As many Americans waited anxiously yesterday to see if the midterm elections would be disrupted, interrupted or otherwise messed with, Westporters were not worried.
We knew our voting rolls — and our votes — would be safe, secure, and counted properly.
Which is exactly what happened. (All across the country, too.)
Early voting — and the stress test our democracy has faced — placed special demands on our registrars of voters.
But as they’ve done year after year year — since, presumably, 1836, when there were Democratic and Whig candidates on our town’s first presidential ballot — our registrars, their staffs and their many helpers came through with flying colors.
Hurray for the red (white) and blue!
Democratic registrar of voters Deborah Greenberg (left) and Republican Maria Signore (right) with Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas. Elected to another term yesterday, she oversees all elections in the state. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Retiring Democratic registrar of voters Deborah Greenberg and her Republican counterpart Maria Signore deserve a huge round of bipartisan applause.
So do their assistants. And each tabulator monitor, greeter, moderator, the transport teams, the regular workers at all 5 polling places, and every other person who ensured that the 2026 election was conducted flawlessly.
It was done so well, most Westporters probably never thought about all the preparation, the day-of work, and all the details that ensured that flawlessness.
Fun fact: Westport was one of the quickest towns in Connecticut to report results.
That doesn’t just happen either.
So to everyone who had anything to do with this year’s election: Thank you. You are Unsung — and very professional and patriotic — Heroes.
(Do you know an Unsung Hero? Email 06880blog@gmail.com. “06880” is proud to honor them — and tell many other tales of town too. Please click here to help us do that, by supporting this hyper-local blog.)
In 2023, registrars of voters Deborah Greenberg (left) and Maria Signore worked with students like Spencer Yim to enroll Staples High School voters.
Yesterday, the Westport Police Department responded to multiple reports of mail stolen overnight from mailboxes, and discarded in several neighborhoods.
Areas include Hillspoint Road, Prospect Road, Greens Farms Road and Compo Beach area.
Police suspect that thieves were seeking items of value and checks, credit cards, etc.
Residents can help reduce opportunities for theft by:
Retrieving mail and packages as soon as possible after delivery.
Arranging for a trusted neighbor to collect deliveries when away from home.
Using secure delivery locations, parcel lockers or signature confirmation when available.
Signing up for delivery notifications, and tracking expected packages.
Hand delivering any outgoing mail containing checks or sensitive information directly to a post office facility.
Arranging for a mail hold when traveling.
Installing security cameras or video doorbells to help monitor delivery areas.
Reporting suspicious activity around mailboxes, mailrooms, and residential properties.
If you believe your mail or a package has been stolen, report the incident and provide tracking information, delivery confirmations, photographs or video footage.
Residents should also notify the delivery carrier or postal service and contact the sender or retailer regarding missing shipments.
Anyone with information about these incidents should call the WPD: 203-341-6000.
Discarded mail after thefts, in the Compo Beach neighborhood.
PARKS & REC WINTER PROGRAM REGISTRATION BEGINS
Registration has begun, for Parks & Recreation Department winter programs.
They include:
Ice skating: Parent and Tot, Tot Basic, Intro to Figure Skating, and Inclusive Skating.
Winter tennis: Indoor offerings at Sylvan Tennis Club.
Pickleball: Indoor play at Northeast Athletic Center.
Aquatics: Westport Swim Club, water polo and lifeguarding classes.
A water polo clinicover the Thanksgiving holiday, led by Barcelona International Water Polo Academy, focuses on skill development and tactical training.
A new beginner fencing program for ages 10–14 launches in January.
For program details, registration, fees and other information, click here. Questions? Call 203-341-5152.
WAKEMAN, PJ ROMANO LIGHTS: CLARIFICATION
Yesterday, “06880” reported that the Planning & Zoning Commission voted 4-1 on Tuesday to allow lights on Wakeman and PJ Romano Fields.
Two clarifications: commissioner Craig Schiavone asked the Parks & Recreation Commission to ensure that games are not played on nights that there are other student or parent activities planned at Saugatuck Elementary School — not Staples, as originally reported — to cut down on traffic, and ensure adequate parking.
It should be noted too that lights will be allowed Mondays through Saturdays only. There will be no lights on Sundays.
Restrictions on the use of lights at PJ Romano Field, behind Saugatuck Elementary School, will help alleviate traffic concerns. (Drone photo/Brandon Malin)
voter guide to 2026 election: be ballot smart!
Voting is underway. On the ballot: Candidates for governor, Congress, and the Connecticut General Assembly.
Don’t dog it! Check out CT Mirror’s Voter Guide. (Photo/Jo Shields)
Speaking of the election: on Monday, the League of Women Voters Westport hosted a debate with 4th District congressional candidates Jim Himes, Michael Goldstein and Ben Wesley, at the Westport Library.
Click here or below to watch. (Hat tip: Sal Liccione)
positive directions: $125K to PREVENT UNDERAGE DRINKING AND DRUGS
Positive Directions – The Center for Prevention & Counseling has been awarded a 5-year grant of $125,000. The funds, from the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, will expand efforts to prevent underage alcohol and cannabis use in Westport.
The grant builds on a collaboration between Positive Directions, Westport’s Human Services and Police Departments, the Aspetuck Health District, Westport Public Schools, parents and guardians, youth, and other community partners.
The grant will fund a full-time prevention coordinator and youth peer advocate at Positive Directions. It will also support expanded youth leadership opportunities, parent and caregiver education, community awareness efforts, substance-free teen activities, and enhanced prevention strategies.
robo wreckers reach out
This spring, the Staples High School Robotics Club team won the RAINS Drone Competition. as All-Around Champions.
This year, they’re spreading their robotic wings. They’ll compete in Aerial Drone and SeaPerch.
The “Robo Wreckers” are giving back too. Club members are writing an open-source drone curriculum for other Connecticut schools. They hope to get drone kits into schools that can’t afford them.
To make it all happen, they’ve started a GoFundMe. Donations will go toward competition fees, drone kits, parts, travel and more. Click here to help.
Staples Robotics Club
SHERRY JAGERSON’S SUSTAINABLE FOUNTAIN
The new water refill station at Winslow Park has an even newer name.
On Sunday, Sustainable Westport dedicated its contribution to conservation in memory of Sherry Jagerson.
Family, friends and neighbors celebrated the longtime environmental activist.
Earth Animal joined Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department as partners. The many dogs on hand enjoyed natural dog treats, and a basket of earth-friendly toys and accessories.
The Winslow Park refill station is part of UnPlastic Westport, Sustainable Westport’s community-wide effort to reduce single-use plastic. More stations are planned around town. To help fund the next one, click here.
Fill ‘er up!
GOOD VIBEZ FOR GIRLS
Good Vibez is a great idea.
Two Westport moms organize retreats for girls ages 11–15. They build healthy habits, boost confidence, and learn practical tools to help them feel their best, while having fun.
Each retreat is led by a team of professionals. Activities include yoga, mindfulness and meditation, healthy cooking lessons. art projects, group discussions and opportunities for reflection and connection.
The goal is to create a warm, uplifting environment where girls can unplug, recharge, and leave feeling more confident and grounded.
The “Career Coach” returns to the Westport Library parking lot tomorrow (Thursday, October 22), for a session on “Job Seeker Strategies for the Digital Age.”
Future sessions include “Excel II” (November 19) and “Intro to PowerPoint” (December 17).
There are 2 sessions ( 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.) each day; both are 2 hours long. Registrants can choose one.
The service is available to people who are exploring career opportunities, actively looking for a job, or seeking additional part-time employment. Click here to reserve a spot.
HALLOWEEN ON HILLANDALE
Today’s spooky Halloween decorating scene comes from the free library at the Hillandale Road/Morningside Drive South corner:
(Photo/Bob Weingarten)
OBITUARY: BERNIE ORENSTEIN
Noted television comedy writer and producer, and longtime Westport and Weston resident, Bernie Orenstein died September 14. He was 95.
Throughout his 40-year career he collaborated with stars like Joan Rivers, Dean Martin, Judy Garland, Dick Van Dyke, Marlo Thomas, Redd Foxx and Bing Crosby.
With creative partner Saul Turteltaub he wrote and produced classics including “That Girl,” “The New Dick Van Dyke Show,” “Cosby,” “What’s Happening!!” and
“Sanford and Son.”
Bernie was also a generous mentor and educator, inspiring a new generation of writers and producers through LIU Brooklyn’s TV Writers Studio MFA program.
He is survived by beloved wife Barbara Rhoades Orenstein; children Lisa, Barbara, Jenny and Alec; 8 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Westport Center for Senior Activities.
For an obituary in the Hollywood Reporter, click here.
Bernie Orenstein
“WESTPORT … NATURALLY” & SONG OF THE day
“Egrets” — the 7 1/2-foot stainless steel sculpture by Babette Bloch — enhances Canal Park every day.
These days, it too is enhanced — by the trees and plants that surround it. John Maloney’s autumnal shot is a golden addition to our daily “Westport … Naturally” series.
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Absentee Ballot
To have a ballot mailed directly to you, click here. Online Absentee Ballot Application.
Vote Early In Person
Early voting at Town Hall runs from now through November 1. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with extended hours (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.) on Tuesday and Thursday, October 27 and 29.
Vote on Election Day
All 5 Westport polling locations are open Tuesday, November 3, from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.:
Now, have a chance to learn how to prevent damage by bad guys — and to meet Sam, one of the real good guys.
The event is next Tuesday (October 27, 6 p.m., VFW Post 399). It’s hosted by (of all groups) the Wilton Drum Hill chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (who only had to worry about Benedict Arnold).
But that’s not all.
Soon, Sam will team up with the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce, for a pair of Verso University “Lunch and Learn” sessions at the Westport Library.
Both are at noon, on November 13 and December 11. The first topic is “AI for Small Businesses“; the second builds on that one, for “Next Steps” (though previous attendance is not required).
No technical background required. The Library says: “Bring your lunch, your questions, and a real task you’d like help with.”
Sam Disraelly
PINKALICIOUS halloween
Halloween’s color is orange.
But this Sunday (October 25, 2 to 3 p.m.), the holiday turns pink.
Westport “Pinkalicious” author Victoria Kann will read her new book, “Snickerdoodle.” It’s a family-friendly event, with books available for purchase and signing.
Then comes trick-or-treating on Jesup Green. Westport Animal Shelters Advocates will join the fun. Guests can bring items from their wish list to donate.
Email (kids.westportlibrary@gmail.com) a photo of your dog dressed in costume, for possible inclusion in a slideshow.
EVERLASTING EVERGREEN SEWER WORK
As anyone who has tried to take the Evergreen Avenue shortcut knows, you can’t get to Myrtle Avenue from there.
As part of ongoing work, homes on that road were connected to temporary water a few weeks ago.
Now, digging has begun on Evergreen Parkway. They’ll go about 100 feet a day. That involves digging a trench navigating around gas, sewer, roots, rocks and other buried stuff; laying the pipe, then covering it all up, including an asphalt patch on the road.
Once the water main is installed, it is pressure tested for leaks. When the main is secure, workers dig up the road again and connect every house to it.
There is no estimated date for completion.
Evergreen work. (Hat tip and photo/Mark Mathias)
SKELETON SAYS: SLOW DOWN!
Today’s featured Halloween home decoration doubles as an important warning to all drivers on Compo Road North, near Cross Highway:
(Photo/Diane Bosch)
vince mcmahon crash: charges dropped
Speaking of speeding: In July of 2025 WWE co-founder Vince McMahon was involved in a high-speed accident on the Merritt Parkway, in Westport.
Driving northbound near Exit 20 (formerly Exit 41) at a speed of 110 to 115 miles an hour, the 79-year-old Greenwich resident slammed his Bentley Continental GT into the back of a BMW. He caromed off a guardrail, then continued driving before a Connecticut state trooper pulled him over.
The WWE owner told the officer he was in a hurry to get to his granddaughter’s birthday. Click here or below for a dashcam video.
He received a misdemeanor summons for reckless driving and following too closely, and was released at the scene on a $500 bond. In October, he was granted accelerated rehabilitation for one year, on the condition he make a charitable contribution.
On Thursday, a judge dismissed the charges completely.
McMahon’s lawyer, Mark Sherman, said, “As we’ve maintained in this case, not every car accident is a crime and Mr. McMahon is grateful to the court for this quick dismissal.” (Hat tip: Bill Dedman)
food drive saturday at the y
Members of the National Charity League Westport chapter volunteer at — and donate food and clothes to — Person to Person.
Now, they’ve organized a food collection event, to benefit clients of the Norwalk nonprofit. It’s this Saturday (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.), at the Westport Weston Family YMCA.
Most-needed items include hearty soups, pasta and sauces, peanut butter and jelly, dried and canned beans, cold cereal, oatmeal, snack and granola bars, rice (1-pound boxes), mac and cheese, canned fruits and vegetables, pancake mix, and shelf-stable milk.
“COLOSSI” AT MOCA: WHAT IT ALL MEANS
Visitors are flocking to MoCA\CT, for Rick Schaefer’s monumental charcoal drawings.
On Saturday (October 24, 4 p.m.), the artist will discuss the historical, political and visual dimensions of his work.
He’ll be joined by Avon Theater executive director Peter Gistelinck, and artist/ educator/urban policy leader Rick Bell. MoCA director Robin Jaffee Frank will moderate.
Together, they will explore Shaefer’s “Colossi” series. His images of vast walls in open landscapes evoke ancient monuments, while addressing contemporary questions of borders, land use, security and environmental change.
The event is free, with support from the CORA Foundation.
dave kardas band rocks the vfw
Blues, rock, jazz and original music fill VFW Post 399 this Friday (October 23, 6 to 8 p.m.).
The very popular Dave Kardas Band returns. Also on tap: happy hour drinks, and bar food.
at the vfw too: jazz @ the post
Pianist Brian Marsella returns to the VFW, for Thursday’s Jazz at the Post (October 22, 7 and 8:15 p.m.; dinner service at 6:15). The “psychedelic Art Tatum” is joined by bassist Reid Taylor, drummer Brian Floody and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall.
Westport resident Carolyn Landis died Friday. She was 87.
A graduate of the Bronx High School of Science and Barnard College, with a degree in zoology, she taught science in the New York City public schools. After moving to Connecticut, she became a technical science writer.
Carolyn was a voracious reader and tennis player. Later, water aerobics at the YMCA became a daily ritual, and a source of both exercise and friendship
She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Alan; sons Eric (Johanna) of Rye, New Hampshire, and Mark (Deb) of New York, and grandchildren Beau (Katie Sweeney), Aaron, Justin (Maddie) and William (Emily).
A memorial service is set for Thursday (October 22, 2 p.m., Abraham L.
Green & Son Funeral Home, Fairfield). Contributions in Carolyn’s name can be
made to the Westport Library or Saint Jude’s.
Carolyn Landis
“WESTPORT … NATURALLY,” & SONG OF THE DAY
Some of the trees have turned, in Winslow Park.
But many others have not — as today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo sure shows.
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