Birdhouse “Rockin’ Robin” by Lou Rolla. Photo by Lorin Klaris

Westport-based Project Return’s 17th Annual Birdhouse Auction featuring more than 160 original birdhouses created by artists from all over the country is set for Friday evening from 7 to 10 at the Rolling Hills Country Club in Wilton.

“Inspiration and originality have conspired with an astonishing variety of materials, including feathers, wood, clay, buttons, vintage records, bicycle parts, and shells, to showcase the vision of each artist,” says Project Return’s Laura Bard. “Some of this year’s designs are quiet and personal, while others are whimsical and sassy.”

Traditional and contemporary and designed for outdoor use or to enhance indoor spaces, all of the birdhouses reflect themes of home and sanctuary, according to Bard.

Project Return serves adolescent girls and young women in crisis through its group home facility and other programs that develop self-esteem, resiliency, and independence. Like birdhouses, the agency provides a safe haven for fledglings not yet prepared to leave the nest, noted Bard.

Chowdafest organizer Jim Keenan (Chief Chowda Head) announced the details of Chowdafest IV at a press conference today at Westport’s Unitarian Church. Present were several representatives of sponsoring local restaurants who are contestants in the “food fight.” The football-themed event is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 4, the day before the Superbowl, at Bedford Middle School from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and will benefit for the Connecticut Food Bank. The cost is $6 for adults, $2 for kids under 12. More information can be found here: chowdafest.org. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Westport Policemen Dave Farrell (l) and Marc Heinmiller are all smiles during a successful turnout of generous people from Westport and neighboring communities who donated toys to the annual Toys for Tots drive in the parking lot of The Athletic Shoe Factory, 1560 Post Road East. The collection continues on Sunday and next weekend between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

An estimated 100 swimmers participated in “24 Hours of Laps,” the Al’s Angels fundraiser that began at 10 a.m. today at the Westport Weston Family Y Stauffer Pool. Al’s Angels founder and Westport resident Al DiGuido said this event raised approximately $50,000. Swimmers of all ages swam as many laps as they could for 30 minutes to raise funds to provide holiday meals and gifts for children and families within the tri-state area suffering from life-threatening illnesses, cancer, rare blood diseases, and severe financial hardship. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com