You’re Invited: Hot Coffee And Hot Cars This Saturday Morning At Interstate Lumber’s Westport Design Center
The Interstate Lumber Westport Design Center, 800 Post Road East, the area’s premier showroom for high end and luxury products for building or remodeling your dream home will be hosting “Coffee & Cars” at their Design Center on Saturday May 10th from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
The WDC staff has numerous auto enthusiasts who have partnered with the Ridgefield Motor Club and The Auto Spa of Fairfield to present some of Fairfield County’s finest classic, vintage and late model exotic automobiles for car aficionados and admirers. All are welcome to visit and enjoy coffee, espresso, craft beverages and pastries served by Caffé Bon’s mobile coffee house.
An array of exceptional motorcars will be on hand for up-close and personal viewing, including new and legacy American Muscle Cars like the 800 BHP Dodge Hellcat, which does 0-60 MPH in 3.6 seconds. 1960's legends such as the 435 BHP '67 Tri-power Corvette, and two vaunted SS 396 Chevelles. See Chevrolet's flagship supercar, the 2025 Corvette C8 Z06 which delivers 670 BHP from a 5.5 liter V8 and has a starting price of more than $110,000.
Also registered to be on hand is a vintage Porsche 928 and a serious showstopper, The Porsche 911 Carrera GTS T-Hybrid, 541 hp engine and a top speed of 194 mph. It accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 2.9 seconds with the Sport Chrono Package. The T-Hybrid system uses a 1.9 kWh battery and an electric motor to assist the turbocharger.
Photos of 2024 Cars & Coffee By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Above, Interstate Lumber CEO Sheldon Kahan with one of the exotic sports cars at last year’s Cars & Coffee.
Guests are invited to also visit the Design Center and see some of the finest in luxury building products, specialty doors and windows and their huge selection of high end home design hardware and accessories. Design Center Manager Frank Bowron said, “The dramatic way we display our products at the IDC is similar to what you might find on the showroom floor of a high-end auto dealer. Just like you'd need to take a car for a test drive, you'll need to visit the Westport IDC to imagine yourself in your new home.”
Daffodil Days Are Over And They Were Beautiful
The breathtaking daffodil field in nearby Redding is a destination for hundreds each April.
We always look forward to the arrival of the beautiful, mostly yellow blooms which are ubiquitous in our area, especially those in front of Willowbrook Cemetery on Main St just south of the Merritt Parkway (see our Wonderful Willowbrook story) and everywhere in front of the beautiful homes of Westport. The daffodil, which has the botanical name Narcissus, is a favorite among local gardeners. While most are yellow, There are more than 27,000 cultivated varieties including white-petalled Narcissus poeticus and the orange and salmon-colored variety.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com
Almost surprisingly, the daffodil, the most visible sign of the beginning of spring, is not the state flower in any of the 50 states. It is, however, national flower of Wales. The flower is worn traditionally in Wales on St. David's Day, the first day of March to celebrate the Welch patron saint, David. David lived in the sixth century and was known for having founded a large monastery in western Wales.
The UK is the worlds largest grower of the flower. Learn more at History Of Daffodils. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/discover/history/gardens-landscapes/history-of-daffodils
One of the places in our area where the daffodil show is simply spectacular is at 70 Cross Highway in Redding where these photos were taken in late April. The beautiful field blooms each spring with an estimated 50,000 daffodils, creating a stunning sea of yellow that serves as a testament to a love story which endured for over six decades. No matter where you point your camera/phone you get a beautiful photo. Even the bluebird sitting on a branch overlooking the scene must be impressed.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The cherished field was the home of Bud McQuade a teacher at Redding's Joel Barlow High School for many years. Each year Bud would plant more and more bulbs as a tribute to his beloved wife Florence who adored them.
After Florence's passing, Bud dedicated his time to nurturing and expanding the daffodil patch, continuing this labor of love until his own death in 2019 at 103 years old.
Following Bud's passing, concerns arose that the field might be lost to development. However, his neighbor, Stacey Steinmetz, stepped in to purchase the property, ensuring that the daffodils would continue to bloom and that the profound message of enduring love would remain a vibrant part of the community. Hundreds of families visit the site each year walking the paths and taking family photos of their one of a kind experience.
Overlooking the field is a vibrant Magnolia tree which is almost as eye-catching as the sea of flowers at its base.
At Least It's Not Blue Anymore!
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com
The notorious "Blue House" at 233 Hillspoint Rd., so named because for longer than we can remember it sat there, draped in Blueskin vapor barrier for what seems like years. The home which may qualify to be the longest home construction project in Westport history was once a quaint beachfront restaurant, Positano as well as others through the years. When Positano closed, the site was purchased and the nightmare for neighborhood residents began, with years of legal wrangling, zoning violations, a cease and desist order, appeals, fines, a lawsuit from the neighbors and pretty much the gamut of what a construction project gone bad can experience.
That owner finally gave up and the property was purchased by Summit Saugatuck in early 2024 for $4.5 Million, the fines totaling nearly $36,000 were paid, and construction continued, albeit at a snail's pace.
The neighbors may find some solace in not getting "the blues" as they drive by each day, however as we approach the 1-1/2 year mark since construction was re-started there is little apparent evidence that this house will be finished any time soon. The interior appears from the outside to just be studs and the exterior still is not completed.
But hey, at least its not blue anymore!
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.