Senator Chris Murphy was at the Saugatuck Rowing Club yesterday.
He was the keynote speaker at the Center for Children’s Advocacy’s “Giving Children a Voice” event.
The CCA is not well known in Fairfield County. But it’s New England’s largest children’s legal rights organization. As Murphy noted, it does crucial legal work, helping young people and their parents navigate issues in education, healthcare, housing and the courts.
Many politicians could have mailed it in. But Murphy cares passionately about CCA’s work. He noted its increasing importance these days, as both government support systems and funding sources are cut, and under attack.
Murphy and other speakers described the important role Westporters can play with CCA, both financially and by promoting its valuable work. Click here to learn more.
Murphy was introduced by his father, who the senator said instilled in him a concern for people who lack access to resources and power.
The event also included a powerful and personal speech by a Bridgeport mother, whose life has been changed by CCA’s work with herself and her children.
Senator Chris Murphy, at the Saugatuck Rowing Club. (Photo/Dan Woog)
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The Startup Westport “Innovation in Sports” panel on Wednesday — with residents Rick Cordella (president of NBC Sports) and Rob Simmelkjaer (New York Road Runners CEO), moderated by Staples High School graduate Andrew Marchand — was fresh, fun, insightful and educational.
All 3 participants were honest and entertaining. They talked about their work, the technology and innovation behind it, the future, and their personal successes and failures.
If you missed it — or want to see it again — you’re in luck. The Westport Library’s Verso Studios crew taped it. Click below to see:
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Earthplace’s calendar is filled with events.
But May may be its busiest month ever. There are several events this weekend, and others in the days ahead. They include:
Birding Walk (Saturday, May 3, 8 to 9 a.m.; suggested donation $10): Follow an ecologist along the trails.
Forage the Wild (Saturday, May 3, 12 to 1:30 p.m.; free): Plant-based chef Chrissy Tracey and “Yard To Table” podcasters Trevor Crafts and Ellen Scherer Crafts lead a fun walk.
Bees and Blooms: Spring Wildflower ID Walk (Saturday, May 3, 1 to 2:30 p.m.; members $8, non-members $10): Enjoy the native plant courtyard and woods; learn about spring ephemerals and other early blooming flowers.
Bird Habitat Restoration (Sunday, May 4, 11 a.m.): Help remove invasive plants.
Winged Wonders (Sunday, May 4, 1 p.m.; free with admission): Experience birds of prey outside their enclosures.
Canoe Paddle (May 17, 1 to 3 p.m.: members $50 per canoe, non-members $60 per canoe): Head down the Saugatuck River in search of osprey, egrets, turtles and more.
Plein Air Painting Workshop (May 24, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.; members $15, non-members $20): Learn the basics of landscape painting, along Earthplace’s meadows and trails.
Fresh Bounty: Spring Foraging (May 25, 1 to 2:30 p.m.; members $8, non-members $10): Walk through the sanctuary.
Kids Night Out: Pollinator Party (May 30, 6 to 9 p.m.; members $50 per child, non-members $60 per child): An evening of fun and learning; ages 5-12.
Click here for more details, and to register.
Bees and blooms at Earthplace
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Sheri Gordon writes: “I’m so happy to see Westport taking proactive measures to protect runners, bikers, walkers and even drivers from accidents due to bushes growing in the town’s right of way, blocking sight lines.”
She sent the photo below. Sheri also asks “06880” readers who live in areas with lots of foot traffic to coordinate with the Department of Public Works to ensure the safety of all.
Public Works crew cleans up sightlines at the end of Soundview Drive. (Photo/Sheri Gordon)
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Meanwhile, around the corner, a new sidewalk is being built on Hillspoint Road.
As with all construction, there are rules.
Westporters are asked not to step on or over the curb. Don’t touch it.
And definitely — definitely — no licking the curb.
(Photo/Matt Murray; hat tip: John McGrath)
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Whether you got a chance to help build the new Compo Beach playground or not, there’s one last volunteer opportunity left.
Both skilled and unskilled workers are needed today (Saturday, May 3), from now through 4 p.m. Hands are needed to put benches in place.
“Bring your gloves, your enthusiasm and your community pride,” organizers say.
One more day needed!
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For years, the CT Challenge bike ride has been one of summer’s biggest events.
Funds raised from the 25-, 50- and 100-mile jaunts through the Connecticut countryside raised tens of millions of dollars to help cancer survivors rebuild, improve and prolong their lives through exercise, nutrition, mind-body health and support programs.
This year’s event will be very different. It’s moving from a physical ride to a virtual one.
And instead of one day, bikers will have the entire month of July to ride and raise money.
Riders can go solo, or as part of a team. They pick their dates, routes and paces — any time during July. Click here for details.
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MyTeam Triumph — the non-profit that pairs volunteers with people with disabilities, so all can enjoy road races and swimming events — has 2 upcoming events.
One is new; the other is a favorite standby.
For the first time ever, myTeam Triumph participates in the Boys & Girls Club of Stamford 5K. It’s Thursday evening, May 15 at Mill River Park.
Three days later, it’s the always popular Bloomin’ Metric cylcing tour (not a race!). It’s set for Sunday, May 18 at Sherwood Island State Park.
To volunteer — or race — or learn more about these and other events, click here. Questions? Email KZiebell@myteamtriumph-ct.org, or call (203) 216-1146.
It takes a team — in this case, myTeam Triumph.
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Sorelle Gallery’s next show features landscapes by Karin Olah.
Inspired by the colors and light of coastal landscapes, the South Carolina artist creates multi-layered paintings with acrylic paint, hand-dyed fabric, and vintage textiles.
A reception is set for May 10.
Karin Olah
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No matter what else is happening in the world, we’ve still got spring here.
Today’s stunning “Westport … Naturally” nighttime photo comes from Anne Bernier’s back yard. It proves that the season’s beauty is not limited to daylight hours. What a sight!
(Photo/Anne Bernier)
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And finally … this gorgeous spring keeps giving us joy, with its birds and bees, flowers and trees …
(Here’s one fact of life: “06880” would not exist without reader support. If you enjoy this hyper-local blog, please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
What’s that beautiful tree in Anne’s back yard?
The double negative confused me. “Do not do the following: No licking the curb.”
I licked the curb. Damn.