Tag Archives: Le Rouge by Aarti

Roundup: Free Tax Help, Aarti’s Fundraiser, EMT Courses …

Posted on February 6, 2026 | 1 comment

The only sure things are death and taxes, Ben Franklin said.

Add to the list: free tax help.

With April 15 just 68 days away, free income tax assistance is available at both the Senior Center and Town Hal.

The government-sponsored program is run by an organization called SimplifyCT.org. In Westport, it’s overseen by Paul Coughlan

All preparers are non-paid volunteers. They’ve been helping Westport residents for the past 7 years.

Sessions are in Town Hall (room 201) every Monday, from 1 to 7 p.m.

They’re at the Senior Center too, on Wednesdays (9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.) and Thursdays (9 a.m. to noon).

There is no charge — but appointments are required. Call 860-590-8910, or click here. (You’ll see other Fairfield County locations too.)

PS: Volunteers are always needed. If you can help, call the number above. (Hat tip: Ed Simek

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For a dozen years, Aarti Khosla has nurtured us.

She has created beautiful, wonderful chocolates. She has provided opportunities through them to thank teachers, first responders and many others, and to raise funds for children in need.

Now — as she prepares to close her Le Rouge shop at 190 Main Street after one final Valentine’s Day — Aarti once again lends a generous helping hand. She writes:

“I lost my father to inoperable brain cancer when I was just 21. Nearly 4 years ago, I flew to India in the middle of the holiday season to be with my mother in India after a breast cancer diagnosis. Today, my older brother is battling cancer. I barely know anyone who isn’t in some way affected by the ravages of this disease.

“A few years back I shaved my head for St. Baldrick’s — not for attention, but in quiet solidarity with children fighting cancer.

“Today, my daughter is raising funds for Memorial Sloan Kettering’s Cycle for the Cure in Chicago. Inspired by her act, I just signed up for the Cycle for the Cure ride happening tomorrow (Saturday) at Equinox in Darien.

“As Le Rouge prepares to say goodbye to the town I have called home for over 2 decades, I would like to reach out my community — our community that always shows up and rallies when it really matters.

“I need your help to turn this moment of saying goodbye into something bigger: action, gratitude, and giving back. 10% of February sales at Le Rouge are always donated to charity — this year, to a cause that is deeply personal to me. If you’re able to support or share my fundraising effort, it would mean a great deal.

“Sometimes the most meaningful goodbyes are also acts of hope. Please click here for my fundraising page. It will remain up through April 15.”

Aarti Khosla, with her ever-present smile.

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A new Emergency Medical Technician course begins later this month.

The class begins February 25, and runs through June 22. It meets Mondays and Wednesdays from 6;30 to 9:30 p.m., with occasional lab work on Saturdays (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)

Instructions include traumatic injury management; breathing, cardiac, mental health and pediatric emergencies; childbirth and OB/GYN; EMS operations, and mass casualty incident response.

provides students with the skills to provide pre-hospital emergency medical care for those who are sick or injured. The program meets State of Connecticut guidelines for EMT certification upon successful completion of exams.

Students who pass the exams will earn Connecticut Emergency Medical Technician certification, and be able to join Westport Emergency Medical Services. and the ability to join WVEMS.

Click here for more information, and application materials.

In addition, WVEMS is offering a free “Stop the Bleed” class. It’s Thursday,  February 12 (7 to 8:45 p.m.).

The #1 cause of a preventable death after an injury is bleeding. The session helps turn bystanders into immediate responders, for emergencies at home or work, or on the road. Click here for details, and registration.

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Westport resident Susan Filan — a former prosecutor and MSNBC senior legal analyst — trades the courtroom for a church on Sunday.

She’ll be a special guest at the Saugatuck Congregational Church 10 a.m. worship service. Filan will speak about transformation, purpose, and clarity in moments of disruption.

After decades working in high-pressure legal environments, a near-fatal accident in 2022 upended her legal career.

It sparked a profound wake-up call, reshaping how she understood success, identity, and what truly matters. Today, she brings that experience into conversations about reinvention, meaning, and rebuilding from the inside out.

The public is invited to the service.

Susan Filan

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Love was in the air Wednesday night, at the VFW.

Post 399 hosted Club203 — our town’s social club for adults with disabilities — for their monthly event.

DJ Lev provided the music. Planet Pizza donated pies, and Mo\CA CT helped with great heart creations.

There were smiles all around … and love was in the air.

Club203 member Dylan Curran (left) and VFW quartermaster Phil Delgado enjoy the evening.

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Speaking of the VFW: Sure, next Friday is the 13th.

But you’re in luck, if you head to Post 399. Laughing Gas Comedy and The City’s Backyard Podcast return, after very successful past shows.

The lineup includes Davin, Paul Taro, Autumn Harvist and Joe Pontillo. Matt Zako is the host.

Doors open at 7 p.m. The show is at 8. Tickets are $20 online, or at the door.

Comedy at the VFW.

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Many waterways around Westport have been frozen, for nearly 2 weeks.

That’s unusual … at least, for the past few years. (Cue the “I remember back in the day …” crowd.)

It’s not strong enough to skate on, though. So who appreciates it?

The Westport Fire Department. Yesterday, they headed to Compo Beach to train for frozen water rescues.

We’re thankful they got a chance to practice. And we hope they never have to put that training to real-life use.

Fire Department training at Compo Beach. (Photo/William Weiss)

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Speaking of ice: Today’s frozen “Westport … Naturally” photo shows one of many scenes like this, all over town. This one is at Susan Alintoff’s Old Hill home.

(Photo/Susan Alintoff)

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And finally … Chuck Negron — a founding member of Three Dog Night — died Monday in Los Angeles. He was 83, and suffered from pulmonary disease and heart failure. Click here for a full obituary.

(There will be plenty of joy in “06880”‘s world if you click here, and help support your hyper-local blog. Thank you! As Chuck Negron sang: “The show must go on.”)

 

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Bittersweet News: Le Rouge Chocolate Shop Is Closing

Posted on December 8, 2025 | 3 comments

Le Rouge — the great chocolate-and-more shop tucked in the lower level of 190 Main Street, just past Avery Street — has been a Westport mainstay for nearly 12 years.

Sadly, this is their last holiday season. The store is closing in February (after one final Valentine’s Day). Fortunately, they’ll continue online.

Owner Aarti Khosla writes this valentine to Westport:

When I first opened Le Rouge Handmade Chocolates in 2014, I thought I was simply opening a chocolate shop.

I didn’t know I was opening a chapter of my life that would shape me in ways I could never have imagined.

Aarti Khosla has given a lot of love, to many local causes. 

I didn’t know I would meet families who would become friends.

I didn’t know I would watch children grow up through chocolate: tiny hands reaching for truffles, then returning years later as teenagers asking for the same ones, and even learning how to make chocolate and work with me.

I didn’t know how many stories, celebrations, and quiet moments people would invite me into.

And I certainly didn’t know that Westport — this beautiful, creative, generous little town of ours — would become a home for my heritage, my craft, and my heart.

From the first days, Westport embraced Le Rouge with a warmth that still astonishes me. You welcomed the flavors of my culture — saffron, cardamom, rose, chili — into your homes and your holidays.

 

A few of Aarti Khosla’s Le Rouge creations.

You made my chocolates part of your traditions: birth announcements, graduations, engagements, 99th birthdays…

You trusted me with your milestones. The memories you have given me are treasures that I will carry for the rest of my life.

Over the years, many of you asked why I wasn’t always in the shop. I never hid it, but I never fully explained it either.

For 5 years before COVID, my husband’s job brought us to Switzerland, and I commuted back and forth constantly.

Then 4 years ago, after selling our home here, I began living 2 hours away (on a good traffic day). I tried to be in Westport as often as possible. But I was also trying to hold together two lives, in two different places.

Le Rouge has always felt like my child. And like any mother, I gave it everything. Even when it meant being exhausted, stretched thin, and constantly in motion.

This year, when I turned 60, I realized something important: I needed to start giving myself the same love and care I pour into every handmade piece of chocolate.

And so today, with a full heart, I want to share that this Christmas will be our last holiday season at 190 Main Street. We will continue in this space until February 2026: one final Valentine’s Day together.

Quite a chocolate cake!

Closing the storefront is bittersweet. It is also gentle, and right for this moment in my life.

This is not an ending; it is a transition. Le Rouge is not going anywhere.

Our newly refreshed website will continue to bring chocolates — handmade with love, artistry and global flavors — right to your doorstep. Corporate gifting, seasonal collections, custom creations… everything you know us for will continue.

The only thing changing is the place where you pick it up.

So to everyone who ever stepped inside my shop, told me a story, shared a memory, brought a friend, introduced a child or grandchild, recommended me to a neighbor, or simply picked up a box of chocolates “just because”: Thank you!

Thank you for giving me a place in this town’s story. Thank you for letting Le Rouge become part of your story. Thank you for the love, loyalty and warmth you have shown me for more than a decade.

I am at the store, creating chocolate magic every day until the 24th of this month.

Stop in, say hello, come taste a truffle or two, share your life moments and add to my treasure chest of beautiful memories.

With all my gratitude and all my heart,
Aarti

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Roundup: Tennis & Pickleball, Free Saplings, House Fire …

Posted on April 18, 2024 | Comments Off on Roundup: Tennis & Pickleball, Free Saplings, House Fire …

This week’s spring weather has Westporters ready to play outdoors — the 1% who were still in town anyway, during the schools’ annual spring break.

Those who headed to the Doubleday tennis courts behind Saugatuck Elementary, or the pickleball courts at Compo Beach, were disappointed. Both facilities were closed.

Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department explains:

“Due to the weather over the winter, with large fluctuations of cold and warm temperatures and little snow to insulate the court surface, the Doubleday courts sustained damage beyond what was anticipated. The damage consists of cracks, as well as shifting, lifting, and bunching of material used in prior crack repairs.”

Due to the safety risk, those courts were closed. Nighttime temperatures are still too cold for repairs.

With other tennis courts in the area in a similar situation, companies are booked until late July.

A rough estimate to repair the cracks is $55,000 — and they “would not be expected to last much beyond this fall,” Parks & Rec officials say.

They’ve moved the replacement of the Doubleday courts up a year, in their capital plan.

The new courts will be built with post-tension concrete. They typically last over 20 years without the need for crack repair.

The department is working on the bid document. They hope to begin construction in late summer or early fall.

The Compo pickleball courts, meanwhile, are being redone with all new asphalt, net posts, nets and painting.

The asphalt will need to cure for 28 days, then painted with temporary lines. Opening day is set for around Memorial Day.

“We understand this will be an inconvenience,” Parks & Rec says.

“But believe we are taking the most fiscally responsible path forward, with a result that will be beneficial to all court users.”

Doubleday tennis courts, and PJ Romano Field.

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Happy Arbor Day!

The Westport Tree Board will hand out free saplings on Friday April 26 (3 to 5 p.m., Town Hall rear parking lot).

We’ve lost so many trees recently, to new construction, storms and simple old age. This is welcome news indeed.

In 2014, a cherry tree was planted in front of Town Hall. Saplings will be given away there on April 26.

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Yesterday morning, the Westport Fire Department responded to a structure fire on Hunt Club Lane, off Maple Avenue North.

Responding units found a 2-story home with heavy smoke coming from 3 sides, with evidence of a possible explosion from inside.

Two injured occupants had already gotten out of the home.

Firefighters contained the blaze to the basement, but heavy smoke filled the home.

The building was ventilated and monitored for carbon monoxide.

Westport Police and EMS treated and transported the 2 occupants to the hospital, with unknown injuries.

Assistance from Wilton, Fairfield and Norwalk Fire Departments allowed simultaneous calls to be handled while Westport units were on scene. The last WFD unit cleared the scene at 1:30 p.m.

The fire is under investigation by the Westport Fire Marshal’s office.

Hunt Club Lane fire. (Photo courtesy of Westport Fire Department)

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In the latest chocolate news, Le Rouge by Aarti is Connecticut’s representative on EatThisNotThat.com’s list of “The Best Chocolate Cake in Every State.”

It says:

Aarti Khosla created Cafe Le Rouge in Westport to blend the flavors of her home country of India with chocolate. Her website says she wanted to “capture the flavors from around the world in the divine language of chocolate.”

Her Kentucky Bourbon Chocolate Ganache cake speaks that language well. The chocolatier modeled this cake after a popular truffle, rich, chocolatey, and infused with Kentucky bourbon.

Click here for the 49 other best chocolate cakes.

Aarti’s best-in-state cake.

Mashed followed up with another honor: a mention in “The Absolute Best Chocolate Cakes in America, According to Foodies.”

Here’s that writeup:

Le Rouge Chocolates by Aarti may be in Connecticut, but they sure know their Kentucky bourbon, as evidenced by the fact that the shop’s Kentucky bourbon truffles are their most-ordered truffle variety. So, on the heels of that success, Le Rouge Chocolates by Aarti baked up a ganache cake infused with the same Kentucky bourbon.

Made with white chocolate or dark chocolate ganache (although they recommend the white chocolate), the $45-$65 cake can also be adorned with pecans. However, you’ll have to make a trip to the Constitution State to get it, since it can’t be shipped like some of the shop’s other products.

And if you make your own chocolate ganache at home and you can’t understand why it’s not coming out right, this may be why your chocolate ganache’s texture is off.

Baker and founder Aarti Khosla makes all of her desserts in small batches to ensure quality, and she also hand-paints and hand-decorates them, so you know your Kentucky Bourbon Chocolate Ganache Cake is one that’s made with love. Plus, she only uses fair-trade dark chocolate, so you know it’s ethical, too.

Click here for the rest of that story.

But wait! There’s more!

On Tuesday, Congressman Jim Himes informed Aarti that, as part of his recognition of Women’s History Month, she’d been nominated as a female leader.

Himes called her Aarti “a role model, source of inspiration, and an integral part of the community.”

To learn more about Aarti (and her Le Rouge chocolate shop), click here.

Aarti Khosla

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Westport Police made 1 custodial arrest between April 10 and 17.

A 26-year-old Stamford woman was arrest for larceny, and conspiracy to commit larceny, after a fraudulent check was deposited into a First County Bank account, and funds were then withdrawn from it. An alleged co-conspirator had already been arrested for the same incident.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Speeding: 6 citations
  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 6
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 3
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 3
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 3
  • Failure to drive in the proper lane: 2
  • Driving while texting: 1
  • Distracted driving: 1
  • Traveling too fast for conditions: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle to endanger an occupant: 1
  • Following too closely: 1
  • Illegal passing on the right: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
  • Failure to renew registration: 1
  • Violation of license class: 1

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The Westport Library’s spring book sale returns Friday, May 17. The always-jammed event runs through Monday, May 20.

It includes thousands of “gently used” books for children and adults in over 50 categories of non-fiction and fiction, plus vinyl, CDs, movie and television DVDs, and more.

Of special interest:

  • A large collection of philosophy books from the library of a retired professor, along with books on Eastern and Native American spirituality,
  • An extensive collection of history books, especially military history, with many very scarce titles. The focus on World War II encompasses illustrated studies of aircraft, weaponry, ships and combat vehicles.
  • A large assortment of framed artwork, from small desktop pieces to large wall ones.
  • A huge assortment of jigsaw puzzles.
  • A small number of laser videodiscs ($3 to $5).
  • The “Fiction for $1” room: hardcover fiction, mystery, science fiction, fantasy books, young adult, plus paperback novels.

Click here for hours, and more information.

A small part of the large Westport Library book sale. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Every Thursday is special at VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399: It’s “Jazz at the Post,” with an all-star selection of great musicians.

But May 9 is extra special. That’s JazzFC’s annual “Blow-Out Bash” fundraiser. Over 20 stellar performers are already confirmed. The show runs from 7 to 11 p.m.

Paul Bollenback, Michael Mossman, Melissa Newman, Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall, Janice Friedman head the long list. Bridgeport’s Keys Music Jazz Ensemble opens the concert.

All proceeds benefit JazzFC’s educational clinics for students from Westport to Bridgeport, the JazzFC Scholarship Fund, outreach concerts to seniors and other underserved groups, and weekly concerts in Westport.

Tickets — including a special expanded dinner, begin at $100 (early bird price, until April 26).

A $250 sponsor ticket includes preferred seating, a festive dinner and listing in the program.

$500 benefactor tickets include premium preferred seating, dinner, an hour- hour jazz lesson or listening session with the Jazz Rabbi, and listing in event booklet.

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In 1926 Agatha Christie vanished, then reappeared 11 days later, without explanation.

It was a tabloid sensation. Nearly a century later, the myster remains unsolved.

That’s the back story for the Westport Country Playhouse’s next Script in Hand reading (May 13, 7 p.m.): “Mrs. Christie.”

Fast forward to today: Lucy, a Christie aficionado, journeys to the author’s estate. When she finds an unpublished diary in Christie’s own hand, Lucy resolves to crack the case.

All tickets are $30. Click here to purchase, and for more information.

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This spring, we’ve got a ton of beautiful images to choose from for our “Westport … Naturally” feature.

Today’s winner: Steve Stein’s purple azaleas.

(Photo/Steve Stein)

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And finally … today is National Lineman Appreciation Day.

No — not Anthony Munoz and his NFL brethren.

These are the guys (and girls) who climb the poles — in good weather, and really, really bad — to keep the juice flowing.

In a town like ours, where power conks out as regularly as Donald Trump in a Manhattan courthouse, we owe special thanks to our linemen. And linewomen.

Enjoy your day!

(Linepersons keep the power going. Reader support does the same for “06880.” Please click here to help support your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)

 

 

 

 

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Roundup: Fire Chief, Pulitzer Prize, Bike Repair …

Posted on May 9, 2023 | 6 comments

Veteran Westport firefighter Nicholas Marsan will be the Department’s acting chief, following the retirement of Chief Michael Kronick on May 15.

Marson will also serve as the town’s emergency management director.

1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker announced those appointments yesterday.

Marsan has been a member of the WFD since 2007, with extensive experience in emergency operations and fire safety.

He is a graduate of the Connecticut Fire Academy, and is a nationally certified Fire Service Instructor III, Fire Officer III and a state-certified fire marshal.

Marsan earned a master’s degree in history at Western Connecticut State University, and a master’s in public administration and emergency management at Sacred Heart University.

He has received numerous awards for his public safety work, including 2 Westport Rotary Public Protection & Safety Awards, 3 unit citations, and 2 department honors.

Marsan served in the US Army and Connecticut Army National Guard, with a deployment to Afghanistan in 2010.  He is also a fire instructor for the New York Office of Fire Prevention and Control.

Nicholas Marsan

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Speaking of firefighters:

The Westport Fire Department and International Association of Fire Fighters Local 1081 invite residents to a memorial service, recognizing members who  died in the line of duty.

The 38th annual Bridgeport Area Retired Firefighters event in June 6 (6 p.m.), at Assumption Church. A collation will follow at Westport VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399.

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Lynsey Addario’s stunning image of the immediate aftermath of a Russian attack in Irpin, in the early days after their invasion of Ukraine, was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize in Breaking News Photography.

The 1991 Staples High School graduate did not win.

But she — and her New York Times photography colleague, 1988 Staples grad Tyler Hicks — were part of the prestigious journalism awards nonetheless.

The Times staff received a Pulitzer for International Reporting, for its “unflinching coverage of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.” Addario and Hicks contributed many photos to those stories.

Both Addario and Hicks are previous Pulitzer Prize winners, for their individual work.

Congratulations to them, to the Times staff, and all the other winners.

Ukrainian soldiers trying to save the only person in a group of 4 who had a pulse, moments after a mortar attack in Irpin, near Kyiv, in March 2022. (Photo/Lynsey Addario for the New York Times)

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For years, if your car broke down at Compo, Old Mill Beach or Town Hall, you called AAA.

But what about a bicycle issue?

New this year: bike repair stations. They’ve got an array of handy tools — all secured by cables against theft — for a rider who needs a quick fix.

The repair stations were installed by the Public Works Department. They’re just one more example of “little things mean a lot.”

The Compo Beach bicycle repair setup is located near the main bathrooms, between Hook’d and the lifeguard station. (Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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If spring cleaning includes getting rid of old mattresses and box springs — hold on until May 20.

That morning Earthplace, Sustainable Westport and Bye Bye Mattress will sponsor a free mattress and box spring recycling event. Up to 90% of them can be recycled into carpet pads, exercise equipment and bike seat cushions, insulation, air filters and steel materials.

The event runs from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., at Earthplace.

Can’t transport your mattress or box spring? No problem!

Boy Scout Troop 36 will provide pickup service, for a small donation. Click here to sign up.

Saving the planet, one mattress at a time. (Photo and hat tip: Pippa Bell Ader)

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David Pogue drew a standing room only crowd yesterday, for his Y’s Women’s talk on AI.

It was informative, fun — and a bit scary. The Westporter/”CBS Sunday Morning” and PBS “Nova” correspondent described coming changes in many fields, from writing, music, art and movies to politics.

He also noted “preventive measures.” The large crowd at Green’s Farms Church — all actual human beings — was very appreciative.

David Pogue with (from left) Y’s Women vice president Vera DeStefano and president Margaret Mitchell.

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Westporters love Le Rouge Chocolates by Aarti.

Now the small, scrumptious shop in the Joe’s Pizza Main Street shopping center just north of Avery Place has gotten national attention.

Forbes magazine features it on their Lifestyle/Dining page. “Decadent Treats with a Huge Helping of Goodwill” describes owner Aarti Khosla’s surprising career path, and honors her constant giving back.

Aarti’s donations of chocolates to first responders, students and many others get a shout-out; so does her fundraising for a variety of causes.

Click here for the full, well-deserved story. (Hat tip: Kristin Schneeman)

Aarti Khosla, in her Le Rouge store. (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)

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Staples High School students Ryan Sunjka, Jack Schwartz, Jackson Tracey and Lucy Barney are members of the Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital junior board.

They’re helping organize a May 20 event at Row House, in Compo Acres Shopping Center.

Contestants see which team of 3 people can row farthest on the machines in 30 minutes. The students’ goal is $10,000. Each team is asked to raise $300 (plus a $10 entry fee per person). They’ll be eligible for prizes — for both the distance rowed and the money raised — like Knicks, Nets, Yankees and Red Sox tickets, and a signed Derrick Rose basketball.

Click here to sign up, and for more information.

Junior board members promote the Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital Row House event.

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Dozens of volunteers showed up this weekend, to help make the Long Lots Preserve a reality.

Phase III of the project — which is taking shape around the perimeter of the Westport Community Gardens, just south of Long Lots Elementary School — includes planting Connecticut natives like sweet gum and winter king hawthorn.

All ages took part. Among them, in the photo below: Emma and Melody Wilkinson. “They’re planting trees for the future, working with nature’s creatures,” says proud grandfather Joe Wilkinson.

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Every Thursday, Jazz at the Post is special.

This week though is extra special.

The music series at VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399 continues its celebration of one of the greatest jazz bandleaders ever: drummer Art Blakey.

An all-star lineup will play classics from the ’80s: Antonio Hart (alto sax), Michael Mossman (trumpet), David Morgan (piano), Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall (tenor sax), David Berkman (piano), Phil Bowler (bass) and Tim Horner (drums).

Even more special: Staples High School jazz combos will play at 7 p.m., before the shows.

Advance tickets are available here for the 7 p.m. show (guaranteed seats, including dinner at 6:45); click here for the 8:45 p.m. show (with dinner). For the 8:45 show without dinner, click here.

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Who says the Board of Selectwomen don’t have their finger on the pulse of the town?

There are 5 items on the agenda for tomorrow’s meeting (9 a.m., Town Hall auditorium; livestream on www.westportct.gov; televised on Optimum Channel 79).

Item #2: “Acting as the Local Traffic Authority, upon the recommendation of the Westport Police Department, to take such action as the meeting may determine to approve a request to the Office of the State Traffic Administration – Division of Traffic Engineering, to increase the exclusive green light left hand turn timing at the State-controlled traffic signal located at the intersection of CT Route 1 (Post Road East) and Myrtle Avenue.”


Changes ahead?

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Longtime Westporter Audrey Magida died last week. She was 93.

She was a lifelong lover of New York City, where she was born, raised, and graduated from George Washington High School.

She moved to Westport in 1961. Audrey had a long career as a real estate broker, most recently with Prudential Real Estate.

She was an honorary life member of Temple Israel, having served as president of the Sisterhood, board member, and vice president of the congregation.

Audrey was an avid book reader and bridge player, theater devotee, classical music concert-goer, ballet and dance connoisseur, and enthusiastic sailboat passenger.

She was married for 65 years to Nathan Magida. She is survived by her children Dan (Nancy), Meg, and Matt (Pat); grandchildren Ben, Sarah, Jane, Emily and Sam, and great-grandchildren Nathan and Aiden.

Contributions may be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

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High Point Road is a popular spot for new Westporters.

Yesterday, Staples High School sophomore Max Saperstein photographed the latest arrivals, for our “Westport … Naturally” feature:

(Photo/Max Saperstein)

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And finally … we honor Westport’s new bicycle repair stations (story above) with the oldest recording ever featured on “06880”:

 (As always, today’s Roundup is jam-packed with news you can [hopefully] use. If you enjoy this daily feature, please click here to support “06880.” Thank you!)

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Roundup: Bob Stefanowski, Alicia Mozian, Jez Benton …

Posted on September 16, 2022 | 7 comments

Republican gubernatorial candidate Bob Stefanowski addressed a large crowd at the Westport Library yesterday.

The Y’s Men of Westport and Weston sponsored the event, Former 1st Selectman Jim Marpe moderated.

Stefanowski described his youth in New Haven, in a home shared with his grandparents and students from Southern Connecticut State College.

Regarding the 2020 election, the GOP candidate said: It’s over. It was not stolen. It’s time to move forward. If Donald Trump is found guilty of anything, he should pay the consequences.

Connecticut is the 2nd highest taxed state in the nation, he noted, adding that as head of a company he had to chip away at unnecessary costs. Executives earning $30 million to $40 million were upset about losing company cars. Shareholders paid for those perks, Stefanowski said.

Who pays for excesses in state government? Taxpayers, he continued.

On Monday (September 19, 1 p.m. Westport Library), Governor Ned Lamont will speak. The Y’s Men sponsor that event too. (Reporting by  Dave Matlow)

Bob Stefanowski at the Westport LIbrary. (Photo/Dave Matlow)

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Conservation Director Alicia Mozian is retiring, effective October 1.

A town employee since 1986, she began her career as a planning aide in the Planning & Zoning Department. Other posts included conservation analyst, zoning inspector and planning assistant. She was appointed Conservation director in 2001.

Mozian says she is “grateful to have served a community that is so engaged and proactive in environmental affairs. Their enthusiasm both challenged and inspired me to do my very best every day to help protect the many natural resources whose care we have been entrusted to protect.

“I have worked hard to balance the rights of the property owner with the need for environmental protection, and I’m proud of my department in achieving this goal. I also want to thank the many volunteers who have supported and continue to support our department’s mission and foster good stewardship practices of not only our wetland and water resources but also the environment in general.”

1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker promoted Colin Kelly to replace Mozian.

Alicia Mozian

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Jez Benton is a very interesting Westporter. He summited Mount Everest in 2005, and has since had a notable career in leadership development.

This week, he launched a video podcast. Jez interviews 6 CEOs, as they hike a mountain together. It’s called “Route to the Top” (get it?), and was filmed entirely by Jez on his iPhone.

His first guest is Neal Katyal, former Solicitor General of the US. Now a partner in a law firm, he talks about lessons learned while arguing cases in front of the Supreme Court.

Click below for that initial episode. Others will be available on LinkedIn (10 minutes), and Spotify, YouTube and Apple Podcasts (full 45 minutes). (Hat tip: Meghan Bell)

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On September 29, nearly 600 people will gather at Mitchells in Westport for the 12th annual Pinkchella.

The event — the first in-person gathering since COVID — is PinkAid’s big fundraiser. The Coachella-themed luncheon includes fashion, food, music and more.

Among the auction items: a stay at the One & Only resort in Montenegro, use of a private jet and courtside seats at a Milwaukee Bucks game with the team owner, a trip to French Polynesia.

The auction goes live September 22. It’s open to all; you don’t have to attend the event to bid.  Click here for more information and — on September 22 — to bid.

Breast cancer survivors will walk the runway at a “Celebration of Life” fashion show, as Pink Aid honors their experience, and the people in their lives who helped along the way.

Since 2011, Pink Aid has granted $6.6 million to support programs that provide diagnostic testing, wigs, recovery garments, meals, childcare, transportation to treatment, integrative services, education, survivorship programs and personal expenses for patients undergoing treatment.

They fund programs at hospitals, national non-profits and smaller grassroots organizations. They work to make sure everyone gets proper treatment regardless of financial barriers. They’ve helped breast cancer patients in 30 states; their goal is to “turn 50 states pink.”

For more information on Pinkchella, and tickets, click here.

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Three million Americans suffer from inflammatory bowel disease.

This Sunday (September 18, Sherwood Island State Park, 10 a.m.), the first-ever Spin4 Crohn’s & Colitis Cure event raises money for research.

It’s a fun, energetic and community-minded stationary bike ride. People can create a team, join a team or ride solo. Spectators are welcome too.

Click here to register, or for more information.

Spinning for a Crohn’s and Colitis cure.

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For the past 12 months, a generous gift from an anonymous donor ensured free admission to MoCA galleries for everyone.

Fees resume October 16. MoCA officials says: “We are committed to keeping our admission fees low, so that the power of art to educate, enrich and build connections between us continues to be accessible to all. As a non-profit organization, we rely on admissions fees to help fund all of our programs.

“If you have financial need for free admission for yourself or for your family, please email us at info@mocawestport.org.”

Meanwhile, MoCA announces their first Open Mic Night (October 20, 5 to 7 p.m.). It’s an outdoor event, where poets, slam poets and musicians come together not as opponents, but as performers sharing their stories, passions and talents.

To perform, click here to register, pay a $5 fee and complete this form by October 17. Each poem or song must be original (multiple poems or songs are allowed within time frame); memorization is not required. Performers must be in high school or older.

There’s no charge for audience members, but advance registration is requested; click here.

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Aarti Khosla’s “Give a Little Love” campaign is in full gear.

For the 3rd year in a row, the owner of Le Rouge Chocolates hopes to donate a chocolate heart to every Westport Public Schools employee.

It’s a townwide campaign. For $8 each, customers can sponsor a heart for one Westport teacher. To donate one or more chocolate hearts online, click here.

Aarti hand-delivers the treats to each building. This was the scene at Coleytown Middle School:

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Speaking of schools: Staples High musicians Delaney McGee (trumpet) and Witt Lindau (drums) have received All-National honors. They were selected by video audition, from the top music students in the country.

In November they will participate in the National Association for Music Education honors orchestra and “modern band” (rock band) respectively.

Jason Capozucca (bassoon) and Ana Jahnel (tenor saxophone) were selected as alternates,

Witt Lindau (Photo courtesy of Staples Wreckers Instagram)

Delaney McGee

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There’s always something to learn at the Senior Center.

The other day it was electric vehicles.

Dawn Henry and Barry Kresch of the EV Club of Connecticut led an informational session on the value and joys of driving an electric vehicle. Five were on display outside.

Barry Kresch discusses electric vehicles, at the Senior Center. (Photo/Pippa Bell Ader)

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Salon Nash owner Felicia Catale offers a free wash and blow dry — plus discounts on Mary Kay products — on October 10 (11 a.m. to 3 p.m.). Her salon is at 179 Post Road West, in Nash’s Corner plaza.

Felicia Catale

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It’s still mid-September. But Election Day will be here before you know it.

On November 2 (Westport Library, 7 p.m.), Westport’s League of Woman Voters sponsors a debate with candidates for the state Senate and House of Representatives, and probate judge.

“06880” readers are invited to send questions in advance. The email address is lwvwestport@yahoo.com.

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If you’re like me, you probably get 2 or 3 advertising mailers a week, filled with discount coupons. Many are for home improvements — new bathroom (“in a day!”), gutter work, driveway paving and the like.

Also: duct cleaning. One company advertises in all of them. I see this photo everywhere:

I couldn’t figure out what was so weird about it.

Then I realized: He’s doing a pretty poor job of it. I want the guy who cleans my ducts to be watching what he’s doing — not giving me a come-on look.

No matter how hot he is.

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There’s something about monarch butterflies — in all forms — that we can’t resist.

Today’s “Westport … Naturally” monarch photo comes courtesy of Nancy Vener:

(Photo/Nancy Vener)

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And finally … in honor of Jez Benton’s new podcast, interviewing nationally known CEOs as they climb steep mountains:

 

 

 

 

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Roundup: Club 203, Native Plants, Cohl Katz …

Posted on September 9, 2022 | 2 comments

Club 203 — the new Westport organization providing social and fun activities for adults with disabilities — launched with a bang Wednesday night.

Over 100 people gathered at MoCA for the kickoff event. DJ Joe’s great playlist got everyone on the dance floor from the moment they arrived.

The dance floor was filled.

Participants came from as far as Middlebury, Connecticut. DJ Joe rocked the night! Everyone was in on the dance floor. MoCA, The Porch at Christie’s, CVS for providing the venue and snacks. We would also like to thank all the volunteers from our community who helped us last night. We could not have done it with out them!

Hanging with the DJ …

Club 203 organizers Stacie Curran, Kathryn Sonne, Joe Anastasi and Sharuna Mahesh thank MoCA, The Porch @ Christie’s and CVS for providing the venue and snacks — as well as the many volunteers who made the night special.

Next up: a Halloween celebration (October 23, Remarkable Theater). For more information, click here.

,,, and hanging out.

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One of the most well-known houses in Westport (the Kowalsky home) sat for years on one of the last large open residential spaces in Westport.

Now the home — officially, 117 Morningside Drive South — has joined the list of notable town teardowns.

A recent photo …

… and an even more recent one. (Photo/Alan Phillips)

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Though all eyes were on the UK yesterday, after the death of Queen Elizabeth II, viewers watching Yahoo! Finance got a double dose of Westport.

Dave Briggs — one of the platform’s anchors — interviewed internationally best-selling author Jane Green, a British native. Both now live here.

Click here for the full interview.

Screenshot of yesterday’s interview.

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Speaking of Her Majesty … on Monday (September 12), the Remarkable Theater honors her life and legacy with a special showing of “The Queen.”

Helen Mirren stars in the 2006 film, which examines Queen Elizabeth II n the aftermath of the death of Princess Diana.

The lot opens at 6:15 p.m. for tailgating. The movie starts at 7;15 p.m. Click here for tickets, and more information.

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Who was Sigrid Schultz, for whom part of the newly designed Elm Street parking lot is named?

She was a pioneering female reporter, social justice activist — and longtime Westporer — who played an important role in exposing the growing Nazi threat during the lead-up to World War II, and beyond.

Last night, the Westport Museum for Culture & History hosted Professor Dr. David Milne of the University of East Anglia. He is writing her biography, and shared fascinating details of her life. The “Dragon Lady” exhibit is open to the public at the museum through the end of the year. (Hat tip: Dave Matlow)

Dr. James Milne, at the Westport Museum for History & Culture. (Photo/Dave Matlow)

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Wondering about all those yellow ribbons downtown?

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. The ribbons create awareness too: for Circle of Care, a Wilton-based organization that helps families deal with the diagnosis of a child with cancer.

Click here to learn more about Circle of Care. Then click below, for a local video:

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With autumn around the corner, it’s time for Aspetuck Land Trust’s fall native plant sale.

Hard-to-find plants, trees, shrubs and perennials can be ordered online, and picked up September 30 to October 2 at the Caryl & Edna Haskins Preserve off Green Acre Lane. Click here for details.

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Aarti Khosla believes that teachers are the backbone of our society. In these unprecedented times, she says, they need our love more than ever.

Aarti owns Le Rouge Chocolates, on Main Street. So she’s in a position to make it happen. Sweeeeet!

Her “Give a Little Love” chocolate heart campaign works like this: For $8 each, customers can sponsor a heart for one Westport teacher. Aarti hand-delivers the treats to each school.

This is the third year in a row for “Give a Little Love.” Teachers have been very touched by this small gesture, she says.

To donate one or more chocolate hearts online, click here.

“Give a Little Love” with chocolate hearts.

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MoCA’s next show — the premiere of the From The Pen To The Knife exhibition, featuring close to 300 watercolor paintings by Marian Christy, who creates watercolors using only palette knives and puddles of paint — is on view from October 15 to November 27.

An opening reception is set for October 15 (5 to 7 p.m.).

Christy was a Pulitzer Prize-winning Boston Globe journalist, covering fashion and celebrities, for the first chapter of her life.

In the second chapter, she pivoted from “the pen to the knife.” Christy, now 90, had no formal training. She has worked for the last 15 years in her basement at an easel, held firm by used bricks to sustain her forceful palette knife strokes. For more information, click here.

One of Marian Christy’s nearly 300 works, exhibited soon at MoCA Westport.

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Cohl Katz’s clients have included Al Pacino, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Barbara Bush, Bob Dylan, Cal Ripken, Cindy Crawford, Ellen DeGeneres, Hillary Clinton, Hilary Swank, Jerry Seinfeld, John McEnroe, Johnny Depp, Katie Couric, Keith Richards, Leonardo DiCaprio, Martha Stewart, Mary Tyler Moore, Mel Gibson, Mick Jagger, Muhammad Ali, Nicole Kidman, Phil Donohue, Ray Charles, Robert Redford, Robin Williams, Rod Stewart, Rosie O’Donnell, Sting and Tom Cruise,

The hair stylist and makeup artist recently moved back to Westport. She’s offering a back-to-school special for new clients (of all ages): a 50% first-appointment discount. Call 917-848-9596 — and mention “06880”!

Three of Cohl Katz’s clients.

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Several Westport chefs will prepare 4-course tableside meals at Greenwich Wine + Food. The fundraiser for the Jacques Pépin Foundation and Wholesome Wae is set for October 7 (at Abigail Kirsch The Loading Dock, Stamford).

The local contingent includes Jes Bengtson (Terrain Garden Café. Amis Trattoria); Debra Ponzek (Aux Delices), Matt Storch (Match Burger Lobster) and Bill Taibe (The Whelk, Kawa Ni, Don Memo).

The evening includes honors for the Serendipity’s 2022 Most Innovative Chefs. Among them: Will Friedman of Kawa Ni.

Click here for the full schedule, and ticket information.

Bill Taibe and Jes Bengtson will cook at Greenwich Wine + Food.

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The girls are gone from Compo. Now — as seen in today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo — the gulls take over.

(Photo/Tracy Porosoff)

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And finally … as we remember the remarkable life of Queen Elizabeth II, the United States mourns with our British friends.

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(“06880 is entirely reader-supported. Please click here to contribute.)

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“06880” Stroll: Newest Holiday Tradition A Hit!

Posted on December 12, 2021 | 4 comments

It’s the magic of the holiday season.

The predicted rain never fell. The temperature was perfect for strolling.

Which is what hundreds of Westporters, plus out-of-town relatives and friends and strangers did last night.

Sam Betit led the Staples Orphenians in a wide range of holiday music.

“06880”‘s first-ever Holiday Stroll featured packed sidewalks, folks wandering in and out of stores for gifts (and freebies), and tons of old-fashioned neighborly fun.

Amy Saperstein (center) and friends Allegra Zemel and Stephanie Tobin strolled Main Street. (Photo/Julian Zemel, age 8)

Staples High School’s Orphenians sang. Santa posed for photos. Staples senior Sophie Alcyone painted kids’ faces.

Samta poses with Zelda and Annabel Cohen.

And Tim Stevenson and Lisa Armstrong won a $50 gift certificate to Savvy + Grace, as Ugly Sweater Contest winners.

Ugly sweater contest winners Lisa Armstrong and Tim Stevenson.

If you were there: Years from now, you can say you were at the first year of this great tradition.

If you missed it: See you in ’22!

Santa poses with the youngest stroller … (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)

… and with Staples High School 1966 graduate Pam Pollack. (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)

Face painter Sophie Alcyone at work …

… and Lila Newman shoes off the finished (cheetah) product. (Photo/Lisa Newman)

One view of the Staples Orphenians …

… and another. (Photo/Danielle Dobin)

Cider at Le Rouge Aarti Chocolatiers was one of many merchant giveaways during the “06880” Holiday Stroll.

Santa poses with artist Rosie Jon and son Leo …

… and (2nd and 3rd from left) 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, Planning & Zoning Commission chair Danielle Dobin, and friends.

Jeffrey Pogue was another contestant in the Ugly Sweater Contest.

And a huge shout-out to all the retailers and restaurants who participated in the “06880” Holiday Stroll:

  • Age of Reason
  • Allison Daniel Designs
  • Calico
  • Cotelac
  • Dark Horse Health & Wellness
  • Franny’s Farmacy
  • The Fred Shop
  • Joe’s Pizza
  • Kerri Rosenthal
  • Le Rouge by Aarti
  • Local to Market
  • Nic and Zoe
  • Organachs
  • Rye Ridge Delicatessen
  • Sorelle Gallery
  • The Toy Post
  • WEST
  • Westport Book Shop
  • Whip Salon
  • Winfield Street Coffee

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Posted in Downtown, Local business, Westport life

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Roundup: Chocolate Hearts, Art Craft Show, Playhouse Shows …

Posted on August 29, 2021 | 2 comments

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For the 2nd year in a row, Aarti Khosla of Le Rouge Chocolates is helping Westporters show love for teachers.

“They are the backbone of our society. In these unprecedented times, hey need our love more than ever,” says the owner of the popular shop at 190 Main Street.

“We came together as a community to salute them with our ‘Give a Little Love’ chocolate hearts campaign on the first day of school last year. It was humbling and heartwarming to hear so many teachers say how touched they were by this small gesture.”

The tradition continues — with a twist. For just $8, you can show you appreciation to the Westport Public Schools staff (including teachers, administrators, nurses, secretaries, paraprofessionals, custodians and others).

And 20% of each “Chocolate Heart” that goes to a teacher will be contribute to the Malala Fund, which helps educate women and girls in Afghanistan.

Click here to buy a chocolate heart, and for more information.

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Talented Westporter Jo Ann Miller-Swanson has her first Art Craft Show today Sunday, August 29, Christie’s Auto Service parking lot, 161 Cross Highway, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.).

Jo Ann is working with Amy Bruno, wife of Westport assistant superintendent of schools Anthony Bruno. They expect to make the show a Sunday Christie’s ritual.

Untitled work by Jo Ann Miller-Swanson.

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The Westport Country Playhouse’s star turn starts Tuesday.

On 3 consecutive nights (August 31, September 1 and 2), Broadway stars perform before a live audience. The concerts will be taped, edited, then broadcast nationally (with a “Westport-centric” opening). The show will be called “Stars on Stage from Westport Country Playhouse.”

Shoshana Bean (“Wicked,” “Waitress”) kicks things off. She’ll be followed by Gavin Creel (a Tony Winner in “Hello, Dolly!”; “The Book of Mormon”) on September 1. Brandon Victor Dixon (Aaron Burr in “Hamilton,” an Emmy nominee in “Jesus Christ Superstar”) completes the triple play on September 2.

There are 2 shows each night, at 7 and 9 p.m.

Westporter Andrew Wilk is the creator and executive producer of “Stars on Stage!” That means the production value will be high.

This is not his first rodeo. He was executive producer of PBS’ “Live from Lincoln Center” from 2012-19, and has won 5 Emmys for his production work.

A limited number of tickets ($75 and $20) are available to the public. Complimentary tickets are reserved for first responders, students, teachers, and groups and organizations.

For tickets or more information, click here, call 203-227-4177, or email boxoffice@westportplayhouse.org.

(From left): Shoshana Bean, Gavin Creel, Brandon Victor Dixon.

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“Gunsmoke” fired up the crowd last night, at the Levitt Pavilion. Tonight’s show — “Dr. K’s Motown Revue” — is already sold out.

(Photo/JC Martin)

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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo is one any boat owner can relate to. Everyone wants a free ride!

(Photo/Judy Stone)

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And finally … today is the birthday of Dinah Washington, in 1924. The jazz-influenced singer and pianist died. She died at just 39, of a combination of insomnia and diet pills. She’s remembered for outstanding performances like:

 

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Posted in Arts, Entertainment, Local business, Westport Country Playhouse

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Roundup: Recycling, GFA Graduation, Chocolate, More

Posted on February 12, 2021 | 3 comments

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Business travel is way down. So we don’t see lines of drivers waiting with signs at airports, picking up executives.

Instead we’ve got lines of parents waiting at elementary schools, picking up children. All they need are signs.

This was the scene the other day at Saugatuck. The line of cars extended beyond Assumption Church.

(Photo/Felicia Sale)

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Leigh Gage writes: “Has anyone else noticed trash and recycling trucks at the transfer center backing up to dump trash mixed with recycling into the dumpster?

“The sound of glass breaking drew my attention to several trucks dumping everything into the closest dumpster. An attendant said that whatever people leave out for pickup gets dumped together.

“Residents: {lease don’t put both garbage and recycling out on the same day.

“And refuse companies: Please instruct your drivers to not pick up recycling except on the day it’s supposed to be picked up.

“I wonder if residents sign up for once a week service to save money, then put recycling out with the garbage.”

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It’s mid-February, so at Greens Farms Academy they’re getting ready for … graduation.

The private school on Beachside Avenue has announced its speakers. Wes Moore will deliver the commencement address on June 10. The night before, Mike Greenberg keynotes GFA’s first-ever baccalaureate.

Moore is the CEO of the the poverty-fighting foundation Robin Hood, best-selling author, combat veteran, White House fellow and social entrepreneur. His story is uplifting and inspiring.

Westport resident Mike Greenberg is the host of ESPN’s morning show “Get Up!,” a GFA trustee and (most importantly) the father graduating senior Stephen and alumna Nikki. A member of 2 Halls of Fame and an author of 5 best-sellers, he and his wife Stacy donate all proceeds to the V Foundation for Cancer Research.

GFA’s graduation should be one for the books.

And for the public. After the event, the school will post Moore’s speech on their website.

Mike Greenberg

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This Valentine’s weekend — actually, all month — Le Rouge by Aarti’s “Give a Little Love” campaign continues.

10% of all February sales will be donated to local food banks. It’s one more way Westport’s favorite chocolatier helps those in need.

Stop by the 190 Main Street store — or browse online, and request curbside pickup, delivery or shipping. Sweeeeeet!

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Adam Stolpen reminds us that yesterday was Tina Louise’s 87th birthday.

Ginger — the last surviving member of the “Gilligan’s Island” castaways — lived with her mother, Betty Meyers, at 19 Bluewater Hill.

Adam knows that factoid because his family moved in there in 1959, when Tina’s family moved out. 

But that still doesn’t answer the question: Why did all the castaways have so many different clothes, when all they were planning was go on a 3-hour tour?

Tina Louise, then and now.

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And finally … Americans used to celebrate Abraham Lincoln’s birthday on February 12, and George Washington’s 10 days later. Now, both have been rolled into “Presidents Day.” The 2 giants share the day with the likes of William Henry Harrison, Warren Harding and Donald Trump. Ah, progress!

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Roundup: Cribari Bridge, Burroughs Brothers, Chocolate Bombs, More

Posted on December 8, 2020 | 5 comments

The Cribari Bridge Christmas lights never get old.

In fact, “06880” readers always provide fresh perspectives.

Here’s January Stuart’s:

(Photo/January Stewart)

The Winter Farmers’ Market: It’s not just for Thursdays anymore.

Next Tuesday (December 15, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center, 7 Sylvan Lane) features a special holiday Artist Market.

It’s a way to support local artisans, who have been battered professionally by COVID-19. The Farmers’ Market is a safe outdoor space where they can sell their crafts.

The Artist Market takes place in 3 open-air greenhouses. Food trucks will grab-and-go meals, and hot and cold drinks.

2020 has been a wretched year. It can’t end soon enough.

But on its way out the door, the Westport Library will give it a special push.

On Monday, December 21 (7 p.m.), Miggs and Trace Burroughs’ offer winter solstice entertainment.

“Oh Brother, Not Another Holiday Special” — streamed from the Westport Library’s Forum — features several cool guests.

Martha Stewart returns to town, giving Miggs some holiday tips. Psychic “Miss Liz” will answer questions and make predictions for 2021. (Uh oh.)

Miggs’ bagel-making, Moog-playing son Brayden and Trace’s conceptual artist Pavia will appear.

Scraping the very bottom of the barrel, Miggs has asked me to be on the show too. I’ll try to find the 10 most uplifting stories of 2020. (It’s not easy.)

Miggs and Trace promise to make short work of the longest night of the year. Click here to register.

 

For years, Aarti Khosla — Westport’s favorite chocolatier — has been “Giving a Little Love.” Her promotions have supported healthcare workers, police officers, Bridgeport high school graduates, and teachers right here in Westport.

Now — as winter looms — Le Rouge Chocolates by Aarti embarks on a new campaign: “Give a Little Warmth.”

For each $10 “Hot Chocolate Bomb” pack customers buy, she’ll donate one to men and women who care for us: healthcare professionals, police and EMTs. They’re great stocking stuffers — and easy to ship.

Click here to order; be sure to write “Give a Little Warmth” in the note section.

Need another reason to shop at Le Rouge (190 Main Street, lower level)? Aarti will donate 5% of all December sales to local food banks.

And finally … today marks the 40th anniversary of John Lennon’s murder. He was 40 years old when Mark David Chapman shot him 4 times in the archway of his Manhattan apartment building.

In other words, John Lennon has been dead for as many years as he lived. Imagine.

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