Fire Department: Tire Strikes Car on I-95, “shearing off” Car’s Roof
Press ReleaseWestport Fire Companies from Saugatuck Station 4 and Headquarters responded to a reported motor vehicle crash on Interstate 95 south between exits 17 and 16 at 3:11am. Engine 4 arrived and found a single vehicle accident in the left lane. Engine 4 reported the occupant was trapped and would require extrication. Companies utilized extrication equipment to free the trapped occupant. Westport EMS transported the occupant to an area hospital with unknown injuries.
CT State Police determined that an errant tire from an unknown vehicle had struck the moving car, shearing off most of the car’s roof. The accident is under investigation by the CT State Police.
Chamber of Commerce Announces First Citizen Award Recipients
Press ReleaseThe Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that Charlie Haberstroh, Founder and CEO of CastleKeep Investment Advisors, and Bill Harmer, Executive Director of the Westport Library will be this year’s First Citizen Award recipients. This is the return of the First Citizen Award gala dinner since the pandemic.
“We have selected a fine and admirable mix of awardees this year,” said Matthew Mandell, Executive Director of the Chamber. “Each year the board looks for one nonprofit and one traditional businessperson and these dedicated individuals stood out and represent what is best in our town for their work ethic, generosity and how they approach business.”
“It is a distinct honor to be recognized by a community that has given my family so much since we moved here in 1990. Whether it's long nights on the baseball fields, picturesque sunsets at Compo Beach or digging out of the sand hazards at the Longshore golf course, I cherish the many memories and experiences in Westport,” said Charlie Haberstroh. Since I founded my investment advisory firm in 2000, I've also had the privilege of giving back to the community through public service. I was inspired to do so by my wife and by Bill Meyer who also inspired many who continue to serve Westport.”
“I am deeply humbled and moved by this recognition by my friends at the Chamber of Commerce for frankly doing work that I absolutely love and am extremely passionate about,” said Bill Harmer. “Thanks also to my staff and our Board of Trustees who consistently support our vision and allow me to be a part of this magnificent place we call Westport and the Westport Library.”
The keynote speaker this year will be Richard Blumenthal, Senior U.S. Senator from the State of Connecticut, having previously served as the State’s Attorney General.
Also receiving awards will be four “Young Entrepreneurs,” Marley Brown, Akhila Kooma, Addison Moore and Jamie Semaya seniors from Weston and Staples High Schools, for their efforts in creating new and intriguing business ventures.
“What a wonderful group of innovative kids, they truly embody the entrepreneurial spirit,” said Barbara Reynolds Chairman of the Board of the Chamber. “They have executed at a higher level and deserve these accolades. Congratulations to all.”
The gala dinner is to be held on Thursday June 8th at Branson Hall. Tickets for the evening, including cocktail hour, dinner and presentations are available through the chamber and cost $125 per person. Tables of 10 are also available. Congratulations in the commemorative book are also available for purchase. Information can be found at
30 Minutes North: Redding’s Mark Twain Library Announces “Frog Frolic” on May 6th
The Mark Twain Library is excited to bring back live music, food trucks, a beer tent and a Silent Auction in the annual Frog Frolic Festival on Saturday, May 6th, 2023. This special day for all ages has been a tradition for more than two decades and kicks off the spring season for the entire community. The library revived the outdoor fundraiser last year (it had to hibernate during the height of the pandemic) by adding live music, food trucks and beer tent in an effort to attract a broader audience.
“We received such amazing feedback about the new elements we added to this long-standing tradition,” said festival chair Melissa Capezio. “We wanted to make it an event where everyone in the community could come together to have a great time, no matter their age or life stage. We've got amazing performances planned, fab food and beverage offerings, and plenty of fun activities to keep everyone in your crew entertained! It's going to be a really great day!"
This year’s entertainers include Bridgeport-based singer/songerwriter Chris Cavalieri, Redding’s own high school rock group VooDoo Dream, folk music sensation Hitch and the Giddy Up and the Country/Americana group North County.
A variety of tastes from a mix of food trucks will be available for purchase, including: spanish flavors from Artisan Food Trailer, sweet treats from All Belgium waffle truck, paella from Redding’s own Salas Foods, polish classics from family owned Colossal Kielbasa and every kid’s favorite from 900 Degrees Pizza Truck. A beer tent will once again offer adult beverages from local brewer Nod Hill as well as Ancona’s Wines and Liquors. Plus, Redding-based Quartertone Coffee is back, this year with a trailer!
The spirit behind the Frog Frolic is the much-loved short story by Twain, The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County, which introduced the world to the witty voice of Mark Twain. The first Frog Frolic was hatched to raise a few dollars for art supplies for children’s story times and eventually grew to an event that adds considerable revenue to the Library’s bottom line. For the last few decades, the Frog Frolic has provided Redding residents and surrounding towns a place for the whole family to relax, meet friends and enjoy a bit of spring fever. In addition to the expanded features of live music, food trucks and beer tent, the games and activities geared toward children that have been the backbone of this festival from the beginning will be back plus a robust Silent Auction open to any and all to bid online.
Attendees are encouraged to bring a blanket or a chair and stay all day as the entertainment is FREE and will be ongoing throughout the festival. Families, friends (and frogs!) are invited to sit back and listen to the musical vibes as well as view community entertainers including students performing karate with local master Sensei June. New Pond Farm will also host an amphibian booth.
The Frog Frolic relies on the dedication and hard work of many community volunteers as well as the generosity of financial sponsors each year.
"We are so grateful to the Frog Frolic committee, our festival volunteers, and of course our sponsors for making this year's Frolic one you will certainly want to hop on over to," said Library Director Erin Dummeyer.
So far this year, Redding’s Meadow Ridge Retirement Community and the Granite Church have already jumped in to sponsor. Registration for volunteers is open and event coordinators say they could use as many helping hands as possible. Volunteer and sponsorship opportunities can be found by visiting https://www.mtlfrogfrolic.org/
The Frolic takes place outside from 10:00am to 4:00pm and is nestled in front of the Redding Community Center @ 37 Lonetown Road amid Redding’s country roads and rolling hills. The event is FREE of charge to enter. Tickets are on sale on location to participate in the games and crafts and for food items from the concession stand. Food truck fare will be available for purchase. All proceeds benefit the Mark Twain Library. The Mark Twain Library is owned by the Mark Twain Library Association. It was founded in 1908 by Samuel Clemens – Mark Twain himself – one of Redding’s most celebratedresidents.
Morning Weather Report
Today
Sunny, with a high near 61. West wind 10 to 15 mph.
Tonight
Increasing clouds, with a low around 40. North wind 3 to 7 mph.
Tomorrow
Partly sunny, with a high near 69. Calm wind becoming southwest 5 to 8 mph in the afternoon.
Tomorrow Night
Mostly clear, with a low around 50. South wind around 5 mph becoming calm in the evening.