Weston First Selectwoman Sam Nestor has her eye on a new prize: the State Senate.
Yesterday, she filed paperwork for the 26th District seat currently held by Ceci Maher. The 2-term senator is not seeking re-election. Both Nestor and Maher are Democrats.
The district includes Westport, Weston and 6 other towns. State Representative Lucy Dathan of New Canaan also announced yesterday.
“After Senator Maher shared her plans, my family and I took time to thoughtfully consider what the future may hold,” Nestor says.
“I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with Senator Maher and deeply appreciate her thoughtfulness, hard work, and graciousness in public service. While serving as First Selecwoman of Weston has been an honor, I believe I have so much more to offer our communities.”
Weston 1st Selectwoman Sam Nestor
As her town’s chief executive, Nestor has secured and overseen more than $30 million in grants and funding.
“These experiences have given me a clear understanding of both the opportunities and the challenges towns face in working with the state,” Nestor notes.
“I know how state policies can help communities thrive — and I’ve also seen where unnecessary obstacles can actually make it harder for towns to meet the needs of their residents.”
Pressures on local communities include rising healthcare costs for municipal and school employees, plus infrastructure, energy and maintenance expenses.
“Every town is working hard to keep communities affordable, maintain strong schools, and manage rising costs responsibly,” she said. “I will bring a town leader’s perspective to the legislature and focus on policies that support municipalities rather than burden them.”
Before becoming first selectwoman, Nestor served on Weston’s Board of Selectmen and Board of Education.
“Those of us who live in Weston know that our lives and communities extend well beyond town lines,” Nestor says. “I know and care deeply about the towns of this district, and I look forward to listening carefully to residents in every community as we work together towards solutions that benefit all of us.”
Unless — uh oh — there are any more cancellations between now and then.
Last night, the Board of Education approved superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice’s recommendations to adjust dates, based on recent weather-related closures.
The school year will now end on Thursday, June 18.
Friday, March 20 will now be a regular school day. It had been scheduled for professional development.
The student calendar will be reduced from 182 to 180 days.
Westport’s delegation in Hartford will look very different next year.
State Representative Jonathan Steinberg announced in January that he would not seek re-election this fall.
Yesterday, State Senator Ceci Maher said the same.
As first reported by “Good Morning Wilton,” the 26th District legislator — who represents Westport, Weston and 6 other towns — said her decision “reflects both personal priorities and a broader belief that public leadership should make space for the next generation.”
She said, “As a boomer, it’s time to get out of the way,” she said.
“I love the job, so it’s hard not to run again, not to legislate again, not to be out in the wider community again. But I really believe if we run just because we can, it keeps the stopper in the system. My belief is the next generation needs to be in it and needs to be learning how to do this.”
Maher is 72 years old. She has 2 grandchildren, with a third on the way. She looks forward to gardening, mentoring and more.
This is her 2nd term. She succeeded Will Haskell, a 2-term senator from Westport.
Alisyn Camerota — the former CNN anchor and Westport resident — is used to interviewing prominent political figures.
Joe Walsh — the Tea Party co-founder who is now an ardent anti-Trumper, and a Democrat — is one of those figures.
But when the pair got together — remotely — for Camerota’s Substack podcast, the topic was “grief.”
The journalist and politician spoke candidly and movingly about Camerota’s 19-month journey, after the death of her husband Tim Lewis to pancreatic cancer.
Walsh has a lot to say about the state of our nation, and Camerota has drawn him — and many others — out about it.
Speaking of track and field: The Joggers Club is warming up for spring.
Their Kid’s Run Club — for kindergarten through 8th grade — meets every Sunday from April 5 through June 7, from 4 to 5:15 p.m. at the Staples track.
Eight coaches lead youngsters — of all abilities — in meets, games and relays. (There’s also an ice cream truck). The price is $199 until March 15; then $250. There is a maximum of 100 participants.
The Joggers Club’s run club of adults meets every Saturday at 8 a.m., at Compo Beach.
There are short runs, long runs, and everything in between. The post-run fun is catered by Village Bagels, with coffee from McDonalds. The cost is $50 — and new members get a free Lululemon shirt (value $58).
Speaking of running: For the second year, Westport’s Positive Directions has been selected as a charity partner for the New York Marathon.
Runners who are not drawn from the bib lottery can apply to run for Positive Directions (and pledge to raise a minimum of $3,500).
Last year, 3 PD runners raised over $19,000.
100% of funds support Positive Directions’ mission to support individuals and families in need, and to de-stigmatize and foster mental well being through individual and group therapy, community prevention, and recovery assistance
New York Road Runners CEO (and Westport resident) Rob Simmelkjaer (3rd from left) with Gianna Alfi, Brian McGarvey and Cam Gaylord. They ran the NY Marathon last year, for Positive Directions.
Brian McGarvey and former Staples High School track star Cam Gaylord — both Westport residents — and Gianna Affi
Speaking still of sports: Oscar Edelman — the Westport native and Greens Farms Academy graduate — has had an excellent season for the Wesleyan University basketball team.
The sophomore — a 6-8 starting center — helped lead the Cardinals to a #1 New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) ranking. They open NCAA Division III tournament play tonight (Friday, 6:15) at home vs. Lehman.
State comptroller Sean Scanlon gave an informative presentation yesterday, to business owners and others interested in Connecticut finances.
The event, at the Westport Library, was part of the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce “Your State – Your Business speaker series.
Scanlon discussed his role as the state’s primary financial watchdog, the rainy day fund, state pension obligations, and financial issues that impact business owners and residents (rising utilities costs, healthcare, taxes and more).
The comptroller noted his experience as CEO of Tweed New Haven, and as a legislator, in the context of transportation and commuting.
The “Your State – Your Business” series continues March 19th (Secretary of the State Stephanie Thomas, 11 a.m.) and April 2 (Attorney General William Tong). Click here for more information.
State comptroller Sean Scanlon, and Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce director Matthew Mandell.
The Blondinit wishes “Chag Sameach” to its customers — and offers a special Passover menu.
Dishes range from matzo ball soup and salatim to Mediterranean chicken, brisket and pistachio-crusted black sea bass. Options include à la carte trays, or packages for 4–6 or 8–12 guests.
Orders must be placed by March 27. Kosher for Passover wines are available for pickup or delivery. A limited kosher menu is available to dine in, April 1-8.
To order: Click here, call 203-557-3277, or email catering@theblondinit.com.
The newest addition to the Levitt Pavilion’s 2026 lineup is Andy Frasco & the UN and Kitchen Dwellers.
They bring “a wildly eclectic approach (to) navigating funk, jazz, surf rock, blues, swing, gospel, reggae, exotica, and more with horn-blasted positivity and soulful power.”
The opening act is Magoo.
The show is August 23. Tickets go on sale today (Friday), at 10 a.m. Click here to purchase, and for more information.. $1 from every ticket sold will be donated to the artists’ partner charity, Backline Care (offering mental health and wellness resources for music industry professionals and their families).
In the wake of last month’s Board of Education hearing to appeal the non-renewal of his contract as Staples High School boys soccer head coach, the 2008 graduate filed a complaint with the state Freedom of Information Commission.
Oost-Lievense said that he intends to challenge the hearing, and the Board’s decision not to renew his contract, in court.
However, he says, he is handicapped in litigation because “the Board unlawfully deliberated my nonrenewal in executive session.” He had repeatedly requested the hearing be held entirely in open session.
Stating that the public and he were deprived of the ability to evaluate and challenge the Board’s decision, he asks that the meeting be declared “null and void.”
Westport’s delegation in Hartford — State Senator Ceci Maher, and State Representatives Jonathan Steinberg and Dominique Johnson — meet constituents tonight (Monday, June 16, 6 p.m.) in the Library’s Komansky Room (behind the stage).
It’s called an “End of Session Town Hall.” The public is invited, to learn about the legislative year that just ended.
From left: Senator Ceci Maher, Representatives Jonathan Steinberg and Dominique Johnson.
The Westport Museum for History & Culture celebrates Juneteenth (Thursday).
At 10 a.m., they’ll offer a guided walking tour through downtown. It’s based on the Museum’s previous exhibit on African Americans in Westport
Museum staff will share stories of soldiers, sailors, activisits, artists and other citizens who helped build this town, while pointing out historic sites and buildings.
And … after a brief Yankee Doodle Fair-induced detour to the Levitt pavilion parking lot, the Westport Farmers’ Market returns to its Imperial Avenue home this Thursday (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.).
It was a different venue last week, but the scenes were familiar to its many fans. For example:
Fresh strawberries, and …
… these regulars. They’re there every Thursday from a nearby office, always smiling and looking dapper. (Photos/Lori Cochran-Dougall)
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Congratulations to Adam Friedman!
The Westporter won the 123rd annual Connecticut Amateur golf championship.
The (very large) trophy was nice. Even better: Friedman earns an exemption into this year’s US Amateur event. It’s set for San Francisco’s Olympic Club, in August.
Friedman attended Staples as a freshman, then earned a scholarship to Gary Gilchrist Golf Academy in Florida. He attended Montverde Academy, and graduated in 2016 with high honors. Adam then played at Florida Atlantic University. His home course now is Great River Golf Club in Milford.
And finally … in honor of Jeffrey Cohen’s photo (above):
(Another week, another Roundup … and another request: If you enjoy this — or any other “06880” feature — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
If you went to school in the 20th century, your biggest safety concern was a throw to your head during gym dodgeball.
If you’re in school now, it’s being killed in your classroom.
Every student today has grown up with “active shooter” drills. They’re taken very seriously: Locking doors. Remaining quiet. Waiting for help to arrive.
Many students realize the reality of school shootings as part of their lives.
Zander Bauer and Elijah Falkenstein want to do something about it.
The Staples High School juniors are founders and co-presidents of the local Make Our Schools Safe (MOSS) chapter.
They first learned of the non-profit from someone directly impacted by the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High massacre in Florida.
After hearing about its mission (to empower students and staff to help create and maintain a culture of safety and vigilance) and initiatives (for example, passing Alyssa’s Law, which calls for installing silent panic alarms directly linked to law enforcement, dramatically reducing response time), the friends organized the first MOSS club in Connecticut.
At the beginning of this school year, they met with State Senator Ceci Maher. She introduced the bill, and has been very supportive.
Last month, Zander and Elijah testified before the state legislature. They spent hours preparing their testimony.
They expected to be in Hartford, But a snowstorm forced the hearing onto Zoom.
“We waited in a room nervously for what seemed like days,” Zander says.
The format was difficult. Several bills were introduced throughout the hearing. Many people spoke.
Finally they got their chance. Zander was the 56th speaker. Elijah was 81st. “In this generation, I have never fully felt safe at school,” Elijah said.
“In the end, we felt really proud of ourselves. We accomplished our mission, and learned a tremendous amount about the legislative process.”
But the legislative wheels grind slowly. So far, Connecticut has not yet joined the 7 states — New York, New Jersey, Tennessee, Florida, Oklahoma, Texas and Utah — that enacted Alyssa’s Law.
The bill has passed through the Committee for Children. Next up: a vote on the Senate floor. If it passes, it goes to the House, then to Governor Lamont for his signature.
Zander and Elijah have taken action in other ways too. They raised funds to install 7 “Stop the Bleed” kits at Staples, and ensured that all teachers are been trained to use them.
Now — because no level is immune to gun violence — their goal is to donate kits to Westport’s 7 middle and elementary schools. (Click here to help raise $5,000.)
Elijah Falkenstein and Zander Bauer, with “stop the bleed” kits.
The club presidents have enjoyed strong encouragement from superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice. Assistant principal Christine Cincotta helped the club earn official status. Brennan Morgan serves as faculty advisor.
MOSS secretary Mary Stevens, treasurer Dylan Shackleford, social media managers Julian Gravelle and Kate Coykendall,and PR managers Reece Dearborn and Gabe Hellmann have also been very active in the cause.
Elijah and Zander have been bolstered by friends’ support also. “They understand that the work we’re doing will benefit all of us, and the entire community,” Zander says.
And — if their efforts in Hartford are successful — the entire state too.
(Click below for the entire legislative hearing. Zander’s comments begin at 5:52:47. Elijah’s starts at 7:07:27. The testimony of Lori Alhadeff — the mother of Alyssa, for whom the bill is named — are at 6:06:03.)
(“06880” reports regularly on activities at Staples High. If you appreciate those stories — or any others on this hyper-local blog — please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
As the country moved rightward, Westport voters stayed blue.
With roughly 2/3 (16,042) of the town’s 24,078 registered voters casting ballots, the town’s voters overwhelming re-elected Chris Murphy to the US Senate, Jim Himes to Congress, Ceci Maher to the State Senate, and Jonathan Steinberg and Dominique Johnson to the State House of Representatives.
Including 142 new voters who registered yesterday, the town’s rolls show 10,050 Democrats, 9,479 unaffiliated, 4345 Republicans, and 204 in other parties.
The results from Westport:
US Senate:Chris Murphy (D) 11,258; Matthew Corey (R) 4,735; Paglino (Green) 85; Hyde (Cheaper Gas Groceires) 49.
US Congress 4th District: Jim Himes (D) 11,388; Michael Goldstein (R) 4,696; Wesley (I) 163.
State Senate District 26: Ceci Maher (D) 10,616; Kami Evans, 5,375.
State House District 136: Jonathan Steinberg (D) 9,418; John Bolton (R) 4,496.
State House District 143: Dominique Johnson (D) 1,394; Peter Bang (R) 633.
Westport voters allowed helped pass a ballot measure to ease absentee voting laws, 9,435 to 3,694.
With Election Day near, both presidential campaigns hope for big youth turnouts.
But other races are on the ballot too. Are young voters interested?
“06880” interns Avni Krishna and Camille Blundell are. Though too young to vote this year — they’re sophomores at Staples High School — they are involved in the world, and concerned about the future.
Recently, they conducted a series of interviews with local political figures. Then they produced this insightful, informative and important video:
Avni and Camille also write:
A new generation of voters now shares the stress of deciding where their ballots should go. But in this volatile election season, we know that the policies we want reflected in our everyday lives starts at the state level.
It is extremely vital that returning and new voters know their candidates, and pay attention to the down-ballot races.
As high school students who want to see our voices represented, we interviewed candidates Ceci Maher (D) for District 26 State Senate, Jonathan Steinberg (D) and John Bolton (R) for District 136 State Representative, and Westport Democratic Committee chair Michelle Mechanic, to understand how they view young people’s place in politics, and how they hope new voters go about the first execution of their civic responsibility.
The best place to find information on candidates is https://www.vote411.org/. You can look at the candidates in local elections, research their beliefs and policies, and get to know their backgrounds.
Younger voters are often apprehensive about going to the polls for the first time. Pressures from society and social media transform into nerves and anxiety for their role in the election. Contrastingly, young people who aren’t old enough to vote want to know how they can have an impact on such an important election.
We started by speaking to Jonathan Steinberg, running for re-election for the House of Representatives. He detailed the importance of the youth vote and perspective, while also encouraging that, more than anything young voters do their “homework.”
Steinberg’s challenger, House candidate John Bolton, talked about how he and the Republican campaign have gone about canvassing and outreach to the new generation of voters.
Similar to his Democratic counterparts, Bolton warned against the epidemic of fake news on social media, and emphasizes how imperative it is that new and return voters take their time to look into policies and ideology, when deciding who to vote for.
At the Westport Farmers’ Market this summer, young people urged everyone to vote.
State Senator Ceci Maher described the many ways she and her campaign view the incorporation of the youth during the vital moments of the election process.
Maher herself has knocked on around 2,800 doors. Her campaign has knocked on over 5000. “I was lucky to have 65 interns who were students in high school and college.” Maher said.
After attending Ridgefield High School’s mock election and seeing the turnout of young, passionate attendees, Maher reflected on the importance of youth showing up.
“The questions that they asked are important because it shows directionally what are the issues they are interested in, and they’re going to be the next generation of voters. So for me, hearing what they have to say really helps me inform myself when I’m thinking about what legislation is going to look like. I just think they are really important and I don’t want to dismiss them in any way. I just learn so much when I walk through the doors with my interns.”
Maher said that some of the main issues she focuses on are climate change and the safety of children in education, as she has worked on the board of Sandy Hook Promise.
She also recommended that new voters, no matter what their stances are now, thoroughly look into the candidates running so they can find who best represents their views and morals, regardless of what party they lean toward.
Like her Republican counterpart, Westport Democratic Town Committee chair Michelle Mechanic works behind the scenes of campaigns and canvassing efforts. She detailed the many ways the Democratic Committee has gathered the passions of civically engaged teens, and hopes to utilize young voices.
Talking to the candidates and the chair of a political committee in Westport, there was a clear common theme: Do your research. Look into the individuals running; don’t just cast a vote blindly, or based on surface level information.
Additionally, understand the impact of youth presence and representation in politics. All the politicians we talked to want younger people involved in campaigns, civic duties, and voicing their concerns, because that is what will cause change.
More than anything, the candidates discussed how the world will be in the hands of the coming generation. It is youth’s responsibility to get as involved now, to push for change in the future.
2011 Staples High School graduate Dylan Meissner pleaded guilty Thursday in US District Court to wire fraud. He was charged with stealing nearly $4.5 million from the crypto company, where he was vice president of finance.
He played baseball at Staples. According to his LinkedIn profile, he graduated with a BS in accounting from Pennsylvania State University in 2015, where he was active in the Penn State Investment Association.
In 2016, Meissner received an accounting MS from Penn State’s Smeal College of Business.
Though his company was not identified, his LinkedIn profile says he was VP of finance at Delphi Digital, during the time frame covered by the court. An FBI investigation found that he diverted $4,461,828 in the firm’s funds to cover “significant personal trading losses.”
Wire fraud carries a maximum prison sentence of 20 years. He will be sentenced on October 11. In the meantime, he has been order to pay restitution of $4,633,424.99.
Kami Evans has announced her candidacy for Connecticut’s Senate District 26.
Democratic incumbent Ceci Maher is serving her first term in Hartford. Evans — a former Westport resident — now once again lives here. The district includes Westport, Weston, Wilton, Redding, and parts of Ridgefield, New Canaan, Darien and Stamford.
In her announcement, Evans — who has worked for non-profits and in public relations, and is running as a Republican — said: “I’m here to champion family values and focus on community strength. Our journey together will be about uniting, uplifting, and creating endless opportunities for our district that everyone will benefit from.
“Your voice matters, and I’m here to listen. Let’s engage in meaningful conversations and work hand in hand to rejuvenate our district. Together, we can achieve greatness and build a brighter, stronger future for all.”
Yesterday’s Roundup included a photo of the “Welcome to Westport” sign at the Sherwood Island Connector and Post Road East.
Actually — depending on which direction you’re traveling — it now says “Welcome to Estport” or “Welcome to Westpor.” A recent accident sliced off a bit of the wood.
How recent? “06880” Mary Lou Roels reports: “The sign was hit on June 29, and the car caught on fire. I approached after midnight to see this (below). Fire crews managed the scene.”
For 10 years, The Ruden Report has been the go-to site for coverage of FCIAC high school athletics. All 16 schools in the Fairfield County Interscholastic Athletic Conference get plenty of ink — well, pixels — in a wide variety of boys and girls sports.
Now, the multi-platform source — the brainchild of 1978 Staples High School graduate Dave Ruden — has been acquired
Westport-based Connoisseur Media is the new owner. Their resources — including 6 radio stations, and various digital brands — will enable Ruden to expand reporting throughout the area.
Connoisseur operates and/or owns WEBE 108, STAR 99.9, WYBC, WICC, 99.1 WPLR, and 95.9 The Fox in Connecticut.
The 1971 Staples High School graduate produced 2 films. In the span of a week, both will have their television premieres on CPTV.
“The High School That Rocked!” — a 2017 documentary that chronicles concerts at Staples by the Doors, Cream, Rascals, Animals, Remains, Sly and the Family Stone, and others (including a very young, pre-Aerosmith Steve Tyler) — is set for October 14 (9 p.m.).
Cantor made the film with Casey Denton, a 2014 Staples grad who obviously was born way after that golden era. The film earned kudos on the festival circuit.
A week later (October 21, 9 p.m.), Cantor’s “It’s a Hollywood Life!” debuts.
That film — released this year — focuses on longtime Westport resident Susan Granger’s 80-plus years connected to the movie business. (Spoiler alert: She started in childhood, appearing with some of the biggest stars during the Golden Age of Hollywood.)
BONUS REEL: People in and near New York City can see “It’s A Hollywood Life!” in a theater. Its NYC premiere is next Saturday (July 27, at the Chain NYC Film Festival). A Q-and-A after the screening features co-director Maya Weldon-Lagrimas, who recently received the Howard R. Lamar Prize in Film from Yale — the school’s top film prize. Click here for ticket information.
Jazz at the Post has announced 3 upcoming dates: August 1 (Melissa Newman), August 15 (Uri Caine) and August 29 (Janice Friedman).
Shows are 7:30 and 8:45 p.m., at VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399 on Riverside Avenue. Dinner service starts at 7 p.m. Click here for tickets, and more information.
In other jazz news, on Wednesdays (starting September 11), Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall will coach 2 adult ensembles: beginners and intermediates/ advanced. Both provide “a gentle and stimulating opportunity to learn and refine the repertoire and language of jazz.”
All levels of musicianship and experience are welcome. The first 2 sessions are free. To learn more, email jazzrabbi@gmail.com. Include your instrument and phone number.
Former Westporter Kathryn McCabe died June 30. She was 97, and lived in Fairfield.
The Michigan native, and 1948 graduate of the University of Michigan, spent 43 years in Westport.
She was a social worker in Detroit and Norwalk, where she worked for STAR. Kathryn also volunteered at Earthplace.
She enjoyed reading, opera, the outdoors, water and snow skiing, tennis, boating, playing piano and ukelele, and singing.
Kathryn loved animals, especially her cats and dogs. She celebrated her 90th birthday with horseback riding.
Survivors include her twin daughters, Janet Gibbons (Ken) of Hyde Park, Vermont, and Marjorie Wroblewski (Broni) of Fairfield; son Richard (Donna) of Acton, Massachusetts; grandchildren Greg Gibbons (Jennifer), Geoff Gibbons (Melissa), Lauren Wroblewski (fiancé Ferg Young) and Ryan McCabe, and great- grandchildren Emma, Colin, James, Beckett and Jackson. Kathryn was predeceased by her brothers Richard, Norman and Jack Ellison. She was predeceased by her husband, Barry McCabe.
A celebration of her life was held at the Gaelic-American Club in Fairfield.
Kathryn McCabe
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Among the underappreciated assets of Westport: the flower pots on Soundview Drive.
Paid for and maintained by the Compo Beach Improvement Association, they serve 2 purposes.
They slow traffic (theoretically, at least).
And — changing with the seasons — they are beautiful.
Check out one of them, as today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured photo.
And finally … Bernice Johnson Reagon, “whose stirring gospel voice helped provide the soundtrack of the civil rights movement, then went on to become a cultural historian, a curator at the Smithsonian Institution and the founder of the women’s a cappella group Sweet Honey in the Rock,” died Tuesday in Washington. She was 81.
She was a remarkable, multi-talented woman whose accomplishments may be unknown to many. Click here for her full obituary.
(Another day, another weekend … and “06880” keeps keeping you informed on all things Westport. It’s what we do — but we can’t do it without your support. Please click here to help. Thank you!)
Posted onFebruary 12, 2024|Comments Off on “06880” Podcast: State Senator Ceci Maher
State Senator Ceci Maher represents the 26th District, which includes Westport, Weston and other towns up to Ridgefield.
A licensed social worker, she worked before politics with children and youth in a psychiatric hospital, then moved on to non-profits, including Person-to-Person. She also led Sandy Hook Promise, promoting gun violence prevention programs.
She recently visited the Westport Library, for an “06880” podcast. We talked about her route to Hartford, how she represents Westport, what she’s worked on and is challenged by, and (of course) her favorite spots and activities n town.
Click below, to go behind the scenes with our state senator:
Comments Off on “06880” Podcast: State Senator Ceci Maher
And “06880” is proud to partner with the Drew Friedman Community Arts Center to help the next generation of artists develop their talents.
To the tune of $5,000 worth of scholarships.
The grants will go to current high school seniors with financial need who want to pursue an arts education at any level — university, community college or an arts school. All Westport 12th graders are eligible, no matter where they currently attend school.
The DFCAC is funding the scholarships. It was founded by Friedman — the downtown property owner, restauranteur (Onion Alley, Cobb’s Mill Inn, Stonehenge Inn) and philanthropist whose first wife Bobbie was an accomplished artist.
The Drew Friedman Community Arts Center also sponsors workshops and projects for students. The center is administered by Nick Visconti, Friedman’s longtime business partner. (Click here to learn more about the DFCAC.)
To apply, students who currently participate in art classes or art activities should send up to 8 digital images (JPEGs) of their work. It can be any medium — photography, painting, sculpture, drawing, digital art, or other.
Applicants should also submit a statement of up to 300 words describing the value of art in their life, and the world at large.
Send images and the statement (or any questions) to info@DrewFriedmanCommunityArtsCenter.org (subject line: “2024 Scholarship”). The deadline is February 29.
Submissions will be evaluated by an independent panel of professional artists. Awards will be announced by the end of March, with the winners’ work posted on “06880.”
Drew Friedman Community Arts Center representatives Miggs Burroughs and Nick Visconti (far right) and then-1st Selectman Jim Marpe congratulate previous arts scholarship winners.
After a holiday break, Y’s Men of Westport and Weston’s “Westport … What’s Happening” podcast is back.
This week, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker looks at the year ahead. She offers updates on new and continuing projects and programs, along with her vision for 2024. Click below to listen:
Click on the links above for details, and ordering information. Click here for the Staples High School graduate’s website.
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Yesterday’s storm skirted Westport. But it dumped just enough snow for sledding at Winslow Park.
And that was enough to send a News12 crew. We have no idea what kinds of questions were asked, but the kids look like they’d rather be on the slope.
(Photo/Jonathan Alloy)
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On a beautiful day, the Trader Joe’s parking lot has issues.
Saturday — between panic buying before an inch of snow, and the opening of Cobs Bread — was not a beautiful day.
Dozens of drivers jockeyed for spots. But this driver — either slyly or sloppily — managed to snag 4 spots him (probably not her) self.
The front 2 are clearly taken. The back 2 were unavailable to any vehicle except a Mini Cooper; otherwise, your stick out too far in the already too-narrow 2 lanes by the store.
Theresa Zapata, a 25-year resident of Westport, died Friday. She was 82.
She served Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department guest services department for 12 years, with devotion.
Her family says, “Terry was a force of nature, a true spitfire who captivated those around her with a unique blend of sarcasm and unfiltered honesty. Her sharp wit and infectious laughter brought joy to countless hearts, leaving a lasting imprint on everyone fortunate enough to be part of her life.”
She was an excellent cook, and a devoted grandmother for sporting events and school performances.
Terry opened her home to countless stray dogs, providing them with love and care.
She is survived by her children Debbie (Charlie), Michael (Doreen), Barbara (Robert) and Lynn (Paul); grandchildren Dillon, Michael (Megan), Bobby, Lindsey (Eddie), Mathew, Ian, Paul and Trevor, and great-grandson Killian.
A memorial service is set for Saturday (January 13, 1:30 p.m., St. Luke Church). The service will be followed by a celebration of life, at a site to be determined. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Humane Society.
Terry Zapata
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Here’s a “Westport … Naturally” first: an animal photo without any animals.
But they let us know they stopped by, in Sunday’s snow.
And finally … on this date in 1815, during the 3rd year of the War of 1812, Andrew Jackson led American forces to victory over the British in the Battle of New Orleans.
The event made the brevet major general a national hero. In 1829 he was elected 7th president of the United States.
(Whether it’s weather, the arts, politics or parking, “06880” has Westport covered. Please consider a tax-deductible contribution, to help our work. Just click here. Thank you!)
Two longstanding local traditions — the Sunrise Rotary Great Duck Race, and Westport Downtown Association Sidewalk Sale — take place this weekend.
There’s also a third. And this one has an even longer history: over 60 years.
jUNe Day will be celebrated all over town on Saturday (June 24). United Nations diplomats, staff members and their families will spend the day here, having fun and enjoying special activities.
At 10:30 a.m. on Jesup Green — as part of the Great Duck Race celebration — UN Under-Secretary General General Christian Saunders will deliver a message from Secretary General António Guterres.
Options for our guests include Earthplace, Wakeman Town Farm, Compo Beach, tennis and golf at Longshore, and a soccer match (UN vs. Westport Knights, 11:30 a.m., PJ Romano Field).
UN visitors can also enjoy the Duck Race and Sidewalk Sales. Nearby, they’ll see flags from many UN member countries flying on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge.
That’s an apt sight. Steinkraus Cohen was one of the founders of jUNe Day, more than 6 decades ago. She was a longtime member of the United Nations Association of Southwestern Connecticut too, which sponsors the annual event in cooperation with the town of Westport.
For questions or more information, call Bill Hass: 203-454-7685 or 203-434-6609.
Westport’s Parks & Recreation Commission voted unanimously last night to ban tobacco and cannabis smoking at all beaches, and certain parts of recreational facilities, like playgrounds, pools, fields and athletic courts.
The regulation — which includes a 25-foot buffer — does not include the golf course, or passive recreation areas like Winslow or other town parks.
Speaking of the law: Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between June 14 and 21.
One was for disorderly conduct, following a domestic violence incident.
The other was for issuing a bad check, worth $12,945.50, to a local business.
Police also issued these citations:
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations; 8 citations
Traveling unreasonably fast: 3
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
Distracted driving: 2
Operating a motor vehicle while texting: 2
Traveling too fast for conditions: 2
Improper use of markers: 2
Failure to renew registration: 2
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 2
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 1
Assault, 3rd degree: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
Failure to drive right: 1
Improper turn: 1
Improper use of high beams: 1
Failure to display plates: 1
Littering: 1
Don’t be a litterbug! (Photo/Jerry Kuyper)
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Housing. Transportation. Gun safety.
Those were just a few of the topics Connecticut’s General Assembly voted on in the session that ended just a few days ago. (Oh, yeah: the budget too!)
Three local legislators — State Senator Ceci Maher, and State Representatives Jonathan Steinberg and Dominique Johnson — host a “wrap-up” discussion at the Westport Library next Wednesday (June 28, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Komansky Room).
On the agenda: successes (and failures), plus goals for the future.
Senator Ceci Maher, Representatives Jonathan Steinberg and Dominique Johnson.
It’s one of the most prestigious and elite legal programs around.
For 50 years, the Supreme Court Fellows Program has offered 4 positions a year to mid-career professionals, recent law school graduates and doctoral degree holders. Founded by former Supreme Court Chief Justice Warren Berger, it draws over 1,000 applicants.
One of the appointees this year is Viviana Vasiu. A Westport and Brooklyn resident, she will be assigned to the US Sentencing Commission.
A former clerk for 2 US District Court judges, she participated in the Attorney General’s Honors Program at the Department of Justice. She earned a BA summa cum laude, and a JD magna cum laude, from Stetson University, where she served as editor-in-chief of the Law Review.
But there’s more to the story. Viviana came alone to the US at 18, from Romania. She enrolled at a community college in San Diego, and within a year earned a paralegal certificate. She was the Stetson’s first-ever immigrant and English major valedictorian.
Congratulations, attorney Vasiu!
Viviana Vasiu
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The I-95 bridge in Philadelphia will be repaired — and reopened — barely 2 weeks after it collapsed, during a truck fire.
Meanwhile, work on I-95 in Westport — which did not collapse — appears to be on schedule for its completion date of November, 2038.
The Post Road project should be finished a week or two before that.
And finally … 2 takes on the new smoking ban (story above).
You can no longer smoke at the beaches, tennis courts, athletic fields and related recreational facilities …
… but you can still light up on the golf course, Winslow Park and other spots.
(As jUNe Day nears, a reminder: “06880” is where Westport meets the world. Please consider a contribution, to help us continue our work. Just click here. Thank you!)
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The format was difficult. Several bills were introduced throughout the hearing. Many people spoke.
