Descendants of the Jennings and Couch families gathered at Burying Hill Beach on Sunday to dedicate one of 4 new monuments extends the Jennings Trail.
What is now named Burying Hill Beach was referred to over 200 years as “The Couch Family Burial Ground/ Couch Burial Hill.” Purchased by Simon Couch around 1660, what he called “his beautiful hill overlooking the sea” was the only burial ground in Green’s Farms, until the West Parish developed its own in 1725.
Couch Burial Hill most likely holds the remains of many colonial settlers, including members of the Jennings, Couch and other local families. All were neighbors and relatives.
Members of the Jennings and Couch families gathered for Sunday’s celebration. (Photo/Emily Jennings)
Francis Andrews, a founder of Hartford, early settler of Fairfield (and Simon Couch’s father -in-law) is also said to be buried there.
The town of Westport acquired the property in 1893, after claiming that the last headstone had gone missing. The name “Couch Burial Hill” was changed to “Burying Hill Beach.” It was the first shoreline park to be designated and approved as a recreation area by the State Legislature.
The Jennings Trail Committee worked for 2 years to research, organize and fund the 4 additional monuments. Jennings Trail Committee chair Peter Jennings joined local historians Morley Boyd, Wendy Crowther, Robert Liftig and Bob Weingarten to complete this first phase of the project.
Peter Jennings and Inez Liftig install the plaque. (Photo/Bob Liftig)
Jennings Trail is a self-guided tour of 2 dozen historic Westport sites, each marked with a plaque. It was conceived in 1974, as part of Westport’s part of the US bicentennial.
The Trail is named for Bessie Jennings, whose family first settled in this area around 1650. She guided 3rd graders along it for many years.
Now under the stewardship of the Westport Historic District Commission, it is maintained — at his own expense — by Peter Jennings, an 11th-generation Westporter and Bessie Jennings’ cousin.
(“06880” reports regularly on today’s Westport news — and occasionally looks back. If you enjoy learning about our history, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Hard to believe, but voting for town officials begins in just 11 days.
Here’s the early voting schedule, at the Town Hall auditorium:
DATE VOTING HOURS
Monday, October 20 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, October 21 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday, October 22 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday, October 23 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Friday, October 24 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, October 25 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, October 26 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday, October 27 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday, October 28 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Wednesday, October 29 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Thursday, October 30 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Friday, October 31 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 1 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, November 2 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
SAME DAY REGISTRATION: If you are new to Westport, or have not registered before.
To register, you must show identification that includes your name and Westport address (for example, a driver’s license, current utility bill, check or Social Security card).
You can register online at voterregistration.ct.gov, at the DMV, at the Registrars Office (Town Hall Room 107) or, mail your registration card by October 17.
If you miss this registration deadline, Westport offers registration every day at Town Hall in the auditorium during the early voting period (above). Registrants will be able to cast their ballot at that time.
Registration also available on Election Day (November 4) at the Town Hall auditorium from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Voters can register and vote during that time. Be prepared to show proof of identity and residency.
“OK To Delay” — the group urging parents to protect middle schoolers from smartphones and social media — kicks off fall with a coffee-and-conversation event tomorrow (October 10, 10 a.m., Make Modern, 180 Post Road East). Lyfe Café will provide the light bites.
Speaking of Saugatuck: Most places, you’d pay big buck$ to hear a Rock & Roll Hall of Famer play.
In Westport, it’s just $15.
And you’ll be sitting about 5 feet away.
Mark Naftalin — a keyboardist with the original Paul Butterfield Blues Band — brings his magic to the VFW on November 1 (6:30 doors, 7:30 music).
He’ll be joined by Connecticut Blues Hall of Fame member Paul Gabriel, Connecticut Blues Challenge winner Mark Zaretsky, plus Nick Longo and Paul Opalach.
Pay in cash at the door. It doesn’t get more down home than that.
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Intensity has opened new platform tennis (paddle) courts.
They’ll celebrate with a free opening night party on October 17. There’s a 6 p.m. round robin (sign up here to play), then an exhibition match with local pros at 7:30.
The event includes food, drinks, a raffle and photos.
Intensity is just over the Norwalk line, at 490 Westport Avenue. Questions? Call 203-853-7727.
“Live from Lincoln Center” executive producer — and longtime Westport resident — Andrew Wilk addressed a large Senior Center crowd on Tuesday.
He detailed the creation of his award-winning PBS special “Simple Gifts.” The program was organized by the Y’s Men of Westport & Weston, whose officer John Brandt led the conversation.
Westport resident Louis D’Onofrio has just published “The Ultimate Short Story Collection.”
Some were inspired by Westport, and New England. They offer “reflections on current world events, and the comforting chaos of home…. (They) celebrate the power of perspective, the magic in the mundane, and the connections that quietly bind us all.” Click here to order, and for more information.
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The weather has finally turned autumnal.
But earlier this week — and for much of the fall — it’s felt positively summerish.
Nico Eisenberger was at Burying Hill Beach on Tuesday. He reports: “There was a good showing from the High Tide Club today.
“The only requirement to join is that you show up to swim at high tide, sometimes. No initiation. No fee. Everyone is free to do as they please. We’re open to new members!”
PS: The forecast today is sunny, with a high of 60.
Burying Hill High Tide Club. (Photo/Nico Eisenberger)
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Speaking of the beach (and summer): The Parks & Recreation Department has announced a winner for its mural painting contest.
Luke Bernier’s work was selected. He is a junior at Staples High.
It will be painted on the side of the Hook’d/Bluestone concession building, facing west.
Right now, it’s a big, empty space. Here’s what it will look like next year:
Very cool, Luke. Congratulatons!
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The Suzuki School is more than just violins.
Their next concert (October 24, 7 p.m.) features jazz pianist/cellist Julian Shively and vocalist Emma McDonald. The evening blends jazz, R&B and neo-soul. click here for tickets, and more information.
Julian Shively and Emma McDonald.
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Westport Police made 3 custodial arrests between October 1 and 7.
A 19-year-old Stamford woman was charged with larceny of a motor vehicle, conspiracy to commit larceny of a motor vehicle, operating a motor vehicle without a license and failure to drive in the proper lane, following a crash on Beachside Avenue. The vehicle had been stolen from the Greens Farms railroad station, with the key fob left inside. A juvenile was also charged with larceny and conspiracy to commit larceny, and released in the custody of a parent.
A 22-year-old Waterbury man was charged with identity theft and conspiracy to commit larceny, following a complaint that 2 checks had been intercepted from the mail, and altered. He was held on a $25,000 bond.
A 45-year-old Westport man was charged with disorderly conduct, following a complaint of a verbal argument that escalated into physical contact.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Speeding in a school zone: 2 citations
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 2
Passing a standing school bus: 1
Distracted driving: 1
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
Unsafe backing: 1
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 1
Improper use of markers: 1
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Lee Wrubel died at his Westport home on Tuesday, surrounded by his wife and children. He was 61.
The Staten Island native earned a BA from Lafayette College, an MD/MPH from Tufts University, an MBA from Columbia University, and a Certificate in Leadership Coaching from Georgetown University.
His professional life was dedicated to transforming healthcare, most notably with Foundation Medical Partners, a venture firm he co-founded with the Cleveland Clinic, and most recently as global co-leader of Egon Zehnder’s Global Healthcare Research and Development practice.
His family says, “Lee valued intellectual curiosity, creating and collecting photography, and a good espresso. His happiest times were spent with his family, whether walking to Compo Beach, traveling the globe, or engaging in conversation over a great meal, by the fireplace, or on the back patio. He was their rock and will continue to be their north star.”
Dr. Wrubel is survived by his wife of 33 years Michele; children Alec (Molly Kandarian) of Los Angeles and Brooke of New York, mother Evelyn, and his brothers Eric and Austin. He was predeceased by his father George.
Funeral services will be held at The Community Synagogue in Westport tomorrow (Friday, October 10, 2 p.m. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center or The Community Synagogue.
Lee Wrubel
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Another day, another “Westport … Naturally” spider photo.
Fernando Silva writes: “There are 3 orb-weavers below our climbing hydrangea with huge, incredible webs. This cross orb-weaver posed so nicely at the corner of its web, camouflaged in a brittle bloom, I had to send it in.
“Spiders won’t win traditional beauty contests anytime soon. But considering Halloween is around the corner, it felt appropriate.”
And finally … Chris Dreja died recently in London. He was 78.
A rhythm and bass guitarist, and founding member of the Yardbirds, he was not as well known as other members of the group, like Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck and Jimmy Page.
But he was here in Westport in October of 1966, when the Yardbirds gave a memorable concert at Staples High School. Here’s a story about that show. Click below for some of the songs he played on.
(Early voting begins soon — as “06880” notes above. We’ll continue to cover all the Westport races closely. That’s the way we roll. But we can’t do it without you. Please click here to support us. Thanks!)
Posted onSeptember 25, 2025|Comments Off on Roundup: Braces, Bargains, Burying Hill …
Just when you think you’ve heard everything: read on.
Braces — for decades, one of the most embarrassing parts of many adolescents’ lives — are now cool.
In fact, a New York Times headline announced last Sunday: “Metal Has Never Been Cooler.”
The head-spinning turn of events has a Westport connection. The story began:
Like many middle schoolers across the country, Madison Aballi carefully crafted her look for the first day of 7th grade.
To see old friends and meet new teachers, she walked into her school in Westport, Conn., with a new light pink North Face backpack, complete with a Labubu keychain. She carried a new-to-her iPhone 15 Pro (formerly her mother’s).
And she revealed the biggest fashion flex of 12-year-olds across the country: a brand-new set of metal braces.
Nearly half the class, she estimated, also debuted new metal. “It’s sort of like how lots of people wear Adidas Sambas or Brandy Melville,” she said. “It’s kind of another accessory at this point.”
Teens and tweens have come to embrace braces — and not just any braces: They’re coveting the old-school metal variety of yesteryear.
The piece includes another local name:
Dr. Emily Driesman, Madison’s orthodontist in Westport, has outfitted her office with LED “on” and “off” signs for posting opportunities. Braces have become “a bit of a status symbol,” she said.
Dr. Driesman has also grown accustomed to patients documenting the entire experience. “I’ve had kids Snapchatting from the chair getting their braces on and sending it off to a whole ton of kids,” she said.
12-year-old Madison Aballi, and orthodontist Dr. Emily Driesman’s LED sign. (Photo/Pamela Zaremba for the New York Times)
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The United Methodist Church of Westport & Weston invites everyone to a tag sale this Saturday (September 27, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
In addition to clothing, home décor, garden items, shoes, books, glassware, bakeware and more, the day includes a grilled lunch and bake sale.
Early bird shopping (9 to 10 a.m.) is available for $10. All proceeds support the church’s mission and community ministries.
All are welcome to the United Methodist Church — and the tag sale. (Photo/Dan Woog)
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Westport Sunrise Rotary welcomes a special guest on Friday, October 3.
Connecticut State Treasurer Erick Russell will talk about his work, and the state’s finances. The public is invited to attend, at Greens Farms Congregational Church.
Coffee, bagels and muffins are served at 7 a.m. The meeting starts at 7:30, with Russell speaking at about 8 a.m. RSVP: info@WestportSunriseRotary.org.
Raised in New Haven, Russell is the first in his family to graduate college. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of New Haven, and a law degree from the University of Connecticut.
As treasurer Russell administers Connecticut’s pension funds (over $62 billion in assets), oversees the state’s debt and cash management, collects and returns unclaimed property, and manages the Connecticut Higher Education Trust.
Staples High School Class of 2019 graduate Donny Macaluso’s day job is running his business: Don’s TEL (Trees, Excavation, Landscaping).
But on October 12, he’ll run the Chicago Marathon.
As he so often does, Donny will be helping others.
He’s fundraising for Salute Inc. They provide essentials like rent, utilities, food and car payments to current military members and injured veterans, during times of financial stress. Click here to support Donny — and Salute.(Hat tip: Andrew Colabella)
Donny Macaluso
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The weather has turned iffy.
But it was beautiful earlier this week. William Weiss snapped this photo at Burying Hill, which he calls “Last Day at the Beach.”
Westport Police made 3 custodial arrests between September 17 and 23.
A 28-year-old Bridgeport man was charged with criminal impersonation, interfering with an officer, operating a motor vehicle without a license and failure to obey a stop sign, following an investigation into a July complaint of a victim of identity theft.
A 21-year-old Bridgeport man was charged with operating under the influence of alcohol/drugs and failure to drive in the proper lane, following the report at 3:46 a.m. ofo a vehicle stopped at the Post Road East/Sherwood Island connector traffic light that did not move for multiple cycles, then rolled into a utility pole on the shoulder of the road.
A 32-year-old Stratford man was charged with breach of peace, after a verbal and physical disturbance between 2 people near the Saugatuck train station.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Speeding in a school zone: 4 citations
Traveling unreasonably fast: 3
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 2
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 2
Disorderly conduct: 1
Speeding: 1
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 1
Failure to renew registration: 1
Improper turns: 1
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This is a legit “Westport .. Naturally” photo. No Photoshop or other funny business.
But speaking of funny — doesn’t this passionfruit of Wendy Levy’s deck look just like a jester?!
And finally … as noted above, metal braces are suddenly cool. So today we salute the metal — heavy metal, that is.
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Comments Off on Roundup: Braces, Bargains, Burying Hill …
The fun continued last night. The Tedeschi Trucks Band brought their 12-piece (including 2 drummers) rock/soul/blues/jazz/country powerhouse to town, for one of the most memorable galas in the riverside amphitheater’s 5-decade history.
The sold-out crowd called TTB back for an exciting encore. The Levitt rocked loud and long.
(Photo/Susan Garment)
(Photo/Susan Garment)
(Photo/DinkinESH Fotografix)
The show was preceded by a party, hosted jointly by the new Massi Co restaurant and its next door neighbor, Walrus Alley.
It too was packed.
(Photo/Dan Woog)
Internationally known photographer Larry Silver and his wife Gloria (not pictured) were among the guests. (Photo/DinkinESH Fotografix)
This weekend also marked the opening day of Challenger Baseball.
It was even more special than most. Beth Cody was honored for both her 70th birthday, and her 25 years of devotion and service to Westport Little League.
She’s served as league commissioner, executive secretary, and the force and founder of Westport Winners Challenger Baseball Division, for boys and girls age 5-18 with physical or intellectual challenges.
Longtime Westport Little League volunteers Jeff Mitchell and Jeff White presented Beth with awards.
Beth Cody’s award.
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Westport’s first selectman race is drawing plenty of attention among voters.
Our town’s teenagers are interested too.
Though most are not yet 18 — and thus ineligible to vote — they have a stake in what goes on here. They care about its present, and its future.
On October 14 (7 p.m., Toquet Hall), the Westport Youth Commission hosts a special student-focused conversation with the 3 hopefuls.
Don O’Day, David Rosenwaks and Kevin Christie will answer questions about leadership, experience and issues.
Moderators are Youth Commission co-president and Staples High School senior Jake Shufro, YC member and Greens Farms Academy junior Jack Thompson, and “06880” executive editor (and long-ago Youth Commission member) Dan Woog.
Teen audience members are invited to ask questions too.
Shufro and Thompson encourage students and parents to attend. “This is a non-partisan event, intended to educate the community and promote informed voting for all eligible voters,” they say.
Westport’s League of Women Voters is providing guidance to the organizers.
Historical markers are filled with fascinating information.
They’re also easy to overlook.
In Westport, some residents – old-timers and newcomers — love the markers on Jennings Trail.
Others have no idea they even exist.
Jennings Trail is named in honor of Bessie Jennings. Her family settled in this area around 1650.
A beloved educator and noted authority on Westport’s past, she originated and led tours of local historic sites, for decades of elementary school students.
Conceived in 1974 as part of Westport’s plans to celebrate the Bicentennial, the Trail was initiated by the Westport Historical Society in collaboration with the Westport Young Woman’s League.
23 markers were installed at historic locations throughout Westport. They are made of bronze, mounted on stone plinths, and contain brief narrative descriptions that describe the significance of each site. Jennings Trail is now under the stewardship of the Westport Historic District Commission.
Bessie’s cousin, 11th-generation Westporter Peter Jennings, has maintained the Trail for a quarter century. (At his own cost.)
The other day, Seth Schachter spotted this sign at the top of Burying Hill Beach:
(Photo/Seth Schachter)
Want to know more about Burying Hill — including how it got its name?
It happens once every 3 centuries: Trinity Episcopal Church turns 300 years old.
The Southport congregation — which includes many Westport worshipers — celebrates its tricentennial on September 20 (9 p.m.), with a “Son et Lumière” sound and light show.
All are welcome to the free gathering; no church affiliation is required.
Trinity has survived all 3 Biblical elements: fire, wind, and water.
It was burned to the ground during the Revolutionary War, struck by a tornado in 1862, and flooded during Superstorm Sandy in 2012. Each time, it rose again.
The “Son et Lumière” is a dramatic 40-minute account of Trinity’s 300-year history, using actors’ voices, sound and light effects. It will take place outside, in front of the church, as darkness falls.
But the Staples senior recently won the Green Building Award for Achievement in Sustainable Design and Construction.
Oliver founded HomeCycle CT. It connects residents and builders with nonprofits to deconstruct homes and donate usable materials — reducing landfill waste, supporting affordable material access, and creating community benefits like job training opportunities.
Oliver Vynerib and 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker (front), with family and officials at Town Hall.
Tricia Summers was on a friend’s deck tonight last night, overlooking the Saugatuck River while awaiting the Tedeschi Trucks concert at the Levitt Pavilion.
She spotted a paddleboarder with his dog, about to go under the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge.
Our “Westport … Naturally” feature often highlights the beauty — trees, flowers, water, birds and other living creatures — that surrounds us, nearly everywhere.
Usually. But not always.
Today’s image shows normally picturesque Deadman Brook, near the Library and Levitt Pavilion.
And finally … Cannonball Adderley was born on this date in 1928. The jazz saxophonist died in 1975, 4 weeks after suffering a stroke. He was 46 years old.
Yesterday’s closure of Compo and Burying Hill Beaches — to swimmers, not everyone else — took Westporters by surprise.
It was the hottest day of the year. But there was no rain — the usual reason for Parks & Recreation Department action.
The culprit was impossible to see: bacteria.
Burying Hill Beach, yesterday. (Photo/Seth Schachter)
And the verdict came as a result of something else few bathers ever notice: weekly testing.
Every Monday, the Aspetuck Health District takes samples from Compo and Burying Hill. (But not Old Mill. It’s adjacent to Sherwood Island; as a state park, they do their own sampling.)
A courier drives the samples from Fairfield to the Connecticut Department of Public Health, in Hartford.
It takes a day to analyze them. The results are available late afternoon on Tuesday.
If a sample shows enterococci levels of 104 per 100 milliliters, Aspetuck Health District notifies Parks & Rec.
Enterococci (not actual size). Blame these guys for beach closures.
Affected beaches are then closed to swimming, until they’re re-tested. The courier for the samples is only available Mondays and Wednesdays. So if the second test of the week comes back positive on Thursday, the closure remains in effect until the next test result — late the following Tuesday.
There are many reasons for the presence of harmful bacteria, including rain, marine life or sewage.
The reason does not matter, though. Too much enterococci means “no swimming.”
Westport closes its beaches for another reason, without testing. Any time there is 1.5 inches of rain or more, the potential exists for sewage backup or runoff. Beaches are closed, as a precaution, for 24 hours.
Though swimming may be prohibited, staff remains at beaches, says Parks & Rec director Erik Barbieri. There are plenty of other activities — especially at Compo.
So how often does a high bacteria count lead to closures?
Aspetuck Health District director of health Luci Bango — who provided all this information — confesses, “I don’t know. One summer can be perfect, phenomenal. Another year, not.
“I don’t control the climate.”
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