Roundup: Yankee Doodle Fair, P&Z, Earthplace …

Okay, now we know summer is just around the corner.

The Westport Woman’s Club has announced the dates for the Yankee Doodle Fair.

The century-old tradition returns Fathers Day weekend. From Thursday, June 13 through Sunday, June 16, the grounds and parking lot on Imperial Avenue will transform from a staid club into a carnival, for “kids” of all ages.

Profits support charities throughout Fairfield County, need-based scholarships to Staples High School students, and the Woman’s Club food closet.

Among the rides: a carousel, Flying Dumbo, Dizzy Dragon, Frog Hopper, Scrambler, Cliff Hanger, Zero Gravity and Expo Wheel. Unlimited ride wristbands make things easy (and inexpensive).

The youngest fairgoers will enjoy sand art and snowflake painting.

Entertainment includes rock and country/bluegrass bands. There are raffle prizes and a “take a chance” tent.

Plus of course a food court with hamburgers, hot dogs, Greek food, Good Humor ice cream, baked goods — and beer and wine.

Proceeds help support a wide array of Fairfield County charities, need-based scholarships for Staples High School students, and the WWC food closet.

Yankee Doodle Fair sponsors include Belta’s Farm Legacy, Ellen Hooker, Rich Dean Boxing & Fitness, Salon Paul Michael, Sam Sloat Coins, Westport National Bank, Continuum Card, National Express, Izzo’s Landscapes, JMG Insurance, Principal Wealth Partners, Toni Mickiewicz-William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty.

For more details, click here.

Yankee Doodle Fair magic!

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Effective immediately — well, at its next (June 3) meeting anyway — Planning & Zoning Commission sessions will begin at 6 p.m. The previous start time was 7.

P&Z Chair Paul Lebowitz says: “After many late night meetings, the Commission decided to start one hour, earlier with the hope of completing our meetings earlier.

“Our goal is to allow for more convenient opportunities for public participation, and also ensure a more focused and productive discussion between the applicants and Commission members.”

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Many Westporters love Earthplace, for its property, programs, and friendly, inclusive vibe.

Many other Westporters have never heard of it. Or if they have, they haven’t checked it out.

The non-profit science, conservation and education center, tucked into Westport’s northwest corner off Stony Brook Road, has an extensive menu of summer offerings. Click here for the program guide, listing drop-in activities, teen programs, and family and adult events.

There’s a summer camp for grades 3-8, and leadership training for 14- and 15-year-olds. Click here for camp offerings.

Among the summer activities for all ages:

• Nature journaling
• Group canoe paddle
• Themed campfire
• Brooks ‘n’ bugs
• Organic vegetable gardening
• Invasive plant removal days
• Butterfly walk
• Wildflower ID walk
• Build-a-bouquet
• Craft & Sip.

Click here to learn more.

Earthplace (Photo/Claudia Sherwood Servidio)

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Taylor Swift joined over 50 Kings Highway Elementary School students on Wednesday, for their first-ever Rise ‘n’ Ride.

Well, at least “Shake It Off” played through a speaker.

Youngsters rode loops around the PJ Romano track. Westport Police representatives Gregory Gunter and Rachel Hall — the KHS School Safety Officer — talked about the importance of always wearing a helmet.

Sara Holland Sports helped teach kids to ride, while Johan Rodriguez of Smart Cycles was there for bicycle maintenance.

The event was a collaboration with Bike Westport, whose goal is to promote safer cycling and walking in Westport.

Principal Tracey Carbone called it “an incredible and energizing way to start the day. This might be the start of a new tradition at KHS.”

Bike Westport co-founder Markus Marty — a KHS parent — said, “There is nothing more joyful than seeing children’s happy faces, enjoying their independence pedaling on their own.”

Markus is happy to help other school host similar events. Email markus@bikewestport.org.

Officer Gregory Gunter, and the Kings Highway bike riders.

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Multi-talented Andrew Wilk discussed his career in the arts on Wednesday, at a Y’s Men of Westport and Weston-hosted Library event.

Former Y’s Men president John Brandt interviewed his fellow Westporter. The former executive producer and director of “Live From Lincoln Center” — and much more — discussed the wide variety of music, theater, dance and solo performances he captured, over a 30-year span.

Click below for the video of Wilk’s talk:

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A reader writes: “On Thursday I saw a young lady defacing the corner of Post Road and Main Street with a red writing device to ‘save Gaza.’

“She can hold whatever sign she wants. But she should not deface our streets.”

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Bedside Reading is “a luxury amenity program that places books by the bedsides in 5 -star hotels and boutique properties.”

Serendipity Labs is neither. It’s a co-working space on Post Road West, just over the Ruth Steinkraus Cohen Bridge.

But Beside Reading has partnered with Serendipity Labs, for a “Books & Cocktails” event June 11 (5 to 7 p.m.), featurinng authors Jeanne McWilliams Blasberg, Stacey L. Tucker and Philip Myles Dane. Jane Ubell-Meyer, founder of Bedside Reading and book columnist for luxury lifestyle magazines and websites will host.

There’s also an oracle/tarot card reading. The event is open to the public. Reservations are necessary (click here), and books will be available for sale.

Authors’ books for the Serendipity Labs’ event.

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At first glance, it looks like a bagel.

Oy!

Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo is actually a giant mushroom. Dr. Edward Paul says “it sprouted seemingly overnight in a mulch bed.”

(Photo/Edward Paul)

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And finally … in honor of that large mushroom (above):

(Feed your head! And feed “06880”! Please click here to support our work. Thank you very much.)