Y's Men Of Westport/Weston Host Congressman Jim Himes Town Hall
The Y's Men of Westport-Weston an organization of more than 500 retired and semi retired men from the greater Westport area which has hosted events featuring important figures in the state, ranging from Governor Ned Lamont to UCONN Women's Basketball Coach Geno Auriemma, hosted Congressman Jim Himes on on Thursday morning.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com. Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
A capacity crowd at Saugatuck Congregational await the start of the town hall event with Congressman Jim Himes.
Himes, who has represented the 4th Congressional District since 2009, recently appeared at a special town hall meeting that followed the group's weekly gathering at Saugatuck Congregational Church's Hoskins Hall. The venue was filled to capacity, with standing room only for the approximately 200 audience members who were eager to hear Congressman Himes' insightful views on a variety of pressing issues currently facing the nation. This interest comes at a particularly turbulent time on the national stage, largely due to a multitude of actions being undertaken by the Trump administration, as well as the notable activities surrounding figures such as Elon Musk and the so-called DOGE initiative which Musk either is or is not directing, depending on whom you ask and when.
The Congressman began by addressing the issue of tariffs, emphasizing that the impending tariffs set to take effect in April could have significant economic repercussions. He clarified a common misconception that countries of origin are responsible for paying these tariffs; in reality, it is the importer and ultimately the consumer who will absorb the costs, likely leading to inflationary pressures. He then shifted focus to the evolving international landscape, criticizing the current administration's apparent pivot away from traditional allies and its stance on supporting Ukraine, suggesting a concerning alignment with autocratic leaders such as Putin. While he expressed discontent with certain positions taken by both the Trump and Biden administrations, his comments highlighted a broader unease regarding the United States' foreign policy direction.
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Prior to the start of the event audience members rose and were led in the Pledge Of Allegiance.
Opening remarks were given by Y's Men including (l. to r.), former President John Brandt, current President E.Bruce Borner, Carleen Walker, wife of Y’s Men's Bob Walker, Ron Holz and Westport former First Selectman Jim Marpe, who introduced the Congressman.
The Congressman thoughtfully opined upon the ongoing and complex Israel-Gaza situation, and he spoke at some length about the crucial balance of power that exists between the three branches of government, which he expressed as a matter of great concern. He highlighted the challenges that the current administration clearly faces, particularly with its apparent disregard for the courts as evidenced by recent ongoing legal cases. He articulated his worry that the administration may indeed choose to overlook court rulings that could potentially interfere with their broader agenda. In making his point, he mentioned President Andrew Jackson, who famously disregarded the Supreme Court ruling in Worcester v. Georgia, and who reportedly said, "John Marshall has made his decision, now let him enforce it," a response that many historians consider likely apocryphal. He added that while there is not currently a constitutional crisis, one could be on the horizon, emphasizing that he adamantly believes, "we cannot allow ourselves to slip into a country where the laws and the rules only apply to the other side." Furthermore, he demonstrated an even-handed viewpoint as he discussed his controversial sanction of Congressman Al Green for his outburst during Trump’s joint congressional address, which, notably, drew strong condemnation from many of his Democratic colleagues both in the House and in the Senate.
Following his remarks which drew loud applause, Himes responded to questions from several audience members, beginning with the impact of the new administration's restructuring of the intelligence community. He addressed the concerns surrounding the "Five Eyes" alliance, composed of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Himes emphasized the importance of maintaining strong partnerships and aligning intelligence-sharing protocols to ensure collective security. He acknowledged that any changes in the intelligence framework could raise valid apprehensions among allies, but he expressed confidence that collaborative efforts would continue to adapt to evolving global threats.
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Other questions included his perspective on Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer's recent vote concerning the recently passed budget resolution, which has garnered significant attention. He elaborated on the notable shortcomings associated with DOGE, as well as his views on Kash Patel and Tulsi Gabbard and their potential negative impact on the security posture of The United States. These discussions were specifically related to their actions, particularly in context with the Department of Energy and the Veterans Affairs Department—issues that were of special concern to the multiple veterans present in the audience.
The full 50 minute video of this important town hall is available on the Y's Men Of Westport/Weston Vimeo Channel: Jim Himes Town Hall
Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge To Again Be The Site Of Protest On Saturday, March 22nd
Above, scenes from the March 9th, 2025 rally on International Women’s Day on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Memorial Bridge in Westport. Photos by J.C. Martin for WestportLocalPress.
Tomorrow, March 22, another protest rally will again be held on "The Bridge", organized again by Bean Corcoran of Weston, who planned the recent International Women's Day march held on March 9th (Westport Local Press: Women's Day March) beginning at 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM. Ms. Corcroan is again promoting the event through WomensMarch.com and is encouraging everyone to bring signs protesting fascism, authoritarianism, oligarchy, support for first amendment rights, Stand with Ukraine, etc.
Ms Corcoran plans to host these rallies each Saturday at 11:00 AM, telling WestportLocalPress, "...we’re going to band together to lift each other up! It’s going to be a long 4 years & we’ll be on the RSC Bridge for the long haul, speaking our truth & defending justice & equality everywhere!"
"Words From The Front" Live Reading At Westport Community Theatre Starkly Illustrates Ukraine War
On Friday, March 7th, a live reading of "Words From The Front" was presented to an audience of about 60 people at the Westport Community Theatre at Westport Town Hall.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com
"WORDS FROM THE FRONT," a poignant new work by local playwright Nancy A. Herman and co-writer Lynda Sorensen, delves into the very personal and immediate impact of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Drawing upon an extensive collection of real-time messages exchanged between Herman and her Russian friends, the piece captures the evolving narrative of the war through the lens of personal experiences. It also uniquely interweaves the story of Herman's daughter, Olivia, who connects with her birth cousin, Andrey, a Ukrainian soldier. Their communication, facilitated by Google Translate, reflects the harrowing realities of displacement and conflict as Andrey transitions from seeking shelter for his family to taking up arms. This innovative play serves not only as a chronicle of friendship and family but as a powerful commentary on the human cost of war.
The audience settled in to watch the performance, and as it began, they were transported to Ukraine, listening intently as the moving exchanges of text and video messaging revealed the stark realities of the three-year-long war. Each scene unfolded with poignant stories, capturing the harrowing experiences of soldiers on the front lines and the heart-wrenching impact on their families and friends back home. The emotional weight of the narratives created a palpable sense of empathy in the theater, as those witnessing the performance connected with the raw suffering and resilience of individuals grappling with the horrors of conflict. The haunting images and personal testimonies resonated deeply, leaving the audience reflecting on the profound consequences of war on human lives.
Words from the Front (WFTF) was conceived in February 2022, in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Since the conflict began, the authors have made several adjustments to the original text to reflect the rapidly evolving situation, including significant events such as the death of Alexey Navalny and the attempted coup by the Wagner Group. From the initial performances, the authors had hoped that WFTF would soon become a "period piece," a reflection of a bygone era following a return to peace in the region. Unfortunately, this has yet to materialize. The authors were influenced by ongoing turmoil and unprecedented challenges we face in our own country which now compel them to reevaluate WFTF in the context of our changing realities. They grapple with complex questions: What does it mean to advocate for peace in Ukraine when our own government appears to be undermining Ukrainian interests? What does it signify to champion democracy in Ukraine while our own freedoms feel increasingly threatened? Although these questions extend beyond the original scope of WFTF, the authors invited the audience to remain after the performance for a discussion on these pressing issues.
Above (l. to r.) Program cover artwork, two members of the audience, Westport Artist Mark Yurkiw who has worked tirelessly to advocate for and to gather resources to send the the war-torn nation, including Westport’s sister city, Lyman, and Katya Wauchope, President of Ukraine Aid International, a Westport-based non-profit that provides humanitarian aid to the Ukrainian frontline communities. Next, author Nancy A. Herman introduces the audience to the details of the reading about to be performed. Westport Community Theatre Director Sam Mink speaks to the audience at the conclusion of the event.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge.
More About Words From The Front: The word-for-word exchanges presented in Words from the Front illuminate the dismay and fear of my Russian friends, affected by the war, in contrast to Andrey's courage and optimism as he fights to defend his country and protect his family. Our performance piece also includes a video of my interview with a Ukrainian couple living in Connecticut, whose son Stas is fighting for Ukraine. In addition, a slide show containing original photos and footage runs throughout. ""WORDS FROM THE FRONT" is a theatrical work by local playwright Nancy A. Herman and co-writer Lynda Sorensen, drawing from a real-life collection of messages exchanged between Herman and her Russian friends throughout the ongoing conflict. These digital conversations, which began with the onset of the invasion, capture the profound dismay and fear experienced by those in Russia as they navigate the turmoil. In a parallel narrative, the piece showcases the correspondence between Herman's daughter Olivia, who was adopted from Russia, and her birth cousin Andrey, a soldier in Ukraine. Their exchanges highlight Andrey's courage and determination to defend his homeland while providing a window into the conflicting emotions of individuals impacted by the war. Additionally, the performance includes a video interview with a Ukrainian couple residing in Connecticut, whose son Stas is actively fighting for Ukraine, along with a slideshow of original photos and footage that enrich the narrative. This multi-faceted presentation brings to light the human experience amid conflict, offering audiences a deeper understanding of the war's personal ramifications.
WCT Director Mink hands out sunflowers to the cast at the conclusion of the performance. As we have learned, the sunflower is the national flower of Ukraine and Ukrainians have a deep-rooted appreciation for flowers, which are an integral part of their cultural identity. Also, the sunflower is a major source of income for the nation which exports an average of 4 million tons of sunflower oil each year, nearly one half of the entire world’s production.
The cast of Words From The Front: Front row: Jacquie Carlsen, Leslie Jones, Katelyn Ferrari, Nancy A. Herman, Lynda Sorensen. Back row: Mark Yurkiw, David Donnelly, Richard Warren, Geoffrey Byrne, Joel Hagan, Matt Simmons. Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com
Hundreds Crowd Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge For International Women's Day March Saturday
Protesters numbering nearly 400 gathered in Westport on Saturday for a rally drawing attention to a variety of issues, most of which had the Trump administration as a common demoninator.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Among the group of protestors were, (row 2, left) current State Senator Ceci Maher of the 26 district, which includes Westport standing next to the man she replaced, which most Westporters will recognize, former State Senator Will Haskell, who represented the district from 2019 to 2023 as the youngest State Senator in the country during that time period. He defeated an established Republican candidate in a somewhat surprising victory, flipping one of the most entrenched seats in the Connecticut state Senate from red to blue, and went on to be re-elected. He chose not to run for a third term, choosing to attend law school and had graduating magma cum laude from Georgetown University in 2018.
Organizer Bean Corcoran told Westport Local Press, “I organized the International Women’s Day rally on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge … through the Women’s March group. I had 259 people signed up & we counted 375 people on both sides of the bridge.” People began arriving before 11:00 AM, the start time, and by 11:30 or so, the crowd had swelled to at least 375 or more before it concluded about 1:00 PM.
A rare moment when the bridge was not filled with traffic. The souds of the cheering of the crowd was echoed by the near constant sound of honking horns, encouraged by the demonstrators
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The signs, as always for these rallies and demonstrations, were creative and imaginative, and addressed a multitude of issues of concern to the demonstrators. Organizer Corcoran tole Westport Local Press, “It was an emotional day for many of us to have gathered together in unity against fascism, the current administration & the ideas behind DEIA being used as a cudgel in our current political climate.”
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At left, a Basset Hound appears forlorn, perhaps concerned about the future, or perhaps wondering why folks stopped giving him treats. Some of the demonstrators reprised signs they had held onto since the first Trump inauguraton. At right, three women dug through their closets and found the hand crocheted “pussyhats” that were first worn by the thousands at demonstrations in 2017 in Washington D.C., and across the country to protest the 2016 election. Jayna Zweiman and Krista Suh co-created and co-founded Pussyhat Project in November 2016.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Every topic currently under discussion was represented at Saturday’s rally from Medicaid, Medicare and Social Security potential cuts being executed by DOGE, to long-time issues of contention such as abortion and climate change, to what many here see as the assault upon democracy and the rise of an oligarchy led by Musk and the administration.
The only thing that drew attention from the yelling of the protesters were the blaring of car horns. One semi drive hauling Pepsi joined in the cacophony prompting one person to comment, maybe it’s because Trump is known to prefer Coke and not Pepsi..
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The line of protestors stretched nearly across the entire Ruth Steinkraus Cohen bridge.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Many drivers crossing the bridge showed their enthusiastic support as they saw the stream of messaging, by sound their horns, waving, smiling and giving gestures of support. There were a couple here and there who were just as clear in expressing their disapproval.