Online registration for Westport Parks & Recreation Department spring and summer programs begins March 10 (9 a.m.; Camp Compo and RECing Crew only) and March 11 (9 a.m.; all others). Click here to see all activities.
Parks & Rec officials encourage residents to login now to their online accounts, and verify family information.
To update your profile, select “Manage Family Member.” Be sure each child’s grade is correct (as of September 2025).
Questions? Email recreation@westportct.gov, or call 203-341-5152.
===============================================
On January 26 (6 p.m., Zoom), the Planning & Zoning Commission hears a request for a special permit/site plan approval for 785 Post Road East. That’s where a commercial building will replace several small apartments, between Splash car wash and New Country Toyota.
The goal is to allow offsite “superior” affordable housing, on George Street.
Redniss & Mead — land use consultants who do extensive work in Westport — are asking the P&Z to allow conversion of the 2nd and 3rd floors of the approved commercial building to house 2 residential units.
Including housing already approved behind the office/retail building fronting the Post Road, that would bring the total count of housing units to 15.
Meanwhile, the owner — 785 Post Road E LLC — would deed restrict one 2-bedroom townhouse onsite to Homes with Hope, for use as affordable housing.
In addition, the developer would donate a 3,500-square foot 2-family home at 3 George Street to Abilis, a non-profit that provides services and support to people with special needs. It would operate as a family home, similar to 136 Riverside Avenue.
785 Post Road East. New Country Toyota is at left; Splash Car wash is directly to the right, next to the new commercial and residential buildings at the foot of Long Lots Road that house, among others, Lyfe Cafe.
==================================================
Also on the P&Z agenda for January 26: a request by Bluepoint Wellness, to relocate their medical marijuana dispensary.
Currently located at 1460 Post Road East (next to BevMax), they hope to move to 345 Post Road West.
The current waiting area and reception desk at Bluepoint Wellness.
==================================================
It did not take long for Wednesday’s Roundup item on the Remarkable Bookcycle to yield results.
Seeing Janine Scotti’s photo of damage to the free bicycle-driven public library, Larry Roberts wondered if he could help.
When no one claimed “ownership” in the Comments section — the unique contraption was commissioned several years ago by author Jane Green, who no longer lives here — he took matters into his own (literal) hands.
Larry hauled it away, to repair himself.
And — this is where the story gets very Twilight Zone-ish — along the way on Taylor Place, he was spotted by none other than Janine (the source of the photo) herself.
The Remarkable Bookcycle, in the back of Larry Roberts’ truck.
“Are you Larry Roberts?” she asked.
“Yes!” he replied, surprised.
Soon, the Remarkable Bookcycle will be back at Compo Beach.
If you take — or donate — a book, you’ll have Janine and Larry to thank.
Larry Roberts (Photos/Janine Scotti)
================================================
Feeling unconfident about how to give your child — or a child you care for — confidence?
Parents and caregivers are invited to a relaxed morning conversation and light breakfast, focused on helping children build lasting confidence.
Jennie Monness — a parenting educator, and co-founder of Union Square Play — will explore the difference between praise and encouragement; how routines and responsibilities support competence, and how to respond when children struggle, feel unsure or doubt themselves.
The January 28 event (9:30 to 11 a.m., Chabad of Westport; $48) is open to all. Click here to register, and for more details.
==================================================
On Sunday (January 18, 11:15 a.m.), Triple Threat Academy‘s short film “Straight Laced” screens at Dances With Films — the independent film festival — at Regal Cinema in New York’s Union Square.
Like 2 other of Triple Threat’s 6 previous films, this was directed by its founder: Staples High School graduate and “Fame” star Cynthia Gibb.
Triple Threat offers classes in the performing arts for all ages. Cast members — children through adults — come to Westport from as far as Los Angeles and the UK to shoot with a professional crew each summer. Triple Threat co-director Jill Mann writes the scripts.
The latest film includes Westport Emergency Medical Service heroes, and a Saugatuck Rowing Club coach. Click here for tickets, and more information. Click here or below for the trailer.
==================================================
Speaking of Jill Johnson Mann: Her son — 2021 Staples grad Jamie Mann — goes on as Hopper Jr., a lead role in Broadway’s “Stranger Things: The First Shadow,” tomorrow through Tuesday (January 17 to 20).
Mann — who graduated from the University of Michigan last spring — continues playing airheaded singing-and-dancing jock Ted Wheeler in 8 shows a week, until late March.
Click here for more information on the show.
Jamie Mann, rehearsing with Alison Jaye.
==================================================
Beginning next month, ChaChanna Simpson — past president of Northeast Storytelling — will hosts “Storytelling Sundays” at The Westport Library.
One Sunday afternoon every other month, seasoned and first-time storytellers are invited to share 5-minute tales — preferably without notes — on a selected theme.
The February 15 theme — the day after Valentine’s Day — is (of course) “love.”
It’s a welcoming space for connection and inspiration. Everyone is invited to share or listen — or do both.
“Absolutely no experience is necessary,” ChaChanna says. “We all have stories, and all our stories matter!”
Click here for monthly themes, and information on how to register.
ChaChanna Simpson
=================================================
Speaking of the Library: Richard Hurowitz discusses his book “In the Garden of the Righteous” — profiles of the “Righteous Among the Nations,” little-known heroes who saved countless lives during the Holocaust — there on January 22 (7 p.m.).
He’ll chat with Reverend Vanessa Rose. She’s the first female senior pastor at First Church Congregational of Fairfield since its founding in 1639. The open and affirming church is focused on racial, social and environmental justice, and immigration and refugees.
==================================================
Congratulations, Jonathan Thrope!
The 2006 Staples High School graduate, now a US Department of Justice fraud unit attorney, was hailed in a DOJ press release for his work on one of the largest whistleblower-related settlements in department history.
Thrope helped negotiate a $556 million payment by Kaiser Permanente affiliates, to resolve allegations of widespread fraud in Medicare billings.
The New York Times explained, “Kaiser overstated how sick its patients were to receive higher government payments.”
CNBC called it “a record-breaking settlement in a Medicare Advantage case.”
Click here for the full press release. (Hat tip: Fred Cantor)
Jonathan Thrope
=================================================
Rach’s Hope has an important mission: supporting families with critically ill children
The non-profit honors Rachel Doran. The Staples High School graduate and rising Cornell University senior died after developing a rare reaction to common medications.
Their 7th annual PJ Gala is March 28 (7 to 11 p.m., FTC, Fairfield).
Why “PJ”s? Rachel was a talented Staples Players costume designer, and founded a pajama company.
The event includes live music, catering by AMG, Tito’s open bar, live and silent auctions, and much more. Click here for more information, and tickets.
Rachel Doran
==================================================
Alison Lee captured today’s chilly but beautiful “Westport … Naturally” scene, at Old Mill Beach:
(Photo/Alison Lee)
==================================================
And finally … in honor of the upcoming “Storytelling Sundays” at the Westport Library (story above):
(Here’s one story you can tell: “I clicked on a link, and donated to ‘06880’! It’s such a great feeling to support the blog we all rely on. You should do it too!” In fact, that’s our favorite story …)
It’s their first time in front of a Staples audience since “Mamma Mia!” in the fall of 2019. COVID canceled “Seussical” a day before its spring opening last year. Gone too were a summer show, fall mainstage, various Black Box productions, and 2 years’ 1-Act Festivals.
