It’s that time again.
Effective today (May 15), the use of hand-held and backpack gas-powered leaf blowers is prohibited. The ban is effective through October 15.
Conservation Department director Colin Kelly says, “Let’s keep up the efforts to follow this ordinance. Let us know by email or letter if a property is using a prohibited blower. We will follow up by reviewing each complaint and sending educational materials to those who are not adhering to the ordinance.”
Contact the Conservation Office by email at leafblowercomplaints@westportct.gov, or write Conservation Department, 110 Myrtle Avenue, Westport, CT 06880.
For more information, click here.
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This is also the time of year for beach water testing.
But long closures — like those seen last year — may be a thing of the past.
Aspetuck Health District and the town of Westport will begin Monday, with enhanced testing and reporting protocols.
The Health District will collect samples every Monday morning from Compo and Burying Hill Beaches. They will go to the Department of Public Health Laboratory in Rocky Hill for analysis.
If bacteria levels are high, the water will be closed for swimming and other water activities. The water will be immediately resampled, and sent to the City of Stamford Laboratory for analysis.
This decreases turnaround time. and enable officials to lift closures faster than in previous years.
“Safety is our top priority. says Aspetuck Health District director of health Luci Bango.
“Beach water is sampled weekly during the season to monitor harmful bacteria or the potential presence of pathogens. These tests help us decide when to close waters for swimming and other water activities, to reduce the risk of illnesses like gastrointestinal distress, skin rashes, or ear infection.”
Elevated bacterial levels in water bodies can occur during excessive heat or rainfall.
Burying Hill Beach, last summer. (Photo/Seth Schachter)
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Hundreds of dogs — and even more humans — will enjoy this Sunday’s Dog Festival at Winslow Park.
It’s fun for everyone. But note: Parking is not available at the Westport Country Playhouse. That lot is reserved for attendees of a youth ballet performance, and patrons of Gabriele’s Steakhouse.
Businesses west of the Mobil station on Post Road East will open their parking lots for festival attendees. Saugatuck Congregational Church is available beginning at noon,, after services.
Parking locations will be marked with signs along Post Road.
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The Democratic Women of Westport have planned morning of service at Wakeman Town Farm tomorrow (May 16, 10 a.m. to noon).
They’ll work with Farmer Frank and master gardener Paul Rossi to plant tubers, and learn about their care and keeping.
All — of every political affiliation — are welcome. Click here to sign up.
Meanwhile, WTF has put together a list of items to support their work — everything from plant labels and markers to garden seeders. Click here to order via Amazon.
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Congratulations, Sophie Rossman!
The 2021 Staples High School and NYU Tisch Drama graduate is making her Off-Broadway debut in “Dad Don’t Read This.” The show, at the St. Luke’s Theatre, has been extended to May 29.
The coming-of-age story centers on 4 teenage girls navigating friendship, identity, and the confusing transition into adulthood. Set during a series of suburban sleepovers, it’s both humorous and emotionally honest. Click here for tickets, and more information.
Sophie Rossman, in “Dad Don’t Read This.”
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Speaking of debuts: Sara Robbin is a former attorney. She spent over a decade as a writing professor at Fordham Law School before finding her niche assisting students with college essays.
Now the Westporter adds “screenwriter” to her resume. “Pinky Swear” premiered Monday at the Angelika Theater, as part of the Big Apple Film Festival.
It offers a window into the complex emotions fame causes for children. The film was inspired by Sara’s acting experiences with her daughter Chloe, a Bedford Middle School student, who is part of the cast.
The role of a “crazy stage mom” is played by Westport native Ashley Schoff Iglehart, a former child actor. Her daughter Harper, a 10th grade Staples Player, assisted on set.
The cast and crew, including Chloe Robbin (3rd from left), Ashley Schoff Iglehart (in black, behind her), and Sarah Robbin (blue).
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You never know what will pop up on our “Westport … Naturally” feature.
This may be our first crane … and one of our must beautiful creatures ever.
[UPDATE] It’s an egret, not a crane. I need to stop relying on what photographers tell me! And we sure have featured egrets before!
(Photo/John Maloney)
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And finally … our item above about the gas-powered leaf blower ban got us thinking about:
(Please click here to support this hyper-local blog. It’s a gas!)
Curious why Monday was chosen for testing? Given that the weekend is probably the heaviest beach usage time, one would think that is health was the primary driver of testing, one would test prior to but as close to peak usage as possible. Thursday, for example, giving a day for test turnaround.
A conspiracy theorist would almost think the testing day was chosen to minimize the chance of weekend closures. But maybe there is a good scientific reason for Monday.
Just an acknowledgement to all those who worked so hard to secure the gas powered leaf blower regulation. it is not perfect, the Town should voluntarily comply, but it is a start. As to names, I think of Kristin Schneeman and Valerie Jacobs, Two people I will continue to criticize for their lack of involvement or support are Jen Tooker and Peter Ratkiewich. First Selectman Kevin Christie needs to change the Town policy.
The landscapers using gas blowers are maintaining your neighbors properties. Electric blowers are weak and don’t do the job. I don’t understand your aversion to intermittent noise when it beautifies the environment. Every landscaper in Florida uses gas blowers. No complaints no problems. I think you may be approaching KAREN status🤣🤣🤣🇺🇸
Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo is an egret, not a crane. Apologies. I need to stop relying on what photographers tell me!