Sarah Gross reminds us that now through November 15 is “Lights Out Connecticut.”
A bill signed by Governor Lamont requires all state-owned buildings to dim or turn off non-essential outdoor lights.
All residents are asked to dim or turn off outdoor and indoor lights too.
The goal is to protect migratory birds, who are put at risk from light pollution. Click here for more information.
Nearly 30% of birds in the US and Canada have vanished since 1970. Click here to learn more.
Connecticut warbler (Photo/Ryan Sanderson for Macaulay Library)
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The rainbow crosswalk at Jesup Road and Taylor Place — installed temporarily in June, for Pride Month — is showing signs of wear.
So on Monday, October 2 — the start of LGBTQ History Month — a new, permanent rainbow crosswalk will take its place.
And the official dedication is at 1 p.m. on October 11: National Coming Out Day.
The project — developed by Westport Pride, paid for by private donations, and supported by the Board of Selectwomen and Public Works director Pete Ratkiewich — promotes diversity, inclusion and acceptance in the community.
Nearly 40 individuals, families and businesses from all walks of life contributed funds.
The design and colors– created by Westport Pride founder Brian McGunagle — symbolize “the full spectrum of the LGBTQ+ community,” he says.
“It adds a vibrant touch to our town’s streetscape, but also serves as a powerful symbol of acceptance, unity, and love. We believe it will be a source of pride and inspiration for all Westport residents.”
Dr. Nikki Gorman — who helped sponsor the original temporary rainbow crosswalk, as well as the new permanent one — also took part in the first installation in June.
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The Westport Book Shop is just a few yards from the crosswalk.
This Saturday (October 7, 10:30 a.m. to noon), they partner with Earthplace and the Westport Tree Board for their 3rd annual Family Fun + Halloween Pumpkin Painting Project.
It’s a morning of crafts, guest animals from Earthplace, and giveaways from the Tree Board. Michael Zenetti will read from his book “The Sloth and His Friends.” Halloween costumes are optional, but encouraged.
RSVP to the Book Shop: 203-349-5141.
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EcoFest — Westport’s sustainable holiday celebration — is set for November 11, at Staples High School.
The sponsors — the school’s Zero Waste Committee — invites all organizations, businesses, artists, crafters and sustainable groups to participate.
A wide variety of exhibitors are welcome. Click here to register. The deadline is October 31.
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MyTeamTriumph — whose volunteers help youth, adults and veterans with disabilities to participate in triathlons and road races — is a great non-profit.
Their fundraiser will be a great one too.
“Stories of Triumph & Inclusion” (November 2,6:15 p.m., Westport Library), will feature Chris Nikic, the first person with Down Syndrome to complete an Ironman. He also won the Jimmy V ESPY Award for Perserverance.
The evening includes inspiration from other athletes with disabilities, raffles, drinks, and catering by Marcia Selden.
Click here for tickets and more information, including sponsorships.
My Team Triumph, at the Westport Triathlon.
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MoCA Westport’s MoCA Westport’s annual benefit — held last night — was called The Surrealist Soiree.
It featured imaginative décor, avant-garde performers. a DJ, delicious food from Marcia Selden, Spencer Heyfron‘s surreal photo sessions, never-before-seen works by Purvis Young — and this:
(Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)
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Rain and high tides combined to close Burying Hill Beach yesterday.
Ed Simek got this far — and no further — as he snapped today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo.
(Photo/Ed Simek)
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And finally … in honor of migrating birds (story above), this seems appropriate in a couple of ways:
(It’s always the season to think about supporting local journalism — aka “06880.” Please click here to make a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)
a bird is a word song.
I wish my neighbors would turn off their “spotlights” at night. I could read a book with all of my lights off, it’s so bright!
Dan, you realize every time you mention Marcia Sheldon often you are promoting her business sayin’
I mention many businesses, often, Cristina. I have received a couple of press releases recently that mention her as a caterer at events. There are many excellent caterers in the area — yours included. I’m not playing favorites or “promoting” a businesses. I’m mentioning a fact.