The Planning & Zoning Commission’s agenda for May 13 (6 p.m., livestream) is packed.
Among the items, both submitted by the Parks & Recreation Department:
- Lights at the Wakeman turf and PJ Romano Fields (4 70-foot poles with LED fixtures at both)
- A new lease for food and beverage concessions at Compo Beach, Longshore pavilion and the Longshore golf course halfway house.
Lights are proposed for Wakeman turf field (center).
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Speaking of Parks & Rec: Their “Kickoff to Summer” is a recent tradition.
The May 23 event (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.) features food, touch-a-truck, bouncy houses, a climbing wall, face painting, helicopter rides — and this year, something special.
This year marks the unveiling of a new mural. It brightens the formerly drab wall, between the side of the concession stand and the brick pavilion.
Staples High School junior Luke Bernier won a town-wide contest, with his design.
The other day, volunteers — led by super-volunteer Miggs Burroughs — turned his plan into an actual mural. We look forward to seeing the finished work on May 23 — and for many years to come.
(Photo/Carm Roda)
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Nobel Prize-winning MIT economist Daron Acemoglu called last week’s Westport Library talk with Dave Briggs “the most important conversation in the world.”
This week, (Friday, May 8, 10 a.m.) Briggs — a longtime resident and national journalist — hosts one that will rivet parents (and any students and teachers who can get there).
Brookings Rebecca Winthrop one of the nation’s leading experts on AI and education. She and Briggs will discuss what parents need to know about the impact AI may have on their children’s education; how evolving technology affects critical thinking — and are schools doing enough?
The conversation will explore why skills like common sense, critical thinking, curiosity and sound judgment matter more than ever — especially for young, impressionable minds.
For more information, click here.
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As Westporters think about graduations and summer camp, Westport’s Human Services Department is thinking about how to help residents who struggle to afford them.
Youth and family specialist Annette D’Augelli coordinates the Camperships and Ceremonies & Celebrations programs. for income-eligible families.
Camperships help bridge gaps, offering children access to structured, confidence-building experiences while providing parents the stability of reliable summer care.
The Ceremonies & Celebrations Fund ensures 8th and 12th grade students can mark important milestones with dignity, through a graduation outfit, special meal or other meaningful experience.
The impact of a donation is felt in many ways:
- $5,000: Full summer of camp
- $2,500: 6 weeks of camp
- $1,000: 2 1/2 weeks of camp
- $400: 1 week of camp
- $200: Half week of camp or a celebratory meal
- $100: Camp support or graduation/prom attire
To donate online, click here; (Family-to-Family program). To donate by mail: Family to Family, c/o Westport Human Services, 110 Myrtle Avenue, Westport, CT 06880.
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Construction at Sherwood Island State Park — the traditional site of STAR Inc.’s annual Walk & Roll — moved the event to the non-profit’s Norwalk home.
But the 21st annual fundraiser was another smash. And it offered attendees a chance to experience first hand the facility and environment where important work, supporting people with intellectual and developmental differences, happens every day.
Bob Levy spoke on behalf of Team Ariel, once again the top fundraising team. He reflected on over 2 decades of involvement, and noted that donations this year included his 7-year-old granddaughter. He also recognized Laura Blair and Team Jenna Herbst, for their continued commitment and impact.
For more information on STAR, and to contribute, click here.
Joining in the STAR Walk & Roll.
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Guests enjoyed jazz, conversation and laughter Saturday night, at MoCA\CT.
Hosted by Richard Epstein and Jim Motavalli of WPKN-FM, the program paired iconic recordings with lively, nostalgic dialogue.
Selections like “Song for My Father” by Horace Silver and “In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning” by Johnny Hartman sparked personal stories and reflections.
The event was part of MoCA’s ongoing programming for “Art, Jazz + the Blues.” The exhibit combines visual art with jazz-inspired public programming.
This Thursday (May 7, 6 p.m.), MoCA\CT presents One Degree of Separation: Jazz in CT. Thomas Duffy and Wayne Escoffery of the Yale School of Music explore Connecticut’s vibrant jazz legacy, including mentorship, collaboration, and the social impact of the music in the state and beyond. Grammy Award winner Escoffery will play the saxophone too.
On May 14 (6 p.m.), the museum hosts the Westport Writers’ Workshop. Amanda Parrish Morgan and Liz Matthews’ immersive, all-levels workshop invites participants to respond to “Art, Jazz + the Blues” through observation, imagination and curiosity.
Then, on May 16 (7 p.m.), internationally acclaimed pianist (and 25-year Westport resident) Frederic Chiu is joined by his niece, rising violinist star Karisa Chiu — fresh off her Carnegie Hall debut. Their program spans Gabriel Fauré, Sergei Prokofiev, and a special piece written for Karisa by Bright Sheng.
Karisa Chiu and Frederic Chiu.
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Congratulations to Olivia Jackson!
The Coleytown Middle School 7th grader earned a Platinum award in the Connecticut Writing Project’s Student Writers contest. Her poem (below) — one of over 1,500 submissions — will be published in this year’s magazine. She’ll also take part in a special writers’ workshop.
That’s not all. Last month, Olivia performed at Carnegie Hall, with the Camp Broadway Ensemble at the New York Pops’ 43rd Birthday Gala.
We’ll follow her writing and performing careers with interest!
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The Caribbean is coming to Weston.
May 31 (3 to 5 p.m.) is when Town Hall Green turns tropical. The town’s Commission for the Arts welcomes the high-energy Silver Steel Drum Band, for the inaugural Music on the Green show.
The Green was restored to create a central gathering space, with a veterans’ memorial, walkway, improved lighting and native landscaped gardens. Concerts will add another dimension.
Guests are invited to bring chairs and refreshments.
Silver Steel Band
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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” image looks a bit abstract.
On closer examination, Jerry Kuyper’s photo shows weeping cherry petals on his Rayfield Road driveway, with passing clouds illuminated by the sun after a rain shower.
(Photo/Jerry Kuyper)
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And finally … as the P&Z prepares to discuss lights on 2 town fields (story above):
(Hey, readers: You light up our “06880” life. And a gentle reminder: We rely on reader support to do all this, 24/7/365. Clicking here to support our work would make us feel even brighter. Thank you!)
