Right on schedule — actually, a few days early — a Fresh Market osprey is back.
The nest next to Terrain is occupied by at least one of the magnificent raptors. The second member of the pair usually arrives after the first.
As we do every year, Westport waits anxiously for the little ones. (Hat tip: Dana Kuyper
Fresh Market osprey. (Photo/Johanna Keyser Rossi)
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Earlier this month, the Democratic Town Committee’s nominating committee interviewed 4 “excellent” candidates for this November’s first selectperson election. It’s an open seat, now that incumbent Jen Tooker is running for governor.
The nominating committee settled on 2 “very qualified” candidates to present to the full DTC. Board of Education member Kevin Christie was one. The other asked not to have their name put forward.
However, despite a previous announcement, the full DTC will not vote on a candidate next month. Instead, in July they’ll introduce Christie’s name. At that point, nominations can be made from the floor.
That information was offered to DTC members — and other attendees — at last night’s monthly Zoom meeting, by chair Michelle Mechanic.
Next month, the Democrats also begin interviewing candidates for all open board and commission seats.
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Americans discard 20 million mattresses and box springs annually. That’s 55,000 that land in incinerators and landfills each day.
But up to 90% of old mattresses can be recycled into carpet pads, exercise equipment cushions, bike seats, insulation, air filters and steel materials.
Sustainable Westport can help. They’ll host a free mattress/ box spring recycling event on Saturday, April 26 (8:30 to 11:30 a.m., Earthplace).
Dry and unsoiled mattresses and box springs are welcome. Please do not bring those that are damaged, wet, or contaminated (bed bugs, etc.).
If you can’t bring your mattress or box spring, Westport Boy Scout Troop 36 will provide a pickup service for a small donation. Click here to sign up.
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Twenty Staples High School seniors will graduate in June with high honors.
They represent the top 4% of the graduating class. Congratulations to Aidan Stubbs, William Borowsky, Andrew Rebello. Annam Anjolaoluwa Adachukwu Olasewere, Sam Rossoni, Jackson Tracey, Cole Siegner, Perrin Root, Mack Haymond, William Boberski, Carolina Proctor, Alexis Krenzer, Mia Bomback, Matthew Guadarrama, Abe Lobsenz, Alessandra Gavriloiu, Megan Sargent, Kendra Cheng, Shreyas Gorre and Suhani Aggarwal.
Principal Stafford Thomas notes, “these students were involved in a number of extracurricular activities and various aspects of school life which took a great deal of time, focus and concentration outside of the classroom. We were lucky to have had them for 4 years, and will no doubt hear about their next great achievements in the years to come.”
Staples High School Class of 2025 high honors students, flanked by assistant principal Pat Micinilio (far left) and principal Stafford Thomas (far right).
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VersoFest is near. Time to take the Westport Library decibel level up another few notches.
Actually, more than that. On Saturday, April 5, the goal is to become the loudest library ever.
Starting at 10 a.m., visionary artist 5iveFingaz hosts a 90-minute celebration. It includes a rotating cast of DJs, “an electrifying fusion of music, art, and community, and the Library version of a primal scream.” (Plus doughnuts and beverages.)
“Our goal is to make this a true celebration and community experience, showcasing the transformative power of community and creativity,” says Westport Library executive director Bill Harmer.
“We want everyone to feel welcome, from our youngest patrons to our longtime music supporters. The emphasis here is on fun, and setting the right tone to what promises to be an incredible weekend of events at VersoFest 2025.”
This kickoff coincides with 5iveFingaz’s Interactive Community Participation Mural. (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) Residents are invited to create a one-of-a-kind work of art from 10 am to 2 pm.
It will be followed by an all-star panel discussion on the 50th anniversary of Bruce Springsteen’s “Born to Run” (1 p.m.), and 2 Verso Visionary conversations: 4 p.m. between The Roots founder and lead emcee Black Thought and June Archer, followed by hardcore punk legend Henry Rollins in conversation with Nabil Ayers at 7.
The festival closes Sunday, April 6, with a VersoFest live podcast discussion between longtime David Letterman music director Paul Shaffer and SNL Beehive Queen Christine Ohlman.
Click here for more VersoFest details, including a full schedule.
5iveFingaz
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It takes a week to transform the Westport Country Playhouse stage, from one show to the next.
But you can watch it happen in just 3 minutes, on video.
Immediately after “Native Gardens” closed, a crew began building the “Theatre People” set.
The comedy opens March 25. Will they get it done in time?
Watch below!
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Club203 celebrated St. Patrick’s Day in style last night.
The Westport Library was filled with smoke machines — and decked out in green — at a special karaoke night.
Westport’s social group for adults with disabilities enjoyed soda breads and honey buns donated by Cob’s Bread, green bagels from Village Bagels, and cookies Baked by Belle.
As always, there was plenty of volunteer support, and MoCA CT ran an art table.
Club203 rocks the Westport Library.
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Also yesterday: a presentation to the Westport Rotary Club by Catalyst CT CEO and president Marc Donald.
The nonprofit began by combating teen substance abuse. It has since branched out into reducing gun violence, suicide prevention, and practicing restorative justice.
The organization trains police and security guards in Bridgeport and Fairfield public schools to help defuse potentially violent situations. They also partner with Park City Presents, helping familiarize Bridgeport teenagers with music production technology.
Marc Donald, at yesterday’s Westport Rotary Club. (Hat tip and photo/Dave Matlow)
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Fleet Feet’s United Track Club program, for boys and girls in grades 2-8, begins April 27. All athletic levels are welcome.
The program runs Sundays (11 a.m. to noon, Staples High School track) through June 8.
It includes sprints, hurdles, long jump and endurance running. The focus is on coordination and confidence.
The cost is $160. Click here for details.
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The Westport/Weston Interfaith Clergy Association invites all teenage girls and boys to a packing party this Sunday (March 23, 5:30 to 7 p.m., United Methodist Church) for Dignity Grows.
The goal is to pack 200 bags of menstrual hygiene products, for distribution to local food pantries, shelters and organizations.
This will be a fun time, a great cause — and there’s pizza and snacks. RSVP your their faith community youth leader, or Heather Sinclair: hsinclair@westportumc.org.
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Yesterday’s “Roundup” item about TAP Strength’s first “lifespand and health span” wellness event — a conversation between TAP founder Dr. EJ Zebro and Jennifer Boyd — did not include the date and time. It’s March 26, 6 p.m.
A team from Rhone will offer performance-driven gear. Register by email: info@tapstrength.com.
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Just 3 days remain before Westport Pride’s annual drag show.
This year’s special guest is Patty Bourée. The 18+ event — with cocktails, songs and comedy — is Saturday (March 22, 7 p.m.) at The Knowlton, Bridgeport’s premier event space.
“Come dressed to spring eternal,” organizers say. And why not? It’s the second day of spring!
Click here for tickets, and more information.
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Most Sherwood Mill Pond sunsets are dramatic.
Yesterday’s was particularly vivid.
Matt Murray captured the scene, for our “Westport … Naturally” feature:
(Photo/Matt Murray)
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And finallly … Jesse Colin Young, co-founder of the Youngbloods and the lead singer on “Get Together,” a still-beloved paean to love and brotherhood, died Sunday in South Carolina. He was 83. Click here for a full obituary.
(Come on people, smile on your brother, everybody get together and support “06880” right now. Please click here. It’s groovy — and we thank you!)
Jesse and the youngbloods performed at Staples around 1969
The video on the Westport Playhouse set change was amazing.
Yay Osprey’s! I was there the other day thinking, hmmm… must almost be time! Dan will be sure to let us know!
Great song; great anthem!!