This sad announcement was posted to social media yesterday:
“It is with enormous sadness that we must announce the closing of Le Penguin in Westport.
“We hope you have enjoyed our food, our staff, our style and our sense of humor. We, Anshu & Antoine, are very proud of what we created. We are very proud of the relationships we have made, of the numerous smiles of gratitude we received from satisfied customers. We thank you for sharing your lives with us. In the meantime, come see us at Le Penguin in Greenwich and Le Fat Poodle in Old Greenwich.” (Hat tip: Johanna Rossi)
There were several bear sightings yesterday, in the northern part of Westport. A bear cub and large young male bear were observed, acting normally.
According to the Westport Police Deparment, black bears are increasingly common in Connecticut. They note: “Bears have an incredible sense of smell. To prevent luring them towards your property, secure your garbage in sturdy covered containers in a garage or outbuilding.
“Residents who compost should do so responsibly. Do not throw meat scraps or greasy, oily or sweet materials in your compost pile. Clean greasy grills after each use, refrain from leaving pet food outdoors, and remove bird feeders from your property for the summer. Keep your eye on pets and small children playing outside.
“Use caution and do not approach the bear. The mere presence of a bear does not necessitate its removal. If left alone and given an avenue for escape, the bear will usually wander back into more secluded areas. For more information on bears, click here.
In 2013, Cablevision News 12 aired this shot of a black bear in Westport.
If you’re like me, you would love a Long Island Sound sunset cruise. But you don’t own a boat.
No problem!
A generous Wakeman Town Farm supporter is offering a private excursion, as a fundraiser in these tough non-profit times.
The winner will enjoy “libations and lobster rolls” on a “luxe 43-foot Intrepid.”
Silent bidding is today only; it ends at midnight. The minimum bid is $350. Click here (or email wakemantownfarm@gmail.com). Include your name — and good luck!
JoyRide is a full-service spin studio.
Today (Tuesday, June 30, 5 p.m.), they host the first installment of their speaker series on racial inequality. It’s called “Teachers Raise Your Hands.”
Guests are Alli Frank and Asha Youmans, authors of Tiny Imperfections. The Black woman from Seattle and white woman from rural Washington use their stories from in and out of the classroom to encourage us all to actively seek out difference, and find our inner teacher.
Click here to register — and to ask questions of the authors.
Asha Youmans and Alli Frank.
Hey, Mullett fans!
The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce and Westport Library are teaming up for the next Supper & Soul event (Saturday, July 11, 8 p.m.).
It’s a livestream concert with ’80s tribute band Mullet. They specialize in classic Van Halen, Def Leppard, Bon Jovi, Journey and Poison songs — and look the part.
“What a perfect opportunity to have some friends over for an 80’s hair metal party,” says Chamber director Matthew Mandell.
“This socially distant version of the popular Supper & Soul event supports local restaurants while giving everyone an entertaining evening.”
“Attendees” are encouraged to order takeout from local restaurants, and eat home for the show.
To find out more and to order tickets (just $10.80!) for Stay Home & Soul, click here.
Mullett
The deadline to renew railroad station parking permits is exxtended to July 15. Renewals can be done 4 ways: click here, by mail (50 Jesup Road, Westport, CT 06880) or at the box outside Police Department headquarters.
People on the wait list are required to update their information annually. Use the link above.
For more information, click here. Questions? Call 203-341-6052.
Railroad station parking has not looked like this for a while.
And finally … The groundbreaking 1937 song “Strange Fruit” compares the victims of lynchings to the fruit of trees. It’s been recorded by artists ranging from Nina Simone and UB40 to Sioxsie and the Banshees, but Billie Holiday’s is perhaps the most famous.
Though her label, Columbia, refused to record it — fearful of the reaction of Southern record store owners and its own radio network, CBS — they allowed her to release it on the Commodore jazz label. It sold a million copies — more than any other Billie Holiday song.
However, the song helped cause her demise. It enraged the director of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics, who used his men to frame her. Click here for details about the song, and what it meant to her and her career.
I for one would like to know who got close enough to determine that it was a “large male bear”? Emphasis on “male”.
What about the Bruno 🐻?
Saw a black bear yesterday afternoon while running at Trout Brook, near where the orange and red trails intersect. He or she ran across the train and then watched me from a distance. They’re generally not aggressive if not provoked, and I just kept moving. Pretty cool!