<p class="ql-align-center"><br></p><p>Westport, CT - Among other storytelling mediums, books offer an extraordinary immersive experience, comparable to the joy of traveling to a new destination or engaging with a friend. Despite the solitude of reading, the act of getting lost in a good book is an enduring force of imagination that brings communities together to discuss, debate, and delight in its wonder.<a href="https://catalog.westportlibrary.org/polaris/search/searchresults.aspx?ctx=1.1033.0.0.1&amp;type=Keyword&amp;term=in%20the%20distance%20hernan%20diaz&amp;by=KW&amp;sort=RELEVANCE&amp;limit=TOM=*&amp;query=&amp;page=0&amp;searchid=3" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);"><em>In the Distance</em></a>&nbsp;by Pulitzer Prize-winning author Hernan Diaz isn’t just a good book, it’s a great book — and even better than that, it is the&nbsp;<a href="https://westportlibrary.org/westportreads-2025/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">WestportREADS 2025</a>&nbsp;book selection.</p><p>The Westport Library is thrilled to announce this year’s selection and even more excited to&nbsp;<a href="https://westportlibrary.org/event/westportreads-keynote-conversation-pulitzer-prize-winning-author-hernan-diaz-on-in-the-distance/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">welcome Diaz to the Trefz Forum on Thursday, February 13</a>, for a conversation about his first novel, the story of a poor Swedish immigrant’s transformation into a legendary outlaw in the American West.&nbsp;</p><p>Limited copies of the book&nbsp;<a href="https://catalog.westportlibrary.org/polaris/search/searchresults.aspx?ctx=1.1033.0.0.1&amp;type=Keyword&amp;term=in%20the%20distance%20hernan%20diaz&amp;by=KW&amp;sort=RELEVANCE&amp;limit=TOM=*&amp;query=&amp;page=0&amp;searchid=3" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">are available for borrowing now</a>, with the full allotment of volumes arriving Friday, December 13.&nbsp;<em>In the Distance</em>&nbsp;is also available as a digital copy (e-book).</p><p>Part book club, part reading challenge — and more than anything, a season of literary revelry brought to life by the Library’s dynamic happenings — WestportREADS is a special community experience that is entirely its own. Created in 2002, this landmark event serves as an occasion to bond over a great book and is designed to deepen our community’s engagement in literature throughout Westport and across Fairfield County.</p><p>Each winter brings a new WestportREADS book selection, with unique events and programs that connect readers to the story — and each other — in thematically captivating ways. Throughout January and February, get ready to head out west and experience an unconventional hero’s journey in the age of the Gold Rush with&nbsp;<a href="https://westportlibrary.org/event/westportreads-in-the-distance-book-discussion-group/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">book discussions</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://westportlibrary.org/event/westportreads-family-event-pioneer-sewing-bee/2025-02-08/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">crafts for all ages</a>, and other immersive events centered around&nbsp;<em>In the Distance.</em></p><p><a href="https://westportlibrary.org/event/westportreads-a-19th-century-tableau-gold-sex-religion-and-race-in-the-making-of-the-united-states-west/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">A lecture led by U.S. historian Kris Klein Hernández</a>&nbsp;kicks off the WestportREADS festivities on Thursday, January 16, followed by a film series screening&nbsp;<a href="https://westportlibrary.org/event/westportreads-film-series-first-cow/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);"><em>First Cow&nbsp;</em>(2019)</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://westportlibrary.org/event/westportreads-film-series-the-gold-rush/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);"><em>The Gold Rush</em>&nbsp;(1925)</a>, and&nbsp;<a href="https://westportlibrary.org/event/westportreads-film-series-meeks-cutoff/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);"><em>Meek’s Cutoff</em>(2010)</a>&nbsp;on Fridays, January 17 and 24, and February 7, respectively.&nbsp;</p><p>Discussion groups are recurring throughout January and February, with a&nbsp;<a href="https://westportlibrary.org/event/westportreads-book-pub-at-walrus-alley/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">Book Pub at Walrus Alley</a>&nbsp;on February 4 offering a chance to meet new people, form connections, and unite in our shared love of reading. Take this opportunity to not only read a great book, but to engage with your community as well.</p><p><em>In the Distance</em>&nbsp;was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize and the PEN/Faulkner Award and the winner of the Saroyan International Prize, the Cabell Award, the Prix Page America, and the New American Voices Award, among other distinctions. It was also a&nbsp;<em>Publishers Weekly</em>&nbsp;Top 10 Book of the Year and one of&nbsp;<em>Lit Hub</em>’s 20 Best Novels of the Decade.</p><p>Much like his own journey growing up between Argentina and Sweden, and later settling down in New York, Diaz intended to subvert traditional stereotypes and story structures within the western genre.Håkan Söderström,&nbsp;<em>In the Distance</em>’s protagonist, travels east in search of his brother, moving on foot against the great current of emigrants pushing west. Driven back again and again, he meets naturalists, criminals, religious fanatics, swindlers, Indians, and lawmen, and his exploits turn him into a legend.&nbsp;<em>In the Distance</em>&nbsp;defies the conventions of historical fiction and genre, offering a probing look at the stereotypes that populate our past and a portrait of radical foreignness.</p><p>Diaz told The Paris Review, "The experience of foreignness has determined my entire life. I wanted to recreate that feeling. In doing so, I tried to transcend the obvious fact that the protagonist is a foreigner. I tried to make genre and even language itself feel foreign. But at the same time, this is a very American story, which makes us remember that foreignness is part of the American experience to begin with ... I couldn’t think of a better way to say what I think about this country — which I love despite its enormous flaws — than through this book."</p><p>Past WestportREADS selections include&nbsp;<em>The Art Thief</em>&nbsp;by Michael Finkel,&nbsp;<em>Firekeeper’s Daughter&nbsp;</em>by Angeline Boulley,&nbsp;<em>The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue</em>&nbsp;by V.E. Schwab,&nbsp;<em>Towards a More Perfect Union: Confronting Racism</em>by Layla Saad, and&nbsp;<em>Exit West</em>&nbsp;by Moshin Hamid, among others.</p><p>For more past WestportREADS selections, and to learn more about the annual event, visit the&nbsp;<a href="https://westportlibrary.org/westportreads-2025/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">WestportREADS homepage</a>&nbsp;on The Westport Library website.</p><p><em>WestportREADS is supported through a generous bequest by the estate of Jerry A. Tishman.</em></p><p>Story link:&nbsp;<a href="https://westportlibrary.org/in-the-distance-by-pulitzer-prize-winning-author-hernan-diaz-is-the-westportreads-2025-selection/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">https://westportlibrary.org/in-the-distance-by-pulitzer-prize-winning-author-hernan-diaz-is-the-westportreads-2025-selection/</a></p>

<p><strong>An Interview with the creator of&nbsp;<em>Sex and the City</em>, Candace Bushnell</strong></p><p>On a rainy, not-so-cold day in Manhattan last week, I had the esteemed pleasure of interviewing one of New York City’s most iconic writers, Candace Bushnell.&nbsp;</p><p>Bushnell became famous for detailing the realities of the treacherous dating scene in the city and now. Wanting to shield her Connecticut-residing parents from details of her sexcapades, she created an alter ego, Carrie Bradshaw.&nbsp;Bushnell still remains one of the most talked about characters in modern times. This&nbsp;<strong>Thursday</strong>,&nbsp;<strong>December 5th</strong>, Bushnell is leaving the city and returning to her home of Connecticut&nbsp;<strong>for one night only</strong>&nbsp;with her one-woman show<strong>&nbsp;"True Tales Of Sex, Success, and&nbsp;<em>Sex and the City</em>”</strong>&nbsp;at&nbsp;<a href="http://fairfieldtheatre.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">Fairfield Theatre Company</a>&nbsp;(FTC) at 8 p.m.&nbsp;</p><p>The show combines glamour, wit, and the no-holds-barred storytelling Bushnell is famous for. Detailing her life in New York City, from her early days spent at Studio 54 to creating&nbsp;<em>Sex and the City&nbsp;</em>and beyond, you can expect to hear about Bushnell’s wild nights out in Manhattan as well as her personal struggles and triumphs.&nbsp;</p><p>Chatting with Bushnell over Zoom felt like I was talking to a much cooler older sister freely dispensing wise advice.&nbsp;</p><p>“<strong>Be your own Mr. Big</strong>,” is her message to young women. “Make the money. That's really the most important thing. We've been telling women forever that they're going to get their happiness from a relationship and having children, and that's not really true. I think that one gets one's happiness from being self-actualized and having some control over your own life.”</p><p>When I asked a follow-up question about Mr. Big, she was quick to clear up any misconceptions. “There are a lot of parallels between my life and Carrie's life up to a certain point, but,&nbsp;<strong>no, I didn't end up with a shoe closet like Carrie Bradshaw's and I didn't marry my Mr. Big</strong>”.&nbsp;</p><p>She may not have Carrie’s shoe closet, but Bushnell doesn’t share CB’s culinary ineptness “I can cook. I’ve made a whole Thanksgiving dinner. Long way come from sardines and crackers,” she said, as she was won to eat this girl dinner meal, especially during her early column days. “Although,” thinking for a moment. “I eat those all the time too.”&nbsp;</p><p>Dedicated readers may be aware of her tinned fish dinners, but even a casual fan is aware that Bushnell knows fashion, and it is still a prominent part of her life. “There are lots more designers around now. It feels like than there were 25 years ago. So fashion is huge. Fashion's really exploded. I love Sylvia Tcherassi, and I wear PatBo on stage.”</p><p>While many things have changed since&nbsp;<em>SATC&nbsp;</em>first aired, the societal stigmas associated with “still” being single have pretty much stayed the same, worsening still with the “childless cat lady trope”. “Those kinds of attitudes are really a problem, and they're very worrisome to me,” she said, but there was hope to her message. “Single women are supposedly the happiest group of women. I think that says a lot right there.”</p><p>When I mentioned that I started rewatching&nbsp;<em>Sex and the City</em>&nbsp;before I knew I was going to interview her, and couldn’t stop watching, we had a laugh about how addictive it is for her as well. “[I tell myself] I cannot spend four hours watching&nbsp;<em>Sex and the City</em>. [It’s] a daily battle for me too.”</p><p>The show first premiered (unsurprisingly) in the City at a Broadway theater. Bushnell also performed the show at the Carlyle in London before taking it back stateside this month with shows in New Jersey and Connecticut. How does Bushnell feel about returning to her home state? “Oh, it's great,” she said. “I had a house in Connecticut for a long time, which was fantastic. I love Connecticut. I still miss it. Wonder if I should go back.”</p><p>What else can you expect from the show? “We do play a little game: real or not real?” Bushnell said. “There is some audience participation. Because there are a lot of things that happened in my real life that happened on the show, but they're better or worse. It's a great girls' night out, and people have a great time. And they find the show very inspirational, So I'm really looking forward to performing it in Fairfield.”&nbsp;</p><p>So, in the words of the OG CB herself, “Grab your Samantha, Miranda, and Charlotte, and join the original Carrie Bradshaw for a Girls' Night Out you won’t forget.”</p><p>Tickets are available&nbsp;<a href="http://fairfieldtheatre.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(16, 60, 192);">fairfieldtheatre.org</a>&nbsp;as well as limited VIP packages which include a meet-and-greet and photo opportunity with Candace Bushnell.&nbsp;</p><p><strong><em>About Candace Bushnell</em></strong></p><p><em>Candace Bushnell is an internationally acclaimed, best-selling author best known for creating&nbsp;Sex and the City, the groundbreaking series that redefined women's relationships with love, friendship, and sexuality. Her work has resonated with millions, inspiring both the bestselling novel and the hit HBO series, as well as&nbsp;The Lipstick Jungle&nbsp;and a host of other books, plays, and television projects.</em></p><p><em>Bushnell’s unique voice and sharp insights have made her one of the most influential and recognizable writers of our time. In this exclusive one-woman show, she brings her story to life in a way only she can—mixing laughter, nostalgia, and wisdom in equal measure.</em></p>

<p>The Westport Transit District is proud to announce that Wheels2U, Westport’s popular on-demand transit program, has unveiled new upgrades to create a more efficient and comfortable rider experience.</p><p>Westport Transit District’s Wheels2U program provides $2 shared rides between the Westport and Greens Farms train stations and any Westport address.&nbsp;</p><p>Wheels2U has provided more than 88,000 rides since October 2020. Riders can book through the Wheels2U app (available in the&nbsp;<a href="https://apps.apple.com/us/app/wheels2u/id1474542802" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(48, 68, 139); background-color: transparent;">App Store</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=norwalk.wheels2u&amp;hl=en_US&amp;pli=1" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(48, 68, 139); background-color: transparent;">Google Play</a>) or by calling 203-852-0000.</p><p><strong>What’s changing?</strong></p><ul><li><strong>More comfortable vehicles:&nbsp;</strong>The new fleet consists of minivans (many of which are wheelchair accessible), which will provide a smoother, quieter ride than Wheels2U’s previous vehicles.</li><li><strong>A “greener” ride:</strong>The new vehicles are significantly more fuel-efficient, reinforcing Westport’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions.</li><li><strong>Longer hours:&nbsp;</strong>Riders will benefit from expanded morning service hours, with service running from 5:45 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. (versus until 10:00 a.m.) and 4 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on weekdays.</li><li><strong>Improved booking.</strong>&nbsp;You’ll be able to request your ride starting at 5:30 a.m. for a pickup as early as 5:45 a.m. and as early as 3:45 p.m. for a 4:00 p.m. pickup so riders can get going more quickly in the morning and afternoon. Riders can also request a ride as late as 10:30 a.m. or 9:30 p.m. to catch the last ride back.</li></ul><p><strong>Karina Betfarhad, a Director of the Westport Transit District, said&nbsp;</strong>“Wheels2U has gained popularity with the Westport community in recent years for its convenience and affordability.&nbsp;These improvements to Wheels2U underscore the Westport Transit District’s commitment to continually improving the service and providing accessibility and mobility for people of all ages and abilities who live, work, and visit Westport.”</p><p>The improvements result from the Westport Transit District’s decision to expand its existing partnership with Via, a leader in public mobility transit systems, to include a new operations function, in addition to using its booking and routing software. Via’s intelligent algorithms match riders headed in the same direction into one vehicle, creating quick and efficient trips that provide more flexibility than traditional public transit methods, which run on fixed routes and schedules.</p>

<p><strong style="color: rgb(0, 102, 204);">Westport Country Playhouse Stages Family-Friendly Holiday Show, “A Sherlock Carol,” December 17 – 22</strong></p><p><strong>Playwright and director Mark Shanahan combines two classic tales into one holiday-themed mystery for all ages.</strong></p><p>Westport Country Playhouse will stage “A Sherlock Carol,” a family-friendly holiday production based on two classic tales, “The Adventure of the Blue Carbuncle,” a classic Sherlock Holmes story,<strong>&nbsp;</strong>and “A Christmas Carol,” from Tuesday, December 17 through Sunday, December 22. The inventive plot of intrigue and suspense, infused with holiday cheer and music, features familiar characters from the literature of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and Charles Dickens. The play returns to the Playhouse by popular demand after a run last year.</p><p>Nominated for a 2022 Off-Broadway Alliance Award for Best New Play and selected as a “Critics’ Pick” by&nbsp;<em>The New York Times</em>, the play is written and directed by Mark Shanahan, Westport Country Playhouse artistic director.&nbsp;</p><p>“’A Sherlock Carol’ turns the tables on Dickens and Doyle’s characters, revisiting them in ways audiences have not seen before,” said Shanahan. “At its heart, ‘A Sherlock Carol’ is a tale of the resurrection of the spirit, in which Sherlock Holmes, in a fit of despair, struggles his way back from a dark place. He is guided by the spirit of Ebenezer Scrooge, who charges Holmes with becoming his best self and living up to his famed talents as the world’s foremost consulting detective.”</p><p>The play is set in 1894 London on Christmas Eve as a grown-up Tiny Tim asks Sherlock Holmes to investigate the peculiar death of Ebenezer Scrooge.</p><p>The entire cast will reprise their roles from last year’s Playhouse production.&nbsp;Cast members are&nbsp;<strong>Drew McVety</strong>&nbsp;as Sherlock Holmes<strong>&nbsp;</strong>&nbsp;(Westport Country Playhouse: virtual playreading of “A Sherlock Carol,” Script in Hand playreading of “The Scream”; Broadway: “Bandstand,” “The Front Page,” “The Last Ship,” “Cyrano de Bergerac,” “Billy Elliot,” “Sunday in the Park with George,” “Spamalot,” “Frozen,” “Big River” – Special Tony Award, “Titanic,” “The Heidi Chronicles”; Off-Broadway: “A Sherlock Carol,” Drama Desk nomination for “Corpus Christi”);&nbsp;<strong>Byron St. Cyr</strong>&nbsp;as Ebenezer Scrooge (theatre artist, writer, musician; Off-Broadway: “A Sherlock Carol”; regional theater: “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical,” “Dames at Sea,” “Billy Elliot”; national tours: “Miss Saigon,” “My Fair Lady”; or @BSCjr on Instagram);&nbsp;<strong>Joe Delafield</strong>&nbsp;(Westport Country Playhouse: “The 39 Steps,” “The School for Husbands,” Radio Theater’s “A Merry Little Christmas Carol,” Script in Hand playreadings of “Christmas at Pemberley,” “The Murder of Roger Ackroyd”; Broadway: “Tartuffe”; Off-Broadway: “Fashions for Men,” “Outward Bound”; television: “The Sopranos”; MFA from NYU’s Graduate Acting Program).</p><p>Performance schedule is Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 7 p.m.; Friday and Saturday at 2 and 7 p.m.; and Sunday at 2 p.m.&nbsp;<span style="color: rgb(33, 33, 33);">The play is recommended for age 7and up.&nbsp;</span>Running time is 108 minutes, including one 15-minute intermission.</p><p>Single tickets start at $35 and are subject to change based upon availability. Student tickets are $20. For information on special offers, as well as options for pay-what-you-will and library passes, visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.westportplayhouse.org/visit/box-office/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: blue;"><u>www.westportplayhouse.org/visit/box-office/</u></a>.</p><p>Pre- and post-show offerings include Opening Night on Tuesday, December 17, featuring a post-show reception with cast, crew, and creative team, following the 7 p.m. show; Together at the Table, on Wednesday, December 18, at 5:30 p.m., offering a pizza dinner to families or groups with student-age children; and Pride Night, on Thursday, December 19, at 6 p.m., featuring a cocktail party for the LGBTQ+ community and friends, with a limited open bar from Trevi Lounge and appetizers from Walrus Alley.</p><p>During the run of “A Sherlock Carol,” the Playhouse will be giving back to the community, benefiting individuals and families served by the Domestic Violence Crisis Center, Norwalk Toys for Tots, and Homes with Hope. Donations may be dropped off in the collection boxes located in the Playhouse lobby during box office hours, Tues. through Fri., 12 to 5 p.m.&nbsp;</p><p>“A Sherlock Carol” Production Partner is Claire Wilkes; Corporate Partner is RBC Wealth Management. Production Patron is Laura Z. Barket; Corporate Production Patron is Westfair TV Audio. Opening Night Sponsor is RDM Financial Group at Hightower; Together at the Table Sponsors are Paige and Jodi Couture, with generous support from Westport Rotary.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;<span style="color: rgb(0, 102, 204);">For “A Sherlock Carol” information and tickets, visit:&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.westportplayhouse.org/show/a-sherlock-carol/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(70, 120, 134);">https://www.westportplayhouse.org/show/a-sherlock-carol/</a></p>

<p><strong>Fairfield County-Based Non-Profits Are Urged To Apply By January 15th.</strong></p><p>—————————————</p><p>The Community Service Committee of The Westport Woman's Club (WWC) is calling for applications from local non-profit organizations in Fairfield County for the Club’s annual 2024-2025 Community Service Grants. The deadline for submissions is Wednesday, January 15th.</p><p>Grants are given to non-profit organizations in Fairfield County for projects that will make a continuing difference in the community. They may be in the form of funds or for a one-time use of the Westport Woman’s Clubhouse for an event. Funds cannot be used for payroll. Grants are considered each year to deserving organizations in education, health and safety-related programs, and in the arts.</p><p>Over $400,000 in Community Service Grants have been awarded by the WWC to non-profits since 1999.</p><p>If you are a Fairfield County-based non-profit and have a project planned for 2024 - 2025, please submit your application by Wednesday, January 15, 2025 by mail to The Westport Woman’s Club, c/o Community Service Grant Committee, 44 Imperial Avenue, Westport, CT 06880. Due to the number of applicants expected, we cannot accept requests by email. More details and the application can be found online at <a href="http://www.westportwomansclub.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.westportwomansclub.org</a>.</p><p>In addition to the annual Community Service Grant, the Westport Woman’s Club supports local organizations through their Ruegg Grant, college scholarships, volunteer efforts, and more.</p><p>The Westport Woman’s Club, organized in 1907, is a non-profit philanthropic organization dedicated to volunteerism and the raising of funds in support of the educational, charitable, cultural and public health services in Westport and surrounding towns.</p><p>Join The Westport Woman’s Club; we’re looking for new members! Make friends, do community good and support important charitable causes, be part of the social activities as well as partake in the fun of upcoming events - including the WWC’s annual, community-beloved Yankee Doodle Fair plus the WWC’s Spring Gala to be held April 5th 2025. You do not have to be a Westport resident to join the WWC. Please contact the WWC office at 203-227-4240 for more information.</p><p>For additional information, please visit <a href="http://www.westportwomansclub.org" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">www.westportwomansclub.org</a>.</p>

<p>WESTPORT, Conn. —&nbsp;Honored essayist and publicist Aline Weiller will have a book signing at Westport’s Scott &amp; Molly’s at the holiday shopping event “Books &amp; Boutique Buys” on Thursday, December 12 from 6:00 - 8:00pm. All are invited to meet the author, mingle and enjoy with the bonus of a 15% off discount on store items. The event will feature on-trend and holiday-ready ladies wear, jewelry, accessories, light refreshments, goody bags and a door prize. Reservations are encouraged (email&nbsp;<a href="https://mailto:westport@scoutandmollys.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">westport@scoutandmollys.com</a>&nbsp;by December 9); walk-ins welcome. The boutique is located at 283 Post Road East in Playhouse Square, Westport.&nbsp;</p><p>From singing Partridge Family songs into a hairbrush and sculpting her 80s bangs with Stiff Stuff hair gel to performing Christmas Pageants in her parents’ living room, Weiller captures it all in her debut essay collection and relatable romp, titled "FUN: Essays on a Life Embraced"<em>.&nbsp;</em></p><p>“Weiller delivers joy on the page in the special language of Gen X pop culture…take a ride with her, but hang on to your hats folks. It’s going to be great,” said Westport writer Anya Liftig, author of&nbsp;<em>Holler Rat</em>.&nbsp;</p><p>Nine-time Connecticut Press Club award-winner, Weiller has penned a collection of humorous and hopeful personal essays including “Fun Facts” and bonus content throughout. Full of her signature wit, poignancy and zest,&nbsp;<em>FUN</em>&nbsp;offers readers a front row seat to Weiller’s World, be it performing stand-up comedy, prepping for a middle school swim test or waxing poetic about discontinued bank pens. Both observant and clever, the carefully crafted pieces are all heart. Whether spilling family tales that resonate, paying superfan homage to celebrities or riffing on her decade apropos hairstyle, Weiller’s all in.&nbsp;</p><p>“I’m thrilled to share&nbsp;<em>FUN</em>&nbsp;with local readers and shoppers and hope they’ll come away with wisdom, light and joy. I’m especially grateful to Scout &amp; Molly’s for hosting this community-building happening and look forward to a festive evening,” said Aline Weiller, award-winning local author.</p><p>Weiller’s love affair with writing has been woven through both her career and personal life. Prior to running the public relations firm Wordsmith, LLC, she worked in the marketing arena for The Coca-Cola Company, Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. and Time Warner, Inc., where she wrote copy, developed marketing strategies and spearheaded promotional campaigns. Since 2017, Weiller has flexed her comedy writing muscle to boot, performing stand-up at Gotham Comedy Club in Manhattan, The Ridgefield Playhouse, Scarsdale’s Jackie B’s and at various NY Metro area clubs and fundraisers. In addition to accolades for her nonfiction and PR work, the author has received praise for her essays, recognized as contest-winners and chosen for dramatic readings. Weiller has also been published nationally in&nbsp;<em>Brain, Child Magazine</em>,&nbsp;<em>Grown &amp; Flown</em>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<em>Erma Bombeck’s Writers’ Workshop</em>, among others, and her essays have been Tweeted by&nbsp;<em>The New York Times</em>.&nbsp;</p><p>“We’re looking forward to kicking off the season with this exciting Ladies Night Out and salute to Aline’s heartwarming and witty book. It’s truly a win-win,” said Stephanie Moskvit, Manager, Scout &amp; Molly’s&nbsp;Join in the FUN and email&nbsp;<a href="https://mailto:westport@scoutandmollys.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">westport@scoutandmollys.com</a>&nbsp;by Monday, December 9 to save your spot or simply walk-in. The event is free, open to the public, and makes for the perfect bestie or book group outing.&nbsp;</p><p>Follow the author on social media: Facebook (@alineweillerauthor); Instagram and X (@AlineCWeiller); and subscribe to her YouTube comedy channel (@alineweiller9262). Copies of&nbsp;<em>FUN: Essays on a Life Embraced</em>&nbsp;will be available at Scout &amp; Molly’s and also can be purchased via Amazon (<a href="http://bit.ly/fun-book" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 255);">bit.ly/fun-book</a>) and brought to the boutique for personalization. To contact the author for appearances and book groups, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://www.alineweiller.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(2, 177, 151);">https://www.alineweiller.com</a>.</p><p><strong>PHOTO:&nbsp;</strong>Award-winning local writer, Aline Weiller, will sign copies of her debut book,<em>&nbsp;FUN: Essays on a Life Embraced,&nbsp;</em>at “Books &amp; Boutique Buys,” a holiday shopping night hosted by Scout &amp; Molly’s in Westport on December 12 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm. All are welcome.&nbsp;</p>