Marc Lemcke is a Westport resident, and a close observer of Aquarion.
Yesterday, he attended a hearing in Hartford on the proposed sale of the water utility. He writes:
You’re driving a bus at 110 miles an hour, when you see a wall in front of you. You cannot stop. Everyone on board knows: This will not end well.
Yesterday’s hearing before the Connecticut Energy and Technology Committee felt like that.
The proposed $2.6 billion sale of Aquarion Water Company to the Regional Water Authority carries enormous risk — and committee members know it.
The “bus driver” is committee co-chair Jonathan Steinberg, Westport’s state representative.
He is probably the least to blame, having warned early about the risks. Yet all eyes are on him, to see whether he can avert what could become a disaster.
The odds are squarely against him. Here’s why.
Hartford’s rushed enabling legislation, passed in an emergency session in 2024, created the state’s largest public agency. It would be financed entirely through $2.6 billion in debt. Not partially. Entirely.
Aquarion reported net income of just $33 million in 2023, according to the Connecticut Mirror. That’s the math.
The state Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) rejected the deal.
However, the Superior Court found that PURA misapplied the statute — essentially ruling that the regulator must operate within the legislature’s framework, not independently of it.
Next week, PURA — with newly appointed commissioners — will issue a revised draft decision and may approve the deal, pointing to the 2024 enabling legislation.
To be clear: at a lower price, this deal could offer many advantages for Westport ratepayers. RWA has strong water quality, is innovative, and serves customers rather than investors.
Meanwhile, the town focuses heavily on Aquarion’s property tax payments — which we fund through our water bills, and which will decline over time under public ownership.
The sale of Aquarion is a textbook example of what journalist Dan Davies calls an “accountability sink” — a situation in which responsibility is diffused across complex systems, making it nearly impossible to determine who is accountable when Aquarion is in trouble.
Much now rests with Representative Steinberg. At the end of a long legislative career, he finds himself again at the center of Connecticut’s utility universe — driving a bus carrying more than 200,000 passengers.
We can only wish ourselves luck — and start preparing for much higher water bills, while considering more water-friendly gardens. That may not be entirely bad.
(“06880” Opinion pages are open to all. Submissions may be sent to 06880blog@gmail.com.)
Saugatuck residents have coped with several hassles — road closures, delays and heavy traffic; noise and more — in the months since the Aquarion/Dave Tinker Construction water main project began on and around Riverside Avenue several months ago.
Yesterday may have been the worst. Hundreds of residents had no water for much of the morning.
The good news: The water is back on.
The bad news: The project is not yet over.
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Beer and other canned alcoholic beverages might be available at the Longshore golf course this summer.
The Recreation Commission voted 3-0 on Wednesday to approve their sale. Two seats on the 5-person board are vacant.
The proposal now goes to the Select Board, for a final okay.
Thirsty Longshore golfers may be able to buy beer this year.
On Wednesday, we reported that Kyle Martino — the 1999 Staples High School graduate/Gatorade National Player of the Year/US men’s national team player would pitch his Street FC app on “Shark Tank” that night.
The competition was stiff. But Martino is an athlete. He knows how to win.
And he did. His app — which connects soccer players with pick-up games — was the night’s winner.
When Mexicue closed over a year ago — after only 2 years — it left a lot of space to fill.
Beginning the first week in February, Felice will fill it.
The restaurant — next to Sushi Jin, and across Main Street from the similarly named, but also now closed, La Fenice gelato shop — is part of a New York-based chain. There are 16 locations, in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Port Chester and Florida. (Hat tip: Sal Liccione)
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Stop & Shop was calm this morning, as the sun rose shortly after its 6 a.m. opening.
It won’t be for long. Westporters are probably already descending on it — and grocery stores everywhere — in preparation for this weekend’s weather.
It will be fine today, with a high of 36. But the temperature plunges to 7 degrees tonight.
Tomorrow will be mostly sunny too, with the thermometer reaching only 17.
Snow begins Sunday morning. We could get 15 inches, with a high temperature of 18.
Light snow will continue Monday morning.
Stay warm! Stay dry! And kids … the odds are good for a snow day Monday.
(Photo/John Richers)
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Bruce Brodie’s one-man art show borrows from Walt Whitman.
But it could not be more timely.
The 1972 Staples graduate is exhibiting 18 paintings at Craven Contemporary gallery in Kent, Connecticut.
The titles of the 18 paintings — all completed in 2025 — use words from the 19th century poet to invoke the seasons, sunlight, weather, heaven and earth, love, ardor and longing.
“The work was started in anticipation of changing times,” Brodie says. “It took shape amidst the persistent drumbeat aimed at consolidating power and curtailing freedoms. I looked to the skies to express my feelings, and find hope.”
The show opens this week, and runs weekends through March 15. Brodie will be at the gallery February 14 and 15. For more information, click here.
“He That Walks With the Tender and Growing Night” (Bruce Brodie)
Westport resident Nick Propper helps people manage stress and recovery, to sustain and improve personal and professional performance.
Part of his practice is podcasting. His most recent interview is with a fellow Westporters who knows a bit about those challenges.
Melissa Bernstein co-founded the billion-dollar toy company Melissa & Doug. In the podcast, she describes her journey from investment banking to entrepreneurship.
Melissa also discusses her struggles with mental health, the challenges of building a successful business, and her new venture Lifelines, which focuses on sensory immersion for stress relief.
She emphasizes the importance of creativity, authenticity, and the need for balance in life and work. Click here to listen.
Melissa Bernstein
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Speaking of greater self-awareness: Howard Steinberg started 3 companies here: Westport Innovation Hub, Source Marketing and dLife.
Now he’s written a book. “Confessions of a Problem Seeker” drops on Tuesday. It includes some rich references to Westport.
Howard says: “For most of my life, stillness eluded me. My mind was a relentless scanning machine, forever searching for what was wrong or what came next. But rarely present to the joy of the moment.
“It took me a virtual lifetime to recognize that this exterior version of me with its incessant mental chatter and negative bias was not my true self. I went in search of me.
“Most of us drift through life, nodding along to the question, ‘How are you?’ while never pausing to ask ourselves: How am I really doing? Who am I beneath this surface? As we avoid the deeper truths lurking just below, often disconnected from our true loving and authentic self. I know I’m not alone. We all yearn to break free from the chains of unconscious patterns. If I can shift, I believe most can. There is a path.”
Carmen Lynch — a comedian seen on shows with Jimmy Fallon, Stephen Colbert, David Letterman, Conan O’Brien and Craig Ferguson — headlines a comedy show at VFW Post 399. She’ll be there January 17 (8 p.m.).
Greenheart Productions — a new Westport theatre company — hosts a fundraiser.
A staged reading of the play “17 Minutes” (February 6, 7 p.m., Westport Country Playhouse barn) marks Greenheart’s first major public initiative. The goal is to produce “bold, theatrical work that sparks conversation, curiosity and compassion.”
17 minutes is the length of time a sheriff’s deputy stood outside a school while a shooter was inside. The play explores the effects of a shooting as the man struggles with his own complicity, and seeks meaning in the wake of the tragedy.
More entertainment news: A world premiere comes soon to Lachat Town Farm.
“Hole in the Wall” — a comedy directed by Christopher Denham (“Oppenheimer,” “Argo,” “Billions” opens March 6. It runs through March 22.
Lachat — which offers a variety of educational and environmental programs and opportunities on its 43-acre property next to Weston Devil’s Den — is also an incubator for the arts.
“The caliber of talent we’ve seen has been incredible – from up-and-coming bands that end up making it big, to celebrity artists who debut new work in front of a small-but-savvy crowd,” says Friends of Lachat executive director Anita Dinwoodie.
“The music scene at Lachat never disappoints, and we’re seeing the same success with theater.”
Ticket information will be announced soon.
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Jonny Greenspan is a Staples High School junior.
A varsity tennis player, he’s focused on that sport, along with academics and clubs.
But he also wants to bring students together, just for fun. He’s doing it through flag football.
For several months, he’s worked with Westport PAL to create an inclusive, low-pressure opportunity for all local high schoolers, regardless of experience, skill level or where they go to school.
He’s gotten space in the Staples fieldhouse, Mondays from 7 to 10 p.m. The program begins soon.
“It emphasizes fun, teamwork and connection rather than pressure or competition,” Jonny says.
“For many students, especially those not involved in varsity athletics, recreational sports offer a rare opportunity to stay active, while building relationships and confidence in a low-stakes environment.
“This is about more than flag football. It’s about rebuilding connection, creating belonging, and giving students a reason to show up — for each other and for their community.
Jonny Greenspan, enjoying another favorite activity.
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The seemingly endless Post Road East construction project is done.
The result is a nice 1/10-mile stretch of road between Fresh Market and McDonald’s, and a debatably improved intersection just east of Stop & Shop.
At least Westporters knew what was going on.
Another project — on Riverside Avenue — began last spring. It’s continued — in fits and starts — since then.
What’s it all about?
Andrew Colabella — the Representative Town Meeting member who knows just about everything — explains:
“Aquarion contracted Tinker to do water main. Once the entire main is done, they go back and do all the secondary lines that stem to the mainline. Now it’s sewer and other utilities.
“Dave Tinker Construction has another 7 to 10 days of work left for the season. This will include utility connections by Riverside Park, Treadwell Avenue and Robert Lane.
“They will return in May to pave the side of the road they did the excavating on only (state requirement). It would be great if they could repave everything, but it’s likely other utility work will occur.
“It’s efficient to do all utility work within the road before an entire repaving.”
Westport resident Judy Kohn died peacefully on Thursday, with her husband of 56 years Monroe, and her children Traci and Mark by her side.
She is also survived by her son-in-law Jon; daughter-in-law Danna, and grandchildren Emma, Jordan, Ben and Talia.
A funeral service will be held tomorrow (Sunday, January 11, 11 a.m., Abraham Green & Son Funeral Home, Fairfield). A visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m. Burial will follow the service at the Ahavath Achim Cemetery in Fairfield. Shiva will be held privately.
Bruce Geller often runs at Sherwood Island State Park. He’s used to seeing rocks on the shore.
But these were not the usual ones. Bearing messages like “Keep the faith,” “Be nice — it doesn’t hurt” and You!,” they clearly came from a collection — but whose? And why dump them there?
It’s an unnatural part of today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo feature. If anyone knows the back story, click “Comments” below.
There are so many great songs to pick from. Here are 5 of my favorites. What are yours?
(Another weekend … and “06880” is right here for you. If you appreciate Roundups like these — or any other feature — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Switching celebrations: The United Methodist Church of Westport & Weston’s holiday gift market is especially sweet this year.
The December 6 event (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.) includes a “Cookie Walk.” Members will bake — and sell — their delicious goods. Perfect for additional gifts — or just to munch on as you shop for others.
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Meanwhile, up in Weston Jolantha — everyone’s favorite pig — hopes everyone enjoys their turkeys tomorrow.
But not ham.
(Photo/Hans Wilhelm)
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December 1 is the deadline to order wreaths for Westport veterans.
On December 16 — Wreaths Across America Day — volunteers will decorate the graves of veterans in Assumption Church’s Greens Farms Road cemetery.
December 1 is the deadline to order wreaths for our Westport veterans as part of Wreaths Across America!
The Historic District Commission meets December 9 (7 p.m., Zoom).
Among the agenda items: consideration of opposition of demolition permits for these properties, and requiring the full statutory 180-day delay. All are at least 50 years old.
1st Selectman Kevin Christie responded, “Water is a critical public asset, and maintaining local accountability, transparency, and stability in water management remains a top priority for our community. If the $2.4 billion sale had been approved, PURA would have lost its authority to regulate water rates.
The proposed structure would also have replaced traditional property taxes with payments-in-lieu-of-taxes and granted the Regional Water Authority a controlling majority of seats on the Aquarion Water Authority board of directors.
“Throughout the review process, Westport emphasized the importance of ensuring that any ownership or structural changes to Aquarion would safeguard service reliability, infrastructure investment, rate stability, and long-term watershed protection.”
“We appreciate PURA’s thorough evaluation of the proposed transaction and its commitment to ensuring that decisions about Westport’s water utilities serve the public interest.
“As a result of this favorable ruling, residents and ratepayers can be assured that the Town of Westport will continue to work collaboratively with Aquarion and state regulators to ensure that residents receive high-quality, dependable water service.”
Speaking of water: Longshore Sailing School is one of 12 organizations in the US selected for National Association of State Boating Law Administrators’ honors.
It recognizes “exceptional commitment to promoting paddling safety through education, digital content and responsible on-water practices. Longshore’s outreach encourages safe behaviors such as wearing life jackets, understanding weather conditions, and avoiding high-risk activities on the water.”
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Longtime Westport resident and active community volunteer Richard Seclow died Monday at his Easton home. The former Planning & Zoning Commission member and Westport Library board president was 95.
The Bayonne, New Jersey native graduated from Rutgers University in 1951, where he was part of the Cap & Skull Senior Honor Society. He remained an active alumnus over th eyears.
He worked in the advertising industry as David Ogilvy’s chief of staff, before becoming executive vice president of Carl Ally.
As president of Geer DuBois, he relocated the offices from Madison Avenue to downtown. Many ad agencies followed.
Dick started one of the initial Bonanza Steakhouses in Westport. It later became a national franchise. He retired from advertising in 1986, and opened another Westport restaurant: Time to Eat.
Dick enjoyed fishing, travel, tennis, squash and volunteer work in Westport and nearby communities.
He served on the Westport Planning & Zoning Commission, the Westport Library as president, and the boards of Hall-Brooke Hospital and The Jewish Home (now named Mozaic Senior Services).
He was a member of Y’s Men, taught English as a second language, and became a mentor for immigrants in Bridgeport.
He is survived by Rita, his wife of 71 years, children Theresa (David) and Tom (Ann ), and grandchildren Jonathan (Isabella), Alexandra, Calvin and Julian.
An open house to celebrate Dick’s life is set for Saturday (November 29, 1 to 5 p.m., at their home in Easton). Gifts may be made in his name to Mozaic Services or the Easton EMS.
Dick Seclow
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We’ve posted a number of beautiful autumn leaves photos, in our “Westport … Naturally” series.
And finally … a lovely photo needs an equally evocative song:
(Whatever the season, “06880” is here for you. News, events, features, photos — all that and more, 24/7/365. If you enjoy this hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thanks!)
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 Westport Fire Department has again partnered with Bridgeport Rescue Mission, for the 3rd annual Share the Warmth Coat Drive.
Fire Chief Nick Marsan says, “A coat may seem simple. But it’s essential for many children and adults in nearby communities.”
Donations of clean new or gently used winter coats, hats, mittens, gloves and snow suits can be donated through November 30 at:
Westport Fire Headquarters
Westport Senior Center
Westport Town Hall
Coleytown Elementary School
Long Lots Elementary School
Kings Highway Elementary School.
Lieutenant Rob Lenois, president of the Westport Uniformed Firefighters Charitable Foundation, notes, “This drive allows us to give back and ease the burdens on local families. Last year, thanks to the generosity of this community, we distributed over 1,400 coats.”
Fire Department coat drive, 2023.
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Speaking of helping out: This Monday (November 10) is Shake Shack’s “Donation Day.”
From 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., mention “Donation Day” at the register, or use the promo code “Donate” on the Shack app, web or checkout kiosk. The restaurant will donate 25% of your total meal purchase to the VFW.
Bring your appetite!
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Got brown water? Low water pressure?
Don’t panic. Aquarion is conducting routine water main flushing today and tomorrow (Thursday and Friday), between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. The affected area includes Imperial Avenue, Bridge Street, and Compo Road South.
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On the agenda for the November 19 Conservation Commission meeting (7 p.m.; Town Hall auditorium; livestreamed on www.westportct.gov and Optimum Channel 79): a public hearing on an application for 1 Glendinning Place (off Weston Road, adjacent to the former Bridgewater headquarters).
The application is to construct 15 housing units in 10 buildings, with onsite septic systems and stormwater management systems. The existing office and surface parking will remain. Click here to view the application materials.
Plans for 1 Glendinning Place.
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Another town meeting: the Blight Prevention Board. The November 13 (5 p.m., Zoom) session will include old business, involving these properties:
6 Clifford Lane
38 Old Hill Road
7 Bedford Drive
20 Center Street
36 Hiawatha Lane.
One new property will be discussed: 15 Gorham Avenue.
Chabad of Westport’s next Candid Conversations Series event is compelling.
Former hostages Maya and Itay Regev, and their father Ilan Regev, will share their story of survival, courage and resilience on November 19 (7:30 p.m.). Attendees will get a firsthand account of their captivity and journey home.
Saugatuck Congregational Church’s free concert series continues this Sunday (November 9, 3 p.m.), with works by Clara Schumann and Johannes Brahms, performed by the Solstice Piano Trio.
The public is invited.
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Deadheads: Listen up!
Saturday’s “Supper & Soul” concert features the Spadtastics.
“Connecticut’s premier tribute act” comes to the Westport Library November 8 (7 p.m.). They’ll play 2 full sets, recreating a show from the 1970s.
The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce’s Supper & Soul series usually incudes a pre-show dinner, and post-concert drinks.
Due to the length of this event, there is no dinner. But attendees can enjoy a “Dead-inspired” drink before or after the music, at Basso, Massi Co, Spotted Horse or Walrus Alley.
Westport Police made 3 custodial arrests between October 29 and November 4.
A 37-year-old Bronx man was charged with identity theft (21 counts), forgery, illegal possession of a personal identification information access device, criminal attempt to commit larceny, and failure to appear, following an investigation into a September 2024 report of someone attempting to cash a fraudulent check at TD Bank. It was determined that he was involved in additional incidents of bank/check fraud, using personal information of victims. He was held on $130,000 bond.
A 64-year-old Hamden man was charged with criminal trespass and interfering with an officer, after a trespassing complaint. A Stop & Shop manager recognized the man as someone who had been formally warned not to return to the store. During the investigation, he provided officers with an incorrect name and date of birth. A computer check showed him to the subject of an active arrest warrant, and 3 other failure to appear warrants.
A 31-year-old Bridgeport man was charged with violation of probation, and held on $100,000 bond.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Driving while texting: 4 citations
Failure to obey stop sign: 3
Traveling unreasonably fast: 2
Disorderly conduct: 2
Permitting a minor to possess alcohol: 1
Failure to halt alcohol possession by a minor: 1
Distracted driving: 1
Breach of peace: 1
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
Improper use of markers: 1
Violation of license class: 1
Failure to notify DMV of address change: 1
Two adults were charged with alcohol violations involving teenagers.
(The election is over. Westport goes on. And “06880” will continue to cover every part of our ttown, 24/7/365 — just as we have since 2009. If you like our work, please click here to support us. Thanks!)
“06880”‘s election coverage has been extensive. We’ll keep at it.
Today’s Roundup looks at other news. Except …
Barbara Tirola has worked at Westport’s polling places for 35 years. She’s part of a corps of loyal, and indispensable, citizen helpers.
This year she was at Greens Farms Elementary School. She arrived at 5:30 a.m. — half an hour before voting began — and left after 8 p.m., when polls closed.
That’s quite a way to spend her 86th birthday!
Barbara Tirola, celebrating her Election Day birthday — at work. (Photo and hat tip/Susan Bedusa)
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Veterans Day is another important holiday.
Town officials and VFW Post 399 make sure it gets the attention it deserves.
The public — especially all veterans — are invited to a ceremony next Monday (November 11, Town Hall auditorium).
The Westport Community Band presents a patriotic salute at 10:30 a.m. At 11, speakers — including one from Staples High School — will honor all the men and women who have served our nation.
The time and date are significant. Veterans Day commemorates the end of World War I, at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.
The Town Hall ceremony will be followed by lunch, and an open bar, for all veterans and community members at VFW Post 399.
Veterans Day at Town Hall, 2024. (Photo copyright Ted Horowitz)
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Speaking of holidays: Election Day is tough, for many parents.
They have to work. But school is out.
Wakeman Town Farm’s Election Day Camp is a great solution. And yesterday, young campers got a good lesson on the importance of voting.
First, they brainstormed campaign ideas about WTF’s animals.
When the votes were counted, alpacas and rabbits tied for the top spot as favorites. Meanwhile, honey bees kept their crown for the second year as the most important farm animals, thanks to their amazing job as pollinators.
After that, the campers headed into Tim’s Kitchen to whip up patriotic flag pizzas and donuts with Chef Robyn.
Election Day Camp, at Wakeman Town Farm.
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More about Wakeman Town Farm: They’re among the many organizations helping neighbors through hard times during the government shutdown.
Now through November 9, the sustainability center is running a food drive to help Hall Neighborhood House in Bridgeport. WTF already partners with the non-profit, providing educational outreach to children who go there.
Click here for an Amazon Wish List. Groceries will be delivered directly to Hall House, and distributed to families. (It will listed as a delivery location at checkout.)
Dozens of seniors, and almost 300 families in the early learning and youth programs, rely on SNAP benefits that are now halted.
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Westport is a “water town.”
We’re on it. We use (quite) a lot of it. It’s in our wetlands, our swimming pools, our basements.
On November 13 (6 p.m., Zoom), SmartWaterCT sponsors a free webinar.
“Water in Westport: What’s Happening Now — A Look Behind the Scenes” will explore how water is managed in Connecticut, and what it means for our town’s future.
Between Aquarion’s presence in Westport; the utility’s upcoming ownership change, and questions about water quality and conservation, the event is both timely and interesting.
For more information — including the Zoom link — email smartwaterct@gmail.com.
Aquarion — whose North Avenue tank is shown here — has a large presence in Westport. What does it mean for the town? (Photo/Richard Fogel)
The facility at 180 Bayberry Lane is open — and busy.
Westport residents with valid proof of residency may dump up to six 30-gallon bags, or similar-sized containers full of leaves, without a fee at the facility (180 Bayberry Lane). There are charges for vans, pickups and trailers. Plastic bags are not allowed.
Lots of leaves, at the yard waste facility. (Photo/Mary Lou Roels)
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Earth Animal’s 18th annual Mitten Project is underway.
Once again, the popular local business has set an audacious goal: $80,000, to address hunger in Fairfield County. Last year, Earth Animal and its friends raised $75,737.66.
Once again, they’ll match every dollar raised.
This — due to federal funding cuts — Earth Animal’s partner CT Foodshare needs more help than ever.
There are severa; parts to the Mitten Project.
In November and December, shoppers can support the cause in many ways, including:
“Pin-Up Fundraiser”: Donate $5 or more, fill out a paper mitten, and hang it in the store window. Every dollar will be matched by Earth Animal.
Purchasing advent calendars (25 days of giving treats to pups!)
“Shop & Give” promotions: businesses donate percentages of sales (South Pine Creek Deli, Millie Rae’s, Bel Mondo, McLaughlin, Element50, Eleven11, Pet Pantry, Izzo’s Garden Center, 299 Design Gallery, The Post, Kelli & Crew, Westport Hardware, Scout & Molly’s, Vintage Gardens, La Moda, Capri, Athletic Shoe Factory, Lolli Sutton, Fox Trot Home and more)
Pies for Good: Wakeman Town Farm offers homemade apple, apple crumb, blueberry, blueberry crumb, cherry, cherry crumb and pumpkin pie, plus homemade ice cream; $25 per pie, $10 per pint; order here (November 3-21).
Wreaths for Good (November 29, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.): Holiday wreath fundraiser, and a special appearance by Santa.
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Andrew Wilk’s free Westport Library Medical Series has attracted large audiences. For whatever reason, they’re primarily women.
The next session should draw many more men.
On November 17 (7 p.m.), noted internist Dr. Robert Altman and urologic oncologist Dr. John Graham will discuss the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer.
It’s the third most common cancer killer of American men. There have been many recent advances. Men should learn about them — and about the disease itself too.
The 90-minute event will include time for questions.
The 1973 Staples High School graduate has been a teacher, athlete and Fortune 100 CEO.
The former Orphenian is also a very talented singer/songwriter, who grew up in a home filled with classical, folk, rock, blues and jazz.
After honing his skills as a session singer and performer in Greenwich Village, Barrett took a detour into the top ranks of the healthcare industry.
But his life took a significant turn in 2022, when he reconnected with musician/ composer/producer/Grammy-winning 1971 Staples grad Brian Keane. They’ve collaborated on 2 albums.
The latest, “Rearrange Things,” combines the sophistication of jazz, the soul of ’70s pop, gospel harmonies, and a timeless message of empathy. Barrett’s influences include Joni Mitchell, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, the Beatles, James Taylor, Bonnie Raitt, Sting and Norah Jones.
On November 16 (2 p.m.), Barrett and Keane take to the Westport Library stage. They’ll chat about their unique life journeys and unexpected reunion — hosted by “06880”‘s Dan Woog, who has known both for over 50 years — followed by a special performance by Barrett, his band, and Keane. It’s a fundraiser for the Library.
Barrett cut his teeth at Greenwich Village clubs like The Bitter End. He’ll perform there again, right before his Westport show.
And finally … To all those who put themselves on the line (and the ballot) yesterday: Win or lose, thank you for stepping up!
(I did not want to grow up to be a blogger. But — since 2009 — I’ve been one. For 16 years, you’ve supported “06880.” We need you now more than ever. Please click here — and thank you!)
“06880” reader Marc Lemcke lives across from Aquarion’s North Avenue water tanks. He keeps a close watch on the utility. He writes:
Did you know that our water provider is being sold again?
It’s a big deal, one that defies logic. Eversource’s shareholders are celebrating — and we should be worried about our water supply in the years to come. Our water bills will soon double, and likely rise from there.
But you can do something. You can join the public comment session of the state’s regulator Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) on June 25, and ask the regulator and our state representatives for a better deal.
In July 2017, Westport’s water provider, Aquarion, applied for a permit to replace the small water tank on North Avenue with 2 significantly larger ones.
During a presentation to our Planning & Zoning Commission, Eversource — our energy provider — announced it had acquired the water company for $1.7 billion.
Together, these 2 firms are by far Westport’s largest taxpayers. They had outsized influence — and wielded it.
In 2025, for the fourth time in about 20 years, Aquarion is being sold. This time it is to publicly owned South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority (RWA) for $2.4 billion.
PURA has invited public comments on June 25 (register here), as it must approve the deal. There may be little public comment, but the deal’s importance should not be overlooked by Westport residents. Here’s why:
Water matters more to Westport than most towns. Eversource/ Aquarion is Westport’s biggest taxpayer; Aquarion as a standalone entity is in the top 10.
While Aquarion’s facilities generate significant tax revenue, town leaders have often looked the other way on issues such as PFAS contamination, lead pipe risks, and concerns about fire protection gaps.
With the town soon to become one of more than 60 municipal owners of Aquarion, this cozy relationship must be redefined. Taxes paid by Aquarion will not increase any more, and this will potentially impact Westport’s credit rating over time.
On the bright side, the critical issues of water infrastructure will now be discussed more openly.
We might see a test soon. A judge has ordered a hearing in the PFAS class action suit against Aquarion for July 24.
Aquarion is accused of knowingly selling PFAS-contaminated water above the 4-ptt threshold. Westport has 2 of Aquarion’s contaminated wells.
Aquarion lists those wells under different system names, so most people don’t realize they are actually located here.
Did you know that with over $35 million, Westport is by far the #1 town for required PFAS treatments? As of now, the treatment is scheduled for 2028 and 2029.
So why did Eversource sell? The business model was dead. Under a new regulatory regime at PURA, the regulatory process is livestreamed, so residents can now easily follow the proceedings.
While it remains an opaque process, it marked the end of the rubber-stamping rate hike applications and ended the profit party. Private buyers were unlikely to step in under these circumstances.
In response, legislators held a rushed emergency session to let the RWA buy Aquarion. Most lawmakers had no idea what they voted for.
State Representative Jonathan Steinberg
A notable exception was Westport’s State Representative Jonathan Steinberg, who voted “no.”
RWA won the bid with an eye-popping $2.4 billion offer; most likely they were the only bidder.
Fairfield First Selectman Bill Gerber asked, “How do you pay for $2.4 billion in debt when you only make $30 million a year?” The answer: higher water bills, debt payments for the next 40 years, and new debt for infrastructure improvements.
Let’s hope RWA wins its bet on favorable market conditions and cost controls over the next 40 years. (To be fair, any private investor would have even more challenges financing $2.4 billion with Aquarion’s current business.
The North Avenue tank project was never for the reasons stated by Aquarion.Seven years after the tank construction application, we now know that itwas part of a $200 million pipeline effort, and that the project lacked any justification for Westport residents or anyone in Connecticut. The numbers presented by Aquarion in favor of the tank project in Westport were never true.
This deal seems similar: Aquarion’s balance sheet and acquisition details are considered a trade secret. First Selectman Gerber’s questions will not be answered. Essentially, the public pays Eversource’s shareholders for something it knows little about.
Why build something unnecessary? Because they can. Private utilities profit from infrastructure — the more they build, the more they earn. Building more than prudent is called “gold-plating.”
A Connecticut Department of Energy & Environment Protection study confirmed that gold-plating is a multi-billion-dollar problem in Connecticut’s utility sector.
Aquarion’s pipelines, tanks, and pump stations are all examples. The pump station on North Avenue, for instance, is designed to serve a particular area in town with 1,312 water customers, with a projected average daily water use of 1,044 gallons per day. The real average of water use in Westport is 124 gallons per day.
Construction of the water tanks on North Avenue.
We hope this practice will end with the RWA purchase, but it likely won’t.
Despite PURA’s warnings of gold-plating, Aquarion will continue spending an estimated 3 times more than what is prudent.
However, regulatory filings suggest that RWA has significantly better water quality, e.g. PFAS or lead service lines. So far, it is unclear what the new owner, RWA, can and will change about the way Aquarion’s business is currently being done.
Can gold-plating be stopped? Theoretically, yes. But it will take regulatory will to change. As DEEP states, opposing gold-plating places “an almost impossible burden on challengers.”
In its recent ratecase decision, PURA accused Aquarion of spending a total of $600 million, without clear evidence of prudence.
Why did PURA approve 93% of the gold-plating anyway? Because Aquarion is in financial distress and water service was at risk, the authority approved expenses with little to no evidence of prudence. Now the public inherits the problem — and the bill.
Interestingly, Aquarion fights at the Supreme Court for the remaining 7% of its rate hike application. The company argues that it used to get everything they asked for in the past.
The bigger picture – we’re still stuck with a broken water plan. In 2018, Connecticut approved its first State Water Plan. Thanks to private utilities, however, it was toothless — all consensus, little action.
Since then, little has changed beyond enhanced drought monitoring and some new conservation efforts, and problems are piling up. Those problems include PFAS and lead contamination, inadequate fire protection, wastewater runoff, and future strains on the existing water supply.
Many dedicated volunteers from across sectors are trying to do their best with limited resources to manage these challenges. Past leaders who were known to be cozy with the utilities have retired, and new state officials seem to make a genuine attempt to finally get things right.
In any case, real progress will take a while. Oversight of water remains opaque, and Aquarion, as the largest water company, remains a black box.
The state’s management of investor-owned utilities over the past 20 years has been costly, and undoing the damage will take time money, and effort. Still, the public option is the best of two evils.
Why don’t you hear more about this? Because it’s complicated. Because Aquarion’s public statements are legal smokescreens. Because disputes often end in settlements and nondisclosure agreements. Because ratepayer representation has very limited resources and faces private companies with nearly unlimited legal budgets; regulators are the only “competition” a monopoly has.
Currently, Connecticut’s chief regulator faces at least 4 legal challenges and a public campaign against her instigated by various private utility companies, including Eversource/Aquarion.
What’s the solution? The regulator should approve the acquisition with the condition that Eversource pays $500 million into a state water fund. and the Office of Consumer Affairs will be significantly strengthened.
This way, Eversource shareholders will not lose money on its Aquarion investment – eminent domain would cost more – and the state has resources to address critical issues of water quality and supply, and consumers have a minimum voice.
What’s next? After the regulators’ public hearing on June 25 via Zoom, they’ve scheduled a hearing on July 17, which can be followed live on YouTube. Follow the case in the PURA docket 25-04-03.
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In response to the recent mailing from Aquarion to water customers about possible lead pipes, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker asked Public Works director Peter Ratkiewich to contact the utility. Aquarion told him: “The water has been and will continue to be safe.”
First Selectwoman Jen Tooker adds, “I encourage residents with questions and concerns to contact Aquarion directly, or research online at Aquarion Water Company.”
The 2017 Staples High School graduate did not pitch in last night’s 7-6 Los Angeles Dodgers victory over the New York Yankees.
But he’s a World Series champion — the first-ever former Wrecker baseball player to earn that feat.
The champs will be honored with a parade in LA tomorrow, and an event at Dodger Stadium.
Then — at some point, when he returns here — Westport will no doubt throw a party for our newest hometown hero.
Los Angeles Dodgers celebrate, at Yankee Stadium.
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Content Studio — Chirag Shah and Jay Norris’ Saugatuck Avenue production studio that’s earning raves as Westport’s newest, most versatile party/meeting/ media location — hosted a great pre-Halloween masquerade ball last night.
A diverse, intriguing crowd celebrated with DJ Marcello, enjoyed excellent food and drinks — and raised money for A Better Chance of Westport.
There were no tricks at all. But plenty of treats.
From left: Dan Woog, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, Jay Norris, Noah Fenn, Crystal Norris. (All photos/Ryan Allen)
Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department has announced new programs for youngsters.
Better Babysitting: This class teaches teens and young adults how to be a successful babysitter. It includes infant and child CPR, how to handle emergency situations and child development. Participants will leave this course as certified babysitters ready to work. (November 7, December 5, January 2, February 13, March 6, April 3, May 1; 4 to 6 p.m.; ages 11+).
Crafty Kids Art Classes:A fun space for children to grow creatively and socially through process art, DIY crafts and sensory play. (Tuesdays, November 12-December 10; 4 to 5 p.m.; grades K-5).
Food Explorers: Children make new food each week. Fridays, November 15-December 13; 4:30 to 5:30 p.m.; grades 2-5).
Exploring food encourages children to learn through sensory experiences, hands-on activities and working together to create delicious results. Children will have the freedom to explore food thanks to our unique “food neutral’ approach to teaching about food. During this class, children will learn to make a new food every week.
Water Polo: (Fridays , November 12-February 6; 5:30 to 7 p.m.; ages 8-13).
Speaking of kids: The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce has announced the winners of this year’s Halloween Window Painting Contest, sponsored by Village Pediatrics.
Over 50 children painted 40 windows throughout town, thanks to the generosity of local businesses.
Winners received gift certificates for ice cream, thanks to Momu.
Winners in the 2 school levels and 3 painting categories are:
This past summer, Saugatuck Harbor Yacht Club’s Fishing Committee ran a competition. The goal: Who could “catch” the most Mylar and plastic balloons.
The results far surpassed chair Maggie Carey’s expectations. Nearly 2 dozen families collected 431 balloons — plus plastic bags full of cans, pool floats, a beach ball, soccer ball and more.
On Sunday, prizes were awarded to winning families.
Evan, Lorraine and Kendall Berger (age 9) of Weston finished first, with 191 balloons (plus other items).
Second place went to Hannah and Eric Peck of Fairfield with 102 balloons (and assorted trash).
Rowayton Seafood found out about the competition, and doubled the value of gift cards SHYC purchased as awards.
Kendall also received a pair of Grudens fishing bibs, to help catch more balloons next year.
The balloons were collected in bunches, and solo. They represented R2D2, dinosaurs, pineapples and Spidermans.
Saugatuck Harbor hopes to repeat the contest next year. They may challenge other local yacht clubs to see who can collect the most.
And, Maggie notes, members — and everyone else — can continue collecting balloons they find on the water and washed up on shore, all year long.
This summer, the longtime Westporter and Longshore-area resident — provoked a debate by driving his golf cart, festooned with a large political banner, around the golf course and Compo Beach. Residents thought the private citizen was a town employee.
A heated confrontation with an irate anti-Trumper was caught on video.
Now, the Connecticut Centinal reports:
A female jogger running south on Compo Road South intentionally tipped over two Trump lawn signs before she turned right into the Longshore complex. The signs had been placed between the sidewalk and the roadway.
Romano contacted police and an officer met him to review video footage he had taken of the jogger. The footage did not show the jogger tipping over the signs.
But while speaking to Romano, the jogger coincidentally reappeared.
The police report indicates the jogger identified herself as a doctor, specifically a gynecologist. She told the officer she felt that the Trump signs were “offensive” to her “as a taxpayer in the Town of Westport” and she “doesn’t want to see” Trump signs on public property.
The officer reminded the doctor that regardless of one’s political views, everyone had a right to free speech, and that includes voicing their support for candidates in the election.
The officer asked the doctor to remain patient considering the election is only a week away, and gave her a warning. Meanwhile, Romano replanted the Trump signs.
Y’s Men of Westport and Weston member Mario Ottaviano died Sunday, surrounded by his family. He was 91.
He was born in Stamford to parents who immigrated from Italy. Mario graduated top of his class from the RCA Institute. For 27 years he owned and operated Economy TV, a television and audio sales and service company.
He received a BS in business from the University of Connecticut. He later earned a real estate broker’s license, a graduate certificate from the University of Georgia Real Estate Management program, and an ICSC Shopping Center Manager CSM degree.
Mario founded Ottaviano Associates, which owned properties around Stamford. He also owned and maintained properties in Bristol. He was knowledgeable about engineering, architecture and electronics. With his keen eye for craftmanship, he oversaw the restoration of two historic family homes.
An avid boater, Mario and his wife Marilyn enjoyed living by the water in Westport for 30 years. His interests included squash, handball, skiing, square dancing, theater, and biking with his children and grandchildren.
He played guitar and ukelele, and gardened and canned what he grew.
With the Y’s Men he spearheaded the Cooking Club, and was a member of the Hiking Club and Classical Music Society.
Mario was pre-deceased by his sister Angelina Concetta Lionetti. He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Marilyn Lovallo Ottaviano; children Susan of New York, John (Cindy) Stamford, Christy (Kevin Ohe) of Fairfield, and David (Jessica Bruck) of Albuquerque; and grandchildren Casey Ottaviano, Francis Ohe, Vincent Ohe, Henry Boone, Craig Ottaviano, Elena Ohe and Antonia Ottaviano.
A celebration of life ceremony will take place November 30 (10:30 a.m., Harbor Lights, 82 Seaview Avenue, Norwalk). Remembrances can be shared in the memory book on Cognetta Funeral Home’s website.
Connecticut’s Public Utilities Regulatory Authority continues to hear testimony about Aquarion’s construction of 2 large water tanks on North Avenue, opposite Staples High School. They replaced 1 smaller one on the same site.
Marc Lemcke has fought the water company since the tanks were first proposed in 2017. On Thursday, he testified before PURA, on behalf of Smart Water Westport and a group of neighbors.
Lemcke described his group’s investigation into Aquarion’s actions. His 4 main points:
The Westport tanks were not needed, and Aquarion knew it.
The tanks are part of a $200 million project that was not needed. and Aquarion knew it.
The tanks are larger than authorized.
Aquarion tried to conceal certain facts.
Specifically, Lemcke said, Aquarion blocked the disclosure of public records; hid payments to their Westport town lawyer’s firm, which had a conflict of interest; concealed information about contamination; knew that tank screening was not possible; engaged in illegal marketing; failed to provide “critically important” reports; violated terms of length of construction, and built the tanks without a wetland permit.
The water utility’s “questionable conduct … has critical implications for future water management, and makes the case for even greater oversight going forward,” Lemcke told PURA.
A hearing on Tuesday (June 4, 10 a.m., Zoom) will be held, covering Aquarion’s permit conditions.
Click here for the full 53-page report of Lemcke’s testimony; then click “Attached correspondence” at the bottom.
Aquarion water tanks under construction, June 2022.
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The Levitt Pavilion’s 50th season features over 50 free shows. And they started yesterday.
Tonight (Saturday) at 7:30, Boston-based Couch entertains with pop, funk, rock, R&B and soul. Click here for more information, and to reserve free tickets.
Tomorrow (Sunday, 7 p.m.), the Arun Ramamurthy Trio fuses South Indian classical Carnatic music and contemporary jazz. Click here for more information, and to reserve free tickets.
For all free shows, all available and returned tickets are distributed at the box office, first-come, first-served, beginning 2 hours before show time.
And for all free shows, audience members are free to bring in outside food and drink.
For a highlight reel of last weekend’s ticketed opening — with Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, Andy Frasco & The United Nations, and Dogs in a Pile, click below.
The rules are the same as past challenges, this year with a fresh round of 25 categories(click here to see). You can do all or only one, or anything in between. Just have fun!
Once you read a book that fulfills a category, submit it via the form on the Library. Then track your progress on our leaderboard.
The leaderboard is also where you can see what everyone else is reading, and give your own recommendations. You can also join the Westport Reading Challenge Facebook Group, and talk smack — er, books — all summer long.
As for kids: Starting today, children can sign up for the Library’s Summer Reading Program. It wraps up September 2.
Youngsters can read anything. Any time. And anywhere, all summer long.
Register online and keep track of minutes read. For every 100 minutes, you can decorate a summer sun that will be displayed in the Library.
Earn a treat from Shake Shack at 500 minutes. When you reach 1,000 minutes, can choose a book to keep from the Library’s selection of titles.
For more summer fun and prizes, stop in the Children’s Library to play bingo and earn more free books.
It’s a memoir about the fallibilities of memory. In 1972 she and her 13-year-old sister were flying unaccompanied back to New York from Israel. Their plane was hijacked by the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, and forced to land in the Jordan desert.
Too young to understand the gravity of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Martha coped by suppressing her fear. Nearly a half-century later, her memories of those 6 days and nights as a hostage were hazy and scattered. Was it the passage of so much time, or that her family couldn’t endure the full story, or had trauma made her repress the experience? A professional historian, Martha wanted to find out.
Drawing on archival research, childhood memories, and conversations with relatives, friends, and fellow hostages, she re-creates what happened to her. As the hostages forged friendships and provoked conflicts, the sisters learned about the lives and causes of their captors, pondering a deadly divide that continues today.
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Westport Police officers carried the Flame of Hope along the Post Road through town yesterday. The event — from the Norwalk line, to the Southport border — showed support for Special Olympics of Connecticut.
Amy Schneider was one of many drivers and passersby who slowed down and snapped photos, as the torch and flags went past.
Gail Cohen died yesterday, surrounded by her family.
Her family says, “she was passionate about her family, the theater and canasta. She battled her terrible disease valiantly and courageously for 9 months.
“Throughout her life she inspired those around her with her passion, empathy, zest for life, and devotion to the happiness of others. Gail always led with love. She was a force and advocate for those who couldn’t advocate for themselves.”
She is survived by her husband of 40 years, Eric; children Hayley, Zach and Sydney, grandson Cooper, mother Mimi and siblings Richard, Beth Steinberg Michael and Robin.
A memorial service will be held tomorrow (Sunday, June 2, 1 p.m., The Community Synagogue of Westport). Shiva will be at 32 Burnham Hill tomorrow from immediately after the burial until 8 p.m., and Monday, June (1 to 4 p.m., and 6 to 9 p.m.).
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Cohen Family Scholarship Fund at Cardozo Law School/Yeshiva University, or a charity of your choice.
And finally … in light of the many headlines over the past 2 days:
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