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.
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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!
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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The left hand turn signal (from eastbound into CVS) has been replaced by a coaster-sized light that shows only red.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.
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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)
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“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.”
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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)
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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!)
