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The past few days have brought numerous reports of a bear wandering in northern Westport. It is behaving normally — and non-aggressively.
The Westport Police Department says:
“Black bears are becoming increasingly common in Connecticut. To safely co-exist, residents are reminded to take precautions to prevent negative encounters.
“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. These will attract bears and other animals.
“Clean barbecues and 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.
“While it can be frightening to see a bear on or around your property, it is important to know that they are very timid animals. They try to avoid human contact.
“If sighted, 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. Sightings can be reported to Westport Animal Control at 203-341-5076, or reported to the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (click here).”
The bear on Old Hill. (Photo/Stella Wong)
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After a year’s hiatus, beach sticker sales to non-residents is back.
Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department began sales yesterday. The cost is $775 (plus tax). Click here, then follow the “Membership” links.
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Back too are Staples Players. Their laugh-out-loud funny, wide-ranging, clever and very welcome spring production — “Words Words Words … and Music” drew raves when the high school troupe returned to stage last month.
Now it’s available — this weekend only — as a video stream. Starting at noon on Saturday (June 5) through midnight Monday (June 7), you can watch the show as many times as you like. It’s a great offer for out-of-towners, and anyone who missed the show (or wants to see it again). Click here for tickets.
Sophie Rossman, Benny Zack and Samanath Webster in “Words Words Words.” They are monkey, writing “Hamlet.” Or trying to … (Photo/Kerry Long)
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How “back” is Westport?
The Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce announces the return of 2 favorite events. Both were knocked out last year by COVID.
Slice of Saugatuck returns Saturday, September 11. It’s an afternoon of food, entertainment, food, games, food, fun and food. It takes place in the pizza-shaped “slice” of Saugatuck that is home to so many restaurants, and is so easily walkable.
The Dog Festival returns Sunday, October 10. Winslow Park — always a haven for canines and their masters — really goes to the dogs. It’s filled with vendors, K-9 demonstrations, obstacle courses, contests and much more.
To learn more about both events, click here.
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Also back after a year away: The Y’s Men’s Tuesday evening gathering at Compo Beach. Non-men are, as usual, always welcome.
(Photo/Molly Alger)
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And back too is the Longshore pool. Michael Catarevas reports: “After rainouts Saturday and Sunday, and no one showing up on Memorial Day, I was delighted to be first in the water this season — especially after it was closed all last year. I had three pools to myself Tuesday afternoon, though I only used the big one. The water was very cold, but great!”
Michael Catarevas: first in the Longshore pool. (Photo/Patrick Haggerty)
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Yet another post-pandemic sign: Starting Monday (June 7), the Board of Education will return to in-person meetings. Everyone must wear a mask, and maintain 3 feet of social distancing. Meetings will still be livestreamed on the town website and Cablevision Channel 78.
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Today (Wednesday, June 2) is the 1st-ever Lou Gehrig Day across Major League Baseball.
Chuck Haberstroh co-chairs the group that lobbied for the day. It will be featuresd on all media platforms.
A large group of Westporters will be at Yankee Stadium, honoring Chuck’s mom Patty Haberstroh, an inspiration to her family and the entire town.
Click here for an interview with Chuck and Sweeny Murti, WFAN’s longtime Yankees beat reporter. Chuck starts around the 15-minute mark.
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Speaking of baseball: 50 years to the day after Staples High School beat Norwalk 4-2 in a state tournament game, Class of ’71 teammates Nils Nilsen and Steve McCoy returned to the Wrecker diamond.
They were in the stands to watch the ’21 team open its own state tournament. Unfortunately Staples fell, 9-4 to New Canaan.
Half a century ago, Nilsen halted a Bear rally with 1-hit relief pitching. McCoy had 2 hits, including a game-winning double.
Nilsen went on to pitch at Harvard University. McCoy became a soccer captain, and the 3rd-leading career goal scorer at Duke.
Nils Nilsen and Steve McCoy, at the Staples baseball field. (Photo/Fred Cantor)
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MoCA Westport’s “Yappy Hour” — yes, for dogs — has been postponed. It was set for tomorrow (June 3); the new date is Thursday, June 10.
The event includes custom drinks (for owners), and a chance for pets to meet others, sit for a free portrait, and romp outdoors. It’s free — but all dogs must be leashed. (MoCA encourages donations of unopened food or treats to support local rescue organizations. For more information, click here.
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A crew of volunteers — including Danielle Dobin, Michael Cammeyer, Emma Rojas, Sarah Manning, Luc Lafonta and Shawn Kapitan turned out yesterday to change the lights on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen bridge.
Danielle Dobin and Michael Cammeyer, on the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge.
They now shine in the colors of the rainbow, to celebrate Pride Month. Enjoy them throughout June!
(Photo/Brian McGunigle)
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One of the 3 American oystercatcher chicks at Compo Beach has died, Carolyn Doan reports.
She adds: “My son James is a huge fan of the piping plovers, so we visit the area regularly. The Audubon Society has talked with the town because of drones being flown overhead. Oystercatchers attack them frantically to distract them from the nest, thinking they are predators.”
So, Westporters: Give all these birds space. They were there long before us!
American oystercatcher and chick (Carolyn Doan)
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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” takes us to the Lansdowne garden of Lauri Weiser. What a spring we’ve had!
(Photo/Laurii Weiser)
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Before we close the book on the 2021 Memorial Day parade, here’s one final shot. It’s a unique drone perspective from Joel Triesman, as marchers turn onto the Post Road and cross the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge:
(Drone photo/Joel Triesman)
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And finally … the lyrics and art are cringe-worthy. But in honor of the bear that is doing who knows what in our woods:
Another great event “back” this fall is the not-to-be-missed Rotary Lobsterfest at Compo Beach! September 18th!
Speaking of Westport customs returning, will you have your annual beach party this year, Dan?
YES! A save-the-date announcement is coming soon! Thanks for asking!
Bobbie, There may be very special guests too at Dan’s beach party! That’s the rumor.
Hall and Oates?
Loved listening to Running Bear! Unfortunately, it’s now an ear worm and the visuals will likely torment me for life. Cringe worthy was a kindness – fun though.