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Society in December by Elon Musk's DOGE this week, part of a larger $3 million cancellation of grants awarded and then rescinded across Connecticut by that body", adding, "The $25,000 was meant to support "Weston at Work," a permanent exhibit in town that would focus on Weston's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!"
"Words From The Front" Live Reading At Westport Community Theatre Starkly Illustrates Ukraine War
On Friday, March 7th, a live reading of "Words From The Front" was presented to an audience of about 60 people at the Westport Community Theatre at Westport Town Hall.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com
"WORDS FROM THE FRONT," a poignant new work by local playwright Nancy A. Herman and co-writer Lynda Sorensen, delves into the very personal and immediate impact of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Drawing upon an extensive collection of real-time messages exchanged between Herman and her Russian friends, the piece captures the evolving narrative of the war through the lens of personal experiences. It also uniquely interweaves the story of Herman's daughter, Olivia, who connects with her birth cousin, Andrey, a Ukrainian soldier. Their communication, facilitated by Google Translate, reflects the harrowing realities of displacement and conflict as Andrey transitions from seeking shelter for his family to taking up arms. This innovative play serves not only as a chronicle of friendship and family but as a powerful commentary on the human cost of war.
The audience settled in to watch the performance, and as it began, they were transported to Ukraine, listening intently as the moving exchanges of text and video messaging revealed the stark realities of the three-year-long war. Each scene unfolded with poignant stories, capturing the harrowing experiences of soldiers on the front lines and the heart-wrenching impact on their families and friends back home. The emotional weight of the narratives created a palpable sense of empathy in the theater, as those witnessing the performance connected with the raw suffering and resilience of individuals grappling with the horrors of conflict. The haunting images and personal testimonies resonated deeply, leaving the audience reflecting on the profound consequences of war on human lives.
Words from the Front (WFTF) was conceived in February 2022, in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Since the conflict began, the authors have made several adjustments to the original text to reflect the rapidly evolving situation, including significant events such as the death of Alexey Navalny and the attempted coup by the Wagner Group. From the initial performances, the authors had hoped that WFTF would soon become a "period piece," a reflection of a bygone era following a return to peace in the region. Unfortunately, this has yet to materialize. The authors were influenced by ongoing turmoil and unprecedented challenges we face in our own country which now compel them to reevaluate WFTF in the context of our changing realities. They grapple with complex questions: What does it mean to advocate for peace in Ukraine when our own government appears to be undermining Ukrainian interests? What does it signify to champion democracy in Ukraine while our own freedoms feel increasingly threatened? Although these questions extend beyond the original scope of WFTF, the authors invited the audience to remain after the performance for a discussion on these pressing issues.
Above (l. to r.) Program cover artwork, two members of the audience, Westport Artist Mark Yurkiw who has worked tirelessly to advocate for and to gather resources to send the the war-torn nation, including Westport’s sister city, Lyman, and Katya Wauchope, President of Ukraine Aid International, a Westport-based non-profit that provides humanitarian aid to the Ukrainian frontline communities. Next, author Nancy A. Herman introduces the audience to the details of the reading about to be performed. Westport Community Theatre Director Sam Mink speaks to the audience at the conclusion of the event.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge.
More About Words From The Front: The word-for-word exchanges presented in Words from the Front illuminate the dismay and fear of my Russian friends, affected by the war, in contrast to Andrey's courage and optimism as he fights to defend his country and protect his family. Our performance piece also includes a video of my interview with a Ukrainian couple living in Connecticut, whose son Stas is fighting for Ukraine. In addition, a slide show containing original photos and footage runs throughout. ""WORDS FROM THE FRONT" is a theatrical work by local playwright Nancy A. Herman and co-writer Lynda Sorensen, drawing from a real-life collection of messages exchanged between Herman and her Russian friends throughout the ongoing conflict. These digital conversations, which began with the onset of the invasion, capture the profound dismay and fear experienced by those in Russia as they navigate the turmoil. In a parallel narrative, the piece showcases the correspondence between Herman's daughter Olivia, who was adopted from Russia, and her birth cousin Andrey, a soldier in Ukraine. Their exchanges highlight Andrey's courage and determination to defend his homeland while providing a window into the conflicting emotions of individuals impacted by the war. Additionally, the performance includes a video interview with a Ukrainian couple residing in Connecticut, whose son Stas is actively fighting for Ukraine, along with a slideshow of original photos and footage that enrich the narrative. This multi-faceted presentation brings to light the human experience amid conflict, offering audiences a deeper understanding of the war's personal ramifications.
WCT Director Mink hands out sunflowers to the cast at the conclusion of the performance. As we have learned, the sunflower is the national flower of Ukraine and Ukrainians have a deep-rooted appreciation for flowers, which are an integral part of their cultural identity. Also, the sunflower is a major source of income for the nation which exports an average of 4 million tons of sunflower oil each year, nearly one half of the entire world’s production.
The cast of Words From The Front: Front row: Jacquie Carlsen, Leslie Jones, Katelyn Ferrari, Nancy A. Herman, Lynda Sorensen. Back row: Mark Yurkiw, David Donnelly, Richard Warren, Geoffrey Byrne, Joel Hagan, Matt Simmons. Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com