Here’s a bright idea: The Connecticut Ornithological Association has just launched a “Lights Out Connecticut” initiative.
Residents, businesses, schools and building managers can pledge to turn off non-essential exterior lighting each night from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m., during periods of peak bird migration. The goal is to help save migratory birds.
Connecticut joins Colorado, Georgia and Texas as the only places in the nation with statewide “Lights Out” programs.
The COA says that because most North American migratory birds travel at night, artificial light can disorient them, leading to fatal window collisions. There may be as many as 988,000,000 bird deaths in the US each year.
It’s a great idea. It’s especially welcome by residents of Cottage Lane. They’ve been aggravated by bright lights at the new 1480 Post Road East development nearby. The Planning & Zoning Commission has ordered a new lighting plan by May 9.
It can’t come soon enough for the neighbors. Or the birds. (Click here for the full Connecticut Ornithological Association story.)
=======================================================
Need gift ideas for Mothers Day, Teacher Appreciation Week (May 2-6) or Nurse Appreciation Week (May 6-12)?
How about a gift for yourself?
Beauty consultant Carmela Cusano can help. She’ll be at Salon Nash tomorrow (Sunday, April 24, 1 to 4 p.m., Nash’s Plaza, 179 Post Road West).
While you’re there, enjoy a free wash and blow dry, courtesy of owner Felicia Catale, the great and very generous owner.
How’s that for a great gift!
Felicia Catale
===================================================
It took a while during the pandemic for Hook’d to get its act together.
But the Compo Beach concession stand was open yesterday for business.
Anyone can enjoy a meal there before May 1. On that date, stickers are required for beach entrance.
(Photo/Karen Como)
======================================================
Westport has many adult education offerings in many areas.
Andrew Smith thinks there are not enough in music.
He’s the executive director of Suzuki Music Schools of Westport & Orange — well known as a center for early childhood, and middle and high school, programs.
The Suzuki Philosophy is that children need an immersive experience in music. Smith says that holds true for adults too. Suzuki is not just for kids.
The school offers basic classes like Music Reading for Beginners, and Listening to Classical Music. Smith hopes to add Singing for Pleasure, Film Music and Composing.
He’d also like to create a Suzuki Members Club for Adults, with social engagement, public concerts and use of the facility. It would be like rowing or golf clubs — but focused on music.
Click here for more information, and registration.
=======================================================
May is flower month at Wakeman Town Farm.
“Blooming With Paint’ (May 9, 6 to 8 p.m.) is a painting and drawing workshop, focusing on floral still life and challenging students to notice scale, proportion and placement.
Each participant receives a piece of handmade Nujabi paper, watercolor and oil pastels, paint brushes, Nujabi paper and drawing board. Click here for more information, and to register.
WTF also offers “sweet and whimsical spring flowers” for Mothers Day. Each bouquet comes in a mason jar tied with grosgrain ribbon. They’re $55, and designed by Sarah Shaw Floral Design exclusively for Wakeman Town Farm.
Orders will be taken through May 4. Pickup is at the Farm on Saturday, May 7 (10 a.m. to 1 p.m.) A portion of the proceeds supports WTF programs. Click here to order.
Wakeman Town Farm Mothers Day flowers. (Photo/Nancy Elizabeth Hill Photography)
=====================================================
The Camp Gallery’s new solo show is “The Rooms of Joseph Ginsberg.”
There’s an opening reception next Friday (April 29, 5 to 7 p.m.) at 190 Post Road East. The show runs through May 24.
======================================================
It’s 2 years late. But Staples High School’s Class of 1980 celebrates their 40th (okay, 42nd) reunion (and giant 60th birthday party for all) this year.
The main event is Saturday, August 13 at LaKota Oaks in Norwalk. The 65-acre site features a pool, basketball and volleyball courts, horseshoes and more. Dinner includes a DJ and dancing.
There are also meet-ups as Viva Zapata (Thursday, August 11) and the Black Duck (Friday, August 12).
As is traditional, they’ll raise money in honor of beloved classmate Susan Lloyd, to support The Susan Fund.
PS: Thanks to a generous donor, tickets are (almost) free!
Click here for more information. Questions? Email Amy Potts: amy@aapk.com.
=======================================================
This guy popped out the other day at Sherwood Mill Pond.
Then he looked John Kantor in the eye, stood still, and posed for a “Westport … Naturally” photo.
(Photo/John Kantor)
=======================================================
And finally … in honor of the photo directly above:
FYI, EMS week is the 15th through 23rd.
Hi. I live at 1480 Post Road East, the focus of the complaint by the residents of Cottage Lane. Funny enough, I have the same complaint about the neighboring shopping center on the Post Road. I think Westport P&Z should consider adopting regulations to support dark sky initiatives. This website is a great resource. https://www.darksky.org/light-pollution/ With the number of residential properties being built along the Post Road, it’s time to start getting serious about light pollution town-wide.