Tag Archives: Erik Barbieri

Roundup: Beach Concession, High Honors, Bloodroot, Sneakers …

Posted on March 26, 2026 | 6 comments

And the new concessionaire at Compo Beach and Longshore will be …

… either NG Entertainment/Nikki Glekas Collective of Westport, or Braxtons Hospitality Group of Bridgeport.

They were the 2 businesses who followed through with a bid, to the Parks & Recreation Department. One will be chosen to succeed Hook’d on the Sound, the beleaguered operator since 2020.

Parks & Rec director Erik Barbieri is forming an evaluation panel, to do interviews next week.

The hope is to have a concessionaire operating this summer. If that’s not possible, food trucks will be used.

Beachgoers look forward to the return of a concessionaire with the community spirit of Joey’s by the Shore. (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)

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Congratulations to 19 Staples High School “high honors” students.

They’ll graduate in June with a special seal, with grade point averages in the top 4 percent of the Class of 2026.

Principal Stafford Thomas notes, “the most astonishing aspect of this accomplishment is that these students were involved in a number of extracurriculars and various aspects of school life. These activities took a great deal of time, focus and concentration outside of the classroom as well.

“We were lucky to have had them for four years, and we will no doubt be hearing about their next great achievements in the years to come.”

The high honors students are listed in the photo below:

Front row (from left): Isabel Jo, Taylor Serotta, Olivia Cohn, Emma Asiel, Jake Shufro, Ava Carter, Carly Mulhern, Olivia Morgeson, Uma Choudhury. Rear: Matthew Tybur, Gunnar Eklund, Nolan Francis, Rajan Sekhar, Kevin Cano, Jay Hari, Miles Kahn, Rei Seltzer, Anderson Seo, Andersen Yee.

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More Staples kudos: Orphenians — for 70 years the school’s premier elite vocal ensemble – have racked up another honor.

Tomorrow they’ll be a showcase choir at the Connecticut Music Educators Association All-State Festival, at the Convention Center in Hartford. They’ll perform 6 numbers, for music teachers from all over the state.

Director Lauren Pine hailed her nearly 50 singers’ talent, passion and dedication. After missing a number of rehearsals due to weather this winter, they came in before school and on weekends to prepare for the All-State Festival.

But that’s not the only Orphenians news. Next year they’ll head to Austria, to sing and work with famed composer/conductor Jake Runestad.

Over the years they’ve performed at venues like La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, and Radio City Music Hall.

Staples Orphenians

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Jeanne Reed read about this weekend’s upcoming tag sale at Bloodroot with interest.

Then, she was intrigued to learn that the iconic vegan/feminist Black Rock restaurant — co-founded 49 years ago by Westporter Selma Miriam — may have a second life, after its closure in December.

The Connecticut Post reports that the Aspetuck Land Trust may acquire the 1.7-acre site. It would become a nature preserve, and possible community garden.

“We’d love to preserve the land and name the property after the restaurant and just honor all the work and effort and integrity of what they put in there all those years,” said David Brant, Aspetuck’s executive director. “They were ahead of their time.”

Click here for the full Connecticut Post story.

Selma Miriam, at Bloodroot. She died last year.

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VersoFest ’26 kicked off last night, with a reception and artist talk on … sneakers.

Sean “Opus 1” Williams is presenting “The SneakerVangelisT,” an exhibit named after his sneaker world name.

Sneakers are wearable art that serve both self expression and function. Some models offer a canvas for artistic expression. Others make a muse. The exhibit provides examples of both.

Williams discussed all that and more, in a conversation with Westport artist Miggs Burroughs, and fellow VersoFest artist Holly Danger.

Four days of VersoFest music, media and creativity kicks off tonight, with a talk featuring Ani DiFranco. Click here for a schedule and full details of VersoFest ’26. 

Sean “Opus 1” Williams (center), with Holly Danger and Miggs Burroughs. (Photo copyright DinkinESH Fotografix)

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Three early-season shows have been added to the Levitt Pavilion calendar.

The Disco Biscuits — the Philadelphia-based “trans-fusion” band that bridges the gap between EDM and jam rock — play 2 dates: Friday and Saturday, June 12 and 13. They drew a great crowd last year, during their 30th anniversary tour.

Dark Star Orchestra also returns. They’ll bring the Grateful Dead’s music to life the next week (June 21).

Tickets for both groups go on sale tomorrow (Friday) at 10 a.m. Click here to purchase, and for more information. 

Dark Star Orchestra 

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Speaking of the Levitt: The sun created a very cool halo over Westport yesterday morning.

Franco Fellah captured this image:

(Photo/Franco Fellah)

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Speaking of entertainment: “Primary Trust” opens at the Westport Country Playhouse on April 14.

As part of the run-up, Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Eboni Booth recorded a short video about her touching, humorous and inventive show exploring the power of connections.

Playhouse artistic director Mark Shanahan says: “As one of the most celebrated new works in modern American theatre, ‘Primary Trust’ has resonated with audiences across the country.

“There’s a good reason this work has been so widely embraced. It’s a play about kindness and healing — exactly the kind of story we need to hear right now.”

Click here for more information, and tickets. 

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The Westport Rotary Club got an update Tuesday on the Westport Museum for History & Culture.

Michele Rubin — director of education, programs and development at the former Westport Historical Society (and a 1981 Staples High School graduate) — described the Museum’s mission: to bring Westport’s full history to the widest audience possible.  

As the nation celebrates 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, an exhibit opening April 25 will look back at events surrounding the Revolutionary War.

Michele Rubin, at the Westport Rotary Club. (Hat tip and photo/Dave Matlow)

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Dozens of Westporters started last weekend with plenty of pancakes.

They packed VFW Post 399, for a breakfast hosted by Westport Troop 139, and other Connecticut troops.

It was a fundraiser for the Scouts’ trip to a jamboree in Scotland this summer.

They thank the Staples Gridiron Club, Adam Vengrow and the VFW Women’s Auxiliary for “overwhelming support.”

And of course, all the residents who arrived famished, and left well fed.

Dig in!

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The Sea Street Quartet makes their world debut on Sunday — in Westport.

The string foursome present an afternoon of music by Franz Schubert and Joe Hisaiahi at the United Methodist Church on Weston Road (3 p.m.).

Admission is $10, at the door.

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Judith Katz’s caption for today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo — “And just like that!” — says it all.

(Photo/Judith Katz)

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And finally … Westport Rotary Club members are a smart bunch.

But they probably learned a thing or two Tuesday, about the Westport Museum for History & Culture. And about history itself.

(You don’t need to know much about history to know that “06880” is “where Westport meets the world” — and that we rely on support from readers. Please click here to donate. Thank you!)

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Posted in Arts, Environment, Library, Longshore, Staples HS, Westport Country Playhouse

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Roundup: Compo Concession Bid, Bird Flu, Breaking Up …

Posted on February 21, 2026 | 13 comments

The town has released the bid document for a new food and beverage concessionaire at Compo Beach and Longshore.

Parks & Recreation Department director Erik Barbieri tells “06880” that he will visit all applicants, to see how they operate their current businesses.

His hope is for the new concessionaire to be ready to operate this summer. If not, interim arrangements will be made for food and beverage services.

The deadline is March 23. Click here to request a copy of the RFP.

The former Hook’d concession, at Compo Beach. (Photo copyright/ DinkinESH Fotografix)

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In other Parks & Rec news, Barbieri says that employees found about a dozen dead geese at the beaches earlier this week. None were reported yesterday.

They appear to be victims of a bird flu, which has been seen in the tri-state area.

The Aspetuck Health District and state Department of Energy & Environmental Protection have been notified.

“I’m no health expert,” Barbieri noted. “But this seems to affect waterfowl, not humans.” (Hat tip: Cat Malkin)

In healthier days. (Photo/David Cross)

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Westport Board of Education “community conversations” are wide-ranging affairs.

Residents are invited to raise any topic related to the schools.

And they do.

The next session is Wednesday (February 25, 12 to 1:30 p.m., Westport Library).

Former Representative Town Meeting (RTM) moderator Velma Heller will facilitate.

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There’s snow in the forecast.

But this is your last weekend to enjoy outdoor skating, at the PAL Rink at Longshore.

Sunday’s 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. public skating session is the final one of the season — weather permitting, of course.

As Brooklyn Dodgers fans used to say: “Wait till next year!”

The sun is setting on this year’s outdoor skating season.

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Today — a week after Valentine’s Day — is National Breakup Day.

It’s a time for “reflection, self-love, and ending relationships that are no longer working.” (That’s what Google says, anyway.)

Sustainable Westport knows a thing or two about breaking up, too.

They’ve rolled out a community-wide initiative to reduce the town’s use of plastics — especially single-use — and expand public water-filling stations.

As part of the “Un-Plastic” movement, they’ve begun a social media campaign to help Westporters “break up” with the synthetic material.

It’s pretty clever. You may recognize several neighbors in the video (click here or below). It’s also available on Facebook and LinkedIn.

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Parents: Want to know more about “Today’s Weed and Teen Mental Health”?

That’s the title of a session led by Dr. Amy Swift, who oversees in-patient services at Silver Hill Hospital. The event is co-sponsored by Positive Directions and the Mid-Fairfield Youth Cannabis Prevention Project.

It’s this Wednesday (February 25, 7 p.m.), with both in-person (New Canaan High School) and virtual options. Click here for more information.

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After weeks of sold-out houses, standing ovations and enthusiastic word-of-mouth, this is the final weekend for the Westport Community Theatre production of “Looped.”

Performances are set for today (Saturday, 7:30 p.m.) and tomorrow (Sunday, 2 p.m.), in the lower level of Town Hall.

The play is set during a 1965 recording session, where Tallulah Bankhead must re-record (“loop”) a single line of dialogue for a film. What should take minutes stretches into hours as the star clashes with the weary film editor and practical studio manager.

Sharp wit gives way to honesty, revealing the vulnerability beneath the bravado while turning a hilarious backstage story into something unexpectedly moving.

Click here for tickets, or call 203-226-1983.

“Looped,” at the Westport Community Theatre.

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A “No Kings Festival for Democracy” is set for March 28 (noon, Jesup Green).

This will be the third in Westport, following 2 similar events last year. Click here for more information.

A scene from the October 2025 “No Kings” rally. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo shows a familiar scene.

After tomorrow’s snow, foraging for food might become even more difficult for these guys.

(Photo/Judith Katz)

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And finally … Sustainable Westport is offering many ways to “break up” with plastic (story above).

So don’t listen to Neil Sedaka. Even though he was once a Westporter too, in the Old Hill neighborhood.

(After breaking up with plastic, sustain — and tighten — your bond with “06880.” Please click here to support Westport’s hyper-local blog, to keep the news, information [and music] coming. Thanks!)

 

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Posted in Beach, Entertainment, Environment, Longshore, Politics

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“06880” Podcast: Erik Barbieri

Posted on January 12, 2026 | 4 comments

Erik Barbieri is nearing the end of his first year as director of our Parks & Recreation Department.

It’s a key job — and he’s earned plenty of praise for his leadership. He’s visible. He’s proactive.

And he seems to be enjoying himself, and the town.

The other day, Erik joined me at the Westport Library. We chatted about what got him to Westport; what he expected; what he found; where the department is going — and much more.

Click here or below, for a very informative look at our town’s recreational scene. And the man who runs it.

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Posted in Beach, Local politics, Longshore, Media

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Roundup: Candidates’ Halloween, Comcast Arrives, Optimum Helps …

Posted on October 31, 2025 | 4 comments

Sure, the upcoming election is important.

But the 3 candidates for 1st selectman — and the 2 vying for 2nd selectwoman — came together yesterday, at Homes with Hope’s Halloween party.

The event was at 122 Wilton Road — the 19-unit apartment building that opened a year ago.

“A great time was had by all,” says Homes with Home CEO and president Helen McAlinden. “This shows real community spirit!”

Clockwise from lower left: Andrea Moore, Don O’Day, David Rosenwaks, Katie Weldy, Amy Wistreich, Kevin Christie, Amanda Sayegh (pink). Weldy and Sayegh are with Homes with Hope; all the others are on the ballot.

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Readers have asked “06880” about the ongoing work being done at utility poles around town.

Most of it is Comcast.

The cable, internet, phone and wireless provider is coming here.

They plan to connect nearly 12,000 homes and businesses to their Xfinity network, which currently serves more than 64 million customers.

Click here for details on timelines and service availability. Comcast expects to complete the Westport project by the end of 2026.


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Meanwhile, Optimum — Comcast’s rival — has announced that in the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, all calls and texts from the US to Jamaica are free.

And they’ll remain free, from now through November 30.

“We hope this small step helps you stay close to the people who mean the most during this time,” the company says.

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Congratulations to Marc Hartog!

Today is his last day as deputy director of Westport Emergency Medical Services.

He sure earned his retirement. Marc has spent 45 years with EMS — the last 15 in his current position.

There may not be any Westporter — resident, or someone who works here — who has not been helped by Marc. Or who does not know someone who has been.

“06880” will give him a “formal” sendoff soon. But for now: Thank you, Marc, for your nearly half-century of service.

You’ve been a life saver to this town.

Literally. (Hat tip: Ben Frimmer)

Marc Hartog and grandchild. (Photo/Lucy Ambrosino)

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One more reminder: There are still a few tickets left for our 3rd annual “Historic Homes of 06880” tour.

This Sunday’s event (November 2, 1 to 4 p.m.) includes 4 very cool (and different) homes: 221 Greens Farms Road; its Bedford-family neighbor at 249 Greens Farms Road; 155 Long Lots Road, and 209 Wilton Road. Click here for details of each historic house.

Tickets are $60 each, $100 for 2. Click here for tickets. Our friends at KMS Team at Compass once again co-sponsor the tour.

Proceeds help fund “06880”‘s work — which, as always, chronicles Westport’s past, present and future.

249 Greens Farms Road — one of 4 homes on Sunday’s tour.

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In his first months as Parks & Recreation Department director, Erik Barbieri has earned great reviews.

Among the many reasons: He’s quick to respond to residents.

A few days ago, Michael Diggin contacted Barbieri about the kayaks at Compo Beach. Specifically, Diggin asked: When will more storage racks be added? Since many kayaks are now 9 feet, could narrower racks be added? Could a security camera be installed? And could the grass be mowed more often, to discourage ticks?

Barbieri responded quickly. He said: More racks will be added next year. The Parks & Rec staff will work with Diggin to modify one to suit his needs. Barbieri will review the twice-weekly mowing, once-weekly weed whacking schedule. He is working with Westport’s new IT director to look at camera systems overall.

The director concluded, “Thanks for reaching out, and providing input and feedback on our operations. We can’t always do everything, but are always willing to take a deeper look at items like these.”

Compo Beach kayaks (Photo/Andrew Colabella)

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Families and caregivers of neurodiverse middle and high school students are invited to a special “Learn without Limits” presentation and open house, at the Westport Weston Family YMCA.

The 6:30 p.m. event on Monday (November 3) includes practical strategies to support students in and out of the classroom. It also introduces Westporter Jake Sussman’s great Superpower Mentors program.

Click here for more information, and to RSVP.

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Tomorrow’s trash pickup takes place at Compo Beach. The day-after-Halloween date and site are intentional.

At 11 a.m. on Saturday, volunteers will meet at the cannons. They’ll spread out to clean up the area — including Soundview Drive.

After tonight’s trick-or-treating in the neighborhood, there should be plenty to clean up. The event is organized by Rachel Precious.

Sometimes, even the nicest people leave trash at the beach. (Photo/Sunil Hirani)

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Timing is everything.

Earlier this week — before yesterday’s rain and wind — Wakeman Town Farm hosted their annual Halloween Tot Parade.

Little superheroes, ghosts and cartoon characters paraded around the grounds, to spooky music, met the Farm’s animals, visited Trader Joe’s mini-pumpkin patch, and enjoyed cupcakes from BabyCakesNYC.

Pumpkins galore, at Wakeman Town Farm.

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Speaking of wind and rain: These were the (very rare) scenes yesterday at Compo Beach …

(Photo/Carol Lake)

(Photo/Nancy Breakstone)

… and not far away, at Burying Hill:

(Photo/Seth Schachter)

The forecast for trick-or-treating tonight is better: Cloudy, with temperatures in the mid-50s.

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The other day at the Senior Center, Dick Lowenstein spotted an interesting piece of art.

It looked very much like an illustration of Westport today: a very big new building rising up, in the shadow of a much smaller, older one.

It might even be a rendering of the current construction on Post Road West, at Cross Street.

Nope.

The work — titled “And Then There Were None” — was done by noted Westport artist Howard Munce. He died in 2016, age 100.

But he painted this one much earlier — in 1975.

Maybe a better name would be “The More Things Change …”

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Westport Police made 1 custodial arrest between October 22 and 28.

In addition to the arrest for motor vehicle theft and firearm possession reported earlier, a 26-year-old Westport woman was charged with disorderly conduct and violation of a criminal protective order, following the investigation of a disturbance.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 4 citations
  • Distracted driving: 3
  • Evading responsibility: 1
  • Speeding: 1
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 1
  • Failure to rive in the proper lane: 1
  • Improper turns: 1

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Former Westporter Adé Van Duyn died on October 17, passed away, surrounded by her children Keven, Caroly, Maren and Nielsen, and close friend Katherine Paulhus. She was 98.

Her family says “her optimism and humor at every bend in the road inspired all to expand their horizons, and act with compassion.”

The Essen, Germany native graduated from the Royal Academy of Art in the Hague, Netherlands.

Influenced by the vibrant post-World War II art scene there, her early works conveyed the impact of war, and the resurrection of life. She  sailed across the Atlantic to join Gerard, her creative soulmate,  in Ontario, Canada.

They created screen titles, illustrations, storyboards and sets in the early days of television. Their family drove to Burbank, California where Gerard pursued film while Adé sketched their young children.

In 1962 the Van Duyns arrived in Westport, and established an industrial design firm on Hillspoint Road. Adé welcomed neighborhood children to artmaking. She also collaborated with progressive educator Rose Park, leading to a career as a recreation director at Mediplex of Westport. Dynamic programming (including audio-visual presentations) replaced traditional crafts. Families and patients joined for festive holiday events.

Adept at problem solving, and reveling in nature, she canoed, sailed, hiked and camped, in all weather. Wildflowers, trees and oceans inspired Adé as a plein air painter. She was a member of the Black Rock Art Guild. Her paintings captured scenes of disappearing Saugatuck. She sang in the Unitarian Church choir, and participated in its Shawl Ministry. Adé’s  final works are magnificent stained glass windows.

Adé Van Duyn

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Another fall day, another chance to appreciate the beauty of the season.

Nina Marino offers today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature photo;

(Photo/Nina Marino) 

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And finally … Happy Halloween! 

Encore!

(It’s no trick that “06880” has kept you informed — 24/7/365 — since 2009. It’s our job, and we love it. But it would be a nice treat if you clicked here, and showed us a little love. Thank you all!)

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Posted in Arts, Beach, Local politics, Obituaries, Police, Weather

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Nick Quatrano: New Parks Superintendent A “Plant And Soil Nerd”

Posted on October 31, 2025 | 14 comments

When Nick Quatrano was young, he wanted to be a golf course superintendent.

He majored in crop and soil science at Virginia Tech. He graduated, became superintendent of a Ridgefield golf club, and loved it.

After 5 years he was offered a chance to manage his wife’s family’s 30-acre farm in Watertown, so her parents could retire.

When their first child was born, he stepped away from the daily stress of farming. He landed a job as property manager on a private estate in Mt. Kisco, New York, overseeing all turf, gardening and landscaping. That led to a role as superintendent of buildings and grounds at Quinnipiac College.

In May, Quatrano became Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department’s parks superintendent. He’s in charge of hundreds of acres of parks, including Winslow and Baron’s South, along with Compo and other beaches. And Longshore.

So — among many other responsibilities — Quatrano really is a golf course superintendent.

Nick Quatrano, in his Parks & Rec office.

His current job is his “ideal job.”

He took over the position — vacant since the departure of well-regarded Michael West — as the parks’ busy summer season began. He inherited a “tremendous” team — in the Parks & Rec office, and on his maintenance crew — and dove right in.

Beaches are a new responsibility for him. “It’s been cool to learn,” he says. “Water adds such an element of challenge. But it’s a tremendous resource. It’s beautiful. And it adds so much value to the town.”

There is plenty of work to be done on land too, of course. “It’s no mystery that deferred maintenance needs to take place,” he notes.

Another area of attention is ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance. Many of Westport’s facilities lag behind.

The new Compo Beach playground is ADA-compliant. But many other facilities in town are not. (Photo/DinkinESH Fotografix)

“It’s of paramount importance to (Parks & Rec director) Erik Barbieri, and the whole department. It’s a big factor in how projects will get designed.”

The town’s athletic fields are an important part of the parks superintendent’s portfolio. Quatrano knows they are over-used, and often poorly irrigated.

He also knows there support in town for artificial turf, at several sites.

Wakeman Field (center left) has synthetic turf. The field to its east (center bottom) is grass. It is rutted, and often closed after even slight rain. (Drone photo/David Pogue)

Quatrano calls himself “a plant and soil nerd. I like taking care of grass. I prefer it, if all the variables are within my control.”

However, he adds, “I see the advantages of synthetic fields. They can be used in all kinds of weather.

“I understand it’s a divisive topic in town. We have to strike a balance, between  managing what we have and best serving everyone’s needs.

“We have to figure out how many synthetic fields we need. If we add more, we can rest our grass fields and get the optimal use out of them.”

The ultimate decision, he says, is “a question for the operations people.”

Quatrano has walked the Baron’s South property several times. He appreciates the work being done near the Senior Center, but because of the challenging topography sees the rest of the 23-acre property as a “passive park.”

“It’s overgrown with invasives,” the parks superintendent says. “We need a balance between naturalized and manicured areas.” He would like to see a “nice woodland garden, with native trees and improved walking trails.”

Baron’s South: 23 acres, a few steps from downtown Westport. (Photo/Wendy Crowther)

Also on Quatrano’s to-do list: collaborating on the master plan, and upgrading the 4 playgrounds under Parks & Rec’s purview.

The parks superintendent hears many opinions — often competing, even contradictory — from other public officials, and many private citizens.

He appreciates feedback, and finds it helpful to field calls and read emails.

“Citizens know these properties best,” Quatrano says. “There are 25,000 pairs of eyes here. I get photos every day of issues people see.” They includes “trash in the river by the Levitt Pavilion, tree branches above a picnic table — you name it, I hear about it.”

He recently heard about the shabby condition of the Kings Highway cemetery, on the Wilton Road corner, from a Westport resident.

Though Parks & Rec has not been directly responsible for its upkeep, Quatrano sent a crew.

“It’s a tricky property. There’s no access for equipment. All the work has to be done by hand,” he says.

The work got done. Brush was removed; it’s safer and more sightly now. He hopes to get a state grant to restore some of the headstone too.

Kings Highway cemetery, after Parks & Rec clean-up. (Photo/Harris Falk)

So — after nearly 6 months on the job — what is Quatrano’s favorite park in town?

“I really like Wadsworth Arboretum,” he says, about the 12 acres of woods and trails adjacent to Earthplace. “It’s peaceful.”

He also enjoys Grace K. Salmon Park, by the Saugatuck River on Imperial Avenue. “You can walk to town, and the Farmers’ Market.

“Plus, it’s quiet. It’s tough to find quiet space in this town.”

(“06880” gives readers the story behind the story — of people, programs, places and more. If you enjoy this hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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Posted in Beach, Environment, Longshore, Sports

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New Roles, Responsibilities For Parks & Rec Staff

Posted on October 13, 2025 | 8 comments

The goal of any good leader is to help those under him or her reach their full potential.

Just a few months into his new job, Erik Barbieri is doing exactly that.

Since taking in February, the Parks & Recreation director has brought a fresh eye to the sprawling department. From Longshore, Compo and other beaches to parks, programs and athletic fields, its work touches every Westporter.

Erik Barbieri, in his Parks & Rec office. (Photo/Dan Woog)

He’s also taken a close look at his staff, and how they’re deployed. With the recent retirements of 2 longtime, valued employees — deputy director Rick Giunta and customer services manager Barb Vornkahl — Barbieri saw a chance to move personnel to new positions.

And empower them to do more.

With several Parks & Rec projects as part of the town’s 10-year capital plan, Michael Giunta has been promoted from senior foreman to a new position: operations superintendent.

His role includes financial and administrative oversight, including revenue collection, reporting, insurance, bids and contracts.

Giunta will also coordinate with the town’s Finance, Human Resources and Public Works Department.

“He’s smart, and impressive,” Barbieri says.

Carmen Roda, the longtime operations manager, is the department’s new recreation superintendent. He’ll be in charge of aquatics, camps and programs.

Two recreation programmers — Max Robbins and Phoebe Koskinas — have been named program manager and program specialist, respectively. They’ll report to Roda.

Carmen Roda (Photo/Dan Woog)

Meanwhile, former administrative assistant Jamie Boone has been given more responsibility as office manager. She’ll take on a bit of Giunta and Vornkahl’s former responsibilities while overseeing all front office operations, like parking emblem sales and seasonal staff, along with social media, e-blasts, and the Memorial Day and Halloween parades.

One employee whose position won’t change is Nick Quatrano. Hired in May as parks superintendent, he’s made a “very impressive” mark already, Barbieri says.

“Everyone is on board,” the director says of his department. “There’s a lot of energy and buy-in. Everyone wants this department to be the best in the country. It’s my job to support them, and help them be successful.”

Barbieri notes that Giunta and Boone are Staples High School graduates, while Roda has served the town for many years, in both Parks & Rec and Westport PAL roles.

That continuity is important, Barbieri says.

So is rewarding them, and all employees, with new opportunities and challenges. He cites the support of 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, and town director of human resources Candice Holley with helping make the changes possible.

The Parks & Recreation Department “is in a great place,” Barbieri says. “We’re pushing to improve facilities and programs, and of course always listening to the public.”

He looks forward to the release of the final master plan, by the end of November.

Before then — tomorrow (Wednesday, October 8, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall) — there is a Board of Finance meeting.

Barbieri will make 3 requests. He’ll ask for $95,000 for architectural and engineering work on the Longshore golf course irrigation system, which is “failing, and getting worse every day.”

Also on tap: $104,420 for architectural and engineering work, and permitting, for bulkhead and seawall replacement at Longshore’s E.R. Strait Marina.

And there’s a need for $40,000, to make emergency repairs on the steps leading from the Westport Library to the Riverwalk.

As Barbieri discovered recently, that too falls under the Parks & Recreation purview.

(Every day, “06880” delivers news, information, photos and more. We cover every aspect of Westport life. But we can’t do it without you. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog. Thanks!)

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Unsung Heroes #398

Posted on September 3, 2025 | 2 comments

Another beach season — Memorial Day to Labor Day — ended Monday.

The lifeguards stowed their boards and buoys for the last time. They locked the shack. They left the last motivational quote on the temperature-and-tide sign; the next one will posted 9 months from now.

It was a quiet final day.

That’s the way the lifeguards like it.

We did not hear, this summer, about any catastrophes. Not even a close call.

We did not hear a panicked cry for help, or the wails of ambulances.

That’s because the lifeguards did their job — every day, 7 days a week, from Memorial Day to Labor Day — so that they wouldn’t have to do that job.

Compo lifeguards on Monday: the last hour of the last day. (Photo/Dan Woog)

So: What did they do?

They performed first aid, for everything from heatstroke to splinters.

They found missing kids.

They helped people use the special wheelchairs that enable less abled beachgoers to enjoy the shore.

They trained, and practiced — just in case.

And every day, they posted a different motivational quote on the whiteboard in their shack.

That’s the way they roll. And all summer, they rocked it.

One morning — before the beach opened — Parks & Rec sponsored the Lifeguard Olympics.

This week’s Unsung Heroes are our superb lifeguards — at Compo, Longshore and Burying Hill.

Let’s hear it for their boss, Danilo Sierra-Girlado too, plus senior foreman Mike Giunta, and our new Parks & Recreation Department director, Erik Barbieri.

They didn’t make any headlines this year. Which is exactly how they like it.

So this story will have to suffice.

(“06880” is proud to honor Unsung Heroes — and tell many other tales of town too. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog.) 

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Westport’s Geese: Meet The Goosinator. No Sh–!

Posted on August 25, 2025 | 7 comments

One Canada goose eats up to 4 pounds of grass a day.

And dumps 3 pounds of fecal matter, also daily.

Multiply that by our very large and active population of geese. That’s a lot of grass chewed up on Compo Beach, the Longshore golf course, and athletic fields.

A lot of geese poop too.

(Photo copyright/DinkinESH Fotografix)

But we don’t have to take all that lying down.

Enter … The Goosinator!

A low-tech, low-cost solution to an insistent, if not high-priority, problem, our 2 machines are already in use — with dramatic effect.

A Goosinator is a remote-controlled device that mimics a bird’s predators. Seeing it gooses geese to fly away.

Geese don’t like the Goosinator’s shape, look or color.

And — because geese are not as dumb as they look — the Goosinator imprints itself on their goose brains. Soon, just seeing the device’s vehicle sends them skedaddling.

The Goosinator came to town through Erik Barbieri. Westport’s new Parks & Recreation Department had used the tool effectively in New Britain, his previous post.

Westport was using actual, live dogs to scare the geese. The owners were “great,” Barbieri says. But the Goosinator is more effective.

And cheaper.

Seeing the Goosinator (far right), and preparing to flee.

(Connecticut allows the “termination” — aka “killing” — of a certain number of geese. But, Barbieri notes, “the optics are not good.”)

Westport’s head Goosinator is Rick Giunta. Recently retired after a long career with Parks & Rec, the Westport native now spends several early mornings a week goosinating. (That’s a goose’s favorite time to eat and poop.)

Hopefully, he’ll put himself out of a regular job. According to the Goosinator website, geese eventually get the message. Regular goosinations turn into less frequent forays.

Rick Giunta at Compo Beach, with his remote-controlled Goosinator.

An added benefit: Geese who go elsewhere lay their eggs elsewhere too.

Westport’s 2 Goosinators are used now at Compo Beach, and on athletic fields (another favorite goose territory). One may be deployed on the Longshore golf course, after the season.

Barbiieri may purchase a third Goosinator, too.

See ya! (Compo Beach photos/Carmen Roda)

“No one can argue that geese droppings aren’t an issue,” Giunta says

“But the Goosinator doesn’t harm them. It just relocates them.”

Unfortuately, Barbieri notes, Canada geese no longer fly south for the winter. They stay here — eating grass, then fouling our land.

Of course, those goosinated geese have to go somewhere. That may be another town, or private property. They prefer being near water, so they can escape predators.

“My job is to protect our parks, our facilities and their users,” Barbieri explains. “We’re trying to provide a service, in the right, humane way.”

Now, if we can only find a Deerinator …

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Unsung Hero #392

Posted on July 23, 2025 | 25 comments

If you’re a native Westporter, you probably know Rick Giunta.

If you’re a newcomer, you may not recognize the name.

But anyone who has ever enjoyed Compo Beach or Longshore — or any other town recreational facility — has done so thanks, in large part and over many years, to Giunta.

Rick Giunta

The Westport Parks & Recreation deputy director retires next week, after 18 years with the department.

Parks & Rec — and the entire town — will miss his broad knowledge, great expertise, and strong love for his work and his community.

Giunta is that once common, now all too rare breed: a local boy who stayed true to his roots.

A Staples High School graduate (and, like so many of his era, a former Arrow restaurant employee), he worked as a compensation analyst for Champion International, and a manager/director at Pitney Bowes, before joining Parks & Rec as a customer service manager in 2007.

He’d already served his home town, as a special police officer in the Marine Division starting in 1982. He continued through 2015.

Giunta was a volunteer football coach for Westport PAL. He stayed long after his twin sons left the program, spending more than 20 years as a treasurer and trustee.

Rick Giunta and his sons: then, and more recently.

He was also a longtime volunteer with Festival Italiano.

After director Jen Fava resigned last year, Giunta was “the glue of the department,” says operations manager Carmen Roda.

“He’s been our face to the public. He oversees customer service — like beach emblem sales, and boat and kayak renewals and storage — and the budget too.”

Giunta is “a good mentor and colleague,” Roda says. “I’ll miss our morning talks, when we get ready for the day. He fosters leadership and engagement. He’s made a mark on the people who worked for and with him, and on the entire town.

“Retirement is great for him. But Westport is losing a very important resource.

Rick Giunta (right) and Carmen Roda, at last year’s Soundview Summer Stroll. (Photo/Dan Woog)

“Rick loves giving back, and helping the community,” Roda continues. “He’s ‘Mr. Westport.’ He knows the history of places and people. He’s seen the past and the present, and knows all the trends.”

Giunta “doesn’t like the spotlight,” Roda notes. “He’s the type of guy who always puts the town and its people in front of his own needs.”

Erik Barbieri took over as Parks & Rec director just 5 months ago. But he was impressed with Giunta as early as the interview process.

“The first time I met him I saw his professionalism, and his desire to help smooth the transition. I’ve really valued his experience, with budgets and operations.

“I hate to see him leave. But I’m super excited to see him enjoy retirement.”

Giunta — who owns the house he grew up in, off South Compo Road — looks forward to spending time on his boat, with his wife Karen, his sons and grandchildren.

Rick and Karen Giunta.

His legacy will live on. Giunta’s son Michael transitioned from a summer Parks & Rec job to his full-time role, as waterfront senior foreman. (His brother Christopher is a physical therapist in Trumbull.)

Even though he’s retiring, Westport native Rick Giunta is not going anywhere.

“He told me he’s only a phone call — and less than a mile — away,” Barbieri says.

“I really appreciate that.”

Westport appreciates Rick Giunta. Well-deserved congratulations on retirement — and as this week’s Unsung Hero.

(“06880” is proud to honor Unsung Heroes — and tell many other tales of town too. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog.)

 

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Compo Skate Park: Community Space Needs Repair

Posted on June 1, 2025 | 5 comments

“06880” intern Katherine Phelps writes:

Tucked near the basketball courts at Compo Beach sits a park that for years has served as a haven for Westport’s skaters.

But today, cracks are showing — literally and figuratively.

Wooden ramps are rotting. Nails come loose. And while the energy of the local skate community remains strong, the park itself struggles to keep up.

Skate park ramp …

Seamus Brannigan, a Staples High School junior, has  enjoyed skating for years. Yet he recognizes the park’s issues.

“It’s gotten to a point where it is barely skateable,” he says. “The wooden ramps are falling apart, and the whole park needs to be replaced.”

For Brannigan and many others, skating is more than a sport. He also feels part of a strong group.

That sense of camaraderie might now be in danger.

“I love skating because it’s a place and a community where I can meet people with interests like mine. It’s a place where all people are welcome,” Brannigan says.

His solution: “a full concrete park like the one in Norwalk. It would last for decades.”

… and a wider view. (Photos/Katherine Phelps)

The idea of rebuilding the Compo skate park is not new. There’s already some funding in the Parks & Recreation Department budget for repairs. It’s about $10,000 annually, which does not stretch far.

Jesse Bauks, an English teacher at Staples and longtime advisor to the school’s Skate Club, has seen the park’s decline first hand. He too believes it’s time for a change.

“The skate park is falling apart — rotten wood, loose screws and nails — really just due to age and exposure to the elements,” Bauks says.

“There is a group of pickleball folks looking to expand their space, and the current location of the skate park makes for a good place for that to happen. So the future of this space as a skate park seems to be up in the air.”

Last year, Parks & Rec removed and rebuilt one of the large ramps with help from parks supervisor Mike West, thanks in part to $1,200 from student-led fundraisers.

However, Bauks says a more significant investment is necessary.

“To really rebuild the park — like they did in Norwalk — could cost anywhere from $250,000 to $1 million, depending on whether it’s done in wood or poured concrete,” he explains.

The Compo Beach skate park, in 2021. 

Parks & Rec director Erik Barbieri, who started in March, is aware of the skate park’s condition. He is open to conversations about its future.

While still settling into his role, Barbieri has already earned a reputation for listening, and understanding the importance of youth spaces.

While nothing definitive is yet planned, skaters are taking initiative by organizing, raising awareness, and pushing for change.

“A concrete park could serve Westport’s youth for decades,” Brannigan says.

“This is more than just a park — it’s our community.”

(“06880” covers issues of concern to Westporters of all ages. If you appreciate stories like this, please click here to support our work. Our skaters and our staffers thank you!)

(Photo/DinkinESH Fotografix)

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