Tag Archives: Citizens Police Academy

Roundup: Citizens Cops, Conscience, CraftWestport …

Posted on November 27, 2025 | 3 comments

Congratulations to the newest graduates of Westport’s Citizens Police Academy.

For 8 weeks, over 2 dozen residents got an up-close, and very personal, look into all aspects of the profession.

They learned about special units like K-9, marine and drone; weapons; what happens at each step of the criminal justice system, and much more. They rode with a patrol officer.

And they got a chance to “stop” a vehicle, and feel what it’s like to approach the unknown driver inside.

It’s one of our town’s most educational experiences. Keep an eye open for an announcement of the next class. (Hat tip: Sal Liccione)

Recent graduates of the Citizens Police Academy.

==================================================

Speaking of police: Actual officers — and the Westport Fire Department, and Emergency Medical Service — responded to a 1-car accident yesterday, just before noon across from Saugatuck Congregational Church.

Despite significant damage to the vehicle, the utility pole was intact. No services were affected.

(Photo courtesy of Westport Fire Department)

A couple of hours later, there was another Post Road East accident closer to Fairfield.

Be careful out there!

=================================================

More Post Road news: Drivers are loving the “new” stretch, between Volvo of Westport and Sakura. The 27 years of constructing turning lanes — and installing new traffic lights —  were worth it.

The short eastbound stretch between Cumberland Farms and the left-hand turn toward Long Lots Road seems to have been overlooked, however. Without striping, it’s every man and woman for him and herself.

And the state Department of Transportation giveth, but also taketh away. New lights at the clusterf*** that is the misaligned entrance/exit at Compo and Compo Acres Shopping Centers (CVS and Trader Joe’s) have made what used to be a bad situation even worse.

The left hand turn signal (from eastbound into CVS) has been replaced by a coaster-sized light that shows only red. Green and yellow cycles do not exist.

(Photo/Anne Bernier)

We may be rats, in a pleasure/pain experiment conducted by some superior beings.

“Let’s see how much these earthlings can tolerate!” they say.

I think we’ve reached our threshold.

=================================================

And in more Fire Department news: Congressman Jim Himes Westport headquarters on Tuesday.

He congratulated the department on securing an Assistance to Firefighters Grant, to fund advanced swift water rescue training for members.

Lieutenant Burgess and Firefighter Marenna — both certified swift water rescue technicians — walked Himes through the training scope, operational challenges, and specialized equipment used during responses.

Congressman Jim Himes and 1st Selectman Kevin Christie, with Fire Department officials on Tuesday. (Photo/Westport Fire Department)

==================================================

“Conscience” — the current and very timely Westport Community Theatre production — runs one more weekend: this Friday and Saturday (7:30 p.m.), and Sunday (2 p.m.).

The Connecticut premiere tells the story of the rise and fall of Joseph McCarthy, from the perspective of Maine Senator Margaret Chase Smith, leading to her famous “Declaration of Conscience.”

It’s fast-paced, witty and clever, blending fact, humor and drama. Click here for more information, and tickets. 

Tom Petrone and Ann Kinner in “Conscience.”

==================================================

Worried that you missed the traditional (and mammoth) November CraftWestport show in the Staples fieldhouse?

You didn’t.

The annual event — a fundraiser for the Women’s League of Westport (formerly the Westport Young Woman’s League) — moved its dates. It returns December 6 (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and 7 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.).

Over 165 artists and makers will show their wares.

Called “the longest-running indoor fine craft festival in Connecticut,” it includes handmade works in jewelry, fashion, home decor, ceramics, furniture, photography and art. Click here for details.

=================================================

In a rapidly changing world, George Gershwin and Cole Porter never get old.

The American standard repertoire of the 1940’s, which defined and enhanced the social order during World War II, remains popular day.

The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941 has indeed lived in infamy. On December 7, 2025 (12:30 p.m., Saugatuck Rowing Club) keyboardist Dave Childs and bassist John Mobilio join Suzanne Sheridan in a First Folk Sunday tribute.

The concert marks Sheridan’s debut as a solo vocalist, without her guitar.

Tickets for the final First Folk Sunday concert of the season are $20 each; click here to purchase. A brunch menu is available, plus craft cocktails and other beverages. Questions? Call 203-984-7562.

=================================================

Westport Police made 1 custodial arrest between November 19 and 25.

A 43-year-old Springfield, Massachusetts woman was charged with larceny and conspiracy to commit larceny, after a shoplifting incident at Ulta Beauty. She was alleged to have taken $1,726 worth of merchandise. She was released on a $50,000 bond.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

Driving while texting: 7 citations

  • Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 6
  • Failure to renew registration: 5
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 3
  • Speeding in a school zone: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle while under suspension: 2
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 2
  • Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
  • Failure to drive in the proper lane: 2
  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 1
  • Distracted driving: 1
  • Violation of license class: 1

Drivers continue to get nabbed in school zones. Fines increase for those infractions.

==================================================

Longtime Westport resident Anita Porzio died Tuesday, in Wilton Meadows Rehab. She was 78.

A 1969 graduate of Manhattanville College with a major in music education and a minor in piano, she taught music and was the church organist at St. Philip Church in Norwalk for many years. She then became the church organist at Assumption Church in Westport. 

She is survived by her husband Michael; sons Nando, Michael and Bert Porzio; brothers Frank Savarese, Lawrence Savarese Jr. and Edgar Savarese; sister Ramona Mastrangelo; 10 grandchildren. and several nieces and nephews.  Anita was predeceased by her daughter Marielisa Porzio, and sisters Norma Sampson and Lorraine Russo.

A funeral Mass is set for Saturday (November 29, 10 a.m., Assumption Church). Interment will follow in Willowbrook Cemetery. Condolences for the family may be left online at www.hardingfuneral.com. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Anita’s memory may be made to Assumption Church, or a charity of your choice.

==================================================

Today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature shows our first-ever house finch.

Superb nature photographer Lou Weinberg explains: “This male gets its color from the pigments found in its diet of berries and fruits. Here he is puffing up to insulate himself from the cold morning air.”

(Photo/Lou Weinberg)

==================================================

And finally … in honor of the behind-the-scenes look at the Citizens Police Academy:

(Happy Thanksgiving, from our “06880” house to yours. I am very thankful for our loyal readers — and especially grateful that those who can, click here to support our work. To all: Enjoy the day!)

3 Comments

Posted in Entertainment, Police

Tagged , , , , , , ,

Roundup: Harvest Restaurant, Cribari Bridge, Police News …

Posted on August 20, 2025 | 16 comments

Harvest Wine Bar on Railroad Place closed last week.

But not permanently.

The restaurant will reopen, with new partners joining current ownership.

The menu will be Mediterranean-based, including seafood.

Renovations are underway, with a new look to suit the next venture. The kitchen and liquor license remain intact, for an easy transition. (Hat tip: Matthew Mandell)

Harvest restaurant

=================================================

Speaking of Saugatuck: As the Cribari Bridge rehabilitation/renovation/ replacement/etc. project creeps forward — right in time for election season — Westporters may wonder where to find background information.

Just click here.

The link is to a state Department of Transportation slide show. It includes the history of the project; a variety of alternatives; “Concerns & Considerations,” and a timeline.

It may not answer all your questions. But — like the intersection of Riverside Avenue and Bridge Street — it’s a good starting point.

Cribari Bridge (Photo/Sam Levenson)

==================================================

The Citizens’ Police Academy is one of the best — and most unpublicized, and underrated — programs in town.

25 Westport residents participate in classes that cover many aspects of law enforcement.

They learn about specialized units in the Westport Police Department, as well as how it operates and its role in the criminal justice system.

Participants observe demonstrations, and get hands-on experience with equipment the police use every day.

Instructors include experienced officers, and attorneys from Stamford Court.

In addition to classes, students experience a ride-along with a patrol officer.

They also receive Stop the Bleed training.

The next Westport Citizens’ Police Academy begins September 18. Classes run from 7 to 9:30 p.m. for 8 Thursdays, through November 20.

The academy is open to Westport residents 21 and older. Applications are available at police headquarters or by email from Officer Jill Cabana (jcabana@westportct.gov), and are due by August 27.

Residents can learn about this vehicle — and many other aspects of policing — at the upcoming Citizens’ Academy. (Photo/Dennis Wong)

==================================================

Speaking of police: The Westport Police Benevolent Association’s “Coffee with a Cop” program is so popular, they’re rolling out a kids’ version.

Called, of course, “Cones with a Cop.”

Tomorrow’s event (Thursday, August 21, 6 to 8 p.m., Sunny Daes) is a chance for kids (and adults) to enjoy a free ice cream cone, while chatting with police officers.

It’s a perfect way to cool off and connect, in the final days of summer.

============================================

Two types of innovators — a UFC and WWE mogul, and a bakery offering opportunities to people with disabilities — will share the stage, at StartUp Westport’s Innovator of the Year Awards.

The October 8 event (6 p.m., Westport Library) honors Mark Shapiro and Sweet P Bakery.

As president and COO of TKO Group Holdngs, and president and managing partner of WME Group, Shapiro has helped shape some of the most infuential names in sports and entertainment.

He’ll talk about bold calls that changed the trajectory of companies, industries — even culture itself — at the StarUp Westport event.

The highlight will be a conversation with CNBC’s Sara Eisen, called “Pivotal Moments: The Risks That Paid Off (and the Ones That Didn’t).”

Sweet P Bakery will share the spotlight, as recipient of StartUp Westport’s Community Impact Innovator Award.

Founders Andrea and Bill Pecoriello will be honored for “their dedication to social good, and sustainable business practices in the local community.” Sweet P’s mission includes job creation, teaching transferable skills, and building independence, confidence and a sense of belonging.

The Innovator of the Year event is free, but reservations are required. Click here for complimentary tickets, and more information.

==================================================

An alert “06880” reader/avid beach walker (who asked for anonymity) writes:

“We are so fortunate to have new sidewalks in the Compo area that encourage walking, social interactions, and appreciating the beauty of the sound and surroundings.

“That’s why I was surprised to see numerous new signs erected between the ‘blue house’ near Old Mill Grocery, and Schlaet’s Point at the Hillspoint Road/ Soundview Drive corner. They all say ‘No Parking.’

“I don’t think people trying to park on Hillspoint is a major problem. It seems like overkill. And marring the views, especially at the wide open areas, seems unnecessary.

“Even if parking attempts here are a pressing problem, a few signs likely would deter such activity.”

4 of more than a dozen Hillspoint Road signs.

==================================================

Tired of watching interminable “Coming Attractions” at the movie theater?

But tired also of streaming films at home?

A unique Wakeman Town Farm online auction item may be answer.

They’re offering a “Movie Night on the Farm,” for 20 of your closest buds.

You pick the night. You pick the flick. You invite your friends. You bring the chairs, blankets and beverages.

WTF sets up the 20-foot screen, runs the movie and provides munchies.

The minimum bid is $700. Bidding is blind, and ends at midnight tonight.

Email info@wakemantownfarm.org. Put “This is my best + final bid for Movie Night” in the subject line.

Then fill in the rest: “I’d like to bid on the online auction item, Movie Night at the Farm. Below is my name, contact info and best and final bid. The opening bid is $700.00. The winner will be notified by August 20.”

Outdoor movie night.

================================================

Haven’t gotten your LobsterFest tickets yet?

Wait till 2026.

The Rotary Club’s massive fundraiser sold out in just 4 days.

It was the 4th straight quick sellout year.

Meanwhile, if you did snag one of them: See you September 20!

=================================================

Live, from Oggi Gelato: It’s “The Candy Bowl”!

Next Thursday (1 p.m.), Westport podcaster Paula Conway hosts her show live, at the Fairfield store. The public is invited.

And on that day only, a new flavor (banana and strawberry gelato) — for Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day, which honors pets who have passed away  — will be served. 10% of scoops will support PAWS in Norwalk.

Conway is a travel and leisure writer with Forbes.com. Her podcast covers luxury travel, theater, candy and special guests.

Paula Conway

==================================================

Mike Borchetta — the 1961 Staples High School graduate who, in a long music industry career, worked with Glen Campbell, the Beach Boys and Four Seasons, Dusty Springfield and Wayne Newton — died in mid-June, at 84. (Click here, then scroll down for his obituary.)

His niece, Laura Lawhon, says there were many great photos at his memorial service in Nashville earlier this month.

Among them was this one:

Mike is on the right. His daughter does not know the name of his friend on the left.

It was taken before he moved from Westport, in 1961. If anyone knows — or thinks they do — click “Comments” below.

=================================================

You may not recognize today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured insect.

It’s a cicada — many times its actual size.

Clarence Hayes spotted — and snapped — it off Sylvan Lane.

Who knew a cicada looked like this?

(Photo/Clarence Hayes)

==================================================

And finally … on this date in 1858, Charles Darwin first published his theory of evolution through natural selection in The Journal of the Proceedings of the Linnean Society of London.

(Since we published our first post in 2009, “06880” has certainly evolved. You can help us grow even further: just click here, to make a tax-deductible show of support. Thank you!)

16 Comments

Posted in Beach, Entertainment, Police, Restaurants, Saugatuck, technology

Tagged , , , , , , ,

New Hat In Ring: Rosenwaks Runs For 1st Selectman

Posted on August 8, 2025 | 55 comments

Westport’s interesting race for 1st selectman just got even more intriguing.

David Rosenwaks will be the town’s first-ever Independent Party-endorsed candidate. Having secured more than enough signatures, he’ll have his own line on the November 4 ballot.

He joins Democratic-endorsed Kevin Christie, and Don O’Day, the Republican-endorsed candidate who is now unaffiliated.

Rosenwaks, 48, spent 25 years as an unaffiliated voter. He became a Democrat less than a year ago, but is now joining the Independent Party.

David Rosenwaks

Party politics is one of the reasons Rosenwaks is running for the town’s top job. A first-term member of the non-partisan Representative Town Meeting, he says, “I want to change the tenor of town government. As an Independent, I’ll answer to one entity: Westport and its citizens.

“A lot of decisions have been made before weighing all views. A lot of people feel unheard and undervalued.”

Rosenwaks envisions a return to former 1st Selectwoman Diane Farrell’s “Brown Bag Lunches.” A member of the RTM’s Information Technology Committee, he also hopes to “modernize and digitize” the town’s technology system.

Rosenwaks and his wife, actor Liz Fye, moved to Westport from New York at the beginning of COVID. They felt “blessed” by the school system, Library, beaches and rich arts heritage.

Rosenwaks dove into all aspects of the town. He attended commission and TEAM Westport meetings, Westport Library events, the Senior Center, the Westport Country Playhouse and more. He is a member of the Westport Arts Advisory Committee, joined the Citizens Police Academy, served on the PTA Council in a technology role, and coached recreation soccer.

“I learned a lot from the people who have been here for years,” Rosenwaks said. “They helped me understand how this town grew and evolved into what it is now.”

At the same time, he says, “Westport is at an inflection point. The average age is 39 to 45, depending on the data you use. We’re ready for the next evolution of the town. I’m confident I can be the bridge between those who have been here for decades, and the more recent arrivals.”

His RTM District 6 race was very competitive: 7 candidates for 4 seats. He knocked on 700 doors, and heard a diversity of viewpoints on a variety of topics.

David Rosenwaks

In the past 5 years, Westport has grappled with some major controversies.

Rosenwaks — a Long Lots Elementary School parent — was disturbed by the overcrowding and neglect at his children’s school. At the same time, he says, “the Community Gardeners should have been handled differently. They deserved a more honest approach up front.”

Redistricting 30 children “across the river, at 2 of the worst times of day” was an example of decisions being made “piecemeal, not holistically,” he says.

Rosenwaks was also disturbed at the Board of Education’s handling of Staples High’s soccer coaches.

“Over 100 kids sat in Town Hall for 14 hours,” he says. “Their voices were not heard. They were disilliulsioned. That’s a problem for their future, and the future of the town.”

As for the Hamlet, he says, “the majority of people in Westport want some development. But not to the extent of what was proposed. How did we get here, held hostage by a developer that doesn’t connect with what most people want?”

after graduating from Dartmouth College, Rosenwaks joined Salomon Smith Barney/Citigroup  as an investment banker.

He then co-founded a multi-billion dollar asset management firm, StoneCastle Partners. After selling it a decade later he pivoted to singing, songwriting and art collecting.

He’s recorded with Paul Shaffer and Phil Ramone. Rosenwaks’ original music has appeared in independent films. He headlined shows at the Public Theater, Joe’s Pub, and BB King’s.

Now, he says, “I spend most of my time dedicated to the town.”

Which brings him back to the reason he is running.

“I want what’s best for my family, my neighbors, and the town of Westport,” Rosenwaks says.

“I want everyone to feel involved. Whether it’s Jesup Green or a parking lot, every decision should be about what’s best for Westport.”

To run on the Independent Party line, Rosenwaks needed signatures from 1% of the number of people who voted in the previous selectperson’s race: 85 registered voters.

He submitted 132.

Now he awaits official certification, from the Independent Party.

He is running solo for the top spot. According to the Town Charter, if a person elected 1st selectman “has not been nominated by political party, the 2 defeated chandidates for First Selectman having the high number of votes shall be elected Selectman.”

It is unclear if that means the 2nd and 3rd selectmen would be the 2 other candidates for that position (Christie and O’Day, in whichever order they finish), or if the candidates of the runner-up party with the most runner-up votes would serve as 2nd and 3rd selectpersons, respectively (Christie and Amy Wistreich, or O’Day and Andrea Moore).

Either way, Rosenwaks says, “I will be happy to work with any combinatiion of ‘defeated candidates. Leadership comes from the top.”

55 Comments

Posted in Education, Library, Local politics

Tagged , , , , , ,

Citizens Police Academy Offers Inside Look At Officers’ Lives

Posted on November 26, 2024 | 6 comments

Every police officer knows the anxiety of walking up to the driver of a vehicle they’ve just pulled over.

Who is in the car? How many people? Are there weapons? What else besides speeding, erratic driving or whatever prompted the stop might be involved?

Those of us not in law enforcement seldom think about that.

Toni Simonetti never did. Until she herself simulated a traffic stop.

It was in the safety of the Westport Police Department parking lot. There was an officer in the car, pretending to be a driver.

Still, it was a nerve-wracking experience. Many emotions swirled through Toni’s head.

Even a simulated motor vehicle stop in the Police Department parking lot can be scary.

The simulation was one small part of the WPD’s annual Citizens Police Academy.

For 8 weeks, 25 to 30 residents get an up-close, and very personal, look into all aspects of the profession.

They learn about special units like K-9, marine and drone; weapons; what happens at each step of the criminal justice system, and much more. They ride with a patrol officer.

And they get a chance to “stop” a vehicle, and feel what it’s like to approach the unknown driver inside.

The 2024 Citizens Police Academy class, with certificates. This year’s session included 3 Representative Towne Meeting members.

Simonetti is a 24-year resident of Westport. After retiring in 2015 from a long career in media relations, she has been busy with activities like gardening, cooking and bridge.

When she heard about the Citizens Police Academy, she was intrigued. She’d always been a fan of the WPD — “we’re lucky to have such a well-resourced and professional force,” she thought — but her only interactions had been getting a yearly railroad parking permit at the station, and disagreeing with Chief Foti Koskinas’ plan to restrict access to the Westport Community Gardens during school hours.

Besides, she says, “I’m a nosy journalist. I like to know how things work.”

That’s the whole idea of the Citizens Police Academy. It’s thorough, intense, and very educational.

The course includes an overview from Koskinas on his role as chief; a tour of headquarters; the legal provisions governing “probable cause” for questioning; recruitment, selection and training of officers; criminal investigations, including white collar crime; domestic violence; crime scenes, and the WPD’s relationships with the Westport Public Schools and Human Services Department.

Attendees also receive Stop the Bleed training, which Simonetti calls “not for the squeamish.” There is an option too for 1 hour of weapons training.

Each 2 1/2-hour class is packed with information.

The syllabus was straightforward. But, Simonetti says, “I never anticipated how much the topics would come alive in the classroom. There’s nothing like hearing officers tell their stories, and give descriptions of how they work.”

It was “transformative,” she says, to “understand police work as a whole, and the individual thought processes behind it.”

The session on motor vehicle stops, for example, “takes your breath away.” The potential dangers came alive.

When it was time to attempt her first stop — in the WPD parking lot — there was so much to think about: where to stand, how to use her flashlight, what to look for, what to say (and not say), all while considering her own safety.

The ride-along was also eye-opening. She was impressed with the technology inside a patrol car. The amount of data that pops up on a license plate reader was particularly surprising.

She had been skeptical of the need to know the demographic data recorded with each stop. However, she learned, information on who gets stopped, why and where can reveal important patterns of behavior.

The K-9 class was especially memorable. Students met the dogs — one is a bomb sniffer; all 3 can track people and drugs — and learned that their handlers take them home each night.

At the end of the academy, attendees donated money to the K-9 unit. (They also bought lunch and dinner for the entire department.)

K-9 class, at the Westport Citizens Police Academy. (All photos courtesy of Lt. Jillian Cabana)

After 8 weeks, Simonetti is “even more appreciative of the work the police do, the risks they take to protect us, and what great people the men and women in uniform are.”

Now, when she sees a patrol car parked in the Ulta lot, she realizes it’s because the beauty salon company is a frequent target of thieves.

When a police car passes at a normal speed, its red and blue lights on, she knows the reason: visibility is important, for both good guys and bad actors.

And when an officer races by at high speed, siren blaring, she wonders who it is, where they’re going — and what will happen when he or she arrives.

(“06880” is Westport’s hyper-local blog: the place to learn anything and everything about our town. If you enjoy stories like this, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

6 Comments

Posted in Police

Tagged , ,