(“06880” delivers hot fun — and news, features, photos, and much more — all summer long. Plus spring, fall and winter too. We rely on reader support to do it all. Please click here to help. Thank you!)

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Posted in Arts, Downtown, Library, Local business, Politics, Restaurants, Teenagers, Weather

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Roundup: Frank Pepe Pizza, Train Station Parking, Sam Nestor Campaign…

Posted on May 19, 2026 | 2 comments

When Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana opens at 361 Post Road West — formerly the Naan restaurant — on June 1, it may seem like an Italian restaurant replacing an Indian one. (Which previously took over from Kibberia, a Middle Eastern spot.)

Residents with longer memories will recall that for many years, the space was occupied by John’s Best Pizza. So — like a big pizza pie — things are coming full circle.

But Frank Pepe has been around the block far longer than John’s Best. The “Original New Haven Apizza” place opened in 1925, on Wooster Street.

The Westport location — its 18th nationally, and 9th in Connecticut –features a large coal-fired oven, enclosed with a cast iron door that matches the original one in New Haven location. The dining room seats 110.

Frank Pepe Pizzeria will be open every day, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Takeout, delivery and catering ordering is available here. Diners get $10 in their account by signing up signing up here, or downloading the Frank Pepe Pizzeria app.

Frank Pepe’s new Westport location.

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Attention, taxpayers!

Tomorrow (Wednesday, May 20, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium), the Board of Finance will set the town’s mill/tax rate.

That’s item 6 on the agenda. They’ll also hear:

  • A request for additional funds to cover legal expenses, due to an atypical cost overrun. The item allows residents to glimpse the type of litigation the town faces (agenda item 8).
  • Funding to prepare the 2027 Plan of Conservation and Development. The state requires each town to create this, every 10 years. The POCD is important, as Westport thinks about housing in the years ahead (agenda item 9).
  • Funding for a new Wakeman Town Farm barn (agenda item 12).

Click here for the full agenda, and associated packets.

In addition, the Board of Finance will hold office hours this Thursday (May 21, 10 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.), Westport Library room 213). The public is invited to meet a member, and ask questions about any aspect of the board, and public finances.

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Railroad station parking permits expire on June 30.

To renew a railroad permit, click here. Then click the “Permit” icon at the top of the page. Double-check that your email address is correct.

All renewals are online, or dropped off in the Police Department lobby. Drop-offs require cash or a check made out to “Town of Westport – Railroad Parking,” and a copy of the current vehicle registration(s). The Police lobby is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Time to renew! (Photo/Elle Bowe)

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Weston 1st Selectwoman Sam Nestor took a big step toward a new job last night.

She earned the Democratic Party endorsement to run for the State Senate’s 26th District. She captured 48 delegate votes, nearly twice as many as State Representative Lucy Dathan. A primary is set for August 11.

The winner will face a Republican opponent in November: Westporter Alma Sarelli.

State Senate candidate Sam Nestor.

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Prospect Gardens — the spectacular 9-acre arboretum-style Greens Farms space featuring flowers, plants — is open to public on Sunday, May 31 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.). The event is a partnership with the national Garden Conservancy.

Main garden designers Cindy Shumate and Judy Gardner will there all day, telling stories and answering questions.

Greens Farms Garden Club members will explain how they plant, tend and harvest the 3-tiered vegetable garden. Last season, their harvest of over 1000 pounds was donated to local organizations that feed families in need.

Prospect Gardens dates back to an 1812 Victorian farmhouse and onion farm. Property acquisitions over the past 20 years have created the current gardens.  Mature deciduous and evergreen trees create a sweeping canvas.

Key features include a Mediterranean entry garden, 2 orchards, berry houses, bee hives, perennial garden, shady woodland walk, conifer collection, numerous flowering shrub and grass borders, a Japanese-inspired meditation garden and maple collection, citrus and cacti, a glasshouse, sculptures, 1-acre perennial/ native wildflower meadow, and a 4-tiered grassy amphitheater with a stone-medallioned stage.

The Staples high School Jazz Ensemble plays at 10:30 a.m. They’ll be fresh off an appearance 2 days earlier at New York’s Birdland Club.

Click here to register, and for more information. Walk-ins are welcome.

Propsect Gardens are open to the public twice a year. The fall date is September 19.

A small part of Prospect Gardens. (Photo/Cindy Shumate, Cynscape Designs)

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The Westport Weston Domestic Violence Task Force is collecting items for their Crisis Center.

They need toothbrushes, toothpaste, menstrual products, deodorant, lotion, soap and body wash, shaving gel, shampoo and conditioner, and hair care products.

Drop-off locations are the Westport and Weston police stations.

To purchase items directly through an Amazon wish list, click here.

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Anyone can get scammed.

Before scammers hack your accounts, they hack your emotions.

In response, Westport’s E3 Wealth Advisory Group is sponsoring a 30-minute webinar. Attendees will learn how to recognize emotional manipulation, before they react.

It’s repeated 4 times: 12 noon and 2 p.m., tomorrow (Wednesday, May 20) and next Wednesday (May 27). Click here to register. 

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Singer Melissa Newman — Westport’s own, and a Jazz at the Post favorite — kicks off their first-ever Voices of Spring festival this Thursday (May 21, shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 7; VFW Post 399).

She’ll be joined by musicians she’s worked with for years: guitarist Tony Lombardozzi, bassist Phil Bowler and drummer Bobby Leonard. Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Getting a good shot of an osprey in a nest is not easy.

Getting one of the raptor in flight is even harder.

But Matt Murray did it, in the sky above Sherwood Mill Pond. Enjoy today’s majestic “Westport … Naturally” image:

(Photo/Matt Murray)

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And finally … speaking of a big pizza pie (story above):

(When you click on this link, so this blog’s in the pink … that’s amore. Mille grazie!)

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Posted in Entertainment, Environment, Local business, Politics, Restaurants, Transportation

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Sam Nestor Runs For State Senate

Posted on March 10, 2026 | 2 comments

Weston First Selectwoman Sam Nestor has her eye on a new prize: the State Senate.

Yesterday, she filed paperwork for the 26th District seat currently held by Ceci Maher. The 2-term senator is not seeking re-election. Both Nestor and Maher are Democrats.

The district includes Westport, Weston and 6 other towns. State Representative Lucy Dathan of New Canaan also announced yesterday.

“After Senator Maher shared her plans, my family and I took time to thoughtfully consider what the future may hold,” Nestor says.

“I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with Senator Maher and deeply appreciate her thoughtfulness, hard work, and graciousness in public service. While serving as First Selecwoman of Weston has been an honor, I believe I have so much more to offer our communities.”

Weston 1st Selectwoman Sam Nestor

As her town’s chief executive, Nestor has secured and overseen more than $30 million in grants and funding.

“These experiences have given me a clear understanding of both the opportunities and the challenges towns face in working with the state,” Nestor notes.

“I know how state policies can help communities thrive — and I’ve also seen where unnecessary obstacles can actually make it harder for towns to meet the needs of their residents.”

Pressures on local communities include rising healthcare costs for municipal and school employees, plus infrastructure, energy and maintenance expenses.

“Every town is working hard to keep communities affordable, maintain strong schools, and manage rising costs responsibly,” she said. “I will bring a town leader’s perspective to the legislature and focus on policies that support municipalities rather than burden them.”

Before becoming first selectwoman, Nestor served on Weston’s Board of Selectmen and Board of Education.

“Those of us who live in Weston know that our lives and communities extend well beyond town lines,” Nestor says. “I know and care deeply about the towns of this district, and I look forward to listening carefully to residents in every community as we work together towards solutions that benefit all of us.”

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Posted in Politics, Weston

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Roundup: Westport Burgers, Weston Budget …

Posted on April 1, 2024 | 5 comments

Burger King is long gone from Westport. (Spoiler alert: It’s the Starbucks drive-thru.)

But now Matthew Mandell can call himself our new Burger King.

As executive director of the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce, he oversees events like The Great Burger Contest. Twenty restaurants competed, in 7 categories.

But Matthew didn’t just sit in his office. He went whole hog.

He visited all 20 restaurants, during the 31 days of March. He ate a burger at every one (and tons of fries, too).

Matthew Mandell: 20 burgers in 31 days.

Voting ended at midnight last night. Results will be announced soon.

We’ll also announce how Matthew is feeling.

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Jay Norris is a busy man.

The Westport resident is co-founder and CEO of Guesst, the real estate and restaurant leasing software platform. He also co-founded BlackLight, the world’s first search engine for Black-owned businesses nationwide.

In addition, he helped start Startup Westport, the public/private partnership whose goal is to make our town the tech entrepreneurial capital of Connecticut. He founded Westport10, the social and networking organization for Black men and their families.

And he’s a board member of both the Westport Library, and the Westport Weston Family YMCA. Oh, yeah: He also volunteers as a mentor with A Better Chance of Westport.

Now he’s added a new gig.

Jay was just named co-chair of the Manhattan Chamber of Commerce. Focusing on innovation and technology, he’ll work to connect tech leaders in New York, and help them come up with solutions for the city and their small-to-medium- sized businesses.

Congratulations, Jay!

Jay Norris

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In this week’s “What’s Next in Weston” podcast, First Selectwoman Sam Nestor details the proposed FY 2024-25 Weston town budget.

Click below, for the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston feature:

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Yesterday’s Easter sunrise service warmed the hearts of all who headed to somewhat chilly Compo Beach.

Among the scenes:

(Photos/Rick Benson)

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No, this is not an April Fool’s joke.

The Westport Fire Department is not pretending to fill Ned Dimes Marina with water.

They were just down at Compo this weekend, testing out their hoses.

Looks like they work!

(Photo/Lisa Gold)

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Sherwood Island State Park is the scene for today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo.

In just a few short weeks, the same spot will be packed with people.

Enjoy the serenity while you can.

(Photo/Susan Leone)

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And finally … happy April 1!

(Don’t be fooled: Information is not free. “06880” relies on reader support. We’re serious! Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you.)

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Posted in Beach, Restaurants, Weston

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Roundup: RTM Agendas, Rev. Hoskins Tribute, Bagels …

Posted on September 5, 2023 | 12 comments

John McCarthy is trying again.

This morning, the former Representative Town Meeting member brings another petition to the RTM and town clerk.

This one — signed by more than 20 Westport electors — asks the RTM to vote on a resolution at its October 3 meeting, affirming that the word “shall” means “mandatory,” as already defined in the Town Charter and the RTM Rules of Procedure.

If passed, the resolution would “compel and require” the moderator to place on the RTM agenda any petition signed by at least 20 electors at least 14 days prior to a meeting.

The impetus for McCarthy’s petition is a previous attempt to add an agenda item to tonight’s meeting regarding a review of the Downtown Plan Implementation Committee’s goals, process and proposed plan for Parker Harding Plaza.

The request — signed by over 50 electors, and verified by the town clerk — was denied by RTM moderator Jeffrey Wieser. His decision was affirmed in an opinion by assistant town attorney (and former RTM moderator) Eileen Lavigne Flug.

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In other RTM news, members Seth Braunstein and Matthew Mandell have  proposed an ordinance to create an Affordable Housing Fund.

A first reading is on the agenda for tonight’s meeting (Tuesday, September 5, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium).

“Creating a fund to accrue monies for the purchase of land, construction of housing and/or the buydown of market rate housing both aids the establishment of such homes and gives the town greater control over its own destiny,” the 2 members say.

In 2022 the Westport Planning & Zoning Commission adopted an Affordable Housing Plan, under state statute 8-30j, which called for the creation of such a fund. This ordinance follows through on that request.

Following RTM committee discussions, Braunstein and Mandell hope for a full vote at next month’s meeting. The next step would be for the P&Z to create a regulation to fund the initiative.

Among Westport’s current affordable housing options: Sasco Creek Village.

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Sunday’s Saugatuck Congregational Church service honored their late, longtime senior and youth minister Rev. Ted Hoskins.

Among those at the pulpit: Rev. Peter Powell. Forty years ago, he worked with Rev. Hoskins to establish a homeless shelter and food pantry here.

In a tribute to both Rev. Hoskins and the church, Rev. Powell said:

“In my experience Ted lived the charge given in Matthew 25. As you read his obituary you could not fail to see how he fed the hungry, gave drink to the thirsty, welcomed the stranger, clothed the naked, healed the sick and visited those in prison.

“Some examples from my experience. The Westport Emergency Shelter was a response to homeless, now better described as unhoused, men sleeping in a room in this church. The legacy lives on. The Gillespie Center has 15 beds because Saugatuck Church found 7 bunk beds and 1 cot for the men.

“These beds were moved over to the Vigilant Firehouse. The Westport/Weston Health Department came in, measured the space and determined the number of cubic feet each bed required. When I pointed out that they backed into that number they refused to change.

“The Linxweiler House was empty, and Ted established a program he called Operation Bootstraps there. Unfortunately that program didn’t work, but with the guidance of Jim Gillespie the program was transformed into a sober house requiring all residents to have a job and stay sober. It worked for many years. It was a Ted legacy.

“In my early years at the Interfaith Housing Association Ted visited the firehouse and gave $100 bills to the night staff on Christmas Eve, the anniversary of our opening. He was always involved.

“In the early ’90s when I needed a new office, he gave me and IHA space in this building. I was here for a few years.

“Ted was your pastor, but he was also pastor to the town of Westport…. A conversation with Ted could resolve difficult issues. He was our social conscience. You shared him with the town. His shoes have never been filled as the acknowledged religious leader and social action conscience of Westport.

“When the unhoused men moved to the firehouse with Ted’s leadership, you opened your building to 12-step programs, helping Westport become a center for recovery for the entire region.

“I believe Ted could do all of this because he was your pastor. Hhe loved you and you loved him, and you both knew you were in love. He was a very public figure and crucial to the development of social action in Westport, but first he loved and cared for you. He did not wag his finger at you; he taught you how to respond to the Gospel. He had the credibility to do that because he was first and foremost your pastor. He visited, counseled, baptized, worshiped, married, buried and preached to you with a deep understanding of who you are and together you and he transformed Westport. He could not have done it without you ,and you could only do it because it was intrinsic to his life with you.

“Thank you for sharing him with all of us.”

Rev. Ted Hoskins

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Sunday’s Roundup noted a second epidemic of dozens of bagels spread around High Gate Road. This time there was a plastic bag, with many more bagels, nearby.

Last winter there was a similar scene at the same spot, off Maple Avenue South.

“Weird,” I wrote yesterday.

I soon received an email from “Peter T.” He said: “Regarding the Bagels on High Gate Road, they are there for the Deer to eat along with the cracked corn. Nothing weird about it!”

I asked who put them there, and whether he knew if deer liked bagels.

This time, “Nancy” responded (from the same email address). She wrote: “I live on the street and yes deer like the bagels and cracked corn that is out there.”

I asked about the unopened plastic bag. She said: “Why does it matter. The neighhood feeds the deer all year long”

A Google search reveals that bread (and I put bagels in that category) can be dangerous to deer. Corn can be deadly too.

Meanwhile, a reader points out, “deer around here eat everything that grows. They are hooved rats. And since it’s summer, they don’t lack in food sources.”

If last winter was any indication, those bagels will stay out on High Gate for weeks.

Unlike the mice and rats get them first.

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Lachat Farms’ grand (re-)opening was this past weekend.

In today’s “What’s Next in Weston” podcast, 1st Selectwoman Sam Nestor and Carol Baldwin, president of the Friends of Lachat Town Farm, discuss funding of improvements, and programs coming soon.

Click below to listen. The podcast is a service of the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston.

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The big space recently vacated by Bed Bath & Beyond on US 1 — just over the border in Norwalk — will be filled in November.

The new tenant is a combination Bob’s/Eastern Mountain Sports store.

Bob’s Stores (sports clothing, shoes) is moving from Main Avenue to where Bed Bath and Beyond was on Westport Avenue in November. (Hat tip: Bruce Schneider)

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This was a big weekend at Lime Rock — and not just for the 3 Westport race car drivers mentioned in Sunday’s Roundup.

Roger Kaufman writes: “I was stunned and honored to be given an award Sunday at the Lime Rock annual Labor Day weekend, festival and car show. It was Best in Class in the ‘Swedish category.'”

“My trusty 1963 Volvo 122S, which I’ve owned for 40 years, was a Westport car. It was sold by Lillian Oster and imported in 1963 via Larry Terrino on the Post Road. It’s my third one, and a tried and true companion for almost half a century.

“I had never been to Lime Rock or done many car shows until recently. But I decided to give it a whirl.

“It was of interest yesterday to the folks at Lime Rock that when Paul Newman saw the car in Weston around 2007), he came over to me at Peter’s Market, where he was bagging groceries with Joanne.

“He stuck his head in the driver’s side window and said, ‘what a great car !’ Cars were his hobby, and we had a great chat.

Roger Kaufman’s ’63 Volvo.

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When most people rudely reserve picnic tables at Compo’s South Beach, they simply throw a tablecloth over the top, pretending not to see the “Picnic Tables May Not Be Reserved” sign.

Yesterday, the stakes got a little higher.

Here’s how one aggressive picnicker claimed his (or her) spot:

(Photo/Sallie Pecora-Saipe)

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Meanwhile, Sunday was also a perfect late-summer day.

The kind of evening to head to the beach, and celebrate without a care in the world.

(Photo/Harry Mortner)

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Reports are swarming in of spotted lanternfly sightings — and killings.

Ken Yormark squashed one inside Home Foods.

Mary Foss-Skiftesvik spotted the invasive species on her Saugatuck Island dock and garden:

(Photo/Mary Foss-Skiftesvik)

And Dave Shea writes: “While kayaking Monday morning, I found this floating halfway between Compo and Cockenoe.

“While I gave the little bugger credit for being a good swimmer, I did my civic duty, then buried him at sea.”

(Photo/Dave Shea)

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Janine Scotti sends along today’s beautiful “Westport … Naturally” photo — and its back story:

“What do you give a chef who is also the salt of the earth for his 74th birthday (coming soon)?

“A plot at the magnificent Westport Community Gardens. My beloved husband Pietro [former owner of Da Pietro restaurant] was in awe of the gardens, He is thrilled to be a part of this thriving community.

“I just gave him a private dusk tour. He wanted to see all the beauty of every plot. Hats off to you all!”

Pietro Scotti, with a giant sunflower. (Photo/Janine Scotti)

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And finally … on this day in 1836, Sam Houston was elected first president of the Republic of Texas.

(“06880” is where Westport meets Texas — and the world. If you’re from here, there or anywhere, and you like this blog, please support our work. Just click here. And thank y’all.)

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Roundup: Bears In The Woods, Hiro On The Mound …

Posted on July 11, 2023 | 8 comments

The other day, Ana Rogers was walking with friends in Winslow Park.

They noticed stuffed bears, scattered in trees throughout the 32 acres. They figured someone was having a scavenger hunt.

The next morning, walking alone, she spotted an older woman placing one of the animals on a tree. Ana asked if it was part of a hunt.

“No,” the woman said.

“These are just for fun. Bears belong in trees!

She said at first she just placed them in branches, but people took them.

Now, she has to zip tie them.

People: Whether they’re stuffed or real, when you see a bear — leave it alone!

(Photos/Ana Rogers)

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Staples High School has a new — and official — MLB prospect.

Hiro Wyatt — the superbly named Staples High School baseball hero who graduated last month, after helping the Wreckers comethisclose to the state championship — was drafted this afternoon by the Kansas City Royals.

The right-handed pitcher was chosen in the 3rd round. He was the 75th pick overall.

According to CT Insider’s GameTimeCT, Wyatt will join a Kansas City affiliate once he signs his contract. He had been committed to the University of Southern California.

This past spring, Wyatt went 8-0. He struck out 107 batters and walked only 11, in 54.2 innings pitched.

He allowed 4 earned runs all season, with a 0.51 ERA and a 0.677 WHIP. He also hit .367 with 6 doubles, 3 home runs and 17 RBIs.

He was named GameTimeCT MVP, Connecticut Gatorade Player of the Year and CHSCA Player of the Year. He holds Staples  records for strikeouts per 9 innings (17.64), most strikeouts in a game (18), scoreless innings streak (42.1) and single-season strikeouts (107).

Wyatt is the 4th Staples baseball player drafted in the past decade. He follows Chad Knight (2019, 31st round, New York Yankees), Ben Casparius (2017, 5th round, Los Angeles Dodgers) and David Speer (2014, 27th round, Cleveland Indians).

In 1976, the St. Louis Cardinals selected Mike Calise in the 24th round. (Hat tip: Jeff Mitchell)

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The Westport Transit District’s May ridership figures show it to be the second highest in the previous 12 months.

There were 2,737 Wheels2U riders, second only to March (2,788).

With 25,511 total rides since the start of the fiscal year on July 1, 2022, the WTD was on garget to reach its target of 27,000.

In May, 501 individuals took at least 1 ride. The figure for April was 447.

Since July 1, 2022, the number of people taking at least one ride is 1,272.

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Roe Halper has been a professional artist in Westport for 63 years.

Her work has evolved from social commentary (her woodcuts hung in Martin Luther King’s home) to dance, then nature, and finally abstraction in many forms.

She has worked in woodcarving, pen and ink, and clay. Now she concentrates on acrylic painting.

Roe’s current exhibition, “Circles and Rectangles,” is on view at One River Gallery (next to Shearwater Coffee) through July 30.

On Saturday, July 22 (1 to 2:30 p.m.), she’ll give a class for “older students,” using circles and rectangles.

It’s not her first time as an instructor. For the past 25 years, Roe has taught art to talented high school students, in her studio.

“Circles and Rectangles X” (Roe Halper)

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What’s the connection between the Volkswagen emissions cheating settlement, and Weston?

Plenty.

In this week’s “What’s Next in Weston” podcast, 1st Selectwoman Sam Nestor describes how money from that case will help her town build new infrastructure.

Spoiler alert: It will support the use of electric vehicles, and reduce harmful emissions.

The podcast is produced by the  Y’s Men of Westport & Weston. Click below to see:

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Last night at the Westport Library, the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston presented a talk on “Humanity Through Technology.”

Sam Gustman — associate dean and chief technology officer at the University of Southern California Shoah Foundation and USC Libraries — discussed the ground-breaking ways in which Holocaust victims have been recorded for posterity.

Long after they are gone, people will be able to “interview” them, learning their stories.

The Shoah Foundation’s technology, on view at the Westport Library. (Photo/Bruce Borner)

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Speaking of technology: What’s the future of astrophotography?

Richard S. Wright Jr. — contributing editor for Sky & Telescope magazine — shines a light on the subject July 18 (8 p.m., virtual; click here for the Zoom link; click here for the YouTube link).

He’s the next guest lecturer at the Westport Astronomical Society’s free online science series.

Viewers will have a chance to ask questions at the end. Click here for (much more) information.

Richard S. Wright Jr.

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Westport has many notable advertising, marketing and PR people.

Yesterday, one of them became an official “notable leader.”

Michael Gordon was one of 75 men and women in the tri-state area, cited by Crain’s.

His writeup says:

As chief executive of the public relations firm Group Gordon, Michael Gordon oversees client work spanning the corporate, social impact, and crisis practices. He also participates in media engagements and webinars regarding industry trends, such as the influence of artificial intelligence on public relations.

Gordon has led key social impact launches, such as the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation’s restroom finder app. He serves on councils to support undergraduate financial aid and first-generation college students at the University of Pennsylvania, and has been honored by Connecticut’s Anti-Defamation League for his leadership. Gordon has served on the board of the Bridgeport Child Advocacy Coalition.

Westporters know him for him as a former Board of Education chair. Congratulations, Michael!

Michael Gordon

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“Dial M for Murder” opens tonight at the Westport Country Playhouse.

Audience members will enjoy the show — and the garden outside. It’s in full bloom, as today’s “Westport … Naturally” image by Molly Alger shows.

(Photo/Molly Alger)

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And finally … Peter Nero died Thursday in Florida. He was 89.

The New York Times said the pianist “soared to popularity in the 1960s with a swinging hybrid of classics and jazz and kept the beat for nearly six decades with albums, club and television dates, and segues into conducting pops orchestras.”

Click here for a full obituary.

(If you read about Hiro Wyatt — or any other interesting Westporter — on “06880,” you too can be a “hero.” Just click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Roundup: Minute Man, LymanAID Party, Road Closures …

Posted on June 20, 2023 | 19 comments

The Minute Man — proud symbol of Westport — looks prouder than ever.

(Photo/Andrew Colabella)

The 1910 statue was recently power-washed. Now it’s been refinished, and treated with a UV lacquer coating to prevent it from weather and foreign material.

Thanks go to Francis Miller, owner of Conserve Art. He’s the one who raised the statue a few years ago, to protect it from the elements.

Thanks to Francis, the plaque is now legible too. The next time you walk, jog or bike by, stop and read it. The history of the area — and the monument itself — is fascinating. (Hat tip: Andrew Colabella)

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Signs like these are popping up all over town:

(Photo/Tom Kretsch)

They’re advertising the summer’s biggest (non-fireworks) party.

On Sunday, July 9 (1 p.m. to dusk), there’s a huge thank-you bash honoring our sister city of Lyman, Ukraine.

Everyone’s invited. It’s worth it just to see the great, welcoming site: the Ukrainian-American Club (just past the I-95 Exit 19 northbound entrance ramp in Southport).

The free, family-friendly event includes snacks, drinks, music and more.

There will be opportunities to help Lyman too: a raffle, treasure sale, Yankee auction, coffee table book pull, plant sale, “LymanADE” stand and more. Lyman Mayor Alexander Zhuravlov will speak on a big screen.

VIP tickets ($350) include reserved seating, a commemorative gift, open bar, homemade Ukrainian-inspired meal and more.

VIP Plus tickets ($1,000) receive all benefits above, plus signage with your family name or company logo, a message for the Ukrainian people, and a Ukraine flag signed by Mayor Zhuravlov.

To RSVP, purchase VIP tickets and for more information, click here. And if you’d like one of those cool yard signs, have questions, or would like to be a sponsor, email connievonzwehl@gmail.com.

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Work has begun on the Whitney Street sewer project.

(Photo/Molly Alger)

Between now and August 4, the road will be closed to through traffic during weekday work hours.

So all those drivers who used Whitney as a cut-through between Roseville Road and downtown (shush!) will have to head to the Post Road or North Compo.

But that would have happened anyway. Work on the Evergreen Avenue sewer has closed that important through road weekdays too.

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A simple post on Facebook’s “Westport Front Porch” page urged the town to keep the rainbow crosswalk (on Jesup Road at Taylor Place), after Pride Month ends June 30.

By midday yesterday it had amassed nearly 400 likes, and about 300 comments.

Nearly every comment was positive — “It’s beautiful!” “It makes me so happy!” “There’s no time limit on inclusivity” — except for a tiny handful (“The rainbow is God’s symbol”; “What contribution or what value do the LGBT people bring to the table?…”).

There are several options to make a permanent crosswalk better suited to cars that turn, and New England weather. All material and work would be privately funded.

Meanwhile, a Change.org petition has also begun. As of yesterday afternoon, it had 147 signatures.

At 5 a.m. on June 1, Dr. Nikki Gorman (above) — one of the crosswalk’s sponsors — joined a dozen volunteers, including the 1st and 2nd selectwomen, and Public Works director, for the rainbow installation.

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Pianist Janice Friedman headlines this week’s Jazz at the Post (Thursday, June 22; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m., dinner service at 7; VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399).

She’ll play with her longtime saxophone collaborator, Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall, plus bassist Leon “Boots” Maleson and drummer Brian Floody.

The evening begins with a presentation. The Jazz Society of Fairfield County — presenter of the weekly VFW post series — will give a $5,000 check to Ciara Bustillo-Rodriguez of Bridgeport, winner of their first Micky Golomb Memorial Scholarship.

Ciara will perform a few pieces with Janice and her group. She began studying music 8 years ago with the KEYS program.

She excels in both jazz and classical music, as principal flutist with the Greater Connecticut Youth Orchestra Philharmonic, and their Jazz Orchestra.

Ciara is studying music at Western Connecticut State University, with the goal of a career as a jazz educator and performer.

The fund was established in memory of Myron “Micky” Golomb (1931-2019),
a jazz saxophonist and educator who moved to Westport in 1978. The award will be presented by his wife Kathy and their daughter Becky.

This is the final Jazz at the Post of the season. The series resumes in September. Reservations are strongly suggested: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.

Ciara Bustillo-Rodriguez

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This week’s “What’s Next in Weston” podcast explores the town’s new relationship with Silver Hill Hospital.

1st Selectwoman Sam Nestor and Human Services director Alison Lisbon discuss new help for people with mental health issues.

Click below to hear the latest presentation from the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston.

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Every day brings new joy to Westport gardeners.  All are “Westport … Naturally”-worthy.

This is part of Rick Hochman’s back yard, off Long Lots.

(Photo/Rick Hochman)

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And finally … On this day in 1837, Queen Victoria succeeded to the British throne. She ruled for 63 years and 216 days — a record that stood until 2015, when Queen Elizabeth surpassed it. She lived, and reigned, for 70 years and 214 days.

(We’ll never forget Queen Elizabeth. Or Victoria! But please don’t forget to help support “06880.” Just click here. And thank you!)

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Roundup: Zadie Smith, Jim Naughton, Andrew Maskoff …

Posted on June 6, 2023 | 2 comments

The Westport Library has a new award: the Westport Prize for Literature.

The first honoree — author Zadie Smith — will be feted in person November 12.

The new annual prize is for an original work of fiction that explores issues in contemporary society. Smith was recognized this year for “The Fraud.” It’s “a kaleidoscopic work of historical fiction set against the legal trial that divided Victorian England, about who gets to tell their story — and who gets to be believed.”

The prize will be administered by a committee of Westport resident volunteers. An independent jury will choose the winner.

Steering committee chair Candice Savin calls Smith “an icon in letters, and an inspiration to writers — and a delight for readers — everywhere.”

She wrote the novels “White Teeth,” “The Autograph Man,” “On Beauty,” “NW” and “Swing Time,” and the novella “The Embassy of Cambodia.” She is a 3-time nominee for the Booker Prize, and last year was honored with the PEN America Literary Service Award.

Zadie Smith

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This is the last week for the nearly month-long run of “On Golden Pond,” at the Ivorytown Playhouse in Essex.

Which means the end of the daily commute for 3 local residents. Two-time Tony Award winner James Naughton, and Fairfield’s Mia Dillon, co-star in the show about an older couple, and others, at a lakeside cottage.

Westporter Stacie Lewis plays Naughton and Dillon’s daughter.

James Naughton, with Mia Dillon and Stacie Lewis, at the Ivoryton Playhouse.

Audiences have loved the production. Click here for more information.

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Speaking of entertainment:

Staples High School sophomore Andrew Maskoff recently reached the National Association of Teachers of Singing semifinals.

Andrew is a familiar face. He assistant music directed Staples Players’ “Twelfth Night,” and played in the pit for many shows. He sings with Orphenians, and studies privately with Wendy Morgan-Hunter.

Besides singing, Andrew is a superb pianist. He studies with Tatiana Pikayzen, and won won the Schubert Club Award for Romantic and Modern Composers.  He also plays multiple instruments, is in Staples’ Jazz Workshop, and also composes music.

He reached the semifinals after state competition, and the national quarterfinals, with hundreds of other singers. Click below for one of the tracks he submitted.

Congratulations, Andrew!

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What’s next in Weston?

Gun legislation.

Well, it’s actually statewide. But in this week’s “What’s Next in Weston” podcast, State Senator Ceci Maher discusses important new — and strengthened — gun control legislation with 1st Selectwoman Sam Nestor.

This legislation was passed at 4 a.m. Saturday morning. Dick Kalt spoke with Senator Maher 9 hours later, for the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston episode.

Click below to listen:

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Speaking of important issues:

Last week at the Westport Library, Roosevelt Institute director of climate policy Rhiana Gunn-Wright explored the interconnections between environmental and racial justice. She also spoke about how to cultivate regional responses to the climate crisis, noting that environmental impacts cross town lines.

Click below to see:

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A few real estate facts from May:

26 units were sold. That’s down 40% from May of 2022.

The median sales price of $2.6 million was up 27% from last year. The median sales price per square foot of $568 was also up, by 15%. (Hat tip: Meredith Cohen of William Raveis) 

This 8-bedroom, 12-bathroom, 13,128-square foot home on 7.27 acres on Hedley Farms Road in Greens Farms is on the market for $11,995,000. 

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An early morning fire drew a quick response, on Old Hill Road.

Three occupants of a barn, including an apartment, were alert to the blaze by the property owner, and evacuated.

Firefighters prevented the fire from spreading to other sections of the U-shaped structure.

Mutual aid from Fairfield and Norwalk fire departments were on the scene and at Westport fire headquarters. Westport Police and Westport also
provided assistance.

The 3 displaced occupants received help from Westport Human Services and the American Red Cross.

Three firefighters received minor injuries.

Quick work prevented the blaze from spreading to other parts of the barn. (Photo courtesy of Westport Fire Department)

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Guitarists Kenny Wessel and Rale Micic headline this Thursday’s Jazz at the Post.

Wessel — known for his “adventurous voice, unrelenting swing and sensitive accompaniment skills,” is a Westport favorite. He and Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall — who will join in on sax — have played together for 30 years.

Serbian guitarist and composer Micic “skillfully fuses culture with timeless jazz.”

Joining those 3 are bassist Steve LaSpina and drummer Eric Halvorson.

Shows are 7:30 and 8:45 p.m. at VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399, on June 8. Dinner service starts at 7 p.m. There is a $15 cover. Reservations are strongly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.

Kenny Wessel and Rale Micic.

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We’re always looking for new creatures to feature on “Westport … Naturally.”

We’ve got one today. Longtime Westporter — and ophthalmologist — Mark Steckel zeroed in on his specialty. He writes:

“This snake was hiding in the vinca that surrounds my pinky-winky hydrangea, though I never saw him wink. But of course, he can’t: Snakes have no eyelids.”

(Photo/Mark Steckel)

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And finally … in honor of Mark Steckel’s image (above):

(Don’t be a snake! Please contribute to your hyper-local blog! Just click here — and thank you!)

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