<p><strong>A Sacred Tribute: Torah Dedicated in Memory of October 7 Victims</strong></p><p><em>Westport, CT</em>&nbsp;— Chabad of Westport warmly invites the community to a meaningful and joyous Torah Dedication Ceremony on Sunday, June 1, honoring the memory of those tragically lost in the October 7 attacks in Israel and their everlasting memory!</p><p>Dedicated by the Rueven Family of Westport, this new Torah scroll stands as a tribute to the lives cut short by terror and as a prayer for resilience, peace, and a hopeful future for the Jewish people and all humanity.</p><p>The event begins at 11:00 AM with the completion of the final Torah letters and children’s activities, followed by an outdoor Torah parade at 11:45 AM featuring joyous dancing and a celebratory brunch.</p><p>This powerful moment of unity and remembrance is open to all. Kindly RSVP to ensure your participation.</p><p>For more information and to RSVP, visit:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.jewishwestport.com/Torah" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.JewishWestport.com/Torah</a></p>

<p><em style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Connecticut’s own Jane Condon headlines this year’s Lit &amp; Wit charity event at the Saugatuck Rowing Club, benefiting the Westport Writers’ Workshop Outreach Program</em></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Aline Weiller and Alyssa Katz have always liked to write—and laugh. The two met through Westport Writers’ Workshop (WWW) instructor Marcelle Soviero, and a fast friendship—and comedy show producing team—was born. Both WWW alums were familiar with the organization’s outreach program (which provides free writing workshops to underserved communities), so they brainstormed Lit &amp; Wit: A Comedy Night Fundraiser to support the initiative. Aline coined the show’s name, then tapped fellow comedian, Westporter, and brand identity expert Jerry Kuyper (jerrykuyper.com) to create the apropos logo. The result: a catchy name and clever image for a feel-good, community-building evening.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Lit &amp; Wit will be held on Wednesday, June 4 at 7:00 p.m. (doors open at 6:00 p.m.) in the Regatta Room of The Saugatuck Rowing Club, 521 Riverside Avenue, Westport.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> Tickets are $55 per person (includes popcorn/pretzels) and can be purchased here:</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span><a href="https://westportwriters.org/courses/lit-wit-comedy-fundraiser/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">https://westportwriters.org/courses/lit-wit-comedy-fundraiser/</a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> Walk-ins are welcome.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The night also features:</span></p><ul><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">The Macho Taco food truck (available for purchase starting at 6:00 p.m.)</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">A cash bar</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Comedy trivia for prizes</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">A Lit &amp; Wit-themed door prize gift basket</span></li></ul><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">“Westport Writers’ Workshop is beyond excited to present Lit &amp; Wit, a wonderful night of comedy along the stunning Saugatuck River. Comedians, though known for their humor, are inherent writers, and this event showcases a wonderful mix of these two gifts. We welcome one and all to our third funny fundraiser,” — Amanda Parrish, Executive Director, Westport Writers’ Workshop</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Headliner: Jane Condon</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Connecticut-based comedian Jane Condon is a mom of two adult sons and, as she puts it, “otherwise everything’s fine.” The Associated Press dubbed her “an upper crust Roseanne,” and The New York Times wrote, “Condon had the audience cackling, guffawing and in hysterics as she sliced through marriage, husband, kids, politics, and other topics.”</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Jane has appeared on ABC’s The View, Lifetime TV’s Girls’ Night Out, the series finale of FOX’s 24, Nickelodeon’s NickMom Night Out, NBC’s Last Comic Standing, and The Today Show. She won the nationwide Ladies of Laughter Contest and was named “Audience Favorite — NY” on Last Comic Standing. Jane has given commencement addresses at Wellesley College (her alma mater), the University of New Haven, and Wilson College. Her humorous cartoon book Chardonnay Moms (co-authored with Bobbi Eggers) is available on Amazon. For more laughs, follow @jcondon4 on Instagram.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Emcee: Ashley Austin Morris</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The evening’s emcee is New York actor, comedian, and writer Ashley Austin Morris. Ashley played Roxanne Hertz in FX’s Fleishman Is In Trouble, ‘Debbie’ in Peacock’s Perfect Match, and ‘Nicole’ in Shonda Rhimes’ Inventing Anna. Her comedy album Slightly Off debuted at #1 on iTunes and continues to trend. She performs regularly at New York Comedy Club, Gotham Comedy Club, and Stand Up NY, and her stand-up has been featured on AXS TV’s Gotham Comedy Live.</span></p><p><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Featured Comics</strong></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">In addition to Condon and Morris, twelve comedians—many of them local—will perform:</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> Olivia Barbulescu, Christine Zalewski, Calder Stokes, Brad Bruckner, Alyssa Katz, Mat Orefice, Kim Berns, Craig Lottner, Ivy Eisenberg, Liz Austin, Aline Weiller, and John Bennett.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">“Alyssa and I are thrilled to bring back the sold-out Lit &amp; Wit Comedy Night Fundraiser, which promises belly laughs while supporting a noble cause—the best kind of win-win. As writers, we’re happy to help fund the Westport Writers’ Workshop Outreach Program and share this talented comedic lineup with the Westport community and beyond. Lit &amp; Wit promises to be a hot ticket and a laugh-filled night stand-up enthusiasts won’t want to miss,” — Aline Weiller, Co-Producer and Performer</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Purchase Lit &amp; Wit tickets:</span><a href="https://westportwriters.org/courses/lit-wit-comedy-fundraiser/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);"> https://westportwriters.org/courses/lit-wit-comedy-fundraiser/</a></p>

<p><strong>Westport Country Playhouse Script in Hand Playreading of “The Shark Is Broken,” about Making of “Jaws,”&nbsp;on Monday, June 9</strong></p><p>Westport Country Playhouse will present a Script in Hand playreading of “The Shark Is Broken,” based on true events during the making of the film “Jaws,” on Monday, June 9, at 7 p.m. The play is written by Ian Shaw, son of actor Robert Shaw, one of “Jaws” stars, and Joseph Nixon. Director is Mark Shanahan, Playhouse artistic director and Script in Hand curator.</p><p>“And just when you thought it was safe to go back in the theater, our Script in Hand series will take an even deeper dive into the ‘Jaws’ legacy,” said Shanahan. “This hit Broadway play takes us behind the scenes with the movie’s three main actors as they battle bad weather, mechanical failures, and each other to bring ‘Jaws’ to life. It’s the perfect pairing with the June 2 film screening for an unforgettable, cinematic summer celebration. Get your tickets now, because the buzz around this event has us thinking---we’re gonna need a bigger theater!"</p><p>In “The Shark Is Broken,” stranded on a boat are the three legendary stars of “Jaws” - Robert Shaw,&nbsp;who played Quint, a shark hunter and captain of the Orca;&nbsp;Richard Dreyfuss,&nbsp;who portrayed Matt Hooper, a marine biologist;&nbsp;and Roy Scheider,&nbsp;who played police chief Martin Brody. They grapple with long delays, cramped quarters, and clashing personalities as they wait for their famously unreliable mechanical shark to work. Based on real events this critically acclaimed play takes audiences into the tense, hilarious, and unexpectedly heartfelt moments when the camera wasn’t rolling. With razor-sharp dialogue, “The Shark Is Broken” explores the egos, anxieties, and friendships that shaped “Jaws.”</p><p>“The Shark is Broken” premiered in 2019 for a three-day run in Brighton, England, followed by a run at the 2019 Edinburgh Fringe and transfer to London’s West End in 2021. The show received an Olivier Award nomination for Best Entertainment or Comedy Play and ran in Toronto before transferring to Broadway in 2023.&nbsp;</p><p>Meet the cast: <a href="https://www.westportplayhouse.org/show/script-in-hand-the-shark-is-broken" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.westportplayhouse.org/show/script-in-hand-the-shark-is-broken/</a></p><p><span style="color: windowtext;">Tickets are $30. Running time is approximately 90 minutes; no intermission.&nbsp;Age recommendation 14 and up.</span></p><p><span style="color: windowtext;">For full details, visit:&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.westportplayhouse.org/show/script-in-hand-the-shark-is-broken/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">https://www.westportplayhouse.org/show/script-in-hand-the-shark-is-broken/</a></p><p>“The Shark Is Broken” celebrates the 50th&nbsp;anniversary of Steven Spielberg’s “Jaws” and is paired with a screening of the classic film on Monday, June 2, at 7 p.m.&nbsp;Details:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.westportplayhouse.org/show/jaws/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">https://www.westportplayhouse.org/show/jaws/</a></p><p><span style="color: windowtext;">The Script in Hand Playreading Series is supported by Joyce Hergenhan and the White Barn Program of the Lucille Lortel Foundation. 2025 Programming and Season Sponsor is Barbara Streicker. Media sponsors are Moffly Media and WSHU Public Radio. Westport Country Playhouse is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.</span></p><p><span style="color: windowtext;">Upcoming Script in Hand playreadings are scheduled on&nbsp;Mondays at 7 p.m. on Sept. 8, Nov. 3, and Dec. 1;&nbsp;titles to be announced.&nbsp;</span></p><p><br></p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Westport, CT - Let's Hear It! The Westport Library is open to all… feedback, comments, suggestions and ideas. Tell them what YOU want from The Westport Library!</p><p>The only 5-Star Library in the State of Connecticut, The Westport Library has been open to all since 1908 — and they are continually searching for new ways to connect, engage and inspire.</p><p>To help them accomplish that goal, they’ve launched a community survey, open through May 31 and available to all. The survey takes about six minutes to complete, is completely anonymous, and will help shape the future of what they do and how they do it.</p><p>Act today so The Westport Library can ensure that what they do reflects you and your interests. Those who opt to participate will be eligible to win prizes offered to respondents, including AirPods, free café drinks and gelato, and Amazon gift cards.</p><p>So, let’s hear it! Whether you’re a regular library user or have never visited the Library before, they want your input on how they can grow, improve and best serve the community!Community survey:&nbsp;<a href="https://go.westportlibrary.org/survey" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">go.westportlibrary.org/survey</a></p>

<p>The Westport Parks and Recreation Department announced today that the Grand Marshal for the 2025 Memorial Day Parade and Services will be the Honorable Judge Edward Karazin, Jr. The department also released the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.westportct.gov/home/showpublisheddocument/106565/638828095074600000" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(48, 68, 139); background-color: transparent;">official Line of March</a>&nbsp;for the parade and the program of services to be held on Veterans Green immediately following the parade on Monday, May 26, 2025.</p><p><em>About Judge Karazin:</em></p><p>Judge Karazin’s lifelong commitment to service—both military and civic—reflects the values honored on Memorial Day. Shortly after marrying in 1965, he entered the U.S. Army and was soon deployed to Vietnam as a civil affairs officer in Quang Tin Province. There, he served as a MACV advisor working in the Pacification Program. For his distinguished service, Judge Karazin was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and the Vietnamese Gallantry Cross.</p><p>Following his military service, Judge Karazin returned home to pursue his passions for law and community. He served as both a lawyer and a judge, providing pro bono legal work for local veterans, and continues to support Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 399 in Westport. He has spoken regularly at schools about his military experience, leads the annual Veterans Day ceremony at the Stamford courthouse, and is an active participant in veterans' events and local parades.</p><p>Judge Karazin has also contributed to the community as a Little League coach and board member, Pop Warner board member, lector at the Church of the Assumption, and instructor for in-service training with the Westport Police Department. He also served as an adjunct professor at Western Connecticut State University, teaching legal writing and family law.</p><p><em>Memorial Day Parade and Services:</em></p><p>The parade will be held on Monday, May 26th, beginning at 9:00 a.m. The route begins on Riverside Avenue, continues east on Post Road East, to Myrtle Avenue, to Main Street, and ending at Parker Harding Plaza.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>The Memorial Day Program will begin immediately following the parade on Veterans Green on Myrtle Avenue. In case of rain, the program will be held in the Town Hall Auditorium at 10:00 a.m</p>

<p>THIS COMING SUNDAY!! The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Westport-Weston-Chamber-of-Commerce-925698547625754/?__cft__[0]=AZUq2EtNnnPQ4YicbGZRmPJsDmIFpYj9fyjNVtgd9MQ2wZdrBpGYSNeVUJ2Rhij1HSa0WnXouoknBcnQ37eRR6upXWlTvB89tsiWgqyh4nxXRc9er4Wj_2wDbv8VhMibnw2U58y-Xb6FD-FbFps1YSo3nWQmWFve8LRLS0JB-rvRa831CJ_Zfv3nLiUCN4QxPB0Fmdbt825smbu2U8EpDKSFM2naIKK_B4rlzBXG38Pa2g&amp;__tn__=kK-R" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 100, 209);">Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce</a> invites the public to its 9th Annual Westport Dog Festival, to be held in Westport’s Winslow Dog Park this coming Sunday, May 18, 10am-4pm. Over 3,000 people and 1,000 dogs are anticipated to attend. It’s a great day in the park with family and friends!</p><p>Highlights include Fun Competitions, an Obstacle Course, Police K9 Presentations, Demonstrations, Adoptables, Vendors, Food Trucks, Caricature Artist, Photo Board and more. Bring your dog, of course!!</p><p>TICKETS: $10 a person, $30 per family of 4. Tickets sold onsite day of event only, cash or credit accepted.</p><p>Parking in designated areas only. Parking will be noted with signs along Post Road. Westport Country Playhouse is available this year.</p><p>MORE INFO: <a href="https://www.westportwestonchamber.com/dogs/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExYW9VSHlwbGFsOU1ld3Q2cgEebCNBujg6i9OzgaxHOKL3EJbsrUJCifaUWafL8cYkvjOEda900GjxdzOpxKo_aem_7XmbXw7p1XCK1rjspyuj6g" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 100, 209);">https://www.westportwestonchamber.com/dogs/</a></p>