Good morning, Westport.

Former Staples High School soccer coach Chris O’Dell will have his appeal hearing Friday at Town Hall auditorium as he seeks to clear his name, while Westport Library launches its Verso University fall series with an AI symposium on October 11 from 12 noon to 5:30 p.m. Local cultural events will also include a MoCA art benefit and a comedy show headlined by Sean Donnelly at VFW Post 399 on September 20 — adding diverse community offerings.

Chef Brian Lewis, a James Beard Award finalist and owner of The Cottage and OKO, visited Westport Library to share his work and family life—he discussed his culinary influence and role as a local father.

Ashley Freeman, a Westport native, has built a career in teaching and now leads the Horizons program at Sacred Heart University to offer academic support and enrichment to 322 Bridgeport students—she aims to give every child the opportunity to learn and grow.

The program uses donations along with a low enrollment fee to provide summer and after-school activities in 23 local schools.

Westport Parks and Recreation approved a $250K project to rebuild seven worn tee boxes at Longshore Golf Course this November to improve safety and turf quality—crews will replace old grass with creeping bent grass and remove intrusive tree roots, while the Board of Selectwomen is set to vote Wednesday on awarding the contract to Prestige Landscaping, Inc.

Registered nurses Shaine Belli and Christina Durinick launched Longevity Premier Concierge Nurses LLC last spring to offer mobile care management for older adults on the shoreline and CT River valley.

They guide patients through confusing health systems by helping with appointments and medication reviews—ensuring each client receives personalized support.

The CDC reported a salmonella outbreak linked to Metabolic Meals home delivery that sickened 16 people — including one in Connecticut — and resulted in seven hospitalizations from meals delivered the week of July 28.

Westport Lobster Festival

7-11 p.m. — Compo Beach — Ticket required — A delectable night featuring lobsters, music, and fun for the whole family.

Make Tracks Walk/5K Run for Kids with Cancer

9-11 a.m. — Sherwood Island State Park — Registration fee applies — Participate in the 11th Annual Walk/Run supporting children battling cancer in Connecticut.

Oyster Festival on the Sound

6-8 p.m. — Copps Island Oysters by Norm Bloom & Son, LLC — Ticket required — Savor fresh local oysters and a buffet while enjoying stunning waterfront views.

Rhythm and Rhyme

10:30-11:00 a.m. — The Westport Library — Free entry — Enjoy a lively session of movement, nursery rhymes, and storytelling for young children.

Story Fun with Miss Jessica

4:30-5:00 p.m. — The Westport Library — Free entry — Enjoy engaging stories and fun activities for kindergarteners and first graders with Miss Jessica.

Tummy Time for Babies

9:30-10:00 a.m. — The Westport Library — Free entry — Engage pre-walking babies with songs, fingerplays, and bouncing during this playful session.

Create a Spooky Book Nook

5-6 p.m. — The Westport Library — Free entry — Craft a miniature spooky scene in a diorama to fit between your bookshelf books.