Good morning, Westport.

Westport Sunrise Rotary + Westport Rotary clubs will join Bridgeport Rotary, Bridge Academy Interact Rotary Club, and Fairfield Rotary for seven community-service projects in Westport, Bridgeport and Norwalk on May 15 and May 17; organizers are calling for volunteers + community members to help complete the projects.

American Colors by Henry Lehr, owned by local entrepreneur Alex Lehr, will mark the grand opening of its flagship clothing store at 66 Post Road East on May 1—reviving a storied brand that closed its downtown store in 2014.

Hearst CT Media journalists won 59 awards at the Connecticut Society of Professional Journalists contest including the Stephen A Collins Public Service Award for investigating a state senator’s disability pension that exposed flaws in the benefit system.

Reporters Jacqueline Rabe Thomas and Taylor Johnston led the work that spurred changes at the state level.

TEAM Westport’s 12th annual Teen Diversity Essay Contest drew nearly two dozen entries that explored identity in our community and announced four winners from Staples High School at the Westport Library.

Annam Olasewere won first place and $1,000, followed by Aanya Gandhi with $750, Souleye Kebe with $500 and Sienna Tzou earning an honorable mention with $250—each essay offering a unique, personal view of life in Westport.

Last week, the Board of Education looked at Westport's revised early literacy program that helped 95 percent of third graders meet reading goals—district officials said they are still working with the state on the required reading curriculum.

They also discussed plans for a new dashboard to share more school data and a fall visit by a peer review group to check on the science program.

Gov. Lamont and AT&T announced on Monday at Stamford Transportation Center a $6M project that improved wireless cell service by adding five new macro cell towers and 29 small cell towers that include FirstNet fast service for first responders — the project now supports both 4G LTE and 5G service from New Haven to New York.

Developers presented revised Hamlet project plans in Saugatuck on Monday night at a public hearing attended by about 400 people—revising parking to 277 spaces and removing mechanical equipment from one garage.

They also proposed changes in on-street and off-site parking — and promised a six-month review to address traffic and sightline concerns raised by residents.

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.

Weston Memorial Day Weekend 5K Run

7:45-10:30 AM — Weston High School — Registration fees apply — Celebrate Memorial Day with a fun 5K run open to all levels of runners and walkers.