<p>WESTPORT, Conn. — The&nbsp;<em>J vs. K</em>&nbsp;Book Tour took The Westport Library by storm, with #1&nbsp;<em>New York Times</em>&nbsp;best-selling authors and Newbery Award winners Kwame Alexander (<em>The Crossover</em>) and Jerry Craft (<em>New Kid</em>) taking over the Library’s Trefz Forum to celebrate comics, creativity, and the magic of collaboration.</p><p><em>J vs. K</em>&nbsp;is the latest book project from Alexander and Craft, a hilarious illustrated story that features two talented fifth graders — one a writer, the other a drawer — going head to head in a creative competition for the ages. As part of the book launch, the two superstar writers are traveling the country via a special J vs. K tour van, making stops in a variety of venues to talk to elementary- and middle school-age students.</p><p>Wednesday morning at the Library, they entertained a packed Trefz Forum full of young faces — nearly 300 in all — from Dunbar School in Bridgeport, ESL students from Central High School in Bridgeport, Marvin Elementary in Norwalk, and Wooster Middle School in Stratford.&nbsp;</p><p>Alexander and Craft talked about their journeys from learners to readers to writers, their time in grade school, overcoming adversity, the power of collaboration, and their favorite books, engaging the assembled students throughout with calls-and-responses, giveaways, selfies, and more. Both men emphasized that reading should be fun, noting that many of the books they had to read when they were younger were often too long and didn’t reflect their experiences.</p><p>“So, when I grew up, I decided I wanted to write the books I wanted read when I was a kid,” said Craft, recounting how he self-published his first graphic novel with the help of a how-to book he borrowed from the Norwalk Library.</p><p>Alexander told a similar story of how he had to self-publish his first book after a number of rejections. He encouraged students to do what they love, and above all else, to believe in themselves.</p><p>“You can’t allow your career to be determined by other people’s no’s,” said Alexander. “You have to say yes to yourself.”</p><p><strong>About&nbsp;<em>J vs. K</em></strong></p><p>J and K are the most creative fifth graders at Dean Ashley Public School (DAPS). J loves to draw, and his wordless stories are J-ENIUS! K loves to write, and his stories are K-LASSIC!! Both J and K are determined to win the DAPS annual creative storytelling contest or at least get in the Top 5. And when they find out that they are both entering The Contest, it’s the beginning of one of the most intense rivalries the world has ever seen. It’s artist vs. writer, with plenty of shady double crosses as J and K plot their way to the top.&nbsp;</p><p>“I love this book so much,” Alexander said Wednesday morning to the assembled students, who received autographed copies of the book following the authors’ talk.</p><p>Added Craft, address the crowd: “Our book birthday was yesterday, so you’re some of the first people to read this book.”</p><p><strong>About Kwame Alexander</strong></p><p>Alexander is an Emmy Award-winning producer of&nbsp;<em>The Crossover</em>, his Newbery Medal-winning novel turned Disney+ TV series, the creator of the new animated PBS special&nbsp;<em>Acoustic Rooster’s Barnyard Band</em>, and the host of&nbsp;<em>America’s Next Great Author</em>, the first reality television show for writers (produced by Libby and Kanopy and premiering in 2026).</p><p>Alexander is the #1&nbsp;<em>New York Times</em>&nbsp;best-selling author of 44 books, including&nbsp;<em>Why Fathers Cry at Night</em>,&nbsp;<em>How Sweet The Sound</em>,&nbsp;<em>J vs. K</em>, and the just-released motivational primer for graduates, creatives, and professionals entitled&nbsp;<em>Say Yes</em>.&nbsp;</p><p>A recipient of the 2025 NAACP Image Award, Alexander is also the Michael I. Rudell Artistic Director of Literary Arts for Chautauqua Literary Arts. He regularly shares his passion for literacy, books, and the craft of writing around the world, including in Ghana, West Africa, where he opened the Barbara E. Alexander Memorial Library and Health Clinic. His mission is to change the world — one word at a time.</p><p><strong>About Jerry Craft</strong></p><p>Craft is the&nbsp;<em>New York Times</em>&nbsp;best-selling author and illustrator of the graphic novels&nbsp;<em>New Kid</em>,&nbsp;<em>Class Act</em>, and&nbsp;<em>School Trip</em>.&nbsp;<em>New Kid</em>&nbsp;is the only book in history to win the John Newbery Medal for the most outstanding contribution to children’s literature (2020), the Kirkus Prize for Young Readers’ Literature (2019), and the Coretta Scott King Author Award for the most outstanding work by an African American writer (2020).&nbsp;</p><p>In his latest book, Craft has teamed up with fellow Newbery winner Alexander to bring you&nbsp;<em>J vs. K</em>. Craft was born in Harlem, grew up in the Washington Heights section of New York City, lived in Norwalk, and now travels the world telling kids and their families about the importance of reading.</p><p><strong>Story link (with photo gallery):&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://westportlibrary.org/best-selling-award-winning-authors-kwame-alexander-and-jerry-craft-entertain-delight-young-students-in-unforgettable-morning-at-the-westport-library/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">https://westportlibrary.org/best-selling-award-winning-authors-kwame-alexander-and-jerry-craft-entertain-delight-young-students-in-unforgettable-morning-at-the-westport-library/</a></p><p><strong>Photo credits:</strong>&nbsp;KT Kaminski/The Westport Library</p>

<p><br></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">(Evanston, Illinois) Today, National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC®) announced this year’s National Merit $2500 Scholarship winners. The 2,500 Merit Scholar designees were chosen from a talent pool of more than 15,000 outstanding Finalists in the 2025 National Merit Scholarship Program.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Congratulations to the following students from Westport who were named National Merit $2500 Scholarship winners:</span></p><ul><li><strong style="background-color: transparent;">William Boberski</strong><span style="background-color: transparent;">, a student at Staples High School, who plans to pursue a career in </span><strong style="background-color: transparent;">Medicine</strong><span style="background-color: transparent;">.</span></li><li><strong style="background-color: transparent;">Henry A. Foushee</strong><span style="background-color: transparent;">, a Westport resident and student at Hopkins School in New Haven, whose probable career field is </span><strong style="background-color: transparent;">Conservation</strong><span style="background-color: transparent;">.</span></li><li><strong style="background-color: transparent;">Serra Nalbantoglu</strong><span style="background-color: transparent;">, a student at Greens Farms Academy in Westport.</span></li></ul><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">National Merit $2500 Scholarship winners are the Finalists in each state judged to have the strongest combination of accomplishments, skills, and potential for success in rigorous college studies. The number of winners named in each state is proportional to the state’s percentage of the nation’s graduating high school seniors.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">These Scholars were selected by a committee of college admissions officers and high school counselors, who appraised a substantial amount of information submitted by both the Finalists and their high schools: the academic record, including difficulty level of subjects studied and grades earned; scores from the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT®); contributions and leadership in school and community activities; an essay written by the Finalist; and a recommendation written by a high school official.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">By the conclusion of this year’s competition, more than 6,930 academic champions will have won National Merit Scholarships worth approximately $26 million. NMSC finances most of these single-payment National Merit $2500 Scholarships. Corporations and company foundations that sponsor awards through NMSC help underwrite these scholarships with grants they provide in lieu of paying administrative fees. Donations made to NMSC’s President’s Fund also provide funding for some National Merit $2500 Scholarships awards. Scholars may use their awards at any regionally accredited U.S. college or university.</span></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

<p class="ql-align-center"><strong style="color: rgb(24, 25, 26);">FC BUZZ Weekend May 9-11</strong></p><p><span style="color: rgb(19, 19, 20);">HamletHub is proud to partner with the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County and FCBuzz to Elevate Arts and Culture in Fairfield County! Each week, look for a listing of weekend events and activities. The Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County celebrates the vibrancy and diversity of the arts and culture across 15 towns in coastal Fairfield County. Sign up to receive a free eBuzz newsletter with top picks and spotlight events from the hundreds of events posted on FCBuzz.</span></p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/tacos-tequila-at-the-sm-nc" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Tacos &amp; Tequila at the SM&amp;NC</strong></a></p><p><strong>Stamford Museum &amp; Nature Center, Stamford</strong></p><p>Friday May 9, 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm</p><p>Come savor the flavor at a night of taco tasting and tequila exploration in our Knobloch Family Farmhouse alongside ambassadors from exceptional tequila brands. Enjoy an array of authentically made tacos and sides expertly prepared using only the freshest ingredients. Our event partner, BevMax, will be on hand to place orders for full bottles of any of the products you sample.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/prints---pottery---painting-artists-of-studio-402-282ef" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Prints - Pottery - Painting, Artists of Studio 402</strong></a></p><p><strong>Easton Library, Easton</strong></p><p>Friday May 9, 10:00 am - 4:00 pm</p><p>The three women in this exhibition have shared a studio space since 2016 at the AmFab Arts Studios in Bridgeport. Holly Hawthorn is a mixed media artist who works in porcelain, collage and printmaking. The subject of her art often revolves around ocean themes. Deborah Dutko is an accomplished illustrator whose artistic explorations have led her to a love of clay in all its forms. Her illustrative talents are manifest in her amazing pet portraits done in watercolor technique.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/cabaret-comedy-series-cbf26" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Cabaret Comedy Series</strong></a></p><p><strong>Downtown Cabaret Theatre, Bridgeport</strong></p><p>Friday May 9, 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm</p><p>Don’t miss the Cabaret Comedy Series—exclusive nights of stand-up comedy featuring a rotating lineup of top-notch comedians. Each show brings a unique blend of wit and humor to the stage, promising unforgettable evenings of laughter and good times. Grab your tickets now and join us for a comedy experience like no other!</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/30th-birthday-open-house" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>30th Birthday Open House</strong></a></p><p><strong>Center for Contemporary Printmaking, Norwalk</strong></p><p>Saturday May 10, 10:00 am - 3:00 pm</p><p>Every studio in the building will be in operation, creating limited edition 30th Anniversary prints as you watch. There will be hands-on activities throughout the day, and a birthday cake celebration.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/family-day-gold-and-glitter-in-vienna-be70a" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Family Day: Gold and Glitter in Vienna</strong></a></p><p><strong>Bellarmine Hall, Fairfield</strong></p><p>Saturday May 10, 12:30 pm - 4:00 pm</p><p>Inspired by the artwork on view in our exhibition Famous &amp; Family: Through the Lens of Trude Fleischmann. Learn more about the exhibition here! The first session will begin promptly at 12:30 p.m. and the second at 2:30 p.m. During this Family Day event, kids ages 4-10 will get to create Gustav Klimt's "Tree of Life" and self-protraits as Adele Bloch-Bauer, aka "The Woman in Gold"!</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/music-in-the-woods-presents-lisa-tannebaum-in-a-mother-s-day-concert" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Lisa Tannebaum in a Mother's Day Concert</strong></a></p><p><strong>Music in the Woods, Stamford</strong></p><p>Saturday May 10, 2:00 pm - 3:30 pm</p><p>Celebrate Mother's Day with a beautiful Harp Concert!</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/under-the-sea-summer-theatre-gala" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>"Under The Sea" Summer Theatre Gala</strong></a></p><p><strong>Maritime Aquarium, Norwalk</strong></p><p>Saturday May 10, 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm</p><p>Dive into an unforgettable evening at The Summer Theatre of New Canaan’s 22nd Anniversary Gala, “Under the Sea,” Saturday, May 10th, at the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk, CT. A whimsical evening to benefit the Summer Theatre’s Season and Educational Programs . This special night’s honorees are philanthropists Robert Miller and Kathy Klingenstein , along with Broadway’s Arbender Robinson, a true journeyman of the stage. The evening will feature performances by stars of our upcoming summer Broadway production of Disney’s The Little Mermaid. Come meet our Stars, Gala Committee, Trustees and fellow Patrons for an enjoyable experience.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/music-of-the-mendelssohn-choir-through-the-years" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>Music of the Mendelssohn Choir Through the Years</strong></a></p><p><strong>First Church Congregational, Fairfield</strong></p><p>Saturday May 10, 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm</p><p>A 40th anniversary concert &amp; silent auction.</p><p><a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/events/the-power-of-song-for-justice-a-tribute-to-peter-paul-mary" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"><strong>The Power of Song for Justice: A Tribute to Peter, Paul &amp; Mary</strong></a></p><p><strong>Voices Cafe, Westport</strong></p><p>Saturday May 10, 8:00 pm - 10:30 pm</p><p>The term “folk music” has become interchangeable with Peter, Paul &amp; Mary. In 1962, with the nation still recovering from the McCarthy era, the civil rights movement taking shape, the Cold War heating up, and a nascent spirit of activism in the air, Peter Yarrow, Noel (Paul) Stokey and Mary Travers came together to foster folk music’s potency as a social, cultural and political force. This concert brings together some of our current era’s most talented folk artists, Peter and Maura Kennedy, Mustard’s Retreat’s David Tamulevich and Libby Glover, and Weston native Suzanne Sheridan, sharing their experiences through song, bringing alive once again the power of song for justice.</p><p>See these and discover hundreds more events on the <a href="https://events.culturalalliancefc.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">FCBUZZ EVENTS</a> page at <a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://culturalalliancefc.org</a> Sign up for the <a href="https://culturalalliancefc.org/resources/newsletter-sign-up/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cultural Alliance eBuzz</a> to receive top picks and spotlights each week in your inbox.</p>

<p><strong>Westport Country Playhouse Announces Registration for Playhouse Playmakers Summer Program for Middle Schoolers</strong></p><p>Westport Country Playhouse announces registration is underway for its summer education program, Playhouse Playmakers. The two-week program for middle schoolers, grades 6-8, runs Mondays through Fridays, August 4 - 15, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.&nbsp;Together as a group, students will create an original play, including writing, acting, rehearsing, and production, culminating with a performance on the Playhouse stage on Thursday, August 14, for an invited audience of family and friends. Maximum class size is 20 students.</p><p>Playhouse Playmakers is directed by actor, playwright, and educator Evette Marie White and actor, songwriter, and educator Stacie Morgain Lewis.</p><p>Evette Marie White is an actress, poet, playwright, and educator who has nurtured young artists for over a decade. She hails from Chesapeake, Virginia, and studied musical theatre at Howard University in Washington, DC. She has toured the world in “Ghost the Musical” and performed in a host of shows throughout the US, Asia, Australia, and abroad. She currently teaches for Learning Through an Expanded Art Program (Leap) as a teaching artist where she has coached several New York City finalists for The Next Narrative Monologue Competition at the Apollo Theatre, hosted by Kenny Leon’s True Colors Theatre Company.</p><p>Stacie Morgain Lewis is an actress, singer, songwriter, teacher, and mom. She played Glinda in the Chicago production of “Wicked.” Broadway credits include “Sunday in the Park with George,” “Wicked” as standby for Glinda, “Urinetown,” and “Titanic.” Off-Broadway, she was in “Don’t Quit Your Night Job.” National Tours include “Titanic” and “South Pacific.” Regional theatre includes “LMNOP” at Goodspeed, and “The 39 Steps.” BFA Ithaca College. She co-wrote the children’s album “Harmonize” with Ben Cohn, the conductor/musical director of “Dear Evan Hansen,” and created Harmonize Kidz, an arts enrichment program that uses her music to teach social-emotional learning to elementary students.&nbsp;<a href="http://www.harmonizekidz.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">www.harmonizekidz.com</a></p><p>The fee for Playhouse Playmakers two-week program is $995. This fee covers all 10 days, technical rehearsal, materials, and four complimentary tickets to the performance. Scholarships are available for those who qualify.</p><p>For Playhouse Playmakers full details and application, visit:</p><p><a href="https://www.westportplayhouse.org/playhouse-playmakers-summer2025/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">https://www.westportplayhouse.org/playhouse-playmakers-summer2025/</a></p><p>For questions about the program or scholarships, contact Maggie Meath, administrative associate,&nbsp;&nbsp;<span style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">mmeath@westportplayhouse.org</span></p>

<p>Westport, CT - Get ready to&nbsp;<strong>savor, sip and support</strong>&nbsp;at the most anticipated culinary event of the year: CLASP's Taste of Westport 2025, set for Thursday, June 5, 2025, 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM at The Inn at Longshore, Westport, CT</p><p>Step into the dazzling world of&nbsp;<strong>Studio 54</strong>&nbsp;for a night of indulgence, elegance, and impact at&nbsp;<strong>Taste of Westport 2025</strong>. Set against the stunning waterfront of the Inn at Longshore, this unforgettable evening will feature an exclusive lineup of&nbsp;<strong>invitation-only</strong>&nbsp;restaurants, each presenting thoughtfully curated selections designed to delight every palate. Enjoy signature cocktails, music and an electric atmosphere as you mingle with Fairfield County’s most influential guests, tastemakers and philanthropists. The evening also features a silent auction highlighting unique offerings.</p><p>This year, The Bridge, Gabriele’s, Don Memo, The Whelk and Nômade are just a few of the esteemed restaurants joining in—alongside many more culinary favorites.</p><p>More than just a culinary celebration, Taste of Westport supports&nbsp;<strong>CLASP Homes</strong>, a nonprofit organization that has provided loving homes and essential support for adults with Autism and intellectual disabilities for over&nbsp;<strong>40 years</strong>. With residences in Westport,<strong>&nbsp;</strong>Fairfield, Easton, Wilton, Trumbull and Stratford, CLASP empowers individuals to live fulfilling, independent lives. Through personalized care and enriching life experiences, CLASP ensures each person reaches their full potential while fostering environments of respect, dignity, and inclusion.</p><p><strong>100% of the event proceeds</strong>&nbsp;directly fund CLASP’s mission. Every bite, every sip, and every dollar has a meaningful impact.&nbsp;<strong>This event sells out every year</strong>—secure your spot at Westport’s most exclusive night of culinary indulgence and heartfelt impact.<strong>Tickets are on sale now at&nbsp;</strong><a href="http://www.tasteofwestport.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);"><strong>www.TasteofWestport.com</strong></a></p><p><strong>Admission Prices</strong></p><p>$150 Early Bird – Available through May 12th</p><p>$200 Standard Admission – Starting May 13th until sold out</p>

<p class="ql-align-center"><br></p><p>The Westport Library has officially launched a community survey to gauge public sentiment about the Library itself as well as its programs, events, and offerings. The anonymous survey is open to both Westport residents and non-residents as well as Library patrons and those who have never before visited our space.&nbsp; The survey, open now and available through May 31, takes about 10 minutes to complete and is available at <a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CommunitySurvey2025" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">go.westportlibrary.org/survey</a>&nbsp;or through a computer kiosk set up in the Hub on the Library’s main level.</p><p>“We’re very excited to hear back from Westporters and Library users to learn more about what they think about the Library,” said Westport Library Executive Director Bill Harmer. “We’re always diligent in listening to and responding to community feedback. This survey provides us with invaluable information to aid in that endeavor. It also enables us to make the kind of data-driven decisions that we believe will maintain The Westport Library’s place as a true asset to the town and as one of the very best libraries in the country.”</p><p>In addition, the results of the survey will inform the Library’s emerging strategic plan, which will guide the Library’s mission and work for years to come. The work on the strategic plan is ongoing, with the plan set to be unveiled to the public later this year.</p><p>“The 2025 community survey is a month-long opportunity to participate in shaping the future of The Westport Library,” said Westport Library Chief Impact Officer Tory Donahue. “As part of our strategic planning process, the Library is committed to engaging the entire community in gathering feedback and ideas that will inform our plan.”</p><p>Those who opt to participate in the survey will be eligible to win one of a handful of prizes offered to respondents. Available prizes include two sets of Apple AirPods; free drinks at the Library café; Amazon gift cards; and for teens, a delivery of 10 pizzas to the Library during AP exam study times.</p><p>For more information on the survey and prizes, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://westportlibrary.org/about-our-community-survey/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">The Westport Library website</a>&nbsp;or read our FAQs below.</p><p><strong>ABOUT THE SURVEY</strong></p><p><strong>Where can I go to take the survey?</strong></p><p>It is available at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CommunitySurvey2025" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">go.westportlibrary.org/survey</a>. You can also fill out the survey on the computer kiosk set up in the Hub on the Library’s main level.</p><p><strong>How long does it take?</strong></p><p>The survey takes less than 10 minutes.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Is it anonymous?</strong></p><p>Yes. The survey can be completed entirely anonymously. You have the option to add your email both to enter the sweepstakes for prizes or to be contacted for follow-up focus groups, but this information will not be associated with your responses.</p><p><strong>What is the survey asking about?</strong></p><p>The survey is looking for information about how to focus the Library’s efforts on what is most needed, most wanted, and most likely to engage our community in a way that is welcoming, innovative, and responsive.To find this information, the survey asks questions about how you are using the Library (or not), what features are a priority for you, and what topics interest you most. Because of our commitment to lifelong learning, the survey also asks your opinions about our role in the community relative to schools. Finally, it asks questions about you and your relationship with and to the Library.</p><p><strong>Who will see my answers?</strong></p><p>All of the data will be examined collectively and not on the basis of individual responses. Westport Library Chief Impact Officer Tory Donohue will analyze the data and share the results with a strategic planning committee made up of staff and trustees. The strategic plan that emerges from this will be shared with the community.</p><p><strong>How will the Library manage the data?</strong></p><p>All of our work is done with respect to our&nbsp;<a href="https://westportlibrary.org/about/policies/privacy-confidentiality-and-law-enforcement-request-policy/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">Privacy Policy</a>&nbsp;and our&nbsp;<a href="https://westportlibrary.org/about/policies/data-collection-and-usage/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">Data Collection and Usage statement</a>.</p><p><strong>How can I win one of the prizes?</strong></p><p>When you take the survey, enter your email when asked if you want to be eligible for a prize. This will be how you are contacted if your name is randomly chosen for a prize.</p>