The initiative aims to reduce single-use plastics, and expand water-filling stations around town. The goal is to “turn shared intention into measurable, community-wide change.”
Once a month, we’ll help them highlight an area of daily life where single-use plastic is most common, along with practical ideas to use. This month, we focus on a space filled with plastic: the kitchen.
Walk into almost any Westport kitchen, and you’ll find plastic.
It’s what you flip pancakes with, wrap leftovers with — it’s even in your morning coffee.
Because plastic is so quiet and convenient, we’ve let it become part of the family.
But this guest has overstayed its welcome. It is leaching into our lives.
Glass products, and a reusable produce bag.
The kitchen is uniquely powerful because of frequent daily use. A small change can have a big impact. A single swap — repeated hundreds of times a year — can significantly reduce waste and exposure.
Focus on High-Impact Swaps
Rather than attempting a fully plastic-free lifestyle, focus on a few changes that deliver outsized benefits:
Stop Heating Food in Plastic: Microwaving or reheating food in plastic containers can release microscopic particles and chemicals into food. Switching to glass or ceramic containers is one of the simplest and most impactful upgrades.
Wrap and Store Food Differently: Plastic wrap and disposable baggies are among the most frequently discarded kitchen items. Beeswax wraps, reusable silicone bags and glass storage containers provide durable alternatives that last for years.
Which wrapping and storage products will you choose?
Upgrade Everyday Cooking Tools: Plastic utensils and cutting boards gradually wear down through heat, friction and cleaning. Wooden, bamboo or stainless steel tools reduce microplastic shedding into the food you consume, while often lasting longer.
Rethink the Morning Brew: Many single-use pods and tea bags are actually lined with plastic mesh that steeps in your cup, while creating additional plastic waste. Switch to a reusable pod, a glass French press, or a stainless pour-over, to ensure your morning ritual is just beans, leaves, and water.
Want some microplastics with that coffee?
Reduce Plastic Before It Enters the Home: Choosing loose produce, bulk items, or products packaged in glass reduces plastic exposure upstream, often without increasing cost.
Progress Over Perfection
One of the biggest misconceptions about sustainability is that it requires dramatic lifestyle change. In reality, incremental adjustments — one swap at a time — create lasting habits and community-wide impact.
By starting in the kitchen, households can lower waste, reduce plastic exposure, and help protect coastal environments. The goal isn’t perfection; it’s awareness, experimentation, and steady progress toward healthier homes.
Are you ready to kick plastic out of your kitchen? Join your neighbors, and take the UnPlastic Pledge. Start with one swap, share your progress, and help us build a healthier, plastic-free Westport.
Staples High School’s two basketball teams have had magical seasons.
Coach Dave Goldshore’s boys are undefeated: 22-0. Coach Tommy Sparks’ girls have lost only twice; they’re 20-2.
The magic continues tonight (Wednesday). Both squads battle for the FCIAC championship. It’s a Wrecker doubleheader, at Fairfield University. The girls tip off at 5:30 p.m.; the boys follow at 7:30.
The top-seeded boys team faces #3 Ridgefield, for a rematch of last year’s final –won by the Westporters, for their first league title in 62 years.
A week ago, in the regular season finale, Staples downed the Tigers 67-49.
The #2-ranked girls play #1 Greenwich. Earlier this year, the Cardinals handed the Wreckers their first defeat, 55-42.
Now they’ve augmented it with an easy-to-follow video. What’s particularly impressive is that it includes not just successes, but “compromises” and a “fail.”
Gretchen Hoffmann — Sustainable Westport’s program manager — shows how she’s tried to UnPlastic her own bathroom.
She’s swapped out soap, toilet paper and a loofah, with great results. She’s had to compromise around her use of face care products and disposable contact lenses. She’s had the least success with shampoo and conditioner.
Gretchen talks honestly about all that in the video below.
Sustainable Westport asks for feedback, in the Comments section here or on YouTube. You can also take the UnPlastic Pledge, and let them know one swap you’re committed to making.
Westport youngsters have many opportunities to discover and thrive in the arts.
Those in Bridgeport have fewer chances.
Neighborhood Studios fills a vital role. For nearly 50 years, the non-profit has provided an inclusive, welcoming environment that offers high-quality art, music, theater and dance instruction to children of all ages, regardless of ability, background or finances.
They do it through after-school, Saturday and summer programs; partnerships with schools and non-profits; performances, and transportation and financial assistance.
Many Westporters support Neighborhood Studios.
On March 20 (6 p.m., Foolproof Brewery, Bridgeport), several local couples –Jeffrey and Laurie Gross, Jim and Lizzie Wolf, Zach and Erica Barratt, and Zack and Sheera Gross — are sponsoring a “Spring Fling Fundraiser.”
The night features live music from Sonic Bullet, food, an open bar, beer tastings, a silent auction — and of course, memorable performances from the students at Neighborhood Studios.
Speaking of young artists: The Westport School of Music combines its former fall faculty chamber concert and its biennial student chamber music concert on Saturday, March 21 (1 p.m., Pequot Library).
Faculty members will join some of the duos. The concert will feature classical jazz and pop music for voice, piano, guitar, violin, viola, cello, bass and flute.
The performance is free/ For more information, call 203-227-4931, or email smiller@wsmusic.org.
Upcoming this month at (or sponsored by) the Westport Book Shop:
An afternoon with children’s author Lauren Tarshis (March 15, 3 p.m., Westport Library): The Staples High School graduate talks about her “I Survived” series, and signs book. Participants can win prizes playing “I Survived Kahoot!” trivia.
It’s a ticketed event, to benefit the Westport Book Shop. Children’s tickets are $10, and include 1 book. Chaperone tickets (or for those who do not want a book) are $5. Click here to purchase, and for more information.
Meet children’s author/social advocate/actress/producer Ebbe Bassey (March 21, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Westport Book Shop): On World Down Syndrome Day, Bassey reads from and discusses her children’s book “Anoushka’s Extraordinary Heroes.” A spunky 5-year-old and a diverse group of superheroes show that true strength comes from friendship, compassion, inclusivity, and embracing what makes us different.
March Short Story Club: March 25 (6 p.m.): The selection will be about the immigrant experience, and announced soon. Registration is required: 203-349-5141, or RSVP@westportbooksaleventures.org.
This Sunday (March 8, 2 p.m. Westport Library, Emmy Award-winning natural history filmmaker Kevin Bachar offers “Sharks by The Saugatuck”: stories and films for the whole family. (Arrive early, for family-friendly shark crafts).
In the event — presented by Andrew Wilk — Bachar will talk about swimming with hammerhead sharks, tiger sharks, bull sharks, and the fearsome great white.
He’ll also show photos and videos of killer whales, on the rim of exploding volcanoes, and tracking moose in the north woods of Connecticut. Click here for more information.
In 2023, a baby shark washed up on Burying Hill Beach. (Photo/Margaret Schwabe)
The subject of last night’s Westport Country Playhouse Script in Hand series was “The Subject Was Roses.”
The Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winner has been performed on stage at the historic theater before. This was its first incarnation as a play reading.
From left: director Joe Delafield, stage director Faith Sandberg, actors Lenny Wolpe, Isabel Keating and Etai Benson, artistic director Mark Shanahan, stage manager Caitlyn Ostrowski. (Photo/Kelsey McFarland)
We’ve run bobcat photos before, as our “Westport … Naturally” feature of the day.
Most show them slinking around at the edge of a property.
This one — on Richmondville Avenue — came close enough Monday to pause, and pose.
Be careful out there!
(Photo/Natalie Kollman)
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And finally … in honor of Sunday’s “shark” event at the Westport Library (story above):
(You don’t need to draw out all your hard-earned cash to support “06880.” Whatever you can afford is great! Just click here. We’re not “back in town,” after all. We’re here, and not going anywhere.)
The town has released the bid document for a new food and beverage concessionaire at Compo Beach and Longshore.
Parks & Recreation Department director Erik Barbieri tells “06880” that he will visit all applicants, to see how they operate their current businesses.
His hope is for the new concessionaire to be ready to operate this summer. If not, interim arrangements will be made for food and beverage services.
It’s a time for “reflection, self-love, and ending relationships that are no longer working.” (That’s what Google says, anyway.)
Sustainable Westport knows a thing or two about breaking up, too.
They’ve rolled out a community-wide initiative to reduce the town’s use of plastics — especially single-use — and expand public water-filling stations.
As part of the “Un-Plastic” movement, they’ve begun a social media campaign to help Westporters “break up” with the synthetic material.
It’s pretty clever. You may recognize several neighbors in the video (click here or below). It’s also available on Facebook and LinkedIn.
Parents: Want to know more about “Today’s Weed and Teen Mental Health”?
That’s the title of a session led by Dr. Amy Swift, who oversees in-patient services at Silver Hill Hospital. The event is co-sponsored by Positive Directions and the Mid-Fairfield Youth Cannabis Prevention Project.
It’s this Wednesday (February 25, 7 p.m.), with both in-person (New Canaan High School) and virtual options. Click here for more information.
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After weeks of sold-out houses, standing ovations and enthusiastic word-of-mouth, this is the final weekend for the Westport Community Theatre production of “Looped.”
Performances are set for today (Saturday, 7:30 p.m.) and tomorrow (Sunday, 2 p.m.), in the lower level of Town Hall.
The play is set during a 1965 recording session, where Tallulah Bankhead must re-record (“loop”) a single line of dialogue for a film. What should take minutes stretches into hours as the star clashes with the weary film editor and practical studio manager.
Sharp wit gives way to honesty, revealing the vulnerability beneath the bravado while turning a hilarious backstage story into something unexpectedly moving.
The initiative aims to reduce single-use plastics, and expand water-filling stations around town. The goal is to “turn shared intention into measurable, community-wide change.”
Once a month, we’ll help them highlight an area of daily life where single-use plastic is most common, along with practical ideas to use. This month, we head to the bathroom.
The bathroom is one of the rooms where single-use plastic shows up the most. From shampoo bottles and toothpaste tubes to disposable razors and cleansers with microbeads, much of this plastic is hard to recycle.
How many of these plastics are in your bathroom?
It can make its way into waterways, where microplastics accumulate in rivers and Long Island Sound, harming our wildlife and ecosystems.
This February, Sustainable Westport invites you to “Pledge to UnPlastic” by starting with simple bathroom swaps. Small changes at home can make a real difference for our waterways. Which will you try first?
Start using bar soap or bar shampoo
Select cleansing products without microbeads
Replace plastic toothbrushes with bamboo or replaceable heads
Try refillable or concentrated products
Opt for a natural loofah (you can even grow your own!)
In the 1967 film “The Graduate,” Mr. McGuire gives Benjamin Braddock one word of advice: “Plastics.” There’s a great future there, he adds.
Nearly 60 years later, “plastics” symbolizes something very different: prioritizing short-term convenience and profit over the long-term well-being of both humans and our entire planet.
Westport can’t change the world.
But we can sure take some steps right here in our town.
Sustainable Westport can help us try.
The non-profit has spent 2 decades educating residents about the importance of the environment.
Now they offer action steps. Among the first: “UnPlastic Westport.”
The initiative aims to reduce single-use plastics, and expand water-filling stations around town. The goal is to “turn shared intention into measurable, community-wide change.”
What’s wrong with convenient, ubiquitous plastic? Sustainable Westport says it:
Enters human bodies and may carry serious health risks for ourselves and our children.
Is produced in massive quantities, using fossil fuels.
Persists virtually forever, breaking down into microplastics.
Is often labeled “recyclable,” despite being rarely recycled in practice.
Contaminates ecosystems and food chains globally.
Plastic water bottles are everywhere — especially athletic fields. Sustainable Westport is pushing for more water filling stations around town.
Each month — right here on “06880” — they’ll highlight an area of daily life where single-use plastic is most common, along with practical ideas to use.
From kitchens and laundry rooms to sports teams and more, small shifts add up to big changes.
Today, Sustainable Westport’s “UnPlastic” tips focus on pantries. For example:
Move dry goods into glass jars or metal tins.
Buy in bulk or larger sizes, to reduce packaging
Avoid individually wrapped snacks where possible
Make your own DIY snacks, like trail mix
Trade out plastic tupperware for glass.
Sustainable Westport invites residents to “Pledge to UnPlastic.” Signing here — and sharing an idea or tip — reinforces commitment.
Each month too, the organization will highlight a “Sustainable Superstar.”
The first is the Staples cheer team’s Pyramid Club.
By rethinking how water was served at their weekly pasta dinners for the football team, they eliminated the need for single-use water bottles.
All it took was purchasing 12 restaurant-style pitchers, and asking a custodian to open the school cafeteria kitchen so they could fill them with tap water (and use ice from the machine).
Using compostable paper cups, this fall they kept nearly 1,000 bottles out of the waste stream. Click here to learn more.
But that’s not all from Sustainable Westport. They also recommend these upcoming events:
“Winter Seed Sowing with Alice Ely” (Monday, January 26, 7 p.m., Wakeman Town Farm): Learn to make your own “mini-greenhouse” in a bottle to start seedlings. Leave it outside till spring, when you’ll reap a dozen or more native plants that pollinators love, to start in your garden. Click here to register.
“First Monday” (February 2, 7 p.m., Emmy Squared): Catch up on local, national and global sustainability topics. All are welcome; just drop in.
“WestportREADS: The Real Impact of Climate Change on Connecticut Shores“: (February 12, 7 p.m., Westport Library): In this year’s WestportREADS selection, “All the Water In the World,” much of Manhattan is under water due to melting glaciers. Executive director of the Connecticut Institute for Resilience and Climate Adaptation James O’Donnell will discuss the effects of climate change on our shoreline and Long Island Sound. Click here for more information.
(“06880” regularly covers Westport’s environmental scene — along with so much else. If you appreciate our work on important subjects, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
The world is getting hotter. Sea levels keep rising. President Trump has removed the US from the Paris Agreement on climate change.
Here in Westport, we’re conflicted. We are conscientious about composting — in the back yards of super-sized homes. We park electric vehicles in our 3- and 4-car garages. We fill reusable water bottles — and water our lawns religiously.
Through it all, Sustainable Westport nudges the needle ever closer to the town’s goal — codified by the Representative Town Meeting in 2017 — to be Net Zero by 2050.
How are they/we doing?
The other day, Sustainable Westport — the town’s non-profit organization, focusing on reducing waste, conserving water, promoting biodiversity and more — looked back on 2025.
And ahead to both 2026, and 2050 — now just a quarter century away.
Among the achievements this year:
“Your Yard, Our Climate” launched. Ten partners sponsored 13 events, focused on supporting biodiversity in yards. Among them: a “Magic of Meadows” webinar (click here or below).
“HeatSmart Westport” mobilized over 200 residents to take the first step toward more efficient, sustainable homes. Free Home Energy Solutions assessments continue through Mach. Click here to sign up.
“Restaurant Champions” celebrate the sustainability efforts of local food businesses. Restaurants will be recognized for success in 4 categories: complying with Westport’s single-use plastic ordinance; sourcing ingredients sustainably; engaging in responsible waste management, and prioritizing energy efficiency.
Sustainable Westport held 24 events in 2025 — that’s one every 2 weeks. For example:
Over 100 Westporters listened to the 3 first selectman candidates perspectives on top climate concerns. All spoke strongly in favor of ongoing initiatives. Click here for details.
Collection drives gave new life to these goods — and kept them out of the waste stream:
Over 150 sports gear items
71 mattresses and box springs
750 pounds of Lego bricks
120 medical equipment items.
This holiday season, Sustainable Westport suggests “small but meaningful shifts in the way we give,” to show “deeper care for our friends, families and planet.”
They include:
Giving tickets for experiences, rather than consumer products.
Choosing “slow shipping,” instead of overnight.
Contributing locally to a worthy cause, in someone’s name.
Skipping the wrapping paper.
Waste we seldom think about.
What’s ahead for the new year?
More programs and events; the announcement of the first group of Restaurant Champions; more households exploring energy-efficient solutions, and “new ambitious goals, to bring actionable solutions to Westport.”
The Staples High School boys soccer team wrote their name into the program’s storied 67-year history book yesterday.
The Wreckers’ convincing 3-0 victory over Greenwich marks their 13th state championship since 1965. They became only the 7th Staples team to win the coveted double: state and FCIAC (league) crowns.
Gabe Duque knocked in Gabe Hellmann’s corner kick in the 15th minute. Dylan Shackelford’s header finished Adriano Carpi’s long free kick 15 minutes later. Adrian Rossoni added the third strike in the second half, from Noah Rossoni.
The win was accomplished with the trademarks coach Liam Witham’s squad has shown all year: great skill on the ball, a variety of offensive threats, airtight defense, high soccer IQ, speed, physicality, tremendous energy, passion and pride.
Congratulations to Westport’s newest champions! They’ve made generations of alumni proud, and inspired new generations of young fans.
The 2025 “LL” (extra large schools) state champs.
Head coach Liam Witham (right) with the trophy. (Photos/John Walker)
And speaking of state soccer champions: George Barrett (who won those titles at Staples in 1971 and ’72), Brian Keane and a kick-ass band wowed a full Westport Library crowd yesterday.
The Staples High School Class of 1973 and ’71 graduates (respectively) have intriguing musical careers. Barrett has returned to performing and songwriting — his first love — after a long stint as a healthcare executive. Keane is a Grammy-winning producer.
Barrett shared tunes from his recently released album, along with creative covers of popular tunes. His homecoming was a rousing success.
They were joined by — among others — Barrett’s brother Dan, a classically trained cellist, and angel-voiced Sarah Gross.
They played for over 2 hours, following a Q-and-A with longtime music theater director Ben Frimmer.
Barrett — who performed at the Bitter End prior to his Library appearance — and Keane donated all proceeds to the Westport Library. (Hat tip: Les Dinkin)
George Barrett (center), Brian Keane (left) and bandmates, at the Westport Library. (Photo/Susan Garment)
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Brian Claar is perhaps the greatest golfer in Staples High School history.
The 1976 graduate earned PGA Tour Rookie of the Year honors in 1986. In 2006, he became a PGA Tour Champion rules official. He retired last week.
The tour’s social media feeds were filled with praise. “The definition of integrity and organization,” one commenter wrote.
“One true gentleman,” another said. “The tour won’t be the same without you.”
Congratulations, Brian, on your service to your sport — and on your retirement.
Now you’ll have plenty of time to play golf! (Hat tip: Tom Kretsch)
Brian Claar
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Speaking of sports: The Staples boys and girls swimming and diving teams have a new scoreboard.
They say: “We are grateful to the Board of Education, superintendent of schools Tom Scarice, principal Stafford Thomas, athletic director VJ Sarullo, Westport Publici Schools CFO Elio Longo and director of facilities Ted Hunyadi, and girls swim captain’s parent Jodi Harris for their leadership in securing funding.
“This upgrade will greatly improve the quality and reliability of our meets, and it means a great deal to our athletes and coaches. We appreciate your commitment to our program, and your support for our swimmers and community.”
Christian Rinaldi — the Westport teenager who runs CK Mobile Car Detailings, offering superb, attentive and very professional services (washing, polishing exteriors, scrubbing interiors, steam cleaning, shampooing carpets and seats, and more) — has earned raves from customers.
And finally … with a nod and a bow to the Staples boys soccer team’s powerful win (story above):
(Another glorious weekend in Westport. As always, you can read all about it — and everything else — here on “06880.” If you enjoy this hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Staples Players’ big, bold, brassy — and spectacular — 10-show run of “Les Misérables” opened last night.
A cast of over 70 — costumed to the hilt, singing lustily on a revolving set, backed by a superb pit of nearly 30 musicians — awed the audience, with every aspect of the production.
If you’ve never seen a Players show: Go now!
Even if you’re an aficionado, you’ll be blown away by this one.
NOTE: The link above is the only place to buy tickets. Two people arrived last night, with tickets bought on StubHub. Let’s hope the person who was so sleazy as to try to profit off a high school drama program ends up like some of the revolutionaries at the start of Act 2.
A small portion of the large “Les Mis” cast. (Photo/Kerry Long)
A beloved tradition — holiday lights on the Cribari Bridge — nearly ended last year.
A quarter century of sponsorship by Al’s Angels ended. At the last minute, Westport’s Police Athletic League rallied businesses and individuals to buy new lights, install them, and once again make the Saugatuck span sparkle.
PAL took the lead again this year. They’re even getting a jump on the season.
A holiday lighting ceremony is set for this Sunday (6:30 p.m.). Everyone is invited.
The Whelk will serve hot chocolate, topped with a marshmallow whipped cream rim from Momu.
Attendees are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy, for the Westport Police Department collection drive.
Let there be (Cribari) lights!
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For nearly 50 years, Bloodroot has served delicious vegan food — spiced with healthy amounts of feminist ideology, and a side helping of social justice-type books — in a funky, you’ve-got-to-know-it-to-get-there spot on Bridgeport’s Black Rock Harbor.
Co-founder and longtime Westporter Selma Miriam died in February, 2 weeks short of 90.
Bloodroot is tucked away, off a residential street in Black Rock.
But nothing lasts forever. Bloodroot will close on December 21, after what co-owner Noel Furie calls “48 amazing and wonderful years in business. This decision, though sad, is also necessary given many factors in our lives at this time.
“We’ve chosen December 21 because it is the day of the Winter Solstice (which means sun standing still), and heralds the beginning of the return of the light. The days start to get longer and it is a time for hope and celebration.
“We hope you will continue to visit us during our usual business hours in the remaining weeks that we are open.”
The restaurant/community center earned a special place in American women’s history. And none of it would have been possible without the passion, creativity, love and great energy of Westport’s own Selma Miriam. (Hat tip: Chris Grimm)
Speaking of restaurants: The Blondinit has earned raves — and a passionate following — since opening 20 months ago.
Now the Israeli spot on Church Lane has introduced a new winter menu.
Dishes include shawarma-spiced potato wedges topped with garlic sauce; wild caught Chilean sea bass with mushrooms, cannellini beans and spinach with a roasted red pepper sauce; erguez sausage with peppers; roasted eggplant and peppers spread with challah toast points; Shabbat schnitzel sandwich with eggplant and matbucha on challah bread, and baklava brûlée.
The other night, I enjoyed a tasting menu. I love the cuisine to begin with, but the flavors, freshness, variety and creativity — and the joy with which it is all prepared and served — brought the meal to another level.
That’s not just me talking. It was a Monday — normally the slowest day of the week, in a traditionally slow time before the holidays.
But the restaurant was packed.
Meanwhile, The Blondinit just announced its Hanukkah menu. Email catering@theblondinit.com or call (203) 557-3277 for details.
Sustainable Westport’s co-directors, Johanna Martell and Gately Ross, were recently featured on “The Joe Gardener Podcast.” The national platform explores sustainability through the lens of gardening.
The pair described how they left established careers to lead the local non-profit. They discussed the ripple effects of local action, how to foster change at the community level, and why personal voices and examples matter.
Host Joe Lamp’l praised their ability to connect with people where they are, making sustainability accessible rather than intimidating.
Johanna Martell, Gately Ross and Joe Lamp’l tape their podcast at Westport Library’s Verso Studios.
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Looking for one more way to help fight hunger?
The Westport Country Playhouse is collected food and toiletry items, for Homes with Hope.
Pasta, pasta sauce, cereal, oatmeal, peanut butter and jelly, canned goods (tuna, soup, vegetables, beans, fruit), toothpaste and shampoo may be left in a box in the lobby.
You can drop them off during the day, or before a show.
(Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)
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Club203’s November event was a great “Bingo Bash” at the Senior Center.
Dedicated volunteers helped everyone be a winner. Trefz Corporation and Gold’s Deli were sponsors. MoCA\CT collaborated, as always. And once again, Westport’s Human Services Department provided important support.
Bingo!
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It didn’t rain yesterday.
But a beautiful rainbow appeared over Westport.
Adam Drake captured this image, over Winslow Park:
(Photo/Adam Drake)
It was also visible at — of all places — the rainbow crosswalk on Jesup Road:
And finally … in honor of Bloodroot, and its 48-year legacy:
(If it’s happening in Westport — or there’s a Westporter involved — you’ll read about it on “06880.” And if you appreciate what you read, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
A small crowd gathered at Toquet Hall last night, for the League of Women Voters’ “Meet the Board of Education Candidates” night.
The 8 BOE hopefuls answered questions ranging from the life experiences that define them, and their motivation to run, to how the Westport school would be different 4 years from now, if they’re elected.
The event was co-sponsored by “06880.”
From left: Jodi Harris, Stephen Shackelford, Robert Harrington, Michelle Hopson, moderator Dan Woog, Kaitlin Zucaro, Dorie Hordon, Andy Frankel, Abby Tolan. (Photo/Joan Gillman)
A similar “Meet the Candidates” conversation is set for tonight (Thursday, 7 p.m., Senior Center), with the Planning & Zoning Commission candidates.
There are 2 debates next week:
Candidates Debates: Board of Education (with statements by Zoning Board of Appeals, Board of Assessment Appeals and Board of Finance candidates): October 27, 6:30 p.m., Westport Library. Sponsored by the League of Women Voters Westport.
Candidates Debate: 1st Selectman and Planning & Zoning Commission: October 28, 6:30 p.m., Westport Library. Sponsored by the League of Women Voters Westport.
Speaking of the election: If you missed Tuesday’s “Seat at the Selectman’s Table” — the one-of-its-kind event at which the 3 1st selectman candidates shared both a meal, and honest, heartfelt insights about their lives, passions, dreams and vulnerabilities — you’re in luck.
The event — sponsored by the Library’s Common Ground Initiative, in conjunction with “06880” — has been posted on the Library’s website.
Click here or below, for a fascinating look beyond policies, into the personalities of the trio who hope to lead Westport for the next 4 years.
Speaking still of the election: Here is an update on the Voter CheckList website, which allows users to access early voting records in real time.
Residents who wish to use it must contact the Registrar of Voters’ office, to get a login and password. Email dgreenberg@westportct.gov or msignore@westportct.gov.
The site shows that through yesterday — the first 3 days of early voting — 2.86% of eligible Westport voters have cast ballots.
The breakdown:
Democrats: 322 of 7,954 eligible voters (4.05%)
Republicans: 76 of 3,338 eligible voters (2.28%)
Unaffiliated: 144 of 7,582 eligible voters (1.90%)
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Last Sunday’s season-opening group-focused town cleanup was a resounding success.
Assumption Youth Group and St. Francis Youth Group, in collaboration with SCA-Crowley, spearheaded the effort.
The teenagers and parents focused on the Greens Farms corridor along I-95, from Hillspoint Road to Compo Road South.
They measured the amount of waste collected with a digital scale. The result: 135 pounds.
Organizers Andrew Colabella and Michele Harding will announce the next trash pick-up soon.
The 3rd annual “Hoops for Heart” event — held last weekend at the Westport Weston Family YMCA — was special.
It raised nearly $79,000 for research into single ventricle (half a heart) syndrome.
Community support was outstanding. There were 12 teams, with nearly all the players from Westport. Over 150 people attended.
Extra special: Staples High School captains Sam Clachko and Dhilan Lowman played.
Sure, their team won.
But their presence there — as role models for young boys and girls — and their “big hearts” (for those born with half a heart) made a great day even better. (Hat tip: Britt Melsheimer)
Sam Clachko (third from left), Dhilan Lowman and friends.
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Want to start a native meadow at home?
Next Tuesday (October 28, noon to 1 p.m.), Westport landscape designer Jay Petrow leads a free webinar, on that topic.
The event is sponsored by Sustainable Westport, which warns: “Planting native meadows can be addictive. Side effects may include unplanned trips to native plant sales, many hours wandering outside looking at bees and butterflies, and spending your winter months planning to buy more plants.”
Westport Police made 3 custodial arrests between October 15 and 21.
A 54-year-old Bridgeport woman was charged with larceny, following a shoplifting incident of goods valued at $510.56.
Two New Haven women, ages 45 and 29, were charged with larceny, following a shoplifting incident of goods valued at $607.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Driving while texting: 3 citations
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
Failure to drive in the proper lane: 3
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 3
Traveling unreasonably fast: 2
Passing a standing school bus: 1
Speeding in a school zone: 1
Reckless driving: 1
Evading responsibility: 1
Distracted driving: 1
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
Failure to renew registration: 1
Failure to display lights: 1
Permit violation: 1
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Adam Bovilsky, executive director of the Norwalk Housing Authority, outlined the challenges his 110 staffers face, in Tuesday’s presentation to the Westport Rotary Club.
He noted the importance of annual Rotary grants, which come from events like the LobsterFest.
Adam Bovilsky (Photo/Dave Matlow)
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Westport Library Verso advisory board member Sam Hendel spoke last week on “Capital, Creativity & the Future of Music Rights: at the Mondo Music Industry & Technology Conference in Brooklyn. He is the founder and managing partner of Chord Music, among other music ventures.
Other Mondo speakers included Henry Rollins and Nabil Ayers, a speaker at the Library’s VersoFest in April. Ayers also participated in the Library’s StoryFest last weekend.
Two other Verso advisory board members, Dick Wingate and Les Dinkin, also attended Mondo. Wingate spoke at the first conference, in 2015.
Sam Hendel with Paul Sipio, Apollo managing director.
Yesterday’s “06880” story about who becomes 2nd and 3rd selectperson if David Rosenwaks — running without a running mate — wins, clarified that uncertain situation.
But Westport voters are asking another question.
There are 3 Democrats running for the Board of Education: incumbent Abby Tolan, and petitioning candidates Stephen Shackelford and Jodi Harris.
However, because the Town Charter limits any political party to just a bare BOE majority — 4 seats on the 7-member board — and there are 2 Democrats in the middle of their own 4-year terms: What happens if someone votes for all 3 Dems?
Some voters fear that a ballot with 3 Democrats selected will be rejected.
Not true, says town clerk Jeff Dunkerton.
He tells “06880”: “If a voter selects all 3 Democratic candidates, their ballot will not be rejected, and all 3 votes will count.
“While it’s true that only 2 Democratic candidates can ultimately be seated on the board due to minority representation rules, voters still have the right to vote for up to 4 candidates, as stated on the ballot. Only if voters select more than 4 candidates will their ballot be considered an over-vote for the BOE race.”
To be clear: Votes for 3 Democratic candidates will be counted. However, only the top 2 vote-getters in that party would be seated.
On the Republican side, 4 candidates are running: incumbent Dorie Hordon, plus Andy Frankel, Michelle Hopson and Kaitlin Zucaro.
If all GOP candidates are the top 4 vote-getters, all would be seated, and no Democrats. Republicans would then have 4 BOE seats, with the 3 currently serving members in the middle of their terms: Democrats Lee Goldstein and Neil Phillips, and unaffiliated Jill Dillon.
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Last night’s 1st selectman’s debate drew a large crowd to Greens Farms Academy.
After nearly 70 years of service to the town, the Westport Young Woman’s League is starting a new chapter — literally.
The longtime community organization has officially changed its name to the Women’s League of Westport.
Officers say the new name better reflects the League’s evolving membership, and its mission to welcome women in all stages of life who want to give back, connect, and make a difference in their community.
(It also removes the pesky confusion about whether it’s “Woman’s” or “Women’s.” The plural is much more embracing too.)
The group is not wasting any time celebrating. To kick off the new League year, they’ll host their first-ever Friendsgiving Bash — a “girls’ night out” dance party to benefit the Westport Warm-Up Fund.
The event is November 19 (7 to 10 p.m., Saugatuck Congregational Church).
The dance party began several years ago. Past president Julie Whamond started what she thought would be a simple holiday get-together with friends. It quickly grew into a beloved annual tradition. Now it’s an official League event.
Tickets (minimum $30 donation) are available at the door, or via Venmo: @Athina-Meehan-1.
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Last week, Sustainable Westport and Earthplace hosted a discussion on sustainability issues with all 3 first selectman candidates.
A large Branson Hall crowd heard Kevin Christie, Don O’Day and David Rosenwaks discuss their perspectives, and environmental plans for the future. Topics ranged from flood resilience to transportation, and more.
If you weren’t there — or were, and want to hear it again — click here.
There’s been a change in tomorrow’s “No Kings” protest.
The event still starts at 11 a.m. Saturday, at Jesup Green. But instead of marching to Veterans Green, the speakers and musicians will all take place entirely at Jesup Green.
Organizers say, “We expect a large crowd, and want to ensure safety for all. We are a community of families. Respect and kindness toward our neighbors is expected, as we exercise our right to free assembly and free speech.”
Renovation of the Imperial Avenue parking lot — including a bathroom, storage shed and access to Deadman Brook — may or may not happen.
After many months of debate, a decision has not yet been made.
But there has been one improvement. Four new handicap parking spots were recently painted, and signs installed.
The move — part of Westport’s push to become ADA-compliant — will benefit Westport Farmers’ Market shoppers, and people going to nearby Levitt Pavilion.
Westport is one step closer to joining the Connecticut Municipal Development Authority.
The state agency has $60 million in bonding authority. They help communities navigate state bureaucracy. and advocate for and advise on infrastructure improvements.
A petition has been submitted to the town clerk’s office. The next step is for approval by the Representative Town Meeting.
The move coincides with David Kooris’ talk yesterday, at the Westport Library.
But David Kooris might provide some ideas. The executive director of the CMDA discussed development, community concerns, traffic issues, and how to create a more walkable Westport.
The crowd included a number of candidates and town officials — including RTM members, who will be asked to approve the petition.
CMDA’s David Kooris, with moderator Dave Briggs and RTM member Kristin Mott Purcell, at yesterday’s event.
Westport Sunrise Rotary’s “Westport Uncorked” fundraiser was a corking good time.
The sold-out 34th annual event included everything: curated wines and crat spirits, courtesy of the Fine Wine Company; great food — and fundraising for the many projects supported by Sunrise Rotary, locally and around the globe.
The Inn at Longshore hosted with its usual warmth and attention to detail. We’ll drink to that!
One of the many tasting stations at Westport Uncorked. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Staples High School’s Class of 1975 had their “can you believe it’s happening?!” 50th reunion last weekend.
Half a decade ago, there were 619 graduates. They had 80 for Friday night’s gathering at the Black Duck, 150 at the Westport Woman’s Club on Saturday (photo below), and 70 at Tom Capasse’s Bluff Point home for Sunday brunch.
Other highlights included a tour of the “new” Staples by Laddie Lawrence (who in 1975 was in his second year as Wreckers’ track coach), and check-ins by a bunch of current Staples juniors. Their 50th reunion will be held in 2077.
Congrats to the entire class — especially Reunion Committee members Larry Perlstein, Nancy Kondub, Alison Clarke and Tom Capasse.
Lisa Hayes stands by the sign near Connemara. (It’s a bit easier to say than the Gaelic written above it.
“A stunningly beautiful area on Ireland’s west coast,” Arthur says.
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Westport Police made 5 custodial arrests between October 8 and 14.
Four New York City men — ages 26, 24, 21 and 19 — were charged with larceny or conspiracy to commit larceny, following a shoplifting incident at Ulta Beauty.
A 47-year-old Norwalk man was charged with disorderly conduct, threatening with a firearm and reckless endangerment, following an investigation into an incident several months earlier, involving an argument at a Westport residence. He posted a $50,000 bond.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Speeding in a school zone: 4 citations
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 4
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
Disorderly conduct: 2
Distracted driving: 2
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 2
Failure to drive in the proper lane: 2
Improper use of markers: 2
Unlawful restraint: 2
Violation of rear-facing seat regulation: 1
Passing a standing school bus: 1
Traveling too fast for conditions: 1
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
Failure to insure a motor vehicle: 1
Failure to renew registration: 1
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 1
Failure to obey state traffic commission signals: 1
Failure to stop on the right side of the road: 1
Rear-facing car seats
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We love “Westport … Naturally” photos are larger than life. A shot like this, from Judith Katz, allows us to see the wonders all around, up close and very personal.
(Photo/Judith Katz)
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And finally … Jeanne-Paule Marie (“The Singing Nun,” or Sœur Sourire (“Sister Smile”) was born on this day in 1933. Her song “Dominique” was a surprise hit in the US in 1963 — just weeks before Beatlemania changed music forever.
Owing partially to confusion over the terms of the recording contract, she was eventually reduced to poverty. She also experienced a crisis of faith, leaving her order though still remaining a Catholic. She died by suicide in 1985 with her life partner, Annie Pécher.
(From the Women’s League of Westport to the Singing Nun — with a bit of Ireland thrown in — you get it all on “06880.” We hope we get your support too. Please click here to contribute. Thank you!)
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