One of the joys of the Westport Weston Family YMCA is the view from inside.
The spectacular scenery includes the Mahackeno Outdoor Center woods and trees.
And occasionally, its bears.
Adam Siegel was startled yesterday to see a young bear amble into view.
(Photo/Adam Siegel)
Looks like the cub was having fun with a ball.
Just like youngsters at Camp Mahackeno — all very safely out of the way — do, all the rest of the time.
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It was hot and hazy yesterday.
And a decent-sized crowd took advantage of a mid-summer hump day to enjoy Sherwood Island State Park.
(Photo/Pam Docters)
Today’s forecast: Clouds early, followed by partial clearing. It will hit 94 degrees — perfect for cooling off at your favorite beach.
And then, at 6 p.m. tonight (Thursday), the “o6880” blog party at Compo. ‘
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Speaking of beating the heat: Lou Mall had a chance to do that yesterday.
And he didn’t even plan on it.
The Representative Town Meeting member was on his way into the Senior Center, when he saw 2 teenager girls offering free lemonade.
From left: Taylor Lunney and Nicole Tooker. (Photo/Lou Mall)
Taylor Linney and Nicole Tooker also invited seniors to join them in a “When life gives you lemons, play Cornhole!” event there, on July 30 (10:30 a.m.).
“What great young women!” Lou says.
“I had a wonderful conversation about their upcoming senior year in high school, and colleges.
“It was so nice of them to volunteer their time and energy. And who doesn’t love free lemonade on a hot day like today?”
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The Westport Downtown Association sponsors music on Church Lane, every Friday and Saturday from early June through mid-September.
Now there’s music on Wednesdays too. Spotted Horse hires the performer. But they play outside the popular restaurant, so diners at other venues enjoy them too.
Ethan Walmark was last night’s featured act. The very talented 2024 Staples High School graduate — a rising sophomore at the University of Southern California’s prestigious Thornton School of Music — rocked the al fresco roadway with a sampling of some of his 3,000 covers, of popular tunes in a variety of genres.
Of course, Ethan took requests. That’s the way he rocks.
And rolls.
Ethan Walmark, in action. (Photo/Jerry Kuyper)
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Also yesterday: 2 well-attended events, on either side of the Westport Library parking lot.
In the Trefz Forum, the 50th anniversary of “Jaws” was celebrated with a special screening of the iconic thriller — followed by an intriguing talk with nephew Christopher Shaw Myers, author of “Robert Shaw: An Actor’s Life on the Set of Jaws and Beyond,”and film critic Joe Myers.
(Photo/Copyright DinkinESH Fotografix)
Meanwhile, a few yards away, the Levitt Pavilion welcomed the folk trio I’m With Her:
(Photo/Jerry Kuyper)
As if all that wasn’t enough: Singer Rosanne Cash and her husband, guitarist John Leventhal performed at the Westport Country Playhouse.
(Photo/Susan Garment)
In the words of former 1st Selectman Jim Marpe: “If you can’t find something to do in Westport, you’re just not trying.”
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Speaking of the Westport Country Playhouse: Individual tickets are now on sale for the upcoming season.
Beginning in the fall, and running through next summer, it includes 3 mainstage productions of 3 weeks each, plus 3 limited-run shows.
Click here for details, and ticket information.
Artistic director Mark Shanahan gets ready for another season.
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Sunday is the Big Day for Lloyd Allen.
The Double L Market owner — and musical theater playwright — debuts “Screen Time” at the Westport Library (2 p.m.).
It tells the story of Angie (a bookeworm) who meets Marshall (a coder) building Angela (an AI chatbot).
The humans fall in love. Marshall introduces Angie to his influencer friends. Cautious at first, she acquiesces. With Angela’s guidance, she becomes a viral influencer.
“It’s the biggest artistic risk I’ve ever taken,” Lloyd says. “But it feels right.
“And I can’t think the Library enough. They haven’t just given me a stage — they’ve become partners in the artistic endeavor.”
The show will stream live on the library’s YouTube station, and be archived there. For free tickets and more information. click here.
Screenshot from “Screen Time.”
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1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker says: “It is with deep sadness that I learned of the passing of Fairfield 1st Selectman Bill Gerber.
“He was a kind, engaged and accomplished public servant, having served the Fairfield in a wide range of elected and appointed roles over the past 30 years.
“Personally, I found Bill to not only be a good colleague, but even more importantly, a good human.
“On behalf of the town of Westport, I extend my sincere condolences to his wife,Jessica, his family, friends, and the entire Fairfield community. Please know that you are in our thoughts during this time of profound loss.”
Fairfield 1st Selectman Bill Gerber
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“Nature can heal itself, if we give it a little help.”
That was the message from Bob Mazzone, SoundWaters’ vice president of development, the the Westport Rotary Club on Tuesday.
The Stamford-based non-profit teaches students about the environmental challenges threatening Long Island Sound, through programs like sailing, growing kelp to improve the quantity of oxygen, and harbor maintenance.
Bob Mazzone addresses the Westport Rotary Club at Green’s Farms Church. (Photo/Dave Matlow)
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5th through 8th graders interested in history and photography: Check out “History Through a Lens.”
The 3-Saturday workshop (August 23, September 13 and 27, 10-11:30 a.m., Weston History & Culture Center) encourages youngsters to dive into photographs from the archives, uncover the stories they tell, capture their own images, and become storytellers too
No experience is necessary. Bring a camera or smartphone (or one will be provided).
Free for members; $10 for non-members. Click here to register, and for more information.
Photos from the Westport History & Culture Center archives.
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Westport Police made 1 custodial arrest between July 9 and 15.
A 23-year-old West Haven man was charged with larceny, and conspiracy to commit larceny, after an investigation into the October 4 thefts of tires and wheels from Honda of Westport. The loss and associated damage was estimated at $15,530. He posted a $75,000, and was turned over to Stamford Police, who also held a warrant for his arrest.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
- Driving while texting: 7 citations
- Traveling unreasonably fast: 5
- Failure to renew registration: 5
- Failure to obey state traffic commission regulations: 5
- Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 2
- Failure to obey traffic control regulations: 2
- Criminal trespass: 1
- Reckless driving: 1
- Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
- Failure to insure a motor vehicle: 1
- Passing in a no-passing zone 1
- Failure to obey stop sign: 1
- Following too closely: 1
- Improper turns: 1
- Failure to grant right-of-way: 1
- School zone violation: 1.
Criminal trespassing is a crime.
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Longtime Westporter and civic volunteer Mary Shaughnessy died peacefully in November in Stamford, 2 days after celebrating her 95th birthday.
Raised on a Minnesota farm during the Depression, and one of 10 children, she was Homecoming Queen at Rochester High School.
She put herself through the University of Minnesota by working at the Mayo Clinic. She then taught physical education and health at Minnetonka High School.
Mary was married for 60 years to Tom Shaughnessy. Together, they raised 6 children.
In Westport Mary was active with the Church of Assumption, volunteered with Meals on Wheels, and was the only female coach of Westport’s first co-ed softball league.
Mary is survived by her children and their spouses: Tom of River Forest, Illinois; Mary Kay of Stamford; Elizabeth of Nashville; Peggy of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin; Patrick of Redwood City, California and John of Coral Gables, Florida; 11 grandchildren, and her siblings Margaret Tushaus, Donna Mae Stock and Eugene Tushaus.
A memorial Mass will be held at Assumption Church on August 9 (10 a.m.). In lieu of flowers, donations made be made to the Thomas F. ’46 and Mary A. Shaughnessy Scholarship Endowment Fund at Cretin-Derham Hall, St. Paul, MN.
Mary Shaughnessy
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Carolyn Doan sends a pair of spectacular “Westport … Naturally” photos.
She reports: “The Fresh Market osprey is getting ready to leave the nest.
“There is one chick this year. It can lift itself high above the nest. and is now assessing the idea of leaving. Proud parent looks on as this unfolds.”
(Photos/Carolyn Doan)
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And finally … see you tonight at our “06880” blog party (story above)!
(Sure, it’s hot. But the AC is cranking at “06880” Central, and we’re pumping out our usual mix of news, events, features, photos and more, without letup. Please click here to support our work. Thanks!)