Sustainable Westport takes their mission seriously.
And means much more than just composting, recycling and electric vehicles.
Next month, the non-profit teams up with the Senior Center and Westport woman’s Club to collect lightly used durable medical equipment, to support Wheel It Forward. Click here for a full list of items (there are many!).
Crutches, canes, wheelchairs and similar items can be dropped off at the Woman’s Club (44 Imperial Avenue), on Saturday, November 15 (8 to 10 a.m. and 2 to 4 p.m.) and Sunday, November 16 (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.).
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In 2022 Westport Writers’ Workshop lost longtime instructor Jessica Speart to breast cancer.
To honor her life, and so many others affected by the disease, they’re hosting a fundraiser this Thursday (October 16, 6:30 p.m.).
This is not your usual gala. It’s not even a party.
For $50, participants can join instructor and breast cancer survivor Christine Pakkala in writing to prompts.
In a Heartbeat — the life-saving organization that offers free screenings for children, teens and young adults, to prevent death from sudden cardiac arrest — celebrates 10 years of saving lives this Thursday (October 16).
From 6 to 9 p.m. (Aitoro Appliances, 401 Westport Avenue, Norwalk), guests will enjoy great food from restaurants like Kawa Ni and Gruel Britannia, raffles and a live auction.
Nearly 80,000 people are living with Alzheimer’s in Connecticut.
Many more family members and friends are affected by the disease, as caregivers.
On October 26 (10 a.m.), the annual Fairfield County Walk to End Alzheimer’s steps off at a new location: Sherwood Island State Park. Dave Briggs is the MC.
Angela Buchdahl is one of the most influential rabbis in America — and a longtime colleague and mentor of Temple Israel’s Rabbi Michael Friedman and Cantor Julia Cadrain.
On October 28 (7 p.m.) she’ll be at Temple Israel, discussing her new book. “Heart of a Stranger” is a stirring account of her journey from feeling like an outsider to becoming an internationally admired religious leader. Click here to register, and for more information.
Monday’s first selectman candidates’ discussion on sustainability and the environment drew an overflow crowd to Christ & Holy Trinity Church — and a commitment from all 3 to create and adopt a comprehensive Westport Sustainability Plan, within their first year in office.
That’s a milestone long sought by local environmental activists.
Representative Town Meeting member Clarence Hayes was at the event, hosted by Sustainable Westport and Earthplace. He reports:
Over 90 minutes of spirited questioning, moderator Peter Boyd — a lecturer and resident fellow at Yale’s Center for Business and the Environment — pressed candidates Don O’Day, David Rosenwaks and Kevin Christie on their personal engagement with sustainability, their records, and their plans to make Westport a leader in environmental action.
All 3 voiced support for sustainability priorities, including improved walkability, stronger flood resilience, enforcement of the leaf-blower ban, rebuilding the community garden, pursuing Sustainable CT Gold certification, and evaluating solar installations for Staples High School and town parking lots, among others.
While short on detailed road maps, the shared commitment to adopt a formal plan within the first year marked an important first step. None pledged to add dedicated staff immediately, preferring to rely on volunteer expertise and integrate sustainability goals into existing town departments — and to see what progress can be achieved this way first.
When asked how they hoped to be remembered after four years, O’Day said for “a willingness to be first, not just a follower.” Rosenwaks envisioned “a town known for a healthy lifestyle — walking, biking, and clean air and water.” Christie hoped Westport would “become a leader again on the environment, as it once was.”
The conversation continued informally at Emmy Squared, where candidates and residents carried the debate — and Westport’s hopes for a sustainable future — well into the evening.
It says: “I am a proud member of the Hindu community in Westport. Every year my family and I celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights, with great joy and reverence. Diwali symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil, offering a time for reflection, community, and spreading love. As a Hindu, it holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for me and millions of others around the world.
“On October 1, 2025, Diwali was officially recognized as a state holiday in Connecticut. This acknowledgment is a huge step forward in embracing and celebrating the cultural diversity that enriches our state.
“Our community takes pride in our cultural diversity and our commitment to inclusivity. By declaring Diwali a school holiday, Westport can send a strong message of acceptance and celebrate the rich tapestry of communities within the town.
“I urge the Westport Board of Education to recognize Diwali as an official school holiday. Doing so will not only reflect the values of our inclusive community but also respect the cultural practices of Hindu families living in Westport. This change can serve as an inspiration and positive example for other towns and school districts in Connecticut.”
When “06880” last checked in on Dylan Gleicher and Neil Sono, the 2017 and ’18 Staples High School graduates (respectively) had created an app — Prepared 911 — that enabled school employees to seamlessly share information with each other during shootings and other crises. They soon expanded it to focus on 911 centers, police and fire departments, and sheriff’s offices.
With early hire Chris Scherban (Staples ‘17), Prepared quickly became a leader in assistive AI technology for public safety agencies.
Their $16 million Series A funding round was led by Andreessen Horowitz.
Last week, the longtime friends sold Prepared 911 to Axon, a global public safety technology company.
Neil Soni and Dylan Gleicher, in their Yale days.
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Speaking of Staples students’ achievements: On Saturday, the top 7 members of the school’s boys cross country team competed in the 26th annual Great American XC Festival in Cary, North Carolina.
The competition draws runners from across the country to the fast WakeMed Course..
Staples competed in the varsity blue 5k race. They scored 228 points, good for a team win.
Congratulations to Oliver Samuel (15:57), Harrison Sydor (16:05), Luke Cooper (16:22), Jackson Wood (16:25), Oscar Jones (17:08), Samuel Burmeister (17:16) and Maxwell Benke (17:25).
The 2025 Staples boys cross country team, in North Carolina.
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Westport is becoming the Naples of America.
First came Massi Co — Massimo Tullio’s new restaurant, with Neapolitan cuisine.
Now Stephen Kempson London — the high-end tailor on Post Road West, just over the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge — is sponsoring a 2-day trunk show celebrating the artistry and heritage of that city’s craftsmanship.
The genesis for the October 17 (1 to 5 p.m.) and 18 (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) event was Kempson’s trip to Naples earlier this year. He was inspired by its devotion to beauty, precision, and passion — qualities found in its cuisine, architecture, and menswear tradition.
Three celebrated artisans will be in Westport
Paolo Scafora: Master shoemaker since 1956, known for hand-stitched footwear.
Gennaro Sannino: The house of Sannino shirts.
Anthony Lonzano (Gabo Napoli): Representing one of Italy’s leading tailoring houses.
Each will showcase signature pieces and take bespoke orders.
Westport Library executive director Bill Harmer addressed the Westport Rotary Club yesterday. His topic was close to his heart: the Common Ground Initiative.
Recent Common Ground speakers have included Ken Feinberg, who ran the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund, and former Senator Roy Blunt of Missouri.
The Common Ground Initiative also includes the Seat at the Table series, where community members discuss intriguing topics.
“Americans regard libraries as one of the last safe spaces in our democracy,” Harmer said.
Bill Harmer, at the Westport Rotary Club (Photo/Dave Matlow)
Early yesterday morning, Westport firefighters responded to a structure fire on Hillspoint Road.
The blaze was discovered by 2 passersby. They notified the home’s occupants, who evacuated before Fire Department units arrived. The fire was contained to the exterior area of origin.
The scene was turned over to the Westport fire marshal’s office for investigation.
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Staples High School Class of 1971 graduate Lynn Barber Mellor died on September 13 in Lake Wales, Florida. She was 72.
She was born in Chicago to Gordon and Jean A. Mellor. Lynn and her family moved to Westport when she was 7 months old. She attended California College of Arts & Crafts in Oakland, then worked as a graphic artist for marketing Corporation of America in Westport.
An avid scratchboard artist, she retired to Key West in 2006, then to Lake Wales in 2021.
Lynn is survived by her twin sister Gail M. Sibley (Jack), of Poinciana, Florida; brother Mark (Debbie) of Dorset, Vermont; niece Alyssa and nephew Devin. She was predeceased by her parents, her nephew Jes Sibley, and her stepmother, Shirley Mellor.
A private service will be held.
Lynn Mellor
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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo is one more full moon image. This was one was taken at Burying Hill Beach.
And finally … in honor of (perhaps) the next Westport Public Schools holiday (story above):
(Where else but “06880” can you read about Diwali, political candidates, a life-saving app — and much more — all at once? Nowhere else! So please click here to support our work. Thanks!)
Posted onOctober 6, 2025|Comments Off on Roundup: Selectmen & Sustainability, Halloween Window Painting, Beach Scenes …
A reminder: tonight (Monday), Westport’s 1st selectman candidates will discuss sustainability and the environment. The 6:30 p.m. event, at Christ & Holy Trinity Church’s Branson Hall, is co-sponsored by Sustainable Westport and Earthplace.
David Rosenwaks, Don O’Day and Kevin Christie will share their perspectives, priorities, and proposed solutions and action plans for Westport on issues like clean energy, waste reduction, climate resiliency and Westport’s long-term sustainability goals.
The annual Halloween window painting contest is now older than many participants.
The 10th annual Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce event — in which children paint retail and business windows — takes place Saturday, October 25 (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.).
There are (as always) (and of course) prizes for the winners — ice cream gift cards — in both the elementary and middle school categories. Children can paint individually, or in teams. Painters and businesses: click here to sign up.
The actual “harvest moon” is tonight. That’s the full moon closest to the autumn equinox. It’s also the first “supermoon” of 2025 (meaning it appears larger than other full moons).
This was the view over Long Island Sound, off Schlaet’s Point on Hillspoint Road:
The Mid-Fairfield Youth Cannabis Prevention Project hosts a 5-part speaker series, via Zoom. Positive Directions and Westport Together are co-sponsors.
Jude Siegel grew up in Westport. Her father owned Westport Pharmacy downtown, across from the Library on Post Road East. Jude is a 1964 Staples High School graduate.
Since 1973, she has lived in Oregon — first on farms in the Willamette Valley, now in Portland.
She has long taught nature and bird journaling — a combination of drawing, watercolor and writing — to children and adults.
“This time of year,” she says, “I get homesick for the land, beaches and beauty of Connecticut.”
Of course, it is beautiful in Oregon too. Jude captures that beauty every year, in a watercolor and pen bird calendar she draws and produces.
The cover of Jude Siegel’s 2026 calendar …
“Birds bring such joy to our daily lives,” she notes. “It gives me peace to draw and paint them. I like the idea that they then go out on the calendar pages to people all over, and grace their lives as well.
This year’s calendar is now available for purchase. They’re $30 each, plus $5 per calendar for shipping. Email colorfuljude@gmail.com. (Originals are available for purchase. Just ask!)
… and one of the months.
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Sure, we’ve run a couple of bee photos recently, in our “Westport … Naturally” series.
But one of nature’s most remarkable creatures deserves another highlight.
Especially when the image is as remarkable as this one, captured in Mark Yurkiw and Wendy Van Wie’s garden by the incomparable Miggs Burroughs:
(You don’t have to be a Wisconsin Badger to celebrate today. And you don’t have to be anything — other than a grateful reader — to click here and support “06880.” On we go. And thank you!)
Comments Off on Roundup: Selectmen & Sustainability, Halloween Window Painting, Beach Scenes …
And residents continue to rashly leave their keys in unlocked cars.
Three vehicles were reported stolen between September 9 and yesterday. That makes 51 incidents since January 1.
Thefts occur in parking lots, and private driveways.
Westport Police say: “Under no circumstances should a vehicle ever be left unattended and running, unlocked with the keys inside it, or with valuables left in plain view.
“Unfortunately, nearly all stolen vehicle and vehicle burglary reports involve an unsecured car with keys immediately accessible.”
This is not the first time “06880” has conveyed this message from the WPD. It’s probably not even the 50th time.
We hope it’s the last. But we won’t hold our breath.
There will be many opportunities this fall to hear — and question — candidates for 1st selectperson.
Some will be general sessions. Others — like the one sponsored by Sustainable Westport and Earthplace — have a narrower focus.
The October 6 event (6:30 p.m., Christ & Holy Trinity Church) centers on the environment. All 3 candidates — Don O’Day, Kevin Christie and David Rosenwaks — will participate.
Topics include clean energy initiatives; waste reduction strategies; climate resiliency planning, and Westport’s long-term sustainability goals.
Following the moderated discussion, attendees can continue the conversation informally at Emmy Squared. Click here to submit questions.
StoryFest — The Westport Library’s annual literary festival — kicks off its 8th year by celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
It includes a book launch for “We Survived the Night,”a memoir by noted filmmaker Julian Brave NoiseCat.
He will be joined by Ramin Ganeshram, executive director of the Westport Museum for History & Culture, for a keynote conversation on October 13 (7 p.m.).
The event comes the day before the book’s official release.
Tickets are $30, and include a copy of the memoir. (The price is the same for 1 or 2 seats, and 1 book). A signing follows the talk.
StoryFest — the largest literary festival in Connecticut — draws scores of authors and hundreds of readers, writers and fans each year. With an interdisciplinary career that defies creative boundaries, NoiseCat’s work aligns with the mission: a celebration of storytelling in all forms, across all types of media.
NoiseCat’s journalism has appeared in The New York Times, Washington Post and The New Yorker. In 2021 he was named to Time Magazine’s “100 Next List of Emerging Leaders.”
His film “Sugarcane” was nominated for an Academy Award. It follows an investigation into abuse and missing children at the Indian residential school NoiseCat’s family was sent to in British Columbia.
StoryFest runs from October 13 to 20. It opens with NoiseCat’s book launch, and ends with a 10th anniversary celebration of Shonda Rhimes’memoirYear of Yes.
The Board of Finance holds a special Zoom meeting today at 4:30 p.m., with one item on the agenda: the Hook’d on the Sound concession lease, at Compo Beach.
The public notice says the BOF anticipates discussing this in executive session.
This year, Hook’d rebranded itself as Bluestone.
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Speaking of the shoreline: Work has begun to renovate the tidal gates and pedestrian bridges at Sherwood Mill Pond, leading to Compo Cove.
Equipment is in place at the Compo Beach Soundview parking lot, in the Old Mill lot, and at the garages on the Mill Pond.
The job is expected to be completed next May.
Compared to the Post Road East project, that’s warp speed.
Equipment at the Old Mill garages. (Photo/Tammy Murray)
Jazz at the Post’s September “Piano Madness” continues on Thursday (September 18), with David Hazeltine.
Called “the most recorded contemporary jazz pianist of our time,” he has 35 CDs as a leader, and hundreds more as a sideman.
He’s joined by trombonist Steve Davis, bassist Boots Maleson, drummer Jason Tiemann and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall.
Tickets are $20 for the early show ($15 for veterans and students); $10 for the late show. A buffet dinner, including vegetarian options, is $25. Click here for tickets.
And finally … in honor of the Board of Finance’s upcoming discussion of the Hook’d contract:
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Dandelion is ready to sprout, as our town’s next hot destination.
The restaurant inside the new Delamar Westport hotel previewed its stuff Thursday and Friday. There’s a private party tonight. Dandelion opens to the public on Tuesday (dinner only, at first).
The public will be very impressed.
From the stunning, ESH-ish design with a soaring ceiling and plenty of color, to the creative and very tasty Mediterranean menu — along with meticulous attention to small details, and an attractive, large bar — Dandelion will fill both a culinary niche, and a social one.
Hotel restaurants are seldom destinations for non-guests. This one will be.
It’s hard to describe the vibe that attendees felt during previews. But word of mouth will spread. Reservations will fill quickly.
Yet unlike dandelions in spring, this place continue to grow — beautifully — a long time.
Dandelion, before the first guests arrive. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Tomorrow’s (Sunday) CT United motorcycle ride will impact travel on Riverside Avenue, Wilton Road — and cross streets — from Exit 17 to the Wilton line.
The event — paying tribute to the victims and first responders of 9/11 — is the largest motorcycle ride in the state.
It begins around 11:30 a.m. at Sherwood Island State Park. Hundreds of riders head south on I-95; take Exit 17, and then proceed to Wilton, and on through 7 towns before ending in Bridgeport.
The route is closed and continuous. With the assistance of a police escort, motorcyclists drive through traffic lights and do not stop at stop signs.
Drivers should expect extended traffic delays along the route — potentially 45 minutes or longer. Alternate routes are recommended.
The start of the CT United ride, at Sherwood Island State Park. (Photo/Penny Pearlman)
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Yesterday’s “06880” Instagram Live interview with 1st selectman candidate David Rosenwaks went off — finally — without a technical hitch.
Nearly 200 followers tuned in, offering questions and comments as I spoke with the Independent Party candidate.
Topics ranged from his backgroudn and Westport activities, to his views on the biggest issues facing the town, and possible solutions.
Connecticut households pay nearly twice the U.S. average for electricity.
But there’s help. Sustainable Westport offers resources to lower costs, and strengthen energy resilience and efficiency.
They include the new HeatSmart Westport program, and getting a Home Energy Solutions audit to take advantage of 30% federal tax credits for solar and battery storage, or rebates on electric vehicles and chargers.
Speaking of the environment: On Thursday Morgan Veltri — who works in Westport, and is a 2025 graduate of East Stroudsburg University, with a degree in environmental studies — gave a talk at Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center about spotted lanternflies.
She discussed how to recognize the invasive species, their impact, reporting, and prevention and management.
Speaking still of the environment: Oliver Nurseries hosts an “Autumn Evening in the Garden” (September 20, 5:30 p.m.), featuring Daniel and Brittany Moreno of Kneads Bakery.
Centered around “the intersection of food, nature and community,” the event includes seasonal food and drink, speakers, and a chance to experience the nursery’s grounds during the low light of the change of season.
Suzanne Lenzer will prepare recipes from her new release. Also on hand: James Calcagnini (mushroom farmer, forager and educator), and representatives from nOURish Bridgeport, the first non-profit hydroponic facility in the state.
Tickets are $150. Proceeds help nOURish Bridgeport bring fresh, healthy, local produce to food insecure residents. Email trish@olivernurseries.com to reserve a spot.
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Bigelow Teas — the “Constant Comment” company founded by a Westport family — is headquartered in Fairfield.
But for decades they’ve given back to our town, and the rest of Fairfield County.
The 38th annual Bigelow Tea Community Challenge (September 27, Wakeman Boys & Girls Club, Southport) is a great way for others to give back, too.
The day includes a 5K run and 2-mile walk (10 a.m.), plus a kids’ fun run (9 a.m.). There’s a “virtual run/walk” option too.
Registration includes a goodie bag and raffle ticket.
Last year’s event raised over $182,000 for a variety of local organizations. This year’s list includes the Wakeman Boys & Girls Club, Mercy Learning Center, Cardinal Shehan Center, Neighborhood Studios of Fairfield County, Center for Family Justice, Connecticut Food Bank, Caroline House, Bridgeport Rescue Mission, Norma Pfriem Breast Center, CT Challenge, Horizons at Greens Farms Academy and Pivot Ministries.
A new school year has begun. So the next meeting of the Westport Book Shop’s Short Story Club (September 25, 6 p.m.) will focus on 3 stories about teachers and students.
“Prime” by Caoilinn Hughes
“A Way with Bea” by Shanteka Sigers
“Biology” by Kevin Wilson.
All are available at the Westport Library for printout, at the Book Shop in hard copy to borrow, or online. “Prime” is at granta.com; “Biology” at thesouthernreview.org; a reading of “A Way with Bea” can be heard on a symphonyspace.org Selected Shorts 2023 podcast.
And finally … on this date in 1997, Elton John sang a new version of his 1973 song, “Candle in the Wind,” at the funeral of his friend, Princess Diana. Originally written to honor Marilyn Monroe, the lyrics were changed in tribute to the Princess of Wales, killed in an automobile accident a week earlier.
After a global audience of 2.5 billion watched the performance live broadcast, Elton released the song just one week later. Proceeds benefited Diana’s charities. He has never performed the Diana version of the song since.
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Westport’s dining scene has never been more vibrant.
From the Norwalk line to Southport — and all over Saugatuck — our restaurants draw large crowds of hungry diners.
That’s a lot of food.
And a lot of waste.
Sustainable Westport — our town’s non-profit advisory environmental committee — is on the case. They write:
One of the most impactful ways we can support sustainability every day is through the food we eat — and how we handle what’s left behind.
From what we choose to buy and eat to what we throw away, our food system — including restaurants and grocery stores — matter. That’s why this month, we’re focusing on food waste, and the refresh of one of our key initiatives: the Sustainable Westport Restaurant Champions program (previously called the Restaurant Certification program).
Through a structured process – including on-site waste assessment, recycling recommendations and guidance, and follow-up support — the program educates food businesses on how to meet clear guidelines across 4 key areas (below):
By recognizing restaurants’ impact, the program empowers them to make lasting changes that benefit both their business and the planet.
This update comes at a critical time. With Connecticut’s commercial food waste law now requiring many large food service businesses to divert food waste from the incinerator, the momentum for change is growing.
Our updated Restaurant Champions program not only celebrates restaurants that already make a difference; it also provides guidance and resources to those who want to do more.
Aligned with Westport’s “Skip the Stuff” campaign, which encourages takeout customers to refuse single-use extras unless they need them, the program is part of a broader effort to reduce unnecessary waste.
The program has been relaunched under Samantha Schwab, who brings “fresh energy and a clear plan for helping restaurants implement and maintain sustainable practices.”
She says, “With my culinary training from the Natural Gourmet Institute for Health and Culinary Arts, and experience working in professional kitchens, I’m confident we can help our program’s participants achieve their sustainability goals and inspire other local food businesses to follow suit.”
Then click “Comments,” to share your nominations with the rest of the “06880” community.
Bon appétit!
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Sustainable Westport, in partnership with the town of Westport and People’s Action for Clean Energy, has just launched HeatSmart Westport.
The program helps residents in 3 ways:
Improve home energy efficiency by getting a Home Energy Solutions audit from a certified technician. The typical cost is $75. But for everyone who signs up by August 31, and schedules and appointment between now and October, it’s free.
Insulate your home. and make other improvements to its envelope.
Consider switching your heating and cooling source to an energy efficient heat pump.
A typical HES visit includes about $800 worth of services and materials, and can result in over $180 in annual energy savings,
Each resident receives a personalized report outlining recommended improvements, such as insulation upgrades or more efficient equipment, along with rebates.
The program is open to all Westport homeowners and renters. If youve had an HES audit before 2019, you can have another now.
Weston’s Paul Levesque — better known as professional wrestler Triple H — stood on one side of Trump. Vice President Vance was on the other.
The gathering included Secretuary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and other famous athletes, including golfer Bryson DeChambeau, Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker, and former New York Giants linebacker Lawrence Taylor.
Triple H — who once coached softball here — currently serves as WWE’s chief operating officer. He is married to Stephanie McMahon — a retired wrestler, WWE executive, and daughter of WWE co-founder Vince McMahon and his wife Linda, Trump’s Secretary of Education.
A news story last fall described Triple H’s opulent lifestyle, including a Weston “mansion,” luxury car collection, and Bombardier Global 5000 private jet. (Hat tip: David Loffredo)
From 1972-75, Longtime Westport resident Ron Schooler spent time in a Cuban prison.
Next Friday (August 8, 1:30 p.m., Westport Senior Center), he and Jim Evans will share their personal stories of that ordeal.
The event is part of the Senior Center’s “This is Your Life” series, presented through the Legacy Project.
Ron and Jim were on a sailing trip, delivering a boat from Rhode Island to Jamaica. But boat damage and bad weathe led them into Cuba waters, where they were arrested as “enemies of the state.”
Fifty years later, they’ll offer their perspectives on survival in a Cuban prison, during a time of political and social transformation.
Ron Schooler and Jim Evans
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Speaking of the Senior Center: They just received a $1,000 grant from the Southwestern Connecticut Transit Equity Foundation.
And finally … on this date in 1981, MTV began broadcasting in the US. The very first video was:
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Sustainable Westport is a strong proponent of recycling.
But there’s more to helping the environment than that. Our town’s environmental advocates say:
This Plastic-Free July we are shifting the spotlight – from what we can recycle to what we can simply refuse and reuse.
It’s not just about saying no to straws or remembering our reusable bags. It’s about reimagining our relationship with plastic altogether.
It’s easy to feel like the burden of change falls solely on our shoulders. But this month is a powerful reminder: Our choices can ripple outward and influence bigger systems.
When we choose to use less plastic — and not just recycle more — we send a clear message to businesses, governments and communities that a better way is possible.
Recycling is not enough. The real power lies in refusing plastic before it ever enters our homes.
Join us in starting small, and staying consistent: always bring a reusable water bottle, say no to takeaway cutlery as supported in Sustainable Westport’s Skip the Stuff program, buy bars of soap instead of liquid soap, and avoid pre-packaged fruits and vegetables.
Each swap is a step toward a world that produces less plastic and wastes less overall.
While these swaps may seem small, they matter now more than ever. Microplastics are everywhere — drifting through our oceans, our food, our soil and the air we breathe.
These tiny, often invisible fragments, escape recycling systems. When we say “no” to plastic from the start, we help stop the problem at its source.
Each plastic-free choice we make reduces the pollution we can’t always see, but that touches everything – from the natural world to our own health.
To dive deeper into this urgent issue, join us later this month for a special screening of Plastic People, a powerful documentary exploring the hidden impact of microplastics. It’s July 17, 6 p.m. at MoCA CT. Click here for details and tickets.
And remember: you’re not alone in this. Plastic-Free July is a global movement that empowers millions to take simple, meaningful steps toward reducing plastic waste for cleaner streets, oceans, and thriving communities. Let’s make this July the start of a shift – not just for one month, but for a lifetime.
In what may be the most significant change to the Westport Carvel since a giant ice cream cone was removed from the roof 50 years ago, the iconic sign facing Post Road East has been covered up.
The new sign says, generically, “Soft Serve Ice Cream.”
The owner says the cost of renovating the seems-it’s-been-there-forever building, as requested by Carvel, is too high.
Speaking of food: The train has left the Donut Crazy station.
The shop at the eastbound side of the Westport station was served with an eviction notice in January, CT Insider reports. The owner has allegedly not paid rent since last summer. Click here for the full story.
The Representative Town Meeting (RTM) member and several colleagues spent 2 years planting bulbs at the Minute Man monument. Westport will enjoy their work for years to come.
Last year, Andrew planted some the 1,500 bulbs donated by the Parks & Recreation Department in the Compo Beach entrance island.
Now he wants to do the entire entrance strip.
Interested in helping? Email acolabellartm4@gmail.com.
The “06880” panel on youth sports is 2 weeks from today.
We’ve partnered with Tommy Greenwald — the famed youth adult sports fiction writer, former Staples athlete (and father of 3 athletes) — to present “Fair Play and Foul Behavior: Issues Facing Youth Sports in Today’s World.”
It’s May 14 (7 p.m., Staples High School cafeteria).
Topics include the achievement/pressure balance, referee abuse, sport specialization, cost, the “academy” syndrome, myths and realities of college recruiting, and more.
Dan Woog — hey, that’s me! — will moderate the event, which includes time for audience questions. Panelists are:
VJ Sarullo, Staples athletic director
Dave Smith, father of 4 athletes who writes frequently on youth sports topics
Caleb Smith, former Staples quarterback and lacrosse star, now playing football at the University of Connecticut
Heather Talbott, PAL girls lacrosse co-president and basketball organizer; former lacrosse player at Lehigh University
Mark Pressman, longtime football and softball official
And of course Tommy Greenwald himself.
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Congratulations to 3 environmental winners.
Last week, town officials and Sustainable Westport gave Westport Green Building Awards to these owners, for exemplifying sustainable design and construcction:
17 Maple Grove Avenue (owner Scott Harrington). New construction designed and built as net zero energy. All appliances, heating and cooling systems are electric, and use the photovoltaic roof for power. The insulation exceeds codes. A smart home scheduler minimizes HVAC use by scheduling window shades to follow the path of the sun, and limit heavy electronics usage to only off-peak hours.
1 Hockanum Road (owner Thomas Hensel). Home renovation that integrates a PV system that offsets the residence’s power consumption. After an energy audit audit, the owner added attic insulation, weatherstripping, and mechanical and lighting upgrades. The HVAC system was upgraded to include smart thermostats and duct sealing. Insulation was installed on the hot water piping. Retrofit LED lighting fixtures reduce power consumption while providing the same light levels.
142-150 Main Street, Nômade Restaurant (owners Ciara Webster, Patrick Jean). Renovation and reuse of an existing historic structure; uses renewable energy to reduce dependency on fossil fuels. The roof over the dining terrace features a semi-transparent roof-integrated photovoltaic system. The visibility of the solar panels stimulates the interest of other local business owners and patrons to go solar.
The Planning & Zoning Commission continues its discussion of The Hamlet at its next meeting (May 5, 6 p.m., Zoom).
It’s just one agenda item. Members will also discuss the plan by Fairfield County Hunt Club to construct an indoor racquets facility, and a request to convert the former Bank of America building at 980 Post Road East into a Montessori School, among other things.
Meanwhile, the Flood & Erosion Control Board will examine the Hamlet at its next meeting.
The last agenda item for their May 7 meeting (7:30 p.m.; Zoom; meeting ID 823 4909 8338; passcode 954845), is a continuation of the discussion that began April 2.
Part of the proposed Hamlet project, leading to the Saugatuck River.
The Jesup Road restaurant offers regular classes about the classic dish. With wine and tapas thrown in, what’s not to like?
Sal Liccione took part on Monday, and sent this tasty photo:
(Photo/Sal Liccione)
Next at Basso: a pizza-making class, this Sunday (May 4, 12:30 p.m.). Click here for details.
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Club203’s magical monthly parties continue.
Up next for Westport’s social club for adults with disabilities: Dancing with DJ Joe, (and s’mores, a campfire and pizza), under the stars at Earthplace. Click here for more information.
They’re as good as their younger counterparts. In fact, a 5-0 state tournament semifinal win on Sunday vaulted them into the Connecticut State Soccer Championship. It’s set for June 8 (4 p.m., Dillon Stadium, Hartford), vs. Greenwich Pumas.
That was quite a semi. Rangers had been undefeated — and unscored upon — in league play.
The 50-and-over final is the second big soccer event that weekend. The day before (June 7), the US men’s national team meets Turkey in a friendly, at Rentschler Field in East Hartford.
For some reason, wrong-way drivers on Soundview Drive have become an epidemic.
Residents report alarmingly frequent encounters.
The latest was yesterday:
(Photo/Sunil Hirani)
Be careful out there!
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Senator Chris Murphy is the keynote speaker at the Center for Children’s Advocacy, at New England’s largest youth legal rights organization’s second annual event.
It’s set for Friday (5:30 p.m.), in Westport. Sponsors include Koskoff Koskoff & Bieder. For more information and to RSVP, email mason.miller@berlinrosen.com.
And finally … today is Walpurgis. In German folklore, tonight (Walpurgisnacht) — May Day eve — is when witches meet on the Brocken mountain, and revel with the Devil.
(There is no need to repent — at least, not if you click here to help support “06880,” your hyper-local blog. Danke schön!)
Yesterday’s Roundup item on upcoming town meetings about the Hamlet at Saugatuck project confused some readers. Here’s some clarity:
This Monday’s Planning & Zoning Commission meeting (April 28, 6 p.m., Town Hall auditorium) begins with a discussion on developer ROAN Ventures’ amended presentation. Public comment will follow.
Also ahead: the Conservation Commission on Wednesday (April 30, 7 p.m., Town Hall auditorium) and Flood & Erosion Control Board (May 6, 7 p.m., Zoom).
To view documents, drawings and other material related to The Hamlet, click here, then scroll down.
Artist’s rendering of the Hamlet project, looking toward the Saugatuck River.
The #SpeakYourMind ice bucket challenge reached new heights on Thursday.
After I got soaked — thanks, Dave Briggs, for nominating me to help raise funds and awareness for youth mental health issues! — I dared Jen Tooker and Andrea Moore to do the same.
The 1st and 2nd Selectwomen quickly responded. Like me, they had a blast getting wet — and passing along the challenge.
They named the staff at Positive Directions. It’s an inspired choice. The Westport organization provides counseling and support to people and families struggling with mental health and substance abuse disorders.
So how did our town leaders do? Click here, or click on the link below.
Speaking of the weather: It postponed today’s scheduled Westport Clean-up Day until next Saturday (May 3).
Sustainable Westport is one group taking part. They’ll meet at the Longshore pavilion, and clean up the waterfront from 2 to 4 p.m. Trash bags will be provided. Click here to sign up.
Of course, residents are free to pick up trash and other debris today, too.
It’s time for another “Westport … Naturally” tulip shot.
Sure, we’ve shown them before. But they don’t last forever. And a photo like Mark Yurkiw’s — showing his Cross Highway bounty — is too good to pass up.
(It’s another busy weekend in Westport. If you’ve got a free minute — and that’s all it takes — please click here to support the hyper-local blog that helps make this, and every other weekend, great. Thanks!)
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