Town Hall All Dressed Up For Spring With Cherry Blossom Blooms
The beautiful cherry blossom trees, the origin of which know one seems to know, really make town hall a sight to behold as their blooms reached peak beauty this week.
Photo By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com
Osprey, Osprey Everywhere, And More On the Way!
Osprey nesting in Westport has flourished for many years now. Currently, There are active nests at the Terrain/Fresh Market parking lot, where the pair pictured above have nested for several years. The female at left had just returned to the nest when 2 minutes later the male arrived. In previous years they have had two or even 3 chicks, and it looks like they are planning for a family again this year.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge.
Longshore has two active nests, one is at the parking lot near the Longshore Sailing School where the pair has taken up residence on the tall platform erected a few years ago for them. A second nest, shown above was built entirely by another Osprey pair on the little island in the lagoon which borders the Longshore complex exit road.
The bird in the two photos above had perched on the top of a dead tree at the lagoon and was carefully surveying the water looking for lunch.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge.
It was not long before he found that lunch and after circling the lagoon and perching in a couple of trees, trying to evade another osprey who may have considered stealing his or her catch, a safe spot overlooking the golf course was finally found and lunch could be eaten in peace.
About Osprey In Connecticut:
In Connecticut, the osprey population has experienced a steady increase since 1974, when there was an all-time low of nine active nests. In the 1940s, the coastal zone between New York City and Boston supported an estimated 1,000 active osprey nests. However, development pressures and eggshell thinning caused by DDT contamination reduced this number to 150 nests by 1969. The banning of DDT in the 1970s and restrictions on the use of other organochlorine pesticides have prompted a steady recovery of osprey populations.
Their breeding months range from January through May. Osprey pairs are generally monogamous and often mate for life. The male selects a nesting site in a dead tree, on a cliff, or on a man-made structure near the water. Within 30 days of hatching, the young birds will be 70-75% of their adult weight. The chicks will fledge about 55 days after hatching but will use the nest as home base until they migrate in September. Young ospreys will stay dependent on their parents until the young are able to fish for themselves, which these two seemed to in no big hurry to learn.
To learn more about Osprey visit: CT DEEP Osprey Facts
Or: Connecticut Audubon’s Osprey Nation Project which has kept track of 726 active Osprey nests this year. Those nests produced 1,077 fledglings.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge.
Acclaimed Concert Pianists To Perform On Sunday At Saugatuck Congregational Church
Contributed Photo By Ted Horowitz
The Saugatuck Congregational Church and the Y’s Men of Westport/Weston present a free extraordinary musical event featuring two distinguished concert pianists, Dr. Liang-Fang Chang and Dr. Uriel Tsachor, on April 27th at 4 p.m. in the church sanctuary. This 90-minute performance will showcase their classical piano mastery, as they perform on the Church’s Steinway grand piano. Following the performance will be an audience Q&A session with the artists and a reception.
Liang-Fang Chang holds a doctor of musical arts degree and is Director of Music Ministry at Saugatuck Congregational. Uriel Tsachor is a Steinway Artist and heads the piano area at the University of Iowa where he has taught for 18 years. Dr. Tsachor has released multiple recordings, has performed internationally and was invited by Maestro Zubin Mehta to perform with the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra.
Saugatuck Congregational Church is located at 245 Post Road East, Westport, CT 06880
Massive Protests Continue Against Administration Policies
On Saturday, April 19th, the Norwalk Green became the site of another huge protest against Trump, and the policies of his administration, especially DOGE. Crowd size was estimated to be more than 1500 people.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The Norwalk event was organized by Melissa Murray who is the co-lead of Good Trouble Norwalk, which is a chapter of Indivisible (indivisible.org). Ms. Murray told WestportLocalPress " "We received 544 RSVPs on our mobilize event page, on the advice of area activists we were told to expect 2-to-3 times more than that."
The original plan was to rally at Norwalk Green and then, as a group, the protesters would march down East Avenue to Norwalk City Hall.
Murray said, "After receiving so many signups in the middle of last week, we decided as a group that marching 400-500 people down East Ave, our busiest thoroughfare in Norwalk, was not going to work. In addition the City Hall lawn would not be big enough to hold us all once we got there. Instead, we decided to stay on The Green, line the perimeter facing East Ave to wave our signs, stand in solidarity and lift our voices to demand our rights and protect our democracy!"
The protest received a mention on Monday night on MSNBC's Rachel Maddow show, along with dozens of protests nationwide on Saturday even from multiple cities in Alaska, and others drawing tens of thousands in major U.S. cities.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The Norwalk protest became a part of the 50501 movement, so called as the informal campaign initially began in early February, with the goal of holding 50 protests in all 50 states, on the same day.
The grassroots movement has described its mission as Pro-Constitution, Pro-Democracy and in opposition to what many see as Trump's executive branch overreach which has received multiple rebukes from Federal Courts on a variety of issues, including most recently the deportation of suspected Venezuelan gang members and the round up by ICE of students who were seen by the administration as espousing views with which they dissent.
Ms. Murray also said, "Out of the 1500 people multiple cities were represented from around the state - Westport, Wilton, Stamford, Redding, Stratford and including Hartford". Former Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin was in the audience, as was U.S. Congressman Jim HImes, who has represented the 4th Congressional District which covers most of Fairfield County and part of New Haven County, since 2009.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Other government officials included Secretary of State Stephanie Thomas, who lives in Norwalk and who was a featured speaker along with State Senate Majority Leader Bob Duff who represents CT's 25 Senate District which includes Norwalk. Matt Blumenthal, son of U.S. Senator for Connecticut, Richard Blumenthal, and who currently serves as a state legislator for Connecticut's 147th district was on hand along with Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling with wife Lucia.
The speakers were led by organizer Melissa Murray who introduced Bethany "B" Parryman, communications Director of the ACLU of CT who described actions being taken to hold the administration accountable for what they maintain are violations of the law. Perryman received cheers when to said the ACLU has filed 400 lawsuits against Trump during the first term and now into the second.
Secretary of State Thomas too the stage and urged the audience to get into "good trouble, necessary trouble" adding that "good trouble can feel like real trouble, right?" Thomas added that "perhaps old friends that you held dear, it feels like they are fading away aw your values grow apart" referencing the growing divide in the country which has been taking place in recent years. Thomas addressed the recent moves by the administration and congress including an executive order which will take effect on Friday which will make registering to vote much more difficult requiring "every lawful American to jump through hoops to register to vote or change their registration" which drew protestations from the crowd.
State Senator Bob Duff took the stage saying, "I love being an American and will fight for my country for me, for my family and for you." and led chants of "no kings, no dictators" which the crowd echoed multiple times, adding "our people are united and we won't bend the knee to a dictator", referencing capitulation by some universities and law firms to demands of the Trump administration. Senator Duff made extensive remarks on a sirens of issues directly affecting Connecticut including threats to cut support for our veterans, to Medicaid, even Meals On Wheels and has cut "Tens of millions of dollars from Fairfield-based Save The Children" which for decades was headquartered on the Saugatuck River in Westport which is now the site of multi-million dollar condominiums. He said the administration "• fired the entire staff that administers the Low Income Home Energy Assistance that 200,000 Connecticut residents rely on to stay warm in the winter."
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
He concluded by saying, "As I conclude, look around. Remember this gathering on the moments and days when things might seem dark. Remember there are more of us who love freedom than who despise it." adding, " We will not let them take our joy and happiness away. History is on our side because we are the land of the free and the home of the brave. America IS the shining city on the hill. God Bless the great state of Connecticut and God Bless the USA. Thank you for being here."
Excerpts from Duff's comprehensive remarks can be found below.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Here are some excerpts from Senator Bob Duff’s extensive remarks:
I love being an American and will fight for my country for me, for my family and for you. We have a responsibility as Connecticut residents - one of the original 13 colonies to speak up and honor our history.
Our country doesn’t have kings. Our country is supposed to be free and prosperous. Our people are united and won’t bend the knee to a dictator - even if billionaires, legacy media, law firms and some universities do. We will say, “NO KINGS” because those who bend the knee are weak and we are strong and we are getting stronger by the day.
But it’s more than just being against him, we have to show people what we are for.
• We fight for tax cuts for the middle class, they fight for tax cuts for millionaires and billionaires
• We fight for affordable health care and prescription medication. They want to cut Medicaid and Medicare for sick children, seniors and poor people
• We increase funding in the classroom and want all kids to succeed. They want to eliminate school funding and increase class sizes.
• We want to support local farmers and feed school children while they cancel funding so kids go hungry and farmers lose their livelihood.
• We believe in vaccinations, public health and science as they cut funding to critical medical research. They believe in conspiracy theories as the bird flu and measles spread across the country killing adults and children.
• We believe in retiring with dignity and the promise of Social Security. They want to decimate and privatize Social Security calling it a Ponzi scheme.
• We believe in consumer protection and consumer rights while they gutted the federal agency that forced greedy businesses to hand over $22 billion to Americans.
• We believe in data privacy. They believe in Elon Musk who is stealing our personal data for his gain.
• We believe in due process. They believe in sending people to foreign jails.
• If they will send Kilmar Abrego Garcia to a foreign prison then who’s next? Trump already said he’d like to send American citizens to El Salvador’s Concentration Camp.
Where are my Republican colleagues? They say we are acting like Chicken Little and the sky is falling. This is what they say we are overreacting to:
On Thursday, Hearst media put the total frozen grant funding to Connecticut at $425 million.
• $14 million to Connecticut schools, has been frozen with hundreds of millions more are at risk.
• By the way, I am proud of our SDE for telling Linda McMahon to go pound sand on DEI. Don’t you love Connecticut Values?
• $150 million for disease outbreak surveillance, newborn screenings for infants and childhood immunizations.
• $100 million for public safety
• Tens of millions for Fairfield-based Save The Children.
• They fired the entire staff that administers the Low Income Home Energy Assistance that 200,000 Connecticut residents rely on to stay warm in the winter.
• The Veterans Administration employs nearly 4,000 people in Connecticut and many are threatened with layoffs. Connecticut veterans rely on this department for health care, disability benefits among other things.
• Congressional Republicans are working to enact major cuts to Medicaid. 991,000 Connecticut residents rely on Medicaid including around 37% of children, 66% of nursing home residents, and 40% of people with disabilities.
• Meals on Wheels is also on the chopping block. A program that feeds poor and vulnerable seniors.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Egg-cellent Easter Eggstravaganza Egg Hunt At Wakeman Town Farm
Wakeman Town Farm on Saturday hosted one of Westport’s most beloved family traditions, its annual Spring Eggstravaganza, sponsored by Citizen’s Bank. The sold out event began for the 97 families with the egg hunt where the children searched the grounds for toy eggs which could then be exchanged for a rice crispy treat provided by Sweet P Bakery. This non-profit nonprofit bakery's mission offers training and employment for adults with disabilities. Morning coffee was provided by The Granola Bar.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
After the children turned in their eggs they enjoyed a variety of activities such as egg-themed games, storytime readings with the Westport Book Shop and photo opps with Big Bunny who was everywhere greeting the delighted children.
The finale of the morning was the "egg toss", where partners tossed real eggs to their teammates who then had to catch them without breaking. Many of the families queued up for this fun competition. Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The very large “chicken” distributed eggs to the competitors to begin the game. As the space between the teams got wider and wider, more teams were eliminated as their eggs hit the ground. This year, there were two teams of co-winners who outlasted all the others.
Wakeman Town Farm's wonderful animals also became focus of the visitors. The little ones were enchanted as they were able to visit with the Farm's three beautiful alpacas.
They also enjoyed a great opportunity to get up close and personal with the two baby goats who are on loan from a local farm. Above, Judy Panzer, Animal Ambassador at Wakeman Town Farm snuggles up with baby goat Lily who took a moment to get to know a Dad and his little girl. These cuddly baby goats will be available for personal "Meet & Greets" with visitors through the end of May. Each 30 minute visit with their unbelievably adorable baby goats is available for twenty dollars per session.
Click here to register: Baby Goat Socials
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The face painting and crafts were a big hit, and First Selectwoman Jen Tooker got in on the fun as she received a "tattoo" from one of the volunteers who offered them to the kids. We don't know if this was her only tattoo.
One of the projects Wakeman Town Farm is working on is the “Restore The Barn” project, which is illustrated bottom right which will create a beautiful new space for visitors to enjoy. Wakeman Town Farm relies on generous donors to fund the work of the Farm and to create events for families all throughout the year. To help with that mission and learn more, click here: Support the Farm.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Many volunteers are needed to make these events the great success they always are. Pictured here are some of them working the day’s event.
VersoFest 2025 Draws Thousands To The Westport Library For Music, Media and Creativity
The Trefz Forum at the Westport Library once again hosted VersoFest, a four day festival devoted to music and the arts, the library's annual gift to the community. About 3,500 people took part from Thursday when rock star Patti Smith was in conversation with journalist Alisyn Camerota, with Smith’s opening remarks which included, saying, “I’m a big, big fan of libraries, and I’m so happy to be here” to Sunday, when Paul Shaffer, music icon and music director for the David Letterman show spoke with local legend Christine Ohlman.
On Friday, abut 700 attendees came to enjoy a concert with Jakob Dylan and the Wallflowers followed by a panel discussion featuring the 50th anniversary of Bruce Springsteen’s Born To Run album which launched the career of one of America’s greatest rock stars and a seminal figure in the genre of heartland rock, known for his ability to fuse commercially successful rock music with deeply resonant, poetic lyrics that capture the essence of working-class American life.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
On April 6th, the last day of the VersoFest weekend, hundreds attended to hear an interview of Paul Shaffer, long time music director for the David Letterman show and was, music director for Saturday Night Live for five years. Here, he is being interviewed by Christine Ohlman A.K.A. the Beehive Queen who has made numerous appearances on SNL and performs regularly at The Westport Library.
Ohlman and Shaffer provided the packed house with a very informative discussion with Shaffer telling countless stories on his amazing, more than 50 year career on the national stage where he has established himself as a significant presence in the music industry. They discussed his role as music director for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame which he took on in 1986 and he provided a fascinating insight into his relationships with some of the music industry's biggest stars. At the end of the event, the duo took to the stage treating the audience to several musical selections.
During the discussion, images of his storied career were projected on The Trefz Forum’s 18-foot video wall, complemented by its state-of-the-art sound system. The conversation delved into many memorable performances, including his Rock and Roll Hall of Fame productions featuring superstars like The Mamas and The Papas, The Righteous Brothers and others, offering the audience a "backstage access" experience and insights into decades of music history. Notable visuals included Shaffer alongside his Letterman house band, “The World’s Most Dangerous Band,” as well as his early work with fellow SNL music director G.E. Smith. The presentation also highlighted his annual performance with the iconic Darlene Love, showcasing her classic, "Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)," which was co-written with the renowned Phil Spector.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Nearly 300 audience members listened attentively as Beehive Queen Christine Ohlman engaged in a captivating conversation with Paul Shaffer, delving into the myriad stories from his more than half-century career in music. Shaffer, who began playing piano at the tender age of six in his hometown of Fort William—now known as Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada—shared anecdotes that highlighted his remarkable journey through the music industry. The afternoon was a celebration of his experiences, showcasing not only his talent but also the evolution of musical genres and the significant moments that shaped his illustrious path.
The audience cheered and applauded at several moments in the lively discussion, as clips showcasing a variety of their favorite performers from the last half-century were played on the screen. Each segment not only ignited nostalgia but also highlighted the enduring impact these artists have had on the entertainment landscape. The reflections prompted laughter and admiration, drawing the crowd into a shared celebration of beloved talent. The atmosphere was electric, with audience members visibly engaged, exchanging knowing glances and smiles as they relived cherished memories alongside the panelists.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Saturday started off with a panel discussing all things Springsteen, celebrating his iconic album, Born To Run
Library Executive Director Bill Harmer beginning the discussion by introducing panelists who provided an in-depth look at Bruce’s career and “Born To Run at 50”
The panel discussion was hosted by Arlen Schumer (above, far right podium), author, pop culture historian, and the art director of Thunder Road, the first magazine dedicated to Springsteen’s life and music. Dick Wingate (standing, far left) is a former music industry senior executive and current Verso Studios advisory board member who, while at Columbia Records, product managed Springsteen’s Darkness on the Edge of Town.
Seated (left to right) was Michael Pillot, former Columbia Records promotions director, Robert Santelli, executive director of the Bruce Springsteen Archives & Center for American Music, Mike Appel, Springsteen’s first manager and the co-producer of Born to Run who appears on the screen in his earlier years and Kenneth Womack, music historian and co-author of 2024 Rutgers University Press book, Bruce Songs.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The panel discussed, among many topics, the rise of Springsteen’s career from playing small clubs at the Jersey shore to his 1973 debut albums, Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J. and The Wild, the Innocent & the E Street Shuffle. They noted, that espite receiving positive reviews from critics, these records did not capture a large audience. However, this changed significantly with the release of Born to Run in 1975, which catapulted him to international fame. Following this breakthrough, Springsteen continued to refine his sound, unveiling Darkness on the Edge of Town in 1978 and The River in 1980, the latter marking his first album to reach the top of the Billboard 200 chart. These works solidified his position in rock music and showcased his evolving artistry.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The audience was fascinated as the members of the panel gave exceptional insight into Bruce Springsteen's 50+ year career, with each panelist opining upon a multitude of interactions with "The Boss." From personal anecdotes about backstage moments to reflections on Springsteen's lyrical depth and social impact, the discussions highlighted the enduring legacy of one of rock music's most iconic figures. Each speaker brought a unique perspective, illustrating how Springsteen's influence spans generations and resonates on both personal and cultural levels. The stories shared not only celebrated his artistry but also illuminated the profound connections he has forged with fans and fellow musicians alike.
One audience member was Professor Marilisa Merolla (above, 3rd from left) who is a Springsteen scholar visiting from Italy who teaches a course on the artist , “Bruce Springsteen As History” at New York’s New School College Of Performing arts.
VersoFest 2025 will conclude on Friday, April 18, the seminal post-punk band Gang of Four will be launching their farewell tour at the Library. The show starts at 7:30 pm, with doors opening at 6:30 pm. Prior to the concert, a book talk will take place at 1:00 pm featuring Gang of Four vocalist Jon King in conversation with Chris Frantz, the drummer of Talking Heads and Tom Tom Club. The discussion will center around King’s new book, To Hell with Poverty! A Class Act: Inside the Gang of Four, offering insights into the band’s influential career and the socio-political themes that defined their music.
Hands Off! Westport Protest Draws 1,500 People Or More
An crowd estimated by Westport Police to be 1500 people or more was the largest for a protest since the Black Lives Matter protests following the killing of George Floyd. The crowd along the Post Road stretched from Main Street to near the end of the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Memorial bridge on Saturday as Westport joined an estimated 1200, or possibly more towns and cities all across America in protest against the actions of Trump, Musk and DOGE in recent weeks.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Those who joined the protest rally spanned several generations, from a young woman proudly representing her generation to a 90-Something Veteran who showed up in his wheelchair. David Osborn, a Marine dive-bomber pilot who fought in World War 2 braved the cold day to make his voice heard.
No matter where one might stand on the issues, we have to agree that Westporters are very creative when it comes to creating signs. This artistic HANDS OFF banner took hours of work and addressed many of the issues protestors were there to bring to the collective attention, and was proudly signed by "Paula".
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Protests nationwide were organized through the Hands Off and Mobilize websites, with some taking place overseas as well. Locally, activist Bean Corcoran who has been organizing weekly protests on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen bridge which have taken place for the last several weeks. Each group aims to address critical issues spanning a wide array of societal needs, such as significant reductions to the federal workforce and the slashing of funds for essential programs that support individuals from major cities to small towns. Environmental advocacy is central to their mission, as is the protection of reproductive rights and LGBTQ rights. These groups rally participants to unite their voices, emphasizing the importance of collective action in the pursuit of meaningful change. By focusing on these vital issues, they seek to build a more equitable and just society, ensuring that the concerns of marginalized communities are heard and prioritized in national discussions.
Traffic slowly crept along the Post Road as drivers honked horns, yelled and waved in support of the protestors, with many coming prepared, displaying signs of their own.
One of the issues of great concern was the impression that the administration is leaning toward facism, seeming to ignore sort orders, demanding that government employees either display complete fealty to Trump and programs many find appalling or risk losing their jobs. High ranking officials in civilian government and in the military have been fired for insufficient loyalty. DOGE has fired thousands, only to find they were needed and had to be re-hired.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
It is clear that Westporters joined millions of Americans on April 5th, with reports indicating that crowds reached tens of thousands at numerous events across the country. In Boston, organizers had initially estimated 25,000 participants for a rally near Government Center, but the turnout vastly exceeded expectations, with estimates ranging close to 100,000. The crowd was so large that it spread to nearby Boston Commons. Similarly, in New York City, tens of thousands marched up 5th Avenue in Manhattan, making their way between Madison Square and Bryant Parks. This widespread participation reflects a significant mobilization of civic engagement, resonating strongly along with local communities like Westport. In Detroit, Americans on one side of the Detroit River expressed solidarity with Canadians across the border, with protestors on each side showing the support for Canadian-American relations which have suffered under the current political climate.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
One protestor, Xavier Cronin brought guitar and with his friend holding a small amplifier, played songs including John Lennon’s imagine, a fitting soundtrack for the day’s event.
The diversity of protestors was clearly indicative of the broad swath of Westporters and Americans writ large who want to make their voices heard in opposition to actions they view as a threat to democracy and freedom to hold views contrary to those of the current administration.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
There was a very visible police presence with officers from Fairfield joining Westport PD and police cruisers blocking portions of the area roads. At left, Westport command staff including Chief Foti Koskinas kept a watchful eye on the demonstration. Below, Corporal Jimmy Loomer, Westport PD K-9 officer assists demonstrators moving about the protest.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Hands Off! Mass Mobilization Rally Saturday In Westport May Draw Hundreds
The Westport location of the nationwide Hands Off! movement will take place on Saturday, April 5th at 11:30 AM on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Memorial Bridge in downtown Westport, where rallies have been held for several weeks now to protest recent actions by Trump and Musk which many feel are out of control, from mass layoffs of government workers to program killing cuts to programs ranging from health services to the arts.
Above right, State Senator Ceci Maher who represents Westport and surrounding towns standing (left) with former State Senator Will Haskell at a recent rally on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen bridge. Photo By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com
National news outlets have reported that up to 1,000 rallies will be held from small towns to major cites like NYC and Washington. Registrations have been ongoing for a few weeks on sites like Mobilize.US HandsOff where additional information can be found.
Local activist Bean Corcoran, who has organized rallies at the bridge recently told WestportLocalPress there have been more than 850 registered to attend and she has raised the capacity to 1,000, but possible rain may curb attendance, although the day will be mild with temps nearing 50º.
State Senator Ceci Maher issued a press release yesterday on cancellation of grants to CT organizations including one to the Weston Historical Society. Maher's office said, " Today, State Senator Ceci Maher (D-Wilton) issued the following statement in response to the cancellation of a $25,000 federal grant committed to the Weston Historical Society in December by Elon Musk's DOGE this week, part of a larger $3 million cancellation of grants awarded and then rescinded across Connecticut by that body", adding, "The $25,000 was meant to support "Weston at Work," a permanent exhibit in town that would focus on Weston's industrial history and marginalized groups in its history."
It seems no dollar figure is too small to escape DOGE cuts, which have been widely criticized and have prompted a nationwide backlash.
A comprehensive report on these activities appears on Spectrum News 1.
Y's Men Of Westport/Weston Host Congressman Jim Himes Town Hall
The Y's Men of Westport-Weston an organization of more than 500 retired and semi retired men from the greater Westport area which has hosted events featuring important figures in the state, ranging from Governor Ned Lamont to UCONN Women's Basketball Coach Geno Auriemma, hosted Congressman Jim Himes on on Thursday morning.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com. Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
A capacity crowd at Saugatuck Congregational await the start of the town hall event with Congressman Jim Himes.
Himes, who has represented the 4th Congressional District since 2009, recently appeared at a special town hall meeting that followed the group's weekly gathering at Saugatuck Congregational Church's Hoskins Hall. The venue was filled to capacity, with standing room only for the approximately 200 audience members who were eager to hear Congressman Himes' insightful views on a variety of pressing issues currently facing the nation. This interest comes at a particularly turbulent time on the national stage, largely due to a multitude of actions being undertaken by the Trump administration, as well as the notable activities surrounding figures such as Elon Musk and the so-called DOGE initiative which Musk either is or is not directing, depending on whom you ask and when.
The Congressman began by addressing the issue of tariffs, emphasizing that the impending tariffs set to take effect in April could have significant economic repercussions. He clarified a common misconception that countries of origin are responsible for paying these tariffs; in reality, it is the importer and ultimately the consumer who will absorb the costs, likely leading to inflationary pressures. He then shifted focus to the evolving international landscape, criticizing the current administration's apparent pivot away from traditional allies and its stance on supporting Ukraine, suggesting a concerning alignment with autocratic leaders such as Putin. While he expressed discontent with certain positions taken by both the Trump and Biden administrations, his comments highlighted a broader unease regarding the United States' foreign policy direction.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com. Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Prior to the start of the event audience members rose and were led in the Pledge Of Allegiance.
Opening remarks were given by Y's Men including (l. to r.), former President John Brandt, current President E.Bruce Borner, Carleen Walker, wife of Y’s Men's Bob Walker, Ron Holz and Westport former First Selectman Jim Marpe, who introduced the Congressman.
The Congressman thoughtfully opined upon the ongoing and complex Israel-Gaza situation, and he spoke at some length about the crucial balance of power that exists between the three branches of government, which he expressed as a matter of great concern. He highlighted the challenges that the current administration clearly faces, particularly with its apparent disregard for the courts as evidenced by recent ongoing legal cases. He articulated his worry that the administration may indeed choose to overlook court rulings that could potentially interfere with their broader agenda. In making his point, he mentioned President Andrew Jackson, who famously disregarded the Supreme Court ruling in Worcester v. Georgia, and who reportedly said, "John Marshall has made his decision, now let him enforce it," a response that many historians consider likely apocryphal. He added that while there is not currently a constitutional crisis, one could be on the horizon, emphasizing that he adamantly believes, "we cannot allow ourselves to slip into a country where the laws and the rules only apply to the other side." Furthermore, he demonstrated an even-handed viewpoint as he discussed his controversial sanction of Congressman Al Green for his outburst during Trump’s joint congressional address, which, notably, drew strong condemnation from many of his Democratic colleagues both in the House and in the Senate.
Following his remarks which drew loud applause, Himes responded to questions from several audience members, beginning with the impact of the new administration's restructuring of the intelligence community. He addressed the concerns surrounding the "Five Eyes" alliance, composed of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Himes emphasized the importance of maintaining strong partnerships and aligning intelligence-sharing protocols to ensure collective security. He acknowledged that any changes in the intelligence framework could raise valid apprehensions among allies, but he expressed confidence that collaborative efforts would continue to adapt to evolving global threats.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com. Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Other questions included his perspective on Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer's recent vote concerning the recently passed budget resolution, which has garnered significant attention. He elaborated on the notable shortcomings associated with DOGE, as well as his views on Kash Patel and Tulsi Gabbard and their potential negative impact on the security posture of The United States. These discussions were specifically related to their actions, particularly in context with the Department of Energy and the Veterans Affairs Department—issues that were of special concern to the multiple veterans present in the audience.
The full 50 minute video of this important town hall is available on the Y's Men Of Westport/Weston Vimeo Channel: Jim Himes Town Hall
Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge To Again Be The Site Of Protest On Saturday, March 22nd
Above, scenes from the March 9th, 2025 rally on International Women’s Day on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Memorial Bridge in Westport. Photos by J.C. Martin for WestportLocalPress.
Tomorrow, March 22, another protest rally will again be held on "The Bridge", organized again by Bean Corcoran of Weston, who planned the recent International Women's Day march held on March 9th (Westport Local Press: Women's Day March) beginning at 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM. Ms. Corcroan is again promoting the event through WomensMarch.com and is encouraging everyone to bring signs protesting fascism, authoritarianism, oligarchy, support for first amendment rights, Stand with Ukraine, etc.
Ms Corcoran plans to host these rallies each Saturday at 11:00 AM, telling WestportLocalPress, "...we’re going to band together to lift each other up! It’s going to be a long 4 years & we’ll be on the RSC Bridge for the long haul, speaking our truth & defending justice & equality everywhere!"