A large crowd popped over to the Westport Community Gardens yesterday, for a 20th anniversary pop-up event.
People of all ages wandered through the 100-plus individual plots. They marveled at the wide variety of plants; watched the bees and butterflies; admired the pergola and bocce court; chatted with the gardeners — and picked up plenty of vegetables, herbs and flowers too.
(Photos/Karen Mather)
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Yesterday’s “06880” Roundup highlighted Westport Pride’s promotion of a permanent rainbow crosswalk downtown, at Jesup Road and Taylor Place.
Fundraising efforts had already brought in $18,000. But $14,500 more was needed, for materials, labor and installation.
By nightfall, the entire amount had been pledged.
The outpouring of support — from members of the LGBTQ+ community, and beyond — was very heartening, Pride members say.
The goal is to have the crosswalk completed by National Coming Out Day (October 11).
For more information, or to get involved, email westportctpride@gmail.com.
Dr. Nikki Gorman helped prepare the temporary crosswalk in June. A permanent one will be installed soon.
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MoCA Westport celebrated its “Kaleidoscope: A Journey of Creativity, Self-Expression & Unity” exhibit yesterday, with a packed house.
The show highlighted artists who have been supported by the MoCA Gives Back healing arts program at the museum, as well as summer camp participants.
Club 203 — Westport’s social club for adults with disabilities — was well represented. MoCA has enjoyed a strong partnership in the club’s initial year, and looks forward to strengthening that relationship even more in the months ahead.
MoCA art teacher Agata Tria and Club 203 artist Elizabeth Sonne.
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Staples High School 2017 graduate Richard Costello is one of many Westporters running in the New York Marathon November 5.
But the former lacrosse player is not just racing for himself. He’s also raising money for the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp.
The organization — founded by our late neighbor Paul Newman to provide free, fun opportunities for youngsters facing life-threatening illnesses — is near to Richard’s heart. He volunteered at the Ashford, Connecticut facility several times, and has been awed by the program’s impact on children and their families.
This is Richard’s second marathon. He competed in Philadelphia last fall.
Click here to donate to Richard’s fundraiser.
Richard Costello
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Westport Community Gardens (story above) are not the only place to enjoy beautiful flowers.
Jonathan Prager grows crackerjack marigolds and purple wave petunias at his Owenoke home.
Today he shares them with “06880” readers as our “Westport … Naturally” featured image.
(Photo/Jonathan Prager)
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And finally … today marks the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington.
It is remembered now for Martin Luther King’s riveting “I Have a Dream” speech.
But there was much more — including powerful musical performances.
Marian Anderson sang, 24 years after her first famous concert at the Lincoln Memorial (after the Daughters of the American Revolution prevented her from singing at Constitution Hall).
I could not find any videos of her, at the March on Washington.
But here are 3 other performances, from 60 years ago today:
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