A second Westporter has joined the race to succeed State Representative Jonathan Steinberg.
Board of Education chair Lee Goldstein joins Matthew Mandell in the campaign for the 136th District. Steinberg is retiring.
Goldstein — a Yale University graduate and former high school English teacher, writer, editor and manager of a family foundation, and volunteer with the Westport Arts Advisory Committee and Mercy Learning Center — filed paperwork on Thursday.
“Westport deserves experienced, thoughtful leadership that protects our schools, strengthens our communities, and takes the rising cost of living seriously,” says Goldstein. “I’m running to bring that leadership to Hartford.”
As BOE chair for 4 years, Goldstein helped lead the renovation of Coleytown Middle School, plan for a new Long Lots Elementary School and Stepping Stones Preschool, and develop a comprehensive capital improvement plan.
School budgets have passed unanimously, which she attributes to collaboration she fostered between the Board of Ed, Board of Finance and Representative Town Meeting.
Lee Goldstein
However, she notes, “Federal instability threatens funding, public health and safety, education, reproductive rights, and common-sense gun safety laws. Connecticut needs steady, values-driven leaders in Hartford who recognize what’s at stake and bring people together to solve problems.”
Goldstein tells “06880”: “I am proud of our remarkable schools. But over the past 4 years on the Board, I’ve learned that more depends on relationships and trust than on any single decision.
“Whether we’re aligning budgets with long-term priorities, advancing overdue capital work or developing complex strategic plans, progress comes from listening, persistence, and a willingness to bring people together around shared goals. The most durable decisions are rarely the most dramatic ones — they’re the ones people have a hand in creating themselves.
“What is drawing me toward Hartford right now is a mix of optimism and urgency. I think Connecticut has the capacity to respond thoughtfully to this moment -strengthening public education, protecting reproductive rights, public health, and gun safety laws, addressing affordability pressures, and helping communities plan responsibly for the long term.
“But optimism only matters if you’re willing to take responsibility for what comes next. Over time, I’ve come to feel that the next phase of the work I care about needs to happen at the state level.”
After a frustrating morning, I want to share an update following today’s weather-related school closure, and explain the steps we’re taking to protect the end of the school year calendar.
Recommendations to End Student School Calendar on June 18
I will make 2 recommendations to the Board of Education, so that the student school calendar ends on June 18.
To keep the school year on track, I will recommend that the Board of Education take action at a short, 1-item meeting on Thursday at 7 p.m. to:
Reduce the student calendar from 182 to 180 school days, and
Make Friday, March 20 a regular student school day, moving the scheduled professional development day to Wednesday, June 24.
If approved, this plan would allow:
Students to finish the school year on Thursday, June 18 (school is closed Friday, June 19 for Juneteenth.) and
No changes to April vacation (barring additional cancellations).
To make sure this adjustment is workable and does not create avoidable disruption I communicated with most bargaining unit leadership (teachers, paraprofessionals, etc.) and First Student Transportation to confirm March 20 can become a student day without complications.
Assuming the Board proceeds with the agenda as planned and approves my recommendation, I will communicate the final decision to families as soon as possible after Thursday’s meeting.
School Closure Decision Today
As an aside, I provided the following information to a media inquiry related to the decision to close today. I share this information with you in the event you are interested.
“We began with a conference call with meteorologist John Bagioni at 4:10 a.m. The guidance at this time indicated that precipitation would begin in the 10 a.m.-12 p.m. window, likely on the early side. It also indicated that the cold air mass was not showing signs of moving out of the area as quickly as originally forecasted.
“I sent a message to families last night to provide prior notice of a possible early dismissal. Given the storm’s timing in the 4:10 a.m. update, an early dismissal would be problematic since it would put buses and drivers on the road during the worst of the snow/ice (early dismissal bus runs are from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m). Additionally, given the cold temperatures over the past few days, it was predicted any precipitation would freeze on contact.
“I communicated with our Department of Public Works to determine their capability to treat the roads so that buses and drivers could safely return home between 2:45 and 4:45 p.m., the window of our normal afternoon dismissal runs.
School buses are an important part of any closure decision. (Photo/Amy Schneider)
“Then the final email update came shortly after 5:30 a.m. I have pasted the part of the updated forecast from our meteorologist that led to the closure decision:
The overall atmospheric pattern has trended colder, and while much of the initial snow and sleet will likely fall at light intensities, the surge of warmer air at cloud level could allow bursts of moderate snow at times. Periods of snow and sleet will continue into the afternoon, but there should be a tendency for the snow to mix with or change to mainly freezing rain or freezing drizzle during the afternoon.
The immediate I-95 corridor may be able to nudge above freezing this afternoon, but the current cold air mass will only grudgingly moderate, and freezing or sub-freezing temperatures are expected across most of inland CT and interior eastern NY through the daytime period. And there is some support for freezing rain to continue in some areas well into the evening or early nighttime period.
Neil Sedaka — who, the New York Times said, “went from classical music prodigy to precocious songwriter to teenage idol to pop music fixture in a celebrated career that spanned seven decades” — died yesterday in Los Angeles. He was 86.
Obituaries and tributes mention his Brooklyn upbringing (he dated Carole King in high school, and Neil Diamond lived across the street).
But after achieving stardom with hits like “Calendar Girl” — and, more than a decade later, “Laughter in the Rain” — he moved to Westport, in the 1970s.
Sedaka lived in the Old Hill neighborhood for about 20 years. In 1982, he headlined one of the first benefit concerts at the Levitt Pavilion.
Several Westporters have wondered what’s going on at Gray’s Creek. A dozen or so trees have been removed just west of the Minute Man Monument, near the small burial ground of patriots killed in the Battle of Compo Hill.
“06880” reached out to the Parks & Recreation Department, which oversees the site. (It’s not in the right of way, so it’s out of the tree warden’s jurisdiction.)
Parks superintendent Nick Quatrano says that he contracted Knapp Tree, due to concerns for public safety.
The trees include black locust (invasive), black cherry, Norway maple (invasive), and a few too dead for him to identify.
Once all are removed, he’ll replant trees that can better tolerate the salty environment. Among the contenders: black pine, red cedar, thornless honey locust, and white oak.
Gray’s Creek cemetery.
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The Board of Finance will hold its formal budget reviews next month, in the Town Hall auditorium.
They’re set for March 9 (Board of Education) and March 10 (1st Selectman’s town budget).
The meetings will also be broadcast on Optimum Channel 79, and/or livestreamed at www.westportct.gov.
Westport has voted on its favorite pizzas, burgers, soups and salads.
On this year’s menu: sandwiches.
The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce’s 9th annual event runs throughout March. Over 20 restaurants, delis and markets will compete in 10 categories.
Judging is done by residents, online. Each voter is also entered into a drawing to win a free sandwich, from one of the 10 winners.
The 21 competitors are: A & S Fine Foods, Calise’s, Clubhouse, Dunkin, Emmy Squared, Garelick & Herbs, Kabab & Hummus House, Kawa Ni, Lyfe Café, Match Burger Lobster, Nomade, Old Mill Grocery, Organic Market, Outpost Pizza, Pizza Lyfe, Rizzuto’s Lobster Shack, Romanacci, Saugatuck Provisions, Saugatuck Rive Café, The Granola Bar and Zucca Gastrobar.
The 10 categories are: Best Chicken Sandwich, Best Steak Sandwich, Best Vegetarian Sandwich, Best Combo Sandwich, Best Club, Best NY Deli, Best Pressed Sandwich, Best Breakfast Sandwich, Best Wrap Sandwich, and Best Fish/Seafood Sandwich. Each restaurant, deli or market may enter up to 4 categories, but can only win 2 at most.
Starting March 1, residents can visit the venues, enjoy the offerings, then vote here.
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Speaking of food: Ordering delivery is fast and easy.
Unless people at one place want different restaurants.
Starting Thursday, there’s an app for that.
Wonder comes to Westport. It’s at 1300 Post Road East, just east of Turkey Hill Road.
A press release says, “With free delivery, pickup or dine-in options at over 100 locations, Wonder features world-renowned chefs including Bobby Flay, José Andrés, and Marcus Samuelsson, alongside award-winning restaurants like Tejas Barbecue and Di Fara Pizza.”
Customers can combine dishes from a variety of Wonder restaurants in a single order. Menus are developed by Wonder’s culinary team, in collaboration with chefs and restaurant partners. Every dish is “made to order” in local Wonder kitchens.
Westport’s Wonder joins over 100 locations in the Eastern US.
The grand opening on Thursday includes a ribbon-cutting. The first 100 guests enjoy giveaways and food samples.
The Thing — the hot Brooklyn-based rock band, featuring Weston native Jack Bradley on guitar — kicked off VersoFest 2026 last night. A large, enthusiastic and multi-age crowd packed the Trefz Forum for the show.
The bulk of the 5th annual music-media-and-more festival takes place at the end of next month. But the dates did not work, so The Thing kicked off their new tour in late February, at a venue that audiences in the tri-state area have come to know is a bit out of the mainstream, but where loud music thrives: the Westport Library.
TAP Strength’s next “Effortless Effort” talk covers “Effortless Eating.” It’s March 11 (180 Post Road East, 6 p.m.
Nutrition specialist Kevin Knight will offer “a mindful approach to eating your way to your best life.”
TAP founder EJ Zebro will add practical cools to incorporate new habits of movement and mindfulness into your daily life. It’s free, but RSVPs are requested: info@tapstrength.com.
And finally … in honor of Westport’s new “Wonder” restaurant (story above):
We wonder if you know how much work it takes to provide daily Roundups — and everything else on “06880.” We wonder too if you’ll click here, to support our work. It’s no wonder we thank you!)
Dashboard and body camera footage has been released of the Merritt Parkway accident in Westport last July, involving WWE co-founder Vince McMahon.
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.
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.
Click here or below to see the accident, and the aftermath with the state trooper. (Hat tip: Sal Liccione)
As Russia’s invasion of Ukraine grinds into its 4th year, a special event will raise funds for besieged towns.
One of those is Lyman — Westport’s sister city. It was the first of several established by Ukraine Aid International, the not-for-profit founded by Westport brothers Brian and Marshall Mayer. UAI provides humanitarian aid to Ukrainian communities near the Russian border.
Next Thursday (March 5, 7 p.m.,), “Keys of Resilience” brings Ukrainian pianist Ruslan Ramazanoy to the Westport Country Playhouse. He rebuilt his life in the US following the 2022 invasion, and is now a faculty member witht the Boston Conservatory at Berklee.
He’ll offer interpretations of masters like Brahms, Chopin, Liszt and Gershwin, and introduce the audience to contemporary Ukrainian composer Myroslav Skoryk.
In addition, Connecticut-born Ukrainian-American soprano Teryn Kuzma — a 4th-generation bandurist — will play the 55-stringed harp-zither.
Congratulations to the Staples High School boys basketball team.
Last night they routed a strong Ridgefield squad 67-49, to complete the regular season 20-0.
That remarkable run includes 15 FCIAC (league) wins), and victories over non-league Wilbur Cross-New Haven, Ramapo, Archbishop Molloy, Taconic and Scarsdale Highs. The latter 4 are out-of-state teams.
The closest contest was 53-51, over Fairfield Ludlowe. Two weeks ago, the Wreckers handled then-undefeated Trumbull by 18 points. Every other win too was by double digits.
Coach Dave Goldshore and his senior-laden ballers begin the FCIAC tournament this Saturday (February 28), with a 1:45 p.m. tipoff at Staples.
Coach Tommy Sparks’ girls team — who suffered only 2 losses in league play this year — are the first part of that FCIAC quarterfinal doubleheader. Their game starts at noon.
Jennaty Med Spa — a boutique medical aesthetics and wellness spa — has just opened on the 2nd floor at 991 Post Road East (across from Starbucks).
It was cofounded by 2 nurses. They wanted to create “a private, concierge style wellness space, where patients feel genuinely cared for.”
They focus on IV hydration and wellness therapy, advanced injectables (Botox, dermal fillers), regenerative treatments and personalized aesthetic consultations.
The atmosphere is “intimate, elevated, and designed to feel more like a private wellness lounge than a traditional med spa.” Jennaty believes in “natural results, ethical practice, and long-term relationships with our clients.”
PS: The name comes from the nicknames of the 2 founders: Jennifer Velazquez and Natalia Cardona.
Jennaty Med Spa founders: Jen and Naty.
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Club203 — Westport’s social group for adults with disabilities — celebrates “the green” (aka St. Patrick’s Day) at a very appropriate place: Green’s Farms Church.
The March 9 event (6:30 to 8 p.m.) includes Irish-themed bites by Lyfe Cafê, live Irish favorites from Peter Kozak, and sweet green treats by Avery Horne.
Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests, between February 18 and 24.
An 18-year-old Meriden man was charged with larceny, theft of a payment card, charging less than $500 on a stolen/revoked payment card, and identity theft, following theft of a wallet from a car that was in an unlocked garage, with the garage door open. He was released on a $50,000 bond.
A 71-year-old Westport man was charged with operating under the influence and evading responsibility, following a motor vehicle accident in the Riko’s Pizza parking lot. He was released on a $1,500 bond.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Texting while driving: 7 citations
Failure to renew registration: 5
Traveling unreasonably fast: 3
Failure to obey stop sign: 3
Speeding in a school zone, 2nd offense: 1
Failure to remove snow/ice from roof:
Tinted glass violation: 1
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 1
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 1
Failure to obey traffic control signals 1.
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: It’s not just courteous to remove snow and ice from your vehicle’s roof. It’s the law!
And finally … the item about Vince McMahon (above) brought to mind:
(If you appreciate “06880”‘s coverage of law enforcement matters — from our weekly Police Reports, to an item like the one on Vince McMahon — please click here to support our work. 10-4.)
After a professional development day, winter break, then 2 more blizzard snow days, Westport schools were finally back in session this morning.
It did not start out well.
A parent of a student reports, “Cars were driving 5 miles an hour on the way to school. Many were sliding all over the place. Scary!”
A Staples High School senior adds, “Wild school opening. 4 students in my first period class. Roads covered in snow. Couldn’t see the center line on the Post Road.”
The good news is: The sun will peek through this afternoon. The temperature will be about 40.
The bad news: Snow showers are predicted, Sunday through Tuesday.
Car and school bus navigate snow-covered roads very carefully this morning. (Photo/Dayle Brownstein)
The Board of Education “Community Conversation” scheduled for noon today at the Westport Library has been postponed.
A new date will be announced soon.
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And 2 delays: The Senior Center will open at 10:30 a.m. today, 2 hours late.
The Westport Library opens at 11 a.m.
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Residents caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or other dementia often feel alone.
There’s help available. The Residence at Westport and Westport Library are collaborating on a monthly support group, with professional facilitators.
It’s a chance to share stories with others who understand the challenges, in a safe and supportive environment.
Educational presentations may be provided, and participants will help choose discussion topics.
It meets the second Tuesday of every month (11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Westport Library). No RSVPs are necessary; it’s a drop-in group.
Questions? Email mledney@residencewestport.com.
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For the second time this winter, SCA Crowley lent a clean-up hand.
The property management firm and Penna Construction — both longtime Westport-based firms — lent vehicles and crews yesterday night. Together, they cleared some of the snow that remained on downtown streets and sidewalks.
It takes a village. Thanks, SCA and Penna, for helping make ours a little less treacherous!
Many Westport Country Playhouse Script in Hand play reading selections are contemporary works.
The next one is a classic — and an encore presentation.
“The Subject Was Roses” — winner of the 1965 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and a Tony Award for Best Play — comes to the storied stage on Monday (March 2, 7 p.m.).
It was produced at the Playhouse in 1966, then again in 1982.
“Roses” is set in May of 1946. As World War II draws to an end, a young soldier returns to the Bronx apartment where he was raised. Hoping his homecoming will repair his parents’ troubled marriage, he presses for small acts of reconciliation, only to expose years of resentment and emotional distance. As tensions rise, the family confronts the truth of their relationships and the life they share.
But it jammed up — and she has no idea who can fix it.
If you know a typewriter repair person — or can do it yourself — email cohlita@yahoo.com.
Who knows — she may write a nice thank-you note on it!
Kids: Do you know what this is?
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Dogs in a Pile — the 20-somethings band with “old souls and limitless chops,” brings their psychedelic-tinged jazz/funk/rock to the Levitt Pavilion on July 17.
Touring is in their blood: They’ve averaged 130 shows a year since 2022.
And finally … on this date in 1873, 4 years before the invention of the phonograph, Enrico Caruso — the most popular operatic tenor of the early 20th century, and the first great recording star — was born. He died in 1921, at 48, from peritonitis.
(Where else but “06880” can you find Dogs in a Pile and Enrico Caruso in the same place? There’s lot more every day too, on your hyper-local blog. Please click here to support our work. Thanks!)
The town has released the bid document for a new food and beverage concessionaire at Compo Beach and Longshore.
Parks & Recreation Department director Erik Barbieri tells “06880” that he will visit all applicants, to see how they operate their current businesses.
His hope is for the new concessionaire to be ready to operate this summer. If not, interim arrangements will be made for food and beverage services.
It’s a time for “reflection, self-love, and ending relationships that are no longer working.” (That’s what Google says, anyway.)
Sustainable Westport knows a thing or two about breaking up, too.
They’ve rolled out a community-wide initiative to reduce the town’s use of plastics — especially single-use — and expand public water-filling stations.
As part of the “Un-Plastic” movement, they’ve begun a social media campaign to help Westporters “break up” with the synthetic material.
It’s pretty clever. You may recognize several neighbors in the video (click here or below). It’s also available on Facebook and LinkedIn.
Parents: Want to know more about “Today’s Weed and Teen Mental Health”?
That’s the title of a session led by Dr. Amy Swift, who oversees in-patient services at Silver Hill Hospital. The event is co-sponsored by Positive Directions and the Mid-Fairfield Youth Cannabis Prevention Project.
It’s this Wednesday (February 25, 7 p.m.), with both in-person (New Canaan High School) and virtual options. Click here for more information.
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After weeks of sold-out houses, standing ovations and enthusiastic word-of-mouth, this is the final weekend for the Westport Community Theatre production of “Looped.”
Performances are set for today (Saturday, 7:30 p.m.) and tomorrow (Sunday, 2 p.m.), in the lower level of Town Hall.
The play is set during a 1965 recording session, where Tallulah Bankhead must re-record (“loop”) a single line of dialogue for a film. What should take minutes stretches into hours as the star clashes with the weary film editor and practical studio manager.
Sharp wit gives way to honesty, revealing the vulnerability beneath the bravado while turning a hilarious backstage story into something unexpectedly moving.
But before the Board of Finance discusses and votes to spend hundreds of millions of dollars, they want to hear from you.
Questions? Concerns? Just want to chat with a member?
Board of Finance “office hours” are this Thursday (February 19), in the Westport Library’s Room 213. Two sessions — 10 to 11 a.m., and 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. — ensure that just about any resident who wants to be heard, will be.
On March 4, the 1st selectman and Board of Education will informally present their budgets. On March 9 (BOE) and 10 (town), the BOF will conduct formal hearings.
The Boathouse is one of Westport’s most interesting restaurants.
It’s got a great seafood-and-more menu. The vibe is classy, but relaxed. The view of the Saugatuck River — especially from tables on the outdoor deck — can’t be beat.
The one downside: The only way to the 2nd-floor dining area is through the Saugatuck Rowing Club entrance, past the locker rooms and fitness center.
People finishing their workouts mingle with those about to dine.
That may soon be solved. On Monday (February 23, 6 p.m., Zoom), the Rowing Club will ask the Planning & Zoning Commission for a permit, to build a separate entrance. It would be located on the parking lot side.
The Boathouse restaurant is on the 2nd floor of the Saugatuck Rowing Club.
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Some — okay, many — Westporters are spending the schools’ winter break on ski slopes or beaches.
Fun. But also a bit, well, ordinary.
Rob Simmelkjaer and his daughters run with a different crowd.
They’re in Kaptagat, Kenya. Eliud Kipchoge — the greatest marathoner of all time — runs (ho ho) the Global Sports Camp there. Over 25 world class distance runners are training there now.
They were joined by Rob, Julia (a Staples High School junior) and Annika (a Coleytown Middle School 7th grader).
It was a business trip (of sorts) for Rob. The CEO of New York Road Runners, he told brought his team along.
He did not specify to “06880” whether that was his management team, or racing team.
This being the Road Runners, perhaps they’re the same.
Eliud Kipchoge, with Annika and Julia Simmelkjaer.
Speaking of sports: Congratulations to Mac Forehand!
The US Olympic team freestyle skier Mac Forehand — a Southport native, and son of Staples High School 1976 graduate Ray Forehand — earned a silver medal in Livigno, Italy yesterday.
He lost by just .25 of a second in the men’s freeski big air, to Norwegian Tormod Frostad.
NBC Sports reports: “Forehand nailed a pair of triple cork 2160s — one switch (95.00) and one regular with nose butter (98.25) — for 193.25 points and briefly jumped into 1st place, one point clear of Frostad with only the Norwegian left to drop. But Frostad answered in the clutch, retaking the lead, and the gold.
“‘I knew I had to one-up one of the tricks and I deliberated with my coaches for like five minutes at the top about what I should do,’ Forehand said. ‘The level of tricks I’ve been doing tonight were insane. … The top five guys all landed insane tricks that would win any other contest day.’
“While Forehand’s tricks featured more rotation, Frostad’s edge came in his technicality: nose-butter takeoffs, high-difficulty grabs and unique, sideway rotations that force blind landings — the kind of details judges heavily reward.”
Wakeman Town Farms hosts a cooking class (March 10, 7 p.m.; $125; BYOB), centered on the fungi.
Chef Genee Habansky of Herbaceous Catering will showcase varieties like blue oysters, hen of the woods, shiitakes and lions mane, while preparing (and tasting) dishes such as mushroom parmigiana, fricassee, mushroom “crab cakes” and crispy chicken-fried mushrooms.
The Levitt Pavilion just added another ticketed event.
Eggy — the Connecticut-based jam band — returns to the outdoor stage July 11.
Their Levitt Pavilion roots run deep. Eggy first performed in 2016, as part of the Blues, Views & BBQ Festival. They returned in 2019, and played to a full house 2 years later.
In 2022 Eggy was part of the sold-out Twiddle Festival. This year marks their first headline appearance.
But wait! There’s more! $1 from every ticket sold will be donated to Backline Care. The non-profit offer mental health and wellness resources for music industry professionals and their families.
Longtime Westport resident, softball star and youth coach Michael Calise died February 9, surrounded by his family, in Gilbert, Arizona, where he had retired. He was 87.
A proud US Marine, he served as a tank crewman and rifle range coach. After his discharge he worked as an electrician for Tarala in Norwalk.
He dedicated many hours to mentoring young athletes. He coached St. Luke’s CYO basketball; the Westport Little League Jaguars, leading them to 3 town championships, and the Westport Babe Ruth League Schaefer’s Sporting Goods team, guiding them to 2 titles. He was twice named Babe Ruth League head All-Star coach.
Mike also enjoyed a distinguished softball career. He was inducted into the Connecticut ASA Hall of Fame, and recognized by the Sportsmen of Westport. A Senior Softball world champion and Connecticut ASA state champion in 1962, he earned multiple batting titles and MVP honors as a player.
He spent much of his career with Sonny’s softball team, contributing to a remarkable 120–10 season. He also played with Chatham Oaks and Laurels AC, and competed in several world tournaments.
He is survived by his wife of 70 years, Carol Valiante Calise; children Michael Calise, Debbie Wohlforth, Dominick Calise and Grace Hodges; grandchildren Michael Calise (Samantha), Heather Hohimer (Stephen), Christy Leon (Matt), Christopher Wohlforth (Christina), Erika Calise, Caitlin Hodges (Zach), Anthony Calise and Nicholas Hodges; great-grandchildren Cameron, Austin, Madison, Troy, Wyatt, Dylan, Harper and Blake; great-great-grandchild Makayla, and sister Katherine Calise.
He was predeceased by his brother Douglas Winton, and son-in-law Bruce Hodges, who shared a special bond with him.
A funeral Mass is set for All Saints Catholic Church in Mesa, Arizona, on February 27, 2026 (10 a.m.).
Michael Calise
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With temperatures in the 40s — and rain ahead — the Saugatuck River won’t be frozen too much longer.
But it was on Monday. And Rowene Weems snapped this shadowy shot, for our “Westport … Naturally” daily feature.
Last night, the Board of Education approved the Westport Public Schools’ $158 million budget for the 2026-27 school year. The result: a 4.98% increase over the current year’s budget. “06880”‘s John H. Palmer reports:
The budget was approved after a motion to reduce the total bottom line by $750,000. It will be replaced with money from the district’s healthcare reserve funds, to keep the full increase below 5 percent.
The budget — if approved as recommended — will contain funding for a new assistant of facilities and security director, a behavioral specialist in the elementary schools. and $95,000 to provide athletic uniforms for high school sports.
The budget now goes to the Board of Finance. It has until late April to conduct workshops and make any changes, before sending it to the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) for final adoption in May or June.
The unanimous vote came during a busy meeting for the board. The session also included the next step toward forming a building committee to replace Coleytown Elementary School, and the first look for board members and the public of a survey to be distributed to parents, students and staff later this year. It would determine a baseline of how technology is used for instruction and homework.
The board also voted unanimously to recommend forming a building committee to oversee construction of a new Coleytown Elementary School.
In recent years the school has been plagued with progressively worsening structural problems, including humidity control issues and mold, forcing officials to consider whether to renovate the current building or replace it.
Superintendent of school Thomas Scarise said discussions with prospective architects led to the decision to completely rebuild. The project will take several years.
“We have a very positive learning environment and a safe facility, but it is most certainly a building that is aging and we are seeing that,” said Coleytown Principal Safiya Key. “It’s mostly the ceiling, the roof and things that are aesthetic. But we are starting to age in a way that makes the learning environment vulnerable, and we’ve had to displace classrooms based on that.”
The Board of Selectpersons will now oversee the process of forming the building committee.
Coleytown Elementary School
Meanwhile, the board discussed the technology survey — the second of a 3-prong audit process started by the district in October, to explore how to maximize the power of AI in school instruction, while minimizing overall wasted screen time.
The first step was an ongoing technology audit. The next will be to engage teachers and administrators in auditing curriculum materials and instruction tactics to determine how technology is used in the classroom.
The proposed survey will be reviewed by teachers during professional development time February 13. It is expected to be distributed to parents and students after winter break.
Each grade level will have an option to opt out of the paper and pencil survey.
The survey will be given to students in grades 3 and up. K-2 students will not take the survey, but it will be given to those parents with students in those grades.
Peter Ratkiewich — longtime director of Westport’s Public Works Department — will retire on August 31.
First Selectman Kevin Christie says, “It is with regret that I accept Pete’s retirement letter.
“The town of Westport has been extremely fortunate to benefit from his expertise and knowledge for more than 36 years.
“Under his leadership, and among many other accomplishments, the town has maintained and improved its infrastructure, roadways, engineering capabilities, and equipment; strengthened coordination with public utilities and the state of Connecticut; and successfully managed numerous emergency response efforts during major storms impacting our community.”
Ratkiewich began working with and for the town in 1989. Hired as deputy town engineer, he was promoted to town engineer in 2008.
In that capacity he supervised the Engineering Department, and oversaw the design and administration of municipal infrastructure projects, including sanitary sewers, storm drains, refuse and recycling facilities, highway maintenance, parking lots, and roadway and intersection improvements.
Christie said, “Pete has led the Public Works Department with exceptional care and precision. He approaches every challenge with consideration, humor, and a thoughtful awareness of budgetary constraints — always with the best interests of the town in mind.
“Public safety, along with the well-being of his employees, residents, business owners, and visitors, has always been his top priority.”
He graduated from Northeastern University, with a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering. The search for a successor will begin soon.
Pete Ratkiewich (Photo/Dan Woog)
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On the agenda for this Thursday’s Board of Education meeting (February 5, 7 p.m., Staples High School cafeteria; click here for livestream):
Screen time survey
Formation of a building committee for Coleytown Elementary School
Approval of proposed budget.
Coleytown Elementary School.
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Congressman Jim Himes reminds “06880” readers that Access Health has begun a special open enrollment period, for people who qualify for state financial support. This replaces the Affordable Care Act enhanced premium tax credits, which expired at the end of 2025.
Eligibility requirements can be found here. Questions? Call Himes’ office: 203- 333-6600.
Liz Hirsh Naftali’s 3-year-old niece, Abigail Mor Edan, was abducted by Hamas on October 7, 2023 — after she watched them murder her parents.
Abigail spent 51 terrifying days in captivity. Liz was her tireless advocate, speaking with world leaders and sharing her family’s story.
On February 10 (7 p.m., The Community Synagogue), Naftali will talk about her memoir, “Saving Abigail” — a testament to resilience, courage and hope in the face of tragedy.
Adam Kaplan did not go to Coleytown Middle School — he’s a Bedford grad.
But the 2008 Staples High alum was on stage yesterday at Coleytown. He brought along 3 castmates (and longtime friends) from the original “Newsies” on Broadway — plus a 3-man band.
The result was a high-energy, rousing benefit for Coleytown Company. Ben Frimmer’s middle school troupe presents “Newsies” of course next month.
Adam and his fellow performers gave many shout-outs to the importance of arts in the schools — and Westport’s support of it.
Adam Kaplan (far right) with (from left) Andrew Keenan Bolger, Liana Hunt and Ben Frankhauser, at Coleytown Middle School yesterday. (Photo courtesy of Ben Frimmer)
Speaking of CMS and BMS: Congratulations to Westport’s Middle School Squash Club!
One of just a few of 59 clubs to field 3 strong teams at this past weekend’s US Middle School Team Squash Championships in Philadelphia, they had great success.
Team A finished 5th in the nation — the highest for any public school — while Team B won the Division III title.
Club members representing Westport were Theo Abrams, Luke Amitin, Xuanhao (Hardy) Chao, James D’Angelo, Alex Jiang, Liev Katz, Theo Keefe, Matthew Lyle, Oscar Quintner, Ilina Rangaraj, Zach Smith, Logan Warnke, Jonathan Whee, Olivia Whee, Len Xie, and Orson Xie. Parent managers were Amber Warnke, Aaron Amitin, Gali Katz and Tim Whee, with club advisor Ella Ye and advisor emeritus TJ Sheridan.
The Westport Club is coached by Mohsin Khan, of Intensity Fitness.
This week (February 5; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner at 7) features Jen Allen. The pianist/composer has performed all over the world. She’s joined by 2 longtime associates: bassist Matt Dwonszyk and drummer Jonathan Barber. Click here for tickets, and more information.
Longtime St. Luke Church organist Leon Bernard died January 29 at Hartford Hospital. He was 86.
The New Rochelle, New York native graduated from Staples High School. He then served proudly in the Army, stationed in Alaska and California.
A church organist for over 60 years at St. Luke in Westport, he had a strong interest in music, and all things trains, engines, locomotives and railroads. He also liked gardening, and visits for over 40 years to the Trapp Family Lodge and Resort in Vermont.
In his later years he enjoyed NFL football, the University of Connecticut men’s and women’s basketball, and broadcast mysteries. He was president of 2 condominium associations.
He his survived by his close friends Rev. Kumar, St. Luke pastor, and Richard Fitol, Mark Prisloe and Natasha Morant; many St. Luke parishioners, neighbors, and work-related associates, including real estate development at T&M Building, and piano and commercial sales.
Calling hours at the Harding Funeral Home are this Friday (February 6, 4 to 7 p.m.). A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday (February 7, St. Luke Church). Interment will follow immediately at Assumption Cemetery, Greens Farms. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Luke Church.
Leon Bernard
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Our “Westport … Naturally” photos are all about the features and creatures that make our town “naturally” beautiful, and interesting.
Occasionally, a human being or 2 add to the mix.
Andrew Colabella captured this frigid scene, at Gray’s Creek:
And finally … on this date in 1961, the US Air Force began Operation Looking Glass. For the next 30 years, a “Doomsday Plane” was always in the air. It could take direct control of American bombers and missiles, if Strategic Air Command headquarters was destroyed.
Presentations for the proposed 2026-27 school budget concluded last night, at Staples High School. “06880” journalist John H. Palmer reports:
The Board of Education mulled over $7.63 million in spending plans for facilities and grounds at the town’s 8 schools.
The $7.63 million projection for the 2026-2027 school year is about $134,000, (1.8%) more than the current year’s projection of $7.5 million, according to chief financial officer Elio Longo. The rise owes mostly to electricity costs, which have increased by about 10%.
He said that the town historically negotiates fixed contracts for 2-3 years at a time.
“The Board of Education has managed the risk associated with electricity supply, rate, and volatility by contracting a fixed rate to December 2027,” according to the budget summary provided.
“This mitigation strategy was a group purchase collaboration with the Town of Westport and other municipalities/school districts.”
Longo touted the accomplishments of the previous year, explaining that 211 building and grounds projects were completed in the spring and summer of 2025, and 145 during the winter.
The new fieldhouse floor at Staples was installed under budget, he said, while Saugatuck Elementary School and Kings Highway School both had parking lots paved over.
Moving forward, the district looks to add a new position — assistant director of facilities and security — for roughly $130,000. That person would assist the current director and “strengthen operational oversight, increase departmental capacity, and ensure the district remains positioned to manage both daily facility operations and the growing demands of capital and security initiatives,” Longo said.
Utilities costs, which include water and sewer as well as gas and electricity, have remained relatively steady at a 3-year average of $3.1 million. Costs in fiscal year 2026 were about $3.2 million, while 2027 is projected at just under $3.5 million. General maintenance costs were expected to remain steady at a $1.9 million average over three years.
As for school building maintenance projections for 2026-2027, $85,000 is projected for Coleytown Elementary School to replace an aging and obsolete ventilator as well as a failing sewer ejection pump.
Coleytown Elementary School
Saugatuck School and Bedford Middle School are both slated to receive a JACE main control system. The electronic system connects lighting, security and HVAC systems and provides advanced integration for smart buildings, managing systems, and enabling data visualization through a web browser. The total cost for installation in the 2 school buildings is estimated to be around $555,000.
Staples High School will get $50,000 of updates, including a new dehumidifier in the library for $10,000, and an epoxy floor installation in the field house pool hobby for $20,000.
Westport’s school board launched the 2026-27 budget season January 9. Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarise proposed a 5.48% increase over last year’s budget.
If adopted as presented, that would amount to just over an $8 million increase over the $150 million 2025-26 budget. The budget total represents $282,000 less than administrators requested last year. Most of those cuts were for books and equipment.
Among the notable items in the proposed budget:
The district expects to enroll about 5,251 students next year.
Health insurance costs for the district’s roughly 1,000 employees will increase by about 15%, from $22.5 million to about $25.9 million, nearly a 15 percent increase. This expenditure will keep the bottom-line increase to about two-and-a-quarter percent, as opposed to 3.24% without the increase.
About $95,000 will be allocated for athletic uniforms for sports teams at Staples. In the past, parents or booster clubs generally bore these costs.
If all goes according to schedule, the Board of Ed will vote to approve the budget proposal later this month, or early February. The next 2 weeks of meetings will focus on specific questions that board members will want answered before the approval vote.
“There’s not really many changes to this budget,” said board chair Lee Goldstein.
The Board of Finance then has until late April to conduct workshops and make any changes, before the budget goes to the Representative Town Meeting for final adoption in May or June.
(“06880” — Westport’s hyper-local blog — covers the town budget process, from now through adoption this spring. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
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To make sure this adjustment is workable and does not create avoidable disruption I communicated with most bargaining unit leadership (teachers, paraprofessionals, etc.) and First Student Transportation to confirm March 20 can become a student day without complications.
“The Board of Education has managed the risk associated with electricity supply, rate, and volatility by contracting a fixed rate to December 2027,” according to the budget summary provided.
