Tag Archives: Westport Firefighters Charitable Foundation

Roundup: Tooker, Turkeys, Trees …

Posted on November 22, 2025 | 6 comments

Jen Tooker’s 16 years of service to Westport — as 1st selectwoman, 2nd selectwoman, and a member of the Boards of Finance and Education, and Conservation Commission — were celebrated last night, at Romanacci.

Organized by former 2nd selectwoman Andrea Moore, it brought together people from every chapter of Tooker’s public life.

In the room were former Westport Select Board members Jim Marpe, Avi Kaner and Tammy Pincavage, plus many other elected town officials and longtime friends who worked with her, and admired her dedication.

Tooker was surprised when she walked in, and touched by the outpouring of appreciation. Kaner notes, “there were heartfelt stories, laughter, and genuine gratitude for her steady leadership, warmth and unwavering commitment to Westport and its residents.”

Jen Tookekr (2nd row, 2nd from right, with former 2nd Selectwoman Andrea Moore and 1st Selectman Jim Marpe), at Romanacci.

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The Westport community has come through — big time.

Yesterday, Deputy Fire Chief Matt Cohen and Lieutenant Rob Lenois — president of the Westport Firefighters Charitable Foundation — joined volunteers with the Bridgeport Rescue Mission.

Thanks to the generosity of the Westport community, they donated 1,000 turkeys — and sides — to support a 3-day Great ThankGiving Project event.

Well done, Westport Fire Department — and Westport neighbors!

From left: Tatyana Rozetta, Bridgeport Rescue Mission volunteer manager; Westport Deputy Chief Matt Cohen; Laurie Molner, BRM director of development; Lieutenant Rob Lenois, Westport Firefighter Charitable Foundation president. 

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But wait! There’s more! On Wednesday, “06880” posted a story on a partnership between A&S Westport Fine Foods and the Conlon Amendola law firm.

They were donating 50 full Thanksgiving dinners — fresh turkeys, hams and sides — to families at Capital Prep Harbor School in Bridgeport.

They hoped a few readers could provide funds for dessert (pies).

The phones did not stop ringing. Within 24 hours all 50 pies were sponsored, by residents and former Westporters across the country.

Dr. John Corino of Norwalk Dental Arts, and an anonymous loyal A&S customer, added generous donations, allowing the meals to be increased even more.

The meals were prepared by A&S. They were delivered yesterday, then unloaded and distributed by the school’s National Honor Society students.

The drive was so successful, A&S and Conlon Amendola are planning another for Christmas, also for Capital Prep Harbor School.

Come on, “06880” readers! Email chefalpiz@gmail.com to learn how you can help.

From left: Patricia Pizzirusso (A&S), Jacquelyn Conlon and Bonnie Amendola (Conlon Amendola), Chenelle James and Dr. Joan Miller (Capital Prep Harbor School), with a few of the 50 dinners.

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And now, turning to the next big holiday:

The town’s annual tree lighting is set for the Town Hall lawn on Monday, December 1 (5 p.m.).

The Staples High School Orphenians will sing. The Westport Museum for History & Culture provides hot chocolate.

And — as always — little kids will count down to the big reveal.

Let there be (holiday) light! Here’s a look back at 2024. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Westport was one of hundreds of participants yesterday, in the first of 2 “Fall of Freedom” days.

The event — “an urgent call to the arts community to unite in defiance of authoritarian forces sweeping the nation” — involved galleries, museums, comedy clubs, theaters and concert venues across the country, with exhibitions, performances and pubic events.

Locally, the Westport Library hosted a showing of “The Librarians.” The award-winning 2025 documentary shows an unlikely group standing up as “first responders in the fight for democracy and our First Amendment rights.”

With just 2 weeks notice, a full house filled the Trefz Forum, for the screening and a discussion. Panelists included (below from left, in photo): Westport screen and stage writer and Columbia University professor Trey Ellis; director/producer Kim A. Snyder; producer Maria Cuomo Cole; Connecticut state librarian Deborah Schander, and author Oliver Radclyffe.

(Photo/Dan Woog)

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The Board of Finance has some big-ticket items on the agenda, for their December 3 meeting (7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium).

Among them:

  • $3,574,260 for Board of Education building projects.
  • $330,000 to address a “critical technology initiative.”
  • $220,000 for “analysis, design, permitting and preparation of constructive documents for the replacement of the Longshore Water Supply System.”
  • $440,000 for “an analysis, design, permitting and preparation of constructive documents for the replacement of the Easton Road Sidewalk.
  • $124,000 to replace the Levitt Pavilion stage.

 Up for replacement: the Levitt Pavilion stage. (Photo/JC Martin)

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By now, you must have heard of Staples Players’ stupendous production of “Les Misérables.”

The whole town is talking about it.

With a Players record-setting 10-show run, there are 3 more opportunities: today (Saturday, November 22, 2:30 and 7:30 p.m.) and tomorrow (Sunday, November 23, 2:30 p.m.). Click here for tickets, and more information.

We’ve hailed the 70-plus actors often. They deserve all their kudos, and more.

But let’s not overlook the spectacular 30-piece pit orchestra, or the dozens of students (and adults) who constructed the jaw-dropping set.

We can’t show the musicians. They’re off stage (though hopefully they’ll get a bow tonight or tomorrow).

But here’s a look at the scenery (and lighting).

Enjoy! It will be up for — well, one day more.

(Photo/Peter McCrea)

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Speaking of Staples accomplishments: 1991 graduate Lynsey Addario is one of the most acclaimed photojournalists in the world.

The Pulitzer Prize and MacArthur Fellow winner has covered famines, civil wars, maternal mortality and more for National Geographic (among many others).

As part of the “Ask a Nat Geo Expert Anything” series, Addario speaks answered questions about the perils of her work, the personal price she pays, and how to get into photography.

Click here for her fascinating 10-minute video responses. (Hat tip: Johanna Rossi)

Lynsey Addario screenshot, from NatGeo.

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A reminder: This week’s Westport Farmers’ Market is Tuesday — not Thursday. Let the farmers and vendors enjoy Thanksgiving!

The site and time is the usual, for the winter event: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Gilbertie’s Herbs & Garden Center.

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Work is underway at the Ned Dimes Marina dock.

One resident believes this is the first renovation in 30 years.

(Photo/Eric Bosch)

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Yesterday’s Roundup noted that Westport’s own Kelli O’Hara is starring in Tom Hanks’ Off-Broadway show, “This World of Tomorrow.”

She’s not the only Westporter involved.

Staples High School Class of 2008 graduate Leo Stagg is listed as “Head Automation” for the production.

We’re not not sure what that means. But it comes right after “Head Carpenter,” and just before “Head and Deck Electrician.” So Leo — who learned his tech chops with Staples Players — is one of the many unheralded crew members, without whom the curtain could not rise. (Hat tip: Lisa Marriott)

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Bob Weingarten spotted — and sends along — today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo.

He writes: “I just saw these trees changing from summer into winter, at Hillandale Road and Morningside Drive South.  Amazing how uniform the change is.”

(Photo/Bob Weingarten)

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 And finally … in honor of the changes of the season (above):

(We’ll “leave” you with this: “06880” relies on reader support. If you enjoy our daily Roundup — or anything else we do — please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)

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Posted in Beach, Library, Local business, Local politics, Staples HS

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Roundup: Wakeman Tree Lighting, Lifesaving AEDs, Train Station Parking

Posted on November 20, 2025 | 4 comments

One of Westport’s best-loved holiday traditions — the Wakeman Town Farm tree lighting — is set for Friday, December 5 (4 p.m.).

Families enjoy treats and hot chocolate; musicians from Greens Farms and Saugatuck Elementary schools, plus a few Staples High School band members and a student jazz duo.

In the spirit of the season, WTF offers 3 ways to give back to neighbors in need.

  • Bring new or unused diapers of all sizes. Help for Kids will stock the Stamford Health and the Diaper Bank of Connecticut.
  • Bring canned goods for Hall Neighborhood House in Bridgeport.
  • Bring unwrapped toys for children of all ages, for the annual Al’s Angels drive.

The Wakeman Town Farm tree. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Another great holiday tradition — Staples High School’s 85th annual Candlelight Concert — returns December 12 (8 p.m.) and December 13 (3 and 8 p.m.). Free ticket information will be available soon.

Meanwhile, advertising space in the concert program is available now. Ads will be seen by 3,000 people — and will support the spectacular Staples music department. The deadline is December 1.

Click here for advertising details.

The tradition continues. (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)

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Speaking still of the holidays: 3 special “Nordic Market” events makem special at Eleish Van Breems.

Everyone of all ages is invited to:

Glögg vs. Cider (December 12 and 14, 2:30 p.m.). A talk on American cider and Swedish glögg. Taste both holiday drink. Limited to 20; RSVP: events@evbhem.com.

Scandinavian Fairy Tales (December 13, 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.): Reading of “The Tomten.” He helps with the farm and animals — though no one has ever seen him.

Swedish Stars Workshop (December 13, 10:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.): A demonstration for the whole family on making Swedish hanging stars. Limit 12 per session; RSVP: events@evbhem.com.

Nordic Market comes to Eleish Van Breems.

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A fundraiser hosted by the Westport Firefighters Charitable Foundation helped raise funds to replace outdated Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs).

Now, the Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service has purchased 50 state-of-the-art Philips units for Westport’s first responders.

The total project cost is $62,020.

$25,000 raised by the Westport Firefighters Charitable Foundation will be transferred to Westport EMS to fund the Fire Department’s portion.

Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Service covered the remaining balance.

Fire Chief Nick Marsan says, “These new AEDs significantly strengthen our emergency response capabilities. When someone is in cardiac arrest, every second counts. Ensuring our first responders have the most reliable tools available is a commitment to the safety and well-being of our community.”

Of course, donations to WVEMS — who are responsible for raising funds for everything from ambulances to Band-Aids — are always welcome. Click here to help.

First responders, with one of 50 AEDs.

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Michael Diggin writes: “For the first time, I (plus another dozen cars) was driving around Saugatuck this morning just before 8 a.m., futilely seeking permit parking between the north railroad station platform and Riko’s Pizza.

“I never had reason to know about permit parking lot #7, located north of I-95. It’s off the one-way Franklin Street, just before Ketchum Street.

“You have likely previously let folks know about it. But perhaps this map may help other people know where park when unexpectedly pressed. Clearly folks are now back in their offices.”

Thanks, Michael! And here it is.

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Just in time for cold weather — and Hanukkah — The  Blondiniit has enclosed their outdoor pergola.

Church Lane may no longer be closed to traffic. But outside dining is still available.

And fun.

The Blondinit’s “Hannukah Holiday Winter Wonderland.”

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There was an interesting juxtaposition yesterday, between the notification on a Coastal Link bus, and the advertisement below it.

(Photo/DinkinESH Fotografix)

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Westport Police made 2 custodial arrests between November 12 and 18.

A 38-year-old Stratford man was charged with burglary, larceny and criminal mischief, after an investigation into a burglary in January. He posted a $150,000 bond.

A 20-year-old Bridgeport man was charged with operating under the influence (under 21 years old), operating a motor vehicle without a license, and traveling too fast for conditions, after an officer observed him traveling at a high rate of speed on Post Road East, in rainy conditions.

Westport Police also issued these citations:

  • Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 10 citations
  • Texting while driving: 7
  • Traveling unreasonably fast: 7
  • Speeding: 4
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 4
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 3
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 3
  • Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 2
  • Failure to halt possession of alcohol by a minor: 1
  • Improper passing: 1
  • Improper turns: 1
  • Following too closely: 1
  • Failure to grant right of way: 1
  • Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
  • Failure to carry insurance card: 1

Texting while driving is illegal — even at a red light.

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Staples High School Class of 2022 graduate Hector Emmanuelli died last Friday. He was 25.

His obituary says, “Since birth, Hector was a guerrero, a fighter. He defied the odds after being born, weighing just 413 grams at 24 weeks, alongside his quadruplet siblings: Jimena, Chantal and Michelle. Fearless and resilient, he lived every day to the fullest.

“Hector loved to travel to see family in Mexico and Costa Rica. He was quite a comelón, loving all kinds of food, especially plátano, corn bread, and ice cream. He filled the house with music (like Ricky Martin and Baby Einstein), as he carried his iPad around to be wherever we gathered.”

His funeral was yesterday. Online condolences can be left here.

Hector Emmanuelli

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Former Westporter Hal Fass died Saturday, from a rare form of multiple myeloma. He was 68.

He graduated from Harpur College with a political science degree. He was active in the school’s radio station, and formed band (the Killer Tomatores). He met his wife Carole in college, when both were covering a Talking Heads show.

The family lived in Westport for nearly 25 years, before moving to the water in South Norwalk.

After earning an MBA at Baruch College, Hal worked in advertising and marketing. He traveled the globe for business, but spent every winter weekend in Vermont. He taught snowboarding at Okemo Mountain for almost 20 years.

Despite living for 5 years with cancer, Hal continued to travel, rode his Vespa and Triumph, wrote a screenplay, and formed a new band (The Clams).

Hal Fass

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Bob Weingarten sends today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo — and an explanation.

He writes: “You posted my article years ago on how to prevent deer on your property.

“This morning I saw a deer on my lawn next to an owl figure. In my piece I said they would not stay near an owl, even a statue.

“But this deer stayed for hours near it. So my prior statement was incorrect!”

(Photo/Bob Weingarten)

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And finally … Dr. John was born on this date, in 1941.

The blues/jazz/R&B/soul/funk singer/songwriter/pianist died in 2019, at 77.

(The holidays are coming — as noted above. And what better gift for “06880” than to click here, and support the work of your favorite hyper-local blog. All the elves here thank you!)

 

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Posted in Library, Local business, Police, Restaurants, Staples HS, Transportation

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Roundup: Hamlet Petitions, Long Lots Brook, Original Pancake House …

Posted on April 15, 2025 | 8 comments

As the proposed Hamlet at Saugatuck development wends its way through a thicket of town regulatory bodies, 2 petitions are circulating in town.

One is against the proposal. The other is for it.

The anti-Hamlet petition comes from the Westport Alliance for Saugatuck. It asks the Planning & Zoning Commission to deny the application, “with recommendations for a minimum of a 40% reduction in scope and scale.”

The pro-Hamlet petition calls The Hamlet “a unique opportunity to enhance Westport’s waterfront with vibrant public spaces, restaurants, and locally owned businesses — all while expanding access to the Saugatuck River.”

One view of the proposed Hamlet at Saugatuck.

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Speaking of new construction: The new Long Lots Elementary School plans have drawn criticism from many quarters, from the destruction of the Community Gardens to the possibility of artificial turf on the proposed athletic fields.

It would seem that one element — unveiled last week — would not cause any complaints. That’s the entrance, which would include a new brook.

But some Westporters are concerned about the number of trees to be sacrificed.

And then there’s this, shared with “06880” by another resident: “A number of students with special needs, including autistic children, have a propensity to be drawn to water.

“Not to say that the children won’t be monitored all the time while in school. But if there was ever an incident, or a child ran faster than staff while outside at the playground, the water strikes me as a potentially dangerous addition.”


Plans for the new Long Lots Elementary School.

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News that will surprise probably no one: Westport’s Original Pancake House has closed.

The Main Street spot opened in January 2023, in the space previously occupied by Acqua restaurant. (And before that, Boca.)

The chain — whose first restaurant dates back to 1953, in Portland, Oregon — never gained a foothold, despite a small, devoted following. It was open only 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. (3 p.m. on weekends), with an interesting but somewhat limited menu. (Hat tip: Sal Liccione)

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As a former state champion Staples High School soccer captain — and the father of 3 athletes — Tommy Greenwald know sports.

As the author of a number of award-winning children’s and young adult books, Tommy knows his audience.

The 1979 Staples High School graduate’s newest title is published today.

“The Right Call” — a companion novel to his previous “Game Changer” —explores the growing pressures in youth sports, and the lengths some parents go to make sure their kid comes out on top.

Told through Tommy’s trademark combination of transcripts, articles, texts and e-mails, “The Right Call” is a fast-paced story for middle school readers. They can relate to its treatment of split-second decisions, facing consequences, and the courage it takes to forgive.

Click here for more details, and to order.

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Speaking of kids: The Westport Firefighters Charitable Foundation hosts a free egg hunt this Saturday (April 19, 2 p.m., Long Lots Elementary School).

Westport Firefighters Charitable Foundation is hosting a free and festive Egg Hunt for the Westport community on Saturday.

It includes a dedicated, inclusive experience for children with special needs. The sensory-friendly hunt (1 p.m., Long Lots) features a peaceful, welcoming space for egg hunting at each child’s own pace; a quiet touch-a-truck event with vehicles from the Westport Fire and Police Departments (no loud noises!), a chance to meet and take photos with the Bunny, and friendly helps to ensure a smooth, enjoyable experience.

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The Westport Library Big Spring Book Sale is set for May 16-19.

As always there is something for everyone, from toddlers through adults, with thousands of gently used books in over 50 categories of non-fiction and fiction, along with DVDs, CDs, vinyl, ephemera, and framed art. For a link to specials, hours of the sale and more, click here.

The sale begins on Friday, May 16 with early access (8:45 a.m. to noon) for special ticket holders. Click here to purchase, and for more information.

To volunteer, email volunteers@westportbooksales.org.

Westport Library book sale. 

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Nearly every kid loves trucks.

So it’s a short step for the Westport Weston Co-op Nursery School‘s fundraiser to have a Touch-a-Truck them.

This year’s event — the 18th annual — is May 3 (9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.; sensory-friendly from 9 to 9:30 a.m.; Imperial Avenue parking lot).

Of course, kids of all ages (including adults) are invited to get up close, climb on, and take photos with vehicles of all shapes and sizes. That means fire trucks, police cars, ambulances, cranes, dump trucks, buses, big rigs … you get the idea.

Also on tap: magicians, crafts, face painting, food trucks, and live music.

Admission is $35 per family. Click here to purchase, and more details.

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Monday’s Y’s Women meeting left attendees hungry for more.

Mike Urban — author of Unique Eats & Eateries pf Connecticut — offered a culinary tour of the state’s mom-and-pop diners and restaurants.

They included Milford’s hot buttered lobster on split bun rolls, “steamed” cheeseburgers in Meriden, homemade ice cream at the University of Connecticut Dairy Barn, and the 5 best pizza places in the country (all in New Haven).

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Westport favorite — and native — Melissa Newman returns for another headline event at this Thursday’s Jazz at the Post (April 17, VFW Post 399; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner from 7 p.m.; music cover $20, $15 for veterans and students).

The vocalist will be joined by Tony Lombardozzi on guitar, Phil Bowler on bass and Bobby Leonard on drums. Click here for reservations.

Melissa Newman

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The latest Westport Country Playhouse Script in Hand reading took place last night. “Paris” tackled issues of race, commerce, community and invisibility in a small town workplace.

The next play in the series — “Still” — is May 5 (7 p.m.). The Playhouse website says: “When former lovers Helen and Mark reunite after years apart, they quickly realize that the person each of them once knew — and the love they shared — might be more complicated than they remembered.”

Click here for tickets, and more information.

The cast of “Paris” takes their bows. (Photo/Dave Matlow)

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How sweet does today’s “Westport … Naturally” rose smell?!

(Photo/Ellen Wentworth)

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And finally … sometimes our musical selections are out of left field. Today’s is perhaps the most predictable ever:

(Happy Tax Day! If you’ve got a nice refund coming, please consider tossing a few dollars over to “06880.” We need to pay our taxes — and other expenses — too! Please click here. We thank you!)

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Posted in Children, Library, Restaurants, Saugatuck, Sports, Westport Country Playhouse

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Roundup: Post Road Work, Club 203, Fermat Capital …

Posted on March 15, 2024 | 2 comments

Like most Westporters, I’ve gotten used to the construction cones, narrow lanes and drunken lines on the Post Road between Fresh Market and McDonald’s — and further east, near Bulkley Road by Stop & Shop.

Like most Westporters too, I’ve gotten used to seeing no work going on at either site — for months.

Will it ever resume? Is it done?

I asked Pete Ratkiewich. The Westport Public Works Department director pointed me to documents from a 2019 (!) Town Hall presentation.

They show intersection improvements, roadway widening and sidewalk work (click here to see).

So: No. It’s not over yet. Not by a long shot.

“They are only done partially on the north side. And they have a long way to go on the south side in both locations,” Pete says.

And, he adds, “you won’t see work start up again in earnest until the asphalt plants open.”

Work on Post Road East near Fresh Market.

Work at the Post Road East/Roseville Road/Hillspoint Road intersection.

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Speaking of the state Department of Transportation:

They’ll perform maintenance work on the Cribari Bridge this Monday night (7:30 p.m., to 5:30 a.m. Tuesday; March 18-19).

While the bridge is closed, traffic will be detoured to the Post Road.

When the sun goes down Monday, work will be performed on the Cribari Bridge. (Photo/Sam Levenson)

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St. Patrick’s Day came early for Club 203.

On Wednesday night, over 135 guests from Westport’s social organization for adults with disabilities partied at VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399.

The evening included entertainment by the Lenihan Irish Dance troupe, green bagels from Village Bagels, and green clover cookies from the Pantry.

Nearly everyone wore green. Everyone was Irish for the night. And everyone had a blast!

Club 203 goes green at the VFW.

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There is a new — and very friendly — face at the Westport Weston Family Y.

Angie is the “official greeter” on Monday and Thurday mornings, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. She then heads to the Wellness Center, keeping things clean and tidy.

Her employment is a partnership between the Y and Star Inc. She gets her first paycheck today, and is very excited.

When you see Angie, give back to her the same smile she gives you!

Angie

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The Bloomberg news article begins:

When thousands of homeowners in Florida and Louisiana purchased their hurricane insurance, they probably had no idea that John Seo stood to make a big profit if their properties got through the next three years unscathed.

Unbeknownst to them, Seo, a 57-year-old hedge fund manager in southern Connecticut, is the reason why millions of people from New Zealand to Chile have financial protection against natural disasters. His fund, Fermat Capital Management, owns the world’s biggest collection of catastrophe bonds — complex financial instruments that insurers issue to cover risks they can’t handle.

Fermat is an oddity in the hedge fund world. Its modest office, in the affluent town of Westport, sits in a former post office across from an auto-repair shop. There are meteorology journals in the reception area and equations scrawled on a whiteboard. Investment decisions are guided by complicated weather-risk computer models powered by large servers that whirr ceaselessly behind a glass window.

Fermat’s “modest office” is at the end of Riverside Avenue, just before it intersects with Railroad Place. Click here to read the rest of the piece about Seo, titled “How a Physics Whiz Made a Fortune Betting on Nature’s Catastrophes.” (Hat tip: Allan Siegert)

John Seo (2nd from left) and colleagues, at Fermat Capital. (Photo/Joe Buglewicz for Bloomberg)

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Next up in the Westport Country Playhouse Script in Hand play reading series: “Tenderness and Gratitude Number Four.”

Michael is a party boy who avoids intimacy at all costs. Jenny is a jaded, wise-cracking office worker who still harbors dreams of becoming an artist. When the two strike up an unlikely friendship at work, they are forced to learn what it means to open up to someone else, and how to take a long, hard, messy look at oneself in the mirror.

The “a humorous, often heartbreaking examination of love, art, truth, lies, office politics, and the complicated road to true friendship” is set for April 15 (7 p.m.).

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

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We’re halfway through March. Which means our town is halfway through the Great Westport Burger Contest.

Competitors in the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce event include Black Duck, Boathouse, Harvest, Jr’s,, La Plage, Little Barn, Match Burger, Nomade, Old Mill Grocery, Organika, Rizzuto’s, Shake Shack, Southport Diner, Spotted Horse, The Blondinit, The Porch, The Whelk, Viva Zapata and Zucca.

The 7 categories are Best Classic Burger, Best Cheese Burger, Best Gourmet Burger, Best Veggie Burger, Best Non Beef Burger (fish, turkey, lamb…), Best Fast Food Burger, and Best Slider. Each Restaurant can enter up to 4 categories, but can win a maximum of 2.

Residents have until March 31 to visit the venues, enjoy their offerings, then vote on the Chamber’s website.

Yesterday, 17 current and former Representative Town Meeting members relished the chance to promote the contest, with lunch at Spotted Horse.

I wasn’t there. But I’m pretty sure I know what was on the menu.

Present and past RTM members, at Spotted Horse.

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What’s the state of college admissions today, in a post-COVID world? What should rising 9th and 10th graders be thinking about?

Those are some of the topics they (and their parents) can learn about, at a “College Admissions Planning for Rising Freshmen and Sophomores” webinar (March 21, 7 p.m.).

There is no charge for the S4 Study Skills event, but registration is required here. Click here to sign up.

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One post-college option: Be like Xander Winser. The Staples High School graduate is studying music production and sound engineering in London.

For his final project, he produced an entire album — in just 24 hours.

He streamed the entire project. Click here to enjoy.

Xander Winser at work (screenshot from Facebook)

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“Who” was that posing in Lucy Mattoo’s front yard, for our “Westport … Naturally” feature?

He spent some time trying to pull a grass snake from the retaining wall.

He did not succeed. I guess he’s not that wise, after all.

(Photo/Lucy Mattoo)

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And finally … in honor of the Westport Y’s new greeter (story above):

(From Post Road traffic to hedge funds, the YMCA to London, “06880” is “where Westport meets the world. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

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