The historic—and revamped—Westport Country Playhouse got rave reviews with a temporary certificate of occupancy issued by the town today. The playhouse, ready to raise the curtain on its 75th Anniversary season, had been closed for more than a year as it underwent extensive renovations. Pictured from left to right are Fire Marshall Fred Baker, Gillian Kaeyer of Turner Construction, and Steve Smith, Buildings Department director. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

If you’ve always had a desire to sample the best of what Westport’s restaurants have to offer but worried about spending the time and money, your opportunity has arrived.

In a first for Westport non-profits, CLASP Homes on Thursday, May 5, is presenting a tasting sampler called “A Taste of Westport.” The 6 p.m. event (5 p.m. if you buy the VIP ticket) at the Westport Inn, 1595 Post Road East, promises to be a gourmet’s delight.

Here is a partial listing of who is going to be offering what:

Tarantino’s Restaurant: whole poached salmon covered with thin slices of cucumber and served wit dill sauce; Rigatoni Vodka, pink cream sauce with onions and smoked bacon.

The Westport Public Library Monday night honored its youth and “Reading to Rover” volunteers. Children’s librarian Lynn Perrigo oversaw the 700 hours of work put in by 67 children.  Frances McCabe and her lab Onyx were one of 10 owner and dog teams who enjoyed many hours listening to children read aloud to them. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Julia Mally for WestportNow.com

A visitor to Westport’s Compo Beach skims the surface of Long Island Sound waters today. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Richard Barnett for WestportNow.com

The National Weather Service said a frost advisory is in effect tonight for the Westport area with temperatures forecast to continue to drop overnight under mostly clear skies and light winds.

Before daybreak Friday, readings are expected to be in the 30s—especially across areas away from the immediate coast, an advisory said.

Due to the recent warm weather, many plants have shown an explosive
green-up and budding and these young plants will be especially susceptible to frost, the statement said.

A frost advisory is issued when frost is expected to develop during the growing season. Those with agricultural interests in the warned area are advised to protect tender vegetation. Also, potted plants normally left outdoors should be covered or brought inside away from the cold, the advisory said.

Preparing for a new Westport Historical Society exhibit “The Folks Back Home” are exhibit chairs Wally Woods and Mollie Donovan. The exhibit, opening May 30, honors the Westport chapter of the American Red Cross. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Andrea Maritzer Fine for WestportNow.com

A visitor enjoys swinging at the Compo Beach playground Wednesday. The summer-like weather—it got up to 84F at Bedford Middle School—had many Westporters heading to the beach (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Emily Laux for WestportNow.com

Ken Paul (l), owner of the Bridgeport Bluefish, showed up at Westport First Selectwoman Diane G. Farrell’s brown bag lunch today along with team mascot BB. Paul said Bluefish games are not just baseball, but affordable family entertainment with the average ticket price $8 and as high as $18; seniors are as low at $3. The Bluefish season begins next week and runs through September. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Matthew Mandell for WestportNow.com

The Westport Historical Society Sunday celebrated the seasonal opening of its Bradley-Wheeler Barn. The unique cobblestone barn houses the Museum of Westport History, including a diorama of the town as it looked toward the end of the 19th Century. Visitors can also enjoy a dramatic and informative audio accompaniment recorded by Joanne Woodward. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Andrea Maritzer Fine for WestportNow.com