Good morning, Westport.

Westport officials announced that the Compo Beach playground rebuild begins Monday while new traffic lights are now operating on Hillspoint Road and repairs are underway on its busy sidewalk—local efforts that extend to cultural events such as a David Sedaris show at the Westport Country Playhouse on May 19 and a memorial service for Alice Crowther on April 26. The update also notes a new music director at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation and calls for volunteers to support these community projects.

Saugatuck merchants are divided over the Hamlet project, a plan to build 11 new buildings that include retail, hotel and residential spaces and add 14 off-site affordable housing units.

Some owners believe smart traffic planning and 250 underground parking spaces will boost business — others worry the changes may worsen old traffic and parking problems.

Chef Brian Lewis, owner of The Cottage and OKO, was named a finalist for the James Beard Award for Best Chef: Northeast after the early April announcement—he will fly to Chicago with his family for the ceremony on June 16 after his birthday.

Today the longstanding online art gallery announced that art is now for sale—artists will email the gallery to offer works so buyers can directly set prices, framing, and shipping while the gallery takes a 25% commission.

Colon cancer rates are rising among people under 50 and doctors at Yale’s Smilow Cancer Center are researching why while urging screenings starting at 45 — Teri Carson, a survivor who began testing at 45, credits early colonoscopies with saving her life.

The American Cancer Society estimates a 10–15 percent rise in cases over recent decades — experts are evaluating clinical trials and stressing that early detection is crucial.

Vendor Pop-Up Shop & Art Show

5:30-8 p.m. — The J House Greenwich — $15 — Discover local artistry and enjoy a taste of spring essentials with a glass of wine.

Birding Walk with Anthony Zemba

8-9 a.m. — Earthplace — $10 Suggested Donation — Explore the vibrant avian life along the Earthplace trails with a certified ecologist.

GFA Dragon Dash

12:45 – 4:45 PM — 35 Beachside Ave, Westport, CT — Registration fee applies — Experience a scenic and family-friendly 5K run or walk in the GFA community.

Mother's Day 2025 Celebration

4 course dining experience — 11:30 a.m. — The Cottage — $95 Prix Fixe — Celebrate Mom with a delightful culinary journey crafted by Chef Brian Lewis.

Holi Festival Celebration

12-3 p.m. — City Center Green — Free entry — Celebrate the Festival of Colors with joyful festivities and vibrant powders marking the arrival of spring.

Westport Dog Festival

11 a.m. – 5 p.m. — Winslow Park — $10 per person, $30 per family of 4 — Join in on pet-friendly fun with competitions, food trucks, and adoptables.