Tag Archives: Long Lots Elementary School

Roundup: Winslow Park Fountain, Library Culture Award, Kerri Kenney Podcast …

Posted on June 18, 2026 | 3 comments

Dogs love Winslow Park.

Their owners may not have loved the somewhat grotty water fountain — serving canines and humans — that stood for years near the Westport Country Playhouse parking lot.

It’s gone. And everyone is lapping up its replacement.

Yesterday, a new one was installed.

There are 2 bowls for people, one for dogs, and a spigot to fill water bottles. They all rest on a concrete pad — so goodbye to muddy paws.

The new fountain is a welcome gift from Sustainable Westport. A plaque says it honors Sherry Jagerson — “a champion for the environment.”

Teaching an old dog new tricks. (Hat tip and photo/Mark Mathias)

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Congratulations to the Westport Library!

On Tuesday, the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County presented director Bill Harmer with the Mark Award. It’s given annually to groups and individuals who create and support the arts.

The Library was honored for VersoFest. For 5 years, the event has entertained the state with 4 days of immersive music, multimedia, panels, workshops and more. (Hat tip: Matthew Mandell)

Bill Harmer, accepting the Mark Award from the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County. With him on the screen is David J of Bauhaus, a keynote speaker and performer at this spring’s VersoFest.

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Speaking of the Library: The Board of Finance holds office hours there today (10 a.m.).

Residents can stop in, and ask a member town finance-related questions.

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Kerri Kenney-Silver — the actress (now appearing in Netflix’s “Four Seasons”), comedian, writer, singer, musician, and 1988 Staples High School graduate — was a recent guest on Seth Meyers and his brother’s “Family Trips” podcast.

Kerri talked about life — including working at the Red Barn and another restaurant. Click here to hear the entire episode. (Hat tip: Jenaé Weinbrenner)

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Speaking of performing: Westport Country Playhouse Joanne Woodward Internships are among the most prestigious in the theater world.

Stephen Sondheim was an apprentice at the historic stage (long before the program was named for the longtime Playhouse friend, and former artistic director). Joining him that year: future director Frank Perry, and Richard Rodgers’ daughter Mary.

This year, 4 theater career aspirants will enhance their skills and gain experience working with Playhouse senior staff this month and next. They were selected from 79 applicants.

The 2026 group includes Nick Bates, production intern, arts administration major at Wagner College; Rebecca Brown, marketing intern, advertising and public relations major at Marist University; Leah Fosbrook, development intern, theatre administration major at Ithaca College; and Julia Orr, artistic/education intern, theatre directing and public advocacy double major at Belmont University.

In addition to work in their departments, interns attend seminars with guest speakers. They receive a stipend and nearby housing.

From left: Rebecca Brown, Leah Fosbrook, Julia Orr, Nick Bates. (Photo/Kelsey McFarland)

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Comedy Night returns to VFW Post 399 tomorrow (Friday; doors open at 6 p.m.; show at 8).

The lineup of 4 comedians includes David Beckles, Jr., Autumn Harvest, Dan Altano, and regular residency comic Joe Pontillo. Matt Zako hosts.

Tickets are $20 (including 1 drink); click here to purchase.

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Today is the last day of school.

Once the kids are gone, construction on the new Long Lots Elementary School can move ahead full throttle.

But — at the northernmost edge of the property — work has already begun.

Here’s what the old lower soccer fields looked like on Monday:

(Photo/Michael Chait)

This is the new site for the school’s geothermal system.

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The Westport Rotary Club got a “healthy” bit of info at Tuesday’s meeting.

Dawn Myles, vice president for community health of Northwell Health described her organization: the largest not-for-profit health system in the Northeast. With 28 hospitals, more than 1,000 outpatient facilities, 22,000 nurses and over 20,000 physicians, Northwell cares for more than 3 million people annually in the New York area.

Dawn Myles at the Westport Rotary Club. (Photo/Dave Matlow)

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Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between June 10 and 16.

A 37-year-old Danbury man was charged with harassment and threatening, following a complaint by the owner of a cleaning service. After firing an employee for stealing from a client’s home, the victim received calls and texts from someone presumed to be the former employee’s husband. Among other statements, he threatened to kill the victim’s daughter if his demands were not met. He was released on a $51,000 bond.

A 37-year-old Bridgeport woman was charged with driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs, operating a motor vehicle under suspension, and defective stop lamp, after an officer observed a vehicle swerving on the Post Road. She was released on a $500 bond.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • School zone violation: 9 citations
  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 5
  • Distracted driving: 4
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 4
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 2
  • School zone violation, 2nd offense: 1
  • Speeding: 1
  • Texting while driving: 1
  • Failure to grant right of way: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehcile: 1
  • Unreadable license plates: 1

Ten drivers were charged last week with school zone violations.

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In other Westport Police news, a promotion ceremony will be held today (Thursday, 10 a.m., Police headquarters) for 3 officers.

Detective Scott Alberti has been with the Westport force since 2018. A Sacred Heart University business management graduate, he spent many years working in the private sector, where he also became an emergency medical technician. He has been recognized in Westport for superior performance, particularly in the area of mental health emergencies.

Sergeant Rachel Hall joined the Westport Police Department in 2016, from Ridgefield. She is a University of Connecticut graduate, with a degree in allied health science (pre-medicine). She has served Westport in the motorcycle and drone units, the Marine Division, school security, and as a dive rescuer.

Sergeant Casey Mezerewski has many relatives who served on the Westport force, include fallen officer William Frawley, his great-grandfather. Sgt. Mezerewski has been with the Westport Police since 2008. He is a Tae Kwon Do back belt, and has worked with the dive team, Marine Division and Honor Guard. He received a Life Saving Award in 2014.

From left: Det. Scott Aliberti, Sgt. Rachel Hall, Sgt. Casey Mezerewski

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Ospreys are known for making nests atop tall structures: trees, telephone poles and the like.

This one must be the highest in Westport — perhaps Fairfield County.

It’s on the top of the 200-foot transmission tower at the Saugatuck River railroad bridge.

It’s quite a spot. And quite a good image, for our daily “Westport … Naturally” series.

(Photo/Ray Broady)

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And finally … the item that mentioned Stephen Sondheim’s long-ago internship at the Westport Country Playhouse (above) got us thinking about his music.

We also thought about the Playhouse — and remembered that when Judy Collins gave a memorable performance there last year, she sang this signature song:

(Send in the clowns. And send in the checks. Or online donations. “06880” relies on readers to support our work. If you appreciate us — or want to honor Sondheim or anyone else — click here. Thanks!)

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Posted in Education, Entertainment, Environment, Library, Police, Westport Country Playhouse

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Long Lots School: The First Look

Posted on June 11, 2026 | 16 comments

A small crowd got a big look yesterday at the new Long Lots Elementary and Stepping Stones Preschool.

Building Committee chair Jay Keenan, with his committee and representatives of FCA Architects, presented exterior and interior plans of the new school, and an update on construction.

Aerial rendering of the new school. Hyde Lane is at the bottom.

Work on the foundation has begun. Geothermal wells on the lower fields have been completed.

Work on the lower athletic fields at Long Lots (right). The former baseball field as at left.

The school — set to open in January of 2028 — is on target to meet or exceed state sustainability targets.

The architecture — with gabled roofs and warm colors — aims for a “cozy and classic New England setting.”

Because the school is built on a hill, both the lower and upper levels will have at-grade access.

The lower floor will include 2nd through 5th grade classrooms, with a gym at the rear.

Gymnasium.

The upper floor will have separate entrances for kindergarten/1st grade, and the Stepping Stones preschool. The cafeteria is on that level.

The upper level, with a 2-story atrium and plenty of light.

Interior features include a double-height atrium, a multi-purpose room, a media center with 2 classrooms and 2 tiered reading areas, and quiet “nooks” throughout the school.

A courtyard will offer benches, an amphitheater, and areas for teaching.

Courtyard.

There will be 3 playgrounds: one for Stepping Stones, one for elementary students, and the current playground named for Sandy Hook victim Dylan Hockley, which will remain.

The bus loop and parent drop-off areas will be completely separate.

Parent drop-off (left) and bus loop (right). Hyde Lane would be at the bottom. 

Attendees — a mix of Long Lots parents, school neighbors and curious residents — gave the plans and computer renderings high marks.

“I wish I could go there myself,” said one.

A short video, showing the school plans in “action,” will be posted sometime today on the Long Lots School Building Committee website.

Bus loop and main entrance.

A main corridor, leading to the gym. Multi-purpose room is at left.

Multi-purpose room.

Classroom corridor.

Cafeteria.

(“06880” will report regularly on the new school’s progress — as we do 24/7/365, on everything from education and real estate to local politics, entertainment and more. Please click here to support us!)

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Posted in Education

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First Looks: Saugatuck Spinnaker And Long Lots Plans

Posted on May 30, 2026 | 24 comments

We’ve already seen the first couple of artists’ drawings of Spinnaker’s plan for the Minute Man Cleaners’ parcel in Saugatuck.

The Norwalk-based developer hopes to build 157 market rate units of rental apartments on the 1.5-acre parcel at the corner of Riverside Avenue and Charles Street. Another 18 would be deed-restricted as affordable. There would be 283 underground parking spaces.

The view from the corner of Railroad Place (left) and Riverside Avenue.

The view down Riverside Avenue; train station is far left. Charles Street is on the right.

Now they’ve released architectural plans.

Level 2 (ground level)

Level 3

Level 5 (level 4 was not posted)

Level 6 

Parking garage – level 1A

Parking garage – level 1

The Planning & Zoning Commission will hear a pre-application of the proposal on Monday (June 1, 6 p.m.; Zoom).

The Architectural Review Board discusses the pre-app the next night (Tuesday, June 2, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall Room 201).

Click here for all pre-application materials.

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Meanwhile, Westporters are getting their first look at the new Long Lots Elementary School.

The initial renderings have been released. Below is a computer-generated aerial view.

The new school (right) is north of the current school, which will be replaced by a parking lot (center). An athletic field (left) replaces the former Community Gardens.

The renderings also show the front entrance (below), as viewed from the parent drop-off lane …

,,, and the “Main Street” corridor. This view is from the Stepping Stones/after hours/weekend entrance, heading to the gymnasium …

… as well as the cafeteria.

They are drafts only. Architects are still working on those, and other renderings. More may be available next week.

The projected opening of the new school has been pushed back to January 2028 — after winter break. The previous plan was the beginning of the 2027-28 school year.

 (“06880” covers education, real estate, local politics — and everything else that happens here. If you enjoy our 24/7/365 work, please click here to support your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)

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Posted in Categories, Education, Local politics, Saugatuck

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Long Lots Update: What’s Happening, And When

Posted on February 5, 2026 | 3 comments

For over 2 years, the renovation of Long Lots Elementary School was one of Westport’s most controversial issues.

Since June — when the Long Lots School Building Committee received unanimous approval from every town board and commission to move ahead with the design development, construction documents and construction of the new Long Lots and Stepping Stones Preschool project — we’ve heard very little.

Long Lots Elementary School — as it looks now …

But that does not mean nothing’s happening.

Yesterday, the LLSBC issued an update.

They said they have met with neighbors to review the first phase of the project. Once construction actually begins, they promise “more frequent updates.”

The project has been broken into 5 phases for state approvals. This will allow the geothermal drilling portion of the project to begin, while construction documents for the new building are in process.

“This will allow the construction manager the space to better stage the project,” the committee says.

… and one look at the future …

They note that the 5 phases of state approvals will not always align with the construction schedule. Those phases are:

Geothermal wells (underway): Approved by the state Office of School Construction to go out for bids last August. A contractor was selected.

The area has been fenced; construction trailers and temporary electric service has been installed; the lower soccer fields have been stripped in anticipation of drilling, and topsoil has been screened.

Drilling and installation of the geothermal wells is currently taking place on the lower soccer fields. Each of the 100 wells is 500 feet deep. Eighty have already been drilled. Completion is expected next month.

Pre-purchase of electrical switchgear and generator (underway): Approved by the state Office of School Construction to go out for bids last September. A contractor was selected.

The generator and electrical switchgear are being purchased early, to avoid nationwide supply chain delays of up to 17 months. This equipment will be installed during the construction of the new school.

… plus another.

Construction of the new Long Lots Elementary and Stepping Stones Preschool (next): Construction documents have been reviewed by the state Office of School Construction, and were released for bid in December.

Received bids will be evaluated in March. It is anticipated that construction will begin in April, with excavation for footings and foundations.

Furniture, fixtures and equipment: This will be submitted to the state for approval in late 2026. All furnishings will be new, and purpose-designed for the school. Delivery will align with the end of the new school construction. It is anticipated that no student-related equipment will be moved from the current building.

Demolition of the old school; construction of parking lots, athletic fields and Playgrounds (Late 2027; into 2028): Demolition of the current school will begin after the new one is occupied. Playgrounds, parking lots and athletic fields will follow the demolition of the old school.

The LLSBC notes that the upcoming bid process will help establish a more defined construction timeline.

Long Lots site plans.

The committee expects to meet with the Board of Education, and the faculties of Stepping Stones and Long Lots, to review the interior finishes in mid-February.

The LLSBC plans to have another neighborhood update prior to the start of the new building construction.

They will provide the Architectural Review Board with an update, followed by a town-wide project presentation in late February.

(For the Long Lots School Building Committee’s page on the Westport town website, click here.)

(“06880” keeps a close eye on Long Lots — and all our schools. If you appreciate our coverage of education — and/or anything else on your hyper-local blog — please click here to support us. Thank you!)

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Posted in Education, Local politics

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Westport Schools Announce Snow Day — 2026 Style

Posted on January 25, 2026 | 13 comments

Back in the day, my generation learned about snow days by listening to the radio.

Westport’s WMMM and Bridgeport’s WICC would go through the list.

It was alphabetical — and agonizing.

Ansonia Public Schools. Bridgeport public schools. Darien public schools. Even Our Lady of Fatima, wherever that was.

Who cared? What about Westport?!

Sometimes they’d be closed. Sometimes they wouldn’t. It was a crapshoot.

Then came a more high-tech method: emails and voicemails.

Still, it was a crapshoot. Longtime superintendent of schools Elliot Landon made it a point of pride to keep Westport schools open.

“Today is Monday, January 26. The Westport Public Schools will be open!” he cackled.

It didn’t matter that schools from here to Buffalo were closed. Suck it up!

Former superintendent of schools Elliot Landon. He is probably smiling because he just announced that schools would be open.

But this is 2026. Social media is everywhere. High school students make full-length documentaries; 8-year-olds create Instagram reels.

So, to announce tomorrow’s snow day — which there was little doubt about, from Friday’s predictions on — Westport Public Schools officials got creative.

Assistant superintendent John Bayers headed to Long Lots Elementary School. He consulted with Leo the Lion — the mascot. They punted.

The decision was left to Long Lots’ staff: teachers, cafeteria workers, custodians, and the school resource officer.

Click here to see their announcement. 

So kids: Sleep in!

You don’t have to wake up at 6 a.m., to listen to the radio.

Or the superintendent’s voice.

Screenshot, from the Westport Public Schools video.

13 Comments

Posted in Education, Looking back, Media, Weather

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[OPINION] Special Ed Parent Says: “Thank You, Westport!”

Posted on November 2, 2025 | 11 comments

Raising a child today is challenging. It is especially so when that youngster has special needs.

Ali Wachtel moved to Westport nearly 8 years ago. Today, she shares an inspiring story about her son Nate, and the Westport Public Schools. She writes:

When I moved here in December of 2017, I did not know how lucky I was. My son Nate was 18 months old.

I knew in my bones that he was autistic. What I did not know was that I had just moved to a town that could, and would, support him.

On Nate’s 3rd birthday, he had his very first day at Stepping Stones Preschool.

Nate’s first year at Stepping Stones.

Nate was not just mildly affected. He was non-verbal.

I was not sure he would ever be able to communicate with us in the way every parent dreams. As I was new to the world of special education, the team at Stepping Stones walked me through every step of the IEP (Individualized Education Plan) process.

Together we crafted a strategy for Nate to develop the necessary skills to access the academic curriculum.

Nate and his mother, Ali Wachtel, as she read to his Stepping Stones class …

Three years later, Nate graduated and moved on to Long Lots Elementary. To my delight, he matriculated into the general ed classroom. A dream of mine had come to fruition.

Nate still required a great deal of support. He is in the IR (Intensive Resource) program, which means he has 1-to-1 paraprofessional support. He is pulled out for reading, writing and math support to this day, in addition to participating in social skill building groups.

There is not a single area in which Nate does not require support. But it is all given to him.

I am writing this not solely as a co-chair of the Westport Special Education PTA, nor as an advocate for children who receive SpEd services, but as a proud parent.

Like so many I navigated this process, armed with little if any information or insight, and terrified that this outcome would never be an option for my child.

Yet 5 years later, on October 17, my incredible young boy was invited to return to Stepping Stones preschool to read aloud in his former teacher’s class.

… and Nate in October, reading to another Stepping Stones class. (Photos/Andy Fleischman)

This has, in no small way, been made possible by Westport’s dedicated educators.

My son who walked into Stepping Stones 7 years ago without the ability to speak, returned a confident 4th grade reader who shared his experiences in the Westport school system with a group of 5-year-old pre-school students.

To say this moment was the honor of my life is an understatement. It is all thanks to our good fortune in having moved to the town of Westport.

So thank you Westport, for granting me my annual birthday wish and prayer that one day my child would be able to express himself.

(Our “06880” Opinion pages are open to all. Please send submissions to 06880blog@gmail.com)

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Posted in Children, Education

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Roundup: Long Lots Groundbreaking, Selectman’s Debate, Halloween Parade …

Posted on October 15, 2025 | 20 comments

It’s official!

A crowd of around 100 gathered at Long Lots Elementary School yesterday, for the ceremonial “groundbreaking” for the new facility.

Dignitaries made speeches. They looked back on the long process leading up to the afternoon — and looked ahead at the modern building that will rise next to the current, 70-year-old one.

Jay Keenan, chair of the Long Lots School Building Committee, speaks. Looking on (from left): 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, the Long Lots Lion, LLSBC member Don O’Day, Board of Education chair Lee Goldstein, superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice. 

Then the real action began.

Students — some of whom will enjoy the new school when it is finished, others who will have already moved on to middle school — picked up shovels.

They dug into a pile of dirt.

(Photos/Andrew Colabella)

And then — led by the Long Lots Lion — everyone cheered.

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Toquet Hall — the town’s teen center — was filled last night, for the Westport Youth Commission’s first-ever 1st selectman’s debate.

Nearly 100 students, and a couple of dozen adults, heard the 3 candidates for the top job talk about their experience, vision, priorities and goals.

Some of the questions from Youth Commission members Jake Shufro and Jack Thompson were teen-specific. Many touched on broader topics, from Saugatuck development to the environment.

Asked to name a difficult decision they’d grappled with, Don O’Day cited the controversy over the Community Gardens, as a member of the Long Lots School Building Committee. Kevin Christie mentioned his decision to recuse himself during the soccer coaches’ non-renewal appeal. David Rosenwaks discussed his choice to leave the Democratic Party, and run as an independent.

1st selectman candidates at Toquet Hall (from left): Don O’Day, David Rosenwaks, Kevin Christie. (Photo/Lee Shufro)

In terms of the legacy they hoped to leave, Rosenwaks said, “respect for the town’s heritage, providing for the future, and a careful capital plan.” Christie said, “a place where everyone feels heard, and more proactive and decisive planning.” O’Day said, “a well-managed town where residents know what’s going on and feel better, and a well-managed tax base.”

Part of the Toquet Hall crowd. (Photo/Dan Woog)

The event was co-sponsored by the Westport League of Women Voters.

Youth Commission moderators Jack Thompson and Jake Shufro. (Photo/Lee Shufro)

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Trick or treat!

One of Westport’s great traditions — the Westport Downtown Association and Westport PAL Halloween parade — kicks off October 29 (3:30 p.m.).

It begins on Main Street, and continues right onto Avery Place, then left on Myrtle Avenue to Veterans Green. Children (recommended for kids up to age 8 can trick or treat along Main Street, and in Town Hall.

The Parks & Recreation Department provides refreshments, a small gift kids, and entertainment from DJ Kenny Michaels.

Seen at a previous parade.

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“06880”‘s Instagram Live series with selectman candidates continues at noon today (Wednesday). Our Instagram is @06880danwoog.

Democratic Kevin Christie and his running mate Amy Wistreich are the guests. Republican-endorsed Don O’Day and Andrea Moore, and Independent David Rosenwaks were interviewed previously.

Kevin Christie and Amy Wistreich.

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Josh Suggs graduated from Staples High School just 4 years ago.

But he’s already been featured in the Wall Street Journal.

A story yesterday, headlined “Inside Advertising’s Most Grueling New Genre: ‘You Have to Have Zero Social Anxiety’” — featured Suggs’ year-old business: 203 Media.

They specialize in “street interview ads, clips of real people reacting to a product or service that companies pay to insert into social media feeds.”

The story says:

Suggs didn’t invent the concept, although he’s one of very few marketing executives to go all-in on the format. Man-on-the-street interviews have existed since the invention of radio and TV news, and political campaigns and consumer marketers have occasionally used the format in their advertising. …

Advertisers soon followed the (YouTube and TikTok) trend, paying creators to place products in their shoots. Social media agencies and user-generated content studios eventually began offering street interview ads as a service.

Suggs is betting that demand for real, unscripted videos will increase as ads made with generative AI proliferate, and consumers grow weary of influencers’ typical paid-for posts. The widening pool of media channels and platforms also means that advertisers have to battle harder for consumers’ attention than ever before, he said.

“Your ads cannot look like ads anymore,” Suggs said. “Nobody wants scripted, inauthentic, staged commercials—people trust real opinions, real emotions.”

Click here for the full story.

Josh Suggs

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Sierra Club Connecticut and State Representative Jonathan Steinberg invite residents to a community walk at Earthplace.

The October 21 event (10:30 to 11:30 a.m.) blends nature, conversation and action. The mile walk will include exploration of the local ecology, a discussion of important environmental issues and legislation — and picking up trash.

Click here to register, and for more information.

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Speaking of the environment … what could be more appropriate for today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo than this beauty, standing tall amid wind and falling temperatures, on Soundview Drive?

(Photo/Matt Murray)

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And finally … in honor of the upcoming Halloween event (story above):

(We love a parade. In fact, the only thing we love more is readers who support their hyper-local blog. It’s easy: Just click here, to make a tax-deductible contribution. We thank you!)

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Posted in Children, Downtown, Environment, Local politics, Media, Staples HS

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Roundup: Long Lots, CVS, Fundraisers …

Posted on October 13, 2025 | 9 comments

It’s (almost) official!

A groundbreaking ceremony for the new Long Lots Elementary School is set for tomorrow (4:30 p.m.). It’s at “Terrace 4.”

The public is invited.

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There’s a lot to gripe about with CVS.

Your call is very important to them, but the phone tree is very annoying.

You need to ask an employee to unlock the heavily guarded Advil.

The good news is: They’ve finally done something about their toilet paper-thin bags.

Not only are they (once again) sturdy — but now they’ve got handles.

Thank you, CVS!

Now, about those receipts, which stretch from here to Woonsocket …

PRO TIPS: You can ask to print out your (normal-length) receipt at home — or not get one at all. And of course, you can bring your own bags.

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Sustainable Westport takes their mission seriously.

And means much more than just composting, recycling and electric vehicles.

Next month, the non-profit teams up with the Senior Center and Westport woman’s Club to collect lightly used durable medical equipment, to support Wheel It Forward. Click here for a full list of items (there are many!).

Crutches, canes, wheelchairs and similar items can be dropped off at the Woman’s Club (44 Imperial Avenue), on Saturday, November 15 (8 to 10 a.m. and 2 to 4 p.m.) and Sunday, November 16 (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.).

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In 2022 Westport Writers’ Workshop lost longtime instructor Jessica Speart to breast cancer.

To honor her life, and so many others affected by the disease, they’re hosting a fundraiser this Thursday (October 16, 6:30 p.m.).

This is not your usual gala. It’s not even a party.

For $50, participants can join instructor and breast cancer survivor Christine Pakkala in writing to prompts.

It’s creative — and important. Click here to register, and for more information.

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In a Heartbeat — the life-saving organization that offers free screenings for children, teens and young adults, to prevent death from sudden cardiac arrest — celebrates 10 years of saving lives this Thursday (October 16).

Fittingly, that’s World Restart a Heart Day.

From 6 to 9 p.m. (Aitoro Appliances, 401 Westport Avenue, Norwalk), guests will enjoy great food from restaurants like Kawa Ni and Gruel Britannia, raffles and a live auction.

Plus powerful stories from survivors.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Nearly 80,000 people are living with Alzheimer’s in Connecticut.

Many more family members and friends are affected by the disease, as caregivers.

On October 26 (10 a.m.), the annual Fairfield County Walk to End Alzheimer’s steps off at a new location: Sherwood Island State Park. Dave Briggs is the MC.

To donate or walk — and for more details — click here. Questions? Email cspodob@alz.org.

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Angela Buchdahl is one of the most influential rabbis in America — and a longtime colleague and mentor of Temple Israel’s Rabbi Michael Friedman and Cantor Julia Cadrain.

On October 28 (7 p.m.) she’ll be at Temple Israel, discussing her new book. “Heart of a Stranger” is a stirring account of her journey from feeling like an outsider to becoming an internationally admired religious leader. Click here to register, and for more information.

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On a gray day, here’s a great way to start off the “Westport … Naturally” week.

Photographer Celia Campbell-Mohn calls it “Gratitude for Fall Bounty.”

(Photo/Celia Campbell-Mohn)

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And finally … in honor of CVS’s new bags (story above) — hey, we couldn’t resist.

(Hey, we wanted to put a smile on your face today. Now you can put one on ours. Just click here, to make a tax-deductible contribution to your favorite hyper-local blog. Thank you!)

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Posted in Education, Environment, Local business, religion

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Long Lots Vegetation Clearing: Building Committee Responds

Posted on October 8, 2025 | 28 comments

This morning, “06880” reported on the first day of construction for the new Long Lots Elementary School. Homeowners just south of the property reported that carefully drawn plans had been disregarded, resulting in clearance of an estimated 6,000 square feet of mature vegetation and growth beyond the construction road.

This afternoon, the Long Lots School Building Committee responded. They told “06880”:

This statement is intended to address the story regarding the over-clearing of vegetation on the Long Lots campus in close proximity to a resident’s home.  We would like to explain what happened, and what steps are being taken to address the situation.

Despite the extensive planning and multiple site visits conducted to review the area on the east side of the Long Lots campus which was designated for limited clearing, some additional vegetation beyond the intended scope was mistakenly removed by the contractor as the road for construction vehicles was installed.

It was a mistake and should not have happened. The issue has been reviewed extensively with all involved to ensure mistakes like this are not repeated.

Pre- and post-construction views.

To remedy the situation, a plan has been developed to plant a large evergreen buffer (in addition to similar plantings which will be planted on the site in the future) in the affected area within the next 1 to 2 weeks.

The homeowner who is most affected by this over-clearing will be involved in the placement of the trees in advance of the plantings. The Building Committee’s project manager has already been in contact with the homeowner.  A separate letter to Planning and Zoning which details this remediation is also in the process of being delivered.

While we sincerely regret this error at the start of the new school construction process, we also see the proposed remediation as an opportunity to improve the plans for the final result. Upon project completion, the landscape buffer between the school property and the residence closest to the east side of the campus will be enhanced over the previous mix of unkept trees and the initial proposed single layer of evergreens.

Again, we regret the mistake and we will work to ensure it is not repeated.

Sincerely,
The Long Lots Building Committee

28 Comments

Posted in Education, Environment, Local politics

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Roundup: Post Road East, Long Lots El, Slice Of Saugatuck …

Posted on September 12, 2025 | 10 comments

It’s been going on so long, we barely notice it at all.

Except it’s so annoying — and dangerous — that we drive through it like we’re 16-year-olds, behind the steering wheel for the first time in our lives.

It’s the Post Road East project. Specifically, the section in front of Westport Hardware and Pottery Barn, extending up to Sakura.

It began, I think, during the Roosevelt years (Teddy). And it will last until the end of the next Trump administration (Barron).

The other day, Jerri Graham — whose photos usually showcase the most beautiful scenes and people in Westport — took this shot:

(Photo/Jerri Graham Photography)

She added this comment, on social media: “After wondering why this was taking forever to complete, I asked the man at the UPS Store.

“He said that one company was paid for the work, when two should have been paid. Now there’s a dispute, and construction has been halted.

“I guess it’s becoming an art installation. Regardless, it’s a hazard for drivers and pedestrians.”

It’s also a headache — and a financial hit — for businesses along that torn-up, semi-tarred stretch.

In the meantime: Drive safely. Drive slowly.

And if you happen to see anyone working there again, be extra careful. We can’t afford to lose a single laborer.

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Plans are moving forward for the new Long Lots Elementary School and Stepping Stones Preschool.

1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker reports that the end of this month, or early October, will see “groundbreaking for the geothermal wells and site mobilization.” It’s the first major step in the construction process.

For updates, documents and more details, click here.

Long Lots Elementary School

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Jonathan Uman was killed on September 11, 2001.

He was 33 years old. Today, he would be a grandfather.

Jonathan’s wife, Julie Whamond, is a Westport resident, and Representative Town Meeting member. She also volunteers as a docent, at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum in New York.

Yesterday she and fellow RTM member Andrew Colabella visited the museum. They paused in front of a mural of blue tiles. Each represents one of the 2,977 people killed that tragic day, 24 years ago.

Andrew Colabella and Julie Whamond, at the 9/11 Museum.

Behind that wall is where the chief medical examiner office’s. Nearly a quarter century later, they store and test remains every day. Over 1,000 have yet to be discovered.

Part of Jonathan’s remains are kept on site. It is the final resting place for many victims.

As a docent, Andrew says, Julie tells the story of 9/11, and her personal connection to it. It, and she, serve as “a primary source of evidence of the impacts of terrorism that day,” he says.

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Tomorrow’s Slice of Saugatuck is on!

Delayed one week by rain, the annual Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce event will fill Riverside Avenue, Railroad Place and Bridge Square with 7 bands, tons of kids’ activities, retail offerings — and more 2 dozen restaurants and food purveyors, handing out tasty samples.

The forecast is for partly cloudy skies, and a high of 78 degrees — perfect Slice weather! Click here for a map, ticket information and other details.  

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The Norwalk Art Space’s Arts Bash will have a very distinct Westport flavor.

The October 9 event (6 p.m., 455 West Avenue, Norwalk) — featuring exhibits, music, cocktails and gourmet bites, raising funds to provide free art education and exhibition opportunities to under-represented students and artists — will honor Melissa Newman, for her many contributions to arts and arts education.

The longtime Westport resident is a noted artist, writer, teacher, sculptor, painter — and jazz singer.

A Norwalk Art Space board member, Newman is also a dedicated mentor. “Her multifaceted artistic career and deep-rooted passion for the next generation of creatives make her an ideal honoree for this year’s celebration,” the Art Space says.

​Another Westport connection: The Arts Bash co-chair is local resident Dale Najarian.

​Click here for tickets, and more information.

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During the Gilded Age, America’s favorite sage, sociologist, philosopher and
news analyst was Mr. Dooley — a bartender invented by Chicago newspaper editor Finley Peter Dunne.

Though hardly remembered today, Dunne’s humorous newpaper columns were read all over the world. Mr. Dooley’s opinions were read at White House cabinet meetings; robber barons and politicians lived in fear of the bartender’s sarcasm.

Starting tonight, Mr. Dooley comes to life at the Westport Community Theatre in “Dooley at the Bar,” a one-man show created and performed by Alexander Kulcsar.

The play — which opens WCT’s 68th season — runs for 10 performances, on Fridays and Saturdays (7:30 p.m.) and Sundays (2 p.m.), through September 28.

For tickets, call 203-226-1983, or click here. Questions? Email info@westportcommunitytheatre.com.

“Dooley at the Bar,” at the Westport Community Theatre.

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The Connecticut League of Conservation Voters and State Representative Jonathan Steinberg discuss “climate wins from the 2025 legislative session, and plans for the future” on September 17 (9:30 a.m., Westport Library). The public is invited.

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The American Parkinson Disease Association Connecticut Chapter holds its annual “Optimism Walk”  at Sherwood Island State Park on September 20 (11 a.m.). The event raises awareness and funds. Click here for more information.

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Except for a few hours last weekend, we haven’t had any rain since about 1986.

You wouldn’t know it from Burying Hill Beach, though.

The entrance floods regularly now — pretty much, whenever the tide comes in.

Jalna Jaeger snapped this photo on Wednesday, for our “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Jalna Jaeger)

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School has begun. The temperature is slowly dropping.

But the Levitt Pavilion continues to offer great entertainment.

DNR — the nearly-all-physician classic rock band — played to an enthusiastic crowd last night.

They’ll be back again just a few yards away on November 1. That show is indoors, at the Westport Library. It’s a benefit for Norwalk Hospital’s Whittingham Cancer Center.

DNR, at the Levitt Pavilion. (Photo/Ken Schwarz)

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And finally … in honor of “Dooley at the Bar,” the new play at the Westport Community Theatre (story above):

(If you don’t support “06880”: Hang down your head and cry. And then … click here to right your wrong. Thank you!) 

 

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