Category Archives: Environment

Roundup: Shots Fired, Grow For Good, Blight House …

Posted on July 12, 2023 | 7 comments

At 9:48 p.m. last night, police began receiving calls reporting shots fired in the area of Saugatuck Avenue and Franklin Street.

Patrol units immediately responded. Witnesses reported a white vehicle traveling north on Franklin, north on Saugatuck, and turning west on Sunrise Road. Multiple shots were fired as it turned up Sunrise.

Officers established a perimeter, and Sunrise Road was closed to through traffic between Indian Hill Road and Saugatuck Avenue.

Westport Police ask anyone who lives in the area to review surveillance cameras and report suspicious activity that they may have captured to the Westport Detective Bureau (203-341-6080) or Detective John Lauria (dlauria@westportct.gov).

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The Greens Farms Garden Club’s “Growing for Good” project encourages gardeners to donate extra harvest to worthy causes.

And it could not be easier.

For example: Leave your produce by the wrought iron gates at Prospect Gardens (next to the mailbox at #25 Prospect Road), every Tuesday by 10 a.m.

It will be delivered to Mercy Learning Center in Bridgeport that day. 

Growing For Good also needs helpers to tend and harvest at Prospect Gardens.

Contact Jacque O’Brien (jacquemob@gmail.com) for more information.

The “Growing for Good” bin.

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Spotted yesterday outside 233 Hillspoint Road — the notorious, controversial half-finished home construction eyesore on the site of the former Positano restaurant: a truck carrying explosives and other materials for blasting bedrock.

Alas. It turns out they are doing work elsewhere in the area.

Hey, a boy can dream …

233 Hillspoint Road. (Photo/Andrew Colabella)

In other 233 Hillspoint news, Westport Journal reports that the Blight Prevention Board is fining the owners $100 a day. They have not complied with orders to place windows where they were approved, and cover the blue wrap with siding.

The Blight Board meets again tomorrow (Thursday, July 13, 7 p.m.) to discuss the half-finished home. Click here for the Zoom link.

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Railroad parking fees may soon go up.

The Representative Town Meeting Transit Committee meets July 20 to consider asking the full RTM approve an increase for both daily parking (from $5 a day to $7), a yearly permit for 1 car (from $325 to $415), and a yearly permit for 2 cars (fro m$450 to $515).

Those are slightly higher than the fees passed by the Board of Selectwomen in April.

The increased fees — predicted to raise approximately $83,100 a year — would be used to improve and increase transit services in Westport.

Daily and yearly railroad parking fees will rise, if the RTM approves its Transit Committee’s proposals. Lots have not been this full since the pandemic began.

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Speaking of transit: Last night, the RTM appointed Karina Betfarhad as a second director of the Westport Transit District.

A 14-year Westport resident, she has a degree in civil engineering from San Jose State University. She also completed all core engineering classes there for a master’s in civil engineering, specializing in transportation and structural engineering.   and a background in construction management.

She worked as a civil engineer for 3 construction companies, and for San Jose’s Streets and Traffic Department.

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It’s one of those little things that most people never see.

But it means a lot.

Every Monday, Westport Parks & Recreation Department operations manager Carm Roda tests the water quality at 6 beach locations.

He brings the samples to the Aspetuck Health District. From there they go to the state Department of Health.

The results are usually good. Burying Hill has even gotten an A+ rating.

Thanks, Carm — and all your Parks & Rec colleagues who keep us safe.

Carm Roda, at work. (Photo/Jimmy Izzo)

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The dog days are not until next month.

But yesterday, the Westport Rotary Club heard from Team Woofgang & Co.

Aimee Turner — executive director of the Fairfield-based non-profit — described how they make and sell dog treats, to fund vocational and social opportunities for young people with disabilities.

Team members are involved in manufacturing and retail, depending on their abilities.

Team Woofgang has a store at 1300 Post Road, Fairfield. Treats are also available online.

Team Woofgang was a Westport Rotary Club grant recipient of funds from last year’s LobsterFest.

(Photo and hat tip/Dave Matlow)

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Most of our “Westport … Naturally” photos are intriguing.

But this one is very, very cool.

The evening primrose flower (and Mediterranean katydid) come courtesy of Tracy Porosoff.

(Photo/Tracy Porosoff)

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And finally … in honor of our Woofgang story (above) — hey, this is only one letter off.

(From beautiful gardens to blighted homes, “06880” covers it all. To support our work, please make a contribution by clicking here. Thank you!)

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Posted in Beach, Environment, Police, Transportation

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Roundup: Bears In The Woods, Hiro On The Mound …

Posted on July 11, 2023 | 8 comments

The other day, Ana Rogers was walking with friends in Winslow Park.

They noticed stuffed bears, scattered in trees throughout the 32 acres. They figured someone was having a scavenger hunt.

The next morning, walking alone, she spotted an older woman placing one of the animals on a tree. Ana asked if it was part of a hunt.

“No,” the woman said.

“These are just for fun. Bears belong in trees!

She said at first she just placed them in branches, but people took them.

Now, she has to zip tie them.

People: Whether they’re stuffed or real, when you see a bear — leave it alone!

(Photos/Ana Rogers)

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Staples High School has a new — and official — MLB prospect.

Hiro Wyatt — the superbly named Staples High School baseball hero who graduated last month, after helping the Wreckers comethisclose to the state championship — was drafted this afternoon by the Kansas City Royals.

The right-handed pitcher was chosen in the 3rd round. He was the 75th pick overall.

According to CT Insider’s GameTimeCT, Wyatt will join a Kansas City affiliate once he signs his contract. He had been committed to the University of Southern California.

This past spring, Wyatt went 8-0. He struck out 107 batters and walked only 11, in 54.2 innings pitched.

He allowed 4 earned runs all season, with a 0.51 ERA and a 0.677 WHIP. He also hit .367 with 6 doubles, 3 home runs and 17 RBIs.

He was named GameTimeCT MVP, Connecticut Gatorade Player of the Year and CHSCA Player of the Year. He holds Staples  records for strikeouts per 9 innings (17.64), most strikeouts in a game (18), scoreless innings streak (42.1) and single-season strikeouts (107).

Wyatt is the 4th Staples baseball player drafted in the past decade. He follows Chad Knight (2019, 31st round, New York Yankees), Ben Casparius (2017, 5th round, Los Angeles Dodgers) and David Speer (2014, 27th round, Cleveland Indians).

In 1976, the St. Louis Cardinals selected Mike Calise in the 24th round. (Hat tip: Jeff Mitchell)

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The Westport Transit District’s May ridership figures show it to be the second highest in the previous 12 months.

There were 2,737 Wheels2U riders, second only to March (2,788).

With 25,511 total rides since the start of the fiscal year on July 1, 2022, the WTD was on garget to reach its target of 27,000.

In May, 501 individuals took at least 1 ride. The figure for April was 447.

Since July 1, 2022, the number of people taking at least one ride is 1,272.

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Roe Halper has been a professional artist in Westport for 63 years.

Her work has evolved from social commentary (her woodcuts hung in Martin Luther King’s home) to dance, then nature, and finally abstraction in many forms.

She has worked in woodcarving, pen and ink, and clay. Now she concentrates on acrylic painting.

Roe’s current exhibition, “Circles and Rectangles,” is on view at One River Gallery (next to Shearwater Coffee) through July 30.

On Saturday, July 22 (1 to 2:30 p.m.), she’ll give a class for “older students,” using circles and rectangles.

It’s not her first time as an instructor. For the past 25 years, Roe has taught art to talented high school students, in her studio.

“Circles and Rectangles X” (Roe Halper)

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What’s the connection between the Volkswagen emissions cheating settlement, and Weston?

Plenty.

In this week’s “What’s Next in Weston” podcast, 1st Selectwoman Sam Nestor describes how money from that case will help her town build new infrastructure.

Spoiler alert: It will support the use of electric vehicles, and reduce harmful emissions.

The podcast is produced by the  Y’s Men of Westport & Weston. Click below to see:

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Last night at the Westport Library, the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston presented a talk on “Humanity Through Technology.”

Sam Gustman — associate dean and chief technology officer at the University of Southern California Shoah Foundation and USC Libraries — discussed the ground-breaking ways in which Holocaust victims have been recorded for posterity.

Long after they are gone, people will be able to “interview” them, learning their stories.

The Shoah Foundation’s technology, on view at the Westport Library. (Photo/Bruce Borner)

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Speaking of technology: What’s the future of astrophotography?

Richard S. Wright Jr. — contributing editor for Sky & Telescope magazine — shines a light on the subject July 18 (8 p.m., virtual; click here for the Zoom link; click here for the YouTube link).

He’s the next guest lecturer at the Westport Astronomical Society’s free online science series.

Viewers will have a chance to ask questions at the end. Click here for (much more) information.

Richard S. Wright Jr.

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Westport has many notable advertising, marketing and PR people.

Yesterday, one of them became an official “notable leader.”

Michael Gordon was one of 75 men and women in the tri-state area, cited by Crain’s.

His writeup says:

As chief executive of the public relations firm Group Gordon, Michael Gordon oversees client work spanning the corporate, social impact, and crisis practices. He also participates in media engagements and webinars regarding industry trends, such as the influence of artificial intelligence on public relations.

Gordon has led key social impact launches, such as the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation’s restroom finder app. He serves on councils to support undergraduate financial aid and first-generation college students at the University of Pennsylvania, and has been honored by Connecticut’s Anti-Defamation League for his leadership. Gordon has served on the board of the Bridgeport Child Advocacy Coalition.

Westporters know him for him as a former Board of Education chair. Congratulations, Michael!

Michael Gordon

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“Dial M for Murder” opens tonight at the Westport Country Playhouse.

Audience members will enjoy the show — and the garden outside. It’s in full bloom, as today’s “Westport … Naturally” image by Molly Alger shows.

(Photo/Molly Alger)

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And finally … Peter Nero died Thursday in Florida. He was 89.

The New York Times said the pianist “soared to popularity in the 1960s with a swinging hybrid of classics and jazz and kept the beat for nearly six decades with albums, club and television dates, and segues into conducting pops orchestras.”

Click here for a full obituary.

(If you read about Hiro Wyatt — or any other interesting Westporter — on “06880,” you too can be a “hero.” Just click here to support our work. Thank you!)

8 Comments

Posted in Arts, Environment, Library, Sports, Staples HS, Totally random, Transportation, Weston

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Pics Of The Day #2273

Posted on July 9, 2023 | 1 comment

Compo Beach pavilion gulls …

… and their close-up (Photo/Jonathan Prager)

 

1 Comment

Posted in Beach, Environment, Pic of the Day

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Roundup: Tree Board Meeting, Playhouse Tours, Earthplace Moth Ball …

Posted on July 7, 2023 | 2 comments

An SRO crowd got an up-close, personal and emotional view of Westport’s sister city relationship yesterday.

CNN anchor Alisyn Camerota moderated a discussion with 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Police Chief Foti Koskinas about their recent trip to Lyman, Ukraine.

As she’s done with world leaders and A-list celebrities, she asked incisive questions, and helped them describe the welter of emotions they felt before, during and after their journey, including the danger, war-torn conditions and dire circumstances of its people.

Tooker and Koskinas emphasized the great appreciation expressed by Lyman residents for Wstport’s support.

Audience members added their own questions too. Brian Mayer — co-founder of Ukraine Aid International — noted the many ways in which people can continue to help.

The event was sponsored by the Y’s Men of Westport and Weston. (Hat tip: Dick Kalt)

Alisyn Camerota.

From left: Police Chief Foti Koskinas, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, CNN’s Alisyn Camerota. On the left is the Lyman flag; on the right, its Westport counterpart. (Photos/Ted Horowitz)

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Speaking of Lyman: All Westporters are invited to Sunday’s free party in celebration of Lyman.

The event (July 9, 1 p.m. to dusk) is at the Ukrainian-American Club on the Post Road in Southport (just past the I-95 Exit 19 northbound entrance ramp).

The event includes a giant raffle; food, beer, wine and soft drinks; music from the Mike McGovern Band; a treasure sale, Yankee auction, coffee table book pull, plant sale, “LymanADE” stand and more. Lyman Mayor Alexander Zhuravlov will speak on a big screen. Senator Richard Blumenthal will be there, in person.

To RSVP, purchase VIP tickets and for more information, click here.

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Yesterday, the Tree Board announced that today’s special meeting, to observe the condition of trees at Parker Harding Plaza, has been canceled.

Earlier this week, the Flood & Erosion Control Board canceled its Parker Harding agenda item.

Both came in the wake of 1st Selectman Jen Tooker’s announcement that for now, discussion by town boards, committees and commissions regarding the current proposal to reconfigure the downtown parking lot will be postponed.

Discussion of the Parker Harding Plaza reconfiguration plan has been postponed. (Photo/John Videler for Videler Photography)

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In the midst of its $2 million, dire straits fundraising drive, the Westport Country Playhouse offers free guided tours of the historic theater.

Time slots are 10:30 a.m. to noon on Mondays and Saturdays: July 17, 22 and 24, and August 5 and 7. Click here to reserve a spot.

Tours are led by Bruce Miller. The Playhouse archivist is filled with astonishing stories and amazing facts. One example: how the Playhouse inspired the creation of “Oklahoma!” and “My Fair Lady.”

Participants will explore backstage, the green room, dressing rooms, the scene shop and wardrobe room, and see posters, photos, costumes and set models.

They’ll stand on the same stage that hosted Gene Wilder, James Earl Jones, Jane Fonda, Eartha Kitt, Paul Newman, Kelli O’Hara and Patti LuPone.

Private group tours are also available. Email Kelly Richards Mikolasy, house and events manager: krichards@westportplayhouse.org.

Westport Country Playhouse archivist Bruce Miller, with some of the 500 head shots near the dressing rooms underneath the stage.

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It’s hard to come up with a new event. It’s harder still to pick out a clever name.

Earthplace has done both.

Their “Moth Ball” is set for July 14 (8 to 11 p.m.).

The public is invited to the free event. Adults and children will gave in the picnic grove for moth-themed cocktails (“mothtails”) and mocktails, plus a costume contest.

Prizes will be awarded for Best Caterpillar, Most Realistic, Best Couple/Group,  Best Makeup, Funniest and Best Overall.

Everyone then heads to outdoor viewing areas for “lightsheeting.” Also called “mothing,” it involves setting up a light and providing a surface for moths and other flying insects to land on.

Earthplace naturalists Victor DeMasi and Lukas Kerasus will describe the moth species found at Earthplace. Click here to register, and for more information.

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The last time we checked in with Aiden Schachter, the rising Staples High School senior and wrestler had a thriving business, creating and selling LED lightclouds.

He’s always had his head in the clouds. Long before Aiden got involved in LED lights, he wanted to fly.

From a flight simulator in 7th grade, he advanced to lessons. On his 16th birthday in March 2022, he soloed.

Now — after studying hard for the oral, written and check ride tests — Aiden is officially a pilot.

He got his license yesterday. The test — oral, written and in the air performing landings, takeoffs, maneuvers, emergency prep for landing at unplanned locations and more — lasted nearly 5 hours.

Congratulations, Aiden. The sky’s the limit for you!

Aiden Schachter: Westport’s newest pilot.

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On Wednesday, Westport-based Intensity Therapeutics, Inc. announced the closing of its upsized initial public offering of 3,900,000 shares of common stock. The price was $5 per share.

Intensity — headquartered on Wilton Road, across from Bartaco — is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of proprietary, novel immune-based intratumoral cancer therapies designed to kill tumors and increase immune system recognition of cancers.

In connection with the offering, its common stock began trading on Nasdaq on June 30, under the symbol “INTS.” (Hat tip: Allan Siegert)

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Lauri Weiser was disappointed to see this Compo Beach tree marred this way:

“Either I’m too sensitive, or this is shameful,” she says, describing today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo.

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And finally … speaking of Earthplace’s upcoming event:

(Every day, the “06880” Roundup rounds up all kinds of stuff — info you didn’t even know you needed to know. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!) 

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Posted in Downtown, Environment, Library, Local business, Local politics, Staples HS, Westport Country Playhouse

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Unsung Hero #292

Posted on July 5, 2023 | 6 comments

Alison Buttrick Patton leaves Saugatuck Congregational Church soon, for a new ministry in Maine. For more than a decade, the pastor has made her mark on Westport.

So has her husband.

Sandra Long nominates Craig Patton as this week’s Unsung Hero. 

She says: “My life has intersected with Craig’s in many ways. I originally met him at church, and my family was involved with Scout Troop 36 for many years. Craig was an Eagle Scout himself, and has won numerous adult leadership awards from the Scouts.

“In addition, Craig has worked with me at Post Road Consulting for the past 10 years. He has been fantastic with our clients.

“He just started a second job working for Atlantic Sea Farms ( a vertically integrated kelp company) as a brand ambassador.

“Craig is an environmentalist and an outdoorsman. He taught the Scouts to care about nature as well. Craig brought his love of nature to the church too, through various programs.

Craig Patton: outdoorsman …

“He worked with the Friends of Sherwood Island, as a board member and communications and marketing committee chair.

“He was also very active as a Staples Players parent, and a Little League coach.” (The Pattons’ sons, Tobey and Ian, were multi-faceted actors.)

“Craig constantly balances his very full life. Somehow he gets everything done, but he never stops moving forward.

Tom Long adds: “I worked with the Scouts for about 5 years, as troop committee chairman.

“A major tenet to Craig’s success in Scouting deals with the concept of ‘boys teaching boys’: older Scouts teaching newer and younger ones, with directions from Craig. He made sure the older boys were heavily involved with the planning and implementation of outings, trips and weekly meetings.

… Scout leader …

“I was particularly impressed with Craig’s response to COVID. He very quickly shifted gears to online meetings.

“Post-pandemic, Craig created meetings outdoors at the Church. In a situation that could have derailed the program, Craig not only maintained interest in Scouting, but actually increased membership in Troop 36.”

Similarly, Mark Mathias says: “Craig has always backed up Alison in her work. Most notably, when the pandemic started both immediately jumped into doing more than a boring Zoom meeting. They created essentially a video production each week that on YouTube.

Here is one example from June 2020, just after the killing of George Floyd:

We then moved to livestreaming services, with equipment we cobbled together from various gear the Pattons and I had in our homes.

All of this was without any budget. Craig took the lead on the tech and how to make it happen. I assisted him, while Alison was the primary face in front of the camera. This would not have happened without Craig.

Once we started working on the new A/V system, Craig was instrumental in ensuring it was what was needed. Now that it’s installed, he’s our primary contact with the vendor.

More importantly, every week he generates content for the live streams, and is almost every week in the bell loft running either sound or audio (sometimes both), ensuring that worshipers in the sanctuary and online have a great experience.

Craig also has a great eye for what looks good visually, how to position cameras, what visual graphics work well and more.

Thanks, Craig, for all you have done for Saugatuck Church, Scout Troop 36, and many others in Westport. And thanks, Alison, for sharing this week’s Unsung Hero with us!

… and livestream engineer.

Do you know an Unsung Hero? Send nominations to: 06880blog@gmail.com.

(If you enjoy weekly features like the Unsung Hero, please consider a contribution to “06880.” Just click here — and thank you!)

6 Comments

Posted in Environment, Local business, religion, Unsung Heroes

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Ode To A Sugar Maple

Posted on July 5, 2023 | 41 comments

Faith Taylor has lived in Westport for 33 years. She has been a fundraising professional for local non-profits including Planned Parenthood, Norwalk Hospital and Earthplace, a trustee of the Westport Library, and a member of the Board of Education. 

Faith writes:

A 2022 real estate listing called it “Connecticut’s Largest Sugar Maple Tree.”

The State of Connecticut registry of notable trees highlighted it as a “champion.” With a height of 90 feet, a circumference of 246 inches and an average spread of 79 feet, it was the largest specimen in its species.

The sugar maple provided shade, habitat and elegance to the charming, historic Wright Street neighborhood.

Wright Street sugar maple. (Photo/Rowene Weems)

After more than 100 years in the same family, the house at #41 was sold last year, in a bidding war. Listed at $850,000, it sold for over $1.4 million.

Last week, this champion tree was taken down.

Was it dying? Not apparently. In danger of falling? Check out the trunk.

But it must have been in the way of a soon-to-be porch, swimming pool or 2-story addition.

Private property owners have the right to manage their own landscaping.

But this was not just any tree.  This maple had history. This tree had significance.

It was more than 200 years old. It’s a devastating loss to the neighborhood and our community — never mind the birds that nested there, the bees that found pollen, and all the microorganisms that sustain the life cycle of our fauna.

Grief may be too strong a word.

But it certainly is sad to lose the very elements of our town that contribute to its soul.

(“06880” covers Westport — from its people and events to its history and trees. Please consider a contribution to support our work. Just click here — and thank you!)

 

41 Comments

Posted in Environment, Real estate

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Roundup: Mill Rate, Animal & Boat Rescues: Club 203 & MoCA …

Posted on July 3, 2023 | 4 comments

On Saturday, Westporters received their municipal tax bills.

They’re driven, of course, by the mill rate.

In this week’s edition of “Westport … What’s Happening,:  1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker discusses that mill rate. How does it affect property owners? How does it compare with neighboring towns?

Click below to listen. The podcast is a service of the Y’s Men of Westport & Weston.

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Animal Control officer Peter Reid had a busy Friday.

Both highlight the need for residents to be more careful about what they toss in their yard, and use to handle “pests.”

On Friday he fielded a call about a groundhog in distress. Its head had become stuck in a discarded peanut butter jar.

Groundhog with a peanut butter jar …

Peter wrapped the trapped creature in a towel, and carefully removed the jar. The groundhog ran happily away.

Later that Friday, he received a call about a robin caught in a trap that was placed in a yard, perhaps to capture a chipmunk, squirrel or mouse.

… and robin, snared in a trap.

Peter freed the bird. Wildlife in Crisis is now caring for its broken leg.

Julie Loparo — a longtime local animal advocate — says, “In both instances, human carelessness caused great duress. We can do better. And I am very appreciative of a responsive town Animal Control, and having such a great resource such as Wildlife in Crisis in our back yard.”

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A rescue of a different sort took place yesterday. Jonathan Prager reports:

“A boat was stranded on a sandbar between Compo Beach and Longshore for the better part of an hour.

“After the ‘women and children’ were successfully evacuated by a passing motorboat, TowBoat US arrived to push the boat safely to the nearest yacht basin.

“It’s nice to know recreational boaters enjoy the Sound with ample support.”

Help arrives! (Photo/Jonathan Prager)

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Club 203 — Westport’s social club for adults with disabilities — plans an exciting summer.

“Art Explorations” at MoCA are set for July 10 and August 14 (6 to 7:30 p.m.; $10). It’s a chance to relax, create art, hang out with friends and meet new ones. Click here for details and registration.

Members are also invited to a book club at the Fairfield Library. It meets every other Tuesday (4 to 5 p.m.). Email club203ct@gmail.com for details.

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It’s been a banner year for dogwoods.

Rick Hochman shot today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo this past weekend, at the Weston Historical Society.

(Photo/Rick Hochman)

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And finally … in honor of one of Friday’s animal rescues (story above):

(Westporters are grateful for Wildlife in Crisis. Please support it. And while you’re at it — please support “06880” too. Just click here — and thank you!)

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Posted in Economy, Environment, Local politics

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Photo Challenge #444

Posted on July 2, 2023 | 14 comments

There are many places in Westport with “Shoreline Public Access.”

Last week’s Photo Challenge by Rich Stein — of a sign with those words — brought many to mind: the Parker Harding Plaza “bridge to nowhere. Saugatuck Shores. The state boat launch, underneath I-95. Gorham Island. Beachside Avenue. Deadman Brook. Sherwood Island Sate Park. Mitchells. (Click here to see.)

All were wrong. This one was so tough, even Andrew Colabella guessed incorrectly.

The actual spot was on the wooden walkway behind the medical office buildings on Riverside Avenue — just north of the Saugatuck Avenue fork.

Johanna Keyser Rossi, Robert Mitchell, Beth Berkowitz and Alicia M. Mozian were the only readers who knew exactly where this one of many “Public Access” signs stands.

But how nice to know we have so many other ways to enjoy the water too.

This week’s Photo Challenge is a tough one too.

But this is not just any rock. And — because it’s a holiday weekend — I’ll offer a hint: It’s closely connected to Independence Day.

If you know where in Westport you’d see this, click “Comments” below.

(Photo/Tim Manners)

(Happy upcoming 4th of July! One way to celebrate: Make a tax-deductible contribution to “06880.” Just click here — and thank you!)

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Posted in Environment, Pic of the Day

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Roundup: Cannabis, Lynsey Addario, Y Selfies …

Posted on July 1, 2023 | 21 comments

Grow your own.

Starting today, Connecticut residents 21 and older can grow marijuana at home. Plants should be kept indoors, away from children and pets and not visible to the public.

There are limits: 3 mature and 3 immature plants, and no more than 12 plants per household.

Connecticut legalized adult-use cannabis in July 2021. Recreational sales began in January. For a full CT Mirror story, click here.

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Lynsey Addario is featured in tomorrow’s New York Times Magazine.

The Staples High School Class of 1991 graduate/Pulitzer Prize- and MacArthur Fellow winner photographed, videoed and wrote the text for “A Boy’s Life on the Front Lines.”

It’s a tragically inspiring and moving account of an 11-year-old Ukrainian, navigating a childhood transformed by war.

But you don’t have to wait until tomorrow. Click here for the raw reality of one young life, in a brutal war that rages still. (Hat tips: John Hartwell and Roberta Wise)

Life amid the rubble. (Photo/Lynsey Addario for the New York Times)

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Miggs Burroughs has been a Westport Weston Family YMCA member for decades.

He hasn’t been around as long as the Y itself. But the award-winning artist is helping the community organization celebrate its 100-year anniversary, with a fun, engaging “This is My Y” selfie project.

To take part, take a selfie (or have someone snap a photo of you) while you are in or around the Y — a spot where you would say, ‘This is my Y.” Shooting hoops, pumping iron, doing Pilates, swimming — it’s all good.

Then email it to 100years@westporty.org. The deadline is August 4.

NOTE: Please send high-quality images(largest/actual size). And please don’t include other people’s faces in your photo.

Not a selfie — but a celebration of one of the Y’s many activities.

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Another important institution — the Westport Country Playhouse — hosts “Summer Thrillers: A Mystery Author Discussion” — as part of its second summer production, “Dial M for Murder.”

Mystery authors Christin Brecher, Edwin Hill and Andrea Penrose will discuss the mysteries of mystery writing on July 9 (2 p.m., WCP barn; free with reservation — click here).

There’s time for an audience Q-and-A. Books will be on sale, with authors available for signing.

“Dial M for Murder” — the classic suspense thriller about a devious husband, his wealthy wife and her lover — runs July 11 through 29. Click here for more information, and tickets.

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The new sculpture on Soundview Drive has drawn interest — and praise — from the many folks who stroll the beach exit road.

It was moved earlier this week’s from the owner’s previous home, in Greenwich. Here’s a nighttime view:

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Speaking of Soundview Drive:

Every year at the fireworks, thousands of Westporters have fun walking and biking up and down the beach exit road.

Closed to traffic, with parties up and down (and in the middle of) the street, it’s a bit like Venice Beach in California (Westport-style).

Every year, I wonder — right here on “06880” — why we can’t do this more often. Wouldn’t it be great, I ask, if on 2 or 3 Sundays every year, Soundview is closed to vehicles? Bands could play. Jugglers could juggle; face painters could face paint. Everyone would have a blast.

Every year, people say “What a cool idea!”

And every year, there’s no follow up.

So, here’s my challenge: If you’d like to explore the idea of closing Soundview Drive to traffic a couple of times each summer, click “Comments” below. Or email 06880blog@gmail.com.

Hopefully, other Westporters think this is a “sound” idea.

Strolling along Soundview Drive. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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The other day, Richard Hyman spotted several Mylar balloons near the Sherwood Island State Park shore.

“They bring short-term joy, but long-term pain: to animals that mistakenly eat them and die.” he says.

To learn more, he offers this link to a non-profit group, Balloons Blow.

A danger to nature. (Photo/Richard Hyman)

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Sorelle Gallery’s next exhibition, “Kaleidoscope,” features new artwork by Connecticut artists Kelly Rossetti and Alina B. It opens Thursday (July 7), with a reception the next day (Friday, July 8, 3 to 5 p.m.).

Click here for more information.

Two works in Sorelle Gallery’s upcoming “Kaleidoscope” exhibition.

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Robert Perliss died Wednesday. He was 96.

The Brooklyn Polytech graduate spent a long career in space exploration, most notably as a senior engineer on NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope under Perkin-Elmer. He was honored by the Goddard Space Flight Center for his contributions to the success of the HST.

He also served as an engineer on the KH-9 Hexagonal and inception of the Kitt Peak Observatory, one of the largest solar telescopes in the world.

Bob was a long-time member of Temple Israel, and an active contributor to libraries in Westport and Norwalk. He donated extensive documents on the Hubble program.

Bob was good friends with New York comic writers Jerry Marcus, Orlando Busino, Dana Fradon and more. He was very proud of the superheroes created by family members Martin Goodman and Stan Lee.

Bob is survived by wife, Ruth-Anne; children Steve (Jolie Chan), Leora Freedman (Eric); stepdaughters Jody Melissa and Lorraine Ring, and grandchildren Nessiya, Molly-Anne, Ila, Claire, and Alec.

Bob Perliss

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Westport has plenty of great breakfast spots.

This osprey headed home the other day, past the library, after picking up a meal for the family. It didn’t stop — but Ellen Patafio captured the “Westport … Naturally” image well.

(Photo/Ellen Patafio)

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And finally … as Connecticut residents are now able to legally grow marijuana at home:

(After you finish planting your own cannabis [see story above], please consider a contribution to “06880.” Just click here — and thank you!)

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Posted in Arts, Beach, Entertainment, Environment, Local business, Obituaries, Westport Country Playhouse, YMCA

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Roundup: Fireworks Trash, Long Lots, Prospect Gardens …

Posted on June 30, 2023 | 8 comments

Thousands of people had a blast at last night’s fireworks.

There was wonderful community spirit. Friends met; strangers mingled; joy filled the air.

The one downside: Not everyone picked up after themselves.

Totney Benson notes: “Substantial debris was left behind. Most impressive was the carefully piled and bagged trash and pizza boxes a mere 15 steps from the trash bins!”

(Photo/Rick Carpenter)

So Public Works and Parks & Recreation Department employees were out in force, all night long and right through dawn, making sure Compo Beach and Soundview Drive look perfect for the weekend.

(Photo/Rick Carpenter)

Thanks to all who helped — those who cleaned up after themselves, and those who cleaned up after those who did not.

And if you left a mess: Just think about the message you sent to Westport.

Especially to your kids.

(Photo/Karen Como)

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The Long Lots School Building Committee posted this on Facebook:

“The LLS Building is working through the feasibility phase of the project. The committee, along with an architectural design firm and construction management company, is still evaluating and discussing all three options for the future of LLS.

“Options include: 1) Renovate the existing school as new, 2) Renovate the existing school as new plus build additions, or, 3) Build a new school building. With all three options, the existing school needs to remain open and in use during construction.

“No recommendations or decisions regarding how to proceed have been made. The committee expects to make a recommendation to the Selectwoman’s office in August.

“The committee is taking great care to evaluate all aspects of the site to find the ideal location for a new building or additions, while respecting the residential neighborhood, maintaining town fields, ensuring adequate parking, and preserving or relocating town assets such as the community gardens – it is a challenging balance!

“While the school is the priority, the committee fully appreciates the beauty and value of the community gardens, as well as the importance of town fields and maintaining a symbiotic relationship with neighbors. At this point, the committee is considering all options before making its recommendation. We know the town governing bodies and Westport residents would want and expect nothing less.

“The LLSBC will hold its next scheduled meeting on Friday, June 30 at 10 a.m. All Building Committee meetings are noticed on the Town website. The public is welcome to attend and there is time for public comment/questions at the meetings.”

The Long Lots Elementary School campus. (Drone photo/Brandon Malin)

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Westport celebrated the 4th of July with fireworks last night, on June 29th.

But there are still 5 days to go until the holiday. And many Westporters will be thinking of more pyrotechnics.

Westport Fire Marshal Terry Dunn says, “The public has been overwhelmed with advertisement, signs, and sales pitches of so-called fireworks. The only legal ‘fireworks’ items in Connecticut are sparklers.

Sparklers are non-explosive, non-aerial devices that contain less than 100 grams of pyrotechnic material. They can be legally used only by persons aged 16 or older.”

Novelty items like party poppers, snakes, smoke devices and anything that emits a flame are not legal for private use in Connecticut. In addition to being illegal, exploding devices can cause painful, debilitating injuries.

Sky lanterns (small hot air balloons made of paper, with an opening at the bottom where a small fire burns) are also illegal in Connecticut. They can cause fires and injury. The flaming lantern can travel long distances and drop onto roof tops, fields, trees and power lines.

Our area has experienced dry conditions, making it very easy for fireworks, sparklers and fountains to cause brush fires. Extreme caution must be exercised even with campfires, as the fire danger has been elevated.

Possessing or causing to explode fireworks can result in a fine or incarceration.

Sparklers are legal — but only for people 16 and older. (Photo/Dan Woog)

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Westport Police made 1 custodial arrest between June 21 and 28.

A woman was arrested for larceny, conspiracy to commit larceny, identity theft and conspiracy to commit identity theft.

A companion had been arrested on similar charges earlier. They stemmed from the complaint of a First County Bank customer, after a fraudulent check of hers was cashed for $2,940. Her car had been broken into, and her purse stolen.

Police also issued these citations:

  • Failure to comply with state traffic commission regulations: 4 citations
  • Failure to obey traffic control signals: 3
  • Larceny: 1
  • Distracted driving: 1
  • Driving with a foreign license for more than 30 days: 1
  • Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 1
  • Violation of readable plates: 1
  • Failure to obey stop sign: 1
  • Failure to drive right: 1

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Over 30 Y’s Men of Westport & Weston members, and their guests, were treated to a tour of Prospect Gardens on Wednesday.

Owners Melissa and John Ceriale welcomed the visitors, who were led by curator/landscape designer/master planner Cindy Shumate.

The Prospect Road property includes nearly 9 acres of flowers, shrubs, lawns, walking paths, meadows, orchards, trees and more.

Y’s Men and guests, at Prospect Gardens. (Photo/Dave Matlow)

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If you missed Alison Stewart’s WNYC “All of It” interview about the Westport Library’s first-in-the-nation record label vinyl release — no problem.

You can hear it — including an interview with sound engineer Travis Bell, artist Dani Capalbo, and some of the music recorded at the Library’s Verso Studio — by clicking here.

Travis Bell, at work.

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The year is winding down for the Westport Sunrise Rotary Club. On Wednesday, new president Liz Wong was inducted.

They’re still smiling over last weekend’s Great Duck Race. More than 3,000 plastic ducks “competed,” raising more than $70,000 that the club will donate to charities.

Here’s the entire event, in just 42 seconds:

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Stacy Prince offers an intriguing close-up, in today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.

(Photo/Stacy Prince)

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And finally … Bobby Osborne, a singer and mandolin player whose bluegrass band flouted convention by using drums, electric bass, pedal steel guitar, twin banjos and string sections — and were the first to amplify their instruments — died Tuesday near Nashville. He was 91.

The Osborne Brothers are best known for their 1967 record, “Rocky Top.” Click here for full obituary.

(“06880” is your hyper-local blog — and a non-profit. Please click here to support our work, with a tax-deductible contribution. Thank you!)

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