Stories

<p>Westport, CT - Get ready to <strong>savor, sip and support</strong> 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 <strong>Studio 54</strong> for a night of indulgence, elegance, and impact at <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 <strong>invitation-only</strong> 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 <strong>CLASP Homes</strong>, a nonprofit organization that has provided loving homes and essential support for adults with Autism and intellectual disabilities for over <strong>40 years</strong>. With residences in Westport,<strong> </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> directly fund CLASP’s mission. Every bite, every sip, and every dollar has a meaningful impact. <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 </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. 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> 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 <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> 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 <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. </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 <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> and our <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>

<p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">This Mother’s Day, skip the usual bouquet and give something even better! With a Whip Salon gift card, mom will enjoy time to unwind, recharge, and feel amazing.</span></p><p><a href="https://e.customeriomail.com/e/c/eyJlbWFpbF9pZCI6ImRnU0xzZ2tEQU9ENEFkXzRBUUdXb090M1hfSk1sQ0kwS0lQSlNWRT0iLCJocmVmIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubXl0aW1lLmNvbS9leHByZXNzX2NoZWNrb3V0LzEzODgwMS8xNTM3MjcvZ2lmdF9jYXJkcz91dG1fc291cmNlPWN1c3RvbWVyLmlvXHUwMDI2dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbF9hY3Rpb25cdTAwMjZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249MjUwNTA1K21vdGhlcidzK2RheVx1MDAyNnV0bV9jb250ZW50PW1haW4iLCJpbnRlcm5hbCI6IjhiYjIwOTAxYWYwZWUwZjgwMSIsImxpbmtfaWQiOjExNH0/7aef005738b4c81a1f37bf0e9abf8693ff36deb122cc84c92193f89e2390b4fe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Buy a Gift Card Online Now</a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Here’s why she'll love a visit to Whip:</span></p><ul><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Top-tier stylists</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Cheerful & welcoming environment</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Heavenly scalp massage with every shampoo</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Complimentary beverages</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Lap desks + charging cables (because multitasking is her superpower)</span></li></ul><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Make Mother’s Day feel like a spa day—grab your Whip Salon gift card today! Whip Salon gift cards never expire and can be used at any location.</span></p><p><a href="https://e.customeriomail.com/e/c/eyJlbWFpbF9pZCI6ImRnU0xzZ2tEQU9ENEFkXzRBUUdXb090M1hfSk1sQ0kwS0lQSlNWRT0iLCJocmVmIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubXl0aW1lLmNvbS9leHByZXNzX2NoZWNrb3V0LzEzODgwMS8xNTM3MjcvZ2lmdF9jYXJkcz91dG1fc291cmNlPWN1c3RvbWVyLmlvXHUwMDI2dXRtX21lZGl1bT1lbWFpbF9hY3Rpb25cdTAwMjZ1dG1fY2FtcGFpZ249MjUwNTA1K21vdGhlcidzK2RheVx1MDAyNnV0bV9jb250ZW50PW1haW4iLCJpbnRlcm5hbCI6IjhiYjIwOTAxYWYwZWUwZjgwMSIsImxpbmtfaWQiOjExNH0/7aef005738b4c81a1f37bf0e9abf8693ff36deb122cc84c92193f89e2390b4fe" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Buy a Gift Card Online Now</a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Questions or wish to make an appointment? Our friendly team is ready to help at </span><a href="https://e.customeriomail.com/e/c/eyJlbWFpbF9pZCI6ImRnU0xzZ2tEQU9ENEFkXzRBUUdXb090M1hfSk1sQ0kwS0lQSlNWRT0iLCJocmVmIjoidGVsOjEyMDM0MzM3MzM0IiwiaW50ZXJuYWwiOiI4YmIyMDkwMWFmMGVlMGY4MDEiLCJsaW5rX2lkIjoyMn0/2fc3e84860f753651b213dbb829fb4929af7a2eae5433d7b234680c236b71aa8" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">(203) 433-7334</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> or </span><a href="mailto:westport@whipsalon.com." rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">westport@whipsalon.com.</a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Or, click below to book an appointment online instantly. </span></p><p><a href="https://e.customeriomail.com/e/c/eyJlbWFpbF9pZCI6ImRnU0xzZ2tEQU9ENEFkXzRBUUdXb090M1hfSk1sQ0kwS0lQSlNWRT0iLCJocmVmIjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubXl0aW1lLmNvbS9leHByZXNzX2NoZWNrb3V0LzEzODgwMS8xNTM3Mjc_dXRtX3NvdXJjZT1jdXN0b21lci5pb1x1MDAyNnV0bV9tZWRpdW09ZW1haWxfYWN0aW9uXHUwMDI2dXRtX2NhbXBhaWduPTI1MDUwNSttb3RoZXIncytkYXlcdTAwMjZ1dG1fY29udGVudD1tYWluIiwiaW50ZXJuYWwiOiI4YmIyMDkwMWFmMGVlMGY4MDEiLCJsaW5rX2lkIjoxMTJ9/e31fbdfdb87ccf59a41f95bf8a0260fa8a0e96b660b863da986f4e3952d0f4dc" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">Book Westport Now</a></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>

<p><br></p><p>First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker has announced three internal promotions in the Westport Police Department. Effective May 23, 2025, Captain David Wolf will be promoted to Deputy Chief, joining Deputy Chief Ryan Paulsson in that role. Lieutenant Eric Woods and Lieutenant Jillian Cabana will be promoted to Captain.</p><p>First Selectwoman Tooker stated, “With the appointment of Dave Farrell as the Police Chief, it was a natural progression for the command staff to be promoted to these positions. As with Chief Farrell, I am honored to make these appointments. Each of them has an excellent reputation in the community. They are dedicated and experienced law enforcement professionals who will work as a team to make the department, and most importantly, the residents and visitors of Westport their priority.”</p><p>She continued, “These promotions reflect the extraordinary talent we are fortunate to have within our Police Department, and I am excited about the future of public safety leadership in Westport. Please join me in offering heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to these outstanding individuals as they embark on this next chapter of professional growth within the Westport Police Department.”</p><p><strong>Deputy Chief David Wolf’s Bio:</strong></p><p>David Wolf joined the Westport Police Department in 2001. He was a DARE officer, field training officer, emergency medical technician, and certified telecommunicator. Deputy Chief Wolf is a law enforcement instructor and has taught classes in search and seizure, landlord/tenant law, eyewitness identification, in addition to others. He was one of the department’s first crisis intervention officers and in that position helped improve the police response to those struggling with mental health issues. Additionally, Deputy Chief Wolf was a crisis/hostage negotiator and a team leader with the Southwest Regional Emergency Response Team. Deputy Chief Wolf spent many years on the Union’s executive board holding the positions of secretary, treasurer, and vice president.</p><p>In 2014, Deputy Chief Wolf was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and worked in the Patrol Division. In 2017, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and served as a shift commander until 2021. Deputy Chief Wolf then moved to the position of Administrative Lieutenant. In that role, he served as the department’s Public Information Officer. In 2022, he was promoted to the rank of Captain, overseeing the Professional Standards Division. His primary responsibility in that position was to conduct internal affairs investigations, where he worked closely with Westport’s Civilian Public Safety Departments Review Board.</p><p>Throughout his distinguished career, Deputy Chief Wolf has been awarded the Chief’s Commendation along with many unit citations. He has consistently maintained a positive, professional approach to law enforcement, and will continue to do so with pride as he takes on the additional responsibility with this new role in the Westport Police Department. </p><p>Deputy Chief Wolf graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Franklin and Marshall College and received his Juris Doctor from UCONN Law. He is married and has five children, as well as a one-year-old granddaughter.</p><p><strong>Captain Eric Woods’ Bio:</strong></p><p>Eric Woods began his career with the Westport Police Department in 2001.</p><p>In 2009, after demonstrating exemplary leadership and tactical skills, Captain Woods was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. In this role, he supervised patrol operations and played a role in mentoring younger officers and maintaining operational readiness. His continued growth and strong performance led to his promotion to Lieutenant in 2013.</p><p>In 2017, Captain Woods was assigned to the Detective Bureau, where he oversaw complex investigations and worked with local, state, and federal partners. His work in this capacity earned him a reputation for thoroughness, strategic thinking, and a steadfast commitment to justice.</p><p>In 2022, he was appointed Administrative Lieutenant, where he took on the responsibility for the internal operations of the department. In this role, he managed departmental logistics, advanced the digital footprint of Westport Police Department records requests, and oversaw critical administrative functions.</p><p>Over the past two decades, Captain Woods has remained a dedicated public servant, known for his professionalism, leadership, and connection to the Westport community. He has served the department and Westport with unwavering dedication, professionalism, and a strong commitment to public safety.</p><p>Captain Woods graduated from the University of South Carolina with a B.S. in Criminal Justice. He lives in Milford with his wife, Sarah, and their three children.</p><p><strong>Captain Jillian Cabana’s Bio:</strong></p><p>Jillian Cabana is a 19-year veteran of the department, joining in 2006. Captain Cabana was promoted to detective in August 2009, to sergeant in January 2013, and to lieutenant in 2014. Since her promotion to lieutenant, she has served in several key roles, including Administrative Lieutenant, Patrol Shift Commander, and most recently, Commander of the Detective Bureau. Captain Cabana also served as an executive board member of the Westport PBA and Westport Police Union.</p><p>During her career, Captain Cabana has received several awards, including the Meritorious Service Award, Honorable Police Service, Investigator’s Award, Community Service Award, and multiple Unit Citations. She has also been recognized with awards from the DEA, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence, and the Domestic Violence Crisis Center, where she served on the Board of Directors.</p><p>Captain Cabana has displayed leadership, compassion, and integrity throughout her law enforcement career. She is a committed law enforcement professional, continually demonstrating steadfast dedication and caring for the public she is entrusted to protect.</p><p>Captain Cabana is a graduate of the University of New Haven with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice. She holds a master’s degree from Southern New Hampshire University in Justice Studies, as well as a Graduate Certificate in Public Administration. She resides in Trumbull with her two children.</p><p><br></p>

<p>Westport Country Playhouse will present a Script in Hand playreading of “Still,” a romantic story of two reunited lovers, on Monday, May 5, at 7 p.m. Written by Lia Romeo and directed by Mark Shanahan, Playhouse artistic director and Script in Hand curator, the play is nominated for a 2025 John Gassner Award, presented by the Outer Critics Circle.</p><p>“I am thrilled to present Lia Romeo’s remarkable ‘Still’ as part of our Script in Hand series,” said Shanahan. “Lia's script is heartbreakingly funny even as it is beautifully insightful, offering a poignant look at the complexities of rekindled relationships. In ‘Still,’ we meet characters who navigate their regrets, their hopes, and their personal beliefs, even as they are willing to bear their vulnerabilities and reveal their passions. This is a play that not only confronts uncomfortable truths but does so with a skillful blend of humor and heart, and I know it will get our audience talking!”</p><p>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. What begins as an attempt to reconnect turns into a sharp, funny, and deeply emotional exploration that challenges everything the pair thought they understood about the past—and the possibilities for their future. As old wounds are reopened, secrets are revealed, and uncomfortable truths come to light, “Still” explores what happens when we confront the people from our past—and discover that we might never have truly known them at all.</p><p>Cast members are <strong>John Bedford Lloyd</strong> as Mark (Westport Country Playhouse: “The Drawer Boy”; Broadway: “Some Americans Abroad,” “The Rainmaker”; Television: “Ozark,” “The Divide,” “John Adams,” “Mohammad Ali’s Greatest Fight”; Film: “Wall Street 2: Money Never Sleeps,” “The Manchurian Candidate,” “Bourne Supremacy,” “Nixon,” “Philadelphia,” “The Abyss,” “Crossing Delancey,” “Trading Places”; worked with Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) since 2006, directing and developing new work with the residents of Green Haven Correctional Facility, a maximum security prison in New York); and <strong>Allison Mackie</strong> as Helen (Westport Country Playhouse: “The Constant Wife,” “Dear Brutus,” “David Copperfield”; Broadway: “Cyrano de Bergerac” as Roxane, opposite Frank Langella, “Candida” with Joanne Woodward; Regional: “The Big Knife,” “La Ronde” at Williamstown, dir. Joanne Woodward; “Fallen Angels,” “The Royal Family,” “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” “Peccadillo,” “When Last We Flew”; Film/TV: HBO’s “The Great Lillian Hall,” “Our Very Own,” “Original Sin,” “Gia,” “Rear Window,” “Friends & Family,” “Those People,” “Night Sweats,” “The Gymnast,” “Sliver”).</p><p>Stage directions will be read by <strong>Rebbekah Vega-Romero</strong> ((Westport Country Playhouse: Stage directions for Script in Hand playreadings of “True Art,” “Tenderness and Gratitude Number Four,” “Mauritius”; Theatre: “Showboat,” “West Side Story,” “The Fantasticks,” “A Christmas Carol”; founding member of the DIEZ collective; LaGuardia (“Fame”) H.S., Boston University, 2023 Doreen Montalvo Scholarship honoree; @RebbekahVR).</p><p><strong>Ruth E. Kramer </strong>is stage manager (46 years of previous behind-the-scenes adventures include 20 seasons and 40 productions at Pittsburgh Public Theater, and a plentitude of dramas, comedies, musicals, classics, new works, dances, readings, and workshops nation-wide; serves on the National Council of Actors’ Equity Association; 2021 Stage Managers’ Association Del Hughes Honoree for Lifetime Achievement in the Art of Stage Management).</p><p>Playwright <strong>Lia Romeo</strong> is a recent graduate of the Juilliard playwriting program. Her plays have been developed at the O’Neill, La Jolla Playhouse, the Lark, and elsewhere, and have been produced in NYC by Colt Coeur, Project Y Theatre, and others, as well as regionally at venues such as Dorset Theatre Festival, Laguna Playhouse, Unicorn Theatre, and New Jersey Repertory Theatre. Four of her plays have been recognized by the Kilroys List. Her plays are published by TRW, Broadway Licensing, and Broadway Play Publishing. She is the associate artistic director with Project Y Theatre Company and the co-founder of the Parent-Caregiver Playwrights Group, and she teaches in the M.A. program in creative writing at Fairleigh Dickinson University. She is a cancer survivor and the mother of a five-year-old son.</p><p>Director <strong>Mark Shanahan</strong> is Playhouse artistic director and Script in Hand curator. For the 2024-25 Season of Laughter, he directed “The 39 Steps,” “A Sherlock Carol,” and “Theatre People.” He directed his own adaptation of “Agatha Christie’s The Murder of Roger Ackroyd,” in partnership with Agatha Christie Ltd., which premiered at the Tony Award-winning Alley Theatre. He is the author of “A Merry Little Christmas Carol,” “See Monsters of the Deep,” the Off-Broadway and regional hit comedy “The Dingdong,” as well as numerous radio plays as creator of the White Heron Ghost Light series, featuring Christopher Plummer, Judith Ivey, Rhonda Ross, and other notables. Shanahan has directed at stages around the country such as Alley Theatre, George Street Playhouse, Virginia Stage, Arkansas Rep, White Heron, Mile Square Theatre, Hudson Stage, Theatre Squared, Fulton Opera House, Weston Playhouse, Orlando Shakespeare Festival, Florida Rep, Penguin Rep, Merrimack Rep, The Cape Playhouse, and many more. As an actor, Shanahan has appeared on and Off-Broadway (“The 39 Steps,” “Tryst,” “The Shaugraun,” and others) and at many celebrated regional theatres. Shanahan has appeared on the Westport Country Playhouse stage in “Journey’s End” (2005), “David Copperfield,” directed by Joanne Woodward and Annie Keefe, (2005), “Sedition” (2007), “Tryst” (2008), and “Around the World in 80 Days” (2009), and numerous Script In Hand readings. Shanahan is also the creator and curator of Westport Country Playhouse Radio Theater, in partnership with WSHU Public Radio, and served as writer/director of the Playhouse radio adaptation of “A Merry Little Christmas Carol,” and as director of scripts commissioned for the series.</p><p><span style="color: windowtext;">Tickets are $30. Running time is 80 minutes, no intermission. Mature language; recommended for 15 and up.</span></p><p><span style="color: windowtext;">.</span></p>

<p>Westport, CT – Celebrate spring with a morning full of stories, creativity and community connection at <strong>Stories in Bloom – An Authors Showcase and Family Fun Event</strong>, hosted by the Westport Book Shop on <strong>Saturday, May 3 from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM</strong> on Jesup Green.</p><p>Families can enjoy a festive morning filled with a traditional Maypole dance, face painting, temporary tattoos, and corn hole, delicious refreshments —and a wonderful lineup of <strong>more than a dozen </strong>local authors <strong>of books for readers of all ages, from toddlers to adults, </strong>ready to meet you<strong> </strong>and sign books! This community celebration offers a rare opportunity to chat with authors about their creative journeys, purchase signed copies of their books, and enjoy a morning full of literary inspiration and fun.</p><p>Authors participating in <em>Stories in Bloom</em> include Diana Blau (<em>Beary & Tinker Young at Heart</em>, <em>Losing Lambie</em>), Sam Wilson (<em>Shelly the Jellyfish</em>), Christina McKay DiChristina (<em>Barely There Bear</em>), Allia Zobel Nolan (<em>Why Can’t My Brother Be More Like My Cat</em>, <em>Cat Confessions</em>), and MaryAnn Degala (<em>To Bee</em>)<strong>,</strong> Michael Hendricks & Rebecca Ross (<em>In the Beginning, A Love Story</em>), Bette Bono (<em>The Better Angels</em>, <em>Fear Itself</em>), Sylvie Jordan (<em>The Year That Was</em>, <em>Immersed in Poetry</em>), Gina Uricchio (<em>Art & Voice of Autism</em>), Laurie Newkirk (<em>Best Christmas Pun & Dad Joke Book</em>), Marlou Newkirk (<em>This and That and an Ice Cream Sundae</em>), Debbie Salas Lopez & Kristina Lopez (<em>Veggie Buddies, The Bug Box & The Magical Castle </em>), Michael Payton (<em>Human-Soar</em>), Denis O’Neill & Cy Quadland (<em>Bradford’s Walk</em>), Bella Rizzi (<em>Travel Girls</em>, <em>Travel Girls 2</em>), Cat Urbain (<em>Diego, Whynd & the Block Island Ghost</em>), Gabi Coatsworth (<em>A Beginner’s Guide to Starting Over</em>), Julie Ward (<em>A Butterfly's Book of Poetry</em>) and<strong> </strong>Marsha Temlock (<em>Tuesday’s Mah Jongg Is More Than a Game</em>). <strong> </strong>Local artist Jack Geer, whose greeting cards are sold at the Book Shop, will also share his artwork at the event.</p><p>As part of the <em>Stories in Bloom</em> celebration, the Westport Book Shop is launching <strong>two exciting raffles</strong> beginning May 3 and running through June 28. The <strong>first raffle</strong> offers a rare, sealed copy of <strong><em>The New Yorker in Westport </em>by Eve Potts and Andrew Bentley</strong>—a beautifully produced hardcover book<strong> </strong>published by the Westport Historical Society in 2015. This special volume showcases 50 New Yorker magazine covers created by Westport-area artists, inspired by local scenes. Each cover is accompanied by fascinating stories and little-known facts about Westport. Featured artists include Charles Addams, Perry Barlow, Whitney Darrow, Jr., James Daugherty, Edna Eicke, Arthur Getz, Alice Harvey, Helen Hokinson, Albert Hubbell, David Preston, Garrett Price, and Charles Saxon.</p><p>The <strong>second raffle</strong> is perfect for little swimmers: win <strong>one month of free weekly group swim lessons</strong> (four lessons total) at the <em>Stewie the Duck Swim School</em> in Norwalk, CT (55 Westport Avenue), along with a fun-filled <strong>Stewie the Duck gift basket</strong>. The basket includes a Stewie shirt, books, towel, cookies, and more—emphasizing the importance of water safety in a playful and engaging way. Don’t miss your chance to win these unique and meaningful prizes!The drawing for both raffles will be held on <strong>June 28th at 3 PM at the Westport Book Shop. </strong>You do <strong>not need to be present to win</strong>. Raffle tickets are <strong>$5 each or 3 for $10</strong>, and <strong>all proceeds will benefit the dual mission of the Westport Book Shop</strong>: to support the programming of the Westport Library, and to provide meaningful employment and training opportunities for adults with disabilities. </p><p>With something for everyone — from curious kids to lifelong readers — <em>Stories in Bloom</em> is a heartwarming way to welcome spring and support local voices.</p><p><strong>All children must be accompanied by an adult.</strong></p><p><em>For more information, to get involved, or to make a charitable donation, please visit </em><a href="http://www.westportbooksaleventures.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);"><em>www.westportbooksaleventures.org</em></a><em> or send an email to </em><a href="https://mailto:info@westportbooksales.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);"><em>info@</em></a><a href="https://westportbooksales.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);"><em>westportbooksales.org</em></a>Swe</p>

<p>Westport Country Playhouse will present “An Evening with David Sedaris,” author and humorist, on Monday, May 19, at 7 p.m. The event will consist of a 60-minute reading followed by 20–30-minute audience Q&A. There will be a book signing in the lobby pre- and post-show, with books available for purchase. The event is sold out.</p><p>David Sedaris is one of America’s pre-eminent humor writers. He is a master of satire and one of today’s most observant writers. Beloved for his personal essays and short stories, Sedaris is the author of the<em> New York Times </em>bestsellers <em>Barrel Fever</em>, <em>Holidays on Ice</em>, <em>Naked</em>, <em>Me Talk Pretty One Day</em>, <em>Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim</em>, <em>When You Are Engulfed in Flames</em>, <em>Let’s Explore Diabetes with Owls</em>, and <em>Calypso. </em>His book <em>The Best of Me</em> collects 42 previously published stories and essays. Sedaris also wrote <em>Squirrel Seeks Chipmunk: A Modest Bestiary</em>, a collection of fables with illustrations by Ian Falconer. He is the editor of <em>Children Playing Before a Statue of Hercules: An Anthology of Outstanding Stories</em>. His pieces regularly appear in <em>The New Yorker </em>and have twice been included in “The Best American Essays.” The two volumes of his diaries, <em>Theft By Finding: Diaries (1977-2002) </em>and <em>A Carnival of Snackery, Diaries (2003-2020) </em>were <em>New York Times </em>bestsellers. An art book of Sedaris’s diary covers, <em>David Sedaris Diaries: A Visual Compendium</em>, was edited by Jeffrey Jenkins. His most recent book, <em>Happy-Go-Lucky</em>, debuted at number one on the <em>New York Times </em>bestseller list. The audio version of <em>Happy-Go-Lucky</em>, written and narrated by Sedaris, won the 2023 Audie Award. His most recent book is a short graphic novel for children with illustrations by Ian Falconer titled <em>Pretty Ugly.</em></p><p>Sedaris and his sister, Amy Sedaris, have collaborated under the name “The Talent Family” and have written half-a-dozen plays which have been produced at La Mama, Lincoln Center, and The Drama Department in New York City. These plays include <em>Stump the Host, Stitches, One Woman Shoe</em>, which received an Obie Award, <em>Incident at Cobbler’s Knob</em>, and <em>The Book of Liz</em>, which was published in book form by Dramatists Play Service.</p><p>Sedaris has been nominated for five Grammy Awards for Best Spoken Word and Best Comedy Album. His audio recordings include “David Sedaris: Live for Your Listening Pleasure” and “David Sedaris Live at Carnegie Hall.” A feature film adaptation of his story <em>C.O.G. </em>was released after a premiere at the Sundance Film Festival (2013). Since 2011, he can be heard annually on a series of live recordings on BBC Radio 4 entitled “Meet David Sedaris.” In 2019 David Sedaris became a regular contributor to CBS <em>Sunday Morning</em>, and his Masterclass, David Sedaris Teaches Storytelling and Humor, was released.</p><p>There are over 16 million copies of Sedaris’s books in print and they have been translated into 32 languages. He has been awarded the Terry Southern Prize for Humor, Thurber Prize for American Humor, Jonathan Swift International Literature Prize for Satire and Humor, <em>Time </em>2001 Humorist of the Year Award, as well as the Medal for Spoken Language from the American Academy of Arts and Letters. In March 2019 he was elected as a member into the American Academy of Arts and Letters. In 2020 the New York Public Library voted <em>Me Talk Pretty One Day </em>one of the 125 most important books of the last 125 years.</p><p>Tickets, at $95 each, are sold out. Running time is approximately 90 minutes, no intermission. </p><p>For full details, visit: <a href="https://www.westportplayhouse.org/show/an-evening-with-david-sedaris" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(234, 56, 15);"><u> https://www.westportplayhouse.org/show/an-evening-with-david-sedaris/</u></a></p><p><strong> </strong></p>