Sunny Skies And Excited Children Greet Westport-Weston Touch-A-Truck 2025
On Saturday, May 3rd Westport kids had an opportunity to not just look at all kinds of trucks, cranes, earthmoving machines, police cars etc., but to climb onto or into them and give the levers, steering wheels, horns & sirens a workout.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The 18th annual family event, a fundraiser for Westport-Weston Cooperative Nursery School located at 10 Lyons Plain Road in Westport, was graced with beautiful weather, and the predicted showers were nowhere in sight.
Officer Thompson was kept pretty busy as the Westport PD Harley Davidson was a prime attraction. We were confused as to why there was a line at the Westport school bus as it was a Saturday and it seemed an odd place for a line, however it was the cance to take the driver's seat that drew the crowd.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Above, Officer Thompson, Westport’s new Chief Of Police, David Farrell, and Captain Eric Woods
The team of Pete & Chris had a big crowd for their entire show with their great entertainment, magic and comedy and there was live guitarist taking requests.
The Westport-Weston Co-Op Experience tent offered the kids a chance to get their face painted and to express their inner arts & crafts skills.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
No matter the attraction of trucks, Earth movers, the giant crane, police car, motorcycle and Westport Volunteer EMS ambulance, some of the kids were unable to pass up the chance to splash and play in a giant puddle. One little girl was especially enamored, going back and forth over and over and was just delighted to do so.
This year, the lead sponsor was Westport's Interstate Lumber, a fourth generation family business offering premier building products. Interstate operates their lumber yard and their new Design Center, on Post Road East. The Interstate team on hand to give out colorful tie-dye t-shirts to the kids and great advise on products essential for building a Westport Dream Home. The group photo is (L. to R.), Jim Ballis and his wife Angie, Interstate President and CEO Sheldon Kahan and Marketing Director and family fourth generation, Ben Kahan. One youngster takes a turn on Interstate’s new Moffett fork lift which fits snugly into the back of their big-rig flatbed and unloads building products to their home builder customers.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Noah's Ark Moving & Storage had the right idea, using their lift gate to bring kids up to the interior of one of their moving trucks where they could indulge their fantasy of throwing packing peanuts anywhere they want, and popping large sheets of bulb wrap and not having to worry about cleaning up the mess.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
After taking their turns with all the great attractions and entertainment it was time to head to the food trucks for a delicious snack or meal.
One of the longest lines of the day was the for the train which took its passengers for a very cool and exciting ride around the site.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Westport Police Department's New Command Staff Announced
With the announced retirement of long time Westport PD Chief Foti Koskinas, the Westport PD will have an new Command Staff structure. Koskinas has served Westport for 29 years in a variety of roles. He will be succeeded by the current Deputy Chief David Farrell. Also being promoted are are Captain David Wolf to rank of Deputy Chief, joining current Deputy Chief Ryan Paulsson. Lieutenants Eric Woods and Jillian Cabana will become Captain Eric Woods and Captain Jillian Cabana.
About Chief Farrell:
Chief David Farrell began his career with the Westport Police Department as a patrol officer in 2001. He was promoted to Sergeant in 2009 and to Lieutenant in 2012. In 2015, he was appointed Administrative Lieutenant and served as the department’s Public Information Officer. He was promoted to Captain in 2017, during which time he commanded the Patrol Division, Detective Bureau, Professional Standards Division, and Training Division.
In 2021, Chief Farrell was promoted to Deputy Chief, overseeing the budgets for the Police Department, Police Garage, Emergency Medical Services, Railroad Division, and Animal Control. He worked closely with the RTM and First Selectwoman’s Office on the Civilian Review Panel which is now the Civilian Public Safety Departments Review Board. Chief Farrell currently serves as the Director of Emergency Medical Services and the Director of Railroad Operations.
Chief Farrell is a certified Emergency Medical Technician. He has served as a Crisis/Hostage Negotiator with the Southwest Regional Emergency Response Team, a member of the Crisis Intervention Team and was a proud member of the Westport Police Department Honor Guard. He has also held leadership roles within the department’s labor organizations, serving as Vice President of both the Westport Police Union and the Westport Police Benevolent Association.
Chief Farrell volunteered with the Special Olympics, organizing multiple charity fundraisers and the annual Torch Run. Throughout his career, he has received numerous departmental awards, including a Chief’s Commendation, an Honorable Service Award, a Lifesaving Award, and multiple Unit Citations. He was also recognized with a service ribbon for his contributions to the Town of Newtown, CT in 2012, and a leadership pin for his role during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Chief Farrell holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Connecticut. He resides in Fairfield with his wife, Alison, and their two daughters, Olivia and Jocelyn.
Reflecting on his appointment, Farrell shared, “I’m truly honored to step into this role. I’m thankful for the chance to serve as Chief and excited to work with our officers and the Westport community. This town is something special — we’re all about community, looking out for one another, and keeping each other safe. That’s what makes Westport strong, and that’s the kind of spirit I’ll bring to everything we do at the police department.”
About Deputy Chief Wolf:
David Wolf joined the Westport Police Department in 2001. He was a DARE officer, field training officer, emergency medical technician, and certified telecommunicator. Deputy Chief Wolf is a law enforcement instructor and has taught classes in search and seizure, landlord/tenant law, eyewitness identification, in addition to others. He was one of the department’s first crisis intervention officers and in that position helped improve the police response to those struggling with mental health issues. Additionally, Deputy Chief Wolf was a crisis/hostage negotiator and a team leader with the Southwest Regional Emergency Response Team. Deputy Chief Wolf spent many years on the Union’s executive board holding the positions of secretary, treasurer, and vice president.
In 2014, Deputy Chief Wolf was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and worked in the Patrol Division. In 2017, he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and served as a shift commander until 2021. Deputy Chief Wolf then moved to the position of Administrative Lieutenant. In that role, he served as the department’s Public Information Officer. In 2022, he was promoted to the rank of Captain, overseeing the Professional Standards Division. His primary responsibility in that position was to conduct internal affairs investigations, where he worked closely with Westport’s Civilian Public Safety Departments Review Board.
Throughout his distinguished career, Deputy Chief Wolf has been awarded the Chief’s Commendation along with many unit citations. He has consistently maintained a positive, professional approach to law enforcement, and will continue to do so with pride as he takes on the additional responsibility with this new role in the Westport Police Department.
Deputy Chief Wolf graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Franklin and Marshall College and received his Juris Doctor from UCONN Law. He is married and has five children, as well as a one-year-old granddaughter.
About Captain Woods:
Eric Woods began his career with the Westport Police Department in 2001.
In 2009, after demonstrating exemplary leadership and tactical skills, Captain Woods was promoted to the rank of Sergeant. In this role, he supervised patrol operations and played a role in mentoring younger officers and maintaining operational readiness. His continued growth and strong performance led to his promotion to Lieutenant in 2013.
In 2017, Captain Woods was assigned to the Detective Bureau, where he oversaw complex investigations and worked with local, state, and federal partners. His work in this capacity earned him a reputation for thoroughness, strategic thinking, and a steadfast commitment to justice.
In 2022, he was appointed Administrative Lieutenant, where he took on the responsibility for the internal operations of the department. In this role, he managed departmental logistics, advanced the digital footprint of Westport Police Department records requests, and oversaw critical administrative functions.
Over the past two decades, Captain Woods has remained a dedicated public servant, known for his professionalism, leadership, and connection to the Westport community. He has served the department and Westport with unwavering dedication, professionalism, and a strong commitment to public safety.
Captain Woods graduated from the University of South Carolina with a B.S. in Criminal Justice. He lives in Milford with his wife, Sarah, and their three children.
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About Captain Cabana:
Jillian Cabana is a 19-year veteran of the department, joining in 2006. Captain Cabana was promoted to detective in August 2009, to sergeant in January 2013, and to lieutenant in 2014. Since her promotion to lieutenant, she has served in several key roles, including Administrative Lieutenant, Patrol Shift Commander, and most recently, Commander of the Detective Bureau. Captain Cabana also served as an executive board member of the Westport PBA and Westport Police Union.
During her career, Captain Cabana has received several awards, including the Meritorious Service Award, Honorable Police Service, Investigator’s Award, Community Service Award, and multiple Unit Citations. She has also been recognized with awards from the DEA, U.S. Attorney’s Office, Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence, and the Domestic Violence Crisis Center, where she served on the Board of Directors.
Captain Cabana has displayed leadership, compassion, and integrity throughout her law enforcement career. She is a committed law enforcement professional, continually demonstrating steadfast dedication and caring for the public she is entrusted to protect.
Captain Cabana is a graduate of the University of New Haven with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice. She holds a master’s degree from Southern New Hampshire University in Justice Studies, as well as a Graduate Certificate in Public Administration. She resides in Trumbull with her two children.
You're Invited: The 18th Annual Westport-Weston Touch-A-Truck On Saturday May 3rd
Photos from 2024 Touch-A-Truck by J.C. Martin for Westport Local Press.
Come and see up close, everything from fire trucks and a Westport EMS ambulance, police cars, heavy duty cranes. There will be dump trucks, big rigs, and much more for children of all ages, including the grown-up ones to climb on and inspect. The lot will be bustling with family-friendly activities, including magicians, craft stations, face painting, a variety of food trucks, and live music to entertain all ages.
For those those who are uncomfortable in noisy environments, from 9:00 am to 9:30 am will be the event's quiet hour ensuring a serene environment free of sirens or horns. This event promises to be an exciting and inclusive experience for everyone.
The event begins at 9:00 AM and runs until 1:30PM.
About The Westport-Weston Cooperative Nursery School:
From their website: We are a NAEYC-accredited, nature-certified preschool focused on play-based learning. Located in Fairfield county, The Co-op offers part-day preschool programs for children ages 1 - 5. Our approach integrates the Bank Street philosophy, emphasizing self-discovery and hands-on learning. We believe in the power of play, creating a safe space where children can explore and grow. We are proud to be NAEYC-accredited and have a Certified Nature Explore Classroom, reflecting our commitment to high-quality early childhood education and a nurturing environment for all children.
2025 Touch-A-Truck lead sponsor, Interstate Lumber, 760 Post Rd East & Interstate Design Center, 800 Post Road East, Westport, CT, 06880
Flowering Pear Trees Add To The Spring Sparkle In Downtown Westport
Photos by J.C. Martin For Westport Local Press.
Ornamental Flowering Pear Trees, bring a beautiful spring scene each year to the Saugatuck Riverwalk, the corner of Main and Elm streets and other Westport locations and are frequently seen at many homes in town. They are known for their striking upright, pyramidal shape and abundant white blooms that grace the landscape in early spring.
This cultivar is a top choice among urban planners and landscapers due to its year-round appeal; its glossy green leaves transform into vibrant red and purple hues in the fall, providing additional seasonal interest. The narrow growth habit of varietal makes it particularly suitable for street plantings, avenues, and compact gardens.
This beautiful specimen was probably chosen for these downtown locations as well as others as they are perfect for environments where space is at a premium, allowing it to thrive in a variety of settings while adding beauty and elegance to the environment.
Oystercatcher Pair Returns Again to Compo's South Beach
The Oystercatchers pair which has nested at Compo Beach for the last few years (at least we think they are the same) have returned and will hopefully successfully breed and have young as they have in the past. They are protected by a wire fence erected by CT Audubon and CT DEEP. The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection encourages people to share the shore with migratory birds by limiting disturbance to feeding and resting shorebird flocks. Keeping kids, kites, and bicycles away from the protected area, as well as not fishing near where they are searching for food will help a great deal to help these birds be safe and hopefully raise a little family. Migratory shorebirds are protected by Federal law. If you observe anyone disturbing them, please contact CT Audubon: 203 259-6305 ext 119, smartin@ctaudubon.org, or CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection: 860-424-3000.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Wonderful Willowbrook's Spectacular Spring Flower Show
This couple takes their little ones for a ride past "Daffodil Mile" at Willowbrook Cemetery. The blooms are faded now, but last week they were at peak, providing a very special scene at 395 Main St in Westport, just south of the Merritt Parkway.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Historic Willowbrook Cemetery, established in 1847 by several local farmers and businessmen is an important part of the town's history, with many town founding fathers buried here. To many locals and visitors who pass by each day in mid-April it is home to the spectacular display of daffodils which has come to be known as "Daffodil Mile".
The "Mile" is a favorite location for passers-by photographing themselves, and their friends. Willowbrook's beautiful grounds which feature specimen trees and shrubs can be enjoyed anytime, especially in spring.
There are more than 25,000 daffodils throughout the grounds however most people only see the massive linear display which borders the pond and stream alongside Main Street/Route 57. Part of the beauty of this Westport gem can be attributed to possibly the most well known landscape architect of all time, Frederick Law Olmstead known as the “Father of American Landscape Architecture”, who as many will know, is the architect of San Francisco's Golden Gate Park and of course, New York's Central Park.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Olmstead who also worked on Bridgeport's Beardsley Park came on board when he met Willowbrook's founder, Ambrose Hurlbutt while working on Hurlbutt's friend Morris Ketchum's Westport property today known as Hockanum Park.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
One of Willowbrook's living residents is a pair of Mallards which can usually be found enjoying the safe space afforded by the lovely brook which flows alongside Daffodil Mile" On this day, the hen was absent, but she is often there, swimming alongside the drake.
For more on the interesting history and property visit the history tab at WillowbrookCemetery.com
Terrain Celebrates Spring With Festival On Sunday April 27th
Always a favorite place to shop, Terrain Westport is beautifully decorated to welcome spring.
Terrain is celebrating spring with their annual Dig in the Spring Festival on Sunday August 27th from 11am-4pm.
Join us in ushering in the season with local vendors, live music and outdoor planter demonstrations.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Westport's favorite home and garden store is full of fresh ideas for the spring season. From diverse native plants, handpicked planters, all-weather furniture to seasonal decor elements, outdoor lighting and gifts, their product assortment is curated to find beauty in natural imperfection and to enhance a life lived outdoor and in.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
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