Several “06880” readers were saddened to report the removal of 3 shade trees at Old Mill Beach.
I asked Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department for the back story. Here’s the answer, from parks superintendent Mike West:
“During last Wednesday evening’s thunderstorms, 1 of the 3 leaders of that Norway Maple came down (see photo).
(Photo courtesy of Westport Parks & Recreation Department)
“When I inspected the tree with our team, we identified other points of concern on both of the remaining leaders.
“Unfortunately, the only way to eliminate any safety concerns was to remove the remaining portion of the tree.
“It was sad to see the tree removed, but we’re lucky no was injured.”
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The Remarkable Bookcycle — the free, funky mobile library that wheels around town — is back at Compo Beach.
It’s been rehabbed by Ryan Peterson. It looks great!
Feel free to grab a book. Or donate one.
Or do both.
(Photo/Ryan Peterson)
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Three Westporters were honored at the White House yesterday, as part of a salute to all 2023-24 NCAA champions.
Staples High School 2021 graduate Paddy Donovan is a goalkeeper on the Clemson University men’s Division I soccer national championship. It’s coached by Mike Noonan, a ’79 Staples alum and star on the Wrecker’s ’78 state title squad. This was the 2nd NCAA title in 3 years for Noonan and the Tigers.
Congratulations to both!
Head coach Mike Noonan (front row, 2nd from left, white shirt), Paddy Donovan (middle row, far right, orange shirt), and Clemson Tigers at the White House.
Also honored: Janna Moore. The Tufts University rising sophomore — and daughter of 2nd Selectwoman Andrea Moore — was a member of the Jumbos’ Division III national champion crew team.
Janna Moore (2nd from left) with her Tufts teammates.
NOTE: When the visit was scheduled, no one knew it would mark the first official appearance for Kamala Harris, as a presidential candidate. She was subbing for President Biden, recovering from COVID at his Delaware home.
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The Westport Police Department reminds residents to “stay vigilant in locking their cars and homes.”
Last weekend, Westport saw an increase in stolen vehicle attempts and larcenies from unlocked cars.
“Please lock your homes and vehicles, utilize alarm and surveillance systems, and report any suspicious behavior to the Westport Police Department,” the WPD says.
Lock your car! And don’t leave your key in the ignition!
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Scarcely believing that 40 years have passed, the Staples High School Class of 1984 gathered Saturday night at Saugatuck Rowing Club.
They partied like it was … well, 1984.
And they sure look good!
Staples Class of 1984.
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In his new book — “Better Pissed Off … Than Pissed On: Narratives on Fubar America” — prolific Westport author Carl Addison Swanson rants and raves about everything: cell phones in schools, leaf blowers, the rise of pickleball, diminishing manners in this country, bad television, dress codes in daily life, teachers making a difference in one’s life, our money-grubbing health system, love and being a father, the puzzling new array of new products on the shelves, bad skin commercials, why siblings fight after the parents are gone — you get the ida.
“Four stars, a hoot,” says Booklist. Click here to purchase. Click here for Carl’s website.
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A Westport boat owner writes: “We found all kinds of ‘critter foot prints’ on our boat after the last storm. So we put a camera in, to see what it was all about.
“This photo says it all. It’s amazing who likes boats in Westport!”
The owner called Animal Control, to get rid of the critter peacefully.
The owner adds: “I’m glad he or she did not have the key!”
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Frank Zappa once said, “If you want an education, go to the library.”
On August 1 (6 p.m.), his proteges take his advice to heart. Tribute act Banned From Utopia and the Paul Green Rock Academy bringing the “authentic Zappa experience” to the Westport Library.
General admission tickets are $20. A VIP Meet and Greet ticket ($60) offers early admission to enjoy the company of Banned From Utopia members Robert Martin, Ray White and Scott Thunes, all of whom played in Zappa’s band.
It’s a chance to chat, listen to stories, take pictures, have a cocktail, and hang out with band members who toured with Zappa in his prime.
Click here for tickets, and more information.
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How secure are our elections?
The office of the Registrars of Voters will conduct memory card and tabulator testing beginning today (Tuesday, July 23, 10 a.m., Town Hall Room 212D).
The public is invited to observe today, or any continued testing tomorrow (Wednesday).
Election Day.
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One of nature’s wonders is the starfish.
This guy happily (?!) posed at Compo Beach, for today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.
(Photo/Marcus Forman)
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And finally … in honor of Frank Zappa (story above):
(We may not be as eloquent as Frank Zappa, but our message is just as heartfelt: Please click here to support “06880.” We rely on our readers! Thank you.)
I have a 3′ white oak seedling happy to donate. I’m sure it will grow quickly.
I agree it’s sad to lose a shade tree, but Norway Maples are invasive here in Connecticut – they crowd out the sugar maples and other native trees. Maybe this was nature’s way of getting revenge 🙂 and it can be replaced with a native.
agree. I shed no tears for the loss of a Norway Maple. But putting in a native that will provide shade could be done toute de suite.