At 7:30 p.m. tonight, Westport’s new Select Board will be sworn in.
A couple of hours before, and from 2 floors above the Town Hall auditorium, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker offered these final thoughts:
As many of you know, the guiding principle of my administration has been to ensure that Westport is the best place to live, work, play, and learn in the region—a community where everyone is welcome and truly feels that they belong. That vision was our North Star, shaping every decision and serving as the measure of our accomplishments. I could not be prouder of all that we achieved together.
Over the past 4 years, we made remarkable progress on the 5 priorities I outlined when Andrea Moore and I took office—along with so many other important initiatives. As a community, we stood by one another in times of sorrow and celebrated together in moments of joy. We engaged in causes that make both our town and our world a better place, and we spoke up, respectfully challenging each other whenever we saw opportunities for growth.
Andrea and I made history as Westport’s first all-female 1st and 2nd selectwomen team—and, together with Candice Savin, as the first all-female Board of Selectwomen. We led with compassion, integrity, professionalism, and heart. And today, I am proud to share that Westport is in the strongest financial position in its history and our future is very bright.
Westport’s selectwomen (from left: Jen Tooker, Candice Savin and Andrea Moore) volunteered each year at Experience Camps’ Day of Champions. (Photo/Dan Woog)
I also want to recognize our incredibly talented and dedicated town employees — my leadership team, and all my colleagues in Town Hall — without whom none of this would have been possible. Working alongside you each day has been an absolute privilege, and a lot of fun!
My deepest thanks as well to our exceptional Police, Fire, and Emergency Medical Services Departments, whose commitment keeps our community safe. I have told you many times that you are truly the best of the best, and we are so fortunate that you have chosen to build your careers here in Westport.
To our residents, business owners, teachers, school administrators, and nonprofit leaders: thank you. Westport is better today because of all of you. You are what makes Westport so special.
This role has always been as much about listening as it is about leading, and because you all took the time to share your thoughts and challenges, I was able to make decisions that truly reflected the needs of our community. Some of our best ideas came directly from you — StartUp Westport is a shining example — and I hope you continue sharing your vision and creativity with Westport’s new administration.
Serving as your 1st selectwoman has been the greatest honor of my professional life. I am excited for my next chapter, and I am deeply proud to continue to call Westport my home. Together, we will ensure that Westport remains the best place to live, work, play, and learn in the region. It will continue to be a community where everyone is welcome and truly feels they belong.
1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker has suspended her campaign for governor.
In a statement this morning, the Republican candidate said:
I entered this race to be the next governor of Connecticut as a true outsider who feels the call to serve the state I love, knowing that this amazing state is in desperate need of a course correction.
However, after very serious thought and deliberation, it has become clear to me that the voters need more time to get to know me, and I need more time to get to know them. That is why today, I am announcing that I am suspending my candidacy for governor.
Jen Tooker
The state of Connecticut has major issues that voters are rightfully begging our leaders to address. Whether it is tackling the affordability crisis, reviving our state’s sluggish economy, or making our state government more accountable, my vision has always been about creating a stronger Connecticut for all who live here.
At a time when politics has us feeling more divided than ever, I stepped up with an agenda that everyone in our state, no matter your political affiliation, can feel included in. But with one party having total control over Hartford for much of the past decade, there has been little incentive for leaders to set aside partisanship and work across the aisle in search of practical long-term solutions.
I ran for Governor to change that, because significant progress for Connecticut will require a leader who is committed to seeking bipartisan cooperation in pursuit of what is in the best interest of the people of this state.
While not always at the forefront of our political discourse – yet just as important to the overall prosperity of our state – is the need to greatly enhance our K-12 education system to prepare each and every one of our students for the jobs and industries of tomorrow.
Students in Connecticut should feel they have boundless opportunities available to them upon graduation to live, work, and thrive here. We can and must do better to ensure that economic prosperity is abundant regardless of the zip code in which you reside. I remain committed to working on real solutions to achieve this goal.
My belief in our state’s potential has only strengthened from this experience. I still possess the heart and desire to serve the people of Connecticut. As I close down this gubernatorial campaign over the next few weeks, adhering to SEEC guidelines, I will be actively exploring other avenues in which my name can remain on the ballot in November of 2026.
Republican State Senator Ryan Fazio of Greenwich is also in the governor’s race. New Britain mayor Erin Steward and Fairfield attorney Peter Lumaj are considering runs.
Democratic Governor Ned Lamont has given strong indications that he will run for a third term.
Last Monday, Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrested 2 people in a Stamford courthouse. Later in the week, they were turned away twice from the Norwalk Police Department parking lot.
“06880” also contacted 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker. She and Police Chief David Farrell said:
“We are committed to upholding the law, while maintaining the trust and confidence of every member of our community.
“When it comes to immigration enforcement, our role is guided by state law, specifically the Connecticut TRUST Act. The town has followed the provisions of the TRUST Act since it was enacted, including the updates as recent as January 2025. This means we do not detain individuals solely based on their immigration status or civil detainer requests.
“Our focus continues to remain on protecting public safety, building strong community partnerships, and ensuring that all residents feel safe reporting crime, cooperating with investigations, and seeking assistance. We are committed to fair and impartial policing for everyone in our community.”
With speeches, music and many rainbows, Westport celebreated Pride today.
The 5th annual event — sponsored by Westport Pride — drew a couple of hundred members of the LGBTQ+ community, and allies, to Jesup Green.
Several speakers — including state and local legislators, human rights advocates, and Miss Connecticut USA Shavana Clarke, the first openly lesbian state titleholder — noted how far the LGBTQ community has come in terms of acceptance and legal righs, and yet also how endangered some of those gains are.
Shavana Clarke talks about her religious upbringing as a Jamaican female, and the community she’s found now as a queer woman.
But despite the political climate, and the heat and humidity, the mood was upbeat.
Pride is a day of celebration. After proclamations from State Senator Ceci Maher and 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, the entertainment began.
Happy Pride!
From left: 2nd Selectwoman Andrea Moore, Westport Pride co-president Brian McGunigle and his kids, and 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker.
From left: Kevin Christie (Board of Education), Amy Wistreich (Planning & Zoning Commission), State Representative Jonathan Steinberg, State Senator Ceci Maher, Westport Pride co-presidents Brian McGunigle and Kayla Iannetta, State Representative Dominique Johnson, Connecticut Against Gun Violence chair Melissa Kane, StartUp Westport co-founder Peter Propp.
Temple Israel cantor Julia Cadrain, and assistant cantor Becky Mann.
Jesup Green — for decades, a gathering place in times of both crisis and celebration — was the site last night of an interfaith vigil.
Over 200 people honored Sarah Milgrim and Yaron Lischinsky. The young peace advocates were killed last week, while attending a Jewish American Heritage Month event at the Capital Jewish Museum in Washington.
The vigil was personal and communal. It was a time for mourning, reflection, and expressions of commitment to justice and solidarity.
The vigil begins.
The vigil drew clergy of various faiths, elected officials, and neighbors of all backgrounds.
Among the speakers was Rabbi Jeremy Wiederhorn of The Community Synagogue. He also chairs the Westport/Weston Interfaith Clergy Association.
“Tonight’s gathering was powerful because it brought together clergy, elected officials, and the broader community to stand together against antisemitism,” he said. “As a rabbi serving a congregation during this difficult time, this show of unity and support brought me strength and pride to live in a town like Westport.”
Clergy from across Fairfield County called for unity and resistance to hate. Reverend Carl McCluster of the Baptist Church in Bridgeport noted, “An attack against anyone is an attack against everyone. I am a neighbor who will not be silenced.”
Rabbi Michael Friedman of Temple Israel.
Congressman Jim Himes — who knew Sarah Milgrim, and called her a “shining light” — offered a reminder of the work ahead, and how change can always be made.
“Your faith is shaken by the unknowable question of how someone can be taken just like that,” he said.
“We will teach our children to never take the lives of others, especially based on religion. It is our schools and our religious institutions that must propagate against violence.”
The event also included remarks by Rabbis Michael Friedman and Yehuda Kantor of Westport; Rev. Heather Sinclair of the United Methodist Church of Westport and Weston, and Rev. Carl McCluster from Bridgeport, who was recently in Israel.
Rev. Heather Sinclair of the United Methodist Church of Westport and Weston.
Senator Richard Blumenthal spoke, as did 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker. She assured the Jewish community that Westport is a safe place for all.
Senator Richard Blumenthal. In the front row behind him are (from left): Rev. Carl McCluster of Bridgeport’s Baptist Church, Congressman Jim Himes, Rev. Heather Sinclair and 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker.
Marking the 600th day that hostages have remained in captivity following the October 7 Hamas attack, the gathering resonated with grief, but also resilience.
Joe Weisz, a senior official with the US Department of Homeland Security overseeing community engagement in Fairfield County, emphasized the urgency of “denouncing hatred toward Jews” and “advocating for internal dialogue and understanding.” He reminded the gathering that Sarah had dedicated her life to “peace-building and religious understanding.”
Rabbi Jason Greenberg of Norwalk’s Temple Shalom in Norwalk led the gathering in singing “We Will Rise.” Rabbi Evan Schultz of Congregation B’nai Israel in Bridgeport, shared the commandment: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
Erika Brunwasser, a longtime Westport resident, and the founder of the online community Jewish Westport, called the event “deeply important to me. I was horrified when I heard about the murder of these two beautiful souls — peacemakers and activists — who were shot and killed simply for attending a Jewish Heritage Month event.”
The gathering on Jesup Green. (All photos/Dan Woog)
She emphasized the importance of public response and community strength.
“It is crucial to stand together in solidarity against terrorism, to gather with friends and neighbors in the Westport Jewish community and with those incredible allies who support us.
“I will always do all that I can to raise awareness — not only to honor my grandfather, who survived the Holocaust, but also the memory of my other family members who weren’t lucky enough to survive.”
Another Jewish resident said, “It was important for me to attend the vigil to honor the lives lost and be a strong part of a community that speaks out against hatred, violence, and antisemitism.
“Despite gathering on behalf of a deeply painful and troubling event, the collective experience was heartwarming. The songs sung and the prayers said were deeply touching and provided an opportunity for healing.”
Yesterday’s Roundup item on upcoming town meetings about the Hamlet at Saugatuck project confused some readers. Here’s some clarity:
This Monday’s Planning & Zoning Commission meeting (April 28, 6 p.m., Town Hall auditorium) begins with a discussion on developer ROAN Ventures’ amended presentation. Public comment will follow.
Also ahead: the Conservation Commission on Wednesday (April 30, 7 p.m., Town Hall auditorium) and Flood & Erosion Control Board (May 6, 7 p.m., Zoom).
To view documents, drawings and other material related to The Hamlet, click here, then scroll down.
Artist’s rendering of the Hamlet project, looking toward the Saugatuck River.
The #SpeakYourMind ice bucket challenge reached new heights on Thursday.
After I got soaked — thanks, Dave Briggs, for nominating me to help raise funds and awareness for youth mental health issues! — I dared Jen Tooker and Andrea Moore to do the same.
The 1st and 2nd Selectwomen quickly responded. Like me, they had a blast getting wet — and passing along the challenge.
They named the staff at Positive Directions. It’s an inspired choice. The Westport organization provides counseling and support to people and families struggling with mental health and substance abuse disorders.
So how did our town leaders do? Click here, or click on the link below.
Speaking of the weather: It postponed today’s scheduled Westport Clean-up Day until next Saturday (May 3).
Sustainable Westport is one group taking part. They’ll meet at the Longshore pavilion, and clean up the waterfront from 2 to 4 p.m. Trash bags will be provided. Click here to sign up.
Of course, residents are free to pick up trash and other debris today, too.
It’s time for another “Westport … Naturally” tulip shot.
Sure, we’ve shown them before. But they don’t last forever. And a photo like Mark Yurkiw’s — showing his Cross Highway bounty — is too good to pass up.
(It’s another busy weekend in Westport. If you’ve got a free minute — and that’s all it takes — please click here to support the hyper-local blog that helps make this, and every other weekend, great. Thanks!)
With little heat — but plenty of enthusiasm — the Board of Selectwomen voted unanimously yesterday to accept the Parks & Recreation Department’s proposal to add 2 portable fire pits to Compo’s South Beach this summer.
The pits — available for use byWestport residents only, for $150 from 4 to 10 p.m. every day except the fireworks and July 4 — are an added amenity, says Parks & Rec director Erik Barbieri. Several area towns already offer them.
Westport’s Police and Fire Departments fully back the proposal. The fire pits will be monitored by Parks & Rec employees, who will be trained in their use. When the beach closes they’ll be extinguished, and moved to a locked site.
For more details on the Compo fire pits, click here.
First run in 2014 to raise money — over $200 million! — for ALS research, it’s resurfaced in 2025 as a fundraiser for Active Minds, a national youth mental health nonprofit.
Since the first bucket was poured on March 31, it’s collected over $300,000.
It swept through Staples High School. Then I got swept up in it.
Dave Briggs — the TV journalist who contributes great video reels to “06880” — nominated me.
On Tuesday (yeah, I waited a day until it got warm), I took the challenge.
And then I passed on the challenge to 3 other Westporters: 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, 2nd Selectwoman Andrea Moore, and Police Chief Foti Koskinas.
I don’t mess around. Check out the video below (or click here):
Representative Town Meeting (RTM) member Andrew Colabella offers a list of spots around town that could use a bit (or a bit more) of tidying up.
They include:
Elaine Road
Greens Farms train station embankment
Greens Farms corridor
Sherwood Island Connector corridor
Merritt Parkway exit 42 Park & Ride
Longshore parking lot F (coastline)
Saugatuck train station parking lot 4
Sipperly Hill Road
Ford Road
Bottom of Clapboard Hill at Greens Farms
Riverside Avenue
Andrew adds: “In addition to these places, anywhere else that needs clean-up is great.
“If you see an area that is unsafe and unreachable due to lack of buffer from the road, or on a blind curve, call the Public Works Department: 203-341-1120.”
Cleaning up Elaine Road (near the Saugatuck River boat launch, animal control headquarters and sewage treatment plant), 2024.
The auction for A Better Chance of Westport’s Dream Event gala (Saturday, April 26, 6:30 p.m.) is live. All funds support the non-profit’s work, offering educational opportunities and more in Westport to teenage boys from underserved communities. Click here.
A few tickets to the event — which includes excellent food and drinks, inspiring speeches from the scholars, and a chance to meet some very cool present and past ABC folks — are still available. Click here to purchase.
The 2021 Staples High School graduate — and within-a-month University of Michigan alum — made his Broadway debut last night in “Stranger Things: The First Shadow.”
Reviews were mixed, for the “prequel” to the hit Netflix series. Among the critics who raved: Emlyn Travis, of Entertainment Weekly: “Immersive, heartfelt, and exhilarating, ‘First Shadow’ is a must-see spectacle for the Stranger Things obsessive as much as it is for the theater aficionado who wants to see the medium pushed to new heights.”
Jamie Mann with his parents, Jill Johnson Mann and Ben Mann, at Tavern on the Green Tuesday night.
Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between April 16 and 23.
A 38-year-old Westport man was charged with voyeurism, after a complaint about a hidden camera placed in a shared bathroom of an apartment. He was released after posting a $50,000 bond.
A 35-year-old Stamford man was charged with failure to respond to a payable violation, after a traffic stop.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Driving while texting: 21 citations
Distracted driving: 4
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 4
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 4
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 4
Failure to renew registration: 4
Speeding: 2
Improper use of markers: 2
Driving while texting (2nd offense): 1
Traveling unreasonably fast: 1
Failure to obey stop sign: 1
Failure to obey traffic control signal: 1
Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 1
Yale University Law School professor Paul Kahn’s recent book, “Democracy in Our America,” focuses on what happens when national politics enters a small Connecticut town.
It’s not about Westport — but it could be.
On Tuesday night, the Democratic Women of Westport hosted Kahn at the Westport Woman’s Club.
A full crowd listened intently to his insights. The event included Jeff Wieser and Velma Heller — present and former RTM moderators — and was led by Board of Finance member Allyson Stollenwerck.
Saving democracy, at the Westport Woman’s Club. (Photo/Andrew Colebella)
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The Westport Rotary Club learned all about the Norwalk Art Space on Tuesday.
Duvian Montoya and AnnaDea Chavez spokek about the non-profit, located in a former West Avenue church, which provides free art education to underserved youth.
It also offers free studio space to adult artists, in exchange for teaching classes to youngsters. Last year, there were over 70 classes.
A gourmet café is run by Bill Taibe, of Whelk, Don Memo and Kawa Ni fame.
And finally … in honor of both the new Compo Beach fire pits, and the new/old ice bucket challenge (stories above):
(Compo, cops, Broadway — just another day in Westport. But there’s always something different in our “06880” Roundup. If you like this daily dose of town news, please click here to support us. Thanks!)
In response to public concern reported first by “06880” regarding the Connecticut Department of Transportation’s clear cutting of dozens of trees on the Sherwood Island Connector and Hillandale Road, as part of the project to add a new building at the site behind Walgreens — 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker says:
I understand the initial disappointment that the removal of the trees has caused those directly impacted by the construction at the State of Connecticut property at 900 Post Road East, and abutting portions of the Sherwood Island Connector and Hillandale Road.
The town had no prior notification of the clear-cutting activity, nor the timing of the start of the project.
One view of the clear cutting at the state DOT facility, from Hillandale Road …
As with the numerous CT DOT projects either completed or underway throughout this municipality, the town has little oversight over state projects on state property.
Certainly, town officials, including Police, Fire and the Department of Public Works, have professional, responsive and mutual communication with representatives from the CT DOT.
It is neither feasible nor appropriate for the town to be the public communication resource for state projects, because we have no oversight. The state does not have the same notification protocols as the town. For status updates, please refer to the CT DOT site: CT DOT Maps Project Status.
… and another. The Sherwood Island Connector is at left. (Photos/Matt Snow)
Since last week, when initial concerns were brought to our attention, the town has been in regular contact with the Westport Maintenance Facility (State Project 0158-0223) project manager, Matt Easdon.
He has assured us that the CT DOT is open to input from the town officials and will work with the community representatives as the project concludes, to ensure that the completed facility will have appropriate screening/fencing and landscaping to make it visually appealing to the neighbors.
The town is committed to working with the DOT to ensure that this occurs.
Mr. Easdon has now transferred responsibility for the next phase of the project to CT DOT transportation engineer Scott Adkins.
It needs to be stressed that this is a construction site. There will be inevitable disruptions in the surrounding neighborhood over the next 16-18 months. The completed project, however, will result in a streamlined, safer, more efficient complex that ultimately benefits our community.
It has also come to my attention that there are site plans in circulation dating back a number of years that make note of a possible transaction with the town for a portion of the same state parcel abutting West Parish Road. At no time during initial discussions was any state property, or portion thereof, considered for transfer to the town of Westport.
Instead, a potential transfer of property between the CT DOT and the CT Department of Housing for affordable housing was discussed. That conversation between the CT DOT and the DOH had already been put on an indefinite hold prior to these plans for the maintenance facility.
To clarify: Had it come to pass, any land “swap” transaction would have been between the two state agencies, the CT DOT and the CT DOH, not with the Town of Westport.
Aerial view of the state DOT maintenance facility. The Sherwood Island Connector is at left; Post Road East is at top. The area outlined in black (behind Walgreens) will be the new building. The area in red on the right (next to West Parish Road) is referenced by 1st Selectwoman Tooker, as once discussed for affordable housing.
As has been mentioned, the CT DOT is interested in feedback. Please consider emailing the following: Scott Adkins, District 3 Transportation Engineer (Scott.Adkins@ct.gov), with a CC to selectwoman@westportct.gov.
I am confident that the town’s relationship with our neighbors and residents and the CT DOT will remain in good standing now, and into the future, as we work towards a mutually agreeable way to improve and upgrade our and our State’s infrastructure and facilities.
Jimmy McMillan ran for mayor of New York twice, on the Rent is Too Damn High Party.
But if he lived in Westport, and did not like what his landlord charged, he would not have to run for first selectman.
He could complain to the Fair Rent Commission.
If you haven’t heard of it, you’re not alone.
Westport’s newest board was established recently, after a state law was changed to mandate a fair rent commission in any municipality with at least 25,000 residents. (Previously, it was limited to large cities.)
Westport’s population of 27,000+ includes new apartments …
The Commission is just getting organized. The state statute says at least one member must be a tenant, and one a landlord.
First Selectwoman Jen Tooker appointed 5 members: Adrienne Durkin, William Hickson, Tanya Kaur, Marisa Manley and Theresa Miles.
They had their first organizational meeting this week. Assistant Town Attorney Eileen Lavigne Flug helped members understand the ordinance, their roles, and how to hear complaints.
The Commission deals with renters of both apartments and single-family homes. Seasonal rentals (for example, those for just the summer) are excluded.
Michele Onofrio is the Fair Rent Commission administrator. A longtime employee of the town’s Building Department (and administrator of Westport’s Blight Prevention Board), she will receive complaints from tenants about their rent.
Tenants can complain about a rent increase they believe is unfair; a charge for utilities or services that used to be included in the rent; or unsafe or unhealthy conditions that may violate housing, fire or health codes.
Tenants do not need a written lease to complain. They also do not need a lawyer.
… and older ones. A 2-bedroom, 1,000-square foot unit on Franklin Street (above) is listed for $2,300 a month.
Onofrio will then attempt to resolve the issue, with the tenant and landlord. If she cannot, the commission will hear the case.
The law lists 13 factors to be considered when determining fair rent. They include rents charged for similar apartments or houses; health and safety; services supplied by the landlord (utilities, furnishings, etc.); the landlord’s taxes and other expenses; the tenant’s income; previous rent raises, and more.
After a hearing, the commission can decide that the rent is fair, and order the tenant to pay.
The commission can also determine that the increase is unfair, and set it at a fair level and order the landlord to accept it; decide that the increase must be phased in gradually, or delay an increase until repairs are made to fix code violations.
No complaints have been made yet.
Jimmy McMillan: Are you listening?
(For more information on the Fair Rent Commission — including a tenant complaint form — click here. You can also email fair-rent@westportct.gov, or call 203-341-5024.)
Single-family homes are also available. This 3-bedroom, 1,634-square foot house rents for $7,850 a month.
(No other media outlet knows — or covers — Westport like “06880.” But we can’t do it without reader support. You can make a tax-deductibe contribution by clicking here. Thank you!)
The Board of Finance will hold public hearings soon about proposed 2025-26 budgets.
Superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice and Board of Education chair Lee Goldstein present their budget on March 24. 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker offers the town budget on March 25. Both meetings begin at 7:30 p.m., in the Town Hall auditorium.
The sessions will be broadcast on Optimum Channel 79, and/or livestreamed on the town website. (On the website, select “How Do I” heading, then “Watch Town Meetings”.)
Last month, Westporters were invited to a presentation about the proposed public safety complex. The new facility would bring the Police and Fire Departments, and Emergency Medical Services, under one roof.
The site most often mentioned is on the Sherwood Island Connector. On April 3 (1 p.m.), residents are invited to the I-95 Exit 18 commuter parking lot, to tour the location, view site maps and provide feedback.
Town officials, project planners and public safety representatives will answer questions and provide details about the project’s goals and benefits to the community.
Questions? Call Fire Chief Nick Marsan at (203) 341-5000, or email nmarsan@westportct.gov.
The meeting place for the April 3 tour of a proposed public safety facility: the I-95 Exit commuter parking lot, on the Sherwood Island Connector. The entrance would be just north of this site.
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The Westport Library was packed yesterday, for the Westport Book Shop’s annual benefit.
Since opening across Jesup Green from the Library 2021, the store has provided over 8,750 hours of paid part-time employment and job training for more than a dozen people with disabilities.
Employees learning and use skills — from retail to computer and photography — that are transferable to other environments, and interact often with customers.
Meanwhile, book sales have also generated more than $200,000 for the Library.
The benefit supported both the Westport Book Shop and the Library. There was entertainment from the Staples Jazz Ensemble, plenty of food and drink, and silent and live auctions.
All the employees were there, proudly helping out.
And every attendee got a book, signed by prolific author Ed McBain.
Westport Book Shop employee Bella Rizzi greeted guests. She sat behind a book that had been made into an artful vase. (Photo/Dan Woog)
A sneak peek at the new Main Street restaurant comes next Friday (March 21, 5:30 p.m.).
Coldwell Banker’s Judy Michaelis is hosting a pre-opening celebration. And as guests enjoy the very intriguing menu, they’ll also be doing something good.
100% of all ticket proceeds go to Westport EMS. For those who don’t know: Our fantastic Emergency Medical Service has to pay for everthing. Ambulances, fly cars, medical equipment, medications, training for the current and next generation of volunteer EMTs serving the community, even Band-Aids — they fund it all. (The price for an ambulance these days is about $400,000, if that helps you plan a donation.)
Click here for tickets, and more information. See you at Sushi Jin!
(Photo/Sal Liccione)
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Just around the corner from Sushi Jin, the Levitt is getting ready for its opening.
It’s been around a lot longer — more than 50 years — and it knows how to put on a show.
Umphrey’s McGee (July 11). Ticket sales for the eclectic improv-rock band start at 10 a.m. today (Friday).
Tickets are on sale now for I’m With Her, with Ken Pomeroy. The highly regarded folk trio offers a VIP experience: early admission to the show, a stripped-down intimate short performance, and a Q-and-A.
As always, members enjoy discounts and pre-sales on paid-ticket programming — while helping support the 50-plus nights of free shows. Click here for details.
Six large photos by New York Times Pulitzer Prize-winner Lynsey Addario are on display at the Senior Center.
They’re part of the 1991 Staples High School graduate’s series “Veiled Rebellion,” depicting many facets of women’s lives in Afghanistan. Other works from the series hang at the Westport Library, Staples and Town Hall.
On Wednesday, Westport Public Art Collections member Jilda Manikas gave a presentation about the photographer and her photos, at the Senior Center.
Lynsey’s proud mother Camille was there. She answered questions from the audience, including about Lynsey’s recent work in Ukraine.
(Lynsey Addario for the New York Times)
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You’re never too young to help others.
The Greens Farms Elementary School Long Neck Leaders — a leadership group of students in grades 3-5 — recently created a community fundraiser to support Rach’s Hope.
The non-profit honors Rachel Doran, a member of the GFS class of 2008. Her sister Ellie also attended Greens Farms.
Their mother, Lisa Doran, is a GFS literacy coach. The Long Neck Leaders invited her to teach them about the charity, which helps families weather the storm of a child’s critical illness.
The students then promoted an all-school pajama day. (Rachel made and sold PJs in local shops, a project she started during elementary school.)
The PJ Day raised $1,300 — much of it thanks to the personal connections the students felt.
The Dorans look forward to Rach’s Hope’s adult fundraiser. The 2025 PJ Gala is March 29 (FTC, Fairfield). The evening includes live music, great food, and plenty of love and hope. For tickets and more information, click here.
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Chris Dobransky has developed a devoted Instagram following, for his recipes and reviews.
He and his family order regularly from Ed’s Fusion, the Italian-and-Mexican spot across from Stop & Shop. He likes the friendly family feel.
Chris wants “06880” readers to know about a new item: birria.
The Mexican dish dates back to the 16th century, when Spanish conquistadors introduced domesticated livestock, including goats, to Mexico.
Ed’s Fusion’s birria is made with tender beef brisket, Chris says. It’s cooked for over 6 hours on low heat in a broth with a “secret: blend of spices. There are several forms, including tacos, but quesadillas, calzones and pizza.
Each birria item comes with green chile and habanero sauces, and a spiced consomme.
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Mr. Easdon has now transferred responsibility for the next phase of the project to CT DOT transportation engineer Scott Adkins.
