Falcons are magnificent birds.
And a little over a year from now, a magnificent falcon barn will be added at Earthplace.
It will be part of the science, conservation and education center’s extensive upgrade to its already impressive Birds of Prey exhibit.
The new barn will include a falconry program, where attendees can watch the birds fly off, then return to their hand.
Earthplace goes before the Planning & Zoning Commission next month. The goal is to begin work this summer, then move the birds of prey there temporarily during renovations to their current site. Daily feedings and other programs will cotninue during the work.
Significant changes are planned for the enclosures. The birds of prey will have more room, while visitors will be able to walk around, and see the them from many angles.
An Earthplace staff member is undergoing extensive training, to become a certified falconer.
An Earthplace raptor.
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The Westport Rotary Club is a year-round service organization.
But Saturday, May 17 is their “Epic Day of Service.” It’s part of a worldwide effort.
To create the biggest impact possible, members are combining with several area Rotary clubs — including Westport Sunrise — to sponsor 7 projects.
In Westport they include Gillespie Center landscaping, a food drive at Big Y, and the Library Book Sale.
Local Rotarians will also help paint at Open Doors in Norwalk, clean up 2 Bridgeport sites, and join in the Walk to End Homelessness in Bridgeport.
They invite all community members to help. There is something for all ages and levels of expertise. Click here to learn more, and volunteer.
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The official results are in.
The Westport Young Woman’s League has released the times of finishers for the 10K and 5K, at Sunday’s 46th annual Minute Man Race. Click here to see.
The winner of the 10K is either spectacularly named, or he ran under an alias.
He’s “Hunter Izfast.”
The start of the Minute Man Race. (Photo/Ryan Allen)
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The “Career Coach” — a mobile clsasroom offering career services and computer training — will make 3 stops at the Westport Library.
Workshops include:
- Introduction to Excel (April 30)
- Job Search Strategies (May 8)
- AI in Action (June 30).
There are 2 sessions each day: 10 a.m. to noon, and 1 to 3 p.m. Click here to register. Questions? Email tevans@westportlibrary. org.
The Career Coach’s Westport appearances are sponsored by Homes with Hope, the Westport Department of Human Services, and The WorkPlace.
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Peter Yarrow and Mary Travers have died. But the music of Peter, Paul & Mary lives on.
It comes to Westport on May 10 (8 p.m.). Voices Café presents a tribute to the iconic folk trio, with (appropriately) 3 acts.
The Kennedys, Mustard’s Retreat and Suzanne Sheridan all return to the coffeehouse, at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Westport.
All uphold Peter, Paul & Mary’s legacy, sharing their experiences through song while keeping alive the power of singing for justice.
Voices Cafe concerts support local social justice programs. Tickets are $30. Click here to purchase, and for more information.
From left: Suzanne Sheridan, The Kennedys, Mustard’s Retreat.
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A morning full of stories, creativity, and community connection is on tap at the Westport Book Shop this Saturday (May 3, 10:30 a.m. to noon).
“Stories in Bloom: An Authors Showcase and Family Fun Event” includes a maypole dance, face painting, temporary tattoos, cornhole and food.
As for books: Over a dozen local authors will sign their volumes, for all ages.
They include Diana Blau, Sam Wilson, Christina McKay DiChristina, Allia Zobel Nolan, MaryAnn Degala, Michael Hendricks and Rebecca Ross, Bette Bono, Sylvie Jordan, Gina Uricchio, Laurie Newkirk, Marlou Newkirk, Debbie Salas Lopez and Kristina Lopez, Michael Payton, Denis O’Neill & Cy Quadland, Bella Rizzi, Cat Urbain, Gabi Coatsworth, Julie Ward and Marsha Temlock.
Jack Geer, whose greeting cards are sold at the Book Shop, will also share his artwork.
Together with “Stories in Bloom,” the Westport Book Shop is launching two raffles. They run from May 3 through June 28.
One offers a sealed copy of “The New Yorker in Westport.” Eve Potts and Andrew Bentley’s book highlights 50 magazine covers created by local artists.
The other is for 4 weekly group swim lessons at the Stewie the Duck Swim School in Norwalk, and a Stewie the Duck gift basket.
Tickets are $5 each, 3 for $10,
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Some Tesla drivers who have soured on the car company’s owner sport bumper stickers that say things like, “I bought this before I knew Elon was crazy.”
This one — spotted in Compo Shopping Center — went waaaay further:
(Photo/Duane Cohen)
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Meanwhile, a few yards away: The bar is high for entitled parking photos on “06880.”
Taking 2 spots won’t cut it. The driver must hog 3 (or more).
This one does. Bonus points because it’s at Compo Shopping Center, one of the worst parking lots in Westport even on good days.
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May marks “PianoFest,” for the regular Thursday Jazz at the Post series.
David Morgan — who has performed and recorded with Wynton Marsalis and Wes Anderson, and written music for CBS Sports, Discovery, A&E and MTV — kicks things off this week (May 1, VFW Post 399; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner at 7; $20 music cover, $15 for veterans and students).
He’ll be joined by bassist Yury Galkin, drummer Tyger MacNeal, and saxophonists David DeJesus and Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall. Click here for tickets.
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Last weekend’s rain set the scene for today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo.
Claudia Sherwood Servidio snapped it, on Cross Highway.
(Photo/Claudia Sherwood Servidio)
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And finally … in honor of the upcoming Earthplace renovations, including a new falcon barn (story above):
(If you click here to support “06880” with a tax-deductible donation, our hearts will soar like a falcon. Thank you!)
The image of that falcon with the human handler is stunning. What a creature!