“A Taste of Westport” returned yesterday, after a 2-year COVID absence.
A record crowd — starved for great food for an even better cause — showed up at the Inn at Longshore. It was the perfect venue for the festive, almost-summer event.
A small portion of the large “Taste of Westport” crowd at the Inn at Longshore.
The traditional fundraiser for CLASP — the local non-profit celebrating its 40th year serving adults with autism and developmental disabilities — featured plenty of tasting stations, live music from the Bar Car Band`, a silent auction and a raffle.
Restaurants and vendors participating included Artisan, BE Chocolat, Black Bear Wines & Spirits, Boathouse, Cylinder, Evarito’s, Freixenet Mionetto, Little Dumpling House, Gabriele’s, La Plage, Little Pub, Lindsay’s Handmade, Mrs. London’s, Newsylum, Nordic Fish, Post Oak, Rive Bistro, Rizzuto’s, Romanacci, Tablao, Tarantino, The Spread and Walrus Alley.
It’s not an easy time to own a restaurant. Last night, all of them went above and beyond the call.
Artisan offered (among other items) a very tasty goat dish. Inn at Longshore principal Michael Ryan is at right. (Photos/Dan Woog)
=======================================================
On June 19, 1865, Union troops liberated enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas. Fifteen men from Westport took part, with the 29th Connecticut Colored Infantry Regiment.
For years, the day was informally called “Juneteenth.” Finally, it’s a federal holiday (Monday, June 20).
The Westport Museum for History & Culture celebrates with 2 events.
Tonight (Thursday, June 16, 7 p.m.) historic interpreter Dontavius Williams offers a virtual performance of the experiences of an enslaved man. Click here to register.
A walking tour — based on a 2018-19 exhibit about Westport’s African American history — is set for Saturday June 18 (10 a.m. and 2 p.m.). Click here to register.
The Westport Museum’s walking tour will include a stop at historic 22 1/2 Main Street.
=======================================================
The Levitt Pavilion has never looked better.
As a quasi-town, quasi-private facility, the Pavilion itself is responsible for maintaining its ornamental plantings and beds — including the ones between the Riverwalk and lawn.
Every year, Friends of the Levitt volunteers answer the call. This year, Gault Energy helped out by donating all the mulch.
So the next time you enjoy a free show — enjoy the “free” scenery too.
Work day at the Levitt Pavilion.. (Photo/Jimmy Izzo)
=======================================================
It was “You Be You Day” yesterday, at Westport’s elementary schools.
The night before, Kings Highway families helped “chalk the walk.”
Kings Highway 1st grader Siena Adams helps chalk the walk. Her mother, Cori Caputo Adams; is a Kings Highway and Staples High School (Class of 1994) alumnus.
Dozens of youngsters and parents wrote kind, motivating chalk messages on the walkway in front of the school. The goal was to encourage every student to be proud of who he or she is — and to feel proud too of being part of a community that accepts and celebrates them exactly as they are.
In the morning, KHS staff and students were greeted with colorful, positive sayings. It was a great start to “You Be You Day,” says PTA board member Meghan Bell.
Meanwhile, Greens Farms Elementary School celebrated in several ways.
Teachers read books with positive messages to their classes. Youngsters wore “You Be You” shirts. The sidewalk was chalked
And there was this bulletin board too:
(Photo courtesy of Leann Duggan)
=======================================================
The Westport Kiwanis Club provides annual scholarships to graduating seniors who show exemplary community involvement and academic achievement.
This year’s recipients are Lena Lemcke, Elena Lim, Jaden Mueller and Ella Williams.
Funds come from Kiwanis’ annual Minuteman Triathlon. This year’s’ event is September 11, at Compo Beach. Click here for information and registration.
Kiwanis officials and scholarship recipients, at the recent awards ceremony (from left): Todd Ehrlich, Dave Fuggit, Jaden Mueller, Judy Stripp, Lena Lemcke, Rob Gould, Elena Lim, Elaine Daignault. Not pictured: Ella Williams.
======================================================
Osprey admirer/expert Carolyn Doan visited the Fresh Market nest this week. She was happily surprised to find “2 heads being shaded by mom. They must have been hot, as their mouths were open in the sun directly on the nest.
“They seemed to be having a serious chat with her. She listened patiently. She made a quick trip away from the nest. When she returned, they were thrilled.”
(Photo/Carolyn Doan)
=======================================================
What could be more mundane than a midday chat?
Martin Greenberg captured this scene, for our “Westport … Naturally” feature:
(Photo/Martin Greenberg)
=======================================================
And finally … in honor of our elementary schools’ great “You Be You Day” yesterday:
