The Westport Dog Festival celebrates 10 years on Sunday, May 17.
That’s 70 dog years.
The annual Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce event is once again set for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m, at every dog’s favorite spot: Winslow Park..
As always there will be goofy competitions, Police K-9 presentations, an obstacle course, kids’ activities, food trucks and more. Gilbert the Party Pig returns too, for children to pet and feed.
There are prizes for best tail wagger, best dressed, best kisser, best trick, best lap dog over 50 pounds, and dog that most looks like its owner.
There will be adoptables too, and information about non-profits.
Surrounding the main activities are over 60 pet-related vendors, picture taking, caricatures, face painting, games, giveaways and food trucks. WEBE 108 will broadcast live.
This year the entrance fee is cashless: credit card and Apple Pay only ($10 per person, $30 for a family of 2 adults and 2 children).
Proceeds benefit nonprofit organizations. So farm over $50,000 has been donated by the Chamber to deserving groups. Click here for more information.
These guys can’t wait to come to the Dog Festival again. (Photo/Charlie Scott)
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It’s been 86 years since Judy Garland sang “Over the Rainbow.” It — and she — are as beloved as ever.
On June 17 (7 p.m.), the Westport Country Playhouse presents “Get Happy!” –Jenna Pastuszek and Broadway’s Joshua Zecher Ross’ 103rd birthday celebration of the great entertainer.
It’s not an impersonation. It’s a playlist filled with beloved classics and forgotten gems, from “The Wizard of Oz,” “Easter Parade,” Judy Live at Carnegie Hall and much more.
For a song, you can support the Staples High School music program.
The always-spectacular Pops Concert is June 5 (7 p.m, Levitt Pavilion). As always, it’s free — a gift from the Music Department to the town.
But it costs a lot to produce. Which is why local businesses might consider buying an ad in the program book.
Over 400 young musicians are enriched by Staples’ award-winning program. To reach them — and their parents, and everyone else at the Pops — click here to place an ad (or learn more). The deadline is May 22.
Kyle Martino did not learn soccer in the streets of Westport.
But the 1999 Staples High graduate — and Gatorade High School Player of the Year, MLS Rookie of the Year and US men’s national team player, who has gone on to become a broadcaster and soccer entrepreneur — credits pick-up games with athletes of all ages as being a formative part of his development.
So Martino — who recently moved back to Westport — created Street FC. The app hosts street-style pickup games in unexpected spaces, from basketball and tennis courts to rooftops and empty lots, making it easy for anyone to show up and play.
Your first game is free. Just download the Street FC app here. Make an account, select “Bridgeport,” then find a game that works for your schedule and skill level.
See you on the pitch!
Street FC in Stratford.
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The next meeting of the Westport Book Shop’s Short Story Club is May 27 (6 p.m.).
With Mother’s Day approaching, the selections’ theme is appropriate: mothers and children. They are:
Hot on the heels of the Artemis success, the Westport Astronomical Society gets ready for a lecture on “Robotic Planetary Landers.”
Erik Bailey, aerospace engineer and veteran of multiple US Mars landings, will join remotely to survey humanity’s landings on other worlds: the moon, Venus, mars, Titan, Comet 67P, and asteroids Eros, Ryugu and Bennu.
Westport Police made 4 custodial arrests between April 29 and May 5.
A 30-year-old Danbury woman was charged with larceny, conspiracy to commit larceny and risk of injury to a child, following a March shoplifting incident at Ulta Beauty. Total loss due to theft was estimated at $3,157, with some items being put in a stroller. She was held on a $60,000 bond.
Two Waterbury men, ages 20 and 19, were charged with conspiracy to commit larceny of a motor vehicle, after being observed on the Sherwood Island Connecticut. Both posted $7,500 bonds. A 17-year-old juvenile was also involved, and released to a parent.
A 37-year-old Philadelphia man was charge with failure to appear. He was released on a $25,000 bond.
A 32-year-old Brooklyn man was charged with failure to appear, after being incarcerated in New Jersey.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Texting while driving: 29 citations
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 6
School zone violation: 6
Traveling unreasonably fast: 5
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 4
Failure to renew registration: 4
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 3
Distracted driving: 3
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 2
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 2
Failure to obey state traffic commission regulations: 2
Speeding: 1
School zone violation, 2nd offense: 1
Failure to obey stop sign: 1
Improper use of markers: 1
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We’re used to seeing ducks in the Saugatuck River.
In our backyard — not so much.
But these 2 mallards have been hanging out at Tracy Porosoff’s house.
They’re happy as clams ducks. And pleased as punch to pose for today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo.
But — as noted in the item above about Judy Garland’s upcoming Westport Country Playhouse “appearance,” it never gets old.
(Follow the yellow brick road … all the way to here, where you can easily and quickly — make a donation to “06880.” It doesn’t take a brain, heart or courage — just one click. Thank you all!)
At a time of rising antisemitism worldwide, Temple Israel is growing.
The 1,100-family congregation — the largest Jewish one in the state — has grown more than 60% over the past 5 years. They’ve tripled their pre-school, and doubled the Hebrew school. Next month, they welcome their 6th clergy member.
Between youth and adult programs, rites like bar and bat mitzvahs and baby namings, and Shabbat and holiday services, the building teems with activities.
Now Temple Israel is growing in another way.
On Tuesday, they closed on the property next door. Purchasing 6 Coleytown Road — owned by the same family since the 1960s — adds 2 acres to the 6-acre 14 Coleytown Road campus.
It’s a perfect fit physically. The land will fill in the fourth quadrant, just west of the existing land (to the right, driving in).
Temple Israel’s existing property is outlined in blue. The new purchase is in red (lower left).
It’s also a perfect fit dynamically. Rabbi Michael Friedman and the board of directors do not yet know how they’ll utilize the land. But as Temple Israel grows in numbers and activities, there will be no shortage of ideas.
“When we had the opportunity to acquire this, right next door, we realized it’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance,” Rabbi Friedman says. “They’ve been great neighbors, and we hope we’ve been good to them.
“It’s exciting. We recognize the responsibility of planning thoughtfully for a vibrant future.”
Formed in 1949, but without a permanent home for the first 10 years, Temple Israel has over the past years attracted young families, empty nesters and others, beyond its original Westport and Weston base.
The congregation’s footprint has expanded into Wilton, New Canaan. Fairfield, and beyond, Rabbi Friedman notes.
Temple Israel
“Our building and campus gets a lot of use,” he adds. “That’s a feature, not a bug.”
In an email to congregants yesterday, temple officials said: “As we move into the next 75 years of our congregation’s story, we envision a campus that supports the vibrant 21st century Judaism we have created, providing spaces where we can safely and joyfully gather, learn, worship and celebrate.
“There is still important planning work ahead, and we look forward to keeping you informed as conversations continue and next steps unfold. At the same time, we have begun to dream about how this opportunity could take shape — imagining how this space might enhance connection, expand what we are able to offer, and support the evolving needs of our growing community. While it is still early in the process, these initial conversations have been both energizing and inspiring as we consider what is possible.”
As antisemitism rises in the US and around the world, Rabbi Friedman says, “it is particularly meaningful to have hopefulness.”
He sees that hope in the continued growth of Temple Israel — programmatically, spiritually, and now physically too.
(“06880” regular covers religion, real estate, and more. If you appreciate our hyper-local focus, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
A nationally known financier and philanthropist, and a community non-profit serving adults with disabilities, will be honored by StartUp Westport next month.
Longtime Westporter Marc Lasry is the entrepreneurial group’s Innovator of the Year. Club203 will receive the Impact of the Year Award.
The ceremony is set for June 1, 6 p.m.,, Westport Library).
Lasry is chair, CEO and co-founder of Avenue Capital Group. He is also a former owner of the Milwaukee Bucks. He has supported university initiatives; served as a director of the 92nd Street Y and the Big Apple Circus, and was a trustee of the Mount Sinai Hospital in Manhattan.
Lasry and fellow Westporter/”Today” co-anchor Craig Melvin will discuss how leaders navigate high-stakes moments when information is incomplete, pressure is high, and the path forward is not clear.
Club203 will be cited for their work fostering inclusion and connection through innovative, community-driven programming.
Speaking of Club203 : They celebrated Cinco de Mayo a day early — Monday night — at an appropriate venue: Mexica restaurant.
Members of Westport’s social organization for adults with disabilities enjoyed great food, art with MoCA\CT, and dancing a conga line with music by Marca.
Sure, Westport homes are disappearing steadily. “06880” has already posted 44 of them, in our “Then & Now” series — and we’ve just scratched the surface.
But plenty of Westporters are preserving old homes too.
Tomorrow (Thursday, 7 p.m., Town Hall auditorium) the Historic District Commission presents their 2026 Preservation Awards.
Honorees include:
4 Old Hill Road, Emil Dennert House: Excellence in Ongoing Care and Maintenance Preservation Award
6 Oak Street: Excellence in Ongoing Care and Maintenance Preservation Award
14 Treadwell Avenue: Restoration Preservation Award
24 Morningside Drive South, Charles B. Sherwood House: Restoration Preservation Award
26 Treadwell Avenue, Henry Patchen: Rehabilitation Preservation Award
35 Wright Street, Zalman Sanford House: Helen Muller Preservation Award
44 Compo Mill Cove, Gallagher Cottage: Rehabilitation Preservation Award
64 Wright Street, Frederick Morehouse: Restoration Preservation Award
70 Turkey Hill Road South, John F. Dingee House: Restoration Preservation Award
The Westport Rotary Club delivered checks to 47 local nonprofits yesterday, at their annual Community Giving Day lunch at Green’s Farms Church.
The grants marked a record: $309,000. Much of the funds came from September’s hugely successful LobsterFest.
The Rotary Club’s goal is to make this year’s event even bigger — and the grants bigger too.
Westport Rotary Club members and grant recipients yesterday, at Green’s Farms Church. (Hat tip and photo/Dave Matlow)
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More Rotary news: Clubs across Fairfield County are planning an “Epic Day of Service” on Saturday, May 16.
And they urge non-members to join in too.
Service projects in Bridgeport, Fairfield, Norwalk, Westport and Wilton will address urgent community needs and support vulnerable populations. Residents have a hands-on opportunity to give back, while connecting with neighbors and partnering with local non-profit organizations.
Projects last 2-3 hours, and focus on issues like food insecurity, homelessness, public space improvements, and support for military veterans and individuals with special needs.
The first 25 volunteers will receive an “Epic Day of Service” T-shirt.
Residents interested in participating or learning more can click here, or email
After a wildly successful 2025, with 10 teams competing under the lights at the beach, the Parks & Recreation Department program returns next month.
Games will be played Tuesday nights, from June 23 to August 18.
Teams can sign up here. The league will be capped at 12 teams. Each captain must submit an $800 fee at signup. The fee covers jerseys, referees and scorekeepers. Rosters are due May 28.
Questions? Email jordan.schur@gmail.com.
Compo Beach adult basketball action, 2025.
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Last month, the Brubeck Brothers Quartet sold out MoCA\CT for a special “speakeasy” performance, tied to the current “Art, Jazz + the Blues” exhibit.
On May 19 (7 p.m.), Chris Brubeck returns. And he’ll bring his eclectic, virtuosic Triple Play trio along.
The musicians have spent decades refining a unique blend of blues, folk and jazz.
Brubeck is a multi-instrumentalist (piano, electric fretless bass, trombone and vocals). Peter “Madcat” Ruth is a Grammy-winning harmonica virtuoso and protégé of Chicago blues legends, and master of of 40 different harps, ukulele, and percussion. Joel Brown is a noted acoustic guitarist and singer-songwriter, specializing in soaring melodies.
Brubeck says, “I felt tremendously motivated to return to the performance gallery because the artwork — specifically by (Westporter) Eric von Schmidt — so beautifully evokes the American ‘roots’ and blues traditions that are Triple Play’s specialty. The music will totally integrate with the exhibit. It’s going to be an incredible sensory experience.”
The Westport Country Playhouse Script in Hand play reading — a long-running, very popular and inexpensive ($30!) series — continued Monday night with “One Slight Hitch.” The playwright is noted comedian Lewis Black.
Three performers are Juilliard graduates. Nearly all have Broadway experience.
The next Script in Hand is June 8. The title will be announced soon.
“One Slight Hitch” cast and crew (front row, from left: Maggie Scrantom, Gabe Gaston, Cassidy Stoner, Taylor Dunbar, Hannah Bakke (stage directions). Rear: Jater Webb, Kevin O’Rourke (director), Kathleen McNenny, and Daniel Jenkins. (Photo/Kelsey McFarland)
The Whitney Street sidewalk/street widening/repaving project is going well.
And there’s a lot to do.
Check out these boulders:
(Photo/Molly Alger)
Thankfully, the machine on the left can help the guys in the middle.
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Longtime Westport and Weston resident Regina Kendig died Mnday. She was 79.
A Brooklyn native, she graduated from Newton College of the Sacred Heart. She distinguished herself both academically and as a star of the school’s first all-girls touch football club, a great point of pride.
In New York she launched a career in advertising, which she loved deeply. She passed her passion on to her son Ty, who has spent 25 years in the industry.
Moonlighting as a hostess at the executive dining room atop the Pan Am Building, she met Pan Am executive Hal Kendig. They were married at Sleepy Hollow Country Club.
Adventurous years followed. The couple traveled widely before settling in Miami for Hal’s work. When his career brought the family north again, they planted roots in Westport. For more than 40 years, that town and Weston were home.
As her children got older, Regi leveraged her love of beautiful homes into a 40- year career in real estate. She touched hundreds of lives, guided by an unwavering commitment to finding the perfect home for the families she served.
Regi was a devoted book club member, a cherished friend, and a lover of Compo Beach. She was often found, window down, McDonald’s Diet Coke in hand, soaking in the view.
At home as a hostess, her tablescapes were works of art, and her holiday meals legendary.
After Hal died in 2014, Regi found constant companionship in Nikki, her Shih Tzu, and a “coven” of friends. All were by her side in her final days.
Regi is survived by her son Ty (Elizabeth), daughter Paige (Bryan), and brothers Paul (Joelle), Greg (Alden) and Joe (Lori).
She will be laid to rest beside Hal at Christ & Holy Trinity Cemetery. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Earthplace, where Hal served on the board and which she was devoted to as well.
(From historic homes to innovators, and jazz to basketball, “06880” covers it all. If you enjoy these daily Roundups — or any other part of our hyper-local blog — please click here to support us. Thanks!)
Delilah Berniker is a sophomore at Staples High School. She has lived in Westport since 2016.
She plays JV soccer and lacrosse; is a member of Student Council, an editor of the school’s Soundings literary magazine, and will soon be co-president of Circle of Friends, where she works with students with special needs. In her free time Delilah loves to draw, paint, take photos and write poetry.
She is also a very talented writer. Today, she says:
Unlike many Westport parents, mine did not pressure me about academics when I was younger.
Delilah Berniker
So when freshman year at Staples came along, I had no idea what I was getting into. It felt like everyone got a memo that I missed — the one that told them to “join as many clubs as possible,” add maximum “rigor” to their schedules, become president of a club by junior year, and at a bare minimum have at least the next 7 years of their life planned out by the time they turn 14.
Am I the only one who didn’t know high school is more about college than it is about high school?
While I don’t blame my parents, I feel naive for listening to them when they told my anxious middle school self “it will all work out,” and I should just go to sleep early.
Now, not only am I catching up on sleep, but I feel like I’m catching up on at least 2 years of intensive PSAT prep, creating new math proofs, publishing my latest philosophical theories, and starting a non-profit.
Don’t get me wrong: I love Staples, and I am invigorated by the different classes and clubs offered. My issue is not lacking interests, it’s having too many. Even after 2 years of scrambling for leadership roles and scribbling my name down on every club sign-up sheet, I still feel lost within the chaos of this high school marathon.
My classmates, painted as competitors, are all rushing to fill the idealistic mold of a college applicant: stacking extracurriculars, joining more clubs, and constantly wondering what more they should be doing. This pressure on our shoulders becomes increasingly heavier as we squish ourselves to fit the narrow definition of success now engraved in our brains.
It wasn’t until recently, as I approach the end of sophomore year, that I realized, within this race to build my perfect academic picture, I have lost sight of my interests.
In fact, I don’t think I’ve had the chance to fully discover them. I’ve been so overwhelmed with what others are doing and what everyone tells me I am supposed to be doing, I haven’t given myself enough room to think of other paths.
I realized I was doing the wrong things by trying to do the right things.
My name was on the roster for multiple clubs, my schedule was full, but I wasn’t invested in anything I was doing. In some cases (like mine) it takes a Debate Club meeting to realize that you may be in the wrong room — and you never wanted to be there in the first place.
A common misconception students have is that there is only one definition, or one path to success. What I’ve started to understand is that it is impossible to find success when you have yet to find passion.
When we focus so much on what we feel like we’re “supposed” to do in order to stand out, we end up following the same 2-dimensional checklist. In that process, we lose something deeper: the space to actually figure out what matters to us.
The truth is, the people who seem like they have everything figured out often don’t.
Declaring your future at 14 doesn’t mean you’ve discovered your passion — it often just means you’ve chosen a path that feels acceptable. I love art, writing, and everything creative, but I’ve been afraid to lean into that because “unless you’re applying to art school, it’s a waste of time.”
What will colleges think about art, and a literary magazine?
I’ve learned that the most valuable accomplishments are ones that stem from passion and consistency. What makes you stand out cannot solely live on an application in a maximum of 200 words. It exists in the things you care about enough to keep showing up for, even when they don’t “count.”
I know a certain amount of external expectations and pressure are necessary to push myself, but I will no longer fall victim to the assumption that there is only one way to succeed in high school.
In trying so hard to build something impressive, it is easy to forget to build something real. Focus on finding your passion, and the rest of the checklist will fill itself in from there.
Passion cannot be manufactured. And passion is never a waste of time.
(“Students Speak” is a regular “06880” feature. Any student living or studying in Westport or Weston can submit a piece. Email 06880blog@gmail.com. To support this local blog, click here.)
The 53rd annual event returns May 23 and 24. The nationally recognized event –sponsored by the Westport Downtown Association — draws an exceptional lineup of fine artists from across the region. Their works cover an enormous range of media and styles.
The WDA will announce featured artists, vendors, food, live music and more soon.
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Wheels2U is on the move!
Starting today, Westport’s on-demand shuttle service is extending its midday service. The result: Riders will have more time, more destinations, more convenience and more freedom.
To better serve the needs of shoppers, commuters, and seniors, on May 5 Wheels2U is extending its midday hours, and adding destination options.
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday service will now end at 3 p.m — 90 minutes later than previously.
In addition, starting a 9 a.m. on those days, passengers can request a ride to or from anywhere in Westport, provided the trip starts or ends at one of these “hubs”:
Saugatuck and Greens Farms train stations.
Westport Library, Senior Center and Farmers’ Market.
Jesup Green, and the intersection of Post Road East and Compo Road North.
Whether it’s catching a train, enjoying Saugatuck, shopping downtown or by Compo Road, walking in Winslow park, or transferring to the Coastal Link bus, Wheels2U can help.
AWARE is one of Westport’s most effective and action-oriented volunteer groups.
The acronym stands for Assisting Women Through Action, Resources and Education. Each year the organization selects a women’s cause, then partners with a charity to benefit it. Through a fundraiser, hands-on activity and educational event, AWARE shines a light on a different meaningful women’s issue.
This year, they’re working with Susie’s House.
The 124 Compo Road North residence is run by Homes with Hope. Named for former director Susie Basler, it provides stable, affordable living for 6 young women ages 18 to 24 who are homeless, or at risk of homelessness.
Susie’s House helps resident get back on their feet through education and employment, eventually moving on to independent living. Each woman has a mentor, community support and case management.
On May 30 (11 a.m. to 1 p.m.), AWARE is hosting a “Flower Power Brunch” — at Susie’s House itself. Guests will enjoy “lite bites,” gardening tips and fun.
In Westport, the Staples High School program has a long tradition of welcoming Little League players at a special day each season.
This year’s Little League Day is Friday (May 8). Young athletes will be invited onto the field for the lineup and national anthem.
They’ll then cheer on the Wreckers against Fairfield Ludlowe — and (for those wearing their Little League jerseys) enjoy free pizza* from the Colony truck.
Pre-game festivities start at 4 p.m. The first pitch is 4:15. Go Wreckers!
Harrison Gill is the Westport Book Shop guest exhibitor for May. His watercolors of the Saugatuck River and Long Island Sound will be on display through May 31. All works are available for purchase.
Alert — and concerned — “06880” reader Larry Weisman warns: “The Splash Car Wash automated system has twice broken the rear wiper assembly on our cars.
“Their response was, ‘Have it fixed at your dealer, and we’ll reimburse the cost.’
“Unless you have time to go to your dealer, I suggest you go somewhere else to have your car washed.
This week’s Jazz at the Post (Thursday, May 7, VFW Post 399: shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 7) features singer Giacomo Gates. He’s known for his spontaneity, humor, and stories about music and composers.
Timothy Schmutte is a clinical psychologist and assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the Yale School of Medicine. In his private practice he focuses on children and teens with a variety of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression and OCD, and the challenges of people over 50 like grief, job loss, and coping with severe illness.
Tim often works with his wife, Elenee Argentinis, to create mental health content. Elenee has a law degree, and has worked in the life sciences industry for more than 20 years. Together, they are raising 2 high school-aged boys in Westport.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Tim and Elenee are helping “06880” readers understand mental health, from several angles. This is their first piece.
Most of us think of Westport as one of the most idyllic communities in the country. With picturesque beaches, downtown boutiques and winding tree-lined roads, Westport seems like the perfect place to live.
When it comes to mental health, at first blush it seems to be true.
In “The State of Mental Health in America,” created by the organization Mental Health America, Connecticut ranks as the state with the lowest rates of mental illness and substance abuse in youth and adults.
Dr. Timothy Schmutte
Local data is hard to come by. But the 2024 Westport Youth Survey conducted by Positive Directions also reports some good news. Rates of teen substance abuse in Westport have decreased since the pandemic. Use of tobacco, alcohol, vaping, marijuana and abuse of prescription drugs have all declined since 2021.
But as with most things, the devil is in the details. The last Westport 2025 Equity Report published by DataHaven raised several key issues related to mental health.
For example, 1/3 of all Westport families are cost-burdened by home ownership; economic stress can contribute to mental illness.
In the western Connecticut community of municipalities that includes Westport, rates of anxiety and depression are highest in adults 18-34 (20% and 18%).
Westport high school seniors’ use of alcohol (38%) is much higher than the national average (24%), and 23% of all Westport High schoolers reported gambling.
Data at the state level suggests that up to 30% of high school students have felt sad or hopeless daily for more than 2 weeks within the last year. 12% have considered attempting suicide, and about 6% tried.
Elenee Argentinis
What does all this mean? Mental illness, from addiction (e.g., drugs, alcohol, vaping, gambling and screen time) to mood disorders (anxiety, anger and depression) and other unhealthy behaviors are still problems for our community.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. To emphasize the importance of mental health in Westport we writing “Mental Health Matters,” a short series exploring mental health in our community by looking at teens, parents and older adults.
Our goal is to raise awareness about the unique mental health challenges each group faces, as well as how to recognize them and get help.
Mental Health Awareness month was established in 1949 by the National Association for Mental Health (now called Mental Health America), after passage of the 1946 Mental Health Act and the end of World War II, with a wave of soldiers affected by the war.
Before these milestones, mental illness came with shame, stigma and often maltreatment of patients in mental institutions.
Connecticut played an important role in destigmatizing mental illness, and in mental health care reform.
Clifford Beers, born in New Haven in 1876, led mental health care reform here. A Yale graduate, he suffered maltreatment and abuse in Connecticut mental institutions during episodes of depression and paranoia.
He published “A Mind That Found Itself,” recounting his abuse. He founded the Connecticut Society for Mental Hygiene (renamed Mental Health Connecticut) and the National Committee for Mental Hygiene (now Mental Health America). He founded the first outpatient mental health clinic the United States, the Clifford Beers Clinic, in 1913.
Here in Westport, we had 2 mental health facilities. The Westport Sanitorium was located at the corner of Post Road East and Compo Road North (now Winslow Park), in the former mansion of State Senator Richard Henry Winslow. beginning in 1891.
Westport Sanitarium, at the corner of Post Road East and Compo Road North.
Nine years later, McFarland’s Sanitorium was opened on Long Lots Road. It become Hall-Brooke Hospital, and absorbed into St. Vincent’s Medical Center. It was acquired by Hartford Healthcare in 2019.
Part of Hall-Brooke Hospital, on Long Lots Road.
It’s difficult to get a precise read on the number of mental health care providers in Westport. But Healthgrades notes upwards of 600 practitioners and over 200 psychiatrists in Fairfield County.
Yet many practices are booked, and waitlists are months long.
Cost is another issue. Many practitioners in our area take “private pay” only, because insurance companies reimburse too little, and limit the number of sessions they cover.
So thank goodness for Mental Health Awareness Month. We’ve come a long way in recognizing and caring for mental illness.
But we’ve still got a long way to go.
In our next article, we’ll talk about teen mental health. Until then: Be well.
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My name was on the roster for multiple clubs, my schedule was full, but I wasn’t invested in anything I was doing. In some cases (like mine) it takes a Debate Club meeting to realize that you may be in the wrong room — and you never wanted to be there in the first place.
