Westport residents interested in running for the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) can pick up a petition at the Town Clerk’s office, starting today.
To qualify for the November 4 ballot, candidates must collecct at least 25 signatures from registered voters in their district. Completed petitions must be returned to the town clerk by September 9.
The RTM is a 36-member, nonpartisan legislative body. Four representatives are elected from each of 9 voting districts. Members serve two-year terms.
RTM members play a vital role in town governance. They vote on appropriation requests over $20,000, approve town ordinances, provide final approval of the town budget, and serve on committees that review and make recommendations on budgetary and legislative matters. They may also review certain decisions made by town boards and commissions.
For more information about the petition process or other election questions, contact Town Clerk Jeffrey Dunkerton: 203-341-1105; jdunkerton@westportct.gov.
Yesterday marked a jolly good opening for Gruel Britannia.
The new Cross Highway restaurant — an outpost of the very popular Southport spot, taking over the vacant Porch @ Christie’s — was packed from the moment the doors opened.
Neighbors, other Westporters from further away, Fairfield fans, construction workers, delivery people — all were impressed with the menu, the interior, and owner Karen Hubrich’s welcoming vibe.
Today marks the beginning of the Westport Domestic Violence Task Force drive.
They’re collecting household items for clients at their 2 safe houses. Supplies are part of “move-in baskets,” which help recipients transition into apartments.
Items needed include
Laundry detergent
Laundry baskets
Plastic reusable plates
Plastic reusable utensils
Dish soap
Sponges
Dish towels
Hand towels and washcloths
Condiments (ketchup, mustard, mayo, etc.)
Tin foil
Plastic wrap
Parchment paper
Toilet paper
Paper towels
Disinfecting wipes
Brooms and mops
Dustpans
Paper napkins
Hand soap
Donations can be dropped off in the lobby at the Westport Police station, through July 29.
As “06880” and the Compo Beach Improvement Assocation put the final touches on this Sunday’s Soundview Summer Stroll (July 27, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.), we’re looking for a few teenagers (or parents!) to help run games and fun for little kids, in 1-2 hour shifts.
It’s already organized. We just need helping hands! If interested, please email at kristinemott@gmail.com.
Meanwhile, get ready to enjoy live music, eat, play, stroll, Rollerblade, and otherwise enjoy the Compo Beach exit road — closed to all traffic — on Sunday.
An “06880” reader whose home abuts the Longshore golf course writes: “During the 4 years we have lived here, we have found empty beer cans, candy wrappers and the like on our rear property.
“On Sunday, one of my granddaughters discovered 2 empty Coors cans.
“Of course, there’s a teaching lesson for them: Respect other people’s property, don’t litter, etc.
“However, the real lesson is: Golfers and other Longshore attendees are disrespectful to their neighbors.
“My husband and I are shocked that we live in aqqa community that has no respect for our property. We thought when we moved here Westport was a kind,caring and respectful community. We sadly are finding that that is not the case.
“Everyone should treat their neighbors’ property in the same manner they would like others to treat their property.”
The back of a Longshore-area resident’s property.
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The Westport Police Department says: Connecticut is updating its e-bike laws.
Effective October 1, e-bikes without pedals, and with batteries over 750 watts, will now be classified as motor-driven cycles. A driver’s license will be required to operate them.
E-bikes over 3,500 watts are expected to need registration and insurance — similar to motorcycles.
Class 1–3 e-bikes are not affected. They still will noto require a license.
Police say tell parents: “As you shop for e-bikes, keep these changes in mind –especially for younger riders. If a bike performs like a motorcycle, it may not be the right fit for a child just yet.”
Speaking of transportation: Spaces in the Westport Weston Family YMCA parking lot closest to the Merritt Parkway are narrower than in other rows.
There are “Compact Cars Only” signs. But not a lot. They’re easy to miss.
What’s not easy to miss is when you have to squeeze into a spot. And come within millimeters of scraping the car next to you. Like this driver:
I’m pretty certain the green car was already there.
Getting in was the easy part. Getting out will be much harder.
It’s always amazed me that people will do anything they can, to park as close to the Y as possible.
So they can then go inside, and work out.
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Westport is home to all kinds of summer camps. Cello, art, computer, SAT prep — you name, there’s something for you.
Including water polo.
Northeast Elite offers an August 4-9 camp for middle and high school students. Experienced and new players are all welcome. It’s non-competitive and focused on fundamentals, with both land and water activities.
It’s the 6th year for this special opportunity — and it certainly is unique. The site is Schlaet’s Point, right off Compo Beach. Click here for more information.
Coach Danilo Sierra-Giraldo, at the Northeast Elite water polo camp.
Speaking of water sports: Congratulations to Zadie Schatz!
The young Westport swimmer — a rising 8th grader at Pierrepont School — earned 1 gold and 3 silver medals, 4 junior national times (100 breast, 200 breast, 200 IM, 400 IM), and a few national swimming news mentions at the recent Novato Sectionals in California.
Her 100 breaststroke time is 0.7 seconds away from last year’s Olympic trial cut — very unusual for a 13-year-old, particularly a dual sport athlete (she also plays water polo).
Sectional meets are open age, so she raced against adults and college athletes too.
Congratuations too to Zadie’s Stamford Sailfish teammate and fellow Westporters, Connor Cheung
The 15-year old, who will be a Staples High School sophomore this fall, placed 51st, 97th and 105th in, respectively, the 50 free, 100 free and 200 free.
Zadie Schatz
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Like all reunion classes, they can’t believe it’s been xx years.
But Staples High School’s Class of 1980 celebrates their 45th reunion next month.
They’ll meet Friday, August 15 at the VFW. They’ll spend Saturday afternoon and evening at Compo Beach, with dinner from the Szabo Seafood truck.
As always, they’ll raise money for their beloved classmate Susan Lloyd, and the Susan Fund that for over 50 years has provided more than $2 million in scholarships, to Fairfield County residents with cancer. Funds will come from a raffle of art, by Class of ’80 artists.
For more information on the reunion, and to register, click here. Questions? Email Amy Potts: amy@aapk.com.
Susan Lloyd
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When vocalist/actor/writer Abena Koomson-Davis sat in with her husband at Jazz at the Post, she brought the VFW house down.
This Thursday, the 3-time Tony winner — who has performed with Stevie Wonder and recorded with Natalie Merchant — headlines her own shows (July 24, 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner at 7 p.m.; $20; $15 veterans and students).
Koomson-Davis will be joined by pianist Rick Germanson, bassist Matt Dworszyk, drummer Jonathan Barber and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall. Click here for reservations.
PS: Even if you’re not a jazz fan, check out the performance below. Spectacular!
Also this Thursday (July 24): The Fairfield County Dance Festival returns to Westport (6:30 p.m., MoCA CT). The free, outdoor performance features the Amy Marshall Dance Company and New England Ballet Theater.
All are welcome — from longtime dance enthusiasts to families looking for a fun summer evening outside.
(From the RTM and Gruel Britannia to e-bikes and water polo, “06880”‘s Roundup has it all. That’s the way we roll. If you enjoy features like this, please click here to support our work. Thanks!)
That was the work of the Board of Finance this week.
On Monday, the 5 members took about half an hour to unanimously approve the Board of Education’s $150.4 million 2025-26 budget.
Last night, they voted to adopt almost all of the 1st Selectwoman’s proposed $87.2 million budget.
The only cuts were to defund the Wheels2U train station ride-share program ($342,400 out of the total Westport Transit District request of $491,800), and $25,000 from Earthplace (out of $105,000),
The transportation cuts would leave the WTD with services solely for the elderly and disabled.
The BOF has voted to cut Transit District funding often in the past, citing low ridership. Nearly as often, it has been restored by the Representative Town Meeting.
Lee Caney, Jeff Hammer, Liz Heyer, Rich Hightower and Michael Keller voted for the reductions.
Danielle Dobin and Allyson Stollenwerck objected. During the Earthplace discussion, Dobin cited the importance of 62 acres of open space, and the Harbor Watch program.
On April 2 (Town Hall, 7:30 p.m.), the BOF will consider requests for restoration. The Representative Town Meeting then has the opportunity to restore funding for both items in May.
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Less than a month out from the Compo Beach playground build, there is plenty of news to report.
And there are plenty of ways to help.
Volutneers are still needed, from April 21-26. Click here to see the many jobs available. “Skilled” labor is important — but no building experinece is needed for other tasks.
Whether you renovated your home by yourself or never lifted a hammer, this is a great chance to get outside, contribute to the town, and meet interesting people.
Also needed: tools.
Saws, bolt cutters, tape measures, wheelbarrows, tents, hammers (of course): the playground committee needs them all.
They can be donated or loaned, for the duration of the build. (You don’t need to haul your own tools back and forth each day.) Click here to see all that’s needed, and click on what you can supply (and when you can drop it off).
And for anyone who donated a picket for the previous rebuild, in 2009: If you want to keep yours as a souvenir, stop by the playground on SAturday, April 12 (9 a.m. to noon or 1 to 4 p.m.). You can also to before or after volunteer shifts during the build, April 21-26.
For more information on the Compo Beach playground project, click here.
Volunteers building the Compo Beach playground, in 1989. Next month, you can join the rebuild.
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The Longshore golf course opens for the season this Friday (March 28).
“We invite golfers of every level to come and enjoy the beautifully manicured 18 holes that comprise this gem of the Westport parks system,” says Parks & Recreation Department director Erik Baribieri.
“Our head professional Jon Janik and course superintendent Sean Charles have been working hard to make sure the pro shop, staff and course are ready.”
Click here for golf course information, including advanced and same day tee time bookings. Pro Shop phone numbers are 203-221-0900 and 203-226-9785.
Westport residents who would like to purchase a golf handpass, or whose handpass has expired, can renew or purchase online here, or in person weekdays (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) at the Parks and Recreation Department near the first tee.
Fore! (Photo/Nicole Gorman)
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Looking for a cute puppy — especially one to bring home?
Fetch Rescue is sponsoring an adoption event this Sunday (March 30, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.) at Earth Animal.
One of many puppies up for adoption this Sunday, at Earth Animal.
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Staples High School students racked up awards recently in 2 different areas: business and international relations.
Nine teams placed at the Future Business Leaders of America State Leadership Conference at Southern Connecticut State University.
“Competing in FBLA allows students to show their interest and abilities in subjects we do not teach at Staples,” says Sarah White, math instructor and FBLA advisor.
Staples students who placed at the FBLA State Leadership Conference include:
First Place: Ollie Vynerib (Advertising); Ethen Perry, Aidan Stubbs, Jackson Tracey (International Business)
Second Place: Jack Jacob (Securities & Investments); Max Benke, Jonah Bomback (Sports & Entertainment Management)
Third Place: Jay Nicholds, Luke Spera, RJ Wilks (Sales Presentation); Jack Leonard (Supply Chain Management)
Fourth Place: Chris Taylor (Supply Chain Management); Matthew Tybur (Organizational Leadership)
Fifth Place: Mikael Nagy (Introduction to Financial Math).
In addition, 4 students earned recognition at the National High School Model United Nations conference. Competing against schools from around the world, they displayed strong knowledge, diplomacy, and debating and leadership skills.
“Our students were very motivated and focused with their committees,” says Spanish teacher Horacio Ballesteros.
“This was an unforgettable experience for our students, with all grades represented in diverse contemporary groups addressing important global issues.”
Receiving the National High School Model United Nations Award of Merit:
Jacob Calandro and Julien McMahon (Special Political and Decolonization Committee); Alessandra Spadea and Jori Altman (Social, Cultural, and Humanitarian Committee).
Julien McMahon and Jacob Calandro.
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Congratulations to Lisa Wexler!
The Westport/Weston probate judge received the Henry C. Lee Award from Jane Doe No More — a Connecticut non-profit devoted to erasing the stigma of sexual abuse — at their 14th annual gala last weekend.
Noted pathologist Dr. Henry Lee and Jane Doe No More founder Donna Palomba presented the award. It recognized Wexler’s work on the radio and in court to bring awareness and empathy to victims of sexual violence.
The Lisa Wexler Show airs on WICC (600 AM/95.9 FM) weekdays, from 10 a.m. to noon. Podcasts are available on Apple and Spotify, and at lisawexler.com.
Judge Lisa Wexler (center) with Dr. Henry C. Lee and Donna Palomba.
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Earthplace — the educational and environmental center tucked away in the northwest Westport woods — has a packed calendar for families and adults in April.
Activities include:
Craft n’ Sip: Windchimes(April 3, 6-8 p.m.; make a wind chime with natural materials, guided by naturalists; BYOB and snacks; 21+).
Winged Wonders (April 6, 1 p.m.; bird-on-glove demonstration to learn about raptors).
Family Campfire: Vernal Pool Party (April 11, 6:30-8 p.m.; s’mores, spring crafts, animals and more).
Plein Air Painting on the Trails (April 12, 10 a.m.-noon; create artwork along the trail; all levels of artists, all mediums welcome; light refreshments).
Environmental Learning Series: Lights Out Connecticut!(April 15, 7-8 p.m.; lecture and Q-and-A via Zoom; learn about light pollution and its effects on birds, wildlife and human health.
Group Canoe Paddle (April 27, 1-3 p.m.; join naturalists on the Saugatuck River; equipment provided).
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Meanwhile, registration closs soon for several after-school programs at Earthplace, for children and teenagers. They begin early next month, and include:
Nature Art Club (Thursdays, 4-5 p.m.; nature-based art, grades 3-6).
Free Range Homeschoolers (Wednesdays, 1-3 p.m.; explore streams, meadows and woods with naturalists; ages 4-11).
Teen Volunteer Club(Tuesdays or Thursdays, 4-5 p.m.; learn animal care skills with hands-on training
Junior Staff(Fridays, 4-5 p.m.; explore plants, insects and other local wildlife alongside naturalists, grades 6-12)
Also at Earthplace: Kids’ Night Out (March 28, 6-9 p.m.; ages 5-12). Drop your children off for an evening of fun and learning; then relax and enjoy your night off).
Click here for details, including registration, fees and more.
Dustin Lowman — the 2011 Staples High School graduate/singer-songwriter making waves on the New York folk-ish scene — will play at Voices Café April 5.
That show is already sold out. But Dustin’s many fans can hear him interviewed by another former Westporter this Thursday (March 27, 2 p.m.).
Mike Zito has retired as a Staples radio and music production teacher. But he continues a longtime gig — hosting radio shows about American folk music — on WPKN, the eclectic and always interesting Bridgeport station.
In fact, Zito has been on ‘PKN since he was a student there, in the 1970s.
You listen on 89.5 FM, or click here for the livestream. (Hat tip: Jim Honeycutt)
Mike Zito
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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo could be from anywhere along our coast. Pam Docters spotted these early spring reeds at Old Mill Beach.
And finally … in honor of the upcoming Earth Animal/Fetch Rescue adoption event (story above):
(Another day, another Roundup. Another reminder that “06880” relies on reader support. And another link to click on, to help. And another thank you, to all our contributors!)
Recreation — sports, golf, racquets, the beaches, boating — is big in Westport.
As he settles in to his new position as Parks & Recreation Department director, Erik Barbieri is meeting with many stakeholders: staff, Park & Rec Commissioners, Public Works, Police and Fire Department, school officials, youth leaders, and more.
“I’m a team player,” he says.
He’s not kidding.
The Glastonbury native had a stellar soccer career at the University of Connecticut. He won numerous awards , culminating in 1994 Big East Player of the Year. Barbieri then played professionally with the minor league Connecticut Wolves.
Erik Barbieri, with UConn and sports memorabilia in his Westport office.
At the same time, the parks and recreation management major was embarking on his parks and recreation career.
Helped by a series of mentors — and secure in the knowledge that he was most comfortable in a hands-on, outdoors profession, not sitting in a cubicle — he rose through the ranks in New Britain.
Over 3 decades — culminating in 9 years as director — Barbieri managed 7 divisions. He oversaw parks, recreation, a golf course, a large stadium, cemeteries, senior and veteran services, and disability and youth programs. He completed 2 multimillion-d0llar capital improvement projects,
The only thing New Britain was missing was water.
With the mindset of an athlete — and a team player — the challenge of learning about beaches and marinas excites Barbieri.
Since starting his new position last month, the new director has explored our facilities, and tapped the insights of people like Rick Giunta, longtime marina director.
Ned Dimes Marina at Compo Beach is one of 2 under Parks & Recreation’s purview. (Drone photo/Daniel Johnson)
Barbieri had not been looking for a new gig. But the Westport position — vacant since Jen Fava resigned last spring — intrigued him.
The more he researched, the more he realized this town has outstanding facilities. It’s serious about recreation.
And there was plenty of work to be done.
The 10-year capital plan includes the renovation of Longshore. Replacing the maintenance facility is a high priority. There is a scarcity of athletic fields, several of which are overused and not up to high standards. Contracts — including the Compo Beach concession stand, and Longshore golf course maintenance and cart fleet company — expire soon.
New Britain’s self-described “jack of all trades” is excited to dig into every aspect of his new job.
“We’ve hit the ground not running, but sprinting,” he says. He’s learning about — and where necessary, taking fresh looks at — facilities, programs, and everything in between.
Take the maintenance facility and golf pro shop. Both have Americans with Disabilities Act compliance issues. Machines and golf carts are stored outside, in the salt air.
Erik Barbieri’s “fresh eyes” will take a new look at Longshore, and all town recreational facilities.
“Westport has great people,” he says. His Parks & Rec staff, and those in Public Works — with whom his department works closely — “really make things happen.”
Returning to his “team player” analogy, Barbieri says “we have to prioritize needs. We’ll do it together: our staff, the first selectwoman, Public Works, Board of Finance — everyone.”
Also on his agenda: hiring a new parks superintendent. Michael West left that crucial role in January, to become assistant director in Ridgefield. Barbieri begins interviewing candidates for that position soon.
On his first day, Barbieri says, he told his staff: “I have an open door. Feedback is important.” He, Giunta and operations manager Carmen Roda, “are here to listen to you.” And, he emphasized, “community feedback is important.”
Barbieri calls himself “high energy. I like to get things done. There are good projects ahead, to make Westport an even better place than it already is.”
(“06880” covers the Westport waterfront — literally and figuratively. If you enjoy this hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
In this area, many of those talking are businesspeople. Most have some skin in the game.
That includes Stew Leonard Jr.
The Westport native — now CEO of Stew Leonard’s, the company his father founded, with 8 locations in the tri-state area — sat down the other day with Business Insider. Among his comments:
As far as tariffs go, I’ve talked to our suppliers in Mexico with avocados and beer and tequila, and I’ve talked to our suppliers in Canada. We get some tomatoes on the vine from Vancouver, and salmon is our biggest item from Canada. There’s also lobsters, but it’s not lobster season yet.
Basically, take your darts out for your dartboard because nobody that I’ve talked to, even the experts in the field, knows what’s going to happen.
Throw a dart. Is this tariff going to last one day? Is it going to last a week? Is it going to last a month?
What we’re scrambling to do is find alternate sources if there is an increase in the tariff. We’re sitting here riding the market day by day….
Click here to read the full story. (Hat tip: Doug McCarthy)
Stew Leonard Jr. (Photo courtesy/Westchester Magazine)
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On the 5th anniversary of the pandemic, COVID is still here.
Is bird flu here too?
While the CDC website shows no reported cases in Connecticut — or east of Ohio — one Westport woman is not so sure.
She told “06880” yesterday that she found 2 dead birds in the waters of the Ned Dimes Marina at Compo Beach, and another nearby on the Longshore golf course.
She was advised to contact the Aspetuck Health District, just to be sure.
Dead birds at the Compo Beach marina.
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For a while, I’ve wondered why nearly every new house in Westport seems to be white (with black accents).
I’m not the only one.
Dan Kois has thought about the trend too.
Now he’s written about it.
He concentrates on Arlington, Virginia. But the style is national, he notes.
His piece in Salon answers a number of questions, including why they’re so big, and why they’re so white. Click here to read. (Hat tip: Scott Smith)
This 4-bedroom, 3 1/2-bathroom house on Spriteview Avenue is on the market for $3.499 million.
It’s less than 3 miles from Staples High to the Westport Country Playhouse.
It’s a lot longer through Ithaca, New York.
That’s the route Zach De Brino took. It was worth the detour.
Before graduating from high school in 2019, he was an assistant director for Staples Players.
Zach earned a BFA in stage management from Ithaca College in 2023. Since then he’s worked Off-Broadway and regionally, including production assistant and crew swing on “Teeth” at Playwrights Horizons, assistant stage manager for the Spoleto Festival USA in Charleston, and event production coordinator in New York.
Now he returns home. Zach is the production assistant “Theatre People,” which opens March 25 at the Playhouse.
Click here for more information on the show, including tickets.
Zach De Brino, checking props for “Theatre People.” (Photo/Andrea Quiles)
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