Good morning, Westport.

Local updates include Earthplace planning a new falcon barn and falconry program as part of its Birds of Prey exhibit upgrade, with a Planning & Zoning review next month and summer renovations moving the birds temporarily, and the Rotary Club hosting an Epic Day of Service on May 17 for projects like Gillespie Center landscaping. Other highlights are the 46th annual Minute Man Race results, Career Coach sessions at the library starting today with more on May 8 and June 30, a Peter, Paul & Mary tribute on May 10, a family author showcase at the Book Shop on May 3, and local notes on Tesla bumper stickers and parking issues at Compo — all adding to a busy Westport calendar.

Three Westport Journal reporters won awards in the 2024 Excellence in Journalism contest by the Connecticut chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists.

Thane Grauel won first place in Breaking News on May 21 for a rowing rescue report, while Gretchen Webster and Linda Conner Lambeck each earned third place in Business and Education for reports on a street closure and racist bullying at Staples, & publisher Doug Weber said the honors recognize the paper’s strong local reporting.

Albert Steven Bermudez-Ocampo, 38, of Westport, was charged with voyeurism after police said he hid a camera in the bathroom of his apartment to secretly record his roommate — he posted a $50,000 bond on April 17 and is scheduled for arraignment on May 2 in Stamford.

Stories in Bloom will be held on Saturday, May 3, from 10:30 a.m. to noon on Jesup Green by Westport Book Shop.

The event will feature over a dozen local writers, springtime activities like Maypole dancing, temporary tattoos and corn hole, and raffles that benefit library programs & employment for people with disabilities.

A Staples High School freshman, Kirthana Gowthaman, told board members last week that banning cellphones will not stop students from using social media since they can use other devices, and she said that spending $30,000+50,000 on the plan would be better used for clubs and school upgrades.

Deputy Chief David Farrell is appointed as Westport's new police chief and will lead the department starting May 23 — he has served 24 years with the force and held roles such as director of EMS and Railroad Operations.

At the Town Hall last night, the Planning and Zoning Commission heard over two hours of public comments on ROAN Ventures' revised Hamlet at Saugatuck project as local residents raised concerns about parking, traffic and possible delays in redevelopment.

The commission will continue reviewing the proposals on May 5 and May 19 and may hold another hearing before voting.

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.