There was a large turnout tonight for the Westport Historical Society’s “Tomorrow’s History Gala” at Design Within Reach, 154 Post Road East.  The event coincides with the Society’s current exhibit, “06880+50,” a look at how some area architects see Westport 50 years from now. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) WestportNow.com photo

Westport First Selectman Jim Marpe, a Republican seeking a second term in November, was all smiles tonight with his Democratic challenger, Melissa Kane, as they both volunteered as servers at the Westport Historical Society’s “Tomorrow’s History Gala” at Design Within Reach, 154 Post Road East. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Helen Klisser During for WestportNow.com

The Westport Arts Center today announced the appointment of three new members to its board of directors -– (l-r) Sheri Lebowitz, Oliver Pursche, and Leonard Everett Fisher. Lebowitz is the owner of Bespoke Designs, a couture invitation, stationery and celebrations studio in downtown Westport. Pursche has more than 20 years of investment management, capital markets, and corporate leadership experience. Fisher is a renowned and beloved member of the Westport artist community. An announcement said in his new role, Fisher will be focused on helping to bring the Westport Artists Museum, a key component of the Arts Center’s proposed move to Baron’s South, to fruition. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo (Pursche), Xenia Gross for WestportNow.com (Lebowitz, Fisher)

A bombshell New York Times report on decades of sex harassment allegations against Westport movie executive Harvey Weinstein makes no reference to any of his alleged misdeeds occurring here.

Harvey Weinstein (l) at his Westport home in 2012 with Clea Newman, her mother, Joanne Woodward, and President Obama. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

An attorney for Weinstein, 65, threatened to sue the newspaper for its report. Separately, Weinstein issued his own statement apologizing for causing “pain” in the workplace and vowing to improve.

Weinstein has long maintained a home on Westport’s Beachside Avenue next to Burying Hill Beach. He hosted a fundraising event there for President Obama in 2012 and a star-studded wedding in 2007 to British fashion designer Georgiana Chapman.

The Times reported that most of Weinstein’s alleged improprieties occurred in hotels or offices in California, New York, London, and the south of France.

Among the 26 eateries participating in Westport’s annual Restaurant Week (actually two weeks) is The ‘Port, 2A Post Road West in the former National Hall building adjacent to the Saugatuck River. Dining there for lunch today were (l-r) State Sens. Tony Hwang and Toni Boucher, State Rep. Jonathan Steinberg, and Westport-Weston Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Matthew Mandell. They were welcomed by The ‘Port owner Sal Augeri (standing). (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

By James Lomuscio

UPDATE The creeping traffic to the entrance at Westport’s Sherwood Island State Park today seemed to rival Whitestone Bridge toll booth jams on Thanksgiving. So too did the back up along I-95 to Exit 18.

Pike Place Chowder of Seattle, Washington was a popular stop today for Chowdafest guests at Westport’s Sherwood Island State Park. It took first place in last year’s New England chowder category. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

The 10th annual Chowdafest, the brainchild of pitchman Jim Keenan that began humbly at the Unitarian Church in 2007 proved a major regional draw.

In between serving up small cups of bacon flavored tofu chowder in the event’s vegetarian competition, Gus Christman III, chef at The Harvest at Railroad Place, could not believe the turnout.

“They said they sold 10,000 tickets, and they expected another 2,000 at the door,” Christman said, wondering if that estimate were conservative. “I hear 95 is backed up all the way to Norwalk.”