Tag Archives: Don O’Day

Roundup: Don O’Day, Stew Leonard, Staples Football …

Posted on August 14, 2025 | 12 comments

As Westport’s selectperson’s race ramps up, “06880” is there.

This afternoon (4 p.m.), Dan Woog and TV journalist Dave Briggs take their InstagramLive camera into the political arena. We’ll chat with Republican-endorsed candidates Don O’Day and Andrea Moore. It’s the first in a series we’ll do, with all those running.

Find us @06880danwoog at 4 today. We’ll take your questions, and listen to your comments.

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Westport Rotary Club LobsterFest tickets go on sale tomorrow (Friday), at 10 a.m.

Rotary officials sent an incorrect link, which was posted yesterday. Here’s how to get tickets tomorrow morning, starting at 10: Click here, then follow the prompts.

Get ’em before they sell out!

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Invaders have returned to Winslow Park.

This time though, it’s not spotted lanternflies.

It’s stuffed animals.

Yesterday morning, alert “06880” reader Mark Mathias spotted 4 of them.

(Photo/Mark Mathias)

Mark has no idea where they came from. Perhaps, he says, they’re friends of the stuffed animal at Trader Joe’s. (It’s “hidden” in the store. If a child finds it and brings it to the front, he or she is rewarded with candy or a sticker.)

There are many mysteries in Westport. (Including at Winslow — for example, the oddly symmetrical, strangely placed slightly creepy hill near the entrance.)

If you’ve got any info — or even a theory — about these stuffed animals, click “Comments” below.

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On Tuesday at Yankee Stadium, Westport resident Stew Leonard Jr. threw out the first pitch, against the Minnesota Twins. It was a perfect strike.

The supermarket mogul wore a custom jersey, courtesy of the Yanks, emblazoned with #38 and “Stewie.”

It honored his toddler son, Stew Leonard III, who drowned in 1989. Stewie would have been 38 this year.

Stew was selected for the honor of throwing out the first pitch by Yankees sponsor Mike’s Amazing, in recognition of his quick action in saving a choking crew member at the WPIX Channel 11 studio on August 1.

Mayor Adams declared yesterday “Stew Leonard Day” in New York, in honor of his heroics. Click here or below for the Instagram. (Hat tip: Susan Farley)

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Speaking of sports: Staples High School football is just beginning its new season. They’ve got a new coach, Matty Jacowleff.

But some things don’t change. This afternoon, the program hosts its 6th annual Murph Challenge.

It’s a culmination of their summer fundraising, for both the football program and the Catch a Lift Fund (the non-profit that helps post-9/11 combat-injured veterans regain mental and physical health).

The event begins at 4:30 p.m., with Catch a Lift veteran Andy Smith talking to the players about sacrifice, resilience and commitment.

Then the athletes take on the Murph Challenge. It includes a mile run, 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups, 300 squats, and another mile run. (With a modified version for linemen!)

Everyone is invited to Paul Lane Field, to listen to Smith’s talk, and watch the Wreckers take on the Murph. Donations are welcome by Venmo: @Staples-Gridiron.

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Westport Police made 11 custodial arrests, in the 2 weeks between July 30 and August 12.

Five New York City males, ages 31, 18, 18, 17 and 15, were charged with forgery, and conspiracy to commit forgery, after attempting to pass counterfeit bills at local businesses. The 31-year-old was also charged with risk of injury to a minor.

A 38-year-old Milford man was charged with larceny, criminal attempt and conspiracy to commit larceny, and failure to appear, after officers responded at 3:44 a.m. to a report from a homeowner that someone had entered and searched her unlocked vehicle, parked in her driveway. A nearby resident reported that items had been stolen from his unlocked vehicle too. An officer observed a suspicious vehicle parked in the middle of the road on an adjacent street. The operator fled, but at the same time another man was seen walking toward the vehicle. He admitted to entering the unlocked vehicles. He was unable to post a $10,000 bond.  The second suspect’s identity is still under investigation.

A 28-year-old Bridgeport woman was charged with larceny, after complaints from 3 residents regarding missing jewelry from their homes. An investigation revealed that all 3 employed the same cleaning service. An employee of the service was pawning the jewelry. She was unable to post a $250,000 bond.

A 25-year-old Old Greenwich woman was charged with larceny, after shoplifting $14,651 worth of goods at Michells. She was released on a $10,000 bond.

A 41-year-old Stamford man was charge with larceny, after a report that jewelry valued at $10,000 was missing from a home. The suspect worked for a company that provided service at the victim’s home. He was released on a $25,000 bond.

A 43-year-old Westport man was charged with criminal possession of a firearm. He was ineligible to possess the Taurus .357 magnum handgun. He was unable to post a $100,000 bond.

A 59-year-old Stratford man was charged with failure to appear. He was released on a $10,000 bond.

WEstport Police also issued these citations:

  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 17 citations
  • Driving while texting: 12
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 12
  • Speeding: 4
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 4
  • Distracted driving: 3
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 3
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehcile: 3
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 3
  • Texting while driving (2nd offense): 2
  • Failure to obey state traffic commission regulations: 2
  • Possession of a vicious/barking dog: 1
  • Permitting a dog to roam: 1
  • Following too closely: 1
  • Failure to grant right of way: 1
  • Failure to drive in the proper lane: 1
  • Failure to drive right: 1
  • Improper stop: 1
  • Failure to insure a motor vehicle: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
  • Failure to renew registration: 1
  • Failure to carry driver’s license: 1

A citation was issued for a vicious/barking dog. This is not it.

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The Planning & Zoning Commission meets in executive session at 4 p.m. today, at the law office f Berchem Moses.

There is one agenda item: “Discussion of pending litigation, Roan Development Ventures LLC v. Planning and Zoning Commission of the Town of Westport, for property at 601, 606, and 609 Riverside Ave, 91 and 96 Franklin St, 2 and 16 Railroad Place (The Hamlet at Saugatuck).”

It is the first of many such discussions, following the filing of a lawsuit against the P&Z by the developer, following denial of its proposed Saugatuck project.

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Speaking of public hearings: The Planning & Zoning Department says that scammers have contacted residents regarding zoning and/or public hearing applications.

The bad guys falsely claim that a “public hearing fee” must be paid directly to them before an application can proceed.

The town of Westport will never request payment fees through phone calls, texts, emails or payment apps like Venmo, Zelle or CashApp.

All official fees are paid directly to the town through established, secure payment methods.

Scammers may use official-sounding titles, fake letterheads, or spoofed phone numbers to appear legitimate.

If you receive a suspicious request:

  1. Do not provide personal or financial information.
  2. Do not send payment.
  3. Contact the  P&Z Department immediately (203 341-1030) to verify the legitimacy of any request.
  4. Report the incident to the Westport Police Department: 203- 341-6000.

Don’t fall for a “public hearing fee” scam!

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Little Pub @ Dunville’s is hosting a new original music series.

On the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month (7 p.m.), local singer-songwriters take the stage. The next one is August 26.

There is no cover, though ordering a drink and food is encouraged. The program is curated by Westport resident and musician Erik Moses. 

Melissa Capezio, this week at Little Pub @ Dunville’s. (Hat tip and photo/Matthew Mandell)

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The other day, “06880” published a photo of parking signs downtown.

They showed new 2-hour limits (down from 3) on several streets. (Parking lots are not affected.)

The signs said the limits were in effect from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. — even though the new regulation does not start until 8 .m.

In fact the erroneous signs had already been changed, by the town Highway Department.

They were clearly way ahead of “06880.”

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Speaking of downtown: The public is invited to his year’s free Japanese Fall Festival (Saturday, September 6, 1-4 p.m., Jesup Geen).

The family-friendly festival is sponsored by the Japan Society of Fairfield County. It features taiko drum performances, brief plays of Japanese folk tales, martial arts demonstrations, and traditional dancing.

Taiko drums, at the Japanese Fall Festival.

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We’ve reported on the success of the Fairfield Little League team — regional champs, now competing in the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvan — several times, because pitcher Ben Herbst is the son of a Staples grad, nephew of another, and grandson of Mickey and Candace Herbst.

But there are other reasons to root for our neighbors, too.

Jennifer (Zeoli) Curley is a 1996 Staples graduate. Her son Colin is on the team — and her husband Tom is one of the coaches.

Britt (Horton) Dunlap is a 1999 Staples grad. Her son Boden is on the squad too.

Fairfield won their first game in Williamsport last night. They play tomorrow night (Friday, 7 p.m.) against Hawaii. The game will be televised on ESPN.

Here’s hoping they go at least as far as the 2013 Westport team — World Series finalists! (Hat tip: Chuck Haberstroh)

Boden Dunlap, Ben Herbst and Colin Curley are all in this photo.

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Pam Docters describes today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature photo: “Gorgeous contrast of the blue sky and the white hydrangeas on Saugatuck Shores!”

(Photo/Pam Docters)

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And finally … you may have predicted this, from the Police Reports (above):

(Winslow Park, Staples football, Westport police — a few of the things that make our town special, all together in one Roundup. If you enjoy features like this, please click here to support us. Thanks!)

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Posted in Local politics, Police, Restaurants, Sports

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Town Officials React To ROAN’s 8-30g

Posted on August 9, 2025 | 34 comments

In the aftermath of ROAN Ventures’ announcement yesterday that they plan to file an 8-30g application, to build 400-500 units of housing — 30% of them affordable, under a state formula — following the Planning & Zoning Commission’s rejection of their Hamlet at Saugatuck multi-use proposal, “06880” asked town officials for their reaction.

P&Z members said they could not comment, due to a pending lawsuit. On Thursday, ROAN went to court to appeal the Hamlet decision. Town attorney Ira Bloom reacted to that news, saying, “The Planning & Zoning Commission spent a tremendous amount of time on this application, and I feel very comfortable defending the resolution denying the application.”

An early rendition of the proposed 8-30g affordable housing project.

Democratic Party-endorsed candidate Kevin Chrsite says, “The future of Saugatuck is critical to Westport’s future. Is this forthcoming application really what’s best for Westport, the developer, and the developer’s investors?

“What’s best for Westport is a solution that addresses the needs of our community. So much dialogue and effort has been invested to meet the town’s needs for mixed-use development in Saugatuck through The Hamlet. We should build on that foundation. It is in everyone’s best interest to come together and deliver a solution that works for Westport and all involved.”

Republican Party-endorsed candidate Don O’Day says, “This application was certainly not unexpected. Town leadership, both now and in November, must work with ROAN within the parameters of the current 8-30g law, to ensure the best possible outcome for Westport. While we all know that 8-30g significantly limits local zoning controls, we will have no input unless we are willing to engage.”

Independent Party candidate David Rosenwaks 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?

“I am not pleased that Westport has been put in this position. Having just launched my campaign yesterday, I’m continuing to review the 8-30g proposal in light of the voices of our residents. In an ideal world, we would be able to come back to the table with the developers and try to find a middle ground.”

34 Comments

Posted in Categories, Local politics, Real estate, Saugatuck

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O’Day, Moore: After Hamlet Vote, Time To Reassess

Posted on July 29, 2025 | 30 comments

Don O’Day is a former Board of Education chair. He led the Coleytown Middle School renovation, and currently serves on the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) and Long Lots School Building Committee.

Andrea Moore is Westport’s 2nd selectwoman. She is a former Board of Finance vice chair and former RTM member.

They are running on the Republican ticket for the Board of selectmen. In the wake of last night’s Planning & Zoning Commission decision on The Hamlet at Saugatuck, they say:

ROAN Ventures’ proposal to build a mixed-use waterfront development called The Hamlet was denied by the Planning & Zoning Commission last night.

This has been a long and difficult process — for Westport residents, the P&Z, and ROAN Ventures. But make no mistake: Last night’s decision by the P&Z is not the end of the road. Far from it.

The Hamlet plan was denied last night. But discussion of what comes next for Saugatuck will continue.

Westport’s leaders, property owners and residents must now consider the next steps. The O’Day–Moore campaign for selectmen sees two:

The applicant withdraws and resubmits a new Hamlet proposal.

This is our preferred outcome.

Very often, a denial — however frustrating — is simply one step on the road to a mutually agreeable solution. Come November, Westport will have new members and leadership across our local government. With new faces may come fresh thinking, and new ideas should be on the table. Thoughtful suggestions recently offered by several respected members of the community deserve serious evaluation.

Let’s also acknowledge that developers seek a return on investment. Investor profitability isn’t about greed; it is a basic reality of business — but by no means guaranteed. It is why people risk personal capital.

The O’Day–Moore campaign views this moment not as a final rejection, but as an opportunity to move forward constructively, with the knowledge that development in the Saugatuck area is a positive outcome. Importantly, the O’Day–Moore pledge is that all development must consider the myriad concerns raised by residents during the many hearings held on this issue.

The applicant moves ahead with a large-scale 8-30g project.

We hope this does not happen.

First and foremost, threats — explicit or implied — make resolution harder. We urge a tone of collaboration, not confrontation.

As we all know, Connecticut’s 8-30g statute allows developers to bypass local zoning regulations in towns where less than 10% of housing is considered affordable. A massive 8-30g development in Saugatuck could place significant strain on Westport’s infrastructure—particularly our schools, roads and other vital services.

One possible 8-30g proposal for Saugatuck.

ROAN Ventures’ Hamlet proposal was not presented under the terms of the 8-30g statute. Therefore, it went through a robust local process where zoning protections applied.

Losing local control through a state override is not in our town’s best interest.

Let us be clear: Affordable housing must be part of Westport’s future. If elected, the O’Day–Moore team is committed to working with the Planning & Zoning Commission to promote an affordable housing provision in town and a cohesive zoning plan for Westport.

On Traffic: Let’s Try Solutions — Now

Traffic in Saugatuck is a known and daily frustration. Commuters rushing to or from the train experience it. So do parents, business owners and visitors.

Interestingly, the Hamlet proposal included ideas to reduce congestion while adding density — something that may sound counterintuitive but merits exploration. Proposals such as smart traffic-light management (via remote monitoring), converting one-way streets to two-way, or other design tweaks deserve immediate consideration.

If we can implement even a few of these ideas and they help — why wait?

ROAN Ventures offered several ideas for traffic mitigation and improvement.

A Path Forward

Reopening this discussion will require a willingness to begin again — by both sides. A reassessment period makes sense. Then let’s return to the table with a shared goal: smart planning for Westport’s future.

Let’s find a collaborative path forward.

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Posted in Local politics, Real estate, Saugatuck

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GOP, Dems Endorse Slates For November Election

Posted on July 16, 2025 | 12 comments

Separated by 2 floors at Town Hall — but echoing pledges to unite the town — the Republican and Democratic Town Committees endorsed their slates of candidates last night, for November’s elections.

Representative Town Meeting member Don O’Day — an unaffiliated voter — and 2nd selectwoman Andrea Moore will head the Republican ticket for 1st and 2nd selectpersons, respectively.

Board of Education member Kevin Christie and Planning & Zoning commissioner Amy Wistreich lead the Democratic slate.

Democratic selectperson candidates Kevin Christie and Amy Wistreich. (Photo/Jerri Graham)

Both parties also chose candidates for the Boards of Education, Finance and Assessment Appeals; the Planning & Zoning Commission, and Zoning Board of Appeals.

Both parties’ nominating committees chose a mix of current members, and those running for the first time.

None of the nominating committee selections were contested from the floor. However — as reported earlier this morning on “06880” — 2 Democrats who were not nominated for the Board of Education hope to qualify for a primary in September.

Jim Marpe praised O’Day, before the RTC’s formal vote. The former 1st selectman cited the candidate’s “dedication, integrity, business acumen and transparency,” and called his approach to governing “collaborative, not combative.”

Of all potential candidates, Marpe said, O’Day is “the most personal, political and professional.”

O’Day — who until 6 weeks ago was a registered Democrat — addressed what he called “the elephant in the room, pun intended.”

“To people who say ‘how could you?’, I say ‘why not?'” O’Day countered. “Local government is about people over politics. It’s about our neighbors in Westport, not divisiveness in Washington or Hartford.”

Adding, “the only thing I have in common with President Trump is our first name,” O’Day vowed to make both the RTC and Westport “proud.”

Republican selectperson candidates Don O’Day and Andrea Moore. (Photo/Dan Woog)

Christie was nominated by State Representative Jonathan Steinberg.

Seconding the nomination, DTC member Lisa Newman said, “At every turn, Kevin has shown up with heart and integrity.”

She praised Christie’s role on the Board of Education during transportation contract negotiations, relaunching the Long Lots Elementary School building process, and fulfilling campaign commitments.

“Kevin is not just a good candidate,” Newman said. “He’s a good human.”

Christie thanked the DTC “as an institution and as individuals.” Being a Democrat “means something,” he said. “It’s not something I can toss aside.”

Both O’Day and Christie earned standing ovations from party committee members, following their official votes.

The rest of the Republican slate includes:

Board of Education: incumbent Dorie Hordon, Michelle Hopson, TEAM Westport member Andy Frankel, and Kaitlin Zucaro.

Planning & Zoning Commission: Michelle Paquette.

Board of Finance: Brian Gaines.

Zoning Board of Appeals: Scott Schuster.

Board of Assessment Appeals: Current board alternate Tom Bloch.

The Republicans did not nominate Robert Harrington for a second term on the Board of Education. The incumbent has clashed several times with fellow board members from both parties, most notably in the recent controversy over the decision to not renew the contracts of 2 Staples High School soccer coaches.

Harrington did not respond to “06880”‘s requests for comment.

The Democratic ticket includes:

Board of Education: RTM deputy moderator Lauren Karpf, incumbent Abby Tolan.

Planning & Zoning Commission: incumbent vice chair Neil Cohn, incumbent secretary Michael Cammeyer, incumbent alternate Bre Injeski.

Cohn announced that he would be stepping down from the P&Z, after a decade of service. He was nominated as a placeholder, until a new candidate is chosen.

Board of Finance: incumbent Allyson Stollenwerck, Parks & Recreation Commission member Elaine Whitney.

Zoning Board of Appeals: Current alternate Sheri Gordon.

Board of Assessment Appeals: Incumbents Ifeseyi Gayle and Lynette Pineda.

(Click here for information on the Democratic Town Committee. Click here for information on the Republican Town Committee. Additional reporting by Katherine Phelps.)

Republican Town Committee meeting last night. Foreground (from left): Vice chair Joseph Sledge, selectperson candidates Don O’Day and Andrea Moore. (Photo/Andrew Colabella)

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Posted in Education, Local politics

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GOP Surprise: Ex-Dem Don O’Day To Get 1st Selectman Nod

Posted on July 14, 2025 | 42 comments

As Washington becomes more polarized, Westport’s Republicans hope to reverse that trend.

The party’s nominating committee has endorsed Don O’Day for first selectman.

That’s a historic choice for Westport — and might make national news.

The former Board of Education chair was a lifelong Democrat. Six weeks ago, he switched his registration to “unaffiliated.”

The nominating committee also endorsed Republican 2nd Selectwoman Andrea Moore, for a second term.

Theofficial selection of O’Day and Moore — tomorrow (Tuesday) at 8 p.m., in Town Hall Room 307/309 — seems assured. Though nominations may be made from the floor, no other Westporter has indicated a desire to run.

Andrea Moore and Don O’Day.

The Democrats meet tomorrow too (7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium). They are expected to endorse Board of Education member Kevin Christie for first selectman, and Planning & Zoning Commission member Amy Wistreich as his running mate.

O’Day’s candidacy is rooted in both “bipartisanship and non-partisanship,” he told “06880.”

It won’t be his first time seeking that kind of consensus. When he became Board of Ed chair in 2008, he bucked tradition by insisting that the vice chair come not from his own Democratic party, but from the GOP.

That vice chair, Jim Marpe, later served 2 terms as first selectman.

The Board of Finance then adopted the 2-party model for chair and vice chair. They and the BOE continue the practice today.

“I’m very, very proud of that,” O’Day says. “We built a culture of cooperation and respect that worked.

“I have a non-partisan point of view. I think the best way to govern here is in a bi-partisan way.” He is currently a member of Westport’s non-partisan Representative Town Meeting (RTM), from District 3.

The role of parties in Westport, he says, is to present candidates who support their vision of how the town should be run.

“The difference between Democrats and Republicans should be de minimis in Westport,” he says. “Nationally, I know it’s different.

“Local government should be about neighbors and solutions – not ideology. What matters most is what’s best for Westport residents, not a particular party.”

This is not O’Day’s first time in the first selectman’s race. He vied for the Democratic endorsement in 2021. It went instead to State Representative Jonathan Steinberg.

O’Day understood. He had supported Marpe’s 2 successful selectman campaigns, raising charges from Democrats of “apostasy.”

“I guess I was like Joe Lieberman,” he notes. “I chose to support the person I thought was most qualified.”

When several Westporters suggested he enter the race this year, O’Day listened. However, independent candidates are not assured a line on the ballot. He realized his clearest path would be endorsement by the GOP.

In conversations with Republican Town Committee members, O’Day emphasized his experience chairing both the Board of Ed and the Coleytown Middle School Building Committee, after its sudden closure due to mold.

The RTC was “confident I have the best interests of Westport at the forefront,” O’Day says. “This is about the town, neighbors, people — not party.

“In every meeting, I made it perfectly clear that the last Republican presidential candidate I voted for was Ronald Reagan, in 1984,” O’Day says.

“I am not close to being a Trump supporter. I’m a Westport supporter.”

Not once, he says, did the RTC “back away.”

“We may not align on all national issues,” O’Day says. “But we agree that Westport deserves pragmatic, non-partisan leadership focused on getting things done.”

He advocates “action, transparency and inclusivity — not delays or endless studies.”

His priorities include modernizing town and school infrastructure, with a focus on fiscal responsibility and sustainability; preserving Westport’s AAA bond rating through disciplined financial management; respecting local zoning while responsibly expanding affordable housing; enhancing parks, beaches and recreational facilities; and improving traffic management with an emphasis on pedestrian and cyclist safety.

“People won’t always agree with every decision,” the candidate notes. “But they’ll always understand how and why it was made. The first selectman’s office will be clear, candid and responsive.”

O’Day moved to Westport in 1994, from Long Island. “I was so proud to be here,” he says. “I’ve never lost that pride of saying I live here.”

O’Day is retired. He spent 40 years in financial services, including 35 years at Citigroup. His roles there included chief financial officer of Citi Home Equity, and chief administrative officer of CitiMortgage.

His wife has taught preschool at St. Paul’s for many years. All 3 children went through the Westport school system.

Donny, now 40, moves back in August. His 2 children will eventually attend Coleytown Middle School — and see their grandfather’s name on a building committee plaque.

“I want the same rewards for them here that my kids had,” O’Day says.

Don O’Day chaired the Coleytown Middle School Building Committee. Just before its reopening in January 2021, he posed in the renovated cafeteria.  (Photo/Dan Woog)

He is excited to share a ticket with Moore. The Staples High School graduate, former Board of Finance vice chair and financial services professional offers “deep knowledge of town operations and financial control,” he says.

She shares his enthusiasm. The 2nd selectwoman got to know O’Day during his work on the CMS renovation, and cites his “even temperament and ability to get stuff done, during a really tough time.

“I was impressed by his grasp of the big picture, and his ability to bring people together for a common cause.

“At the end of the day, first selectman is a management job,” she adds. “You have 17 direct reports, a budget and so much more. Most people see the meetings and events, but the job is really running the town. Don has a great ability to do that. I hope I get the opportunity to keep doing what I’ve done, to support that.”

Washington venom will not be part of Westport’s first selectman’s race — and not just because O’Day is an unaffiliated voter.

Kevin Christie

Of Christie — the favorite for the Democratic nomination — O’Day says, “You can’t find a nicer guy. I like him a lot.

“As the Board of Education representative to the Long Lots School Building Committee, which I serve on, he asks lots of thoughtful questions.”

The difference between them? “I think I have more experience, both in town and management.”

Tomorrow night, both parties determine their selectperson slates. In November, voters get the final say.

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Posted in Education, Local politics

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CMS CO

Posted on March 29, 2021 | 2 comments

It’s been nearly 3 months since Coleytown Middle School reopened.

The “new” school has earned rave reviews. Bright! Modern! No mold!

Of course, a few tweaks continued after students and staff returned. Don O’Day — the mastermind as chair of the project — reports that the town issued its final Certificate of Occupancy last week.

Welcome to Coleytown!

During spring break, the grounds will be thoroughly raked, top soil will be added and seeding will begin.

The missing “Coleytown Middle School” signs on the roof, in front of the building and the bus loop have been redesigned. They’ll be up hopefully by May.

The gray cement columns in the front will be painted.

And because the new HVAC is both a heating and air conditioning system, there’s no need to wait for an arbitrary date to switch over to AC (as is the case in other schools). Whenever the weather warms up, the classrooms will be cool.

Just like the entire school — finally — is.

Don O’Day in the bright new cafeteria. (Photos/Dan Woog)

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Don O’Day’s Joe Biden Story

Posted on January 22, 2021 | 2 comments

Every 4 years, Don O’Day spends February in New Hampshire.

The former Board of Education (and, more recently, Coleytown Middle School reopening committee) chair is not there to ski.

A political junkie since 1968, he takes a first-hand look at the men and women who — early in the presidential campaign — crisscross the Granite State before its first-in-the-nation primary.

O’Day is there as they speak to small crowds, mingle afterward, and engage in the type of retail politics that the rest of the country only dreams about.

Eleven months ago he was there, up close and personal with Pete Buttigieg, Amy Klobuchar, Bernie Sanders, Tom Steyer, Elizabeth Warren and Andrew Yang.

And very, very personal with Joe Biden.

Don O’Day, with Joe Biden. At left: Don’s son Mike O’Day and his fiancee Nicole Sockett.

O’Day attended a small campaign event. Afterwards, he spoke to the former vice president.

I attended a small Biden campaign event in New Hampshire and spoke to him afterwards.

O’Day said he had used the former vice president’s words several years earlier, when he delivered a eulogy for his brother-in-law.

Biden stopped the rope line, and listened.

Speaking personally, and listening intently.

“He only seemed interested in how my sister was dealing with the loss of her husband,” O’Day recalls.

“His New Hampshire opponents didn’t seem to matter. When I told him it’s still a day-to-day thing, even though several years have passed, he took her number and said he would would call.

“I wasn’t sure he would.  But the next day — in the middle of a primary campaign — he called. They spoke for 15 minutes. No politics — just family, grief, joy and life. ”

O’Day’s sister was “overwhelmed.”

Two days later, he went to another Biden event. O’Day thanked him. They spoke about again — about his sister, the call, and Biden’s approach to dealing with loss.

“He took the time,” O’Day says about America’s new president.

“He’s the real deal.”

Joe Biden in New Hampshire, with Don O’Day’s wife Toni and son Donny.

 

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Posted in People, Politics

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Bright, Airy, Fresh-Smelling, Mold-Free: “New” Coleytown Middle School Reopens Today

Posted on January 4, 2021 | 7 comments

In September 2018, Coleytown Middle School closed due to mold.

Today, teachers return. Tomorrow they’ll be joined by students.

The $32 million remediation and renovation project was not easy. The school was in far worse condition than anyone imagined. A global pandemic disrupted both the supply chain and some of the workforce.

But the reopening comes only a couple of months late. And the final cost is right on budget.

The exterior of the “new” Coleytown Middle School.

Staff and students will enjoy an entirely new HVAC system. Every window has been replaced. The exterior cladding is new. The entire property was regraded.

The entry atrium and library are bright and fresh. Science classrooms have been modernized.

Most importantly, for the first time in decades the school will not smell. The dank, musty odors that permeated the building — remembered miserably by generations of Coleytown Colts and their parents — are gone.

A new seal graces the entryway,

The school’s closure — after students reported dizziness and nausea — was first projected to last a month. Sixth and 7th graders were sent to Bedford Middle School; 8th graders headed to Staples High.

But the months stretched on. After educators and other officials considered everything from an entirely new $75 million building to permanent abandonment of the site, a middle ground — renovation — was the solution.

On March 4, 2018 a building committee was formed. The next day, they held their first meeting.

Chair Don O’Day — a former Board of Education head — and members John Broadbin, Jay Keenan, Karen Kleine, Srikanth Puttagunta, Joe Renzulli and Vanessa Valadares went right to work.

They had 3 charges: repair or replace the climate control system; repair or replace the exterior, to prevent water incursion, and regrade the exterior grounds to move water away from the building.

That meant replacing the entire roof, and every window; changing the exterior walls, adding new insulation and metal cladding; installing an all-new heating, cooling and dehumidifying system (and adding air conditioning to the gym), while regrading and installing a French drain outside.

Every window is new — including these large ones in the cafeteria.

The committee hired building engineers Wiss, Janey, Elstner Associates; mechanical engineers Kohler Rohan; civil engineers Langan Connecticut; general contractor Newfield Construction, and interior designers CPG Architects.

Susan Chipouras — who earned kudos overseeing previous renovations of Staples and Saugatuck Elementary School — served as project manager.

Another key hire was EnviroMed. The Meriden-based firm industrial hygienist firm identified contaminants, and oversaw a rigorous removal protocol.

All furniture was taken out, cleaned and tested. Items that did not pass were thrown out.

“The school was a lot sicker than we thought,” O’Day says. “There were a number of structural challenges to address.

“We couldn’t just put in a new roof, windows and HVAC. We had to shore up the structure in a far more significant way than we expected. The town finally realized we needed more than just a Band-Aid.”

The renovated school is bright and airy. This is the atrium at the entrance.

O’Day lauds former CMS PTA co-presidents Sue Herrmann and Lee Goldstein for “relentlessly telling anyone who needed to hear that this building was sick, and not an appropriate place for kids or staff.”

Principal Kris Szabo and the custodial staff also worked hard to address all issues.

“The town has sent a clear message: Our children are valued,” O’Day says. “It’s our priority that they attend a school they’re proud of, and that will help them learn in the 21st century.”

The library has been modernized too.

He cited the Boards of Finance and Education, 1st Selectman Jim Marpe, principal Szabo and Westport Public Schools director of technology Natalie Carrignan for “making our committee’s job a lot easier. We couldn’t have done it without them.”

Now, at last, the new Coleytown Middle School is ready for prime time.

Some teachers have gone in on their own time, to set up their classrooms. They’ll all be on hand today, making sure everything is ready when students return tomorrow.

A world language classroom is ready for students.

It will be like the first day of school for everyone. Current 8th graders spent only 3 weeks in the building before it closed. Seventh and 6th graders have never been inside.

Of course, a few details remain.

Exterior work will continue through February — but only on Wednesdays and weekends, when students are not inside.

Superintendent of Schools Tom Scarice’s office is working with the state to obtain reimbursement of up to 20% of eligible spending.

Then there’s one more item to address. The company that created all the handsome new signage spelled one word wrong — every time.

It’s “cafeteria,” not “cafteria.”

Whatever it’s called though, it too looks — and smells — great.

Don O’Day in the cafteria — er, cafeteria. (Photos/Dan Woog)

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Unsung Hero #171

Posted on December 23, 2020 | 10 comments

Don O’Day chairs the Coleytown Middle School Building Committee. For the past 2 years, he has overseen the school’s renovation, after closure due to mold.

Sloan O’Connell-Jamali — parent of 3 boys — writes:

I don’t know Don O’Day personally. But I would like to nominate him for Unsung Hero recognition, as we close out 2020.

Don O’Day

Earlier this month he handed off the Coleytown Middle School building to the Board of Education. As my 6th grader excitedly waits to walk through the doors of CMS for the first time on Jan 4, there is no doubt in my mind that we have Don O’Day (and his amazing team) to thank.

He has been the ultimate public servant, volunteering his leadership, time and abilities over the past 2 years to help bring our CMS building back to life.

I can only imagine the countless hours of work, meetings, Zoom calls and spreadsheets he has had to devote to getting this job done — during a pandemic nonetheless.

I am personally grateful to have had his constant Facebook updates, which kept us all in the loop and were totally transparent.

We are so lucky to have someone like Don in our community. His volunteerism is inspiring and he has changed our Westport community for the better.

What an inspired nomination, Sloan — and so true. Don O’Day has truly modeled what it means to juggle the often-competing demands of town officials, school administrators, parents, students and other residents — all while keeping the needs of children front and center.

Thank you, Don. We all look forward to the reopening of Coleytown Middle School early next month. For that, you are absolutely this week’s Unsung Hero!

(To nominate an Unsung Hero, email dwoog@optonline.net)

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Don O’Day: Report From New Hampshire

Posted on February 11, 2020 | 13 comments

For most Westporters, winter in New Hampshire means skiing.

Don O’Day packs a camera and a note pad.

Every 4 years — when the quirky New England state commands the national political spotlight — the former chair of the Board of Education, and self-described “Joe Lieberman of the Westport Democratic party” (he supported Jim Marpe for 1st selectman) heads north.

He takes a first-hand look at the men and women who — at this early stage of the presidential campaign — crisscross the Granite State. O’Day is there as they speak to small crowds, mingle afterward, and engage in the type of retail politics that the rest of the country outside of Iowa* can only dream about.

Don O’Day (lower right) with presidential candidate Barack Obama in 2008.

O’Day has been a political junkie since 1968. As an 11-year-old newspaper delivery boy, he was fascinated by stories about Robert Kennedy’s run for the White House.

He worked on Al Gore’s 1988 race. In 2000, when the Tennessee senator ran again, O’Day left Westport for New Hampshire to help. “It was so cool to see how folks there gathered at diners and VFW halls to see the candidates,” he recalls. “They were as engaged in politics as I am.”

He returned in 2004 and ’08. Board of Ed commitments kept him here 8 years ago. But in 2016 he was there again.

His most recent trip ended yesterday (after watching a recording of “Morning Joe”).

The O’Day family, with (rear) “Morning Joe”‘s Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski.

Over the course of a few days O’Day heard 7 Democratic candidates speak. He asked questions, gave feedback, and spoke personally with most.

Some encounters confirmed his earlier impressions. Others altered them.

Here — in alphabetical order — are O’Day’s thoughts.

The New Hampshire primary never disappoints. This year was no different. The crowds and enthusiasm appeared to be much larger and more enthusiastic than in the past.

My wife Toni and I and 2 of our sons (Donny and Mike — plus Mike’s girlfriend, Nicole) set out to see and hopefully talk to as many of the presidential candidates as possible, and as many times as possible.

We weren’t the only Westporters in New Hampshire. Jeff Wieser and his wife Pat also made the trip to see the candidates.

Bottom line: I have no idea what is going to happen today, other than a Sanders win – just like 2016. Second through 5th place is up for grabs, but I got the sense that Joe Biden might be closer to 5th than 2nd.

In alphabetical order, here’s what I saw:

Joe Biden

A true gentleman and the most decent national politician I have ever met.  Letting “Joe be Joe” wasn’t the approach though, and it has hurt him.  Sorry to say that this may not be his time.

Joe Biden with Donny O’Day.

Pete Buttigieg

Much more than the new shiny object in the early contests (see Hart and Dean).   Pete’s crowds were huge, and his answers to every question I heard over 3 events were thoughtful and detailed. He came off as an incredibly intelligent, passionate and gifted politician. If this isn’t his time, I think it will come and soon. Maybe now.

A screenshot of Don O’Day questioning Pete Buttigieg.

Amy Klobuchar

Amy seems to be building momentum, and was my candidate going in. She also got better and better every time we saw her. She has reasonable views that are very progressive, unless they are compared to a Sanders or Warren platform.  Her chances will soar if she finishes in the top 3.

Don O’Day and Amy Klobuchar.

Bernie Sanders

What struck me as a cult following that I mistook for simply an anti-Hillary position in 2016 is now clearly an all-out movement with deep passion. Bernie’s promise of free college, Medicare for all, a strong environmental position, and his “us versus them” message has never wavered. There were more Sanders volunteers than for any other candidate. I’m pretty sure what stopped Bernie in 2016 will stop him again in 2020. Also, Bernie is not a very nice guy. But my son did warm up the Bernie crowd we attended with a mic check.

A Bernie Sanders mic check with Mike O’Day.

Tom Steyer

My favorite event, because the crowds were less intense, it was held in a brewery and Tom bought everyone a beer. He has the most consistent anti-Trump message, and a very strong climate message too. He’s more than a guy with billions; his in-person persona is quite different from what you see on the debate stage. He’s not going away.

Tom Steyer and Don O’Day.

Elizabeth Warren

I only saw Senator Warren once, and that was at a large arena, so it’s harder to form an opinion about her from personal contact. I really admire “and yet she persisted,” and that should never stop. But Senator Warren is not the leader of the progressive movement – Bernie is. As long as he is in the race, she will not win.

Andrew Yang

The candidate who makes everyone think, and thoroughly entertains and engages you while doing it. This is just not his time, but his message is powerful and honest.

Andy Yang and Don O’Day.

There you have it: One man’s opinions. They’re calm and measured. Please respond civilly in the “Comments” section. Overly personal attacks — on candidates, other posters or O’Day himself — will be removed.

*Though probably not in 2024

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