Governor Ned Lamont spoke to over 150 people at the Westport Library yesterday.
It was the 4th “Your State, Your Business” event, sponsored by the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce.
Lamont covered a lot of ground, from the stability of Connecticut’s economy and energy costs, to affordable healthcare and housing.
But the audience was interested in local issues too.
The first question — from Representative Town Meeting member Kristin Schneeman — concerned the future of the Cribari Bridge.
The governor said he was getting up to speed on the subject. He said he understands that residents are concerned, and will look to put people — including 1st Selectman Kevin Christie, and the state Department of Transportation commissioner — together to figure out a solution.
A video of the event will be available later today.
After lunch at Nômade, Governor Lamont spoke to a smaller group at the Senior Center.
Governor Lamont answers a question from moderator Matthew Mandell, director of the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce. (Photo/Lindsay Katz)
At Nômade, Governor Lamont posed with Chef Zoli Kovacs. (Photo/Sal Liccione)
==================================================
After 4,000 people voted in 11 categories, CTBites has announced semifinalists for their “It’s a Woman’s World” contest.
Two are from Westport and Weston.
Alison Milwe Grace (AMG Catering & Events) is nominated in the Catering category. Melanie Pabon (The Cottage) is a finalist in the Server/GM category.
Winners — the tops in Connecticut’s culinary world — will be announced April 27 at Hotel Marcel in New Haven. Click here for tickets, and more information. Click here for the full CTBites story.
================================================
Those are not the only local connections in this week’s CTBites newsletter.
There’s also a feature story on Gruel Britannia.
It’s a deep dive into the popular Cross Highway spot (and her first location, in Southport).
There are also hints about a few innovations owner Karen Hubrich has planned for her Westport space. Click here to read the full story.
Lunch menu at Gruel Britannia.
=================================================
One more restaurant item: Hey Taco! has opened on Post Road East, between the Shell station and ASF.
It replaces Border Grille, which itself replace another mostly-takeout Mexican place, Tacos or What?
Chris Dobransky — aka FairfieldFoodDude — recently visited. He loved it.
He wrote about the “authentic, made-with-love tacos done right. Between the bold flavors, generous portions, and obvious passion behind the food, this place is already making a name for itself.”
Click here or below for the full writeup.
==================================================
Book lovers, take note: The Westport Library’s big spring book sale takes place May 15-18.
There is something for everyone — toddlers through adults — with thousands of gently used books in over 50 categories of non-fiction and fiction, including antiquarian, comic books, and vintage children’s books.
Plus a huge assortment of DVDs, CDs, vintage vinyl, jigsaw puzzles, ephemera, and framed artwork, from small desktop pieces to large wall pictures.
Hours are:
- Friday, May 15 (noon to 6 p.m.; early access with ticket, 8:45 a.m. to noon))
- Saturday, May 16: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Sunday, May 17: (11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; almost everything half price)
- Monday, May 18 (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; fill a Library logo bag for $10, your own equivalent-size bag for $8, or buy individual books for half price).
For more information, click here. To volunteer, email volunteers@westportbooksales.org.
A small part of the large Westport Library book sale.
=================================================
Yesterday was the first day of the Westport schools’ spring break.
Many families have already skedaddled out of town.
But bright and early, Andrew Colabella spotted these 2 boys, at Riverside and Treadwell Avenue.
(Photo/Andrew Colabella)
“It’s 7 a.m. School is off for the week,” Andrew writes.
“Your buddy meets you at your house, fishing pole and gear ready to go. Take the long haul across the bridge to the fishing spot.
“Two kids, living in the moment. Reminded me of when I was a kid. I love this town!”
=================================================
Atla DeChamplain — a jazz vocalist, lyricist and educator known for her expressive phrasing, vocal control and authenticity — headlines this Thursday’s Jazz at the Post (April 16, VFW Post 399; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner at 7).
She’ll be joined by her husband, pianist Matt DeChamplain, plus bassist Sameer Shankar, drummer Ben Bilello and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall.
Click here for tickets, and more information.
==================================================
Speaking of the VFW: Rock star/soul singer/multi-instrumentalist Eliot Lewis — a longtime member of the Average White Band and Hall & Oates’ band, and who has performed with legends like Joe Walsh and Todd Rundgren — brings his many talents to the VFW this Friday (April 17). He’s joined by special guest artist, Weston’s own Owen Daniel.
The doors open at 6 p.m., for an opening set by Ecoustic Rock Monster.
Tickets are $15 online, $20 at the door. Light bar food and drink specials are available.
===============================================
The daffodils — and the daffodil photos — keep on coming.
Today’s “Westport … Naturally” image shows the colorful scene, from the lower Imperial Avenue parking lot up the steps to the back of the Westport Woman’s Club.
(Photo/Laurie Sorensen)
==================================================
And finally … on this date in 1912, Titanic hit an iceberg in the North Atlantic. It sank a few hours later.
1,501 passengers and crew members died; 707 were saved.
(Was there room for Jack on the door frame? Why didn’t Rose beg him to try? Who knows? But here’s one thing we know for sure: You can click here, and support “06880.” Our hearts will go on. Thanks!)
