Earlier this afternoon, the Westport Weston Health District gave the all-clear.
Westport beaches are now safe for swimming. They were closed on Saturday afternoon, following a sewage spill.
Compo Beach was almost empty today. Tomorrow, the crowds will return.
Weather permitting, of course.
Jump for joy! The water’s fine! (Photo/Richard Wiese)
(Hat tip: Amy Schneider)
Posted in Beach, Environment
Tagged Compo Beach, sewage leak, Westport Weston Health District
It always feels good to attend a fundraiser for a local organization. (And there are many fundraisers and groups in Westport.)
You eat and drink well. You’re entertained, and can win cool auction and raffle items. Plus, you’re contributing to a worthy cause.
However, you don’t always know exactly where your money goes.
If you attended last fall’s Harvest Fest at Wakeman Town Farm though, read on. (Keep reading if you didn’t go too, of course.)
Some of those funds went to support Horizons at Sacred Heart University. The tuition-free academic enrichment program serves low-income Bridgeport students in kindergarten through 8th grade. It’s one of 60 national chapters.
Thanks to Harvest Fest, more than 170 youngsters came to WTF last week. They learned about life on a farm, and got hands-on experiences with animals and plants.
Learning about life at Wakeman Town Farm.
On Friday, they had a huge pizza party. Volunteers fired up the new wood oven, donated by Robin Tauck (with stone from the Gault Family, and a gas grill by the Wormser family). Transportation was underwritten by Bankwell Westport.
But none of it would have been possible without help from Harvest Fest.
Remember that the next time you head to a fundraiser. The catered food and fancy wine is wonderful. Tickets to a Yankees Stadium suite, or a vacation at someone’s Caribbean home, is nice.
But the true joy comes when your money is put to good, real, important use.
Every kid loves pizza. Every counselor worries about the time. (Photos/Robert Osgood)
Posted in Children, Environment, Local business, Organizations, People
Tagged Bankwell, Gault Energy, Horizons at SHU, Robin Tauck, Wakeman Town Farm, Wormser family
The Westport Fire Department has just issued this press release, regarding Saturday’s sewage spill in the Saugatuck River:
The town has continued to work closely with the Department of Public Health and state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.
The Westport Weston Health District took multiple samples this morning from various beaches. They were sent to the state lab for testing. This test typically takes 24 hours, as it requires culturing the bacterial samples. Westport has requested that the state lab expedite the return of the results.
The WWHD made great efforts to ensure the safety of residents. They checked for private wells in the area of, and downstream from, the spill. They were unable to find any private wells in the area, and believe the properties to be on the public water supply.
Quick action on Saturday helped prevent a more dire situation.
As stated in yesterday’s update, there has been no further evidence of an additional leak since the evening of the break. It appears that the efforts by the Department of Public Works to mitigate and eliminate the spill were successful.
It is not possible to quantify the spill due to the number of variables that contribute to the dynamic flow volume. We believe that quick action by the DPW to shut down the pumps, isolate the area by closing valves, and immediately using vacuum trucks, followed by larger trailer-mounted pumps, was a contributing factor to minimizing the spill.
We will wait for results of the water test to come back. The town will confer with the state DPH and review the results. Residents and visitors should be assured that their health and well-being is paramount. The WWHD will not clear the water for swimming until it is deemed safe by them, as well as by state health officials. Officials remain optimistic that should the tests come back with a clean bill of health, the beaches could be reopened for swimming as soon as tomorrow afternoon.
Right now, this is as close as anyone should get to the water. (Photos/Mark Alex Maidique)
The new permanent pumps were on schedule to be completed in 2 weeks. Westport DPW is working to expedite this completion. In the meantime, the temporary solution is adequate, and will remain in place until the new pumps are operational.
Town officials certainly understand the impact that closing the waters has had on residents and businesses. We felt it necessary to do everything within our power to observe an abundance of caution to protect the health and well-being of everyone in the impacted area, and are doing everything possible to ensure that the waters are restored to their normal state.
We thank the residents and businesses for their understanding and cooperation through this process.
Posted in Environment, Local business, Organizations
Tagged Saugatuck River, sewage break, Westport Fire Department
Many Westporters know and love Wakeman Town Farm.
Many others are only vaguely aware.
They’ve heard of it — maybe driven past on Cross Highway — but have no clue what goes on at the sustainable living/education/event center that in 2010, after a century as a private family farm, went back to its roots under town ownership.
John and Jennifer Montoni were in that second category.
Now they’re Wakeman Town Farm’s new caretakers.
Nico, John, Jen and JC Montoni, on their front porch at Wakeman Town Farm.
The couple — Norwalk natives who moved to Westport nearly a decade ago, in large part for the schools — follow in the footsteps of Mike and Carrie Aitkenhead. WTF’s first stewards had 2 young children, and brought a family vibe to the farm and farmhouse that for 3 generations had been owned by the Wakemans.
After 7 years, the Aitkenheads were followed by Corey Thomas. His focus was on education offerings. When his 2-year contract ended this year, the WTF board decided to split the roles. John Montoni — who had his own construction firm — was the perfect choice for the property management role.
(Farah Masani, a local farmer and former food procurement specialist at the Barteca Group, will now lead the teen apprentice program. Chryse Terrill, a longtime educator, has been hired as the “Little Farmers” director.)
John has a big task. But until last winter, he and his wife — a former hair stylist who earned her nursing degree in 2014 — knew virtually nothing about the 2 1/2-acre place. It includes a farmhouse, working farm, gardens, and Community-Supported Agriculture shed.
Wakeman Town Farm: Westport’s sustainability center.
Last winter, they attended a Staples High School wrestling team fundraiser there. (Their oldest son, JC, was a co-captain.)
WTF — with the new Tim’s Kitchen inside, and a welcoming patio outdoors — has become a great party and event site, for non-profits, private organizations, even individuals. John and Jen were amazed at the facility, and excited to learn the back story.
Christy Colasurdo, WTF committee co-chair emeritus, told them the farm was always looking for volunteers. With JC ready to head off to Bentley College, and son Nico entering his sophomore year at Brunswick School, John and Jen were happy to find a way to stay involved in the community.
When the steward/caretaker role came open, the Montonis quickly stepped up.
With Jen and their sons’ help, John oversees and maintains the property, handles animal chores, manages employees and helps volunteers.
JC, Nico and John Montoni at work on Wakeman Town Farm.
Since moving in July 1, he’s worked on a new chicken coop (and will build a new run); helped with the new pizza oven; gotten sprinklers up and running; is installing an outdoor sink, and washer/dryer, and performed the maintenance chores any homeowner knows well.
But not many homeowners care for goats, alpacas and other animals. Or an enormous vegetable garden that takes up much of their land.
The Montonis love their new life. “Everyone is great,” Jen says of the ever-changing cast of volunteers, campers, counselors, committee members, chefs and CSA members. “And they’re all here because they want to be.”
“There’s always something going on,” JC notes. “This is a very cool old house. And it’s great to have a farm in the back yard.”
As with everyone at WTF, John and Jen are learning a lot. “I never thought I’d be taking care of alpacas!” he laughs.
The goats are his favorite animal. He calls them “mischievous, smart troublemakers, with a cool personality. They’ll walk right up to you, and chew on anything.”
John and Jen Montoni, with friends.
Each day, John says, Wakeman Town Farm is “full of life and activity.” At night it’s “quiet, and magical.” He and Jen sit on the porch, listening to the animals.
They look forward to whatever lies ahead — including new chores. They know each season will be different. They’ll continue learning, working, and keeping the farm fresh — and family friendly.
Posted in Environment, Organizations, People
Tagged JC Montoni, Jennifer Montoni, John Montoni, Mike Aitkenhead, Nico Montoni, Wakeman Town Farm
According to the Westport Fire Department, the sewage leak in the Saugatuck River was completely stopped as of 8:30 last night.
Temporary pumps will remain in place until permanent pumps are installed next month.
According to the Fire Department, town officials have been in close communication with the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, and the Westport Weston Health District.
Water quality testing will be performed tomorrow (Monday), in an effort to reopen beaches. Swimming at all Westport beaches — including Sherwood Island State Park — remains off limits today, “in an abundance of caution.”
First Selectman Jim Marpe thanked town and state departments for their prompt response. He added, “We appreciate the cooperation of our residents and visitors not using the beaches for swimming until we receive the all-clear from the Health District and DEEP.”
The sewage leak yesterday, on the Saugatuck River.. (Photo/Michael Cammeyer)
This press release was just issued by the Westport Fire Department:
At approximately 1:30 p.m. today, the Westport Fire Department Marine Unit was preparing for training on the river. Fire department personnel were notified by a person in the area of a reported sewage leak in the Saugatuck River. This leak was in the area of the I-95 overpass.
Engine 4 responded and found what appeared to be sewage flowing up from under the river to the surface. The Public Works Department was immediately notified, and a representative responded. This set into motion other activities aimed at minimizing the impact of the spill and erring on the side of caution.
As is standard practice, the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection was notified. Also notified was the U.S. Coast Guard.
Additional fire department personnel responded to the scene. A joint effort was made between the Westport Fire, Police, Sewer Department, Health Department, Conservation, Selectman’s Office as well as the State Health Department and DEEP to determine a plan of action.
The Sewer Department immediately ensured that the pumps were shut down, and called in multiple vacuum trucks to manually haul the sewage across the river to the treatment plant. Under consultation with the Health Department and Selectman’s Office, it was decided that the beaches would be closed for swimming.
A public advisory was broadcast via the town’s emergency notification system, and the state was advised of the precautions that Westport was taking. The State agreed with the proactive efforts and followed suit. Westport Police and Westport Parks and Recreation notified swimmers to exit the water and remain onshore. Westport Police also made the proper notifications to ensure that no shell fishing occurred. Sherwood Island was closed to swimmers by DEEP personnel.
As of approximately 6:30 p.m. there was still a controlled leak, with additional pumping vehicles on their way. It was determined that town and Sherwood Island beaches would remain closed for swimming until testing verifies the water is safe to swim in. The Health Department advised that testing will generally be performed approximately 24 hours after the spill. Testing is currently scheduled for Monday. Aquarion Water was contacted and they advised town officials that there was no cause for concern regarding contamination of the public wells.
Westport officials identified the need to replace the aging pipe, and took measures to address the issue before it became a problem. First Selectman James Marpe said, “We identified the need to replace the current sewer pipe 3 years ago and were very close to completion. My thanks go out to the town and state departments in their prompt and appropriate response to the incident.”
A new pipe has already been run under the riverbed and pumps were in the process of being installed to handle the increased capacity. According to the Public Works director, the new pipe was scheduled to be put into service within the next 2 weeks. This process will be expedited in light of today’s events. The Sewer Department will continue to work with DEEP as well as state and local health departments to ensure that the safety and health of residents and guests remain paramount.
There was plenty of action this afternoon and evening in Saugatuck.
A sewage pipe break half a mile north of the treatment plant closed Westport’s beaches — and Sherwood Island State Park — as a precaution.
The break is located near the Black Duck. (Photo/Michael Cammeyer)
State Representative Jonathan Steinberg says the break is below 2 big well fields upstream, so exposure is limited.
(Photo/Dan Woog)
Town employees, Aquarion workers and others from a variety of government agencies and private companies are on the job.
(Photo/Dan Woog)
Posted in Beach, Environment, Pic of the Day
Tagged Aquarion, Saugatuck River, sewage break, Westport Weston Health District
Due to an apparent sewage leak in the Saugatuck River, the Westport Health Department advises against swimming in the river and Westport coastal waters.
They’ll let us know when the leak has stopped, and it’s safe to go back in.
Until the leak is fixed, this is the best way to enjoy Compo Beach. (Photo/Amy Schneider)
The Westport Farmers’ Market celebrates creativity.
Every Thursday, the Imperial Avenue parking lot teems with vendors offering creative ways to prepare fresh food (and not just produce — there’s meat, baked goods and more). Musicians perform. It’s fun, funky and alive.
There’s a lot to do, and see. It’s a photographer’s paradise too.
Which is why I’m happy to promote one of the the Farmers’ Market’s more creative opportunities.
An annual contest highlights images taken all summer long. And it’s got an especially creative name: The Young Shoots Digital Photography Competition.
Get it?
“Towhead Tomatoes” — 2016 Fan Favorite winner, and 2nd place in 15-18 age group. (Photo/Margaret Kraus)
There are 3 age groups: 8-10 years old, 11-14 and 15-18. All photos must be taken somewhere on the Farmers’ Market premises. Submissions are due by September 6.
This is no rinky-dink affair. Jurors include noted photographers Eileen Sawyer and Bonnie Edelman, graphic artist Miggs Burroughs, and Westport Arts Center executive director Amanda Innes.
First-place winners in each category receive a $100 cash prize, and the chance to lead a food photo shoot with Bill Taibe (chef/owner of The Whelk, Ka Wa Ni and Jesup Hall). Second-place winners get $50.
Winners will also have their work shown in a gallery-like setting at Sugar & Olives (a favorite Farmers’ Market vendor).
Anastasia Davis won 1st place in 2016 in the 11-14 age group for this shot.
The public can also vote online for their favorite images. “People’s Choice” winners in each category get a 1-year membership to the Westport Arts Center (soon to be called MoCA), and a Farmers’ Market t-shirt. All photos will be on display this fall at the Arts Center’s new home at 19 Newtown Turnpike. There’s a fun awards reception October 4 at Sugar & Olives in Norwalk.
Click here for photo guidelines and submission info. Click here to see past submissions.
Then fire away!
Posted in Arts, Environment, Organizations
Tagged MoCA Westport, Westport Arts Center, Westport Farmer's Market
When Earth Animal moves into their new digs, they’ll do so without John R. Mancinelli.
The longtime employee — a comedian, healer and humanitarian, loved by colleagues and customers for his big heart and boundless energy — died nearly 3 years ago.
But he won’t be forgotten.
The natural-alternatives pet store is creating a memorial walkway at the entrance to the new location: the old Post Road Starbucks (and before that, Krazy Vin’s), next to Patio.com.
John R. Mancinelli
There will be bricks for Johnny. Customers can purchase others, to honor family members and friends (of both the human and furry variety).
All proceeds benefit Westport Animal Shelter Advocates.
The walkway will be dedicated as part of Earth Animal’s grand opening on October 6 — the first anniversary of Johnny’s death.
It takes several weeks to engrave the bricks, so orders close August 12. Click here for details, and ordering information.
Click here to help support “06880” via PayPal. Any amount is welcome — and appreciated! Reader contributions keep this blog going. (Alternate methods: Please send a check to: Dan Woog, 301 Post Road East, Westport, CT 06880. Or use Venmo: @DanWoog06880. Thanks!)
