Roundup: Age Of Reason, Alisyn Camerota, Vote! …

Age of Reason — Westport’s oldest toy store — will soon sell its last puzzle, game and science set.

The Post Road West shop closes soon. Owner Nina Berger cited “personal and business reasons” for the decision. Age of Reason celebrated its 40th anniversary in October.

All items are 30% off. The final day is April 30, or earlier if all the inventory is sold.

Age of Reason was my go-to toy store, for many reasons. It’s locally owned; it’s filled with educational, expand-kids’-minds items, not mindless junk; and Nina and her staff always knew exactly the right gift for my nephews, nieces and friends’ newborn babies — no matter how vague my descriptions of them.

Thanks, Nina, for your 40 years of brightening Westporters’ (and their children’s) minds. Best wishes with whatever comes next. (Hat tip: Jonathan Hack)

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CNN anchor, author and Westport resident Alisyn Camerota launches her new memoir, “Combat Love,” at the Westport Library tonight (Wednesday, March 27, 7 p.m.).

She’ll chat with memoirist (and fellow Westporter) Gabi Coatsworth about her story of growing up longing for stability and attachment, as the foundation of her family crumbled.

“Combat Love” chronicles Camerota’s youth in the 1980s, her relationship with a punk rock band, and her misadventures at clubs like CBGB and Max’s Kansas City, coupled with the sex, drugs, and punk rock of 1980s New Jersey.

Tonight is the first of two appearances for Camerota at the Library. The two-time Emmy Award winner returns Saturday, April 6, for VersoFest 2024. She’ll lead a  conversation with Doors drummer John Densmore about his book, The Doors Unhinged: Jim Morrison’s Legacy Goes on Trial.

Alisyn Camerota

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Connecticut’s first-ever early voting began yesterday, for the state’s Democratic and Republican presidential primaries.

129 Westporters — 105 Democrats and 24 Republicans — made history as Westport’s earliest voters. They included 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker.

All Westporters vote at Town Hall. The usual polling places are not open, as schools are in session.

Early voting continues today and tomorrow, March 27-28 (Town Hall Room 201) and Saturday, March 30 (Town Hall auditorium). Polls are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on those days.

Election Day is Tuesday, April 2 (6 a.m. to 8 p.m., Town Hall auditorium).

Republican and Democratic election officials yesterday, at Town Hall. (Photo/Deborah Greenberg)

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It’s impossible to get to every worthwhile Westport fundraiser. And the spring calendar is chock full of them.

But if there’s one you really shouldn’t miss, it’s the Dream Event, for A Better Chance of Westport. For over 20 years, ABC has provided educational opportunities — and a home — to academically gifted, highly motivated young men of color.

It’s a great cause — just like so many others. Our town is filled with wonderful non-profits, doing good in a wide array of ways.

What sets the Dream Event apart are the speeches. Current scholars, and those who have graduated from the program, speak movingly, eloquently and inspirationally about their journeys.

They describe the difficulties of moving to a town like Westport, and a school like Staples; the ups and downs of their 4 years in the program, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way.

It’s a heartfelt look into America — and an uplifting look into the future.

(Of course, there’s also light bites, cocktails, entertainment, and live and silent auctions.)

This year’s A Better Chance of Westport is April 27 (6:30 p.m., Westport Library).

Click here for tickets, and more information.

A Better Chance of Westport alumni, at the 2023 Dream Event. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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For decades, Jon Gailmor has entertained, educated and inspired Vermont kids with his unique songwriting workshops.

Now the 1966 Staples High School graduate is coming home, to do it here.

Old School Music Productions presents Gailmor — an official “Extraordinary Vermont” (per the governor) and longtime recording artist — at the Weston History & Culture Center.

The April 6 event includes songwriting sessions for 2nd-5th graders (10 to 11:30 a.m.) and 6th-8th graders (1 to 2:30 p.m.). Students work with Gailmor to find a topic, develop a theme, then create the lyrics, rhythm and melody. The cost is $40 per student. Click here to register.

At 4:30 p.m., the youngsters will perform the songs they wrote, for family, friends and everyone else who enjoys creativity and fun. Gailmor will also perform popular and original tunes. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for children.

Gailmor received the Mayor’s Peace Prize in Burlington, and was awarded a Silver Citation by the Vermont Arts Council.  He sang as Vermont’s representative at the 25th anniversary of the Kennedy Center in Washington, and in 1996 carried the Olympic Torch through Brattleboro, on its way to Atlanta. To learn more about the legendary Jon Gailmor, click here.

Jon Gailmor, at a kids’ songwriting workshop.

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Speaking of kids: They’re fascinated by police cars, ambulances, cranes, dump trucks, buses, big rigs and fire trucks.

On May 4 (9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Imperial Avenue parking lot), they’ll get a chance to climb all over — and take photos of — all of them, and more cool vehicles.

The Westport Weston Co-op Nursery School’s 17th annual Touch-a-Truck fundraiser includes other family friendly activities too: magicians, crafts, face painting, food trucks and live music.

Admission is $35 per family. Click here for tickets. Proceeds help fund scholarships, supplies and equipment, and special programs. 

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Right on time last night, Westport’s favorite raptors — 2 ospreys — returned to their nest, near Fresh Market.

And right on time, Westport’s favorite osprey photographer — Carolyn Doan — was there to capture them. (On camera, that is.)

The male arrived first. The female followed. They winter separately in Florida or South America, Carolyn says.

Here are her first spectacular images of the year:

(Photos/Carolyn Doan)

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Looking for a volunteer opportunity? Love Wakeman Town Farm?

Our local sustainability center invites you to a “casual volunteer coffee” on April 8 (10 to 11 a.m.).

Interested in helping with cooking classes? Have a knack for researching and writing grants? Enjoy fundraising or contacting sponsors? How about face painting, working the entry door, or otherwise helping at an event?

Learn about how you can help — without a huge time commitment.

And if you don’t know much about WTF: It’s your chance to learn.

Opportunities galore, at Wakeman Town Farm.

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Jonathan Alloy offers today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo from Kings Highway North, noting: “It may not feel like it from the weather, but spring has sprung.”

(Photo/Jonathan Alloy)

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And finally … we say goodbye to Age of Reason, with this song from The Toys:

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