Tag Archives: Justice of the Peace

Roundup: LobsterFest Tickets, Back-To-School Donations, Colin Quinn Show …

The day Westporters have been waiting for (and salivating over) is almost here.

Rotary Club LobsterFest tickets go on sale this Friday (August 15), at 10 a.m.

The mega-fundraiser — set for September 20 (3 to 7 p.m.) sells out quickly.

For very good reason. There’s something — lobsters, oysters, steak, beer, wine, soda, gelato, music, kids’ stuff (fire juggler, glitter tattoos, antique fire truck) — for everyone. T

100% of profits from sponsorships, donations and ticket sales go to charitable causes. Last year’s event raised over $325,000.

Click here for tickets. and more information.

And remember: Those lobsters don’t eat themselves.

Tickets are on sale Friday for this fest. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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With the first day of school around the corner (Spoiler alert: It’s much closer than you think!), dozens of Westport children still need help.

The Department of Human Services has launched its annual Back-to-School and After-School Care campaigns, to make sure every child starts the year with the supplies, clothing, and support they need to succeed.

There are several ways to help:

  • Make a monetary gift online or in person to support back-to-school resources and after-school scholarships for elementary -aged children – providing safe, enriching activities for working families.
  • Donate Walmart gift cards to help families purchase backpacks, notebooks, clothing and essentials.
  • Choose an item from Human Services’ Back-to-School Amazon Wishlist.

“Back-to-school isn’t just about pencils and paper—it’s about giving kids the confidence and resources to learn and grow,” says Human Services director Elaine Daignault. “Every donation helps give every child a fair start.”

Mail checks payable to “Westport Human Services”; send to Human Services, Town Hall, 110 Myrtle Avenue, Westport, CT 06880

Drop off gift cards at Human Services at Town Hall weekdays between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Give online at www.westportct.gov/donate (WeCare Westport); select “Family to Family Programs—Seasonal Program.”

For more information, contact Annette D’Augelli: 203-341-1050; adaugelli@westportct.gov.

Every student deserves a backpack, and supplies.

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Colin Quinn is the latest addition to the Westport Country Playhouse fall schedule.

The Brooklyn comedian (MTV, Saturday night Live, Comedy Central, on and off Broadway) brings his New York vibe to the historic stage on October 9 (8 p.m.).

Click here for tickets, and more information.

Colin Quinn

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Blau House & Gardens is more than a gorgeous hidden gem off Bayberry Lane.

It’s also a cherished classical garden space.

Norwalk Symphony Orchestra highlights a series of Sunday concerts. Each blends music, poetry and nature, in a serene woodland setting.

This Sunday (August 17), the Harmonia V Woodwind Quintet fills the gardens with lyrical melodies. Gwyneth Walker will read selected poems before each of 5 parts of her suite “All Nature Sings.”

The final event (August 31) showcases “So Sings the Garden,” a collaboration of poetry reading led by Westport poet laureate Donna Disch, with performances by soprano Maureen McKay, baritone Marcelo Guzzo, pianist Thomas Cuffari, and cellist Gunnar Sahlin.

Each evening includes an optional garden tour from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., with concerts beginning at 6. Guests are encouraged to bring a picnic before the performances. Parking and shuttle service is provided at Coleytown Elementary School.

Tickets are $75 per concert; the garden tour is $25. Click here for tickets, and more information.

Blau Gardens

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The last day this summer for lifeguards at Burying Hill Beach is this Sunday (August 17).

The beach remains open, but swimmers are at their own risk.

Compo Beach lifeguards are on their regular schedule through September 1.

Stickers are required at Westport beaches through September 30.

The scene next week. (Photo/Yvonne O’Kane)

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Speaking of Westport’s waters: We don’t often think of Sherwood Mill Pond in terms of tides.

But this was the scene yesterday, just after high tide.

(Photo/Pippa Bell Ader)

And t’s not even a full moon — that was 3 days ago.

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Speaking of that sturgeon moon: Here’s what it looked like last night, over Compo Beach:

(Photo copyright Ted Horowitz)

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This item directly impacts only 56 people: Westport’s justices of the peace.

But it may be of interest to all “06880” readers. We all need to be vigilant, againt all kinds of scams.

Town Clerk Jeffrey Dunkerton emailed all our JPs:

“We have been alerted by a Westport Justice of the Peace that they were recently targeted in a scam.

“The JP was contacted to perform a wedding ceremony and offered payment in advance. The couple sent a certified check for more than the agreed amount and then asked the JP to wire the overpayment back to them.

“In this instance, the JP recognized that something was suspicious and contacted both the Westport Police Department and our office.

“Please remain vigilant if you are contacted to perform a ceremony. If you have any doubts, feel free to contact our office to confirm whether the couple has obtained a Marriage License here in Westport.”

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Three Westport-based creators are producing “Rise + Step:” the first wellness event ever at Bridgeport’s Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater.

The event “blends movement, music and mission, bringing together community wellness, local talent,” turning the concert venue venue into a space for “empowerment, connection, and purpose.”

The fitness and wellness experience (September 7, 9 to 11 a.m) features:

  • Flow yoga with Westporter Sarah Sadie Newett
  • The Gold Step with Cori Adams, a Westport music-driven step workout phenomenon
  • Producer Peter Van Heerden, Westport-based arts and culture strategist.

Local sponsors include The Granola Bar, Hemma Kitchen, and Barvida.

Ten percent of proceeds support Homes for the Brave, the Bridgeport-based veterans’ non-profit. Click here for tickets, and more information.

Rise and Step!

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From beauty to blight: A reader reports on the state of 22 Maple Avenue North.

For over a decade, the owner stuffed boxes and other hoarded materials inside. Nowo the back walls have rotted, and given way.

Red caution tape currently surrounds the home.

22 Maple Avenue North.

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Westport native Jack Backiel now lives in Maryland.

But thanks to “06880,” he keeps up with all things Westport.

Now, add CNN to the list.

Jack writes, “Stew Leonard Jr. was interviewed on CNN yesterday. He talked about prices, but also mentioned he’d be throwing out the first pitch at Yankee Stadium last night.”

Stew Leonard Jr., on CNN. (Photo/Jack Backiel)

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This morning’s “Westport … Naturally” feature is an evening shot. We showcase John Richers’ hibiscus blooms:

(Photo/John Richers)

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And finally … in honor of next month’s “Rise + Step” wellness event (story above):

(Rise up, click here, and join the crew of “06880” supporters. Remember, this blog does not fall from the sky. It takes work — and we need your help to make it happen. Thank you all!)

Roundup: Be Prepared, Serve Meals, Call A JP …

Westport connections to the Los Angeles fires keep coming.

And this one comes with an important reminder.

Dr. Edward Paul writes: “My two kids are in the LA area. Lexi Paul (Staples Class of 2012) lives in Pasadena; Rachel Paul (SHS ’14) lives in West Hollywood.

“Both were evacuated pretty quickly. Thankfully, each lives in an apartment building in a ‘downtown’ area with limited trees and brush, so they have been spared thus far.

“One lesson I’ve learned from this is that while we try to teach our kids how to navigate life, we (I) haven’t done anything to prepare them for handling disasters.

“How to get public service information, how to sign up for local alerts, what valuables or documents to pack if you need to leave in a hurry, what photos to take of your residence before leaving for possible insurance claims.

“These are important life lessons I’ve now given to them — after the fact, but hopefully before any future needs arise.

“One may think these lessons are common sense. They are for a grown 60-year- old. But maybe not for a 20+ year old.”

Do you — or your children — know what to do when danger suddenly approaches? (Photo/Mike Pryor)

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The Gillespie Center has reopened.

And — after a 7-month hiatus — volunteers are back serving meals.

Now they can cook too, in the new full-service kitchen.

The Westport Rotary Club had the honor of producing the first meal.

The joyful dinner was made even better, with the music of Antonia Nedder.

Families, individuals and organizations wishing to prepare and serve meals can click here for more information.

Serving the first meal at the newly renovated Gillespie Center. Homes with Hope CEO Helen McAlinden (rear) is joined by (from left) Rotarians Mark Wilhelm, Jim Birchfield and Jeff Wieser (former HwH CEO). Helping out (front) are Jeff’s grandchildren.

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Want to get married quickly? Need someone to take a deposition? Have any other official oath-taking (or giving) task in mind?

Westport’s justices of the peace can help.

The town recently added a few new names to its roster of about 60. Many are familiar, as town officials, civic volunteers or other long-time residents.

Click here for a full list. They’re ready to serve.

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At 3 a.m. today, Westport firefighters responded to a motor vehicle crash at the southbound exit of I-95 Exit 18.

The vehicle sustained heavy damage, with one person inside.

Crews used battery-operated rescue tools to remove the roof. The occupant was extricated from the vehicle in under 10 minutes. Patient care and transport to the hospital were provided by Westport Emergency Medical Service.

State and Westport Police were on the scene. The last Westport Fire Department unit left at 5:13 a.m.

Vehicle in this morning’s I-95 crash.

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It’s still January. Can spring be far behind?

Wakeman Town Farm’s Winter Sowing Workshop will teach you how to make your own mini-greenhouse — in a bottle.

Start seedlings. Leave it out until spring. You’ll reap a dozen or more native plants, which pollinators will love.

Advanced master gardener Alice Ely leads the January 27 (7 p.m.) workshop. Click here to register.

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Walrus Alley’s next Comedy Night is January 28 (6:30 p.m. dinner, 7:30 p.m. show).

Comedians Mike Brown, John Minus and Kevin Fitzgerald are on the menu. Tickets are $29. Click here to purchase.

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You never know what will be donated to Goodwill.

Les Dinkin spotted this the other day:

(Photo/DinkinESH Fotografix)

Oh, deer!

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We received plenty of snow submissions yesterday for our “Westport … Naturally” feature.

What could be more natural than this tranquil scene, at the Lansdowne Condominiums?

(Photo/Lauri Weiser)

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And finally … on this date in 1967, Dr. James Bedford became the first person to be cryonically preserved, after dying of cancer. He hoped to be resuscitated in the future. That has not yet happened.

(Don’t be cold! “06880” relies on the support of readers like you. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank y’all!)

Roundup: Trader Joe’s, Saugatuck Slice, Valley Forge …

In times of tragedy, a community rallies together.

Everyone does what they can.

For Trader Joe’s, that meant donating flowers.

Hundreds of them.

On Wednesday evening — a few hours after senior Max Halper was killed on his dirt bike — Staples High School’s Superfans club announced plans for a 9 a.m. gathering the next morning at Compo.

Attendees were encouraged to bring flowers. Petals would be placed in the water, in a time-honored ritual of remembrance.

But where would all those teenagers gets flowers, on short notice?

The supermarket chain took care of the details. They provided hundreds of flowers, for all who were there.

Trader Joe’s was not looking for publicity. They did it, the manager said, because they’re part of the community.

And, in times of tragedy, that’s what a community does.

Flowers and petals, at Compo Beach. (Photo/Luca Caniato)

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A reminder: The 12th annual Slice of Saugatuck Festival — postponed by rain last week — is set for tomorrow (Saturday, September 14, 2 to 5 p.m.).

The family-friendly event features food tastings, retail experiences, 7 bands, 4 bouncy houses, a balloon bender, an antique fire truck, 2 beer/wine gardens and more.

The price is $15 per adult; $5 for children under 13; age 5 and under are free. Admission is available on-site.

For more information and a map, click here.

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Fire Chief Nick Marsan says: “It is with profound sadness that the members of the Westport Fire Department extend our deepest sympathies to the Harper family, and the friends and families affected by Wednesday’s tragic event.

“Our hearts ache for the loss of life, and the profound impact this has had on our community. Please know that we stand with you, ready to offer any support we can.

“We also commend all first responders who worked tirelessly amidst challenging circumstances, and remind them that they too are not alone.

“We admire the strength and resilience that defines our community, as we come together in mourning.”

 

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Very few residents remember Valley Forge.

That was a village near the Weston-Redding border. It was indeed a forge: Workers made iron and steel there, for the War of 1812, the railroads and the Civil War.

Today, all the remain are stone walls, hitching posts, foundations and roads.

But you can’t see them. They lie 100 feet below the surface of the Saugatuck Reservoir.

James Lomuscio knows all about Valley Forge. The journalist and former Westport News editor wrote “Village of the Dammed: The Fight for Open Space, and the Flooding of a Connecticut Town.” The book chronicles the land that was sacrificed to provide water for the area.

On October 10 (7 p.m., Westport Library), Lomuscio will discuss his book, the village, and what it all meant and means, at Aspetuck Land Trust’s Haskins Lecture.

Click here for more information.


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Ben James saw yesterday’s photo of a bear lounging in a Charcoal Hill back yard.

He’s pretty sure it’s the same guy who destroyed 2 of Ben’s bird feeders, not far away off Catamount Road.

Like the Charcoal Hill bear, “he was pretty brazen, coming right up on our porch,” Ben says.

(Photo/Ben James)

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Westport voters who are not members of a major political party: Here’s your chance to become a justice of the peace.

JPs have limited authority to (among other things) take oaths, officiate marriage, and take depositions.

If interested, email LGandini@westportct.gov for an application.

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Time to clean out your closets, and dump your dressers.

The Westport Woman’s Club is seeking donations (tax-deductible!) of new or gently worn clothing and accessories, for their Epic Clothing & Accessories Sale.

You’ll be in good company. Winged Monkey is providing new dresses for this year’s fundraiser.

Donated items may be dropped off Mondays through Fridays, between 9 a.m. and noon, and 1-4 p.m., at the Woman’s Club (44 Imperial Avenue), through October 25.

Items sought include women’s, men’s and children’s clothing, and accessories like shoes, boots, handbags, scarves, jewelry, etc.

Torn or soiled items will not be accepted, nor will personal items such as undergarments, lingerie and bathing suits.

The Epic Clothing & Accessories Sale is set for November 8-10.  Entry is free, with $10 early bird access for one hour prior to the first day.

Funds from the sale help support the Woman’s Club philanthropy, including the town food closet, need-based scholarships, and many local charities.

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Summer is winding down. Sunday, September 22 marks the first day of fall.

But September is beautiful for boating. And craft of all are out on the Sound these days.

It’s almost as crowded as summer.

(Photo/copyright Ted Horowitz)

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Hot on the heels of his 2nd place finish in an Atlanta NASCAR race, Parker Kligerman is retiring from racing.

According the the Jayski’s website, The 2009 Staples High School graduate “won’t be returning to Big Machine Racing for the 2025 Xfinity Series season, and is done pursuing full-time rides at NASCAR.”

He “returned as a full-time competitor in 2023, after more than a decade of making sporadic starts for multiple teams across all 3 national touring levels. He finished the 2023 season 10th in the championship standings, with a career-high 8 top-5 finishes.”

Kligerman said the decision was difficult, and evolved over many months. Click here for the full story. (Hat tip: Frank Rosen)

Parker Kligerman

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With only 1 stall per bathroom — and just 3 bathrooms in the entire Compo South Beach structure — the wait for a vacancy can be long.

These gulls spent a lot of time at Compo. They’re probably used to it.

Jacque O’Brien captured their patience, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Jacque O’Brien)

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And finally … this date in 1814 marked a turning point in the War of 1812.

During a battle in which the British failed to capture Baltimore, Francis Scott Key wrote a poem called “Defence of Fort McHenry.”

It was published within a week, to the tune of a popular drinking song “To Anacreon in Heaven.”

The song with Key’s lyrics became known as “The Star-Spangled Banner.” More than a century later, it became our national anthem.

There are countless versions of the very-difficult-to-sing song. One of the famous is by Weston’s own José Feliciano.

In 1968, he performed the anthem in Detroit, before Game 5 of the World Series. His slow, jazzy, Latin-inflected take caused a national controversy.

No singer had ever attempted such a non-traditional version before. Feliciano was accused of “desecrating” and “disrespecting” our national anthem. For several years, his career was damaged.

Today, of course, it’s expected for singers to offer their own — often too long, and convoluted — takes on “The Star-Spangled Banner.”

And José Feliciano is one of the most popular, and beloved, singers in the world.

Oh, yeah: In 2010, José was invited back to Detroit, to perform the anthem again.

His reception 42 years later was quite a bit different.

(“06880” is indeed where Westport meets the world. If you enjoy our work, please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!) 

Justices Of The Peace: The Legacy Continues

Saul Haffner died in 2017. He was 87.

He served on the RTM, was a member of the Y’s Men, and taught photography and writing at the Senior Center and Norwalk Community College.

Saul was a US Army veteran. He was an engineer who worked on NASA’s Gemini program, and a professor of business and marketing at Sacred Heart University.

But he is best known as a justice of the peace. In fact, he may have been the nation’s foremost authority on the subject. In 2009, I profiled him for “06880.”

Barbara Jay and Saul Haffner

Saul and his wife Barbara Jay founded the Justice of the Peace Association (JPUS) in 2001. At the dawn of the internet age, they wanted to connect couples and officiants in a personalized fashion.

An early advocate of marriage equality, he and Barbara created professional conferences on all aspects of a JP’s role.

Saul and Barbara’s daughter Loretta Jay carries on their tradition.

The 1984 Staples High School graduate — now a Fairfield resident — wants her parents’ vision and network to continue. She’s still connecting officiants and couples. But she’s expanded her services to incorporate her own interests and professional work: underserved populations, and problems affecting young people.

Loretta Jay

JPUS became a founding member of the national Coalition to End Child Marriage. Last year, the organization helped run the first and only training about child and forced marriage and human trafficking for American marriage officiants.

Previous conferences have featured keynote speakers like Senator Richard Blumenthal and current Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz.

This year, the Justice of the Peace Association hosts a virtual conference. Set for March 13 (9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.), it’s a creative environment where civil officiants can reimagine weddings, learn new skills, and nurture relationships.

Secretary of the State Denise Merrill will recognize Saul and Barbara, and JPUS’s 20 years.

Always wanted to be a justice of the peace? Interested in marriage-related issues like equality and human trafficking?

Click here for more information, email lorettajay@JPus, or call 203-255-7703.

Roundup: Young Performers, JPs, Debris Dump, More


Among the early casualties of COVID-19 last March: dozens of young performers, in the final days of rehearsals for school plays. Months of work went for naught.

Many students in canceled shows are in the acting program TheaterCamp4Kids! Broadway Academy. Owner/artistic director Laura Curley Pendergast decided to create a “Canceled Concert” video. The selection of short clips allows her young actors — from high school down through elementary age — to perform their “lost songs.”

Selections come from “Wizard of Oz,” “Seussical: The Musical,” “Shrek: The Musical,” “Legally Blonde,” “Beauty and the Beast” and more.

David Bibbey — an Emmy Award winner and talented producer of the Westport Library’s media studios — shot the video. Now just click on, sit back and enjoy!


It’s a good thing no one commutes to New York anymore.

After Tropical Storm Isaias, the town has used the Greens Farms railroad station parking lot as a spot to dump trees, branches and debri.

A few months ago, that would have wreaked havoc. Today: no problem.

There’s even plenty of room to expand.

(Photo/Bob Weingarten)


Always dreamed of being a justice of the peace?

Now’s your chance!

Westport voters who are not members of a major political party but are interested in becoming a JP can request an application (email tclerk@westportct.gov) between now and November 1.

A voter must have been an unaffiliated or minor party member voter since May 1. Registered Democrats and Republicans must be named by their parties, and cannot now become unaffiliated to apply as an unaffiliated JP.

Justices of the Peace have authority to take oaths and depositions, perform marriages, and handle other duties.

Justice of the Peace Wally Meyer (left) performed a marriage at Old Mill Beach, during the first days of the pandemic lockdown.


Like so many nonprofits, Friends of Sherwood Island State Park is reinventing their annual appeal.

Theirs — an evening of food and drink at the pavilion, called the “FUNdraiser” — will this year be called … “Shorefest on a Roll.”

On Sunday, September 20, guests will enjoy a “rolling tour of the park.” As they drive through the 236-acre gem — Connecticut’s oldest state park — a podcast will describe its history and features.

There’s entertainment, including whirligigs, kites, disc golf, music and model plane flyovers. Plus: a lobster roll-to-go feast.

Proceeds support the Friends’ efforts, including the newly renovated Nature Center, tree planting, maintenance of the vast purple martin colony, and the 9/11 Memorial.

Tickets will be available soon on www.friendsofsherwoodisland.org.


And finally … true?

Remembering Saul Haffner

Saul Haffner died Tuesday, after a brief illness. He was 87.

He served on the RTM, was a member of the Y’s Men, and taught photography and writing at the Senior Center and Norwalk Community College.

Haffner was a US Army veteran. Professionally, he was an engineer who worked on NASA’s Gemini program, as well as a professor of business and marketing at Sacred Heart University.

But he is perhaps best known as a justice of the peace. In fact, he may have been the nation’s foremost authority on the subject. In 2009, I profiled Haffner for “06880.” Here’s that story:

“In the beginning of time,” Haffner says — back when he worked for the Congregation of Humanistic Judaism, not 1362 (the first time time “Justice of the Peace” appeared in English law) — he fielded calls from couples looking for rabbis to perform interfaith weddings. They were hard to find — so he vowed that when he retired, he would become a JP and do those ceremonies.

Fun fact: Every Connecticut town is allocated a certain number of JPs, based on the number of registered voters. Westport has 60 — equally divided between Democrats, Republicans and independents.

Saul Haffner (left) and a couple he married on Compo Beach.

After becoming a Justice of the Peace in 2001, Haffner wondered how anyone would find him. He looked around for a national JP organization. There was none. So he and his wife, Barbara Jay, formed one.

Their website — JPUS.org — is now the go-to source for JPs around the country. The site offers a registry (JPs can include their political affiliation, ethnicity, religion and languages spoken); resources and guides for personalizing weddings; an interactive forum (with topics like “code of ethics,” “same-sex ceremonies” and “how the economy is affecting the JP business”), and discounts on JP merchandise (certificates, embossing seals, chuppas, etc.).

Haffner performs 10 or so weddings a year. That’s low, he admits. But the JP does not want to compete with members of his own JP association.

Saul’s motto is “Your wedding, your way.” He’s married couples on motorcycles, on a boat that sailed into the sunset (Haffner returned to shore via rowboat), and in Scottish clothing (the bride and groom gave him a kilt).

“Weddings are such a happy occasion,” he says.  “I come away from each one on a real high.”

Not bad for a job with no requirements, no entry fees, and no experience needed.

(Hat tip: Jessica Bram)

The DL On JPs

There are no qualifications for being named a Justice of the Peace.  Nor do you have to pay a fee to become a JP.

It’s the perfect job, laughs Saul Haffner.

The retired Westporter should know.  He’s a JP himself — and perhaps the country’s foremost expert on that unique position.

“In the beginning of time,” Saul says — back when he worked for the Congregation of Humanistic Judaism, not 1362 (the first time time “Justice of the Peace” appeared in English law) — he fielded calls from couples looking for rabbis to perform interfaith weddings.  They were hard to find — so Saul vowed that when he retired, he would become a JP and do those ceremonies.

Fun fact:  Every Connecticut town is allocated a certain number of JPs, based on the number of registered voters.  Westport has 60 — equally divided between Democrats, Republicans and independents.

After becoming a Justice of the Peace in 2001, Saul wondered how anyone would find him.  He looked around for a national JP organization.  There was none.  So he and his wife formed one. 

Their website — JPUS.org — is now the go-to source for JPs around the country.  The site  offers a registry (JPs can include their political affiliation, ethnicity, religion and languages spoken); resources and guides for personalizing weddings; an interactive forum (with topics like “code of ethics,” “same-sex ceremonies” and “how the economy is affecting the JP business”), and discounts on JP merchandise (certificates, embossing seals, chuppas, etc.).

Saul Haffner (left) and a newly married couple on Compo Beach

Saul Haffner (left) and a newly married couple on Compo Beach

Saul performs 10 or so weddings a year.  That’s low, he admits.  But the JP does not want to compete with members of his own JP association.

Saul’s motto is “Your wedding, your way.”  He’s married couples on motorcycles, on a boat that sailed into the sunset (Saul returned to shore via rowboat), and in Scottish clothing (the bride and groom gave Saul a kilt). 

“Weddings are such a happy occasion,” he says.  “I come away from each one on a real high.”

Not bad for a job with no requirements, no entry fees, and no experience needed.