Good morning, Westport.

Temple Israel Westport recently purchased an adjoining 2-acre property as membership grew from 600 to 1,100 families.

Leaders are meeting with architects to plan an expansion that may enhance the congregation's preschool and Hebrew school programs (key community offerings).

Eversource will raise its rates by 11% next July, increasing residential bills by about $25 for customers using 700 kWh per month and up to $40 for higher usage (the change aims to offset long-held operating losses).

On Saturday and Sunday, May 23-24, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Westport hosts the 53rd Fine Arts Festival with over 150 artists chosen from 320 applications plus six local favorites.

Staples High School art students will paint a BMW live while kids’ activities, music, and food offer fun.

Memorial Day parade is scheduled for 9 a.m. Monday at Saugatuck Elementary School, with participants marching along Post Road and Myrtle Avenue before gathering at Veterans Green (honoring veterans) for a brief tribute.

Residents are encouraged to join this annual community event.

Josh Malerman will present his immersive, multimedia horror show (From Bird Box to the Stage: A Live Horror Experience) at the Westport Library’s Trefz Forum.

The free event will take place Saturday, May 30 at 7 p.m., featuring live music, acting and stage production.

Nearly 100 parents gathered at Staples High School last night for a Board of Education session on special ed, asking for an independent review and greater transparency on funding and policies — they highlighted the need to ensure every child is supported.

Westport’s Board of Finance set a new 13.2 mill rate for the fiscal year starting July 1 — while a drop from 18.9, higher property values will mean homeowners pay more in taxes next year.

Tax bills will arrive in July and residents can use the rate to estimate costs.

Emergency room visits for tick bites in Connecticut are the highest this time of year since 2017, according to the CDC.

Local doctors urge residents to check for ticks promptly + seek care if a bullseye rash develops.

The high school baseball postseason begins today with tournaments for CCC, FCIAC, and SCC, while ECC, NCCC, NVL, SWC, and Shoreline events follow over the weekend and next week.

Tournament pairings and brackets will be updated as outlooks are released.

The CIAC boys and girls soccer tournaments will now use a new formula based on strength of schedule to seed teams—girls soccer dropping its qualifying percentage to 35 percent while boys remain at 40 percent.

Officials said the change should lead to more balanced matchups and fuller brackets.

Much Ado About Nothing for Kids

2-3 p.m. — The Westport Library — Free entry — Experience an engaging family-friendly performance of Shakespeare's classic play adapted for kids.

3rd Annual Golf Tournament

7:30 a.m. — Birchwood Country Club — $495-$2,350 — Swing for a cause with golf, Mahjong, and Canasta while supporting the historic Westport Country Playhouse.