It’s nearly 5,000 miles from Westport to Lahaina.
But the distance does not matter to the Westport Downtown Association. The non-profit is collecting donations for Maui United Way, to help support relief efforts from one of the worst wildfires in American history.
Click here to contribute, and for more information.
To show our appreciation for donors, the WDA will randomly select 4 people to receive a pair of tickets to the annual Westoberfest New England Craft Beer and Family Fun event (Saturday, October 14).
In other Maui news, 2 former Westporters have told “06880” that their homes on the island were not affected by the blazes. Both, however, note the immense suffering by their neighbors.
Maui wildfire.
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There’s no such thing as a free lunch.
There is, however, free excess garden produce.
At least, there was yesterday on Bermuda Road.
Pam and Mike Dedona set out their bounty, with a simple sign, for their Saugatuck Shores neighbors.
(Photo and hat tip/Denise Paul)
Their simple gesture made a sunny day even more beautiful.
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Speaking of a great beach day: Yesterday might have been the nicest of the entire summer.
The temperature was Goldilocks: not too hot or cold. Humidity was low.
And it was a Sunday!
Pam Kesselman captured this everyone-into-the-water scene, at Compo:
(Photo/Pam Kesselman)
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Speaking of beach scenes: If you like our new header (the photo at the top of every “06880” story), thank William Weiss.
He submitted the wide-angle shot yesterday.
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The recent near-death experience of the Westport Country Playhouse focused attention on the perilous state of live theater.
Next Monday (August 21, 7 p.m., Westport Library), the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston host a public meeting on that subject.
They’ve enlisted 2 experts: Broadway actors/local residents/WCP friends James Naughton and Carole Schweid.
They’ll discuss the background of live theater, its current condition, and what lies ahead.
It’s a double feature. Guests will also see a 16-minute fictional drama film, “Not the Same Clarence.” The film features Jim and his son Greg Naughton depicting the realities of caring for a parent with dementia, and its impact on their lives.
Carole Schweid and James Naughton.
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Fleet Feet’s weekly “Zoomerangs Kids’ Fall Program” starts this Sunday (August 20).
Meet-ups are from 1 to 2 p.m. at the Staples High School Laddie Lawrence Track, through October 1. The cost is $99.
Geared to youngsters ages 5 to 14, the program teaches the “fun”-damentals of running, with running drills and light-hearted competition.
Demo shoes from Diadora will be available at the kickoff session.
Click here to register, and for more information.
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Wakeman Town Farm is one of the best spots around for our “Westport … Naturally” feature.
Today’s colorful image comes courtesy of Susie Klau.
(Photo/Susie Klau)
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And finally … John Gosling, the Kinks’ keyboardist and vocalist from 1970-78, died last week. He was 75.
He joined the band after auditioning on the song “Lola.” Not a shabby start, at all. Click here for his obituary.
(We are lucky to live in a town like Westport. And “06880” is lucky to have readers who support our work. Please click here for a link to contribute. Thank you!)
Westport neighbors with a home-garden bounty can also easily donate any excess through the Grow-A-Row Westport food donation effort.
We have a drop-off cooler located at the Westport Farmers’ Market info tent every Thursday from 10-2 — simply place items in the cooler! Food Rescue US – Fairfield County will deliver all the fresh items to help the 200+ individuals including seniors and families, supported by the Westport Housing Authority.
We also have a drop-off cooler at Wakeman Town Farm’s weekly farm stand, every Saturday from 9am to 1pm. Donations collected at this location support mothers and families at Bridgeport’s Lucy Baney Family Reunification Center.
Thank you local gardeners! You can find out more and follow our efforts on instagram @growarowwestport
Unfortunately the Monday, 8/21, Library presentation takes place at the same time as the WCP Script in Hand at the Playhouse. We ticket holders will have to miss the Library talk:-(
Speaking of free produce, stop by 13 Hyde Lane to join the Westport Community Gardens pop up market Sunday, August 27 from 10;00 – noon to tour the Gardens and some free produce.