<p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">Westport, CT— Westport Farmers' Market is thrilled to announce the kickoff of its highly anticipated summer season, promising exciting new offerings and programming to delight visitors of all ages.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">Beginning on Thursday, May 9 and continuing every Thursday through November 14, the market will highlight an abundance of locally farmed food, community engagement initiatives and entertainment to make this season truly unforgettable.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">A number of new vendors will be at the market this year, including Cato Corner Farm—a beacon of artisanal excellence, renowned for its extraordinary dairy products. Food enthusiasts can look forward to a wider selection of lunch options, and vendors will be unveiling new products, adding even more excitement and variety to the market experience. From fresh produce to artisanal food, there's something for everyone to discover and enjoy.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">To add a refreshing twist to the festivities, opening day attendees can join in a celebratory kombucha toast at noon. Savor the tangy goodness of Cross Culture Kombucha while celebrating the spirit of community and sustainability WFM is known for.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">For young market goers, this year’s Get Growing program offers an all-star lineup of activities aimed at nurturing a love for local food and nature in our youngest market attendees.</span>&nbsp;And to e<span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">nhance the vibrant atmosphere, Park City Presents will organize live music throughout the season, setting the perfect backdrop for a day of shopping and local fun.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">In line with its commitment to environmental responsibility, Westport Farmers' Market will implement stricter guidelines this year aimed at reducing plastic usage and as they get closer to a waste-free model. WFM is proud to announce that the market will also ONLY host farmers and products exclusively from Connecticut-based businesses.&nbsp;</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">"We're thrilled to kick off another fantastic season at the Westport Farmers' Market," said Lori Cochran-Dougall, executive director. "With our exciting lineup of vendors, programming, and sustainability initiatives, we're committed to providing our community with a vibrant and enriching market experience that celebrates local agriculture, promotes sustainability, and fosters community connections."</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">For more information and updates, please visit&nbsp;</span><a href="http://westportfarmersmarket.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">westportfarmersmarket.com</a><span style="color: rgb(13, 13, 13);">&nbsp;and follow @westportfarmersmarket on social media.</span></p>

<p class="ql-align-center"><br></p><p>Westport, CT - Get away from the everyday with an afternoon of music and dance from Bali, Indonesia, performed by Gamelan Galak Tika.</p><p>On Saturday, May 4, starting at 3 pm in the Library’s Trefz Forum,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/elektrogamelan" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">Gamelan Galak Tika</a>&nbsp;returns to Westport with original compositions by Gusti Komin, who has been hailed as one of the leading composers, performers, and teachers of Balinese music of his generation.</p><p>Galak Tika has been at the forefront of innovative, cross-cultural music for Balinese gamelan — the instrument and music of Indonesia — since 1993. Founded at MIT by Evan Ziporyn, Desak Madé Suarti Laksmi, and I Nyoman Catra, Galak Tika is currently directed by Komin, drawing its membership from across the Boston community as well as MIT students and staff. The name “Galak Tika” is Bahasa Kawi (classical Javanese, a dialect of Sanskrit) for “intense togetherness.”</p><p>The group has performed at Carnegie Hall, Alice Tully Hall, Lincoln Center Out of Doors, BAM, Boston Symphony Hall, Jordan Hall, several Bang on a Can Marathons, Southern Exposure, the Cleveland Museum of Art, Zankel Hall, the Boston Museum of Science, and the Kripalu Yoga Institute, along with many east coast universities. In 2005, Galak Tika performed at the Bali International Arts Festival and in numerous villages around the island. Watch a performance of the group&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/MITMusicandTheater/videos/global-music-mit-rambax-and-gamelan-galak-tika/194902566188311/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">here</a>.</p><p>Originally from the village of Pengosekan, Bali,&nbsp;<a href="https://mta.mit.edu/person/gusti-komin" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">Gusti Komin Darta</a>&nbsp;first studied with his father, renowned musician Gusti Ketut Kerta, and began performing professionally for shadow puppet plays (wayang) at the age of 9. As a teenager, he enrolled at the prestigious national arts conservatory, now known as the Indonesian Institute for the Arts.&nbsp;</p><p>Widely acknowledged as master of gendér wayang,&nbsp;a style of gamelan music played in Bali, Komin is one of its foremost contemporary composers blending traditional and modern gamelan music in imaginative ways. An exacting teacher and rebellious spirit, Komin writes music that explodes conventions and pushes limitations of even the strongest performers.</p><p>This concert is made possible by the generosity of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.maurerfamilyfoundation.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">Maurer Family Foundation</a>.</p><p>Learn more: <a href="https://westportlibrary.org/event/the-music-of-bali/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">https://westportlibrary.org/event/the-music-of-bali/</a></p>

<h2>Municipal Improvement Request for Renovations to the Inn at Longshore, 260 Compo Rd. S., to be reviewed at upcoming P&amp;Z Public Meeting</h2><p>Planning and Zoning Director Mary Young announced that on May 6, 2024 at 7:00 PM, the Planning and Zoning Commission will be reviewing a request for a Positive Report for a Municipal Improvement for substantial improvements to the Inn at Longshore located within the Town-owned property known as Longshore Club Park at 260 Compo Rd. S.&nbsp;This was rescheduled from the Commission’s April 8, 2024, meeting. All application materials may be viewed on the Town’s website&nbsp;<a href="https://www.westportct.gov/government/departments-a-z/planning-and-zoning-department/p-z-pending-applications" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(48, 68, 139); background-color: transparent;">here.</a></p><p>A project narrative prepared by LANDTECH on behalf of Longshore Hospitality, LLC, states:</p><p>“Longshore Hospitality LLC plans for the Inn include extensive renovations and a proposed small addition. The interior renovations include but not limited to a new HVAC system throughout, replacement of the windows and doors, an increased number of guest rooms along with the renovation of the current rooms, updated ballroom and drawing rooms, updated lobby, completely remodeled kitchen that is associated with the Inn and restaurant, various plumbing and electrical upgrades and ADA compliance updates. The architect, Ken Nadler, is proposing to create a new entrance with a porte cochere. The other exterior renovations include a series of patios that will extend across the length of the building and have access to the great lawn and shoreline, new landscaping, upgraded exterior lighting and signage and replacement of siding and roofing. The estimated construction cost for this project is approximately $5 million. Site improvements will also include a new drive entrance, enhanced parking, and a robust landscaping plan around the site of the Inn. Site drainage will be included to provide water quality. Currently there is no drainage or water quality mitigation in the vicinity of the Inn.”</p><p>The May 6, 2024, Planning and Zoning Commission meeting will be held virtually via Zoom, will be live streamed on the Town’s website at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.westportct.gov/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(48, 68, 139); background-color: transparent;">www.westportct.gov</a>, and/or accessible on Optimum Government Access Channel 79 and Frontier Channel 6020.&nbsp;Comments can be sent&nbsp;<u>prior</u>&nbsp;to the meeting to&nbsp;<a href="mailto:PandZ@westportct.gov" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(48, 68, 139); background-color: transparent;">PandZ@westportct.gov</a>&nbsp;and interested parties may offer testimony by joining the meeting. The Zoom meeting link is posted on the meeting agenda. The meeting agenda is available at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.westportct.gov/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(48, 68, 139); background-color: transparent;">www.westportct.gov</a>&nbsp;on the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.westportct.gov/about/advanced-components/meeting-list-calendar" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(48, 68, 139); background-color: transparent;">“Meeting List and Calendar”</a>&nbsp;web page.</p><p>*Image courtesy Inn at Longshore Facebook page <a href="https://www.facebook.com/innatlongshore/photos" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/innatlongshore/photos</a></p>

<p>The Westport Youth Commission is proud to announce the launch of a new employment platform specifically for high school students.</p><p>Youth Services Program Director Kevin Godburn said, " Our student leaders pursued a new teen job platform after speaking with their peers who reported having found babysitting, dog-walking, and retail roles through word of mouth or the odd flier nailed to a pole. The Youth Commission wanted to create a new pathway to expand employment opportunities for high school students in Westport."&nbsp;</p><p>Youth Commission member Jake Shufro (SHS ‘26) came up with the project and worked with his peers, speaking to Westport business leaders and stakeholders, researching other community job banks, and testing various options before landing on Greenwich-based QuadJobs as Westport's new Student Job Bank platform which is launching just in time for the summer.</p><p>"Quadjobs was chosen because it has a student and employer review process. It is more organized and structured, requiring specific information to make postings." Shufro said. "It encourages a diverse range of students to sign up for job opportunities, and it takes a community-based approach to local employment."</p><p>Quadjob caters to high school students by vetting employers and job seekers to ensure the jobs are legitimate and safe for students. Students and employers are encouraged to utilize the site via the Youth Commission website to download the mobile app.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.westportct.gov/government/appointed-boards-a-z/youth-commission/westport-student-job-bank" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(48, 68, 139); background-color: transparent;">Student Job Bank</a>. It is free for all work-eligible high school students in Westport who register at&nbsp;<a href="https://westportyouthcommission.org/students" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(48, 68, 139); background-color: transparent;">WYC Students</a>&nbsp;with their school-based email account and complete a parent consent form. Students create a personalized job profile, allowing them to manage their job search in one convenient location.</p><p>Quadjobs welcomes public and private businesses, including a household looking or a Saturday night babysitter, to list employment opportunities on their easy-to-use site by going to&nbsp;<a href="https://westportyouthcommission.org/employers" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(48, 68, 139); background-color: transparent;">WYC Employers</a></p><ul><li>Household employers pay a $10 fee for a one-time post or $50/year for unlimited posts. An introductory free post is available using the code "Free10" or a 50% discount for unlimited posts using the promotional code "gowestport"</li><li>Businesses pay $100/year for unlimited posts and can receive an introductory 50% off the subscription using the code "westportbiz."</li></ul><p>Quadjobs notes that 10% of the proceeds will be donated back to the community.</p><p>Matthew Mandell, RTM member and President of the Westport Chamber of Commerce, says, "This is a great resource for the community. Not only does it fill a need for businesses, it also gives our students employment, a stream of revenue, and work experience, which is a building block of any future entrepreneurship."</p><p>The Westport Youth Commission, comprised of 15 students and 15 adults,&nbsp;is responsible for promoting the positive development needs and interests of young people in Westport, encouraging programs, and developing resources to respond to these needs.</p><p>According to Andrew Colabella, RTM District 4 Representative, "Students in government for Westport are shaping the future for in the representation of their peers, paving the way for success in employment. I have yet to see another Town anywhere in the state with such involvement and commitment from students with a large government voice. As a former Youth Commission member back in the Stone Age, twenty years later, commitments and goals are accomplished by assertive, driven students with fiduciary responsibility, commitment, and effective leadership. The commitment to growth is alive."&nbsp;<em>&nbsp;</em></p><p><em>Please visit&nbsp;</em><a href="http://www.westportyouthcommission.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(48, 68, 139); background-color: transparent;"><em>www.westportyouthcommission.org</em></a><em>&nbsp;&nbsp;to learn more about the Westport Youth Commission. For more information, please contact Kevin Godburn, Youth Services Director at 203-341-1155 or&nbsp;</em><a href="mailto:kgodburn@westport.gov" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(48, 68, 139); background-color: transparent;"><em>kgodburn@westport.gov</em></a><em>.</em></p>

<p><strong>Westport Garden Club Annual Plant Sale on</strong> <strong>Saturday, May 11, 2024 at 9:30am -1:30pm at Jesup Green - 20 Jesup Road at the Westport Public Library</strong></p><p>Featuring over 1,000 homegrown perennial plants from members’ own gardens with a special section of CT Native Plants. Shoppers will also find tomatoes plants, herbs, gifts for gardeners, bouquets for Mother’s Day, Bake Sale, creative container gardens and a children’s activity table!</p><p>Club members on the field are available to offer advice on plant selection and all plants have an information tag.</p><p>The sale is held rain or shine. Cash and credit cards are accepted.</p><p>Learn more <a href="https://www.westportgardenclub.org/plant-sale" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.westportgardenclub.org/plant-sale</a></p>

<p>There have been several coyote attacks on dogs in Westport recently.&nbsp;Fortunately, none of the attacks were fatal.</p><p>To protect your family pets, take the following measures:</p><ul><li>Supervise your pets while they are out in the yard! Coyotes avoid conflict with humans, so your presence should prevent any problems.</li><li>While out at night with your pets, carry a powerful flashlight and keep tabs on your surroundings.</li><li>Coyotes can be successfully hazed or driven away using noise (high-decibel whistle or air-horn) or thrown objects (balls, sticks, rocks).</li><li>If you are walking a small pet and see a coyote, pick the pet up. Any time you are with your pet and see a coyote, give them a wide berth. You should gradually retreat but maintain situational awareness (keep eyes on) and be assertive and noisy (yelling or using whistle).</li><li>While at home, a fenced enclosure is the best way to prevent unexpected wildlife encounters. Deer fences are designed to keep out deer, but they do a poor job of excluding smaller species (like coyotes). Coyotes and other animals can often slip under deer fences.</li><li>Motion-sensitive lights can help alert homeowners to wild intruders at night and can help deter coyotes.</li><li>Pets smaller than 30 pounds are at serious risk from coyotes, but coyotes will tussle with larger pets on occasion. Even larger pets will benefit from supervision.</li><li>It is important to remember that coyotes can be active day or night.</li></ul><p>Coyotes are now found throughout North America. They are an adaptable and opportunistic canid. Statistically, they pose very little risk to humans. There have been only two recorded fatal attacks by coyotes on humans in the last 100 years in North America. But as we know, they do pose a risk to our pets.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Resources:</strong></p><p>U.S. Navy-issue 130-decibel Storm Whistle.</p><p>Frontiersman 130-decibel Bear Horn.</p><p>Mace-brand Canine Repellent.</p><p>For Further Information feel free to contact Westport Animal Control (203)341-6011</p>