Tag Archives: dog poop

Roundup: Cribari Bridge Comments, MoCA, YMCA, RFK …

The Western Connecticut Council of Government and South Western Regional Metropolitan Planning Organization have endorsed a state Department of Transportation request for $4.1 million for the right of way and design phase of rehabilitation or renovation of the William F. Cribari Bridge. (Click here to read the draft report.)

Public input is invited in several ways:

  • A Zoom meeting this Thursday (March 14, noon). The meeting ID is 835 3614 6030.
  • A meeting this Tuesday (March 12, 7 p.m., Ferguson Library, Stamford).

People wishing to speak at either meeting should email plan@westcog.org. Include your name and the subject you will speak on.

Comments on the bridge project can also be emailed to plan@westcog.org, sent to Western Connecticut Council of Governments, 1 Riverside Road, Sandy Hook, CT 06482, or phoned in to 475-323-2071. The deadline is noon on April 1.

William F. Cribari Bridge (Photo/Fred Cantor)

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MoCA Westport is gearing up for spring and summer.

Among the offerings:

  • Recess Art Camps (April 15-19, ages 4-7)
  • Artisan Workshop Series
  • Paint Nights for Teens (Fridays, 6:30 to 8 p.m.)
  • Paint Nights for Adults (Thursdays, 5:45 to 7:15 p.m.)
  • Summer Art Workshops for Kids (ages 8-12)
  • Camp MoCA

For information on these programs and other MoCA events, click here.

MoCA Westport

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Four Westport artists — all anti-gun violence advocates, and part of the current “In Our Hands: Gun Culture in America” exhibit at Bridgeport’s Metro Studios — will discuss their work this Sunday (March 10, 2 p.m.).

Miggs Burroughs, Darcy Hicks, Daniel Recinos and Tammy Winser share their thoughts, influences and processes.

Admission is free, but donations are accepted to benefit Sandy Hook Promise and Street Safe Bridgeport.

The exhibit runs through March 16.

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The Westport Weston Family YMCA’s 8th annual golf tournament is May 20, at Aspetuck Valley Country Club.

Funds raised will benefit their financial assistance program, which last year provided support to over 400 families.

Click here for tickets, and more information.

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One of the most popular “06880” features is photos of Westporters who think they can park anywhere they want.

But they’re not our only entitled neighbors (or, perhaps, ourselves). Consider this person, who was considerate enough to pick up his pooch’s poop (odds are, someone was watching), yet could not be bothered to dispose of it properly.

(Photo/Molly Alger)

And we wonder why kids don’t clean their rooms …

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Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will require 12,000 signatures to get on the Connecticut presidential primary ballot, as an independent candidate.

Alert “06880” reader Jan Carpenter knows he is a controversial figure.

But, as volunteers fan out with petitions, she says: “This is democracy in action.”

When volunteers in Westport ask for signatures, she hopes residents will be kind.

“If you don’t approve, they will simply thank you and allow you to get on with your day,” she says. “If you sign, they will thank you as well. If you sign, you are not committing to vote for anyone in particular this fall. You are simply signing to endorse democracy and choice.”

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

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The weather hasn’t been great for humans these past few days.

But some creatures don’t mind at all. Michael Fortuna spotted today’s “Westport … Naturally” models on Saugatuck Shores.

(Photo/Matt Fortuna)

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And finally … Steve Lawrence died Thursday in Los Angeles. He was 88, and suffered from Alzheimer’s disease.

In a long career, including with his wife Eydie Gorme, he “kept pop standards in vogue long past their prime and took America on musical walks down memory lane,” the New York Times says. Click here for a full obituary.

(More meh weekend weather — and another chance to contribute to “06880.” Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)

Roundup: Veterans Day, Jazz, Entitlement …

Hundreds of Westporters gathered yesterday at Town Hall, as the town honored its — and America’s — men and women who served in the military, on Veterans Day.

As he has done for decades, Korean War vet Bill Vornkahl helped organize the ceremony.

Participants included the Westport Police Department, Connecticut Air National Guard, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, Greens Farms Academy student Jared Lessing, Westport poet laureate Jessica Noyes McEntee, and the Westport Community Band.

The World War I doughboy statue on Veterans Green, at dusk on Veterans Day. The holiday began as Armistice Day, honoring the 11 a.m., November 11 official end of “the war to end all wars.” (Photo/Andrew Colabella)

A luncheon at Veterans of Foreign Wars Joseph J. Clinton Post 399 followed the official town ceremony.

A table is always set at the Riverside Avenue club, in remembrance of prisoners of war and those missing in action.

Yesterday, it was decorated especially for Veterans Day.

(Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)

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Last night’s “Speaking of Music” series at the Westport Library focused on jazz.

A large crowd listened — and learned about — America’s unique genre.

The event was organized by Staples High School Class of 1966 graduate Roger Kaufman and friends.

Vocalist Audrey Martells was a star of the show.

From left: Bill Harris, Ben Kinney, John Fumasoli. (Photos/Ted Horowitz)

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There are thoughtless people.

There are obnoxious people.

And then there are people whose sense of entitlement is so mind-blowing, they defy description.

Mike Hibbard spotted this yesterday, on an Aspetuck Land Trust trail:

“Someone thinks there is a Poop Fairy, and left this bag for it,” Mike says.

“I wonder what will be under that person’s pillow in the morning?”

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Stephen Kempson is not your usual tailor.

Tradition rules at the bespoke clothier’s shop. But there’s always something new and different too.

Next up: “Sip and Shop, With Live Jazz.” It’s this Thursday (November 16, 5 to 8 p.m.), at the intriguing Post Road Space overlooking the Saugatuck River.

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Over the years, our “Westport … Naturally” has run dozens of deer pictures.

Readers have spotted them all over town, in all types of poses.

But this is the first time I’ve ever seen Bambi at the beach.

Patrick Riordan took this shot yesterday morning, soon after sunrise:

(Photo/Patrick Riordan)

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And finally … on this date in 1984, Madonna released her 2nd studio album. “Like a Virgin” became her first #1 record in the US. The producer was Chic front man — and not-yet Westport resident — Nile Rodgers.

(“06880” relies on reader support. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog. Thank you!) 

Roundup: FOIA, Blue Coupe, Dog Poop …

A WordPress issue prevented some subscribers from receiving “06880” from Friday afternoon through last night.

If you’re one of those who missed your more-than-daily dose of Westport life, my apologies (on behalf of my content management system).

To access everything you missed, go to http://www.06880.org, then scroll down. Enjoy — and thanks for your patience.

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In today’s “What’s Next in Weston” podcast, 1st Selectwoman Sam Nestor addresses a serious situation involving the substantial abuse of FOIA by a Weston couple who have made numerous allegedly frivolous claims and requests from the Freedom of Information Commission regarding Weston Town government and the Board of Education.

The requests have been honored — at great taxpayer expense — but have shown no misdeed or mismanagement, Nestor says. The situation costs the town both volunteer time, and taxpayers’ money.

Nestor offers her view, and explains the town’s response. “What’s Next in Weston” is produced by the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston.

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Music fans can hardly wait for VersoFest ’23.

Now they’ve got 3 weeks less to wait.

Blue Coupe — the supergroup formed by Alice Cooper bassist Dennis Dunaway, and Blue Öyster Cult founders Joe and Albert Bouchard — headlines a Westport Library show on Friday, March 10 (7 p.m.).

Proceeds from the show benefit VersoFest. The music/multimedia and more event runs March 30 to April 2. It features live performances by Sunflower Bean, Amilia K Spicer and the Smithereens, plus programs and workshops featuring music luminaries, and people behind the scenes. Producer Steve Lillywhite (U2, Rolling Stones, Talking Heads) offers the keynote address on April 1.

Sisters Tish and Snooky Bellomo of Manic Panic join Blue Coupe for the show. DJ B The T Sr. starts the night spinning the rock, R&B and blues music that influenced Alice Cooper and Blue Öyster Cult.

Dunaway — a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee — co-wrote Alice Cooper hits like “I’m 18” and “School’s Out.” Multi-instrumentalist Joe Bouchard — a VersoFest 2022 alum — and drummer Albert Bouchard co-wrote and arranged many of Blue Öyster Cult’s biggest songs, including “Cities on Flame with Rock and Roll,” “Hot Rails to Hell” and “Astronomy.”

Blue Coupe has released 3 albums. They have performed at major music festivals, and been livestreamed from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Tickets to see Blue Coupe live in the Trefz Forum are available on Eventbrite.

Blue Coupe

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Speaking of the Library:

Along the Riverwalk yesterday, an “06880” reader was taking photos of the birds and swans.

Then she spotted a gorgeous purple flower.

She was inspired, but realized: despite the warm temperatures, it’s way too early for spring.

She zoomed in — and realized it was a discarded dog poop bag.

Ugh.

She suggests a trash can by the bridge.

That’s one solution. I’ll add another: If you pick up dog doo, hold onto it until you find a trash can. Your inconvenience should not be everyone else’s problem.

Although it is a very lovely color for a poop bag.

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This week’s Jazz at the Post is special.

Thursday’s sets (February 2, 7:30 and 8:45 p.m., VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399) salutes Howard Silver. The legendary singer/composer/arranger graduated from Norwalk High School in 1947.

Grammy-nominated Michael Mossman trumpeter knows Silver’s music well: They played 1ogther from 1989-91. Bassist Phil Bowler was also a member of that band.

They duo are joined by drummer Dennis Mackrel, pianist David Berkman and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall.

There is a cover charge of $15. Dinner begins at 7 p.m. Reservations are strongly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.

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Who says the Westport Town Clerk’s office doesn’t have a heart?

Check out the door — all dolled up for Valentine’s Day.

(Photo/Bob Weingarten)

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More than a week ago, the “06880” Roundup included a picture of dozens of bagels, strewn around High Gate Road off Maple Avenue South.

They’re still there.

Now though, they’re a bit grottier.

(Photos/Chris Grimm)

Both photographer Chris Grimm and I wonder why wildlife and weather have not taken more of a toll on the food.

And why no one in the neighborhood has gathered them up for the garbage.

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Sunil Hirani captured today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo a few days ago, at Compo Beach.

The dramatic shot is unfiltered. And, he says, “given that it was cloudy and rainy all day, it’s pretty incredible this happened, 20 minutes before sunrise. I would not have believed it if I didn’t see it myself.”

(Photo/Sunil Hirani)

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And finally … Weston’s ongoing issue with the Freedom of Information Act (story above) leads of course right into …

Regarding freedom: What have you got to lose by supporting “06880”? Please click here to contribute. Thank you!)

Roundup: Human Behavior, More

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A reader writes:

“I am curious about something I started seeing for a few weeks ago around Longshore: poop bags, tied up nicely, set upon a wall or sitting on the edge of the road.

“I can’t understand why dog walkers would spend the time to bring the bag and properly scoop it up, only to leave it sitting for others to look at or step on.

“Today on a short walk I saw at least 5 of these bags. Can someone help me understand what is going on, and why people think it’s okay to leave this trash all around?”

That’s like trying to understand why, after more than 60 court cases were thrown out (often by Republican judges), people still think an election decided by more than 7 million votes was rigged.

You can keep wondering. But you’re wasting your time.

(Photo/Lorraine Palumbo)

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And finally … there is no better way to celebrate and honor Martin Luther King Day than with Sam Cooke’s soaring anthem.

It may sound strange. But after all that’s happened in America, I still have a dream. I still believe a change is gonna come.

 

Because The Nearest Garbage Can Must Have Been At Least 6 Steps Away

Harding Point at Longshore’s E.R. Strait Marina is one of the prettiest spots in Westport.

Except when a very entitled dog owner decides he (or she) can’t be bothered to clean up after his (or her) pet.

ER Strait Marina

Perhaps the dog owner was just marking his (or her) territory, so no other Westporter would be able to enjoy such a lovely spot.

Here’s The Poop On Otter Trail

There must be a special place in hell reserved for people who make a big show out of cleaning up after their dogs — and then (when you’re not looking) leave the wrapped-up crap right where they found it.

They can’t be bothered to walk to a trash can, or put it in another bag and carry it home.

Alert “06880” reader Gus Ghitelman spotted this sign today on Otter Trail, off Imperial Avenue.

Otter Trail

I’m not sure if the blue bag is there to demonstrate what not to do, or if it’s someone’s not-very-subtle response to the sign.

Either way, the practice of not cleaning up your pooch’s poop stinks.