Roundup: Long Lots Building Committee, Staples Math Team, “Hands Off!” TikTok …

Posted on April 8, 2025 | 19 comments

The Long Lots School Building Committee meets tonight (6 p.m., Town Hall Room 201/201A). The agenda includes:

✔ Brief project update

✔ Public Comment

✔ Work Session to review the items listed below. The public may attend, but not participate in these discussions.

  • Design session for exterior elevations
  • Review of exterior material samples
  • Discussion of options for entrance bridge and raingarden area
  • Terrace 4: transition, vehicular access, existing stone wall
  • Review initial courtyard concepts
  • Site plan review.

A very rough plan of a possible new Long Lots Elementary School, presented at this winter’s State of the Town meeting.

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Congratulations to the Staples High School math team!

The “mathletes” finished first among all public schools in this year’s 29-school Fairfield County Math League.

They beat Greenwich — always a joy for Stapleites, whether on the field or in the classroom — and finished second overall, behind private Brunswick School.

That vaults them into the state meet — and the New England Association of Math Leagues competition, May 2 in Canton, Massachusetts.

Sophomore Ayush Rudra earned the highest sophomore score. Last year, he was the top freshman in the league.

The team (and Math Club, both under faculty advisor Mike Forgette) draws students interested in the complexity, problem-solving challenges, and excitement of mathematics.

They say that the qualities needed for success in math competitions include clear communication, quick decision-making, curiosity, passion, and a bit of “light-heartedness.” They don’t get stressed by tough questions; they work collaboratively to solve them. (There is an individual component to math meets, too.)

The math team is like any sports team, they say. The more they practice, the better they get.

Go Wreckers!

Math Club and team advisor Mike Forgette (far left) with Math Club members (from left): Serena Diamond, Sahil Vora, Chloe Wong, Adan Wang, Anit Arvind, Ayush Rudra, Abe Lobsenz, Akil Arvind. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Saturday’s “Hands Off!” mobilization march drew the largest political protest crowd to the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge since the Vietnam War.

It was one of over 1,200 such events across the country. In Connecticut, crowds also gathered in Greenwich, Stamford, New Haven and Hartford.

A 56-second TikTok video — showing snippets of demonstrations from all 50 states — has racked up over 6 million views.

There — alphabetically, so it’s right near the beginning — is the representative rally from Connecticut.

And it’s ours.

Click here or below to see. (Hat tip: Lisa Newman)

@stormy.by.nature

HANDS OFF ALL 50 STATES! Way to show up!! #handsoff #50501 #april5th2025 @MeidasTouch @Aaron Parnas

♬ original sound – stormybynature

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Book these April events at the Westport Book Shop:

“Savor: Recipes to Celebrate” (April 10, 6 p.m.): Food Network competitor, Staples High culinary teacher, AMG Catering owner and cookbook author Alison Milwe Grace discusses her new book.

“Tuesday’s Mah Jongg Is More Than a Game” (April 16, 6 p.m.) Local author Marsha Temlock discusses her latest novel about friendship and strengthening bonds, as a group of friends support each other through life’s challenges.

Celebrate Poetry Month (April 17, 6 p.m.): Poetry reading and conversation with Ira Joe Fisher ,

Knitting Workshop (April 21, 6 p.m.): Session with avid knitter Linda Franciscovich, for knitters of all levels. Bring needles and yarn, and your knitting project.

Short Story Book Club (April 24, 6 to 7:30 p.m.). “The Elephant Vanishes” by Haruki Murakami, and “Patriotism” by Yukio Mishima.

Local artist Linn Cassetta is exhibitor for the month of April at the Book Shop. A reception is set for April 23 (6 to 7:30 p.m., Westport Book Shop).

Space is limited for the book events. RSVP@westportbooksaleventures.org.

. .Linn Cassetta

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The Fortunoff family — Scott, Laurie, and sons Aaron (Staples High sophomore) and Brett (Bedford Middle School 8th grader) — partnered with Staples’ Cereal4All Club and Stop & Shop last weekend.

They collected over 1,000 boxes of cereal, along with cash donations, to provide breakfast food for those who need it. Homes with Hope picked up all the donations.

“Thank you, Westport!” say the Fortunoffs.

Collecting cereal, for all. From left: Aaron Fortunoff, Alex Burtzlaff, Alex Kovics, Lemar Feliciano. (Stop & Shop manager).

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There is always something going on at VFW Post 399.

This Friday (April 11; $20, plus 1 drink minimum), it’s comedy.

Laura High, Joe Portillo, and Matt Vita all take the stage. Doors open at 7 p.m. for food and beverages. The laughs begin at 8. Click here for tickets.

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Speaking of the VFW: Emmy-nominated composer/pianist Steve Sandberg plays Ellington, Monk and Mingus this week at Jazz at the Post (Thursday, April 10, VFW; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 7 p.m.; $20 music cover, $15 veterans and students).

“Masterfully blending classical, world music and jazz with the excitement of virtuosic improvisation,” he’ll be joined by bassist Michael O’Brien, drummer Jeff Hirshfield, and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall. Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Things are just ducky in today’s “Westport … Naturally” image, from Gray’s Creek:

(Photo/Jamie Walsh)

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And finally … in honor of the “Westport … Naturally” photo above:

(“06880” is your hyper-local source for information, news you can use, and much more. If you appreciate what you read — today and/or any other day — please donate by clicking here. Thank you!)

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“Read To Grow”: Westporters Help Spread The Word

Posted on April 8, 2025 | 1 comment

When Ian O’Malley’s first son was born, he was whisked to the neonatal intensive care unit.

For a month, O’Malley — a New York radio personality, real estate agent and Westporter — read to him.

O’Malley’s soothing voice drowned out the sounds of the many machines keeping his son, and other babies, alive. He is now a happy, healthy teenager.

Whether they are in the NICU or not, babies thrive if the adults in their lives read to them.

O’Malley had access to plenty of books. But plenty of new parents and caregivers do not.

Read To Grow is changing that.

The non-profit’s mission is to “support families as their babies’ first teachers.” They want every child in Connecticut to have books of their own — from birth on.

They’ve already provided them to over 2.5 million youngsters. And every day, they give away more.

O’Malley and fellow Westporter Shari Kaufman are two of Read To Grow’s biggest advocates.

She helped bring the organization’s Bookmobile to town last month. She’s helping organize Read To Grow fundraiser, “A Night for the Books“: May 1, at the Westport Library.

Ian O’Malley

And O’Malley — with his deep voice and easy manner, familiar to millions of radio listeners — will emcee.

Like every non-profit, Read To Grow depends on events like these. This year — in addition to celebrating their 25th anniversary — they’ll raise funds with a special goal.

They already work with every hospital in Connecticut, except 4. With attendees’ help, they hope to soon be in all 23 hospitals in the state.

That’s just the start of their great work. Read To Grow’s book-giving starts on the day a child is born. It continues through age 7.

That’s a lot of stimulation, excitement and growth.

Studies prove conclusively the impact of early reading on brain development. (In fact, it starts in the womb.)

Read To Grow’s model is simple. In addition to providing books in hospitals, they deliver “Literacy Packets” (in English and Spanish) to mothers of newborns. Over 40 trained voluneers visit bedside, describing how to develop babies’ language skills in simple, fun and loving ways.

They offer free follow-ups, mailing new baby board books and literacy brochures when babies turn 3 months and 1 year.

They also offer books to siblings of newborns in the hospital.

As children grow, the non-profit provides free books, literary resources and workshops to families, childcare providers, teachers, doctors, healthcare groups, library programs and many nonprofits.

Families and programs can also request books — in 14 languages — through the website.

The Bookmobile program is one more way to get books in the hands of children, including remote parts of the state.

“Books for kids are not cheap,” O’Malley notes. “But every kid needs them.”

O’Malley works with and supports more than 2 dozen charities. But this one is especially dear to his heart.

“Books are simple. But they offer great opportunities,” he says. “And extraordinary things can come from opportunity.”

He has heard stories of what can be done with those opportunities: excitement in school. Finding a passion. Becoming the first person in a family to go to college.

“This is a good charity, doing great things,” O’Malley says. “They’re doing it here and now. And they’re doing it for the future.”

This will be O’Malley’s second year emceeing the Read To Grow fundraiser. He’s excited about the auction items (among them: a trip for 6 to Tuscany; a Broadway VIP package, including dinner with the star; a Mets’ fans’ dream experience for 4 with Ron Darling), and a whiskey and wine pull with “great bottles.”

Zucca Gastrobar — the excellent Saugatuck restaurant — will offer 8 different food stations.

Added attractions: 25 authors and illustrators of children’s books will be on hand, along with Read To Grow’s founders.Staples’ outstanding musician Andrew Maskoff will perform.

And — before the doors open — the Bookmobile will be there.

Book it!

(For more information, and tickets, click here.)

 

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Pics Of The Day #2910

Posted on April 7, 2025 | 2 comments

Sherwood Island State Park scenes

(Photos/Pam Docters)

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Hackers Disrupt Hamlet Hearing

Posted on April 7, 2025 | 10 comments

Tonight’s Planning & Zoning Commission virtual meeting drew over 80 online viewers. Most logged on for the third agenda item: discussion of The Hamlet at Saugatuck project.

Some were for it. Some against it.

But all were aghast when — during an earlier agenda item — pornographic images, a swastika, and a video of an ISIS-style beheading popped up on the screen,

Commissioner Michael Cammeyer quickly began deleting people from the Zoom session. Town IT technician Mike Phillis cut the feed. The P&Z took an official break.

But the damage had been done. Viewers were shaken and upset. One man said, “I can’t describe how awful that was to experience. The P&Z was scrambling to try to take care of the situation, but I left the meeting because it was overwhelming.”

This was not the first hacking of a town meeting. The Zoning Board of Appeals experienced a similar incident recently.

Cammeyer and P&Z director Michelle Perillie slowly began letting people they knew were legitimate back in the Zoom meeting.

Cammeyer also called the police. Chief Foti Koskinas recommend canceling the meeting. Town attorney Ira Bloom — part of the Zoom call — concurred.

Koskinas headed to Town Hall. He promised a thorough investigation by Westport Police.

The schedule for the Hamlet application is now uncertain. After tonight, the P&Z had been scheduled to discuss the Saugatuck project on April 21, with public input set for April 28. Westport schools are on break next week.

Upcoming meetings will continue to be virtual. Town Hall facilities do not work for P&Z sessions, Cammeyer says, with inadequate technology and other issues.

In the meantime, town officials will have to figure out how to allow residents to access meetings from home — while keeping out hackers who disrupt and traumatize them.

 

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“06880” Podcast: Andrew Wilk

Posted on April 7, 2025 | 2 comments

Andrew Wilk won 5 Emmys, as an executive producer and director of network television. He is also a stage director, writer, and symphony orchestra conductor.

He may be best known for his work with “Live From Lincoln Center,” producing programs with artists like Itzhak Perlman, Yo-Yo Ma, Joshua Bell and Renée Fleming, and many more.

Other TV specials include “Rodgers & Hammerstein’s ‘Carousel'” (including Westporter Kelli O’Hara) and “Falsettos.” He has worked with Josh Groban, Billy Porter and many others, and was executive producer of Stephen Sondheim’s “Sweeney Todd.”

Plus, Andrew has an entire second career as a music conductor.

The other day, we chatted on another important stage: the Westport Library’s Trefz Forum. Click below for our wide-ranging conversation, on the arts (in the world, and Westport), and much more.

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Roundup: Hamlet Update, VersoFest Finale, A Better Chance Honor …

Posted on April 7, 2025 | 17 comments

Representative Town Meeting member Matthew Mandell offers this update on the Hamlet at Saugatuck project:

Tonight (Monday, April 7, 6 p.m., Zoom), the third agenda item will be a discussion of the proposal.

April 28 is the date for public comment only, in person at Town Hall.

The Flood & Erosion Control Board met last week, and continued their Hamlet hearing to May 7. That may disrupt the Conservation Commission schedule, which is currently set for April 23 and 30.

The Architectural Review Board meets on April 10. They have not yet completed their review of the project.

Mandell says: “P&Z will go deep into May at this point” in its Hamlet discussion. “June is looking more and more a reality.”

The RTM member adds: “There are still other pieces – an 8-24 for use of town property will also need to be filed with P&Z, and that could slow up the timeline.

“The Historic District Commission will have to weigh in as well, as every building involved is under their jurisdiction, not just the historic ones on Railroad Place. The Board of Selectwomen acting as the Traffic Authority will also need to render decision on traffic and parking issues.

“A group of citizens, concerned with the impacts of the project, and calling itself the Westport Alliance for Saugatuck has formed and has become active.” Click here for their website.

Click here, then scroll down for all pending applications and recent approvals related to the Hamlet at Saugatuck.

The 21 Charles Street office building would be renovated, in the Hamlet’s plans. This view looks north on Charles Street. Franklin Street would become two-way — but only between Charles Street and Railroad Place (right side of rendering).

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Four great days of the 4th annual VersoFest ended yesterday.

Paul Shaffer — legendary “Saturday Night Live” performer, and musical director for both David Letterman and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame — entertained a capacity Westport Library crowd.

He chatted with fellow “SNL” alum (and iconic Beehive Queen) Christine Ohlman. (He brought jingle bells too, in homage to Darlene Love’s famous
“Baby Please Come Home” Letterman appearances at Christmas.)

Paul Shaffer and Christine Ohlman. (Photo/Ted Horowitz)

VersoFest is a huge undertaking. Congratulations to all who helped bring Patti Smith, the Wallflowers, 5iveFingaz, Bruce Springsteen’s people, and so much more to the “loudest library on earth.”

Speaking of which: The website I Love Libraries just gave it a shoutout.

The story — “The Hippest Damn Library in the Country” includes that exact quote from Talking Heads’ Chris Frantz.

It adds Doors drummer John Densmore’s description: “The coolest damn library, ever.”

Click here for the full story. (Hat tip: Dennis Jackson)

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At the risk of sounding self-promotional — but with the goal of promoting one of my favorite organizations in Westport — I pass along the news that A Better Chance of Westport is honoring me with their first-ever “Community Ally Award.”

It will be presented at the annual Dream Event gala (April 26, 6:30 p.m., Westport Library).

It’s a huge honor, for sure, and one that could be given to countless men and women who have helped the non-profit thrive over more than 2 decades, as it has provided educational and life benefits to dozens of young men of color from less-advantaged communities.

I will be thinking of all of them at the fundraiser. And I’ll be honored to honor the scholars themselves.

The highlight — as always — will be the speeches by the graduating seniors, and a returning alum (this year, Yoel Hooper-Antunez).

Click here for tickets, and more information. I hope to see you there!

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The gateways to Westport just got a nice more welcoming.

This past weekend, 6 Rotary Club signs were updated. They include the new Rotary International logo, and include a 4-sided inspirational message.

It is a wish for peace to prevail in our homes, schools, communities, and on earth.

Westport’s 2 Rotary Clubs worked together on the project, with global peace builders Rick Benson and Dennis Wong.

The signs are at I-95 Exit 17 (on the northbound island); the Sherwood Island Connector across from the transfer station; Post Road East, at the Southport line; Post Road West, in front of Whole Foods; Merritt Parkway Exit 41, across from the former Red Barn restaurant, and on Route 136 near Norwalk.

The sign by Merritt Parkway Exit 42 disappeared a few years ago.

Rotary sign near Merritt Parkway Exit 41.

In addition, a peace pole was installed at Compo Beach. It’s part of the renovation of the playground — a major project of the Westport Rotary Club, in honor of its 100th anniversary.

Compo Beach playground peace pole. (Photo/Matt Murray)

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The new documentary short adaptation of “America’s Lost Band” — the story about The Remains, the legendary-but-never-quite-made-it band with Westporters Barry Tashian and Bill Briggs, who opened for the Beatles on their final US tour — is drawing plenty of attention.

Feature stories in the Boston Globe, Deadline Hollywood and Hartford Courant have praised the film, and shined a new light on the rock group.

Rock at Night called it a “priceless documentary.” It’s produced by longtime Remains fan — and 1971 Staples High School graduate — Fred Cantor.

Interested? Tonight (Monday, 9:30 p.m.) “America’s Lost Band” has its television premiere on CPTV.

Tomorrow (Tuesday), it begins streaming on PBS platforms, and YouTube.

Click here for more details, and streaming links.

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Speaking of music: On Friday, high school jazz ensembles from around Connecticut — and as far away as Montreal — performed in the Essentially Ellington Competition & Festival at Greenwich High School.

Of course, Staples was there.

And of course, conductor Kevin Mazzarella’s musicians sounded superb.

Bands performed from 8 a.m. through 7 p.m. Two hours were set aside for instrumental master classes, and a performance by the faculty ensemble.

Staples Jazz Ensemble, with conductor Kevin Mazzarella (far left). (Hat tip and photo/Michael Mossman)

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Just added to the Levitt Pavilion calendar: The Disco Biscuits’ 30th anniversary tour (June 28, 7 p.m.).

The Philadelphia group pioneered “Trance-Fusion” — bridging the gap between electronic dance music and jam rock.

Members pre-sale tickets are available today (Monday), at 10 a.m. Tickets for the general public begin Friday (April 11, 10 a.m.). Click here to order.

The Disco Biscuts

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Among the upcoming events sponsored by Neighbors & Newcomers of Westport (which, if you think of it, encompasses just about everyone in town):

Spring coffee (April 11, 10 a.m., Mrs. London’s Bakery). Email membership@neighborsandnewcomersofwestport.com for more information.

Book group (April 24): “Olga Dies Dreaming,” by Xochitl Gonzalez). Email pohal@aol.com for details.

Cooking group (April 23): Alice in Wonderland High Tea: Themed dishes like
“Eat Me” cookies, tea sandwiches, scones and imaginative pastries; appropriate dress optional. Email mia.goldman@yahoo.com for details.

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Is there any bird more interesting-looking than a barred owl?

We’ve highlighted a few before in our daily “Westport … Naturally” feature.

But we’re always up for another good shot of this unique species.

Cathy Malkin spotted this guy on Oakview Circle:

(Photo/Cathy Malkin)

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And finally … in honor of the Staples Jazz Ensemble’s appearance at the Essentially Ellington event (story above):

(Welcome to another week — and another week of “06880” Roundups. As always, we’ll bring you tons of information, and news you can use. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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MyTeam Triumph: Racing Together, Toward The Finish Line

Posted on April 7, 2025 | 3 comments

If you finish a 5K, triathlon or distance swim: Congratulations! You should feel proud.

But if you’ve got a disability, and you do it: Wow! You should feel amazing.

A number of Westporters feel that way, at events like the Minute Man Road Race, Kiwanis Club Tri and YMCA Compo Beach Point-to-Point Swim.

They participate avidly and energetically.

And sharing in their fulfillment are volunteers from myTeam Triumph.

mTT — a low-key, but very importnat nonprofit — empowers people with disabilities (called “captains”) to participate in endurance events. They’re supported by “angels” — men, women and teenagers who run, bike or swim alongside.

The experience is about more than racing. It’s about friendship, inclusion, and joining joyfully together.

And they’re off!

As spring nears, myTeam Triumph Connecticut gears up for another inclusive season.

To kick things off, mTT-CT is inviting the community to an informal Warmup Run & Picnic, at Compo Beach. The April 13 event (11 a.m.) includes a short, easy run (all paces welcome), followed by a picnic with wraps, salads and good conversation. (Feel free to bring a side dish to share.) Click here to sign up.

myTeam Triumph’s pedal power.

Angels come in all ages and athletic abilities. There are runners, joggers and walkers (plus bicyclists and swimmers). Click here for more information, and to sign up.

Captains and angels, at the Point-to-Point Swim.

Meanwhile, if you’re a captain — an athlete with a disability who wants to experience the thrill of a race — there’s great news.

myTeam Triumph takes care of everything: race chair and equipment, registration and logistics, a team of volunteer angels every step (or stroke) of the way, at events throughout the year and around the state.

And it’s all free. There is absolutely no cost to participate. Click here for more information, and to sign up.

The Minute Man Race draws plenty of captains and angels.

Upcoming events include the Westport Young Woman’s League Minute Man Race (April 27), Stamford Boys & Girls Club 5K (May 15), and Bloomin’ Metric Bike Ride (May 18). Click here for the full schedule.

“Whether you’re looking to run, roll, cheer or just check things out, the April 13 Warmup is the perfect place to start.” organizers say.

“Come meet the mTT crew, enjoy some sunshine, and find out what this incredible community is all about.

“After all, everyone deserves to cross the finish line.”

Crossing the finish line, with myTeam Triumph.

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Pic Of The Day #2909

Posted on April 6, 2025 | 2 comments

Compo Beach, low tide (Photo/Patricia McMahon)

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Photo Challenge #536

Posted on April 6, 2025 | 20 comments

There are several cupolas in Westport.

But only 1 person incorrectly identified last week’s Photo Challenge (guessing National Hall, which does not have one).

The correct answer was Kings Highway (click here to see). It’s familiar to generations of students who went to elementary school there (and — in its much earlier incarnation — the original Bedford Junior High).

And to countless drivers who pass by (and are stuck at the traffic light) on Post Road West.

Congratulations to Elaine Marino, Andrew Colabella, Micil Ryan, Seth Schachter, Dan Vener, Eric Buchroeder, Rick Benson, Regi Kendig, Karen Como, Amy Schneider, Jonathan McClure, Linda Stein, Sal Liccione, Cheryl Petrone, Matt McGrath, Dede Fitch and Carissa Baker.

You aced last week’s test!

Here’s this week’s Photo Challenge. If you know where in Westport you’d see this, click “Comments” below.

Hint: It’s not an elementary school.

(Photo/Andrew Colabella)

(Every Sunday, “06880” hosts this Photo Challenge. We challenge you too to support your hyper-local blog. Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)

 

 

 

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Roundup: Verso Graffiti, Sweet P Cookie Reel, Taste Of Westport Lineup …

Posted on April 6, 2025 | Comments Off on Roundup: Verso Graffiti, Sweet P Cookie Reel, Taste Of Westport Lineup …

VersoFest continued yesterday — loudly, wide-rangingly, and entertainingly.

In the morning, visionary artist 5iveFingaz led a graffiti workshop. Within an hour, a blank canvas was covered with colorful, explosive art.

(Photo/Dan Woog)

(Photo copyright DinkinEsh Fotographix)

5iveFingaz (Photo copyright DinkinEsh Photographix)

Also yesterday morning, VersoFest attendees attempted to set a world record for the “loudest library.”

They got up to 119 decibels. That’s equivalent to a chain saw, firecrackers — or a rock concert.

Getting ready to get loud! (Photo/Matthew Mandell)

The afternoon continued with a panel discussion on Bruce Springsteen’s breakthrough album — “Born To Run,” celebrating its 50th anniversary — with 4 men who were there at the start.

Dick Wingate and Arlen Schumer hosted The Boss’ manager/producer Mike Appel, Springsteen Archives and Center for American Music executive director Bob Santelli; former Columbia Records executive Michael Pillot, and music culture writer Kenneth Womack.

Dick Wingate (left) with the Bruce Springsteen panel. (Photo courtesy of DinkinEsh Fotographix)

VersoFest concludes today, at 11 a.m. Paul Shaffer — legendary “Saturday Night Live” band member and “David Letterman” music director — chats with SNL Beehive Queen Christine Ohlman. Click here for tickets, and more information.

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The other day, “06880” reported on Sweet P Bakery’s call-up to the Big Leagues.

The local bakery — begun by Westporters Bill and Andrea Pecoriello to provide job training and employment to people with disabilities — now sells its Colossal (and colossally good) cookies at Yankee Stadium (concourses 121 and 211).

Fans are eating them up. Sweet P’s order went from 10 dozen cookies per home stand, to 75 dozen.

National reporter and “06880” contributor Dave Briggs visited Sweet P Bakery the other day. In between bites, he shot a great behind-the-scenes Instagram reel.

Click here or below to meet the very talented bakers, and hear the back story of Westport’s newest baseball stars.

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In addition to VersoFest — and the large “Hands Off” demonstration — downtown Westport was also the site yesterday for retired Police Chief Ron Malone‘s wake and funeral.

The highly respected former chief — and Representative Town Meeting member — died last week. In his honor, police headquarters was draped in bunting.

(Photo/Dan Woog)

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Also yesterday: Dustin Lowman performed at Voices Café.

The 2011 Staples High School graduate — now a Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter, whose career is taking off quickly — entertained a sellout crowd, at the Unitarian Universalist Church in Westport’s monthly coffeehouse.

Next up: a tribute to Peter Paul & Mary (May 10), with Westport’s Suzanne Sheridan, the Kennedys and Mustard’s Retreat. Click here for details.

Dustin Lowman (Photo/David Vita)

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“Taste of Westport” is one of Westport’s most anticipated — and delicious — fundraisers of the year.

CLASP Homes — the sponsor and grateful recipient of proceeds from the 19th annual event (June 5, 6 p.m., The Inn at Longshore) has announced an all-star lineup of restaurants.

Each has a table, with tempting samples. They include:

  • Anan
  • Artisan
  • Bar Bushido
  • The Blondinit
  • The Boathouse at Saugatuck
  • The Bridge
  • Bridgewater Chocolate
  • Don Memo
  • Gabriele’s
  • Gruel Britannia
  • Grumpy Dumpling
  • La Plage
  • Little Pub
  • Magic 5 Pie
  • Mrs. London’s
  • Nômade
  • Nordic Fish
  • Oggi Gelato
  • Rive Bistro
  • Rizzuto’s
  • Romanacci
  • Tarantino
  • The Whelk
  • Zucca Gastrobar

If that doesn’t make you hungry, nothing will.

Tickets go on sale April 14th at TasteofWestport.com.

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Westporters who enjoy Grace Salmon Park — or just drive by on Imperial Avenue — have been intrigued by its new “Tulip Bulb.”

That’s the sculpture by Emily Teall, which she’s loaned to the town.

Next Sunday (April 13, 3 p.m.), the large patinated steel work will be officially dedicated, by the Westport Arts Advisory Committee. The ceremony will include poetry by town poet laureate Donna Disch, remarks from the artist, and music.

Artist Emily Teall, with her work. (Photo/Mary Schwartzman)

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Fire up your Easter Egg hunting nose and toes.

The Westport Uniformed Firefighters Charitable Foundation’s annual free event is April 19 (2 p.m., Long Lots Elementary School).

Bring a basket or bag. And get ready to pose for photos with the Easter Bunny!

 

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Skunk cabbage — which got its name from the odor given off by bruised leaves — is popping up all around town.

Eve Potts snapped today’s “Westport … Naturally” image outside her home.

You can almost smell it, right?!

(Photo/Eve Potts) 

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And finally … on this date in 1947, the first Tony Awards were presented for theatrical achievement.

Musicals represented at the ceremony were “Street Scene,” “Brigadoon” and “Finian’s Rainbow.”

(And the award for best hyper-local blog goes to … “06880.” Meanwhile, best supporting cast goes to … “06880” readers. To earn that honor, please make a donation by clicking here. Thank you!)

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