It’s not just the smell of bratwurst and sausage wafting across Elm Street.
Walden Meats’ grill gets a workout.
Downtown was cooking, as the 8th annual Westoberfest drew hundreds of beer lovers, wine drinkers, little kids, and anyone else looking for all-ages fun.
What’s a Westoberfest without a petting zoo?
The weather was perfect — 80 degrees and sunny — for the Westport Downtown Association’s street fair.
Josh Allen in lederhosen; Helen McAlinden, Huong Belpedio, Annette Norton. All are with the Westport Downtown Association.
The festivities go on until 6 p.m. Prost!
“06880” celebrates with Matt Bannon. The Westporter’s Barn Brew Company offers craft beers and THC-infused beverages. (Photo/Dave Briggs)
“Make your own charcuterie” is a new feature at Westoberfest.
Westport Downtown Association president Maxx Crowley, in the beer tent.
Markus Marty (right) was on hand, with Bike Westport. Riding the stationary bike had a reward: It powered a smoothie.
Westporters — and visitors from Washington — enjoyed the day.
Earlier in the day, a League of Women Voters “Meet the RTM Candidates” session drew plenty of Representative Town Meeting incumbents and hopefuls — and a few voters — to the Westport Library.
Claudia Shaum and Velma Heller welcome candidates and voters. (Photo/Joan Gillman)
The town’s legislative body is non-partisan. There was plenty of good, friendly schmoozing, over coffee and treats.
Candidates, for a variety of offices. (Photo/Joan Gillman)
Scouts from Troops 39/139 were there too, getting out the vote by helping younger kids creat signs.
Unlike the candidates’, these were homemade.
(Photo/Joan Gillman)
Jack Klinge (left), 87, has served on the RTM for nearly 3 decades. Addison Moore (right), 21, is running for a seat. If elected, he would be its youngest member — perhaps the youngest in history.
Another group of attendees. (Photo/Joan Gillman)
The long and the short of it: Russ Burkhardt (center), with Dan Woog and Jimmy Izzo.
A few yards away, the annual Volunteer Fair filled the Trefz Forum. Several dozen non-profits and town organizations were there, inviting attendees to learn more about what they offered.
And to sign up new folks, eager to help.
VFW Post 399, and the American Legion.
Positive Directions, the mental health and substance abuse support and resource center.
Something for everyone. (All photos Dan Woog unless otherwise noted)
Westport’s very active Saturday spills into tonight, with the Westport Country Playhouse gala honoring Nathan Lane and Anne Keefe — and, across town, Earthplace’s Woodside Bash.
The fun continues tomorrow.
Westport Moms’ 5th annual Family Fun Fall Festival (Sunday, 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.) includes a ninja wall, pottery making, pumpkin decorating, face painting, a bounce house, games, basketball clinics, chess matches, hair tinsel, a DJ, Mad Science show, character photo ops, pizza and taco food trucks, and more.
There is a ton going on in Westport today. In the words of former 1st selectman Jim Marpe, “If you can’t find something to do here, you’re just not trying.”
Among the activities:
Meet Your RTM Candidates (10 a.m. to noon, Westport Library): Informal chats with the men and women running for our legislative body; coffee, donuts, snacks and art activities for youngsters. Co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters Westport, and “06880.”
Westport Volunteer Fair (11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Westport Library): Dozens of local nonprofit organizations with information tables, and members on hand to promote volunteerism.
Westoberfest (Noon to 6 p.m., Elm Street): Oktoberfest comes to downtown, with raft beers, kids’ activities, music and much more. Purchase tickets online; more expensive on-site. Sponsored by the Westport Downtown Association.
At This Stage (5:30 p.m., Westport Country Playhouse): Gala fundraiser, honoring Nathan Lane and Anne Keefe. Click here for tickets, and more information.
Woodside Bash (7 to 10 p.m., Earthplace): Harvest dinner, open bar, music, line dancing, a fire pit and mechanical bull. Click here for tickets, and more information.
Westoberfest — one of many activities in town today.
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It’s tulip time now — for a beautiful payoff this spring.
Tomorrow (Sunday, October 5, 9 a.m.), volunteers will gather at the entrance to Compo Beach, to continue the annual planting project.
Andrew Colabella has donated 1,500 bulbs. All are welcome to help get them in the ground. Bring a small trowel; Andrew will have power tools.
He hopes to raise money through the Sons of American Legion to continue the tradition. For details, email mshornick@optonline.net.
Andrew Colabella (front, right) joined fellow Representative Town Meeting members in 2023, to plant tulips at the Minute Man Monument.
Earth Animal’s 18th annual Mitten Project is underway.
Once again, the popular local business has set an audacious goal: $80,000, to address hunger in Fairfield County. Last year, Earth Animal and its friends raised $75,737.66.
Once again, they’ll match every dollar raised.
This — due to federal funding cuts — Earth Animal’s partner CT Foodshare needs more help than ever.
There are 3 parts to the Mitten Project.
In November and December, shoppers can support the cause in many ways, including:
Purchasing advent calendars (25 days of giving treats to pups!)
“Shop & Give” promotions in which businesses donate percentages of sales (South Pine Creek Deli, Millie Rae’s, Bel Mondo, McLaughlin, Element50, Eleven11, Pet Pantry, Izzo’s Garden Center, 299 Design Gallery, The Post, Kelli & Crew, Westport Hardware, Scout & Molly’s, Vintage Gardens, La Moda, Capri, Athletic Shoe Factory, Lolli Sutton, Fox Trot Home and more)
Pin-up Fundraiser ($5+ donations fill out a mitten, and will be displayed in Earth Animal’s store windows)
Pies for Good (Wakeman Town Farm offers homemade apple, apple crumb, blueberry, blueberry crumb, cherry, cherry crumb and pumpkin pie, plus homemade ice cream; $25 per pie, $10 per pint; pre-order here (November 3-21).
Wreaths for Good (November 29, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.): Holiday wreath fundraiser, and a special appearance by Santa.
NASA is shut down. But the Westport Observatory is wide open.
The Westport Astronomical Society invites everyone to visit tonight (Saturday, October 4, 8 p.m.), to celebrate International Observe the Moon Night.
The annual event encourages everyone on Earth to observe, learn about, and celebrate the Moon together.
At the Bayberry Lane site, visitors can see the 10 1/2-day, 80% illuminated waxing gibbous moon (and other stuff) through a number of telescopes. (Bonus view: Saturn.)
There’s a lot going on at VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399.
And you don’t have to be a veteran to take part. All are welcome!
Mark your calendars for:
Comedy Night (October 17, 8 p.m.; $20): Four comedians will keep you laughing.
Chili Cookoff (October 18, 6 p.m.; $25). Benefit for Westport Police Department, Westport Fire Department, Westport Emergency Medical Services, and veterans.
Veterans’ luncheon (October 23, 11 a.m.). An ongoing effort to check in on all veterans’ welfare, and connect them with the benefits and support they earned. Representatives will answer questions, and provide information on services and assistance available to veterans.
Blues party: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member Mark Naftalin and friends (November 1, 7:30 p.m.; $15).
Plus: Sunday specials during NFL football games: $5 shots, $6 drafts.
Questions about any of these events? Email vfw399ct@gmail.com, or call 203-227-6796. (Hat tip: Andrew Colabella)
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There’s also a lot this month at MoCA CT. For example:
Staples High School senior Myla Saperstein is the Westport Book Shop’s guest exhibitor this month.
She is showing photos from some of her favorite places around the world, from the beaches of Westport to the shores of Cabo San Lucas. Her work highlights the sky in different lights and colors. All works are available for purchase.
Speaking of great photos: Our celebration of dogs returning to Compo Beach — the annual October 1 event — continues, with this peaceful image by Nicola Sharian:
And finally … thinking of tomorrow’s tulip-planting event (story above):
(Another weekend, another day packed with a news-you-can-use Roundup. If you enjoy this daily feature — or any other on “06880” — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
This Saturday’s “Meet Your RTM Candidates” event (October 4, 10 a.m. to noon, Westport Library) is a great chance to, well, meet the men and women competing in your district for a Representative Town Meeting seat.
The RTM is our town’s legislative body. They are the final officials to sign off on budgets, and — at times — controversial issues.
Bring the kids! The event includes coffee, donuts, snacks, and art activities for youngsters. It’s co-sponsored by the League of Women Voters Westport, and “06880.”
But that’s not the only event going on Saturday morning at the Library.
From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., the Westport Volunteer Fair takes place in the Trefz Forum.
Dozens of local nonprofit organizations will have information tables, and members on hand to promote volunteerism.
It’s a fantastic way for adults — and teens — to find out how to put their talents and energy to great use. There is an organization for every interest.
Come for the RTM event. Stay for the Volunteer Fair. See you there!
The scene at last year’s Volunteer Fair. (Photo/Molly Alger)
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Also at the Library: The next 2 Common Ground Initiatives.
They’re both opportunities for positive, productive conversations on how we move forward as a civil society; encourage respectful, constructive dialogue, and tackle challenging and controversial issues.
This coming Monday (October 6, 7 p.m.), Michael Brownstein, Alex Madva and Daniel Kelly — authors of Somebody Should Do Something— will paint a picture of how social change happens, one choice at a time.
With moderator Sharon Suchotliff, the panel will delve into a novel and scientific approach to create transformative social change — and the surprising ways that each of us can help make a real difference. Click here for more information.
On October 14, “From Division to Unity: Lessons in Bridging Divides” (7 p.m.) features a panel of national experts in business, sports, and the military. They’ll share how they’ve navigated complex divisions, to lead diverse teams toward common goals.
The panel includes:
Bonnie Hammer, Retired vice chair, NBC Universal
Mel Raines, CEO, Indiana Pacers (NBA)
Steve Parrish, retired senior vice president, Altria Group
Tony La Russa, Hall of Fame Major League Baseball manager
General William Welch, US Air Force general (retired)
The conversation will be facilitated by Dr. Allen Hilton, executive director of the House United Movement and consulting theologian at Greens Farms Church. Click here for more information.
Preliminary work has begun for the new Long Lots Elementary School.
The former Long Lots Preserve — developed a few years ago, adjacent to the Community Gardens — will be used as a staging area for construction equipment. When the school is completed, the land will be converted to an athletic field.
A new Japanese restaurant has opened quietly in Westport.
Omakase — in the small plaza next to Dunville’s, on Saugatuck Avenue. The name refers to a series of small dishes of the chef’s choosing.
Jessica Ryan reports in CTBites that 10 sit at an open counter, watching Chef Edwin work. “He slices, dices and molds while offering entertaining and informative explanations about the fish, the flavors and his techniques.”
Want to help shape the future of Westport’s parks?
As part of the Parks Master Plan process, the Parks & Recreation Department hosts a public workshop today (Tuesday, September 30, 6 p.m., Westport Library). All community members are invited. It will be run by the town’s consultants, BL Companies.
The Town’s consultant, BL Companies, will provide residents with the opportunity to engage directly with the consultants, share feedback, and learn more about the planning process.
From 7:30 to 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Westport police officers will be hanging out at the downtown Starbucks.
There are no speeches; there is no agenda. Just a chance to sit and chat about Westport, ask questions, and discuss anything and everything, over coffee.
Green’s Farms Church’s 12th annual Service Sunday was, as always, devoted to hands-on projects with partners in Westport, Norwalk and Bridgeport.
After a send-off service, congregants put their faith into action on projects like landscaping, cemetery restoration, classroom makeovers, music at an assisted living community, and community-resource organization.
Among the efforts:
Bridgeport Rescue Mission: lawn/garden work, and cleaning service trucks.
Residence at Westport: music performance led by the church’s music team.
A Westporter and educator for over 43 years in the Catholic school system, she had a remarkable impact on students and families. She helped countless elementary and middle schoolers grow and learn.
Now she’s earned more kudos.
On Saturday Maureen received the St. Augustine Medal of Honor, on behalf of The Catholic Academy of Stamford. It was awarded for her “dedication, service and commitment to Catholic education.”
As we get ready to turn the page to October, today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature highlights one of the first trees in town to show its fall colors. Ed Simek spotted it, on Treadwell Avenue.
Voters in more than half of Westport’s 9 Representative Town Meeting districts will have an actual choice this November.
But just barely.
Each RTM district elects 4 representatives to the town’s legislative body.
With the filing deadline passed, only 5 of those districts have more than 4 candidates on the ballot. They are Districts 1, 2, 3, 4 and 9. The other 4 have the bare minimum: 4 candidates each.
And of the 5 districts with actual races, 3 have just 5 candidates. Two — Districts 2 and 9 — have 6.
Here’s the breakdown.
District 1: Incumbents: Andrew Bloom, Matthew Mandell, Kristin Mott Purcell, Chris Tait. Petitioning: Gail Coykendall.
District 2: Incumbents: Jay Keenan, Melissa Levy, Louis Mall, Mike Perry. Petitioning: Harris Falk, Jenna Petok.
District 3: Incumbents: Ross Burkhardt, Jimmy Izzo, Pamela Troy-Kopack. Petitioning: Adam Drake, Srikanth Puttagunta.
District 4: Incumbents: Andrew Colabella, Clarence Hayes, Jeff Wieser. Petitioning: Charles Lucas, Victoria Wylie, Charles Lucas.
District 5: Incumbents: Peter Gold, Karen Kramer, Dick Lowenstein, Claudia Shaum.
District 6: Incumbents: Candace Banks, Seth Braunstein, Alma Sarelli. Petitioning: Lauren Karpf.
District 7: Incumbents Brandi Briggs, Jack Klinge, Ellen Lautenberg Hendel. Petitioning: Joseph Carson.
But those crustaceans (and all the steak, cole slaw, beverages — not to mention the band, booths, etc.) don’t fall from the sky. They take a ton of work.
The Westport Rotary Club fundraiser happens every year because of the very hard work of every member. And many more volunteers.
At yesterday’s weekly meeting, LobsterFest volunteer chair Susan Shuck described what all those people do.
Their efforts pay off. Approximately $400,000 will be distributed as grants in May, primarily to Westport and other Fairfield County non-profit organizations.
Representatives from one of those groups — Homes with Hope — spoke to the Rotary Club too. Paris Looney and Katherine Murray joined CEO Helen McAlinden.
She noted that HwH plays a major role in the greater Westport community — not only in the rehabilitation of homeless people, but through an array of programs and strategies that help prevent homelessness at its roots.
Back to LobsterFest: If you don’t yet have tickets, you’re out of luck. It sells out very quickly, when 1,500 tickets become available each summer. Watch this space next year!
Susan Shuck, with a LobsterFest volunteer t-shirt. (Photo/Dave Matlow)
Doris Skutch — a longtime Westporter, business executive, and ardent volunteer in politics and other areas of local life — died peacefully here on Sunday. She was 94.
After leaving Connecticut College in the 1950s, she moved to New York and began her professional journey as a journalist for women’s periodicals.
Her career soon transitioned into textiles, where she found her calling in communications and marketing. Doris spent over 3 decades at Burlington Industries. Starting as a secretary, she rose through the ranks to become vice president – fashion. She loved her twice-yearly trips to shows in Paris and London, bringing back wonderful concepts for fabric buyers.
Following her tenure at Burlington, Doris brought her expertise to a boutique communications firm in Westport. She later dedicating her skills to nonprofit work, as a grant writer for United Way in Bridgeport.
A passionate advocate for civic engagement and community service, Doris was a lifelong Democrat who remained active for over 50 years. She was a life member of the Westport League of Women Voters, and held LWV leadership roles at the local and state levels.
Her commitment to public service included the Y’s Women, and the Connecticut Alliance for Music. She also participated in several book clubs.
Doris was a devoted member of Christ & Holy Trinity Episcopal Church for many years.
Doris is survived by her sons Douglas and Elliot Royce; stepsons David and Christopher Skutch; niece Casey Farley; 4 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren.
Doris Skutch
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Today, elephant ears make their first appearance in our “Westport … Naturally” feature.
And finally … Rick Davies, founder of Supertramp, died Saturday in East Hampton, New York. He was 81, and had been diagnosed with blood cancer over a decade ago. Click here for a full obituary.
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This is not stop-the-presses news, but: Parents are under tremendous pressure.
Work demands, societal expectations, concerns about children’s safety and the influence of social media, caring for their own parents … and that’s just for starters.
“Parenting Pressures: Navigating Challenges and Achieving Balance” may not solve every issue. But the event — September 15, 7 p.m., at the Westport Library — can’t hurt.
And at least you’ll be surrounded by parents just like you.
There’s a panel discussion with mental health experts, followed by small group sessions where attendees can ask questions, share resources and receive support.
As of today, there may be competitive races in only 4 of the 9 Representative Town Meeting districts.
Here’s the breakdown. (NOTE: Each district elects 4 members. The RTM is non-partisan.)
District 1: Incumbents: Andrew Bloom, Matthew Mandell, Kristin Mott Purcell, Chris Tait. Petitioning: Gail Coykendall.
District 2: Incumbents: Jay Keenan, Melissa Levy, Louis Mall, Mike Perry. Petitioning: Harris Falk, Jenna Petok.
District 3: Incumbents: Ross Burkhardt, Jimmy Izzo, Pamela Troy-Kopack. Incumbent not running: Don O’Day.
District 4: Incumbents: Andrew Colabella, Clarence Hayes, Jeff Wieser. Petitioning: Victoria Wylie, Charles Lucas, Cara Zimon. Incumbent not running: Noah Hammond.
District 5: Incumbents: Peter Gold, Karen Kramer, Dick Lowenstein, Claudia Shaum.
District 6: Incumbents: Candace Banks, Seth Braunstein, Alma Sarelli. Petitioning: Lauren Karpf. Incumbent not running: David Rosenwaks.
District 7: Incumbents Brandi Briggs, Jack Klinge, Ellen Lautenberg Hendel. Petitioning: Joseph Carson. Incumbent not running: Lauren Karpf.
District 8: Incumbents: Wendy Goldwyn Batteau, Rachel Steel Cohn. Petitioning: Jill Grayson. Incumbents not running: Ari Benmosche, Julie Whamond.
District 9: Incumbents: Jennifer Johnson, Nancy Kail, Sal Liccione, Kristin Schneeman. Petitioning: Addison Moore.
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.
For more information about the petition process or other election questions, contact Town Clerk Jeffrey Dunkerton: 203-341-1105; jdunkerton@westportct.gov.
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The Board of Education meets on September 4 (7 p.m., Staples High School cafeteria), following an executive session to discuss security matters.
The agenda includes the superintendent’s report on the start of the school year; student enrollment and staffing reports; student need assessment surveys; approval of an AI student survey, and discussion of the Staples High School roof replacement project.
It’s a shot of 2 cars that were parked yesterday, in the lot behind Chase Bank off Avery Place.
We’re not sure which driver was there first: the white car, or the gray one.
Whoever thought this was a good idea — and then walked away because, well, who knows why — just claimed a top spot in our Entitled Drivers’ Hall of Fame.
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Two women and a man have been indicted for their roles in a stolen check and bank fraud scheme.
They stole checks from mailboxes, then changed them to be payable to “runners” who cashed them. Most checks were drawn from small business accounts in Connecticut — including Westport.
Even the main Westport post office has been victimized.
Staples High School graduate and current Westport resident Jeff Manchester is head of partnerships and business development at Fin3. The digital assets company offers digital drafts — a secure payment method and process, enabled by recent changes to payment legislation.
Local companies and non-profits like The Boat Locker, Norwalk Symphony and Rosewood Remodeling are using digital drafts. Manchester invites potential customers to click here for more information., (Use this code: 828cx0)
Westport post office warning, last year. (Photo/Bob Weingarten)
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Congratulations to Ben Roland!
The 2019 Staples High School graduate is the youngest licensed architect on the East Coast. Only a few others near his age — 23 — are licensed nationwide.
Ben graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design with a bachelor’s in architecture — a 5-year program.
He supplemented his studies with a semester at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Art in Copenhagen (the only American student there in 2022), along with coursework in philosophy, and in real estate development and urban studies at Brown University.
He interned every summer after high school — first locally, then in Boston and Washington. ce.
His thesis was a multidisciplinary investigation of coastal residential development and storm surge resilience — with Westport as a case study.
Ben then returned to William Rawn Associates in Boston, where he had interned. His roles included director of DEI and sustainability.
He set a goal of becoming a licensed architect within a year. He completed the almost 4,000 hours of architecture work needed, so he began studying in the new year.
Bentook all 6 exams within two weeks in June, passing all on the first try — a feat accomplished by only 3%.
So it was — but also was not — “back to the drawing board” for Ben.
Ben Roland
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Johanna Keyser Rossi offers today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo.
She notes: “Thursday afternoon, at the YMCA near the Saugatuck River canoe area, I saw this huvenile swan with its parents. It’s the first time I saw a young swan. All summer I saw pairs of swans, but no babies.”
Perhaps we should start calling it the Swanee River …
(We hope you enjoy the Labor Day weekend. Here at “06880” central, we keep laboring to bring you this hyper-local blog. If you enjoy our work, please click here to support it. Thanks!)
Posted onAugust 19, 2025|Comments Off on Karpf Leaves Board Of Ed Race
And now there are 3.
Lauren Karpf — one of 2 candidates nominated by the Democratic Town Committee for the Board of Education — is stepping out of that race.
After careful consideration, she believes she can make a greater impact by running to remain on the Representative Town Meeting (RTM). The District 7 member currently serves as deputy moderator.
After consultation with the Democrats currently serving on the Board of Ed — chair Lee Goldstein, secretary Neil Phillips, and members Kevin Christie and Abby Tolan — the Democratic Town Committee has decided not to endorse another candidate.
Tolan is running for re-election. She and Karpf were endorsed by the DTC last month. Two other Democrats — Steve Shackelford and Jodi Harris — are also in the race, as petitioning candidates.
By state statute, one party can hold no more than a bare majority — 4 seats on the 7-member board. Thus, the Democrats will enhance their chances by running 3 candidates, rather than 4. With Goldstein and Phillips in the middle of their 4-year terms, and remaining on the BOE, only 2 of those 3 could be seated.
Meanwhile, the Republican Town Committee has endorsed 4 candidates: incumbent Dorie Hordon, plus Michelle Hopson, Andy Frankel and Kaitlin Zucaro. If all 4 win, the GOP would have a majority on the Board of Education.
Addison Moore is the youngest guest we’ve ever had on our “06880” podcast.
He’s also one of the most interesting.
A 2023 Staples High School graduate, and a rising senior at Lafayette College, Addison started one of Fairfield County’s largest youth community service groups.
He is living proof that young people today do care about much more than themselves (and their phones).
Now Addison is taking his activism one step further. He’s planning a run for the Representative Town Meeting (RTM) — the youngest candidate ever.
The other day, Addison stopped by the Westport Library, to chat about his love for this town, his service to it, and his future here. Click below to hear his well-spoken, passionate insights.
As of today, there may be only competitive races in 4 of the 9 Representative Town Meeting districts.
Here’s the breakdown. (NOTE: Each district elects 4 members. The RTM is non-partisan.)
District 1: Incumbents: Andrew Bloom, Matthew Mandell, Kristin Mott Purcell, Chris Tait. Petitioning: Gail Coykendall.
District 2: Incumbents: Jay Keenan, Melissa Levy, Louis Mall, Mike Perry. Petitions not yet returned: Harris Falk, Jenna Petok.
District 3: Incumbents: Ross Burkhardt, Jimmy Izzo, Pamela Troy-Kopack. Incumbent not running: Don O’Day.
District 4: Incumbents: Andrew Colabella, Clarence Hayes, Jeff Wieser. Petitions not yet returned: Victoria Wylie, Charles Lucas, Cara Zimon. Incumbent not running: Noah Hammond.
District 5: Incumbents: Peter Gold, Karen Kramer, Dick Lowenstein, Claudia Shaum.
District 6: Incumbents: Candace Banks, Seth Braunstein, Alma Sarelli. Incumbent not running: David Rosenwaks.
District 7: Incumbents Brandi Briggs, Jack Klinge, Ellen Lautenberg. Petition not yet returned: Joseph Carson. Incumbent not running: Lauren Karpf.
District 8: Incumbents: Wendy Goldwyn Batteau, Rachel Steel Cohn. Incumbents not running: Ari Benmosche, Julie Whamond.
District 9: Incumbents: Jennifer Johnson, Nancy Kail, Sal Liccione, Kristin Schneeman. Petition not yet returned: Addison Moore.
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.
For more information about the petition process or other election questions, contact Town Clerk Jeffrey Dunkerton: 203-341-1105; jdunkerton@westportct.gov.
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Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. tomorrow (Tuesday, August 12) for this year’s Westport Library “Booked for the Evening” fundraiser, with Sara Jessica Parker.
The Emmy Award-winning actor, producer, publisher and businesswoman will be honored September 10.
And — because she wants readers to check out the space, and meet “rock star” office manager Lindy Steinorth — she invites people to email Lindy (westportct@officeevolution.com), or call her (203-635-8770).
Just mention “06880,” for a free trial. PS: Tell Lindy she rocks!
Office Evolution manager Lindy Steinorth (left) and Westport owner Laura Kaufman.
Calling all pickleball players. And fans of Tom Lowrie. And everyone else who wants to celebrate.
On August 23 (3 to 5:30 p.m.), the pickleball courts at Compo Beach will be dedicated in honor of Lowrie.
The 97-year-old is “the father of Westport pickleball” (and much more).
Theree will be an exhibition with professional, nationally ranked players (and prizes). And the Y’s Men’s Hoot Owls will provide musical entertainment.
Bring your own beach chair and refreshments. Watch the pros. Honor Tom. And then play afterward, on the Tom Lowrie Courts.
Aaron Judge, and furry Gus and Penny, are teaming up with Westport Animal Shelter Advocates and Earth Animal, to help homeless dogs in around Connecticut.
Each “Judge” dog toy is $29.99. All proceeds to go to WASA.
This year alone, the non-profit has covered almost $11,000 worth of emergency care for animals abandoned in Westport. Additional funds have been spent elsewhere in the state.
The Wood Brothers brought their progressive Americana sound to the Levitt Pavilion last night, as the 51st season of great outdoor entertainment continued.
Former Westport teacher Lois Green died peacefully at her North Carolina home on May 18. She was 95.
The Adelphi University (BA) and Fairfield University (MA) graduate and her family were longtime residents of Westport, apart from a stay in Sydney, Australia between 1970 and 1977.
Lois taught special education and reading in the Westport Public Schools, ranging from kindergarten to high school.
She served as a Westport Education Association representative, and volunteered with the League of Women Voters.
After retirement she continued her advocacy as a court appointed guardian ad litem, representing foster children with special education needs in the courts and school systems. Lois supported many human rights, social justice and environmental causes.
Lois had a passion for learning as well as teaching. She was an inaugural member of a philosophy class at the University of North Carolina that brought college-age students and older community members together to share perspectives. She attended classes until a few weeks before her final illness.
She and her late husband Paul were world travelers, by car, ship, foot and plane.
Lois is survived by her children Julie Altschuler (Scott), Mark (Michele Karel), and Jonathan (Christiane Auston); grandchildren Rena Behar (David Gabriel), David Behar, Michael Green (Andrea Hinojosa Nieto), Lizzie Green, Sarah Green and Owen Auston-Babcock, nephews, and her lifelong dearest friend, Arlene Wang.
Lois Green
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In these lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer, there’s nothing more soothing than today’s Saugatuck River “Westport … Naturally” scene.
And finally … in honor of the Aaron Judge dog toy promotion (story above):
(We won’t judge you if you don’t support “06880.” But on the other hand: If you’re reading this, and enjoying us, and learning about our town, why don’t you? Please click here — and thank you!)
Westport’s interesting race for 1st selectman just got even more intriguing.
David Rosenwaks will be the town’s first-ever Independent Party-endorsed candidate. Having secured more than enough signatures, he’ll have his own line on the November 4 ballot.
He joins Democratic-endorsed Kevin Christie, and Don O’Day, the Republican-endorsed candidate who is now unaffiliated.
Rosenwaks, 48, spent 25 years as an unaffiliated voter. He became a Democrat less than a year ago, but is now joining the Independent Party.
David Rosenwaks
Party politics is one of the reasons Rosenwaks is running for the town’s top job. A first-term member of the non-partisan Representative Town Meeting, he says, “I want to change the tenor of town government. As an Independent, I’ll answer to one entity: Westport and its citizens.
“A lot of decisions have been made before weighing all views. A lot of people feel unheard and undervalued.”
Rosenwaks envisions a return to former 1st Selectwoman Diane Farrell’s “Brown Bag Lunches.” A member of the RTM’s Information Technology Committee, he also hopes to “modernize and digitize” the town’s technology system.
Rosenwaks and his wife, actor Liz Fye, moved to Westport from New York at the beginning of COVID. They felt “blessed” by the school system, Library, beaches and rich arts heritage.
Rosenwaks dove into all aspects of the town. He attended commission and TEAM Westport meetings, Westport Library events, the Senior Center, the Westport Country Playhouse and more. He is a member of the Westport Arts Advisory Committee, joined the Citizens Police Academy, served on the PTA Council in a technology role, and coached recreation soccer.
“I learned a lot from the people who have been here for years,” Rosenwaks said. “They helped me understand how this town grew and evolved into what it is now.”
At the same time, he says, “Westport is at an inflection point. The average age is 39 to 45, depending on the data you use. We’re ready for the next evolution of the town. I’m confident I can be the bridge between those who have been here for decades, and the more recent arrivals.”
His RTM District 6 race was very competitive: 7 candidates for 4 seats. He knocked on 700 doors, and heard a diversity of viewpoints on a variety of topics.
David Rosenwaks
In the past 5 years, Westport has grappled with some major controversies.
Rosenwaks — a Long Lots Elementary School parent — was disturbed by the overcrowding and neglect at his children’s school. At the same time, he says, “the Community Gardeners should have been handled differently. They deserved a more honest approach up front.”
Redistricting 30 children “across the river, at 2 of the worst times of day” was an example of decisions being made “piecemeal, not holistically,” he says.
Rosenwaks was also disturbed at the Board of Education’s handling of Staples High’s soccer coaches.
“Over 100 kids sat in Town Hall for 14 hours,” he says. “Their voices were not heard. They were disilliulsioned. That’s a problem for their future, and the future of the town.”
As for the Hamlet, he says, “the majority of people in Westport want some development. But not to the extent of what was proposed. How did we get here, held hostage by a developer that doesn’t connect with what most people want?”
after graduating from Dartmouth College, Rosenwaks joined Salomon Smith Barney/Citigroup as an investment banker.
He then co-founded a multi-billion dollar asset management firm, StoneCastle Partners. After selling it a decade later he pivoted to singing, songwriting and art collecting.
He’s recorded with Paul Shaffer and Phil Ramone. Rosenwaks’ original music has appeared in independent films. He headlined shows at the Public Theater, Joe’s Pub, and BB King’s.
Now, he says, “I spend most of my time dedicated to the town.”
Which brings him back to the reason he is running.
“I want what’s best for my family, my neighbors, and the town of Westport,” Rosenwaks says.
“I want everyone to feel involved. Whether it’s Jesup Green or a parking lot, every decision should be about what’s best for Westport.”
To run on the Independent Party line, Rosenwaks needed signatures from 1% of the number of people who voted in the previous selectperson’s race: 85 registered voters.
He submitted 132.
Now he awaits official certification, from the Independent Party.
He is running solo for the top spot. According to the Town Charter, if a person elected 1st selectman “has not been nominated by political party, the 2 defeated chandidates for First Selectman having the high number of votes shall be elected Selectman.”
It is unclear if that means the 2nd and 3rd selectmen would be the 2 other candidates for that position (Christie and O’Day, in whichever order they finish), or if the candidates of the runner-up party with the most runner-up votes would serve as 2nd and 3rd selectpersons, respectively (Christie and Amy Wistreich, or O’Day and Andrea Moore).
Either way, Rosenwaks says, “I will be happy to work with any combinatiion of ‘defeated candidates. Leadership comes from the top.”
Make way for “The Alliance for Saugatuck Housing Opportunity.”
ROAN Ventures – the developer of the Hamlet residential/hotel/retail/event space project, whose application was denied last month by the Planning & Zoning Commission – is moving forward with an 8-30g proposal.
The plan includes 400 to 500 residential units, in the same general Saugatuck footprint as the Hamlet site. As an 8-30g, 30% would be deemed “affordable” under a state formula.
ROAN hopes to file its new application by the end of the month.
The 8-30g application will be as controversial as The Hamlet. Connecticut’s 8-30g affordable housing regulation gives municipalities little say in areas like density, parking, public amenities, walkability and waterfront access.
An earlier sketch of a possible 8-30g housing development in Saugatuck. Railroad Place is at the bottom, and bisects the buildings at the left and center; Luciano Park is the green area at top left. Riverside Avenue runs to the right of the building on the right.
In a statement, ROAN calls the Hamlet denial “a significant missed opportunity for Westport.” As a result, the developer has shifted to another use for the site.
The Representative Town Meeting (RTM) upheld the original P&Z text amendment by a 33-1 vote, ROAN notes, “citing the possibility of a state-mandated affordable housing development” if they did not affirm the rezoning.
Chris Smith, zoning attorney for ROAN, says the developer is “very disappointed with the Commission’s denial of the Hamlet, especially after working with the Commission and town over a long period of time.
“However, my client understands that Westport has been receptive to residential communities with housing opportunity components in the past.”
ROAN “looks forward to working with the Commission and town in moving forward with a comprehensive proposal that promotes housing opportunities for the citizens of Westport in the Saugatuck neighborhood,” Smith adds.
The P&Z’s denial vote “triggered significant interest from many developers who were following the special permit process,” ROAN tells “06880.”
“At the moment the plan is for ROAN to develop the property, potentially with some partners who have shown interest in the new business plan.”
Noting that the Hamlet proposal included 57 residential units, 57 hotel rooms and building heights up to 62 feet, ROAN says their goal was to “provide a vibrant village atmosphere with public waterfront access, retail, dining, and diverse housing options.
“Architectural plans were created to integrate seamlessly with Westport’s charm, and contribute to local economic growth and modernized infrastructure.”
“06880” is reaching out to town officials for comments on the Alliance for Saugatuck Housing Opportunity plan, and the Superior Court appeal.
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To run on the Independent Party line, Rosenwaks needed signatures from 1% of the number of people who voted in the previous selectperson’s race: 85 registered voters.
Noting that the Hamlet proposal included 57 residential units, 57 hotel rooms and building heights up to 62 feet, ROAN says their goal was to “provide a vibrant village atmosphere with public waterfront access, retail, dining, and diverse housing options.