For a town in which Democrats outnumber Republicans more than 2 to 1, the GOP here punches above its weight on a statewide basis.
Meeting this weekend at Mohegan Sun, Republicans nominated 2 Westporters for Connecticut office.
Former 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker is the choice for comptroller. Current Planning & Zoning Commissioner John Bolton got the nod for attorney general.
Both face uphill battles against incumbents Sean Scanlon and William Tong, respectively. In Connecticut, Democrats outnumber Republicans 792,800 to 490,000. (The largest group, however, is unaffiliated/other: 970,000.)
There was one other Westport connection at the GOP convention. In the governor’s contest, State Senator Ryan Fazio got 92% of the vote against fellow Greenwich resident Betsy McCaughey. She fell far short of the 15% needed to force a primary.
McCaughey is a Newsmax host, and former New York lieutenant governor. The 77-year-old grew up in Westport, and attended public schools here — including Staples High — through 10th grade.
The rest of the Republican underticket is not far from Westport, either. Peter Lumaj of Fairfield was nominated for secretary of the state, while Fred Wilms of Norwalk won the nod for treasurer.
In addition, the GOP endorsed Dr. Michael Goldstein of Greenwich to run against Congressman Jim Himes, in the 4th District that includes Westport. Dan Miressi of Wilton won enough votes to qualify for a primary.
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Every elementary school kid in town, it seemed, raced onto PJ Romano Field yesterday morning, for the 7th annual Day of Champions.
Their parents were there too. All were decked out in costumes — just one part of the offbeat, fun and very important competition.
In just a few years, the Day of Champions has become one of Westport’s favorite traditions.
Getting ready to compete …
The event raised over $275,000 for Experience Camps, the Westport-based network of activities for children who have lost parents or siblings. That’s a (great) record!
Before the zany games began, a 13-year-old Fairfield girl who lost her father spoke movingly about the friends she made at Experience Camps, the joy she found there, and the important role it plays in helping her deal with grief.
… wearing all kinds of costumes …
Josh Shapiro was honored as a “Red, White & Blue Champion,” for his role in securing a 6-figure grant for Experience Camps.
So who was the big winner, when all the games were over?
Experience Camps, for sure.
… and gathering for a group photo. (All photos/Dan Woog)
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If you need another reminder to always lock your home’s doors, this is it.
At 4:40 a.m. yesterday, a Ring video captured a shot of man attempting to open the door of a Whitney Avenue house.
First, he looks under bushes and the mat, to see if there is “hidden” key. Finding none, he tries the door.
It’s locked. He walks away.
Click here to see the video. Then go hide your keys in much less obvious places.
And, once again: Don’t forget to lock your doors.
Screenshot from Ring video. He drove a silver Prius, with no front license plate.
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A few tickets remain for tomorrow’s (Tuesday, 7 p.m.) evening of music with Audra McDonald, at the Westport Country Playhouse.
This is an encore performance for the Emmy, Grammy and 6-time Tony Award winner. The singer/actor — a National Medal of Arts recipient, and one of Time’s 100 Most Influential People — last appeared here in February of 2024.
Click here for tickets, and more information.
Audra McDonald
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After months of meh (and much worse) weekend weather, this one was glorious.
With the temperature well into the 80s, with bountiful sunshine, Compo Beach was packed.
And though it was a Sunday — and work and school beckoned — folks lingered long into the evening.
(Photo copyright DinkinESH Fotografix)
Is this the start of 4 months of perfect weekends?
Hey … a boy can dream.
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As childhood friends, Westporter Allison Monson and Amanda Schwartz, a Westchester-based have good vibes.
Which is why the pair — Allison, who moved here in 2020, and Amanda, a Westchester-based psychologist — have named their new venture Good Vibez.
Amanda has long dreamed of creating a positive, engaging space where girls can build lifelong wellness skills in a fun and supportive environment. Together, Good Vibez Teen Wellness Retreats can make that vision a reality.
Designed for girls ages 11–15, they focus on helping teens build healthy habits, boost confidence, and learn practical tools to help them feel their best, while having fun.
Each retreat experience is led by a team of professionals, and includes activities like yoga, mindfulness and meditation practices, cooking lessons, creative and artistic projects, group discussions, and opportunities for reflection and connection.
Retreats are planned for Westport (August 18-20) and Bedford, New York (July 14-16). Click here for more information.
Allison Schwartz and Amanda Monson share Good Vibez.
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At Staples, Class of 1988 friends Peter Doolittle, Jem Sollinger, George Llorens and Will O’Toole won a Fairfield County wiffleball tournament.
The prize was one hour of air time on WWPT-FM — the high school station.
They formed a band. Hey, why not?!
After a few practices in classmate Steve Swann’s basement, G & the Bones were born.
Unsurprisingly, none went on to music careers. Scattered now throughout New England, they do things like run a restaurant, and a summer camp.
But on May 30 (8:30 p.m.), they’ll reunite at Little Pub @ Dunville’s.
The “Billy Bash” is a tribute to their friend and “band manager” Bill Westcott, who died in 2024.
The public is invited. It’s the reunion no one may have been waiting for — but it should be a great one.
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Lucky Brand went bankrupt in 2020. They closed their Main Street store then. (It became La Fenice. The gelato shop is also no longer in business.)
But Lucky Brand iscoming back. A sign on the vacant Express Edit space — next to Gap — promises it is “coming soon.” (The exact date, we hear, is June 19.)
(Photo/Sal Liccione)
Let’s hope the brand has more luck the second time.
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Internationally renowned pianist (and former longtime Westporter) Frederic Chiu and his niece, rising star violinist Karisa Chiu, transformed MoCA\CT’s galleries into into a compelling performance space on Saturday night.
Karisa recently debuted at Carnegie Hall. She paired beautifully with her uncle’s thoughtful, colorful interpretations.
They played selections from Fauré, Prokofiev and Bright Sheng, in an intimate, family way.
MoCA’s current exhibition, “Art, Jazz + The Blues,” runs through June 7.
Karisa Chiu and Frederic Chiu, at MoCA\CT. (Photo/Roger Young)
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Veronica Roda — the wife of longtime Westport Parks & Recreation official Carmen Roda — died peacefully, surrounded by her family, on May 13. She was 59 years old. on May (59) of Norwalk peacefully entered into Heaven on May 13, 2026, surrounded by her beloved family.
The Queens native moved at 9 to Norwalk, where she lived the rest of her life. Veronica studied dance from age 2 to 18, specializing in tap, jazz and ballet. She was a gymnast at her alma mater, Norwalk High School.
Her family says, “Veronica’s greatest joy was being a mom and raising her children, Samantha and Matthew. She adored and loved them deeply.”
She met Carmen in 2011. For the next decade they built a fast-paced, joy-filled life of travel and memories — from California and Aruba to live shows like “Dancing with the Stars.”
Veronica began working as an executive recruiter. She then built a successful career in the cosmetics and beauty industry with Lancôme, Origins, Estée Lauder and L’Oréal Fragrances.
A career highlight was launching Origins at Bergdorf Goodman in New York in 1990, and meeting Estée Lauder.
She later worked as an account executive for Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman and Bloomingdale’s. In 2013 she transitioned to wellness, serving as manager at several Kaia Yoga studios in Fairfield County.
Veronica is survived by her husband Carmen Roda, daughter Samantha Schwartz, son Matthew Schwartz, brother Victor Casazza, and father John Lindquest.
A memorial service will be held at the First Congregational Church on the Green, Norwalk on Wednesday (May 20, 2 p.m.).
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Veronica and Carm Roda
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We start the week off with a gorgeous “Westport … Naturally” photo.
Candice Cardenas spotted these beauties on Old Road.
(Photo/Candice Cardenas)
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And finally … in honor of Allison and Amanda’s GoodVibez (story above):
(Want more good vibrations? Just click here, to support your hyper-local blog. PS: You’ll get excitations too. Thank you!)
Carmen and Veronica are such wonderful people I will call them family friends who no mw for a long time Carmen I am here for you the family