Tag Archives: Office Evolution

Roundup: Beach Stickers, Basketball, Big Sports Names …

Posted on March 17, 2026 | 2 comments

Summer is here!

Well, at least, beach parking emblems (oldtimers call them “stickers”) are available for purchase — online and in the Parks & Recreation Department office — for Westport and Weston residents starting this Thursday (March 19), at 9 a.m. There is no limit for Westport and Weston residents. Click here for fees.

Beach parking emblem sales for non-residents begin tomorrow (Wednesday, March 18), at 9 a.m. The fee is $545, plus sales tax. There is a limit of 450 for the season — first come, first served.

If you bought emblems or registered for programs in previous seasons, your online account is already set up. Click here to log in. Then select “Memberships,” and follow the prompts.

If you have not bought emblems or registered for programs previously, click here. Then click the “Purchase Now” icon on the right.

Emblems will be mailed in 14-21 days. They are not required until May 1.

If you forget your login or password, do not create another account. Select the proper “forget” button on the login page. For further help, email  recreation@westportct.gov.

Office hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.

Beach stickers go on sale this week. (Photo/Mark Marcus)

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The Staples High School boys basketball team is one game away from a historic accomplishment.

The Wreckers — ranked #1 in Division I — downed Notre Dame Prep 67-61 last night at Fairfield Warde, in a state tournament semifinal contest that was nowhere near as close as the score seems.

That lifts the Westporters into the state championship against #2 West Haven.

The game — to be played Saturday or Sunday, on a date and time to be determined at Mohegan Sun — will be their first state championship since 2023. Three years ago, they fell short in their quest for the Division II crown.

If the Wreckers win this weekend, it will be their first state title since — are you ready? — 1937.

That’s right. Staples’ last Connecticut championship came when Franklin Roosevelt was in the White House. And 9 years before the founding of the NBA.

Go Wreckers!

There could be another historic moment this weekend too.

The boys could be joined by the Staples girls basketball team.

The Wreckers’ girls state tournament semifinal game tips off at 6 p.m. tonight (Tuesday), at Bethel High School.

The Wreckers — seeded #3 in Division II — take on #10 Bristol Central.

Go Wreckers indeed!

The 2026 Staples girls basketball team.

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Speaking of sports: Sports Business Journal just unveiled the nominees for their 2026 Sports Business Awards Executive of the Year.

Astonishingly, 3 of the 5 are from Westport.

They are NBC Sports president Rick Cordella, ESPN president Jimmy Pitaro, and TKO Group Holdings president and COO Mark Shapiro. (The 2 non-Westport nominees are 23XI Racing co-owner Michael Jordan, and TWG Global CEO Mark Walter.

Cordella — who would be the first NBC Sports leader to win the award since Dick Ebersol in 2009 — oversaw the NBA’s return to NBC, the Super Bowl and the Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina, and negotiated a 3-year deal for MLB to return to the network this season.

Pitaro won the award in 2020. He led the re-launch of the DTC-focused ESPN app, the acquisition of key assets within NFL Media and a renegotiated MLB media deal, and was selected to the Broadcasting + Cable Hall of Fame.

Shapiro presided over TKO (the parent company of UFC, WWE, PBR, On Location and IMG). UFC agreed to a $7.7 billion, 7-year deal with Paramount Skydance, while WWE agreed to a $1.625 billion, 5-year deal with ESPN.

The 19th annual Sports Business Awards ceremony — including 14 other categories — will be presented May 20 at the New York Marriott Marquis Times Square.

Good luck to all 3 local nominees. Looks like there’s a 60% chance that the  Sports Business Executive of the Year will be one of our neighbors.

Will they share an Uber to the event? (Or — more importantly — home?)

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With 74 power outages in Westport (0.58% of customers), and a much more substantial 1,128 in Weston (29%), it’s a good time to remind readers that Office Evolution is a great option.

The co-working space opposite Westport fire headquarters on Post Road East offers free day passes to new customers, and discounts on hourly private office space.

It’s a great way to get work done, charge devices, and enjoy hi-speed Wi-fi.

Call (203-635-8770) or email (WestportCT@OfficeEvolution.com) — if you can!

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Probate Judge Lisa Wexler is running for re-election, in the Westport-Weston district. She says:

“Being your probate judge for the last 13 years has been a great privilege. I have loved being able to help so many people in our community. I remain committed to fulfilling the responsibilities of probate judge with the utmost integrity, transparency and fairness. I hope that I have earned your trust and confidence for another term.

“Most people think that probate courts are only for wills, trusts and estates. But over half of our work involves people with special needs, including the elderly and those suffering from mental illness. As your probate judge, I use the tools available to me to try as best as I can to help those in our community who are the most vulnerable.”

Wexler has opened the court on Tuesday nights for public lectures, writes an email newsletter, appears at the Westport and Weston senior centers, and speaks before gatherings of trusts and estates professionals. She also made probate hearings available for the first time, via CDs.

A graduate of the New York University School of Law and Johns Hopkins University, she is a member of the Weston Kiwanis and Hadassah, and advisory board member to Jane Doe No More, and is a board member of The Jeffrey Modell Foundation.

Judge Lisa Wexler

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Last month, “06880” reported on Westport’s first-ever Mini Moguls Marketplace. The youth business fair — founded and organized by Staples High School junior Aanya Gandhi — drew (very) young vendors in grades 5–8, and plenty of shoppers, to the Westport Library.

Long Lots Elementary School students Leo Rubin and Luke Capolupo made and sold personalized necklaces. Their first sale was to an important customer: superintendent of schools Thomas Scarice.

The event jump-started their business. Since then, they’ve expanded sales at school. Leo then pitched the idea to ASF. The popular Post Road East store now carries their product.

An Instagram post says: “LL Creations’ beaded necklaces are made for players and true sports fans alike. Rep your passion, support young entrepreneurs, and give back — 10% of proceeds go to the Boys & Girls Club.”

 

Luke Capolupo and Leo Rubin at ASF.

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Attention, college juniors and seniors interested in a career in management consulting: A Westport firm is offering a summer internship.

The New England Consulting Group’s program runs from June 1 to August 7. They’re looking for interns from top colleges; any major is appropriate.

It’s on-site in Westport, with a $5,000 stipend.

Contact Tom Sebok, managing partner: ths@necg.net (subject line: Westport Summer Internship at NECG); 917-825-2206.

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You don’t have to be Irish — or even a human being — to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.

Jolantha — Weston’s favorite pig — is all decked out in green. Sure, and it’s a great day when everyone eats corned beef.

Not ham or bacon.

(Photo/Hans Wilhelm)

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David Berkman has been a major jazz voice for decades. Since his first visit to the Jazz at the Post — a soldout performance a few years ago with Antonio Hart — he has become a favorite at VFW Post 399.

This week, as the featured artist of JazzFC’s March Jazz Madness, he presents his own writing for quintet.

Berkman will be accompanied by saxophonists Billy Drewes and Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall, bassist David Ambrosio and drummer Jay Sawyer.

Shows are Thursday (March 19) at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m. Dinner starts at 7. Click here for tickets, and more information.

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What could be more appropriate for today’s St. Paddy’s Day “Westport … Naturally” photo than this wearing-of-the-green shot?

(Photo/Bob Weingarten)

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And finally … to all who celebrate today (and who doesn’t?):

(And on that note, may we ask for a bit o’ green today? If you’d like to support “06880” — and, ahem, this Danny Boy — please click here. Thanks — and may the luck of the Irish be with you!)

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Roundup: RTM Candidates, Sarah Jessica Parker Tickets, Tom Lowrie Dedication …

Posted on August 11, 2025 | 3 comments

As of today, there may be only competitive races in 4 of the 9 Representative Town Meeting districts.

Here’s the breakdown. (NOTE: Each district elects 4 members. The RTM is non-partisan.)

District 1: Incumbents: Andrew Bloom, Matthew Mandell, Kristin Mott Purcell, Chris Tait. Petitioning: Gail Coykendall.

District 2: Incumbents: Jay Keenan, Melissa Levy, Louis Mall, Mike Perry. Petitions not yet returned: Harris Falk, Jenna Petok.

District 3: Incumbents: Ross Burkhardt, Jimmy Izzo, Pamela Troy-Kopack. Incumbent not running: Don O’Day.

District 4: Incumbents: Andrew Colabella, Clarence Hayes, Jeff Wieser. Petitions not yet returned: Victoria Wylie, Charles Lucas, Cara Zimon. Incumbent not running: Noah Hammond.

District 5: Incumbents: Peter Gold, Karen Kramer, Dick Lowenstein, Claudia Shaum.

District 6: Incumbents: Candace Banks, Seth Braunstein, Alma Sarelli. Incumbent not running: David Rosenwaks.

District 7: Incumbents Brandi Briggs, Jack Klinge, Ellen Lautenberg. Petition not yet returned: Joseph Carson. Incumbent not running: Lauren Karpf.

District 8: Incumbents: Wendy Goldwyn Batteau, Rachel Steel Cohn. Incumbents not running: Ari Benmosche, Julie Whamond.

District 9: Incumbents: Jennifer Johnson, Nancy Kail, Sal Liccione, Kristin Schneeman. Petition not yet returned: Addison Moore.

To qualify for the November 4 ballot, candidates must collecct at least 25 signatures from registered voters in their district. Completed petitions must be returned to the town clerk by September 9.

For more information about the petition process or other election questions, contact Town Clerk Jeffrey Dunkerton: 203-341-1105; jdunkerton@westportct.gov.

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Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. tomorrow (Tuesday, August 12) for this year’s Westport Library “Booked for the Evening” fundraiser, with Sara Jessica Parker.

The Emmy Award-winning actor, producer, publisher and businesswoman will be honored September 10.

General admission tickets are $375 each. There is a limit of 2 per transaction. Click here for the ticket link, and more information.

Sarah Jessica Parker (Photo/Jem Mitchell)

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Laura Kaufman appreciates Saturday’s “06880” story on her coworking business, Office Evolution.

And — because she wants readers to check out the space, and meet “rock star” office manager Lindy Steinorth — she invites people to email Lindy (westportct@officeevolution.com), or call her (203-635-8770).

Just mention “06880,” for a free trial. PS: Tell Lindy she rocks!

Office Evolution manager Lindy Steinorth (left) and Westport owner Laura Kaufman.

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Calling all pickleball players. And fans of Tom Lowrie. And everyone else who wants to celebrate.

On August 23 (3 to 5:30 p.m.), the pickleball courts at Compo Beach will be dedicated in honor of Lowrie.

The 97-year-old is “the father of Westport pickleball” (and much more).

Theree will be an exhibition with professional, nationally ranked players (and prizes). And the Y’s Men’s Hoot Owls will provide musical entertainment.

Bring your own beach chair and refreshments. Watch the pros. Honor Tom. And then play afterward, on the Tom Lowrie Courts.

(Poster created by Andrew Colabella)

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Speaking of the beach: Our past 2 Roundups have featured very cool photos of the full sturgeon moon, as seen from Compo Beach.

Today, there’s an equally intriguing one — without the moon.

This was a group of teenagers, gathered by the cannons last night.

(Photo/Laurie Nelson Austin)

Who says kids never look up from their phones?

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When couples book a wedding at The Inn at Longshore — one of the most gorgeous outdoor venues in the state — they pray (for months) for good weather.

Alex and Stanley had great weather yesterday.

Today — at least, judging by this photo — they headed off, in a very traditional way.

And with another day of spectacular sunshine.

(Photo/John Richers)

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Attention, all New York Yankee — and dog — fans!

Aaron Judge, and furry Gus and Penny, are teaming up with Westport Animal Shelter Advocates and Earth Animal, to help homeless dogs in around Connecticut.

Each “Judge” dog toy is $29.99. All proceeds to go to WASA.

This year alone, the non-profit has covered almost $11,000 worth of emergency care for animals abandoned in Westport. Additional funds have been spent elsewhere in the state.

Gus and Penny, with Aaron Judge toys.

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The Wood Brothers brought their progressive Americana sound to the Levitt Pavilion last night, as the 51st season of great outdoor entertainment continued.

The Wood Brothers. (Photo/Susan Garment)

This week’s shows are all free:

  • Tuesday, August 12: Suzanne Sheridan & Friends, “Mostly Ronstadt” (7 p.m.).
  • Wednesday, August 13: Miss Tutti & the Fruity Band, Children’s Series (7 p.m.).
  • Thursday, August 14: Reprise, Phish tribute band (6:30 p.m.).
  • Friday, August 15: Karina Rykman, jam rock/indie pop (7:30 p.m.).

Click here for more information, and free tickets.

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The public is invited to a swearing-in ceremony (August 22, 3 p.m., Fire Department headquarters) for 5 new firefighters.

Help us welcome Drew Haig, Joseph McKay, Stephen Marsan, William O’Rourke and Patricia Quinn to Westport!

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The trees are all gone. Construction has begun.

And every day, the sand pile at the new state Department of Transportation facility behind Walgreens grows.

This is the lastest view, taken just off Hillandale Road. Without foliage, everyone can “enjoy” it.

(Photo/Bob Weingarten)

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Former Westport teacher Lois Green died peacefully at her North Carolina home on May 18. She was 95.

The Adelphi University (BA) and Fairfield University (MA) graduate and her family were longtime residents of Westport, apart from a stay in Sydney, Australia between 1970 and 1977.

Lois taught special education and reading in the Westport Public Schools, ranging from kindergarten to high school.

She served as a Westport Education Association representative, and volunteered with the League of Women Voters.

After retirement she continued her advocacy as a court appointed guardian ad litem, representing foster children with special education needs in the courts and school systems. Lois supported many human rights, social justice and environmental causes.

Lois had a passion for learning as well as teaching. She was an inaugural member of a philosophy class at the University of North Carolina that brought college-age students and older community members together to share perspectives. She attended classes until a few weeks before her final illness.

She and her late husband Paul were world travelers, by car, ship, foot and plane.

Lois is survived by her children Julie Altschuler (Scott), Mark (Michele Karel), and Jonathan (Christiane Auston); grandchildren Rena Behar (David Gabriel), David Behar, Michael Green (Andrea Hinojosa Nieto), Lizzie Green, Sarah Green and Owen Auston-Babcock, nephews, and her lifelong dearest friend, Arlene Wang.

Lois Green

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In these lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer, there’s nothing more soothing than today’s Saugatuck River “Westport … Naturally” scene.

(Photo/Loretta Hallock)

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And finally … in honor of the Aaron Judge dog toy promotion (story above):

(We won’t judge you if you don’t support “06880.” But on the other hand: If you’re reading this, and enjoying us, and learning about our town, why don’t you? Please click here — and thank you!)

 

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Office Evolution Offers Flexible Space, Community — And Coffee

Posted on August 9, 2025 | Comments Off on Office Evolution Offers Flexible Space, Community — And Coffee

Happy International Coworking Day!

I should add — as we often do around holidays now — “to those who celebrate.”

And while this might not be Easter, Passover or Ramadan, there are plenty of coworkers in America.

And — this being Westport, where “work” often means “an office,” rather than a field or factory floor — coworkers are everywhere.

(NOTE: Coworkers are different from “co-workers.” The latter refers to colleagues at a company or business. The former — who we celebrate today — are people from different firms, or solo practitioners, who share a common space.

That space can be Starbucks or the Library. But even though both have 2 key work components — tables and coffee — they’re not specifically designed for coworking.

Office Evolution is.

Located in the Post Road office building across from Fire Department headquarters, it was the first flexible workspace in Westport. It features open spaces, private offices, conference rooms, a receptionist, mail plans and more.

Others coworking spaces followed.

A conference room is open to coworkers of all ages.

Laura Kaufman is the Westport franchisee. She opened in 2019.

In the 6 years since, Office Evolution has evolved. Her original customers were “solopreneurs”: therapists, accountants and the like.

They wanted a place to see clients that was more professional than home, but less expensive than their own office. Access to copiers (and a high-end coffee machine) were added perks.

Durng COVID, many therapists migrated to Zoom. Some still see some clients online; others have returned to Kaufman’s coworking space.

But a large new group of workers — attorneys, executives, entrepreneurs — have discovered the benefits of a flexible office.

Office Evolution includes coworking spaces, meeting rooms, and private offices (above), with a variety of plans and prices. 

They’re men and women who once commuted 5 days a week to New York, Stamford or elsewhere. Now they work several days remotely. But that does not necessarily mean “from home.”

Additionally, large companies use Office Evolution as an address for their “Connecticut location.” Their executives can book conference rooms, at reasonable rates.

“You don’t need a long-term lease, or deal with a landlord,” Kaufman notes.

“We provide internet, WiFi, and a receptionist who greets your clients and escorts them to you.”

Laura Kaufman (right) and receptionist Lindy Steinorth.

Plus, that high-end touch-screen coffemaker that “no law firm would buy.”

Writers appreciate coworking too. “We offer a change of environment. Maybe they just need a new window to look out of. Or a cup of coffee.”

Coworking also offers community. Office Evolution hosted a “member appreciation lunch” to celebrate International Coworking Day. There are Super Bowl pools (“as if everyone were working for the same company,” Kaufman says).

And Kaufman makes it a point to introduce people who may have something in common, either professionally or personally.

Coworking is popular nationally. But it is “having a moment” in suburbs like Westport, Kaufman says.

And that “moment” will continue to grow.

“My kids are in their 20s,” says Kaufman. “Their generation is very interested in quality of life and flexibility.

“They’re happy to be in an office 2 or 3 days a week, interacting with people. But they have no patience for commuting far.

“Coworking will be their expectation — and where they find community.”

Right now, she adds, “Westport is a 30-plus community. As soon as people start families, they move to the suburbs. We reap the benefit.”

Westporters who discover coworking spaces like Office Evolution appreciate the opportunity to interact across age groups and professions. “It’s a nice, organic way to live and work,” Kaufman says.

Younger people are not surprised to find a coworking space in Westport. Older ones sometimes are.

“They come in and say ‘Wow, what a great idea!’ — as if I thought of it,” she laughs. “I’m happy to execute on someone else’s idea.”

(For more information on Westport’s Office Evolution, click here.) 

(“06880” often covers Westport’s local businesses — and local trends. If you enjoy learning about your town through stories like these, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

 

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Roundup: Lynsey Addario, Lunch And Learn, Co-Working …

Posted on August 5, 2022 | 2 comments

This fall, New York’s School of Visual arts honors Lynsey Addario.

The New York Times photojournalist, MacArthur genius grant and Pulitzer Prize recipient — and 1991 Staples High School graduate —  takes part in the 32nd annual Masters Series Award and Exhibition.

“The Masters Series: Lynsey Addario” will be a comprehensive retrospective of her fearless, 2-decade journey documenting humanitarian issues around the globe.

The free exhibition runs from September 2 through October 29. Addario gives a special talk on September 9.

The exhibit showcases the photographers’ career, from Afghanistan and Iraq to Congo, Libya, Somalia, Syria, South Sudan, and most recently, Ukraine. She brings a strong focus on women’s issues to her work, including gender-based violence and rape as a weapon of war.

Addario is the author of Of Love and War, a solo collection of photography, and the best-selling memoir It’s What I Do: A Photographer’s Life of Love and War.

Click here for the CVA website on the exhibition.

in the early days after the Russian invasion, Lynsey Addario’s photo of this bombed-out apartment building in Kyiv brought the war’s reality to people around the globe. (Photo/Lynsey Addario for The New York Times)

Screenshot of Lynsey Addario from “Firing Line.”

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You’re never too old to “lunch and learn.” Even in August.

Aspetuck Land Trust announces 2 upcoming sessions.

“Green Corridor: From Vision to Reality” (Wednesday, August 10, noon to 1 p.m.). features director of landowner engagement. Mary Ellen Lemay. She’ll explain why the Green Corridor initiative helps heal the fragmented and toxic landscape that surrounds us.

Using simple eco-friendly steps in yards and other private properties, the Green Corridor allows species to move across the landscape, improving biodiversity. Click here to register.

At “Think Like a Forest” (Friday, August 26, noon to 1 p.m.), Anna Fialkoff explains how planting native trees supports local food webs. Benefits include
purifying air, shading and cooling in hot weather, storing atmospheric carbon, minimizing flooding and storm water runoff, and helping sustain vital pollinators, birds and other wildlife. Click here to register.

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And you thought there were no holidays in August!

This coming Tuesday (August 9) is International Co-Working Day.

To celebrate, Office Evolution — the great, airy, flexible and filled-with-all-you-need space at 500 Post Road East (opposite Westport Fire Department headquarters) offers free one-day passes to anyone looking for a new work environment.

The holiday is Tuesday, but the offer is good all next week (August 8-12).

For more information, email Westport.CT@officeevolution.com, or call 203-635-8770. Click here for the Westport website.

Westport Office Evolution owner Laura Kaufman (left) and business center manager Lindy Steinorth, when Office Evolution opened in 2019.

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The eagle landed yesterday at Compo Beach — and posted majestically for its “Westport … Naturally” shot.

(Photo/David Anastasia)

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And finally … in honor of International Co-Working Day (story above):

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COVID-19 Roundup: Office Evolution, Finding Westport, Diapers, Masks, Loose Change And More

Posted on April 18, 2020 | 1 comment

A year ago, Office Evolution opened across from Fire Department headquarters. It was the newest entrant into the rapidly developing market for co-working spaces.

On its first anniversary, COVID-19 hit. Suddenly, working remotely was imperative. Yet so was avoiding other people.

Because it delivers mail, and some members do “essential” work, Office Evolution is considered an essential business. Doors are locked, but members have 24/7 access via electronic fobs.

Owner Laura Kaufman knows that working from home is new for many people. So she’s looking for pictures and stories of how that’s going. Anyone posting on Facebook, Instagram, NextDoor or LinkedIn (Office Evolution Westport) will receive a $25 gift card, and a chance to win up to $1,000 more. For more information click here, email westport.ct@officeevolution.com, or call 203-635-8770.

Office Evolution

To the list of great resources for finding what’s open in Westport — restaurants, stores and more — check out FindingWestport, on Instagram and online. It includes store hours, phone numbers and hyperlinks.

Mercy Learning Center has been gratified by the response from “06880” readers to their plea for food, supplies, and funds for rent and bills for the hundreds of women they serve so well in Bridgeport.

Another overwhelming response came from Gina Oliveira Beranek. After posting a request on Facebook’s great Westport Front Porch page, she and another driver headed yesterday to MLC. Their cars were stocked with food — and over 4,800 diapers.

Way to go, Gina and all you Porchers!

As “06880” has reported, Virginia Jaffe and her Greens Farms Elementary School sewing moms are busy every day, making masks. And, Virginia reports, their efforts are paying rewards.

Yesterday they donated 90 to Homes with Hope residents. Since March 30, they’ve given away 350 masks, to bus drivers and other frontline personnel.

There are now 10 seamstresses and 6 fabric cutters, all across Westport. They need help: cutting, sewing, and donating funds to buy fabric, threads and elastic. Just email westportmasks@yahoo.com.

Every donor will get the satisfaction of helping. Plus — just as important — every donor gets a mask.

Virginia adds that the group encourages children to wear masks, by making plain white ones that can be decorated with personal designs. Here’s Jake Martin, with his special theme (and disinfectant):

Every day, Larry Weisman puts his loose change in a jar. The last time he went to the bank, there was $800. He gave it to his grandchildren.

Now — in light of the need, and with the support of his grandkids — he’s donating the money to World Central Kitchen. Jose Andreas’ extraordinary non-profit has already furnished a million meals to hospitals and those in need, while also providing much needed work for restaurants employees.

It’s a great cause. Larry urges “06880” readers to donate their spare change too.

And finally, Ringo Starr, Robbie Robertson and a host of other great musicians were social distancing months before it was a thing:

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Offices Evolve. Here’s Westport’s Newest.

Posted on March 13, 2019 | 3 comments

Back in the day, Westporters commuted every morning to New York. They worked in offices (corner ones, if they were lucky), then clomped back on the train each night.

These days, Westporters spend less time in offices. Some commute only a couple of days a week; some not at all.

Telecommuters and their cousins — entrepreneurs and small business owners — work in a variety of places, including their homes (in actual “home offices,” if they are lucky), Starbucks, the library — you name it. If there’s WiFi, there’s a Westporter working.

But — as nice and homey as working at home or a coffee shop is — it’s not at all like working in an office. You miss contact with other workers. Along with a high-power copy machine, mail services, conference space, even an endless supply of staples like staples.

Co-working has come to town. B:Hive recently opened on the Southport line. It’s a great space in a converted mill, with a killer view of Sasco Creek. This is Luke Scott’s second Hive; he’s got one — equally fun and funky — in Bridgeport.

But the co-working space is also occupied by national franchise. One of the biggest — Office Evolution — just opened at 500 Post Road East in Westport. It’s a bit more corporate than B:Hive. But it’s just the thing for anyone looking to put a professional face on a small business.

Michael Wolfe enjoys plenty of light in the shared office space. There are also private offices and conference rooms.

The Westport Office Evolution is on the 2nd floor of the Morgan Stanley building, across from Fire Department headquarters. It’s big (8,000 square feet), filled with new furniture, modern and bright.

Laura Kaufman is the local owner (with her husband John). A longtime Westporter with a background in non-profits, educational consulting and school psychology, she loves the Office Evolution model.

It offers a variety of plans, ranging from simple mail addresses and phone numbers to shared space and private offices (49 to 140 square feet). There are 36 private offices, 2 conference rooms, a co-working space, phone booths for private calls, a reception area and kitchen, all available on monthly, 6-month and yearly plans.

There’s also 24/7 access. Copy, printing and mail areas. Free coffee and tea (plus snacks for purchase). And super-fast Ethernet.

Office Evolution is based nationally near Boulder, Colorado. That’s a “warm, communal place,” Laura notes. She wants her location — the 62nd in the chain — to be known that way too. She plans plenty of networking events, and a grand opening in April.

(There is a grand opening — with tours — on April 11, from 3:30 to 7 p.m. For more information, click here or email Westport.CT@OfficeEvolution.com)

Westport Office Evolution owner Laura Kaufman (left) and business center manager Lindy Steinorth.

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