Great springtime news!
The “Saugatuck swan” — the one Westporters have watched in wonder, as she hatched her eggs by the Saugatuck River, a few feet from Parker Harding Plaza — has given birth.
Claudia Sherwood Servidio reports on the delivery, adding: “the male was very attentive, looking for reeds to reinforce the nest from water with the high tide.”
(Photo/Claudia Sherwood Servidio)
======================================================
Remember last year’s traffic and safety sessions, each for a different RTM district?
An update is set for April 27 (7 p.m., Town Hall auditorium). First Selectwoman Jen Tooker, along with officials from the Public Works, Planning & Zoning and Public Safety Departments, will discuss progress on the Traffic and Pedestrian Safety Summary Report.
There will be time for discussion and input from residents about traffic and safety concerns in their neighborhoods.
An additional meeting will be held this fall.
Typical traffic on North Avenue, at Bedford Middle School. (Photo/Adam Vengrow)
======================================================
To celebrate Earth Day this Saturday (April 22), the Democratic Women of Westport will show how to make recreational sports more environmentally friendly. The event is called “Sustainability on the Sidelines.”
The DWW will man — er, woman — tables at Wakeman Field, and baseball and softball diamonds. The goal is to provide info on small steps families can take to reduce their sports cleat footprint.
Included: some of Sustainable Westport’s efforts, and a handout with tips (examples: carpooling, no idling, and participating in a uniform exchange).
They’ll also give away Gatorade powders to encourage reusable bottles instead of single use plastic
Adult and youth volunteers are needed for Saturday, and to make posters to decorate the tables. To help, or for more information, email jessica@theparentcollective.com.
One of the children’s posters, for Saturday’s Democratic Women of Westport Earth Day event.
==================================================
Speaking of sports … this year marks a milestone: It’s 10 years since Westport’s exciting journey to the Little League World Series championship.
Equally important: It’s the 10th anniversary for the “Westport Winners.” They’re the local team in the Little League Challenger division, for special needs youngsters.
Opening day is this Saturday (April 22, 11:30 a.m., Meyer Field at Town Farms). Everyone is invited.
A decade ago Beth Cody and her son Jack had a dream. With help from Stacie Curran, Westport Little League officials and many others, they made it happen.
Play ball!
==================================================
David Grann’s new book “The Wager” — about the 1740 wreck of a British warship off the coast of Chile — has gotten plenty of publicity.
Last night the New Yorker staff writer — and 1985 Staples High School graduate — got the full “60 Minutes” star treatment.
Grann spoke about his meticulous research process; his adventures following the harrowing path of the shipwrecked craft, and much more.
Click here for the very interesting interview.
David Grann, with rare documents in London.
==================================================
Westport Country Playhouse opened its 93rd season Saturday night with the Tony Award-winning musical, “Ain’t Misbehavin’.”
Opening night guests included Richard Maltby, Jr., who co-conceived the show, and André De Shields, an original Broadway cast member.
The musical — about Fats Waller and musicians of the Black Renaissance — runs through April 29. Click here for more information.
From left: Jeffrey Page, director and choreographer of “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” and Andrew De Shields. who starred in the show on Broadway 45 years ago. (Photo/Jerri Graham Photography)
==================================================
If you’ve ever wondered what happens at the end of life, or how to care for a loved one or yourself — and who among us has not? — put May 11 (7 p.m., Westport Library) on your calendar.
Panelists will explore what dying can look like, how to have important conversations, and palliative care and hospice. The discussion will be led by Julia Portale, executive director of Fairfield County House, Fairfield County’s non-profit hospice.
Click here for more information.
==================================================
A year ago, Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall had an idea: turn VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399 into a music venue.
On April 27, “Jazz at the Post” celebrates its first anniversary with a gala event.
Over 20 of favorite performers — including Brian Marsella, David Morgan, Sarah Cion, Mike Mossman, Tim Horner, Phil Bowler, Rob Henke, Joe Corsello, Dave Childs, Kenny Wessel, Rale Micic, David DeJesus — join in a benefit concert for the weekly event’s sponsor, the Jazz Society of Fairfield County.
The VFW acoustics are terrific. The vibe is cool. The restore Village Gate piano has never sounded better.
Tickets ($100 per person; higher levels for supporters and benefactors) include non-stop music and dinner from Chef Derek. Cocktails, beer and wine are available too.
On the horizon next month: clinics for Westport students, conducted by headlining Jazz at the Post artists. On May 11 and 25, students will perform as opening acts.
Also ahead: Jazz FC’s broadened relationship with after-school programs in Norwalk and Bridgeport, partnerships with senior centers and facilities serving underserved populations, and more.
Click here for tickets, and more information.
=================================================
Claudia Sherwood Servidio provided the photo (top story) about the swan and her babies, at the Saugatuck River near Parker Harding Plaza.
She also took today’s “Westport … Naturally” image: a serene scene, not far from the swan’s nest.
(Photo/Claudia Sherwood Servidio)
=================================================
And finally … today is Nothing Like a Dame Day. It celebrates “all the English actresses that have been bestowed with the title of Dame.”
Here at “06880,” that means:
(There is also nothin’ like “06880.” Please click here to support your hyper-local blog. Thank you!)
Thanks for the plug, Dan! I’d be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge our two fabulous coaches, Mike Connors and Todd Ehrlich. They’ve been with the team since the beginning. Happy 10th to the Westport Winners!
Wonder how many parents that pick up their kids at all our various schools …while their cars idle away…claim to be environmentally responsible? Also, seems like fewer and fewer actually take the school buses.